The difficult second album...
The first of something always has novelty on its side; now I have to collate something that is not noticeably worse than the first one. The big article is about the group communications and the roll out of the BroadNet cellular radio system. Also included are pictures from PoppyFields and some outline details of duties coming up.
If you have a message you would like to get to all members, please contact me for entry in the next edition!
Jeremy Edwards (LE33) treasurer@lr4x4response.org.uk |
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Graham's (LE81) Hi-Lux posing after moving a very large and loaded van from the sticky ground to the holding area for bands. Thankfully, they could play better than navigate! Poppy Fields Festival, 17th August 2019.
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BroadNet - new radios
As some of you may be aware the group has recently invested in the BroadNet system. BroadNet is a PTT Over Cellular (POC) system that will be the replacement for the SARCOMM system for our Long Range and Logistical Comms.
It runs through the mobile 3G network and operates exactly the same as a normal radio except it goes through the phone network. This enables us to cover any distance as long as you have a mobile internet signal.
The group is investing initially in 10 handsets with BroadNets Critical Service Network SIM card. This is a DATA only SIM that will ‘hop’ to whichever network has the strongest signal. The handsets we are purchasing are the BN880 but this system has advantages in that it will run on any android handset. So if members have an android phone then they could run it on that.
BroadNet also comes with a full Computer Aided Despatch (CAD) system that will enable our despatch team to log the jobs when they come in, proactively despatch the nearest available responder to assist (reducing a client or casualties waiting time), be able to track responders using the GPS tracking and more.
If any member would like to know more then please have a look at BroadNets website (www.broadnet.systems) or please contact myself (asst.welfare@lr4x4response.org.uk) and I will be happy to help.
At the moment if any member does wish to come on board with the system then there is a small charge of £3 per month (£15 per month if you wish to have one of the CSN SIMS) and if any member does wish to purchase one of their own handsets then they can be purchased at a reduced rate. Please contact myself and not BroadNet to obtain this reduced rate.
It is our intention to look for sponsorship of this system but in the interim period it is something we have to fund ourselves.
Gareth Batchelor (LE63)
Below are some images of the BN-880.
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Radio track for Gareth's (LE63) handset as tracked by Simon, (LE01), in Loughborough on his Android tablet. For lone or self-deploying responders, this shows in real time where you are and with the Emergency channels and button give an easy way to summon assistance.
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Communications; the treasurer's note
These radios are being bought with money from the Tesco "Bags for Life" grant money, successfully applied for by Gareth, which is ring-fenced for radios. (In charity accounting technical terms, it is a restricted fund - spend it on the project stated or give the money back). The donor is entitled to see the invoices for the items purchased, withhold money if they are not happy or even claw it alll back!
The SARCOMM system was purchased with Big Lottery Fund money and will continue to be used for events coverage, where a cellular telephone solution is at its worst, (we might swamp the local cell tower), but the vehicle mounted radios and our hand-held walkie-talkies will need to be reprogrammed to work at their best.
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Jay, (LE150), enjoying the sunshine and the band, in between rides of the quad bike at the Poppy Fields Festival, Ibstock.
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Membership Dues
Chris Down, (LE69), the membership secretary, asks that people check their e-mail for their renewal notices as they fall due. Please pay promptly and let Chris know if you pay by PayPal or bank direct credit, so he can record your payment correctly, ( membership@lr4x4response.org.uk).
Driving Licence Checks
On a related matter, as a group we must ensure that all responders are entitled to drive and we do not ask them to do something illegal, like tow a trailer, when they do not have the correct classes on their driving licence.
As part of the renewal process, please provide the last 8 digits of your driver number and an enquiry code from the DVLA, so we can check your entitlements. The process is explained and accessed from "View or share your driving licence information - GOV.UK". We need to check and record which classes of licence you hold; we will not retain any other data. We will need to repeat this check each year. licencecheck@lr4x4response.org.uk |
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Shackerstone Festival
Saturday 31st August 2019, Sunday 1st September 2019
Big show with camping for members, (by prior arrangement), with set up, marshalling and shepherding vehicles around the site. Lead. Karen Dawson (LE87).
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Bourne CiCle Festival
Saturday 31st August 2019, Sunday 1st September 2019
1st cycle events in Lincolnshire and there is a request for help. Nigel (LE51) and Chris Spencer, (LE118) leading. Ladies race on Saturday and men's race on Sunday. More volunteers would be welcome
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Monthly Meeting - September
Friday 6th September 2019
Members meeting, Sileby Community Centre, 41 High Street, Sileby, Leicestershire LE12 7RX, 7:00PM for 7:30PM
New members welcome.
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Battle of Britain Day
Sunday, 15th, September 2019
Road closures and marshalling around Melton Mowbray. Gareth Batchelor, (LE63), is lead and has his team organised, pending sickness and vehicle failure.
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Emergency Services Show - NEC
Tuesday, 17th, Wednesday, 18th and Thursday 19th September 2019
Set up Tuesday, show and stand for two days with free entry. Responders to set up and take down stand, meet and greet the great and good of emergencies. Jeremy, (LE33) as lead.
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Training Meeting - First Aid, Radio procedure, Health & Safety, Welfare & Child Protection
Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th October 2019
Please make space in your diaries 0900-1600 for this event organised by Gareth, (LE63), Liam (LE111) and Karen (LE87).
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Remembrance Sunday
Sunday, 10th, November 2019
Road closures and marshalling across Leicestershire. Peter Bailey, (LE109), is lead and is looking for as many responders as possible.
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Simon Dale (LE01) Chairman and Founder
Poppy Fields Festival; taking a Rebel's stand.
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Simon first thought of setting up a 4x4 Response group in December 2009 and the initial meeting was in January 2010. (The lower the LE number, the earlier the member!) Even today, he is bit startled at how far the group has come.
Simon is a LGV driver, (lorry driver or HGV driver for those who have not kept up with current terminology), and is married to Trish. Hobbies away from work and 4x4 Response include gardening and shooting.
Talk to Simon to get an idea raised with the other trustees, any other business in general meetings, FUBAR nominations and suggest things you can do for the group.
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