Eleven wonderful GoodGym Barnet members joined us on Tuesday evening for our first group run to Long Lane Pasture this year — and what a lovely return it was.

With longer evenings and kinder weather finally on our side, most of us gathered at the Phoenix Cinema for a warm-up involving kickbacks, knee-ups and a few brisk movements to get the heart rate up before the 1.5-mile run to the nature reserve.

After numbering up, we had a quick chat about famous relatives, unusual jobs and curious family histories. Among the ancestral highlights were general’s, repossession agents, wedding dress designers and several other unexpected occupations. Clearly, GoodGym Barnet has a rich and slightly suspicious gene pool.

Then we headed off, with George kindly back-marking, keeping everyone together as we made our way towards Long Lane Pasture. En route, we paused under the bridge for a group photo — naturally taken with everyone in a squat position, because why simply stand around when you can turn it into a thigh workout?

At the pasture we were welcomed by Donald, and the place looked absolutely magnificent: lush, green, peaceful and full of evening birdsong. We quickly got to work collecting woodchip and loading it into rubble bags, while others helped with litter picking and pruning to keep the paths clear and welcoming.

It really is a beautiful green space. As the sun began to set, we noticed several species of birds singing away, clearly approving of our efforts or possibly telling us to hurry up and leave them in peace.

Before heading back, we finished with a short moment of forest bathing, slowing everything down with some gentle breathing and arm movements. After the running, woodchip hauling, pruning and squatting, it was a lovely way to pause and properly take in the place we had come to help.

Then it was back to the Phoenix Cinema, with a few exercises on the return route to keep everyone together and gently remind our legs that the evening wasn’t quite over yet.

A big thank you to everyone who came along to run, laugh, help out and support this lovely local green space. Long Lane Pasture is looking wonderful — and we were very happy to chip in.

Packing a punch for Mr P

Subham and I came together at short notice for a GoodGym community mission to support Barnet Council’s Wellbeing team.

Mr P was being transferred to more suitable accommodation to better support his needs, and he needed help boxing up his belongings ready for collection on Monday. We met Mr P, along with others involved in his care, and quickly got stuck into the task.

It was a simple but useful job: packing clothes and personal items carefully so they could be moved on smoothly. As ever with GoodGym, we also managed to combine helping out with a bit of exercise — I cycled over and Subham ran from home, making it a very local active mission.

Afterwards, we stopped for a drink at a nearby Italian café and reflected on how small practical actions can make a real difference at moments of change.

We hope Mr P settles well into his new home — and that he does not have too much trouble finding the clothes he needs when he gets there!

Weather was a bit nippy but pleasant when sun was out. Anna from Energy Gardens was joined by a couple of the regular local volunteers, Lisa and Margaret , by Paul and Subham from GoodGym and also Abdellah. We planted some tomato plants and other plants as well as deadheaded and cleared some of the plants that were on their way out. Great to see many of the seedlings now are growing plants and the artichokes look especially good! As always, we received many heartfelt thanks from many commuters as well as were told we were an inspiration.