Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal, 25 May 1900

SHIRLEY. The welcome news of the relief of Mafeking produced a burst of enthusiasm in this village. On Saturday the village gaily decoratedd with flags, but Monday was reserved for the great event. The school children bad a holiday They met at the school at 2 o'clock and for an hour paraded the village singing patriotic songs. At 3.30 an excellent tea was provided in the school. After tea the children adjourned to a field belonging to Mr. Mellor wbo lent it for purpose. where swing boats and swings had been erected and games and scrambles were freely induldged in. There were several races, and prizes were given for the same by Miss Shimwell. Two teams boys were selected to play a football match. "English v Boers" the twisting of the coin deciding who should bear the coveted title of "English". The match ended, as it should do, in a win for the "English" by 2 goals to 1. Miss Lucas kindly presented a good knife to each of the winning team, the losers being consoled by the same lady with couple of oranges each. At 7 o'clock refreshments and oranges were served oat to the children. A portion of the Osmaston band attended, and dancing took place till darkness put a stop to the tea. A thoroughly enjoyable day was spent.