It seems reasonable to begin any history at the beginning, so an extract from the Gazette in 1922 should serve as an introduction.  

(Extract from newspaper cutting dated 1922 and provided by Dick Dignan) 

COMBINED ATTRACTIONS AT ROTHBURY
Bowls, Tennis and Quoits 

A Public meeting was held in the Jubilee Hall, Rothbury, to consider the question of forming a recreation club for bowls, tennis and quoits. Mr. R Donkin presided over a representative gathering. 

Outlining the proposed scheme, the Chairman said the well being of any town with pretensions to be classed as a health resort depended more upon its social attractions through recreation than upon natural beauties. Hitherto the most had not been done in the direction of providing facilities for popular social recreation at Rothbury, and this was an effort to remedy the deficiency and bring Rothbury into line with the other health resorts through an organized scheme embracing different interests of recreation. 

A provisional committee was appointed at the last meeting to ascertain terms for a field and to interview the agent of the Duke of Northumberland. The terms arranged were a lease for 21 years at a rental of £10 per annum for the first five years and £16 per annum for the last 16 years. 

Conveniently situated.

The area of ground was large enough to accommodate bowling green, tennis courts and quoits grounds. It was in a convenient situation in relation to the town and lent itself to the particular requirements of the scheme. Two acres in extent, the site adjoined the highway and overlooked the Coquet. Paths, flowerbeds and shrubberies would probably also be provided, according to plans kindly executed by Mr. E J Clarkson. Possession of the ground could be obtained at once. All clubs would become absorbed in the new club, each section to manage its own department. 

The first cost, probably £500, would be provided by donations and subscriptions, of which there were preliminary promises of £300.  

Voluntary assistance has been promised in connection with laying out and leveling by Mr. Clarkson (surveyor), local labour, with supervision, to be employed. Mr. Nesbit had also promised to supervise. 

Support of scheme

Mr. .J Soulsby, jun. , on behalf of the Tennis Club, agreed to support the scheme.

Mr F Ridley, on behalf of the ex-Service men, spoke in support, and support also came from Captain Watson. (3rd Lord Armstrong)

Mr. Nesbitt, hon secretary and treasurer pro tem, referred to the satisfactory financial position 

The subscriptions agreed to were:-

Working men and ex -Service men 5s per annum; ladies 10s 6d; Juniors (up to 16 years), 5s; other members 21s per annum. 

Mr Walker moved, and Mr. Logan seconded, that a club be formed to be called “The Rothbury Recreation Club.” 

It was agreed that each section should have equal representation in committee 

Election of Officers

Officers and committee were appointed as follows:
President and Vice President and Mr N Snaith, Mr Vardon, Mr J P Clark, Mr J Soulsby.
Bowls Section;     Mr E Scott, Mr A Routledge, Mr A Davy and Mr J Soulsby.
Tennis Section:    Mr .J Miller, Mr R Soulsby, Mr J W Mowitt, Mr W Bell.
Ex Servicemen Section: Hon secretary Mr J Nesbitt; hon Treasurer, Mr A Davy 

Mr R Donkin, on the motion of Mr Archbold, seconded by Mr Marshall, was unanimously elected the first president. 

The following were appointed trustees of the lease, etc: Capt T.O. Donkin, Lieut F. Ridley, Mr Logan jun, Mr A W Davy.

Vice Presidents
The following were elected vice presidents:- Lord Armstrong, Mr Marshall, Mr Buckland, Dr Barrow, Mr Bevan, Mr J H Clark, Mr. Downie, Mr. L. C Davy, Mr G Davy, Mr F B Fenwick, Capt Fenwick, Mr W E Gallaway, Dr Hedley, Mr R Hazel, Capt T O Donkin, Lieut F Ridley, Mr G R Patterson, Capt Twibell, Mr Logan, Mr Costelloe, Mr E J Clarkson Mr R Hutchinson, Mr T T Hall, Capt James, Mr Leach, Mr Lambert, Mr Newbiggen, Capt Phillips, Canon Edward Rees, Mr Walter Robinson, Dr Smail, Mr Angus Watson, Capt R Watson, Capt Waldy, Mr Bryan Reed, Mr. H Crawhall