Dave & Busters UK - A Story Unfulfilled

Shirley was a superb member of staff at Dave and Busters, working on front desk she was a bubbly and very likable character. She became my very best friend - I hope in the time she knew me that I was a good friend to her.

On the evening of the 28th August 2001 Shirley was murdered while locking up at the Figurehead & FIrkin, the pub she had worked at since the closure of D&B Bristol. .

I've set this page up so you can leave your messages of condolences and general thoughts.

I would personaly like to thank very much all of Shirley`s freinds and work mates for all your lovely sentiments and photos. I speak on behalf of all the family! It has helped us in some way or another to cope with this. Having seen some very recent photos of our Shirley it is very plain to see the look of contentment and happiness on her face. So thank you all for your support and kindness. Shirley will live in our hearts and minds forever.

As with all of you I really don't know what to say. I know that it still hasn't really sunk in yet and I'm sure that it won't for a long time yet. What I do know is that I will always remember and love her, and I'm sure that the same goes for everyone who knew her, no matter how long they did know her. That's the effect that she had on everyone that she met. You couldn't help but love her.
It has really touched me how many people have already written into Tom, who has done a great job setting this all up and getting it running so well. I know that this is very hard for him, and I know that she always had a special place in her heart for you because you two were such good friends.
I think that everything else I have to say is said by the rest of the messages below - she was always there for her friends with a smile and advice. She will be missed my many, and will never be forgotten by anyone.
Will love you forever babe,

Looking back, the time spent with Shirley was a time that I'll always remember fondly for the rest of my living life. She had such a lovely friendly personality and nothing was too much for her. It's so cruel that another one of the good ones was taken away from us so tragically and so young. The times we spent together were always special, you were a a wonderful friend to me. My heart will always go out to your family & Rob who you loved very much.

All of our hearts are breaking for the tragic loss of Shirley. Her beautiful smile shall never fade. She always had been a little angel and now she always will.
We are thankful for our memories although they should have been longer.

I don't really know what to say, nobody does. Shirley was a great laugh always happy. All our family are going to miss her so much. She will never be forgotten, nobody could forget such a lovely person. I'll always remember the good times!

I don't think our family will ever get over what's happened to you Shirl. You will always be missed and forever in all of our thoughts.
I can only think that God would take you away from us for himself - He always seems to keep the best ones for himself. Keep smiling Shirl, wherever you are.

We cant believe that you were taken in such a terrible way you were always caring and thoughtful always had a wonderful smile miss you loads our thoughts are with you

We knew you from when you were a lovely little girl and you grew into a beautiful young lady, such a loss we will never understand, you will always be with us. Rest Peacefully somewhere over the rainbow.

Shirley was like of my older sisters in my family. Forever coming round to our house. She was good friends with all my sister's but was a bestfriend of my sister Faye, they were like two peas in a pod. Shirl I can remember when I was having my hair done of how I'd have it for my sister's wedding and then she gave me a beautiful smile and asked how everyone was. That was the last time I saw you Shirl and I was about 11 or 12 at the time. But it broke all our hearts when we saw you in our local paper. What he did to you was pure evil and I'll tell you this Shirl I hope he rots in hell for what he's done because all of us out there we the lucky ones who to got to know you and were touched by your beautiful nature and smile, we hope he gets life. Because he took away your precious life. But we all know your making everyone smile up there wherever you are. I'll defiantly never forget you never! Nor will my sisters and defiantly never Faye, You two were together at St Bendedicts school and it makes me laugh when you two used to get up to mischief. My family all loved you and me truly. So whenever I think of you and if I see in the star I send up my love to you. Goodbye Shirl it won't be goodbye forever soon we'll be reunited! Your so special. We love you from the bottom of our hearts. Rest in peace.

...Remember a life is to be celebrated not mourned and we should all feel lucky we had the chance to know Shirley....

Although I had not spoken to Shirley for some time I never stopped caring for her, and knew she was always there. She was a big part
of my life and always will be. She was much and is still loved and will be greatly missed. I don't need to say how much of a loss this
is to everyone who knew her and also those who did not get the chance to know her. My thoughts are with all those who are missing
her.
Remember a life is to be celebrated not mourned and we should all feel lucky we had the chance to know Shirley.
Fun, always smiling, caring and never a bad word to say about anyone,
This is how I will remember Shirley.
Shirley left a big mark on my life which will never be erased.

I cant believe this terrible news its hard to understand WHY?
you always had a smile at school and its so upsetting that this world will not have your smile anymore the world today is no longer the same without your smile.
My thoughts are with you and with your sister Christina and the rest of your family.
Rest in Peace Shirley

Brian Wright (BJ) class friend from St.Benedicts School Cheltenham 1990-1995

I only saw you a few months ago and you seemed so happy going off to live in Bristol! I was so shocked to read the paper and see that it was you that it had happened to! I remember when you were at school but we didn't know each other then but when we started hairdressing college a few years back got chatting and realised we had seen each other at school. You did so well at college and when I last spoke to you, you told me about working at a theater and how you were enjoying it. I'm so gutted that such an awful thing could be done to such a nice, kind hearted person such as you.I'm glad I knew you for the time we were at college together, I hope your happy where you are now, and that justice will be done to the evil person that took you away!
I just want to also say that even though I don't know your family I hope they are all OK and I pass on my deepest sympathies to them for the loss of you.
Be happy wherever you are, you'll be remembered for being a great person. Rest in Peace.

