Eighteen keen goodgym runners gathered, on a beautiful evening, to help the local church clear ivy from its graveyard boundary fence. We had two groups gather at the Pheonix, three walkers, and a group of fifteen runners. The walkers set off at 6.50 followed by the runners 10 minutes later back marked by Sarah and Abi. We made good time through the back streets of east Finchley. When we got to the church we met with Helen who explained that we had to remove the ivy using secateurs and loppers from the fence in front of the graveyard. Within half an hour we had cleared the fence and had time for a little tour of the ancient church. Some of the building dates back to the thirteenth century and is officially the oldest building in barnet. The church is famous for the tomb of John Cartwright who was born on 28 September 1740 and died on 23 September 1824. He was a political reformer and radical spokesman of national importance who is known as the Father of Reform having championed universal suffrage (very apposite in this year of commemoration of women’s suffrage) and the introduction of secret ballots. He also founded the Society for Constitutional Information. It is a fascinating church and worth a visit if you are in the area! The album theme for the photo outside the church had to be and was for Thriller!

Thanks for coming and doing good. Happy birthday Sally!