On short notice, we found out the Phoenix had no leaflets for us, but a quick message to the Artsdepot and our evening's activities were sorted. I trekked over with 450 of their Autumn programmes in my backpack - which slowed me down a bit! - but lucky for me a whopping seven other Goodgymmers were out for the session, including our favourite four-legged jogger, Gus. Great also to see Lucy taking a break from too much work and join us, and Patricia sticking with us for her fourth session in a month!

We warmed up as usual, taking it turns to pick exercises to our heart rates up. Beattie and Rachel had tonight's question: what item of furniture do you wish you had? A couple of sofas, a standing desk, Richard's wish for a sun lounger, and Paul wanting a tempur mattress (not a tempuRA mattress, which would need a very large deep frier).

Paul and Gus took up backmarking to keep out of the way, while the rest of us got started, splitting into teams to cover each side of the road. We leapfrogged our way through the back streets, occasionally tagging back to Paul to collect more. And we were done with 450 leaflets in about 25min.

Wanting a little more fitness, we jogged across the High Road to Market Place Gardens - a parklet and playground Goodgym Barnet helped prepare the ground for several years ago - for a little bit of circuit training. Push ups, reverse push ups, step ups with cardio inbetween - star jumps, burpies and variations, and squat kicks to finish. It only took another 15min tops and while Subham was keen for the game of tag Paul suggested, it was just a bit too dark and trip-hazardous, so we jogged back to the Phoenix for a decent stretch down and a quick snack and drink.

Well done to Beattie for clocking up a whopping 150 good deeds - a mini-milestone, but not far off 200. Plenty more to keep fit with!

George kicked off the run with a question about gigs, inspiring Rachel and Beattie, two stalwart GoodGymers, to give this report a slightly musical theme.

Beattie took a walk on the wild side with Patricia, while the others set off running, with Victoria as back marker. Richard went past like a flash—ah-ah!—and George once again wondered whether Richard had ambitions for leadership.

All the leaves were brown and the sky had a greyish tinge as the GoodGymers set to work for a while on an autumn day.

We raked the leaves with abandon and bagged them up, then tucked the bulbs into the soil, leaving them “dreaming Spring”. We pictured a host of golden daffodils to come, taking a moment to look up at the stars.

We made these memories for ourselves, with Theodore capturing our usual photos.

Finally, we laid down our tools and returned to the cinema, where we celebrated Richard’s 400th outing with pizza and popcorn.

Another Tuesday evening saw us gathering in the foyer of the Phoenix Cinema for our regular GoodGym Barnet session this time with a milestone to celebrate.

George had reached his 200th GoodGym good deed, so before we set off he was presented with his badge and his very own GoodGym Barnet cap – England-style! He duly knelt to receive it and wore it proudly for the rest of the evening.

Welcome to Patricia & Victoria both on their first group run!

After our warm-up, our icebreaker was to share a time we’d rescued an animal. Appropriately, George had rescued a fox from some netting that very day, although most of the other stories seemed to involve pigeons and other birds!

We then headed the kilometre or so to Martin Primary School, taking the back streets and stopping for a few exercises along the way to keep everyone together.

At the school we met John and, with limited tools available, split into two groups – one working out while the other shifted a large pile of woodchip across the path into the Forest School area. Twenty minutes later we were meant to swap, but there was still plenty to move, so everyone piled in. With a shiny new wheelbarrow, plenty of hands and even a few saucepans pressed into service as scoops, we got the job done.

Then it was back to the Phoenix for a celebratory drink or two, supporting our wonderful local cinema while raising a glass to George and his 200 good deeds.

Well done George – here’s to the next 200!

On Tuesday evening, GoodGym Barnet volunteers Beattie,Theo,Ed and Richard headed back to Long Lane Pasture, the site of our group run, for a session filled with teamwork, headtorches, and a whole lot of woodchip.

Richard took the lead as run leader, guiding the group safely along the darker parts of the route. Beattie welcomed everyone with her trademark warmth, while Theodore and Edward kept the group together as back markers, ensuring no one was left behind.

🌱 Meeting Donald & Getting Stuck In We met with Donald, one of the dedicated task owners from the Long Lane Pasture.

Donald had prepared three large sacks of woodchip, ready to be moved up a hill and spread along a 60cm‑wide earth pathway. Armed with shovels, buckets, gloves, and headtorches, the team got straight to work. The group formed a smooth rhythm — scooping, carrying, tipping, and raking — gradually transforming the track into a refreshed path that will benefit visitors and protect the site’s biodiversity.

Huge appreciation to everyone who came out — Beattie, Theodore, Edward and Richard keeping the group safe and together.

Long Lane Pasture looked better already by the time we left, and Donald was delighted with the progress. A brilliant evening of community, graft, and GoodGym spirit.