Where to start with trying to sum this year up!?

2021 has been another hard year for many amongst us due to COVID-19.

We have seen it all from the snow and flooding early on in the year, where we had Responders transporting district nurses and carers to patients. To the inclusion in a BBC Crimewatch episode, showcasing the work we do as Responders. During January alone we covered over 2500 miles with no less than 18 Responders deployed, many doing multiple deployments.

We have an exciting year in store for 2022 with many things waiting in the wings such as water safety training for all Responders.

Also we have been truly humbled to be a part of some amazing events, be this assisting at the Welsh Xtrem and ONE50, or the countless other events and shows that our events team consistently organise. Some standout events this year are the Cancer Research UK Race for Life events. It’s been truly humbling to be part of these, and we are looking forward to our involvement in the next season.

This year has seen some outstanding training taking place across the whole syllabus from off road driving and radio operations, to aedtraining, and all in between.

We have also carried out off road driving and winter awareness for some of our partner organisations.

The coming year will will not see us stand still, but we will move forward and with the help and support of all the new members and seasoned Responders we shall strive to build on the hard work and sound foundations of the the Group, as well as ensure we are giving the best service we can in the most professional manner possible.

So let’s all raise a glass to one another not just those in our own Group but to all of 4×4 Response Wales and our extended family Network of 4×4 Response UK for 2022.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ONE AND ALL!!

BLWYDDYN NEWYDD DDA I CHI GYD!!

4×4 Response South Wales are delighted to have been selected as Community Champions and receive this generous donation from Persimmon Homes. The donation will be used to purchase additional equipment and provide further training for our forever increasing group of responders and volunteers. Here is the press release from Persimmon –

Responders backed with grand donationA volunteer group which uses 4×4 vehicles to deliver essentials medicines and food to hard-to-reach places during times of emergency has received a financial boost from a local housebuilder.4×4 Response Wales swings into action during severe weather such as snow and floods to access routes that normal vehicles cannot cope with.

The charity has been boosted by a £1,000 donation from Persimmon Homes East Wales through the Community Champions scheme.

Each month Persimmon donates up to £64,000 to good causes across the UK – and up to £4,000 to groups in Wales.

James Ward, South Wales Group Coordinator for 4×4 Response, said: “We’re delighted to receive this generous donation from Persimmon Homes.

“We cover the whole of Wales, providing support to the Emergency Planning Officers, the Emergency Services and other organisations, such as local health boards.

“We are required when it’s necessary to access routes that normal vehicles can’t. For example, during the first coronavirus lockdown, our responders were tasked with delivering prescriptions and medications to patients who were classed as vulnerable or shielding.

“We also delivered food supplies to those in need, including families with children who were forced to stay at home, as well as transporting nurses to stranded patients.

“Funding such as this from Persimmon helps us to continue our invaluable work.”

Victoria Williams, Sales Director at Persimmon Homes East Wales, said: “We’re proud to be able to support such a worthy cause with this money.

“These hardy volunteers go out on the roads in people’s hour of need.

“Whether it’s delivering medicine, food, or transporting people, the work they do is crucial.”

Persimmon currently has stunning homes for sale across South Wales, including St Ederyns Village in Cardiff, The Parish @ Llanilltern Village in Creigiau and Willow Court in Llantilio Pertholey.

For more information, visit www.persimmonhomes.com

To apply for Community Champions funding, visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity

In light of the time of year and the season of giving the The Welsh Event team kindly donated a defibrillator to us. There are no words to describe how grateful we are for this extremely generous gift. It will come now to all events and training we host. 4×4 Response South Wales hope to never find ourselves in a situation where we need to use our defib. However we now have the confidence knowing it’ll be available to our responders should anyone ever require it. As a group we are extremely lucky to have undergone defibrillator training to accompany our our gift.

We were very lucky for the kind weather last weekend for the One50. The members were out in force from manning the main gate/car park, a spot of race marshalling, being part of the refuelling team, giving out competitor key tags and Covid marshalling. Luckily all our members have undertaken marshal training as it certainly came in handy as they were finally allowed spectators at the event. The team could never stand still for too long without being called upon. However team work is all part and parcel of a well run event which the One50 and any of the The Welsh events always are. Not too long now till the next one!

Help 4×4 Response Wales when you check out with easyfundraising!

With Christmas just around the corner and online retail sales soaring, please can we encourage you to support us by joining easyfundraising and choosing 4×4 Response Wales as your chosen cause.

https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/4x4responsewales

It is free to use and easy to set up on your computer browser, or by using the dedicated apps found in the relevant app store on your smart phone or tablet.

How does it work?

Whenever you shop online and access your usual shops through the easyfundraising website/app, retailers will donate a percentage of the cost to our charity at no cost to yourself.

To quote easyfundraising – “Easyfundraising is the UK’s biggest charity shopping site. It’s simple and free to use! Since 2005 we’ve helped thousands of good causes turn everyday shopping into free donations”

Thank you for your continued support

Responders gathered to spend the day, covering subjects including ‘First On Scene’, Dynamic Risk Assessments, Safety and Preparation, Off-Road and Severe Weather Driving Techniques and Recovery Procedures.

This included practical exercises on winching techniques, hi-lift farm jack use, and off-road driving tasks.

Each responder took away something worthwhile whether it be new skills learned, increased confidence in own ability, or a more efficient and thoughtful approach to a variety of differing problems, situations and scenarios. Many gained a greater awareness and appreciation of the subjects covered which they can apply in practice on future 4×4 Response Duties, aiding our partner organisations.

