A responder was on hand to support the Cancer Research Race for Life event in Folkestone. He assisted with setting up equipment around the site, collecting it at the end of the event, and transporting event managers between various locations throughout the morning.

For our second social event of the year, members travelled in convoy to the Dunsfold Collection, where owner Ian Bashall gave us a private tour. His fascinating talk covered both the history of the collection and the stories behind many of the vehicles on display.

We also enjoyed a selection of delicious cakes and sausage rolls prepared by Jan, one of the museum's volunteers, along with snacks, soft drinks, tea, and coffee.

The visit was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone and provided a wonderful opportunity to support another charitable organisation.

As Volunteers' Week draws to a close, we would like to take a moment to thank and celebrate the incredible volunteers who give so much of their time to support the work of South East 4x4 Response.

Our volunteers play a vital role in everything we do, from supporting Kent Search and Rescue, Kent Police, the NHS, and charities such as Cancer Research and Heart of Kent Hospice, to assisting at the many community events we are called upon to support throughout the year. We are also grateful to our fundraising team, who work tirelessly during the busy summer months.

A special thank you goes to our Controllers, who provide 24/7 cover, 365 days a year, answering calls as they come in and co-ordinating responder teams to attend incidents and provide support where needed.

We would also like to recognise the dedication of our Trustees and Committee members, whose hard work behind the scenes keeps the charity running smoothly. And, of course, thank you to all our Responders, Supporters, and Associates, whose commitment and generosity make such a difference.

Every volunteer contribution, no matter how big or small, helps us continue serving our communities. Thank you for everything you do.

One of our responders was first on the scene of an accident on his way to work. Fortunately, both the occupants of the car, an adult and a child, were unharmed, although a little shaken by the event. Having helped them out of the car and ensure they were safe, he directed traffic around the incident until the police arrived. Leaving the scene, he headed to work to begin a busy day.

A responder team was out supporting the Cancer Research Race for Life in Tunbridge Wells. The team supported by moving set up equipment around the site, collecting the equipment at the end and ferrying event managers to and from various locations.

We would like to thank all those who came along and supported our first charity fundraising event, a quiz held at the Platt Memorial Hall. We raised £830, all of which will purchase much needed workshop kit for the City of Rochester School, a specialist provision for young people with autism. It was a fun evening, enjoyed by all who attended.

Additional thanks to all those who donated some great prizes for the raffle The Wright Event; Leeds Castle, Kent; Leeds Castle Falconry & Wildlife Team

Another three responders were at The Wright Event to gain the British Off Road Driving Association (BORDA) qualification this weekend. This is the fourth weekend the training has been held. We would like to thank Paul, our Vice Chairman, who is a BORDA BST for giving his time to run the course and The Wright Event, one of our major sponsors, for use of their facilities at Ashtree Farm. South East 4x4 Response is kindly funding the training for members who wish to become BORDA assessed.

Eight responders attended an Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course this weekend. Having completed the six hour course, they stayed on for a further two hours to gain the Forestry First Aid qualification alongside the EFAW award. An intensive day, full of necessary information for emergency situations with practical applications of skills being learnt. We would like to thank our Training Officer, Giles, who is fully qualified to deliver both courses for us, who delivered a very engaging day. Please note that all our optional courses are open to all our volunteers throughout the year.

We were pleased to loan our air shelter to Kent Search and Rescue, for their annual Kent Charity Trek. The trek is a walking challenge, which gives an opportunity to support Kent-based charities whilst exploring the very best of our county. The air shelter was erected in the early morning at White Horse Wood Country Park, Thurnham, for those completing the 25k challenge, whilst others went on to complete a 50k walk.

This week saw 11 of our responders attend Chainsaw Support training, given by one of our fully trained chainsaw operatives. Training covered amongst other key points, how to work safely alongside a chainsaw operative; how to communicate safely; where to stand and what to be aware of; working on slopes along with the dangers of root balls. Following the theory session the team headed out, armed with brand new orange whistles, to join 3 of our chainsaw operatives to put into practise what had been learnt during the session. Conveniently an additional tree had fallen earlier in the day to join two other trees which had fallen previously. Working in teams with a chainsaw operative for each team, the trees were removed from blocking the trackways at Ashtree Farm. We are very grateful to The Wright Event, one of our major sponsors, for allowing the training to take place at their venue.