GoodGym – April Plogging Report

It’s been fantastic to see 12 members take part in our April plogging initiative—an open, rolling event encouraging litter picking while walking or running. This flexible format allowed members to contribute in their own time, either solo or with a friend, making it easy to stay active, connected, and community-minded.

By taking just 20 minutes to clean up their local area, members made a visible difference to our streets, parks, and paths—while also enjoying the physical and mental benefits of being outdoors and moving with purpose. The event has highlighted how small, self-led acts can build momentum for wider community pride and environmental care.

Thank you to everyone who took part and shared photos—we look forward to continuing these small but powerful missions!

On a glorious evening, five Goodgymmers gathered at the Phoenix for our group session. We welcomed Sarah, who is on her second good deed ever - and this week! - as well as regulars Beattie (who is really close to her 100th good deed!), Rachel and Lucinda. After a quick warm up in the sunshine down the side of the cinema, we trotted off through East Finchley tube station and into the alleys and quiet roads toward Northway Gardens.

We were met by the indefatigable Brian, custodian of the gardens, with litter pickers. First order of business was a quick photoshoot with us waving our ploggers around, so Brian could show the council what we're all up to, keeping the space clean for the public. Then the real first task: deadheading daffodils! We wandered like clouds - not lonely, but in pairs and threes - along the banks of the Mutton Brook, flicking the heads off the flowered daffodils, so the plants put more energy into the bulbs for next year, and less into creating seeds. This will keep the bulbs healthier and able to flower for more years ahead.

After we'd cleared the banks and beds, we then took up our trusty litter sticks and crossed into the smaller part of the gardens toward Lyttleton Playing Fields. It was relatively clear - or so we thought, but as we were gathering with our stashes of trashes to take to the bins, we found Sarah dragging a HUGE pile of waste from under an evergreen! She'd found so much rubbish she'd had to fish out a bin bag of her own (note: always come prepared for a plog!) to store it all in. We then dutifully dragged the waste back to the bins and said our farewells to Brian.

As always, Brian was incredibly grateful for the support we bring to keeping the space maintained and beautiful for everyone to enjoy. No doubt we'll be back again soon to help however necessary.

Bonus pic: Also, on the way to the Phoenix, I spotted my third red admiral butterfly of the year (two spotted near Brent Cross while I was taking water samples for the Brent Run-Off action). Maybe we should do a butterfly count at some point this summer...?

Six sturdy Goodgymmers met at the Phoenix for our regular group session. We welcomed Lucy for the first time, a keen and capable runner, as well as our regular crew, Beattie and Rachel, Anthony and our excellent photographer, Theodore.

Following a quick warm up down the side of the cinema (with thanks to Rachel for the evenings conversational topic: things you thought were bad at the time, but turned out to be good - lots of COVID stories), we crossed the nearby junction then scooted our way through the quieter roads and back alleys to Long Lane Pasture for our evening deeds. There, met by our inimical host Donald, we were handed ploggers, rakes, a pitchfork and barrows and split into two teams.

Team one jogged around the site litter-picking and tidying, while team two began clearing dead brambles to pile into a dead hedge. The second task is making way for a silver birch to be planted near the gates in memory of Wayne, a key figure in the Pasture's founding, who helped the community secure the original lease from Barnet Council. The brambles were piled into a dead hedge that will also stop visitors to the site from crossing through a key 'bee lane', from the apiaries to the nearby flower meadow.

With a solid four barrows of brambles and a sack of rubbish out of the way, we then jogged back to the Cinema, satisfied we'd made our impact on ourselves and for the community.

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!