Guy tell us a bit about yourself:
Left school in 1978 and started working in an engineering factory that made pumps and compressors. Here I learned how to operate lathes and milling machines and became a fully trained Turner. About this time my father purchased his own garage which he ran with me as his apprentice. In 1990 he was taken ill and it was decided that I would quit my engineering job and become a full time vehicle technician (mechanic). 33 years later I am now the owner.
In the late ninety’s my father started importing Japanese vehicles mainly 4x4s. At the time I drove a Daihatsu Fourtrak this was soon swopped for an Isuzu Trooper both being used to tow the recovery trailer. This then progressed to towing a caravan for our holidays. After this the first Jeep was bought to replace the Isuzu, which was then swopped for the present Jeep.
In my spare time (when I get any) I am a keep rifle shooter, shooting in the Dorset leagues.
What inspired you to join Wessex 4x4 Response?
In 2017 it was suggested by a friend that I join Wessex 4×4 Response and by the time that the paperwork was completed it was the following year that I became a full member.
How long have you been a volunteer with Wessex 4x4 Response?
I have been a volunteer since 2018.
What is your role at Wessex 4x4 Response?
I started off as a responder, then controllers where needed so I did the training and became a fully fledged controller in 2019, A team needed a Team manager in 2022 so I put my name forward foward.
What has been your most memorable experience as a volunteer so far?
Working as a controller in a flood scenario, with several responders, that was changing quickly.
How do you balance volunteering with your other commitments?
I am self employed so I am my own boss, this assists with control as I can nearly always stop for a period when required, but we are a team so anybody can jump in when needed.
What do you find most fulfilling about being a volunteer here?
Being part of a team and meeting new people that share a similar outlook on life. I have made friends with people who are also members.
What advice would you give to someone considering joining Wessex 4x4 Response?
You can do as little or as much as you want to, you can be as involved as you want to, it’s up to you how much you do, we have responders that just do events and responders that just do call outs and responders that do both
Tell us about a skill or lesson you've gained from your volunteer experience:
Always check what the expected outcome is before you start, and don’t be afraid to alter the outcome, but above all stay safe.
What are your hopes for the future of Wessex 4x4 Response?
I hope Wessex 4×4 Response goes from strength to strength and that we can make a difference to the local areas and people.
