Newcastle Daily Chronicle 13/5/1916 carries a letter which reads:
“Soldiers Recreation Rooms at Gateshead.
Sir, Your readers will be interested to know that the Soldiers’ Recreation Rooms in the Bensham Road Wesleyan Church have been successful in cheering thousands of the soldiers billeted in Gateshead during the winter months. On behalf of the Trustees Committee and the soldiers themselves, I wish to thank all those who have sent magazines, etc. and others who have given their services to provide the concerts which have been enjoyed so much by the men. Thirteen thousand sheets of specially printed notepaper with ten thousand envelopes have been used, and over nine thousand cups of coffee supplied free to the men. It has been a great privilege to serve our brave lads away from their homes and friends, and to provide bright evenings for them. That the work has been appreciated is testified by the letters we are constantly receiving from those who have accepted our hospitality. If any old “Benshamites” or other friends would like the privilege of helping to meet the heavy expenses incurred, any contributions will be gladly received and acknowledged by Yours, etc.
David Rycroft, Minister of the Church, 8 Bewick Road, Gateshead."