Saturday saw our team of South East 4x4 Response Chainsaw Operatives take part in an "experience gaining" exercise.  Leeds Castle, provided a woodland area with fallen trees and other challenges. The team tackled a number of these fallen trees, all simulating what they might come across on Kent highways following stormy weather and a Kent Police call out. 

They were set the task of assessing each scenario from a health and safety aspect and working out which was the best and safest way to clear each tree. These were trees which had fallen straight onto the floor thus simulating a blocked road. Smaller trees caught on bushes, or other obstacles, simulated the way trees might hang over a roadway.  It was a great morning for the members to get their hands dirty and to practise the skills they have been taught during their City and Guilds accredited training course. 

We have a dedicated volunteer team of trained and qualified Chainsaw Responders who are ready to keep our Kent roads open when requested to do so by Kent Police.

Members from South East 4x4 Response could be found supporting their fellow volunteers from the Kent Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance Charity on their Heli Fun Day at The Friars, Aylesford.

South East 4x4 Response members along with Kent Search and Rescue members had the pleasure of marshalling the British Heart Foundation London to Brighton Bike Ride. With over 2000 riders cycling off road for 61 miles of superb views and technical terrain, it was a long but pleasurable day ensuring a safe ride for all.

Our fundraising team were in full force over the Biddenden TractorFest weekend raising funds to purchase much needed equipment to keep our volunteers safe on call outs. For those children interested in what we do, our mini 4x4's were available for a quick off road experience on the field.

South East 4x4 Response teams were at Leeds Castle's Motors by the Mote weekend, sharing with visitors the volunteer support we provide over the course of a year. One of our 2 ton trucks was available for teams of visitors to have a go at tugging over a set distance via a towing strop. Members helped out as necessary to make sure that all were successful.

South East 4x4 Response were proudly supporting Cancer Research UK at the Race for Life in Mote Park, Maidstone, over the weekend!

We were pleased to join other emergency volunteer services sharing what we do to support Kent Police at their annual show. This year our brand new emergency inflatable shelter was on show along with much of the equipment we have for our volunteers to use, dependent on the situation we have been called to support.

Several South East 4x4 Response members were at Minnis Bay to support Kent Fire and Rescue Service at their Meet and Greet afternoon for the local population. For us, this was the second of several being held. A good time was had by all attending.

We are extremely grateful to Logistics and Security, Maidstone, who have kindly donated two fire safety sticks to help equip our two new lottery funded response trailers. The presentation by Lawrence Cullinane and Matt Bassett to Max Webb, Trustee and Information Office, South East 4x4 Response, took place at Leeds Castle

South East 4x4 Response, are celebrating being awarded £10,000 in National Lottery funding. The cheque presented by Helen Bonser-Wilton, Chief Executive of Leeds Castle will support our work with providing voluntary assistance to emergency services, communities, Kent County Council and other agencies, particularly in time of adverse weather and when resources are stretched. We have used the money to replace our pre-existing response trailer with two new trailers and to refurbish the livery on an older trailer.