South East 4x4 Response was proud to support the Cancer Research UK Race for Life event in Maidstone over the weekend at Mote Park.

Our team of responders was on hand throughout the two-day event, assisting with setting up the course before the races and dismantling it once the event had concluded. They also transported marshals to their designated locations around the course, helping to ensure the event ran safely, efficiently, and smoothly.

It was a fantastic weekend, and we were delighted to play a small part in supporting such an inspiring event. Congratulations to everyone who took part, volunteered, and organised the event, helping to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK.

Traction assistance can often present unexpected challenges, with every recovery bringing its own unique circumstances. Even at the Kent County Show, you never quite know what the day will bring!

We had a fantastic weekend at the Kent County Show, sharing the work of South East 4x4 Response with the thousands of visitors to the show.

It was a great opportunity to meet members of the public, explain how we support our communities and partner agencies, and talk to people interested in volunteering with the group. Thank you to our dedicated volunteers, whose enthusiasm and commitment made the three day event a success.

Our Fundraising Team spent Saturday at The Historic Dockyard Chatham supporting the Armed Forces Day celebrations.

Despite the very warm weather at the end of the recent heatwave, it was a busy and enjoyable day for everyone who attended. We would like to thank the many visitors who stopped by our stall, helping to raise funds for much-needed equipment for our Controller Duty Team.

A special thank you goes to Chris, who spends countless hours wrapping gifts for our tombola, and to everyone who generously donates prizes. Your continued support and generosity play a vital role in helping us raise the funds needed to continue our work.

South East 4x4 Response was proud to support the Cancer Research UK Race for Life event in Brighton over the weekend.

One of our responders, using one of the group's trailers, assisted with setting up the course before the event and dismantling it once the races had finished. Throughout the weekend, they also transported marshals to their designated locations around the course, helping to ensure the event ran safely and smoothly.

It was a fantastic two days, and we were delighted to play a small part in supporting such an inspiring event, raising vital funds for Cancer Research UK.

Our radio network is back online at Detling with our own repeater site located at Detling Showground. This site would not have been possible without all the time and effort that John, one of our members, has put into making it happen, so a massive thank you goes to him along with members who supported on the day.

Canterbury City Council had stopped using the three-repeater system that they owned and kindly donated their equipment to us. We have successfully transferred the licences, and the equipment is now owned and operated by South East 4x4 Response.

Over the summer, we will be visiting all our repeater sites across Kent to ensure that any required maintenance is carried out. This will help us maintain a reliable and robust system ready for the winter months ahead.

A team of our responders took part in Operation St James over the weekend. As part of this initiative with Medway Council, South East 4x4 Response has planned the management of an alternative route across the Isle of Grain Marshes to support emergency service personnel, Medway Council personnel, and other personnel, ensuring continued access to Grain village should the primary access route become unavailable.

To maintain readiness, the route is inspected quarterly by our members - twice during daylight hours and twice during darkness each year - to ensure it remains safe and navigable in all seasons and conditions.

On this occasion, two exercises were conducted, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, allowing participants to test and assess the route's suitability. We were also pleased to be joined by councillors and parish councillors from St James, Isle of Grain Parish Council, who took part in the exercises as part of our ongoing partnership.

Every two years, our Responder and Supporter members are required to renew their operational competencies during a full-day training programme. Members who do not complete this renewal are unable to remain on call until they have attended one of the three training days held throughout the year.

The competencies covered include Radio Communications, including the use of Airwaves; Water Safety (theory and practical); Roads Incident Management (RIM); Traffic Safety; and Traction Assistance. The programme also includes a review of how we use media to promote our group. In addition, members' driving skills and vehicles are assessed to ensure they continue to meet operational standards.

A smaller group attended today's session, enjoying a mixture of classroom-based learning and practical outdoor activities. We are extremely grateful to Kent Police for providing the use of their auditorium and outdoor training facilities at Kent Police College, which enabled us to deliver a comprehensive and engaging training day. Also to our Training Officer and facilitators who delivered sessions today.

Following our recent Emergency First Aid at Work and Forestry First Aid course, certificates were presented to those who successfully completed the training at our monthly meeting.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our Training Officer, Giles, who is fully qualified to deliver both courses, for giving up his weekend to run the training. At the meeting, Giles was pleased to present the certificates to those in attendance, recognising their achievement and commitment to maintaining essential first aid skills.

Recent success on the British Off Road Driving Association course saw a further 2 certificates awarded to those who had recently achieved the award. Beginning with classroom learning about their own vehicle capabilities and limitations, before a session out on the off road course. Our thanks to our Vice Chairman for running the course and to The Wright Event, one of our main sponsors, for the use of their facilities.