Rooted in memory at Stephens House and Gardens

Today, 17 April, I had the great privilege of helping to plant a tree for the Mitchell family at Stephens House and Gardens, alongside fellow GoodGymers Richard and Subham.

It was one of those Community Missions that felt about much more than the practical task in hand. I regularly volunteer at Stephens House and Gardens, so it was a happy coincidence that I was there to help plant this tree on behalf of a family I have known all my life.

A large part of the Mitchell family gathered to witness the planting and to lend a hand themselves. All hands were needed too, as the ground on the lawn was full of heavy clay and stubborn flint, making it no easy job to dig deep enough for the tree. But somehow that felt fitting. The best tributes are not always effortless they ask something of us.

The tree was planted in memory of Martin and Lily Mitchell, who were like surrogate parents to me when I was growing up. We lived on the same street as infants, children and teenagers, and so much of our shared childhood seemed to revolve around Stephens House and Gardens .. or Avenue House, as many of us still think of it. For generations of local families, it has been a jewel in Finchley’s crown, holding layer upon layer of memories through every season.

Martin and Lily were very much part of that story. Lily, in particular, will be remembered by many people connected with the park for her cakes, which were sold in the café, and for the warmth and generosity she brought to events over the years. Martin also played his part in supporting the place, including campaigning for the Bothy and helping to raise money. They were the sort of people who gave to the community simply because that was who they were.

Their daughter Sharon captured that beautifully in a poem written for the occasion, describing the park as a place that gave her parents “so much pleasure” and recalling joyful memories “like a box full of treasure.” She wrote of tea in hand, friends and passers-by, local issues, politics, cakes, laughter, and the simple happiness of being in a place they loved. Now, through this tulip tree, there will be “branches and leaves that connect us” to them still.

It was an emotional moment seeing the tree planted for both parents in a place that meant so much to them. A living tribute in a setting they loved, with green lawn, wildflowers, pond, café and house all around ... it felt exactly right.

The family were incredibly kind and grateful to the three of us from GoodGym, even buying us tea afterwards. But truly, it was we who should be thankful. It was an absolute privilege to play a small part in such an important family moment, and in a tribute to two people who quietly gave so much to their community.

Some Community Missions leave you tired. Some leave you muddy. And some leave you reminded of how deeply people, place and memory can be rooted together.

here is Sharon’s poem to her parents.

Dear Mum and Dad, today we plant this Tulip Tree In your honour where you both loved to be This beautiful park gave you so much pleasure I have many joyful memories like a box full of treasure

Dad you campaigned for the Bothy and raised some money The cafe sold your cakes mum, so delicious and yummy

With a cup of tea in hand, greeting friends and passers by To discuss local issues or politics or to simply say "hi"

You both soaked up the atmosphere of this precious space enjoying its everchanging seasons with smiles your face

So now we have branches & leaves that connect us to you Where we can sit and remember oh I know you'll love the view With the green lawn, the wild flowers, pond, cafe and the house to see The tulip shaped flowers and leaves growing on your splendid tree

I look forward to visiting and giving the tree a warm embrace A heartfelt symbol, Mum and Dad, in Avenue House - this very special place

Spring jobs, proper places

A lovely Friday morning Community Mission at Stephens House and Gardens, working alongside some of the regular volunteer crew in the spring sunshine.

I started in the children’s playground, helping clear back some nettles with Julian. It’s not that nettles aren’t welcome they absolutely are but like most things in a garden, they just need to be in the right place. Stephens House already has a dedicated nettle patch, which is great for butterflies as an egg-laying resource.

After that, I joined Helen in the bog garden .. not especially boggy at the moment after the dry spell where we tackled dock leaves before they had a chance to dominate. Helen is working hard to increase biodiversity in the area, and there was something very satisfying about getting the spade in just right and feeling that deep dock root come free with a satisfying pop.

A couple of hours of simple, purposeful outdoor work, good conversation, and shared effort was rounded off in the best possible way: tea and biscuits in the Bothy garden. Friendly, community-minded, and quietly rewarding a lovely way to spend a Friday morning.

