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!

Our responder team were on standby in the Leeds Castle car parks during the Leeds Castle Lottery Day which attracted many visitors. Following the heavy rain, the ground was rather sticky and muddy. The team were there to support drivers whose vehicles might become stuck in the muddy conditions. In the event, no help was needed, however, an event helper had an issue with the rear tyre of her Ford Kuga. A responder was at hand to check the tyre pressures on all the tyres, pumping up the rear tyre which was low, to ensure that the owner was able to have a safe journey home.

We would like to thank the Weald of Kent Ploughing Match Association for their very kind donation of £500 towards our funds. Last September responders assisted many drivers during the dreadful muddy conditions at the ploughing match on and off the field.

We would like to thank Invicta Rotary for their kind donation of £150 following a talk given by 2 of our responders about the work we do within the community of Kent as South East 4x4 Response.

Our teams were deployed on Friday night and again for the two days across the weekend, providing transport support to Kent Search & Rescue as their teams continued their search for a missing person in the Canterbury area.

Thank you to the Salvation Army for their support during the search.

Exciting news!!  We have been given a Divisional Commander’s Certificate of Merit by Detective Chief Superintendent, Angela Chapman, for the support South East 4x4 Response provided during the search for a 16 year old boy in November 2024.  Well done to those members of the teams who were out over two weekends providing transport during the extensive search.

Our Chairman, David, has given a talk to new Kent Search and Rescue members on their Induction Day.  David explained who South East 4x4 Response are and how we work with Kent Search and Rescue during searches which require transport for teams, dogs and equipment.  On occasion our responders carry out road searches and provide team protection during these call outs.

At the request of Kent County Council, responders, alongside Kent Search and Rescue volunteers, have been ensuring over 200 of the most vulnerable people in the Tunbridge Wells area have supplies of bottled water during the ongoing water issues. Our responders visited 58 addresses, checking that the residents were ok, giving water out if needed.

Our secretary, Max, has been busy this month meeting with prospective new volunteers wishing to join us this year. Before training can begin they need to apply for and have Kent Police Level 2 Vetting approval. Would you like to join us supporting the organisations and communities of Kent and Medway? Take a look at our Join Us page. Interested? We look forward to hearing from you.

On the way home from the Kent Police call out to the burnt out vehicle on the byway, one of the responders offered assistance to Kent Police who were by a flood which had 3 cars stranded in it. He drove through the water to slow vehicles approaching the deep water at speed on the corner before the flood. Once the incident was resolved he headed home. What an eventful night!