South East 4x4 Response were at Motors by the Moat for the two day event at Leeds Castle. A lovely weekend where we were able to show case what we do as a group of volunteers along with showing some of our volunteer's 4x4 vehicles. Children were able to take turns in our 3 tiny 4x4 vehicles at the stand. Parents and children, although mostly Mums, had a go had pulling a 2 ton truck. No assistance from the driver with many very successful pulls! Well done to all the families who took part in the Truck Pull. Fun was had by all. At the close of the event each day our 4x4 vehicles led the parade of vehicles taking part.
We have a social side to our group, it's not all hard work. This weekend saw members along with their families enjoy a weekend camp earning some well earned RNR. Good fun was had by all with a very convivial atmosphere. Thank you to Ride House Farm, Eastchurch for supporting the weekend with the use of their facilities and making us so welcome.
Responders have been out again on two weekends towing the Sittingbourne Carnival Court to both the Ramsgate Carnival and the Whitstable Carniva, where the float once again won the trophy. Well done to Sittingbourne and District Carnival and Court Association.
South East 4x4 Response were pleased to be supporting this year's Canterbury Bike Ride which had been organised by Iconic Cycling. The ride in aid of the Kent MS Therapy Centre and Canterbury Wheelchair Rugby began at the Rugby Club in Canterbury circling out into the Kent countryside depending on the route taken. The ride consisted of 3 routes: short, medium and long. Each route was supported by one of our volunteers vehicles. Support was given at the feeding stations and with taking down the numerous signs making the way of each route at the close of the day. One of our responders rescued 3 cyclists who had issues enroute, ferrying them and their bikes back to the starting point.
Three of our South East 4x4 Response team attended the Sevenoaks Volunteer Fair hosted at The Stag Theatre. It was good to meet those who were looking for volunteering opportunities and to chat with our colleagues on the police stall.
Members of our team were out supporting Cancer Research with their Race for Life at Mote Park, Maidstone, from Friday to Sunday, helping set out the routes for the race days, transporting equipment to various points, handing out water to runners and helping with the removal of the route "markers".
Our team have been at the Kent County Show for 3 days, fund raising and sharing the work that we, as a team of volunteers, are involved in. Fun was had by all despite the heat on two of the days and the massive downpour on Sunday afternoon.
A massive thank you to Trevor Voisey, Director of Lemon Labels, who has sponsored our South East 4x4 Response stickers this year. We give the stickers out at various events we attend throughout the year.
We are thrilled that Ian Wright, owner of The Wright Event, has offered to sponsor South East 4x4 Response. The agreement was finalised by Ian Wright and David Mills, Chairman of South East 4x4 Response, this week. Paul Thrale, Vice Chairman, has been the major instigator in brokering the agreement. The Wright Event will be our major sponsor and we look forward to working with them.
Eleven of our members, along with family, who own Defenders, travelled in convoy to the Dunsfold Collection for The Rover Social yesterday. A lovely day with plenty of time to socialise whilst viewing the large collection of historic Land Rovers, mainly Defender based. Two members from Hampshire 4x4 Response joined us for the event. There was an opportunity to share good practice between the two groups. We also spotted members from both Sussex and Surrey 4x4 Response groups with Defenders too.