And Gus seemed happy too, back in the park he grew up

What a day for a Community Mission at Stephens House and Gardens.

Under blue skies and warm spring sunshine, I joined Helen and Noah to plant a Eucalyptus debeuzevillei – the Snow Gum, bought in memory of my mum after the previous tree sadly died.

This one should be a tougher customer apparently hardy and happy in a wide range of conditions — so here’s hoping it thrives. Compared with the redwood we planted a few weeks ago, this was a lighter job, but we still gave it the full treatment: compost down, soil mixed in, tree planted, and a guard grid fitted around it.

With that done, we moved on to some weeding around the pond, making the most of a truly beautiful spring day with flowers and fresh growth everywhere.

Best of all, we finished in traditional style: tea and biscuits in the Bothy garden.

A lovely afternoon, a meaningful planting, and a little bit more life added to a very special place.

This week we headed to Stephens House and Gardens to support Helen and the brilliant volunteer team who help keep this local gem thriving.

The task? Clear a well-used pathway that had become narrowed by mud and creeping vegetation over the winter months. Armed with spades, forks and plenty of enthusiasm, we scraped back layers of mud, cut back encroaching growth and reshaped the edges.

The result was immediately visible — a wider, cleaner and far more welcoming path, safer underfoot and much more aesthetically pleasing.

Because we were working right on the path, we had lovely interactions with park users throughout the session. Several stopped to thank us, which is always a reminder of the simple but powerful impact of practical volunteering.

Stephens House and Gardens is very much sustained by volunteers and by the local community who support the café and events in the house. If you haven’t visited recently, do pop in — grab a coffee, enjoy the grounds, or consider joining a future volunteering session.

A satisfying morning’s work, good company, and tangible results — exactly what Community Missions are all about.

On a crisp winter evening, GoodGym Barnet met at the Phoenix Cinema before a sociable 2km run to the local gem that is Stephens House & Gardens — the beautiful 1870s Italianate house set within its much-loved pocket park.

Our task was to polish the house’s unique original pine staircase, crafted from timber believed to be over 300 years old. Armed with beeswax and cloths, we spread ourselves along the steps, carefully feeding the wood and bringing it back to life. It was warm, satisfying work — and a meaningful way to help reduce maintenance costs for the charity. Mel p advised us how to work with beeswax and cloths.

Some runners joined us at the house, and we were very kindly rewarded with tea and coffee before heading back to the Phoenix.

Stephens House is a real Barnet treasure, hosting everything from Sunday lunches and seasonal fairs to exhibitions and summer theatre. Do support them — whether by volunteering, attending events or visiting the café.

Huge congratulations to Subham on his 50th good deed 👏 and Gavin on his first GoodGym run. Give him a cheer.. Great to see Scarlett, and lovely to welcome visitors Theo and Peter Hale.

Thanks to everyone who came along to support this fantastic park and house!

On Friday I joined the wonderful regular volunteer team at Stephens House & Gardens (Avenue House), 17 East End Road, Finchley N3 3QE — a friendly and welcoming group who meet every Friday from 10am–12pm.

It’s a beautiful historic house set within a peaceful park right in the heart of Finchley — a real hidden gem.

The volunteers couldn’t have been warmer — and yes, there was tea and biscuits afterwards! ☕

The highlight for me was planting a Redwood tree. It was proper, satisfying work — digging the hole, carefully transferring the potted tree, guided expertly by Noah and Helen. Hard graft, but meaningful. Hopefully it will grow tall alongside the older Redwoods already standing in the park — a small legacy contribution for future generations.

We’ll be looking to list and support this Friday gardening session over the coming months, and it would be great to see some GoodGym faces join in when available.

Even if gardening isn’t your thing, please do come and: • Visit the café ☕ • Walk in the park 🌿 • Support this charitable community space • Consider hiring rooms inside the historic house for events or meetings

It’s a special local asset worth supporting.

🌱 If you’d like to join a future Friday session, let me know — I’ll be adding more dates soon.