We’re an unusual combination of a local response group and a regular 4×4 club. This means that when weather or other situation means that the local authorities and communities need our help, we are on hand as drivers trained and experienced in proper use of our 4×4 vehicles to provide help where its needed; and when not involved in that, we often support the local community events with car park marshalling with the ability to be on stand-by to offer towing assistance if a grass field car park turns into quagmire.

We arrange throughout the year a number of 4×4-related events to offer our members advice and guidance along with practical learning experiences covering a variety of simulations, terrain and environments.

About Us

Emergency response
As many of you will be aware the club’s name is derived from the volunteer stand-by service that we operate at the behest of Bucks County Council’s Emergency Planning team. The Emergency Planning Team based at County Hall in Aylesbury are responsible for coordinating the County’s response to civil emergencies anywhere in Bucks. Obviously in the case of a major incident involving a serious threat to life, the response will be in tandem with the front-line emergency services.

However for a number of years the County has maintained and supported several Bucks county council volunteer groups whose services could be called upon to supplement these resources wherever appropriate. Historically the key volunteer organisations supported by Bucks CC were Bucks Volunteer Rescue Services, who specialise in search and rescue, Raynet, who specialise in mobile radio communications networks and the W.R.V.S. who are called upon to provide catering care and comfort to displaced civilians, searchers and emergency teams alike. Since 1999 members of the club have been added to this list, our role being essentially to provide a safe, off-road / bad weather transport capability to the rescue response for whatever purpose it may be required.

Whilst the possibility of a major transport disaster, terrorist attack or fire/explosion can never be discounted, the most likely scenario for our involvement will be more mundane, providing safe transportation of people and materials to areas affected by bad weather, localised flooding, snow etc. Not withstanding this, the Emergency Planning Team are keen to ensure that should the need arise, their volunteer organisations are sufficiently trained and familiar with each other’s capabilities and requirements to operate safely and effectively under their own initiative, harmoniously and in close proximity.

Event marshalling
We have provided marshals for the off road courses and MSA rallies.  We also help out marshalling several charity events such as the Abingdon Air Show, Three Peaks Challenge, Race for Life, and the Buckingham Xmas Carnival.

Glass affiliation
BORG is affiliated to GLASS (The GreenLane ASSociation) which gives us access to an extensive database of lanes and routes, We are also active in promoting and protecting our rights of way. Knowledge and access to these routes give us the ability to offer further logistical support to the emergency services when the need arises.

Regular local greenlaning
The group firmly believes in the motto “use them or lose them”. As a non-funded social event, we encourage our members to go out Green Laning. We have many experienced members who as assist in thoroughly researched in advance to ensure that lanes used on the route have the appropriate vehicle rights and the GLASS code of conduct is followed. Trips generally start from a well known landmark in the morning and run for the day with a stop for lunch. They will normally be suitable for any 4 wheel drive vehicle and support is given for drivers of all abilities.

National weekend trips
These social events can be extended weekend trips to more distant parts of the country, for example the Lake District, Brecon Beacons, Wales, Derbyshire, North Yorkshire etc. We generally get to the area on Friday night and accommodation depends on the location and time of year (from camping to B&B). As with the local greenlaning, all lanes are researched and where necessary permissions obtained (particularly in the case of the lake district for example). Some of the routes are more challenging but there is always an alternative route if this is the case.

Pay and play days
These are events where 4×4 driving and recovery skills can be safely and legally practiced from beginner to extreme levels. Where this is for “play” then this is non-funded by the club but a good attendance keeps the costs down for everyone. However at least twice each year we put on specific training days for those members who are signed up to the response call-out with the expectation of attending at least one a year so skills, vehicle and equipment can be assessed. With careful planning we can get access to sites where the slippery clay soil offers a close simulation to snow and ice; the real peril of driving through hilly housing estates in winter supporting care workers and other services significantly impacted by sudden bad weather.