As you may be aware Ken Clapton Cranham Warden for many years is soon to retire. So the County went on the difficult search for a replacement, as Ken has very hard shoes to fill!

After over 100 expressions of interest and many interviews a New Centre Manager for Cranham was found. Below is a short introduction:

Pete Richardson – New Cranham Centre Manager

My name is Pete Richardson and I have been asked to write a short statement to introduce myself as the new Manager for Cranham Scout Centre.

I am originally from Bury, Lancashire, where I was born and grew up. I went to university at Ripon and York St John College, where I trained as a primary school teacher. While there I spent my summer holidays working as seasonal staff at Walesby Forest Scout Centre in Nottinghamshire, then at Broadstone Warren Scout Site and Activity Centre in East Sussex after my second year of university.

After graduating, I took a post at a small primary school in Bridlington, East Yorkshire as a Year four teacher. I taught there for two years and during my second year also had the responsibility for the school’s religious education and information technology.

In 2005, I left teaching to join Broadstone Warren as Assistant Centre Manager. Having worked there as summer staff I was keen to continue my work with young people in a more informal setting. During my time at Broadstone Warren, I have been involved in the development of the site. This has included the development of new on-site activities (traverse wall, low ropes, climbing and abseiling tower, high ropes and crate stacking) and the growth in the volunteer team along with a number of bookings on site.

In my spare time I am also involved in Scouting. I joined as a Cub many moons ago, and have progressed through Scouts and what used to be called Ventures.

I became an Assistant Cub leader in 1995. Since then I have been a Cub Leader, Assistant Scout Leader and Group Scout Leader. I have also been involved in organising district activities and a county competition. I am looking to continue being involved in Scouting when I move to Cranham.

In the rest of my somewhat limited spare time, I enjoy walking, cooking, and spending time with friends.

Now I am looking to my future, and the future of Cranham Scout Centre. While I want to develop the centre; growing both the number of volunteers and customers and developing the on-site opportunities, I am also keen to listen to how others see the future of the centre and work with them to make a Gloucestershire resource that we will all use and be proud of.

I am due to start at the Centre in February and look forward to meeting you all in the future.

Pete Richardson