I can't believe this terrible news. Even though I gave not been in Bristol for a long time, I can remember Shirley always having a smile, and doing a great job everyday. My thoughts are with her friends and family

.... She was the sort of person who was always in a good mood, that had the habit of infecting us all, no matter what was going on in our own lives or her own. That is a rare gift these days, one that has been taken from us, but one that shall never be forgotten....

To those that read this I don't think I can express how strange it feel doing it, but then I guess we all are in the same boat!! Honored!! that is how I feel about having known Shirl even for a short space of time. She was the sort of person who was always in a good mood, that had the habit of infecting us all, no matter what was going on in our own lives or her own. That is a rare gift these days, one that has been taken from us, but one that shall never be forgotten.
Sweet Dreams Babe See you again soon.

It's hard to contemplate how this could have happened. Shirley had to be just about the happiest, most friendly person on the planet. Her murder was a shock and a tragedy. She will be greatly missed by all her friends. Keep on Smiling Shirley.

Our thoughts are with Shirley's family and of course Tom. This is a terrible thing to have happened to Shirley, she was a lovely girl and one that will always be remembered by all her family and friends.
Shirley will be greatly missed!
Rest in peace!
Danielle and Pablo(kitchen)
xxxx

Somehow it just doesn't seem fair that that the world, and a girl so young and full of life can lose everything to someone who gained nothing. Although I never really kept in contact I'm going to miss her. My thoughts are with her family. Sadly heaven is no longer missing an angel, far too soon

I am numb. I cannot believe that such a lovely, caring woman like Shirley could have been taken from us in such a way. Shirley will always be remembered by myself and husband Ian, as the first person to cut my little girl's hair. She selflessly took time out from work and social life to do this and we have kept the very first curl that she cut off. From now on whenever I look upon this curl, I will remember the beautiful, caring woman that was Shirley. My heart goes out to her family. She touched all our lives at D&B and will definitely not be forgotten. Love you always my funny friend

Like most other people, I am in shock at the moment. You never expect it to happen to someone you know.
Shirley has always had a huge smile on her face and always bubbling with energy. She will never be forgotten and are thoughts go out to her friends and family.
Keep on being the happy person we have come to know and love. xxx

I can't believe it, I only knew you for a short time, but we became good friends, and I will miss you, and your smile. why would anybody want to harm you!!? you were a good friend to me,and always enjoyed a laugh, rest in peace now love ya Bxxx
you and your family are in my prayers, xx

We had the great pleasure of living with Shirley,within this time she gave us some cherished memories that will stay with us for ever.She was not only a room mate but a valued friend who always made time for us. Shirley was always coming home with friends from work after they had been out drinking, that is how she lived her life, work and a lot of play. She was a happy go lucky person who always made the people around her feel the same.

You are and forever will be missed,you are a friend that will stay with us forever.
Sweet dreams, all our love

It's still quite hard to believe it's happened. She was always smiling even when things were falling apart in D&B. We were normally the last in the building, so tired but she could still find something to smile about. They say the best die young and I think it's totally true in this case. We'll Miss you!

I was a good friend of Shirley's as I worked along side of her at the firkin. I saw her that night and still cant believe she is gone. My hurt feels no bounds nor does the guilt that if I had done something different that night we would all not feel so sad now. She will be sorely missed.

This is a brilliant Website. I didn't know much about Dave and Busters but I do know Shirley (sorry did) Natalie, and Andrenna. I miss Shirley and this is the kindest thing any one could have done. I have told every one who ever drank with me in the figurehead or ever met Shirley (no mater how brief) I hope that you are OK, I know its taken me days to sort me out.

..How anyone could take a life so precious and full of joy is, and always will be, a mystery.

The news that a murder had happened so close to home was a shock, the news that it had happened to someone so close to my heart made me break down in tears. How anyone could take a life so precious and full of joy is, and always will be, a mystery. Always so full of life, cheery and bubbly, you will be greatly missed. Having only known you for a few months I feel honored to have known you at all. Those who did not have the chance to know you better have missed a wonderful opportunity in life. My prayers are with you Shirl, my heart is with you and all those who knew you, loved you and miss you. We'll all see you again someday soon. Keep on smiling girl,

Just wanted to say bye to the person who always managed to make me smile. gonna miss you Shirley

Like most people this has come a bit of a shock, but I'm pleased to say that I knew Shirley and will agree with everyone else she was such a happy person, and a joy to have on the Front Desk Team.

