Subham and I headed to Community Grocer in North Finchley to help with the weekly food delivery. Our job was simple: wait for the delivery lorry, carry the food into the shop, and help sort it into storage or onto the shelves ready for customers.

It’s a straightforward task and often over quite quickly, depending on how many volunteers are around, but it’s always worthwhile. A few extra pairs of hands help keep things running smoothly and support a really valuable community service for local people.

Afterwards, Subham and I took a walk over to Stephens House & Gardens to enjoy the sunshine and even had a bit of fun on the outdoor gym equipment before heading home.

A few Goodgym members separately in the local areas collected rubbish to improve their environment.

Check out some of the photos of the strange objects found. I always find it a good excuse to walk the dog and be mindfully scanning the path in front of me.

Paul Browning This month’s plog was along the same routes as recent months - on the banks of the River Quaggy in Kidbrooke’s Sutcliffe Park. More litter than recent months, but dealing with this meant that I could observe dozens of dragonflies and lots of wagtails whilst I picked.

Usual mix of little picks plus several canisters rolling about the streets

warm regards,

Peter van Tongeren

The plan was simple: help the Phoenix Cinema by delivering some promotional leaflets. Then came the call… could we help water the planters at Lyttelton Playing Fields instead?

As GoodGym helped with the planting over the last couple of years, there was only one answer: yes!

With temperatures still around 29°C, we warmed up at the Phoenix, delivered leaflets en route to support our fantastic local cinema, then jogged on to Lyttelton. Thanks to the hosepipe ban, around 15 planters had to be watered the old-fashioned way—with buckets and teamwork.

Of course, not all the water reached the plants… there were a few well-aimed splashes too! It was a great reminder that even serious challenges can bring people together with a smile.

As our climate changes, we’ll need more of this—communities helping communities. That’s what GoodGym does best: getting fit, having fun and making a real difference together.

also

🎉 Save the Date – GoodGym Barnet is 10! 🎉

This August we’re celebrating 10 years of GoodGym Barnet – and we’d love you to join us.

Whether you’ve run, walked, volunteered, hosted us, or worked alongside us to make Barnet a better place, you’ve been part of our story. Over the last decade we’ve helped dozens of local organisations and met some incredible people. We simply couldn’t have done it without you.

Join us on Tuesday 18th August at Long Lane Pasture, the very place where GoodGym Barnet began 10 years ago. We’ll lend a hand with a short volunteering task, then celebrate with food, birthday cake and plenty of time to catch up. Event details & sign-up https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/10-year-anniversary-gardening-at-long-lane-pasture-nature-reserve

If you’re still a GoodGym member, please sign up via the link. If not, just reply to let me know you’d like to come so we have an idea of numbers.

It would be wonderful to celebrate with as many old and new friends as possible. We hope to see you there!

A few people came online to do yoga.

Yoga talk

Yoga can contribute to muscle development while nurturing physical and mental wellness. In yoga studios and classes, practices like vinyasa yoga incorporate strength-focused poses that engage muscles and encourage growth. While yoga’s primary goal isn’t solely muscle-building, it does enhance overall body strength and tone.