An enjoyable day was had by all that attended and it was a chance to meet and greet new members and fellow responders from the 4×4 Response South East Wales Team also.

Massive gratitude to our training team for making the event an interesting, informative and rewarding experience. A great foundation training day to build upon, well done all!

Over the past few weeks, members of 4×4 Response South Wales and South West Wales have assisted marshaling charity events across South Wales. We are glad and proud to have helped out at these events. It is always a pleasure to see the attendees enjoying themselves as they help raise money for #RaceforLife and #CardiffShine.

Amongst the joy, smiles, banter and humour which was a feature at these events – let’s not forget for some, it has a particularly poignant melancholy wistful and subdued aspect.

For them, the events they attended are causes close to their heart, or an inspiration that gave them the drive, determination, will power and strength to complete the event often with a tear in the eye at the finish line. You are amazing and your efforts help raise awareness and vital funds to aid Cancer research.

“Saturday absolutely blew my mind. 16.5 hours we were on site for on apparently the warmest October evening on record and the support and team work that came from you all was honestly unreal.
We are all at the point where we are starting to run on fumes now after some of the busiest weeks together and you all just came together and got our one and only Welsh Shine absolutely flying off the ground and made sure it was the best possible experience for our supporters.

The night sky of Cardiff was completely lit up with fairy lights, glow sticks, smiles, tears, laughter, selfies, glitter, adrenaline, excitement, dancing marshals, glowing zone managers and just the best atmosphere.”

“has been beyond a pleasure having you with us at my events, especially in such a challenging year. Each and every responder who has volunteered with us has been charming, enthusiastic, motivating to our volunteers and supporters and I hope this is a partnership that will keep going and going because now you’re a part of the family I’m not letting go”

– Sophie, Cancer Research UK

RACE FOR LIFE

4×4 Response South (& South West) Wales have been asked to assist with a series of #charity runs on behalf of Cancer Research UK . Under the banner Cancer Research UK Race for Life, the events will be held at various towns and Cities over the forthcoming weeks, and our 4×4 Response group are both honoured and privileged to have been asked to give logistical help and support. It’s a fantastic cause and we were both grateful and humbled to be part of the collaboration.

The first of these events took place today at the Newbridge fields, Bridgend and four of our members were there to assist. Our main duties included setting up / dismantling the twin course ( 3k and 5k runs ), marshaling duties and giving vocal support to those taking part.

We couldn’t help but be impressed by the degree of professionalism dedication and efficiency demonstrated by the organiser’s team.They were cool calm focused and displayed a maturity well beyond their comparative youth.

Again 4×4 Response South Wales proved that we’re ‘#notjustforsnow‘, and were pleased to have enhanced our reputation, public recognition and favourable acceptance, by assisting with a worthy cause and long may this particular partnership flourish.

A massive thank you to the Cancer Research team members for giving us a wonderful welcome and making us feel at ease from the very beginning.

Well done to our Response team for the effort they put in, and I’m sure the sight of so many people (both organisational and those taking part) enjoying themselves immensely and raising vital funds for Cancer Research UK, was reward enough.

4×4 Response South Wales – Proves we are certainly not just here for snow!

As we come to the end of August, we look back at what has been an exceptionally busy yet enjoyable month for all our volunteers and responders.

welshxtrem 2021 – August began with our involvement with this exciting motorsport event. We were responsible for a number of important aspects of this event including the management of the track and trace and Covid safe procedures to ensure the safe running of the event. When not on rota we were able to experience the action which was a real privilege, as the event was sadly closed to the public due to limitations caused by the pandemic.

‘Face to Face’ Monthly Meet – for the first time in over 18months we were able to hold a face to face monthly meeting for our members. It was nice to catch up with everyone in person rather than via zoom, however for those members that were unable to make the meeting it was streamed live so nobody missed out. At this meeting we also had a presentation to show our appreciation to our regional coordinator James ‘Wardy’ Ward for the way in which he expertly managed our taskings throughout the challenging lockdowns. Thanks to his expertise along with his team’s professionalism we were able to support our MOU partners and the most vulnerable in our communities.

Porthcawl Truck Show – following on from supporting a charitable truck run a few months back, some of our members joined the big rigs at this event in Porthcawl. Fantastic event with lots of visitors, and another way to tell the wider public what we do as a group. Thanks to our members for representing 4×4 Response Wales at this event.

Swansea vintage cars how , Singleton Park – After a two year break due to the pandemic, the Swansea Vintage Car Show was back up and running last weekend. Our responders turned up in force to support this popular regional event with a mix of vehicles which attracted a lot of attention. It was a great day out with fantastic group of friends. Other than meeting the public to tell them about our organisation we also held a charity raffle of a signed Mikahakkinen kindly donated by one of our members. We raised over £150 for 4×4 Response South Wales and the winner was extremely happy. Thank you to everyone that bought a ticket to support our cause.

If you would like to join our fantastic team at 4×4 Response South Wales as a volunteer, or wish to join us and undergo training to become a responder, advanced responder or even a controller then please get in touch with us, you don’t even need a 4×4!

Congratualtions to the winner of our raffle at the Single Classic Car Show! Here’s one very happy gentleman receiving their prize from today’s raffle. He couldn’t be happier and is sending pictures to his relatives in Kent.