This week saw 11 of our responders attend Chainsaw Support training, given by one of our fully trained chainsaw operatives. Training covered amongst other key points, how to work safely alongside a chainsaw operative; how to communicate safely; where to stand and what to be aware of; working on slopes along with the dangers of root balls. Following the theory session the team headed out, armed with brand new orange whistles, to join 3 of our chainsaw operatives to put into practise what had been learnt during the session. Conveniently an additional tree had fallen earlier in the day to join two other trees which had fallen previously. Working in teams with a chainsaw operative for each team, the trees were removed from blocking the trackways at Ashtree Farm. We are very grateful to The Wright Event, one of our major sponsors, for allowing the training to take place at their venue.

The first three responders to complete a day's British Off Road Driving Association (BORDA) Standard training at Ashtree Farm, home of our sponsor, The Wright Event. Following the recent heavy rain the off road course presented challenging conditions for drivers. We are fortunate in having, Paul, our Vice Chair, who is a BORDA BST, on our team. South East 4x4 Response is kindly funding the training for members who wish to become BORDA assessed.

There's no stopping our responder volunteers! Between Christmas and New Year, 6 of them were at our sponsor's, The Wright Event, learning about 4 wheel drive systems along with putting into practise what had been learnt during the classroom session.

Fourteen of our members, acting as marshals, supported The Monty Peters Historic Sporting Trial at The Wright Event, our major sponsor. It was a fun day for the 56 competitors involved as historic sports cars raced around an off road track. Although a dry morning, previous rainfall plus further rainfall towards the end of the event made the track slightly challenging for the historic vehicles.

Our chainsaw teams have been out honing their chainsaw skills at The Wright Event, our major sponsor, ready for the autumn and winter storm seasons. Many thanks to The Wright Event for the use of their grounds for this event.

We are thrilled that Ian Wright, owner of The Wright Event, has offered to sponsor South East 4x4 Response. The agreement was finalised by Ian Wright and David Mills, Chairman of South East 4x4 Response, this week. Paul Thrale, Vice Chairman, has been the major instigator in brokering the agreement. The Wright Event will be our major sponsor and we look forward to working with them.