One of our winter deployments this year was in and around the village of Yalding, owing to flooding in the area. The residents are always incredibly generous with cups of tea, biscuits and cake to those responders manning road closures during floods. This week, our Chairman, David Mills, assisted by responders Stuart and Cameron, gave a talk to the community about the support we offer within the wider area of Kent and with the emergency services. The Parish Council showed their gratitude by presenting the group with a generous donation of £500 which we were delighted to receive.
South East 4x4 Responders were out supporting Kent Search and Rescue's Kent Charity Trek, manning marshal points and providing support at White Horse Wood. Kent Search and Rescue, a charity we work closely with, created the event for other Kent-based charities, to help as many people as possible in our local community. Walkers had the challenge of a 25 Km or a 55Km walk from Chatham Dockyard to Eastwell Manor for those walking the whole distance. One young man found the going particularly difficult owing to knee issues. One of our responders provided a chair for him to rest his weary legs and arranged a lift back to the start for him. All funds raised from this event will go directly to local charities in Kent.
Two of our team responded late last night to a call from Kent Search and Rescue. They provided transport for the search teams looking for a missing 77 year old.
As a member of the Kent Voluntary Sector Emergency Group (KVSEG), South East 4x4 Response were pleased to have a stand within the Resilience Fayre area to show our capabilities which KMRF members could use in an emergency situation. A series of interesting talks were attended by all, both KMRF and KSVEG groups. It was good to have the opportunity to network with other groups within KSVEG as well as members of KMRF.
Our AGM saw the appointment of a new treasurer for the group along with annual reports given from all the committee members who highlighted key developments during the previous year. A raffle for second hand digital radios, kindly donated by Bexley Council, gave the 5 winning members the opportunity to have their own radio. The proceeds went to boost our charity funds.
A group of our responders, along with the police in their own vehicle, carried out a successful training exercise for emergency evacuation along the seawall of the Thames estuary on behalf of Medway Council.
South East 4x4 Response provided logistical support for Kent Search and Rescue today on the Isle of Sheppey whilst they and Kent Police searched for a missing male. A positive outcome for all.
KSAR requested logistical support from two of our larger 4x4 vehicles on their training day. Two of our volunteers were pleased to support and spend the day transporting the KSAR teams to different locations. They returned the teams to the rendezvous point after they had finished the various search activities. It was lovely to have one of our trustees observing the process to see how we work with KSAR.
South East 4x4 Response volunteers supporting the Emergency Services Day were pleased to welcome people to our stall. Whilst there the team were able to have a number of our chainsaws security marked by the rural police. A very enjoyable day to support.
South East 4x4 Response volunteers braved the icy northerly winds at Detling Heritage Transport Show to begin our year of fundraising for our non-profit charity. A number of our volunteers' 4x4 vehicles were on display for the public to view. People visiting our display chanced their luck with the Tombola to win prizes. We were delighted to swap stickers with two young visitors, one of ours for another stall's sticker from Sticky Monkey.
