Newmarket SNU Pioneer Centre first opened in 2011, started by Rachel Casson OSNU and Lesley Hale.
In Jauary 2026, the vibrant and popular centre will be leaving its home of fourteen years – Newmarket’s Scout Headquarters on Cardigan Street – to relocate to the neary Severals Sports Pavilion.
To celebrate their time on Cardigan Street, and the memories and experiences of the past fourteen years, Mary Butcher and the team at Newmarket hosted a special event to coincide with one of their twice-yearly community services.
Newmarket’s community services are special occasions where the committee do not book a medium, but instead encourage direct participation by the congregation. This notably includes traditions such as the humorous ‘song fest’, where the first shouted song number is whatever is sung, which causes a lot of laughter and mirth amongst attendees.
“Once the team realised that their December community service was going to be the last in their current home, the theme of ‘experiences’ was selected, and a joyful and festive ‘Leaving Party’ was thrown.”
Once the team realised that their December community service was going to be the last in their current home, the theme of ‘experiences’ was selected, and a joyful and festive ‘Leaving Party’ was thrown.
“The service was great fun, and combining it with the Feast of Friendship, our congregation pulled out all the stops with their donations of food,” explains Mary Butcher, Chair of Newmarket Pioneer centre.
“It was definitely a feast – our table was overflowing with all sorts of delicious food!”
Mary goes on to explain how the chosen topic of ‘experiences’ led to a wealth of poignant reflections and stories shared with all.
“We had some wonderful speakers who shared their experiences with us,” she continues. “Minister Barry Oates shared how he first went to a Spiritualist Church, and how he came into Spiritualism. Rachel Casson explained how she was invited to the Centre back in 2011, knowing they would make a great team.
Newmarket’s ‘Guest Book’, pictured above (which Mary assures ‘is not a ghost’) is a lovely and original idea where visitors to Newmarket are invited to sign it, and their messages are then embroidered over to create a beautiful memento.
“Minister David Bruton told us of how the decision came about to open Pioneer Centres in area without a church. Gean told us of how she was on holiday in Jamaica when the recent tornado struck.
“Rose-Maree reported of her experiences of moving from London to a small village, and how her search to find a Spiritualist Church led her to Newmarket. Ann Fordham spoke of her long service as President of the Cambridge Centre and how things have changed over the years.
“It was such a variety of difference experiences, each one as interesting as the last.”
Looking ahead, Mary spoke of the upcoming move of the Centre from its current home to a nearby alternative.
It turns out the news was something of a sudden and unexpected surprise for the team.
“The notice that we would have to leave came out of the bue, sending us into a mild panic. However, we were told by our visiting mediums and Rachel that all would be well.
“There aren’t many halls in Newmarket, and those that could have been available all hold events on a Sunday.
“When I approached the town hall reception for help, their Events Manager thought of a venue which might suit our neds, agreeing to meet to show me where it was.”
“We have lots of happy memories from years passed… the Centre has helped so many people who were in need.”
Thankfully, in a stroke of festive luck, it seems they are delighted with the new home they have found.
“It is ideal,” Mary described. “With a beautiful outlook, just on the edge of town at the top of the High Street. Other members of the team came to see it, liking it as much as I did, and we are booked for the next two years, with more bookings if we want it.”
With a fantastic new home secured, it allowed Newmarket’s leaving party and their hard-working team to reflect on the journey and growth of the past fourteen years, as one era ends and a new one readies to begin.
“We have lots of happy memories from years passed,” Mary continues.
“The Centre has helped so many people who were in need, and we’ve said sad goodbyes to several who have passed back to Spirit.
“It’s a new chapter for a new year, and everyone says it is for the best, and that the best is yet to come.
“We are sure they are right.”
by Kyle Pedley, Head of Communications
& Mary Butcher, Chair of Newmarket Pioneer Centre.
From January 2026, Newmarket Pioneer Centre will operate out of Severals Sports Pavilion, 2-4 Bury Road, Newmarket, CB8 7BP.
You can find more information on the Centre, including contact details and schedules of events, by visiting their designated page on this website – https://snu.org.uk/churches/newmarket-pioneer-centre/