Our first Barnet social of 2025 brought seven of us together for two rounds of bowling at Leisure Way, plus two welcome hangers-on along for the cheer. Attendance came with one rule: you don't have to be good at bowling! So we're not sharing any scores.

Our Finchley crew, Lucinda, Kirsten, Paul and George were joined by Barneteers from further afield, Jacqui, Paul and Cherian. We also coaxed John and Jacqueline from Camden to join us up in the far fields of London. While the two Pauls watched from the sidelines the rest of us set to the lane with cries of, "Bumpers are for children!" and "What do you mean we're supposed to knock the pins down?"

By the end of the second round we had beer, cheer, burgers, nachos, prosecco and even a little boogie (courtesy of Jacqui) under our belts. We then decamped to the bar for a closing drink and natter. There's talk of going to Oak Hill Parkrun and the Phoenix Cinema to see a film at future socials - check the chat (and message Paul or George) for details. Hope to see you there!

Our friends at Ingestre Road Estate in Tufnell Park needed a little help yesterday.

They care for a special woodland area - built and maintained by this community for decades - and a few new bins were in order.

And recycled (made from plastic bottles) were what they ordered. Swish and smart, these bins will withstand the seasons and blend in with the surrounding trees.

Over 90 minutes, this wonderful group of Alison, Caitlin, Cherian, Emily, John, Pete, and Steve drilled holes, affixed latches, and applied bases. They did all this while Pete showed me how to use a drill.

And... while the handiwork was progressing, Emily and Steve also took 15 minutes to plant a patch of rescued (courtesy of Pete) plants, giving an underloved tree a little more company :)

Thank you so much, everyone!

A few GoodGym Barnet members decided to clean up their local Streets as part of the Goodgym January challenge. well done for all your efforts and thanks for pulling together to help hit our January targets. awesome effort!

On Sunday, 19th January, five brilliant members of GoodGym Barnet rolled up their sleeves to support a fantastic local project at Lyttelton Playing Fields. With cool but dry January weather on our side, we got involved in planting a hedgerow, creating a beautiful willow tunnel, and spreading mulch to protect other trees in the area.

A Buzz of Activity

When I arrived, the site was a hive of activity, with volunteers hard at work. Danieland Phil were already busy planting whips for the new hedgerow. Daniel showed me the intriguing technique—using a shovel to lever open a small space, just enough to plant each whip. This hedgerow will not only define a corner of the playing fields but also provide a valuable habitat for local wildlife. It’s a wonderful ecological boost for the area!

True to GoodGym tradition, Daniel had cycled to the event, adding a touch of sustainable transport to the day’s efforts.

Willow Wonders and Mulch Magic

Two of our members Beattieand Cherianturned their attention to the willow tunnel—a striking structure that took shape beautifully. By the time we finished, it was a true piece of living art that will surely delight children (and the young at heart!) for years to come.

Meanwhile, my personal highlight was tackling the mulch pile. Digging, lifting, and spreading mulch over muddy areas and planting zones was an excellent workout and immensely satisfying. It’s always rewarding to see the immediate impact of your efforts on the environment.

A Warm Welcome and a Job Well Done

The organisers had kindly arranged tea and cake at the nearby bowls club, where the turnout was so impressive they could hardly believe it. With so many hands on deck, we managed to complete the work efficiently and in great spirits.

Join Us Next Time!

This project at Lyttelton Playing Fields showcased the heart of GoodGym—combining fitness, community, and fun. Whether you’re planting trees, digging mulch, or just enjoying a well-earned slice of cake, GoodGym offers the perfect way to give back while staying active.

A huge thanks to everyone who came along and to the organisers for hosting such an enjoyable event. We hope to return soon to continue supporting this wonderful community space.

If you’d like to get involved in future GoodGym activities, come join us—you’ll be part of a group that makes a real difference while having a great time. See you next time!