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.

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.

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.

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.

The third group of three responders recently completed a day's British Off Road Driving Association (BORDA) Standard training at Ashtree Farm, home of our sponsor, The Wright Event. Following the recent heavy rain the off road course presented challenging conditions for drivers. We are fortunate in having, Paul, our Vice Chair, who is a BORDA BST, on our team. South East 4x4 Response is kindly funding the training for members who wish to become BORDA assessed.

Our second Operational Commander Training this year saw 10 Responders, 6 of whom are also Controllers, requalify or become newly qualified Operational Commanders. The training covered roles during incidents held by the emergency services, our roles and the need to adhere to JESIP - the Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Programme.

The first of our training weekends took place over two days in early March, with 4 new members undergoing full competency training along with initiation into our working practices on Day 1. They were joined by a group of existing members on the second day who were renewing their competencies. The competency training is undertaken by all responders and supporters on a bi-annual basis. Our new members on passing the weekend were congratulated and given sleeved hi-vis tabards along with car stickers and their badges. The hard working group of trainers who led the weekend sessions alongside our Training Officer received very positive feedback on sessions. Well done all!

The first three responders to complete a day's British Off Road Driving Association (BORDA) Standard training at Ashtree Farm, home of our sponsor, The Wright Event. Following the recent heavy rain the off road course presented challenging conditions for drivers. We are fortunate in having, Paul, our Vice Chair, who is a BORDA BST, on our team. South East 4x4 Response is kindly funding the training for members who wish to become BORDA assessed.