In 1900 the Northumberland Hussars built a camp on Wolves Haugh opposite Ladies Bridge. Although most of the camp was under canvas the timber building in the centre was removed in 1922 and erected at the Recreation Club.  The building was sited facing the road with its back to the river. There was a veranda to the east providing an excellent view of the grass tennis courts. The current brick built recreation hut was built at the beginning of the second world war and took over some of the space originally used by quoits. At the same time the tennis courts were used to site nissan huts that remained in place though out the war, the timber hut being taken over by the authorities. 

At the end of the war there were a few problems when the British Legion laid claim to the original club house and questioned the clubs claim to ownership in 1943. This after a period of some 20 years!

To quote from the minutes of 1943:

“To go back a little. The 1938 season finished with a balance on  the debit side. Before the 1939 season closed war clouds were gathering and it was not possible to conclude all competitions. Trouble too was brewing with the British Legion Committee, with regard to their alleged claim to the ownership of the Recreation Hut. It was found that the secretary of the Legion had been and was receiving compensation from the military authorities and would not recognise the Bowling Club as having any right whatever to any part of it.” 

Following legal action the Legion surrendered their claim and all moneys were refunded, to lie in a suspense account at the bank 

The Legion eventually tracked down an “Instrument of Dissolution” of the Comrades of the Great War dated April 30th 1924 in which ownership by the Recreation Club was clearly stated and withdrew their claim in 1950. A dispute spanning some 27 years. A letter to this effect dated 29th July 1950 from Secretary, George Carr, was printed in the Northumberland Gazette.

Problems with buildings seemed to dominate the Recreation Club over the years, down to the present day.  

In 1946 Mr Marshal liaised with the military authorities resulting in the possession (for the sum of £20) of the brick built hut erected during the war and which promised to be “an invaluable asset in the club’s future activities”. 

Although the ex WD building had been in place for some years it was necessary to apply for planning permission at various times. In 1947 the Rothbury Rural District Council refused consent but after further deliberations by the County Surveyor, permission was granted on a year to year basis. A letter from the County of Northumberland advised that even though the club was in contravention of the Ribbon Development Act of 1935 no action would be taken until the expiration of the war period as defined in the 1943 Act. 

Over the years the two huts were used by many groups: the Rothbury Photographic Society taking out an initial seven year lease in 1948 (and remaining till 1963), whilst the British Legion hosted flower shows. The Rothbury Highland Pipe Band were tenants for some time (5/- per night was the going rate) and the Army Cadet Force leased the brick building till 1980 when they moved to their new premises near the cemetery. 

The Recreation Club held many events not the least being World War II fund raising events: “Wings for Victory” and “Salute the Soldier Week” in 1943 .

This former event raised £30 for the government and a further £80 was banked in the name of the Bowling Club.

 As a result of the interest shown at this time club membership rose to 63 The photo shown here was taken about 1943 and shows Lady Zaida Armstrong in the front. 

Lady Armstrong attended many bowling club functions to present prizes and receive donations to the Nursing Association of which she was President. 

On a sad note it was recorded that Jimmy Starling was a prisoner of war in Japan, although he was not the only member to suffer this terrible fate.