Five Goodgymmers met for the run from the Phoenix to Shepherds Hill Gardens. Setting off in good time, we jogged the long road down to Highgate in good weather, to meet Pat and Joan, stalwarts of the friends group managing the lovely green space. Fanny soon joined us, followed a bit later by Amanda, so we had plenty of help for the tasks ahead.

We split into teams, Daniel and Richard trimming hedges at the top, while Subham got stuck in to the hedges lower down ibto the wood. Fanny and Paul started on litter picking, while I began sweeping and clearing the paths. Then we rotated, doing a record amount of tidying and trimming, then taking the green waste down to the compost pile, while stopping to admire the amazing view across Queens Wood.

Once done, and, we all stress it's never the reason we go , Pat broke out the famous refreshments we love so much - apple juice, fresh mint tea and biscuits. Then a quick wrap-up taking the tools back to Pat's, and the round trip back to the Phoenix for the five runners and a cheery wave goodbye to Fanny and Amanda.

I was one of the 11 Goodgym-ers who signed up for this task, and this was my experience. I completed the task on my way home after finishing a long day shift.

I’d also like to share a little story from earlier that day. On my way to work, I was walking (and occasionally jogging!) across the common carrying my litter grabber. I noticed a lady feeding the hawks with some bread, which I thought was lovely. However, when she finished, she simply threw the empty plastic wrapper onto the ground instead of putting it in a nearby bin.

She was walking just ahead of me, and I found myself wondering whether I should politely remind her that it wasn’t the right thing to do. After a moment, I felt it was the right time to say something. I walked past her, slowed down, and kindly said, “You can put that plastic in the bin, you know.”

She looked at me, noticed the litter grabber I was carrying, smiled, and seemed to acknowledge what I’d said. Perhaps seeing me with the grabber made her think, “That makes sense.” I’ll never know, but I hope it encouraged her to dispose of her rubbish properly in the future.

I walked away feeling surprisingly empowered. It reminded me that sometimes it’s all about choosing the right moment and using a respectful approach. A simple, kind reminder can make a difference.

I hope that small conversation made a positive impact. If we all help each other in little ways, we can keep our community clean and make it a better place for everyone to live.

Be part of the solution, not part of the problem.

Cecilia D🍀

Note: By the end of my litter pick, my bag was mostly filled with recyclable items.

GoodGym members Paul, Richard, George, Rachel and Subham showed up for the Film screening for the Tiny Forest part of London Climate Action Week (LCAW) 20-28 June on what I believe was the hottest day of the year. We welcomed a full crowd at The Phoenix Cinema, which is also our local meeting point on Tuesday evenings. There were many Earthwatch folk as well as locals and we also were able to spread the word abour GoodGym as well as the Barnet Tiny Forest, which we often have helped with. After the film, which documented Tiny Forests in Europe as well as told more of the story of Prof. Miyawaki, the founder of the Tiny Forest method, there was a Q&A with members of Earthwatch as well as Paul representing GoodGym, which was well received. A great time was had by all! And we were able to escape the heat!

On Tuesday 23 June, GoodGym Barnet braved the heat warnings (sensibly) to stay active and help our community at Highgate Wood... actually, a great place to be in this heat!

Most of us met at the Phoenix Cinema, where the conversation quickly turned to Britain’s highest recorded temperature: 40.3°C in Lincolnshire in July 2022. Richard won the debate! This week may not reach that peak, but prolonged heat, humidity and warm nights can be particularly challenging because our bodies and buildings have less opportunity to cool down.

After a gentle warm-up, we headed through the woods to meet Cindy. She enthusiastically shared news from a recent moth survey: 47 moths were caught and a range of different species.

We then visited the developing visitor centre, which will showcase the history and ecology of Highgate Wood—including a Roman pottery kiln dating from around AD 50–150. There will also be a Cindy corner.( that sounds like a legacy)

Our task was to repair a woodland fence that had been pulled apart to build dens. With plenty of willing hands, it was soon restored, leaving time for some Forest) bathing , stretching and movement with the breath.

Thanks to everyone who came along Please continue to take care in the heat—it is not only the highest temperature that matters, but also the duration, humidity and lack of cooler nights.

shout out to Abdikani on his first Community mission great effort!

Goodgym volunteers at the East Finchley Festival 2026, a well-attended community event celebrating local music, food, arts, and community spirit.

During the shift, we supported the festival team by helping ensure the event ran smoothly and that visitors had a positive experience. The responsibilities included assisting attendees with directions and general enquiries, supporting event operations, and helping with set-up and pack-down activities as required.

The festival attracted a diverse range of local residents and visitors, creating a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere. We enjoyed engaging with members of the community and working alongside fellow volunteers and organisers to contribute to the success of the event.

GoodGym Barnet helped a local primary school in East Finchley

A big well done to everyone who came along to our Tuesday group run from the Phoenix Cinema.

We stopped on the way for a few simple exercises, including squat kicks and some arm resistance work, before heading on to the school’s forest area.

Once there, we found a large pile of steaming wood chip and got stuck in, spreading it along the path as requested. It was warm work, but it made a real difference to the space and should help make the forest school area safer and easier for the children to use.

Lovely to get this message from the school the next morning:

“Wow what a great job yesterday thanks so much. Sorry we did not come out we were chasing rats lol”

Thanks again to everyone who helped. A great team effort.

Big, shout out for Wren and Somaieh on her first GoodGym mission thanks for coming hope to see you next week at Highgate Woods

With near perfect weather for a 5km charity walk and community gathering, three Goodgymmers came together to help make Our North Finchley's event a success. Coming all the way over from Hatfield, Alice finally found a community session that fitted her timetable. And, amazingly despite his epic marathon trek the day before for the Thames Path Hike, Richard also rocked up, looking not too worse for wear and keen to help steward the route.

Joining about ten other volunteers from the community and led by our excellent local health and safety duo Andrew and Del (they'll be leading the team at East Finchley Festival next weekend). Some helped with even more litter picking and putting up gazebos earlier in the day, while the very talented Filip, who's been to a few Goodgym sessions, volunteered as a trained first aider to keep everyone safe.

We were also incredibly lucky to have an absolute legend from the local area, Bill O'Connor, who is one of the Ever Presents - these five legends have participated in every London Marathon since it launched in 1981, and Bill completed his 46th Marathon this year, running in the 80+ category. Having already run 8km that morning, it was incredibly generous of him to offer to lead the opening lap of the walk, and he even did an extra lap for fun. A fantastic role model, and one we hope will join Goodgym Barnet for a training session some time in the near future.

Meanwhile, the event ticked along in family fun spirit, young and old spreading out around the open space, walking, some running, some kicking balls around the route and some in prams or carried. Team Goodgym took up a couple of posts around the route with water bottles for those that needed them. Richard was stationed next to the monkey bars by the Porters Way path, and decided to try and get one hundred pull ups in while waiting for the walkers.

Then, wrapping up at 15:45, people collected their belongings, packed down tents, cleared up the area and left everything looking pristine. Proceeds raised from the event will be shared between Our North Finchley's community campaigning and four charities - Barnet Mencap, Rephael House, North Finchley Community Grocery and Goodgym!