GoodGym Barnet: Helping a Forest School in East Finchley

On a crisp January evening, five dedicated GoodGym members gathered at the Phoenix Cinema for a group run with a mission: helping a forest school in East Finchley. Despite some last-minute dropouts, this hardy team of volunteers was ready to make a difference.

As we assembled, we shared stories of our favourite childhood books, setting a light-hearted tone before the evening’s work. A special mention to Susanna , who joined her first nighttime group run after attending our weekend intro session—she took it all in her stride.

We started with a gentle jog down East Finchley High Street to warm up, stopping midway for some dynamic exercises, including three-step punches, kick-ups, stick strides, and twists. With our heart rates up, we continued to the school, ready for the task ahead.

The Good Deed

At the school, we were greeted by wheelbarrows, shovels, and rakes, with instructions from our host, Jon, to spread fresh woodchip over worn and muddy areas. The chilly night air mixed with the dust from the woodchip, creating an almost magical, eerie atmosphere.

Anthony Mak-Fan showed great commitment and determination, tackling the heavy woodchip with focus. Meanwhile, Susanna on her first group run, worked effortlessly, making a strong first impression. Rachel Melinek was her usual reliable self, leading the group back to the Phoenix with energy and enthusiasm. Beattie, always dependable, was an excellent back marker, ensuring everyone stayed together and safe.

Mid-task, I took a moment to show Susanna and Anthony around the rest of the forest school, giving them a sense of the space we were helping to maintain.

After completing the work, we returned via a slightly different route to include a sprint workout. We tackled three sets of sprints with gentle jogs in between, adding an extra fitness boost to the evening. Along the way, we also did press-ups against walls before finishing back at the Phoenix Cinema.

A Bonus Good Deed

While warming down with gentle stretches, an elderly lady approached and asked for assistance retrieving personal items from her car. She needed her credit cards to pay for a film. Without hesitation, we stepped in to help, completing an unexpected but rewarding second good deed to end our session.

A big thank you to everyone who came along and worked hard to help the forest school. Your dedication and teamwork continue to make a difference in our community!

Join the Movement: GoodGym Barnet Starter Session Recap

On Sunday, 19th January, GoodGym Barnet kicked off the new year with an energizing Starter Session at the iconic entrance of Stephen’s House and Gardens in Finchley. This event was more than just a run; it was an invitation to get active, give back, and connect with our local community.

The session started with friendly introductions, and it was fantastic to welcome three new faces: Susanna Black, Scarlet, and Arnoud , who joined us with Kubilay. After some light chatting, we warmed up with a fun game of “numbering up” and shared our favorite cuisines—everything from vegetarian dishes to Mexican flavors made an appearance!

Discovering History and Making a Difference

As we set off into the park, the group paused along the way to uncover some of the fascinating historical gems hidden in Finchley. Did you know that the world’s first use of reinforced concrete was on the water tower in these gardens? It’s incredible to think of Finchley as a pioneer in engineering!

We also explored “The Ave,” a charming pathway that runs alongside the park. Built for the Lady of the Manor in the 16th century, it allowed her to avoid mingling with the commoners on East End Road while making her way to the historic St. Mary’s Church.

A Legacy of Community Action

GoodGym isn’t just about running; it’s about making a difference. Along our route, we highlighted some of the impactful work GoodGym Barnet has done over the years, including: • Long Lane Pastures: A serene nature reserve where GoodGym completed its inaugural run 15 years ago. • The Tiny Forest: Initiated by GoodGym Barnet three years ago, this project has become a hub for citizen science and environmental education. Excitingly, three more Tiny Forests and a wildflower meadow are soon to follow!

With plenty of breaks to ensure everyone felt comfortable, we celebrated both the physical activity and the opportunity to engage in meaningful community projects.

Winding Down and Looking Ahead

We finished back at Stephen’s House with a gentle warm-down, reflecting on the many ways GoodGym provides a platform for doing good while staying active. For me, sustainability and the environment are key passions, but GoodGym empowers members to support causes close to their own hearts. Whether it’s helping older residents, restoring green spaces, or initiating new projects, GoodGym is a vehicle for positive change—and we’re always looking for more people to join us.

A Big Thank You

A special thanks to Subham for supporting the session and to Kubilay for back-marking. And a huge shoutout to our three newcomers: • Susanna, who amazed us with her enthusiasm despite not having run for years. • Scarlet, who took a chance and embraced the challenge beautifully. • , Arnoud who came along with Kubilay and showed fantastic energy.

Join Us!

If you’re looking to get active, meet great people, and make a difference in your community, GoodGym Barnet is the perfect place to start. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just getting back into it, there’s a place for everyone. Invite your friends, get outdoors, and discover the joy of doing good while staying active.

See you at the next session!