District

The following shows the changing nature of Cambridge District. Designed to be read alongside the notes beneath it most clearly shows the 1983 split into Cambridge North and South at which so many records stop.

The names change, in particular the Camb/ Cambs. abbreviation is a source of uncertainty. The earlier South Cambridge(shire), North Cambridge(shire) add to this confusion, as does the two incarnation of Mid Cambs.

1910    First District in the region with other Districts forming and some groups being reallocated

            Troops from Cambridgeshire, some of which may were allocated to Cambridge as the premier working District in the County, gained their own Districts.  Until 1911 there was no County organization.

1916 At a Cambridge District Association meeting in June the formation of a separate District Association for the 1st and 2nd Newmarket and adjoining troops was agreed. It is interesting that this was not a County initiative. (From Cambridge Independent Press report 17/6/1916)

            1922   Cambridge was working as four sub districts N, E, W, S (details unclear)

1934    Working as Sub Districts        

• South Cambs. 25^th, 40^th, 47^th, 51^st , 52^nd, 56^th, 61^st, 1^st District, 3^rd District, 4^th District , 17^th District
• North Cambs. 16^th, 32^nd,43^rd, 45^th, 46^th, 57^th, 58^th, 59^th, 64^th
• Cambridge      not listed

1935    Became separate Districts     (North Cambridge initially became East Cambridge then Mid Cambs.)

• South Cambs.                          25^th,40^th, 47^th, 51^st, 52^nd, 56^th, 61^st, 68^th, 69^th 1^st, 3^rd, 4^th District
• West Cambs.                           39^th, 50^th, 62^nd – these three soon close, 17^th District (Barton) to South
• Cambridge                              2^nd, 5^th, 7^th, 8^th, 9^th, 11^th, 12^th, 14^th, 15^th, 22^nd, 23^rd, 24^th, 26^th, 28^th, 29^th, 30^th, 31^st, 36^th, 41^st, 42^nd, 53^rd, 60^th, 64^th
• East Cambs. (Mid Cambs.)     16^th, 35^th , 45^th , 59^th, 63^rd, 65^th, 67^th, 66^th

1946    Regained                     16^th, 45^th Landbeach, Cottenham, Swavesey, Bottisham VC, Impington VC

1972    Working as N and S Sub Districts

1974    Working as N and S and Crafts Hill Sub Districts

1983    Became separate Districts

• North Cambridge                    1^st, 3^rd, 10^th, 12^th, 14^th, 18^th, 26^th, 32^nd, 50^th, 54^th, 1^st Coton
• South Cambridge                    4^th, 5^th,7/23^rd, 11/9^th, 13^th, 15^th, 16^th, 27^th, 28^th, 29^th, 57^th,
• Crafts Hill                                1^st (Histon, Over, Bar Hill, Bourn, Willingham, Caldecote, Elworth and Boxwell) 2^nd Cottenham, Oakington, Swavesey, 6/17^th Cambridge, 48^th Cambridge

A number of events continued to be arranged between the three Districts; Gang Show, Swimming Gala and both Perne Road and the Scout Shop.

1992 In November 1992 the first County consideration of re amalgamation of Cambridge North and South was reported in Cambridge North Chronicle. This was shortly ahead of a period when a number of significant Scouters moved out of post. It is not clear if this was known or linked.

2001    North and South Cambridge re united           (24/5/2001)   At this point the Groups were

• North Cambridge                    1^st, 3^rd, 12^th, 14^th, 18^th, 26^th, 32^nd, 50^th, 54^th
• South Cambridge                    5^th,7/23^rd, 11/9^th, 13^th, 16^th, 27^th, 28^th, 29^th, 57^th, 1^st Fen Ditton

2012    Gained from Granta

• To Cambridge                         Shelford and Stapleford, Duxford, Sawston 
• To Newmarket                       Balsham, Linton and Abington
• To Royston                              Harston, Orwell, Bassingbourn (which did not persist)              

JWR Archivist Mar 2019