Responders were on standby over the weekend of the Leeds Castle Fireworks to assist those attending the fireworks should their vehicles become hampered by difficult ground conditions. Fortunately on this occasion the ground was dry as the weather held off further rainfall. All were able to leave swiftly without hinderance. A wonderful firework display enjoyed by all.

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.

South East 4x4 Response volunteers were on hand during the Leeds Castle National Lottery Day to assist any vehicles which might need traction assistance owing to difficult terrain or slippery car park surfaces. No support was required on this occasion.

Our teams have been out throughout the Fireworks season supporting events in Northiam and Danson along with those at Cornwallis Academy and Leeds Castle, covering a variety of roles from closing roads to ensure the safety of Bonfire Society processions, managing parking and offering assistance to those vehicles which found the muddy car park surfaces too difficult to negotiate or had a flat battery for example.

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.

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.

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.

Following torrential rain prior to the Easter Weekend, South East 4x4 Response members were at Leeds Castle to help visitors in the car park whose vehicles became stuck in the muddy conditions. Several traction assists were carried out to help visitors on their homeward journeys.