GoodGym Run Report – Phoenix Cinema to Stephens House & Gardens

Tuesday’s GoodGym run was not just about getting our steps in, but about supporting the incredible volunteers who dedicate their time to making our local spaces better. While we might selfishly enjoy the exercise and social time, we also hope that our efforts show how much we appreciate those who welcome us and give us tasks to do.

Most of the group set off from the Phoenix Cinema, taking a scenic but hilly route through the back streets of East Finchley, while a few met us directly at Stephens House & Gardens. Excitingly, Stephens House is set to host the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow in June! So, if you’ve got a dusty heirloom lying around, check out their website for details and enjoy a visit to the Stables Café while you’re there.

Getting Stuck In at Stephens House & Gardens

On arrival, we were ushered to the back area where we met Helen, Warwick and Alison, who had already set up tools and made a start on the evening’s tasks. With limited time and plenty to do, we threw ourselves into: ✅ Weeding ✅ Brushing & sweeping ✅ Pulling up moss from the terrace ✅ Improving the grass verge

It was great to see Scarlett again, who braved the cool evening to join us for a run. Her enthusiasm, along with the efforts of all the volunteers, helps to boost the morale of those who work tirelessly to keep these community spaces thriving.

Ending with Energy & Gratitude

Before heading home, we finished the session with a Hakra breathing exercise—a way to re-energize before we wrapped up for the night. A huge thank you to all the volunteers who make spaces like Stephens House & Gardens a true jewel in the crown of Finchley.

Most of the group then ran back to the Phoenix Cinema, completing a solid 5K run. And, in a rare stroke of luck, the rain held off just long enough for us to finish.

Thanks to everyone who joined in—see you next time for more running, volunteering, and GoodGym camaraderie!

The snow hadn't settled, but the air was knife chill. Wet leaves everywhere like they thought they were back in fashion. Still, four well-wrapped Goodgymmers rocked up to Stephens House and Gardens for a hard boiled night of raking leaves outside Inky's Stables Cafe.

The yard was covered, but we leafed no stone unturned. We swept, raked and bagged until the yard was safe as houses. Helen, our host, normally does this job by herself. She was grateful, that much was clear. And the café staff? They'd bawl their eyes out to see the yard swept so clean. We stacked four sacks out the back and high-tailed it to a classy joint on the High Road for something to chase the ice out of our lungs.

This was Kirsten's second time out with us and Ben's third. They brought the energy of a dozen Goodgymmers with them. Great to have them at our backs. Ben even wanted to run back, which means some of us clocked up a full 5km round trip. Not bad for a cold, wet, dark and cold November evening.

There'll be other nights and other runs, but this one took more than a few leaves out of the old Goodgym playbook.

GoodGym provided support so that 30 local children could visit a spooky Halloween cellar and take part in a ghost hunt around the gardens of the house. Families were supported to enjoy the fun and games with many delighted screams as they explored the spooky cellar.

This Tuesday, the legendary GoodGym Barnet team assembled for a mission of epic proportions. Our adventure began at the Phoenix Cinema, a beacon of inspiration, where we prepared to tackle the untamed wilderness of Stephens House Gardens. Leading this valiant crew was Paul our fearless run leader, and his trusty sidekick, Gus the Wonder Dog.

In our ranks, we had the extraordinary , Yesika a distinguished athlete hailing from the heart of Mexico. Known for her lightning speed and unwavering spirit, she was a true asset to our heroic endeavor. Beside her ranMoyaour elite champion, celebrated as one of our best female runners with a pace that could outrun the wind itself. And let's not forget Theodore, a steadfast contributor to GoodGym Barnet, whose dedication and enthusiasm are unmatched.

Upon reaching Stephens House Gardens, we were greeted by the benevolent hosts, Helen and Julian, who guided us to our mission's battleground: the overgrown boundary fence. Armed with clippers, shears, and lopers, we transformed from mere mortals into hedge-hacking heroes. Each snip and slice revealed the glorious new railings, hidden beneath a jungle of foliage.

Having conquered the 2.5 km run from the Phoenix, our muscles were primed and ready for action. With the finesse of seasoned warriors, we attacked the burgeoning hedge, transforming the tangled mess into a masterpiece of manicured perfection. The weather, ever our ally, blessed us with clear skies and perfect running conditions, as if nature itself applauded our efforts.

Once the battlefield was cleared, we gathered the spoils of our labor—the cuttings—and returned them to the park for composting, ensuring the circle of life continued. This triumph granted us the opportunity to embark on a gentle victory lap around the park's perimeter, basking in the glory of our achievement.

With our mission complete, our heroes embarked on the return journey to the Phoenix, where a well-deserved warm-down awaited. The day was marked by camaraderie, unparalleled effort, and the undeniable heroism of the GoodGym Barnet team.

keep running and doing good!

Rain descends, our run’s undone, To Stephens House we’re not to come. A garden lovely, paths so green, Today, in raindrops, won’t be seen.

We marvel at this weather strange, A sign of climate’s shifting range. Global warming’s subtle tale, In every storm and every gale.

Yet, we'll gather on a brighter day, When clouds have cleared and skies are gay. For now, we wait, with hearts still warm, To run again through Stephens' charm.

Despite a few setbacks, tonight's group run with GoodGym was nothing short of fantastic! With only two members available, our team was small but mighty as we embarked on a mission to Stephen’s House and Gardens.

Pedaling on my trusty bike and joined by Yeskia , who was walking/running all the way from Finchley Central, we were greeted by the warm embrace of a beautiful winter night, teasing us with the promise of spring just around the corner. Our destination? The picturesque gazebo, a haven for café customers offering a stunning view of the lawn and pond.

Joined by the ever-dedicated volunteers Alison and Warwick, we rolled up our sleeves (and grabbed our brooms) for a bit of rooftop scrubbing action. Our task? To rid the gazebo of pesky algae and dirt, transforming it into a sparkling sanctuary for all to enjoy. Armed with buckets of water and fueled by laughter, we tackled the job with gusto, turning a chore into a delightful bonding experience.

As we put the finishing touches on our cleaning masterpiece and secured the gazebo back in place, we couldn't help but admire the splendor of Stephen's House and Gardens. A hidden gem in Finchley, boasting a rich history dating back to 1857, it's a place that deserves to be discovered and cherished by all.

With our mission accomplished and smiles on our faces, we bid farewell to Alison and Warwick, each heading off in our own directions, filled with a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie. Until next time, let's keep running, cleaning, and spreading joy one GoodGym mission at a time! 🏃‍♂️🌿✨