OK, OK.... yes I know I should do this more often!

 

I can't believe it has been six months since my last blog post. Things have been really busy but that's not much of an excuse.

 

February saw our first operational call outs in the week of snow with Jason (HT02) having the honour of our first call out. Which ironically enough wasn't even in Hertfordshire as he was called to assist a Paramedic to get to work from near Bedford to Amptill Ambulance Station. The rest of the week saw several call outs but also a number of abortive calls too. This I supposed is to be expected as we were still untried with many of the user agencies and it took a little time to show just what our capabilities are.

 

The following week, I attended a national workshop on "Community Resilience" organised by the Civil Contingencies Secretariat of the Cabinet Office. This was to kick start the Government's agenda for community resilience i.e. communities helping themselves in times of need. Now why does that sound familiar! It was a meeting of voluntry agencies and professionals and it was pleasing to realise just how well known 4x4 Response is becoming.

 

Other good news is that we are on the point of signing a Memorandum of Understanding with HEVEC, the Hertfordshire Emergency Volunteers Committee (Part of the Hertfordshire Resilience Forum), more details on the News Page.

 

We now have our first delivery of jackets, so can present a professional image when called out or attending events. any members who have not yet got one, do get in touch. I am now investigating some hi-viz vests given that we seem to be moving into a heat wave!

 

The 4x4 Response first National AGM was held on the 21st June and I was formerly voted in as National Treasurer, a role I had previously only volunteered myself for. Bob Hatcher (Wessex) was confirmed as Chairman and Alasdair Kirk (Gloucestershire) as Secretary. We also gained two additional trustees in the shape of Simon Bentley (Yorks & Lincs) and Paul Johns (PJ) (Hants & Berks), which will help to share the load.

 

Well that's all for now, hopefully you won't have to wait vanother six months to read anything here!