Stars, sprints and shovels at Martin Primary’s Forest School

On a beautiful clear evening, with the stars out and the temperature just right for running, a magnificent seven GoodGymers set off from the Phoenix Cinema for the short 1km trip to Martin Primary School’s Forest School on Tristan Green.

Before we got moving, we squeezed in a quick warm-up with kick-ups and knee raises to get the heart rate up, then jogged through the backstreets. On the way, we even found a handy spot for a few sprints, because GoodGym never misses a chance to mix community work with a bit of fitness.

Once at the school, we got straight into the jobs that needed doing. The team helped clear and tidy the outdoor kitchen area, recovering pots and pans that had somehow spread themselves all over the forest school, and then turned to the heavier work of repairing the paths with fresh woodchip using wheelbarrows, rakes and shovels. We also tackled a rather sizeable hole, filling it in before it could cause any more trouble.

It was one of those classic GoodGym evenings that shows what the group is all about: collective energy, practical help, fresh air and exercise, all wrapped into one session. There’s something especially satisfying about getting outside on an evening like that, doing useful work alongside other people who’ve chosen to spend their time helping out locally rather than sitting indoors.

A special welcome back to Gavin joining us again for his second session, and great to have Subham there too, adding to the growing task force.

A lovely evening, a useful task, and another reminder that doing good together feels even better outdoors.

Once again, Goodgym was out helping our favourite cultural institution, the Phoenix Cinema, reach audiences and keep going. Tonight, however, we had an extra batch of leaflets from the artsdepot in North Finchley, who are also trying to boost numbers. By chance we met their team in the Phoenix last week and offered to piggy back their leaflets on this session.

And, with another great turn out - eight of us! - we made short work of their programmes. With the weather picking up, we had regulars and newcomers. Great to see Sheela for her first session, after she joined us at last week's allotment session as part of her charity work. And welcome back to Theo, who cycled all the way from Queen's Park, over Hampstead Hill!

Rachel set a fun but tricky topic for us to chat about: name something you used to believe was true, but don't any longer. A couple of us came up with food-related topics that we thought were healthy, like Theodore, who shared the fun fact that frozen-then-defrosted bread is easier to digest that fresh bread.

And then we were off, running a bit further than usual towards Muswell Hill to try and reach some new audiences, with Paul backmarking (sadly no Gus with him). We made short work of our leaflets running around some very nice houses. Jacqui snapped some action pics for us on route. Then, twenty minutes later, with no leaflets left, everyone 'collectively and democratically' agreed to let me choose whether we did more hard exercises or a gentler run. Obviously everyone was up for another sprinting session on the hill path into Highgate Wood, where most of us suitably burned off excess energy, except Subham, who has a bottomless store and led the way back to the cinema, while some of us walked or jogged the last stretch.

Then we all huddled around the tables in the Phoenix for a little social, exercising our 10% Goodgym discount. A lovely close to the evening, and a solid 4km route as well.

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!

A few people came online to do yoga.