We would like to thank Trevor at Lemon Labels for the very kind donation of 12 rolls of stickers for our Truck Pull Challenge. We will be giving them out to those brave enough to take part in our 2 tonne truck pull at certain events this year, whether they are children or adults.

South East 4x4 Response were at the Kent Voluntary Sector Emergency Group (KVSEG) Services and Capabilities Event sharing our good practice with other emergency groups, along with the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF). Four of our team attended supporting the event where our Chairman, David, gave a 15 minute presentation on our offering to KVSEG. Also attending to show their offering were Kent Search and Rescue, South East Cave Rescue Organisation, SE Air Search, Raynet, British Red Cross, Kent Fire & Rescue Service, Salvation Army, along with Rotary South East. There was plenty of time before, during and after to network and share common interests where groups might work together in the future.

Our volunteers left the M20 services at Maidstone to travel in convoy to the Dover Transport Museum for a social visit and to display their vehicles for a couple of hours for the general public to view. After a lengthy visit, coffee, cake, and social chat, the group set off for the second venue in Thanet. An amazing lunch was served for all at The Spitfire Museum's café. Our thanks go to the café staff for such a wonderful treat. A visit to the interesting Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum followed. A lovely social day out for all involved - we're looking forward to our next safari.

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.