Just a perfect day today as the sun shone happily down on us for our second trip along the river to help out our friends Harriet and Phil at Strawberry lane allotment.

Phil greeted us and ran through our tasks. Most of us would be moving manure from the hill on one side of the allotment up to the hill on the other side so it could be spread around the base of the newly planted fruit trees. These had been supplied by the council as part of the 'one tree per child' scheme.

The task was a tricky one with a fairly treacherous slope for the wheelbarrows but there was great teamwork in evidence as people split into teams of manure diggers, barrow wielders, cardboard cutters (to site under the manure) and muck spreaders. Good to see Julie able to help out after taking a tumble from her bike last week.

The remainder of the group worked to dig up some of the remaining bramble roots. Nice to see everyone being so thorough here - Caroline in particular excavating almost down to sea level to ensure no pesky specimens returned.

Our task finished, there were some surprises in store. Chris had hit 200 good deeds today so received the customary celebratory T-shirt (thanks Matt). Better still, it turned out that he had run all the way to the task carrying an ice box full of ice creams and lollies - just perfect for the sunny weather! Congratulations Chris, your love of sugary cereals is legendary, your 5 year commitment to GG Bristol outstanding and you're still the go-to guy if ever there is a mattock to be wielded.

But there was more. Not only had our hosts supplied us with refreshments on our arrival but they now laid on something stronger so with a certain royal wedding going on elsewhere, we could properly toast our very own royalty, GG Bristols Monarch of the Mattock, Chris.