Skegness Magazine

PEACE REJOICINGS AT SKEGNESS
Source Skegness Herald 1902
(Boer War)
The first intimation of the news that peace had been concluded was not received at Skegness till the train bringing the morning newspapers arrived at about half-past nine on Monday morning. This is accounted for by the fact that the telegraphic office was not open on Sunday.
The glad tidings were soon spread, and the enthusiasm of the populace at the joyful news soon rose to a high pitch, the Union Jack was run up at the flag staffs, flags floated from nearly every house and shop, streamers were here and there placed across the streets and roads, and there was every indication of universal rejoicing.

Steps were also promptly taken to celebrate the event by a torch-light procession in the evening the Chairman of the Skegness Council (Mr. Geo Dunkley, J.P.) and Mrs. Walter Martin taking the most active and leading parts in the affair.

The managers of the National Schools decided to close the school and give the children a holiday.
At the Estates Offices Mr. Jones, the Earl of Scarbrough’s agent, had the flag hoisted on the flag staff in the garden in the presence of some two or three hundred school children, the members of the Boy’s Brigade and their bugle band who were under the command of Lieut. Batley, the Rector (Rev W. Disney), Mrs. Walter Martin, Mr. W. P Moody Mr. E. A. Jackson, Mr Hemms and many others.

” God save the King ” was enthusiastically sung by the company, and hearty cheers subsequently given for his Majesty.

Mr. Hemms kindly gave an orange to each of the school children present, and the Rector made a few remarks appropriate to the occasion. A ‘feu d’ joie led by Mr. E. A. Jackson brought the proceedings here to a close.