Rain, Resolutions & a Hidden Gem

Our group run to Stephens House and Gardens from the Phoenix Cinema had all the hallmarks of a tough one. It might have been a relatively mild 10°C, but the steady rain and gloomy skies made it feel intimidating. And yet incredibly everyone turned up. Not a single runner was put off by the forecast or the prospect of getting soaked.

We gathered in the foyer of the Phoenix Cinema, shaking off the drizzle and catching up. It was great to welcome Matta brand-new runner, clearly committed to his New Year resolution of trying something different. Fresh back from cold-water dipping in Sweden. we hope to see him at our next challenging event.

Our warm-up chat turned to resolutions kept, broken, or still evolving before we headed out into the rain, easing into the pace with George sensibly anchoring the back. Don’t forget: capture your run or walk on Strava every activity counts for the January Challenge.

About 20 minutes later we arrived at Stephens House and Gardens. By then the drizzle had eased, and we were warmly welcomed by the wonderful volunteer duo Alison and Warwick, who give so much of their retirement time to supporting this historic place.

Our task was a satisfying one: clearing leaves from the front car park and the stable yard — a job that’s particularly effective late in the evening once the cars have gone. Armed with wheelbarrows, brooms, shovels and rubble bags, we soon filled two very large bags of leaves. Jackie was so engrossed she barely seemed to want to stop proof that leaf-clearing can be strangely addictive.

Before heading off, we reflected on just how important this place is. Stephens House is a real hidden gem, run as a trust and heavily reliant on community support. Many people don’t realise how vulnerable places like this are right now. Whether it’s popping in for a coffee, enjoying the food, attending an event or even hosting a wedding every visit helps. Even the Antiques Roadshow recognised its charm, filming three episodes here.

The run back revealed a lovely irony: East End Road was closed to traffic, but on foot we slipped straight past the barriers — yet another reminder of how adaptable (and smug) runners can be.

Most of us finished back at the Phoenix Cinema for well-earned refreshments: popcorn, homemade chocolate, and cider generously supplied by Theo — our resident cameraman for the night.

A wet evening, a brilliant turnout, a great task and another reminder of why GoodGym works so well.

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.