GoodGym Group Run Report: Helping the Allotment for East Finchley Food Bank

Last evening, our GoodGym team gathered at the historic Phoenix Cinema for a group run with a purpose—this time, to lend a hand at the allotment run by Finchley charities in support of the East Finchley Food Bank. As we assembled, conversation quickly turned to our favorite books and current reads, sparking lively discussions and giving us plenty to chat about during our run along Finchley High Street. It was a great way to discover new titles and connect with each other over shared interests.

GoodGym is all about inclusivity, so our run catered to different fitness levels. We made regular stops to ensure everyone could keep up, and during these breaks, the faster runners took the opportunity to do some squats and kick drops—perfect for strengthening quadriceps and staying warm with a bit of aerobic work.

Upon reaching the allotment gates, we were greeted by Carmel, who gave us an inspiring overview of the charity’s mission and its impact on the community. Energized by her words, we ran down to the plot where we received our tasks for the evening.

The main job was to transport woodchip to the bottom of the allotment, under a fig tree and other trees, to create a space for school groups. The allotment also serves as an educational resource, so this task was particularly meaningful. Armed with wheelbarrows and shovels, we got to work. Meanwhile, a couple of team members continued work on a pond we had started during our last visit. This time, they focused on filling gaps around the edges with soil and spreading sand to create a welcoming area where kids can gather and observe pond life in the future.

Unfortunately, we discovered that one of the plum trees had suffered significant damage, so we carefully removed the broken branches and placed them at the back of the allotment. However, our spirits were lifted when we noticed a perfectly ripe fig, which we joyfully picked and shared, savoring its sweet taste.

The allotment has already produced fresh vegetables for the food bank, including lettuce, and we were pleased to witness the harvest of some potatoes during our visit. As the evening drew to a close, we made sure to finish up by 8:30 pm, ensuring we had time to warm down before heading home.

It was a beautiful, warm summer evening, and the setting sun cast a golden glow over our final moments together. Our group—Paul, Lucinda, Theo, Rachael, Stephanie, and Michaela—left the allotment with a sense of accomplishment, having combined exercise with doing good for the community.

well done to Stephanie on her first GoodGym run hope to see you again. click the link.

Looking forward to the next one!

The sun, in its usual nonchalant manner, was beginning to take its evening bow as seven of GoodGym's stalwart members embarked on a mission that combined the heroic with the horticultural. Beattie, John, Rachel, Moya, Lucinda and Michaela had one single objective: to lay down wood chipping on the forest path at Martin Primary School. This was not merely a whimsical endeavor but a preemptive strike of sorts, ensuring that when September rolled around, the returning children would have a path as smooth as a duke’s handshake, well... or some other minor royal...

But our intrepid heroes were not content with just securing the future of these young scholars’ footwear. No, they had a plan so cunning it could have been devised by a fox with a degree in strategy. Along with the wood chipping, at the end of heir task they carried a bounty of apples, freshly picked from the ground, if one can combine 'freshly' and 'ground' in a single sentence.

As they reached the school, the scene was one of industrious delight. The air was filled with the mingling scents of freshly chipped wood, very hot underneath, and the crisp, tangy aroma of apples that would have had even the most jaded of noses twitching in appreciation. With the precision of landscape artists, they spread the wood chippings, transforming the once earthy track into a path fit for the most discerning of schoolchildren.

And the apples? Well, they were carefully stowed away, ready for the day when one of their number would be seized by the irresistible urge to turn them into something far greater than the sum of their parts. A crumble, perhaps, that would one day be enjoyed with the same satisfaction as a job well done.

So it was that the GoodGym runners departed, leaving behind a path as welcoming as an old friend and a stash of apples with potential yet untapped. The children will return in September to a pathway worthy of a fairy tale, and one day, perhaps, that apple crumble would come to pass—a fitting end to a fruit-ful day. Well done everyone!

Woodchip Wonders at Barnwood Green Space

Last night, the GoodGym team laced up their trainers and set off for another exciting adventure, this time to the hidden gem of East Finchley—Barnwood Green Space. Armed with wheelbarrows, shovels, and rakes, we were ready to take on the task of spreading woodchip along the paths to improve accessibility for all the visitors.

Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by Leo, the heart and soul of Barnwood, who enthusiastically shared the fantastic projects blossoming within this urban oasis. From the newly established forest school, which bridges the generational gap by connecting kids with people aged 50+, to the cozy fire pit and the thriving fruit trees, Barnwood Green Space truly is a testament to community spirit and environmental stewardship.

Leo’s tales of the nesting foxes and the vibrant wildlife turned our task into more than just a workout; we were contributing to a little nature reserve in the middle of East Finchley! As we spread the woodchip, we could almost hear the future footsteps of children and elders, exploring and learning together, thanks to the improved paths.

The evening was nothing short of delightful. The sun cast a golden hue as we worked, turning what could have been a mundane chore into a spirited, social event. We tackled the task with gusto, each shovel and wheelbarrow load bringing us closer as a team and closer to nature.

After a good session of woodchip spreading, we set off on a short but sweet run through the little pathways of East Finchley. With the warm glow of a job well done and the promise of future adventures, we cooled down and shared our goodbyes, feeling both fitter and more connected to our community.

Barnwood Green Space is more than a park; it’s a sanctuary for wildlife and a beacon for community engagement. Whether you're looking to get fit, give back, or simply enjoy nature, joining GoodGym is a perfect way to do all three. Come along next time and experience the joy of making a tangible difference, one run at a time.

Last night’s GoodGym group run was a delightful mix of community spirit, fitness, and fun. We set out to meet Linda from the Friends group, who had requested our help to clear the area around the children’s playground and fitness equipment in Coldfall Woods.

The evening was warm and beautiful, perfect for a summer run. We gathered at the Phoenix Cinema, chatting excitedly about our upcoming holidays, before numbering up and setting off on a 4km run through the charming backstreets of East Finchley. Despite the heat, we took breaks to catch our breath and stay together, embodying GoodGym’s philosophy of social, inclusive running.

Upon reaching Coldfall Woods, Linda welcomed us and provided tools and bags. We spent a productive 40 minutes clearing weeds around benches and equipment, and picking up litter. It was rewarding to see the area looking tidier and more inviting for the community.

As the sun began to set, we headed back, the golden light filtering through the trees. We couldn’t resist playing a bit of frisbee on the recreational ground, laughing and enjoying the simple pleasure of throwing and catching as we ran.

We finished back at the Phoenix for a good stretch, savoring the last moments of the glowing sunset. Some of us then went to the pub for a well-deserved drink and a chat. To top off the evening, we watched the final of the freestyle relay event where Great Britain won the gold medal.

In our own way, we felt like we had won a medal too. Thanks to everyone who came out, ran, and helped make a positive impact in our community!

GoodGym Barnet gathered at the iconic Phoenix Cinema for an evening of running and community service at Highgate Woods.

We began with a warm-up under the golden hues of a beautiful summer evening, right outside the cinema. The run took us through the picturesque Cherry Tree Woods and up to the enchanting Highgate Woods, a remnant of the ancient woodlands that once covered this area, where traces of Roman activity have been discovered.

Upon arrival, we met Cindy, the enthusiastic Highgate Woods Ranger, at the Pavilion Café in the heart of the woods. Our task was to dismantle den structures and repurpose the wood to fence off areas for regrowth. Cindy, with her deep knowledge of the local wildlife, enriched our understanding of the woodland ecosystem. She shared exciting news about a nesting hobby, a small bird of prey, that had relocated to Highgate Woods from Queenwood. To protect the chicks, the area beneath their nesting tree was cordoned off.

Cindy also spoke about her recent experience with a wildlife hospital in Rickmansworth, which cared for a pair of orphaned hedgehogs. This highlighted the growing pressures on wildlife due to human encroachment.

Working beneath the canopy of ancient trees, we dismantled the wooden dens and fenced off an area being used as a shortcut by passersby. The serene surroundings, filled with bird calls and fresh, clean air, made the task a joy. To our delight, we completed the job swiftly and took a moment to enjoy some yoga under the trees.

As the evening drew to a close, we headed home, feeling accomplished and a bit more knowledgeable about our local woodland. It was a perfect way to spend a beautiful summer evening, blending fitness, nature, and community service. Join us next time at GoodGym Barnet to experience these magical moments and make a positive impact on our environment.