Cottenham: Outline History

Cambridge District Scout Archive

Cottenham Scouts have had several names.

14^th Cambridge District 1924 – 19?
46^th Cambridge (Cottenham) 1928 – 1934
Cottenham 1935 –
1^st Cottenham ? -1948
53^rd Cambridge(1^st Cottenham)
1^st Cottenham
2^nd Cottenham

14^th Cambridge District (Cottenham)

The Troop had been in existence since February 1924. The last reference is in 1925, it is not listed in the AGMs of 1925/6 (printed in 1927) and 1926/7 (printed in 1928).

In 1928 Troops and packs were re-registered as Groups. Around the same time the old dual system of registration Cambridge (inside the town boundary) and Cambridge District (outside the town boundary) was ending.

46^th Cambridge (Cottenham) 1928 – 1934

Whilst not registered until 1931 the Group is listed in 1928. The lack of census returns for the years 1928 – 1930 is unexplained. It is not unlikely that the Troop/ Group had fallen into abeyance and was listed in anticipation but not registered until active in 1931.

The Group was re-registered in 1^st July 1931 with the IHQ number 12904 with two officers and twelve Cubs. It was based at Old Meeting Baptist Church schoolroom. The only listed leader on the registration document was

Rev Albert Edley? Willing

It was a ‘Open’ Group

The Group sent in Census figures to Cambridge District for Scouts.

Cubs 1931 – 1934
Scouts 1932 – 1934

Note: From this date the record is less absolute. It comes from many sources.

Cottenham 1935 –

In 1935 the large Cambridge District split into four. Cottenham was initially working in Sub District Cambridge North ahead of the division. This name lasted for a year and Cottenham, alongside other Groups dropped the X^th (Village) and became known by location alone.

Cambridge North quickly changed names twice to East Cambridge and finally Mid Cambridgeshire. Cottenham does not appear not have transferred on either occasion, presumably being closed. As the records relating to Mid Cambridgeshire Groups are lost the date of (re)starting is lost.

1^st Cottenham

Mid Cambridgeshire lost stability during WW2 and was absorbed back into Cambridge District. At this point a 1st Cottenham is listed as returning alongside other Groups to Cambridge District, initially as a temporary measure.

Census Returns listed under 1^st Cottenham

Cubs 1948

53^rd Cambridge (1^st Cottenham) 1948 – 1955 20045

On full re absorption Mid Cambridgeshire Groups were given new Cambridge numbers largely in the 50’s. The use of the 53^rd Cambridge is short. In 1951 they are called 53^rd in the AGM report in 1953 1^st Cottenham. A date of re registration as 1^st Cottenham of 18^th July 1949 with the HQ number 20045. However, they are listed in the census returns as 53^rd.

Census Returns listed under 53^rd Cambridge (1^st Cottenham)

Cubs 1949 – 1955
Scouts 1950 – 1955

This group appears to have stopped in 1955/56.

Note: A 1952 record lists the Group as 63rd (1st Cottenham). This was probably a mistake. At this entry they were meeting at Corbett Street and had a Chaplain.

1^st Cottenham 1971 – 1978 20045

Reformed with the same HQ number but clearly as 1^st Cottenham.

Census Returns listed as 1^st Cottenham

Cubs 1971 – 1978
Scouts 1972 – 1978

2nd Cottenham 1979 – 1984 + 39908

In 1978 the 1^st Cottenham closed and the 2^nd Cottenham opened.

Census returns listed as 2^nd Cottenham

Cubs 1979 – 1984
Scouts 1979 – 1984

In 1984 Cambridge District once again divided and Cottenham moved into Cambridge: Crafts Hill. The Group continued but records are no longer reported to Cambridge District.

2^nd Cottenham is currently active in Cottenham, Cambridge: Crafts Hill District.

JWR Archivist July 2022

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