Eleven dedicated goodgym runners gathered at the Phoenix cinema to help the gardeners at the Bothy. We chatted about our favourite podcast and warmed up with a gentle jog. We ran to the Bothy through the streets of East finchley led by Graham and back marked by Sally.(Thanks also for the biscuits at the end Sally!) It was a relatively mild evening.(In comparison to previous outings!) and we stopped a few times for paired exercises.(just an excuse to have a chat!) The charity Terapia uses the Bothy garden and buildings in education and therapy and is valued by the students and teachers alike. Previously the Bothy functioned as a nursery to supply other parks within Finchley until 1964, when it became the private garden of the Park Keeper of Avenue House. The Bothy is located within a heavily landscaped setting to the eastern end of the existing grounds of Avenue House but it was originally the ‘middle’ of the Estate. The land to the East (Great Tapes Field) was subsequently given over to recreational use for a private school.The walled garden was taken over by a group of dedicated volunteers who began to rescue it and return it to recreational use which continues to this day. The garden walls were repaired in 1999 with the assistance of a grant from the Rose Foundation. (forgive the history lesson but GGB is not just about health and fitness.. !) More here Alison and Warwick (Bothy gardeners volunteers) asked us to split into two teams. One to move bricks and another smaller team of three to cut hedges on the fence line. Check out the photos and the human chain to move the bricks. (although it does look like a scene from the Italian Job!) Both teams did fantastically well and managed to get the job done! Thank you! It didn’t leave much time but we had a quick run to the lawned area of the park, for some aerobic exercises, followed by some yogic breathing. It was a long run home to the Phoenix but well worth the effort. Well done all!

Keep on running and thanks for doing good!