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.

There's no stopping our responder volunteers! Between Christmas and New Year, 6 of them were at our sponsor's, The Wright Event, learning about 4 wheel drive systems along with putting into practise what had been learnt during the classroom session.

Team members joined Kent Search and Rescue for a training exercise at our major sponsor, The Wright Event. Search teams were formed covering a specific area looking for clues and reporting finds back to control. The scene was then managed. Training together gives us a clearer understanding of the work that Kent Search and Rescue do to enable us to support in the best way possible. Thank you to Kent Search and Rescue for inviting us to join the training and to The Wright Event for use of their facilities.

Congratulations to our 4 new members who completed their initial training over the two days of the weekend. Welcome to our team!