GoodGym Barnet: A Run, a Ramble, and a Reel

As usual, our GoodGym Barnet group run began at the Phoenix Cinema – our much-loved meeting point and one of Finchley’s cultural treasures. The day had been a washout with heavy rain, but in true GoodGym fashion the skies cleared just in time. Not that it would have put us off – we’re a hardy bunch who don’t let a little water dampen our spirits, especially once we’re moving!

This week we had a special twist: a social night to support the Phoenix Cinema, which has recently announced it’s facing financial challenges. With the warning of “use it or lose it”, it felt more important than ever to show our support. That meant a slightly shorter session than usual, planned to bring us back in time for an evening film together.

For our warm-up we stretched both body and mind, chatting about our favourite films as we loosened up. Mine was the Coen Brothers’ Blood Simple – though I confess I can’t remember most of the others! (Drop yours in the comments – I’d love to know).

We then jogged over to Cherry Tree Woods, just 500m away, to meet Roger and Andras who set us up with our evening’s task: building leaf cages to help create compost for the park. Armed with chicken wire, stakes, and plenty of teamwork, we built two sturdy cages in no time. We also fashioned a rustic forest fence by the playground and even squeezed in a quick burst of bramble bashing before heading back.

After a warm-down at the Phoenix, the real treat awaited: hot chocolates, ice creams, and a trip into the auditorium for Materialists, a thoughtful rom-com exploring how people match (or don’t!) in relationships. Whatever the film’s message, our night’s was clear: we worked hard, did good, and supported a community landmark that absolutely deserves to stay open.

The Phoenix isn’t just our meeting point – it’s one of the oldest continuously running cinemas in the UK, run as a charity, and a vital part of Finchley’s cultural life. If you haven’t been recently, why not treat yourself to a ticket? They’re showing some brilliant films in the coming weeks. Let’s help keep this gem shining.

This August, GoodGymers from across England each grabbed a bag and headed out for a litter pick in their own patch. From parks to pavements, every small effort helped make local spaces cleaner, greener, and friendlier for everyone.

It was proof that even a few minutes of action can leave a lasting impact. We’ll be running the challenge again in September — so why not join in, pick up a bag, and see how much good you can do in your area?

15 GoodGym Barnet members took part in this year’s Big Butterfly Count (18 July–10 August), adding our sightings to the UK-wide citizen science survey. I managed three counts myself—numbers were low in my patches, so I’m keen to see the national results.

Butterflies are brilliant indicators of environmental health, helping scientists track the effects of climate change, habitat loss, and pollution. Early reports suggest a good year for gatekeepers, red admirals, and peacocks, plus a UK first—the southern small white fluttering in from southern Europe!

Citizen science is easy, fun, and open to all—you don’t need to be a runner or an expert. Next year, let’s get even more people involved: friends, family, neighbours… the more counts, the better the data.

Thanks to everyone who took part—your 15 minutes really can help protect our environment.

🦋 Count them, love them, protect them.

July’s Anytime Litter Pick Round-Up

July saw a flurry of GoodGymers taking to the parks, pavements, and parkruns for some self-led (and often friend-powered) litter picks. Instead of one big group mission, we had a string of solo and paired-up heroes tackling the mess wherever they found it. The results were as varied as they were brilliant: • Peter van Tongeren took charge in Hackney and Redbridge, clearing gas canisters, a Lime bike dumped in a disabled bay, and general rubbish at parkrun. • Epping crew handled general waste with their usual quiet efficiency. • Kidbrooke’s Sutcliffe Park got a deep clean thanks to one dedicated plogger. Not only was a lost ‘Boris Bike’ reported to TfL, but around 200 Himalayan balsam plants were pulled to protect local biodiversity. A toy plane made a soft landing and was thoughtfully left for a young aviator to find. • Paul and Mike turned a casual walk into a purposeful mission, chatting and laughing their way through a clean-up with coffee and compliments from passers-by. • Jackie and Sally teamed up too—proof that plogging is better with pals!

There’s something quietly joyful about doing good in the background—just you, your buddy, and a grabber. People notice. You’ll feel it. And it sticks.

So why not give it a go this August? Grab a mate, your running shoes (or comfy walking ones), and sign up for your own little mission. You’ll get fresh air, friendly waves, and the warm fuzz of doing something that matters. And who knows—you might even find a toy plane of your own.

A few people committed to do a litter pick in June. Litter—especially plastics, wrappers, and cans—can harm animals who may eat it or get trapped. Picking it up helps prevent injury or death to birds, marine life, and other creatures, and keeps natural spaces healthier. It improves community pride and mental wellbeing A clean environment looks better and makes people feel better. Litter picking is a small act that can spark a sense of ownership and community spirit—and doing it yourself can be surprisingly uplifting and calming, like a moving meditation with purpose.

Let’s go again in July!