After taking his geology degrees at Oxford and Yale, spent his academic life in teaching and research at Durham (Department of Earth Sciences). As Resident Tutor-in-Charge at Shincliffe Hall and, over the years, as a College tutor at Hatfield, Hild/Bede and Collingwood he lived and worked amongst students, while as a College and Department Admissions Tutor he developed a clearer understanding of the needs of those coming to our university to make Durham their home for next 3 or more years.

Grenville leading a discussion with local and international students (Photograph by kind permission of Collywobbles Productions)

Grenville’s greatest impact on student life was as President of Durham University Cricket Club (1971-2004) where he organised and the students ran a club which made Durham the leading cricketing university in the country, winning numerous BUSA titles and other accolades. It was a golden era of cricketing success. Students included many future Test and county cricketers, two England captains, Nasser Hussain and Andrew Strauss, and official of both the ECB and the MCC. Today Grenville presides over the Northern Universities CC, a strong and active joint student and community based club.

Grenville supporting NUSC during their blind cricket festival at Belmont School

As a resident of the City, a Councillor, and Mayor, Grenville has been actively involved with various student groups and has seen first hand the great contribution that they make to the welfare of Durham City and the wider community. Grenville feels that this special contribution should be understood and appreciated by every resident of the City. Durham has always been town and gown.