Six Goodgymmers rocked up for a third go at the overgrowth along the East End Road fence of Stephens House and Gardens. Five of us jogged from the Phoenix, and met up with Warwick, Allison and Richard, already hard at work. Theo soon rocked up ready to roll, so we got stuck in, cutting back the bushes, sweeping the brickwork and brushing the pavements.

We bagged things up and carried the full rubble sacks around to the compost pile. On the way back, there was a brief opportunity for some monkeying on the monkey bars, but then back to it, until we had finished the whole of the last part of the fence! Not to worry though, there are other fences in need of some vegetation maintenance.

Meanwhile, tonight's icebreaker asked what was the most recent work of art to have moved you to laughter or tears. From the Weight of Being exhibition at Two Temple Place earlier this year, to Laurie Lee novels and zombie drama - even a facebook video meme (yes it's art!) - we had plenty of food for discussion as we worked. Then, with three of our team living only a few minutes away, just three of us jogged back to the Phoenix to collect bags and be on our merry ways home, feeling fitter and very satisfied with our good deeds.

Three brave Goodgymmers made the run from the Phoenix to Stephens House this week: Rachel, Abdikani and me, where we met the rest of the night's sign ups, Daniel, Abdulkadir, Richard and Subham, already in action.

Andy and Richard from Stephens House got us cutting back vegetation along the fence on East End Road - a follow up to our mission last month, but with much better weather this time. Daniel was behind bars - he drew the 'short saw' and was cutting down thicker branches inside the fence. Abdulkadir and Adbikani took on sweeping and bagging duties, while Richard and Subham manned the barrow, taking away the green waste for composting. Rachel and I chopped and cut along the fence, helping tidy the bigger bits.

We managed another 50+yards of fence and this side is nearly finished. Andy says there's another couple of fences to cut along, so we'll be back again soon to help them keep things tidy while the evenings are light.

Taking a Crack at the Playground Repair

After helping to clean up the children’s playground in the morning, I offered to return in the afternoon to help Warwick repair some vandalism to the tarmac.

In the heat, we gathered the equipment and mixed the ingredients together — rather like making a very heavy cake — before filling the hole and smoothing it over. Neither of us was completely sure of the perfect technique, but hopefully we have done enough to make it safe and durable for the children when the playground reopens.

A satisfying bit of teamwork, although it would be even better if parents could help keep an eye out and prevent this sort of damage happening again.

Hot work in the playground at Stephens House and Gardens. Volunteer Friday.

Stephens House and Gardens was closed for a big event on Friday morning, which gave the volunteers full access to the playground and a great opportunity to tidy it up.

My first job was clearing fallen cypress needles from the paths, before shovelling the scattered sand back into the sandpit. Sadly, we also discovered some vandalism to the playground tarmac, which will cost the Trust money and take a lot of volunteer effort to repair.

It was a very hot morning at around 25°C, but the team worked hard and got plenty done.

You can help keep this wonderful park open by volunteering, visiting the café or hiring one of the rooms at Stephens House. Every bit of support makes a difference.

GoodGym Barnet helped out at the regular Friday gardening session at Stephens House & Gardens, working with Julian between 10am and 12pm.

Arriving at 10am sharp, Julian and I got stuck into tackling brambles in various locations around the park. These were deep-rooted and determined, with their usual talent for spreading far and wide if left unchecked. The work was so tough that my spade actually bent while trying to dig out the roots!

As always, it was a pleasure to be in such a magnificent park, with bumblebees buzzing around and lovely conversations with park users interrupting the hard graft in the best possible way.

At 12 o’clock we downed tools and headed to the Bothy Garden for a well-earned social tea and biscuits.

This is a regular volunteering session supporting Stephens House & Gardens. You can also support the house by using the café, renting rooms within the house, or getting involved as a volunteer.

Come and check it out if you’ve never been — it really is one of Barnet’s special places.

At the Stephens House & Gardens we assisted with the installation of a new accessible bench located between the raised gardens and the main lawn area.

The task involved carefully lifting, moving, and positioning a heavy bench into its designated location. Due to the weight of the bench, volunteers worked together to ensure the move was completed safely and efficiently. Appropriate care was taken throughout the process, with volunteers wearing suitable footwear and using safe lifting techniques.

The installation was completed successfully within a short period of time. The new bench will provide improved accessibility, comfort, and seating opportunities for visitors to Stephens House & Gardens, particularly for those who may benefit from accessible resting spaces within the gardens.

The activity demonstrated positive teamwork and community spirit while supporting the ongoing improvements made by the Friends group to maintain and enhance this valued local green space.