A further three responders attended The Wright Event this weekend to gain their British Off Road Driving Association (BORDA) qualification. This marks the fifth weekend that this valuable training programme has been delivered.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Paul, our Vice Chairman and a qualified BORDA BST, for generously giving his time and expertise to run the course. We are also extremely grateful to The Wright Event, one of our major sponsors, for providing the use of their excellent facilities at Ashtree Farm.

Francis: "Absolutely great course and brilliantly given by Paul. Even with some experience with off-roading certainly learnt a lot generally and specifically about my vehicle. There was a lot of just let the clutch out and it will drive across that 500ft chasm. Tick over through that lake, sharp right and up that vertical cliff…"

James: "Absolutely bang on Francis - and I’ll confess now that I was impressed at the way my Defender went up that slope! Now I want to do more of the same, but just in mine. Really capable vehicles for sure."

South East 4x4 Response is proud to fund this training for members who wish to become BORDA assessed, ensuring our responders continue to develop the specialist skills required to support our communities and partner agencies.

The start of the Kent Carnival season saw one of our responder teams towing the Sittingbourne Carnival Court to Lydd Carnival, helping to ensure the Carnival Court members had a fantastic start to the season.

We were delighted to support the event and play a small part in helping the girls travel safely and begin another exciting year of carnival celebrations.

Our radio network is back online at Detling with our own repeater site located at Detling Showground. This site would not have been possible without all the time and effort that John, one of our members, has put into making it happen, so a massive thank you goes to him along with members who supported on the day.

Canterbury City Council had stopped using the three-repeater system that they owned and kindly donated their equipment to us. We have successfully transferred the licences, and the equipment is now owned and operated by South East 4x4 Response.

Over the summer, we will be visiting all our repeater sites across Kent to ensure that any required maintenance is carried out. This will help us maintain a reliable and robust system ready for the winter months ahead.

A team of our responders took part in Operation St James over the weekend. As part of this initiative with Medway Council, South East 4x4 Response has planned the management of an alternative route across the Isle of Grain Marshes to support emergency service personnel, Medway Council personnel, and other personnel, ensuring continued access to Grain village should the primary access route become unavailable.

To maintain readiness, the route is inspected quarterly by our members - twice during daylight hours and twice during darkness each year - to ensure it remains safe and navigable in all seasons and conditions.

On this occasion, two exercises were conducted, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, allowing participants to test and assess the route's suitability. We were also pleased to be joined by councillors and parish councillors from St James, Isle of Grain Parish Council, who took part in the exercises as part of our ongoing partnership.

Every two years, our Responder and Supporter members are required to renew their operational competencies during a full-day training programme. Members who do not complete this renewal are unable to remain on call until they have attended one of the three training days held throughout the year.

The competencies covered include Radio Communications, including the use of Airwaves; Water Safety (theory and practical); Roads Incident Management (RIM); Traffic Safety; and Traction Assistance. The programme also includes a review of how we use media to promote our group. In addition, members' driving skills and vehicles are assessed to ensure they continue to meet operational standards.

A smaller group attended today's session, enjoying a mixture of classroom-based learning and practical outdoor activities. We are extremely grateful to Kent Police for providing the use of their auditorium and outdoor training facilities at Kent Police College, which enabled us to deliver a comprehensive and engaging training day. Also to our Training Officer and facilitators who delivered sessions today.

Following our recent Emergency First Aid at Work and Forestry First Aid course, certificates were presented to those who successfully completed the training at our monthly meeting.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our Training Officer, Giles, who is fully qualified to deliver both courses, for giving up his weekend to run the training. At the meeting, Giles was pleased to present the certificates to those in attendance, recognising their achievement and commitment to maintaining essential first aid skills.

Recent success on the British Off Road Driving Association course saw a further 2 certificates awarded to those who had recently achieved the award. Beginning with classroom learning about their own vehicle capabilities and limitations, before a session out on the off road course. Our thanks to our Vice Chairman for running the course and to The Wright Event, one of our main sponsors, for the use of their facilities.

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.