Cambridge District Scout Archives
Back ground information on Group from GSL Tony Claydon, May 2015
Group was formed in the 1920’s in the Chesterton area of Cambridge
In the 1960 The group was offered some land off Stanesfield Road on a lease from the City council. Work progressed on building a hut with volunteer labour. The area leased was large and allowed for an area of outdoor play and camping.
During 2009/10 it was recognised that major work was required to bring the hut to a required standard for the current needs. Negotiations started with the city Council as to ways they could help. The promise of a substantial grant towards the refurbishment of the hut was given. After much discussion it was found that this would not completely cover the cost required to refurbish the hut and the group at that time was not in a position to raise the balance required. More discussion with the City Council and a proposal put forward that the group amend the amount of land that they would lease from the council to approx. 1/3, the other 2/3 to be used for housing and the 106 money from the developers be used to supplement the original grant and a new hut be built with the entrance in Thoreley Road. The city council would project manage the build, with input from the group on the design of the building. Temporary accommodation would be found for the group and its equipment. The group moved its meetings to Howard Road Baptist Church in November 2013 with the expect occupation of the new building by September the following year. The keys were handed over (with still outstanding snags) on 23rd March 2015 the cubs started meeting there April 2015.
During the time at Barnwell Baptist Church. The Beaver section had to be closed down due to the existing leaders work commitments. In September of 2013 the Cub Leader stood down due to personal circumstance. The two assistance with the help of two parents kept the pack running. Late Feb early March 2015 a potential leader was found and they came along mid march and started running the pack with the help of the two assistants. During the May half term that leader found that due to work commitments they are no longer able to commit to the Pack and would be standing down with immediate effect. The two assistant having now moved out of Cambridge have agreed to carry on but will be standing down at the end of this term
Tony Claydon
Group Scout Leader
Ivan Brownstone took on the role of CSL in 2016, concurrent with a role of ACSL at the 18th. The Group diminished to a Pack but Ivan restarted the Troop. Sue Fanning came in as Acting GSL in 2020. The Group camped and engaged in District activities throughout this period.
JWR Archivist Aug 2021
Cambridge District Scout Archive 