Granta District covers the part of Cambridgeshire to the south of Cambridge, as well as a very small part of Essex. The District takes its name from the River Granta (Rupert Brookes' "yet unacademic stream") before it becomes better known as the River Cam as it flows through Cambridge.Within the District we have 9 different scout groups. Each scout group is made up of one or more of the following sections:
Beaver Scout Colony - the youngest section in Scouting - for 6 and 7 year-olds;
Cub Scout Pack - which is for 8-10_ year-olds;
Scout Troop - for ages 10_ to 13.
In addition to this, the District runs an Explorer Scout Unit for ages 14 to 18.
There is excellent leadership within the scout groups in Granta. In addition to standard leader training, many leaders have additional qualifications, which allow us to offer extra activities such as canoeing, hill walking, archery, caving and abseiling.
We are, of course, ever keen to encourage more adult support. If you would like to help, please get in touch with the District Commissioner – contact details below. You do not have to have any previous scouting experience to become a leader but you will be required to undertake a programme of leader training.
Mike Rolfe
District Commissioner
Paula Renouf treks up Kilimanjaro
Paula Renouf has trekked up Kilimanjaro. Paula is an assistant Cub leader with the Javelins Cubs at 1st Whittlesford & Duxford, part of the Granta District. Until joining as a volunteer with Cubs Paula was so unadventurous she wouldn’t even try the dodgems but embracing the same ‘have a go’ mentality as her Cubs has meant she’s taken on some scarier challenges in recent years, although none quite so advanced as this. The reason Paula has exited her comfort zone is she’s fund raising for money to build Whittlesford & Duxford’s HQ extension. ‘We’ve looked at a number of grant bodies but not got very far. I decided it would be easier to climb a mountain than obtain a grant. Oh, and did someone mention a mid-life moment?’ So, the climb to the top of Africa started on July 22nd and Paula reached the summit just one day before her 42nd birthday. She was accompanied by her husband Richard, Pete Jeffries – former Scout leader, Chirag Shah and Andy Pearce – both students of Saffron Walden High School 6th form. |
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‘Like most things I’ve done, someone’s done it before and may not see trekking up Kili as a particular challenge. However, those who know me will testify that this was no holiday for a short legged, easily chilled, easily freaked individual.’ claims Paula. Those who know the mountain know it’s 5,900m above sea level; meaning altitude sickness is a risk. Temperatures at the top can reach -20 deg C. (Paula can freeze in an all seasons sleeping bag on a summer camp!) The final ascent (or possible descent) is made on loose scree, in the dark.
However, in true Scout style some of the funds raised will go to buy Mosquito nets for Tanzanian children whose lives can be saved by such a simple measure.
If you would like to sponsor Paula or any of the others please contact her on email: paularenouf@tiscali.co.uk
Granta Gong - District Newsletter
The Granta Gong is issued in black and white by post near the beginning of each term to all warranted leaders and group executive officers of Granta District. A colour version is available below and can be down loaded using an Adobe Acrobat Reader or equivalent reader:District Diary
| Date | Event | Location | Contact |
| 2009 | |||
| January 14th | District Executive meeting | TBA | Jane Chapman (District Secretary) |
| February 8th | Swimming Gala (Cubs & Scouts) | TBA | Brian Watson |
| March 25th | District Executive meeting | TBA | Jane Chapman |
| April 26th | St. George's Day Parade (All Sections) | Wandlebury | Barry Holman |
| May 1st - 3rd | District Scout Camp | TBA | Malcolm Perry |
| May 25th | District Annual General Meeting | Shelford Scout HQ | Will Bull |
| July 1st | District Executive meeting | TBA | Jane Chapman |
| October 7th | District Executive meeting | TBA | Jane Chapman |
District Team
| District Commissioner | Refer to the County Commissioner, Richard Hames - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (01223) 881051 |
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| Assistant District Commissioner (Beaver Scouts) | Penny Bull - (01223) 840054 | |
| Assistant District Commissioner (Cub Scouts) | Brian Watson - (01223) 701125 |  |
| Assistant District Commissioner (Scouts) | Malcolm Perry - (01223) 208046 |  |
| Assistant District Commissioner (Special Needs) | Miss Moira Deans - (01223) 263158 | |
| Assistant District Commissioner (General Duties) | Perry Dazey - (01799) 530505 | |
| District Explorer Scout Administrator | Mrs. Dianne Butler - (01223) 720752 |
Groups
Within the District we have 9 different Scout Groups and a District Explorer Scout Unit:
Abington Jeremiahs (46788)
This is a new Group with a Beaver Colony, a Cub Pack and a Scout Troop.
Balsham (41535)
This Group has a Cub Pack and a Scout Troop
1st Chesterford (31264)
Based in Great Chesterford. 1st Chesterford has a Cub Pack and a Scout Troop
1st Harston (39603)
Harston Group has a Cub Pack and a Scout Troop
1st Linton (41703)
Based in Linton. 1st Linton has a Beaver Colony, a Cub Pack and a Scout Troop
1st Orwell (44555)
Based in Orwell, Orwell run a Beaver Colony, a Cub Pack and a Scout Troop, taking members from the Wimpoles, Barrington, Croydon, Tadlow and Whaddon.
Visit our website at 1st Orwell Scouts
1st Sawston (36518)
Based in Sawston, this Group runs a Beaver Colony, Cub Pack and Scout Troop.
Shelfords and Stapleford (28459)
Based in Great Shelford, Shelfords and Stapleford run a Cub Pack and Scout Troop, taking members from Great and Little Shelford, Stapleford and parts of Trumpington and Hauxton.
1st Whittlesford and Duxford (37425)
This group has its own headquarters in Duxford and has two Beaver Colonies, two Cub Packs and a Scout Troop.