I don't really know what to say..
I only knew Shirley for a short time but what I am about to say is proof of what she was like. When D&B closed I met and worked with so many new people and forgot some old friends but I never and will never forget her. She made such a big impact on everyone she met which includes me, She was gorgeous, bubbly, full of life and always made me happy to work where I did. It was a pleasure to have met her and I am sorry for anyone who didn't (you missed out)
Good bye Shirley I'll miss you sleep well

To a good friend Shirley ,how could something so cruel happen to such a lovely person I always enjoyed your company you were always smiling and happy ,you always had time to listen I will miss you Shirley you will never be forgotten ,keep smiling ,

I only knew Shirley for a short time, but that was long enough to see what a great person she was.
How anyone could have done this to such a beautiful person is unbelievable, and something I will never understand.
I will always remember Shirley as a very kind and thoughtful person, who loved to have a laugh, and be surrounded by her friends.
My thoughts and prayers are with her family and close friends at this time and I hope that you can all find comfort in the many good memories, you will undoubtable have shared with Shirley.
I know, she will never be forgotten by anyone that knew her!

Well where do I start, Everyone has said about everything I have to say about Shirley - Young Beautiful, Caring, Kind, Bubbly & above all A Very Loving Person.

Life is an uncharted place, you don't know what will happen from one day to the next. As in Shirley's life this ended terribly and very sadly, Most things we remember over time but something's will stay in our memories forever and Shirley will be one of those memories someone that special will never be forgotten.

She will always be remembered
Rest in peace Shirley you did us proud you brought peace and happiness to our lives and we will always remember that

I have worked by her side for nearly two years. I can't imagine going to work and not seeing her smile. My feelings go out to her family and Rob who she loved very much. Till we meet again, sweet dreams babe, luv you

We were both incredibly shocked when we heard about this tragedy, and couldn't believe that something this horrific could happen to such a lovely young person. Working with Shirley was a pleasure and she will be dearly missed by us both. We are thinking of her family and friends and Tom and hope that in time we can all gradually come to terms with our loss.

I only knew Shirley a short time, but still I got to know her as one of the friendliest, bubbly girls I've met. It was a privilege! I still can't quite believe what has happened. I'll never forget your smile Shirl.

Unbelievable. Its completely shocked me, its such a mindless waste of a good fun loving girl with happiness in her heart. She will not be forgotten

Good-bye Shirley you won't be forgotten you always had a smile and I could always talk to you .
you were always the life and sole of a D&B party
rest in peace darling will always remember you

I only found out on Friday and still can't believe it now! My first thoughts were and still are that they've got it wrong it can't be the Shirley I know. I feel privileged to have known Shirley, as she always made me laugh and we had good chats (or gossip!). I hope to see you later on in life in that big boozer in the sky and I like to give my condolences to her family and friends, Shirley will be greatly missed! xxxxx

We'd known Shirley only for a short time also, but we agree with everyone else. We don't remember a day working at D&B that Shirley didn't have a smile on her face. She was so great. working on host stand I used to blitz the waiting list with her she was a diamond! she will be sorely missed, our prayers with you babe. Scotty says thanks for keeping him awake on the front door!! love you.

Shirley was a bright bubbly small bundle of energy, whom I worked with.Only speaking to her a few days before the terrible news I was shocked.She will be greatly missed.Sweet dreams Shirley.

Having just heard the shocking news we cant believe this has happened to someone so close, special and friendly as Shirley. Finding it hard to express exactly what we would like to say but we would like to express or deepest sympathy to all Shirley's family and friends alike, she will always be remembered in our hearts as one of the bubbliest people we ever met. God bless you Shirley xx

The loss of such a great person like Shirley has been a shock to everyone. My thoughts are with your family and your many friends at this sad time.
Shirley, you will be forever smiling in our hearts.

Girlie" I will never forget the night that you and I made up a theory on how to make more tips working on the bar at the figurehead...You know why I made more money than you..Cos mine were bigger. A silly memory I know but one that will always make me think of you and smile. I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to work and become friends with you. You are one in a million. God Bless

I still can't believe this can happen to someone you know. Shirley trained me on Powerstation and I remember having a right giggle. She always seemed smiley. All my love to those closest to her.

My heart and prayers go out to all that new Shirley. She was a great friend to all, genuine, sweet and always happy.
She will never be forgotten!

This Just Doesn't Seem Fair, Missing you already, my regards to her family and friends

To be honest, I never knew Shirley. I recognise her face from the photo, but never really knew her to talk to. Despite this, when I found out the news, I was horrified and sad. From what I've heard from friends, she was a lovely person and will be sadly missed by myself, even if I didn't really know her. My prayers are with her family and friends. God Bless and rest in peace little lady -xx-

I just don't know what to say... so pleased to have the privilege of knowing Shirley, she made lots of people very happy. My thoughts go out to all her family and friends, I'll never forget her

Realy lost for words everything has been said already. We remember the good times we had with Shirley because that's all there ever were, such a loving happy person to be around with not a bad word to say about anyone. Our feelings are with her family and her many friends.

....Goodbye to one of the brightest lights I have had the pleasure of knowing....

Wherever you are Shirley, you will surely bring a smile to everyone who meets you.
Goodbye to one of the brightest lights I have had the pleasure of knowing.

I cant believe this could happen to such a funny and caring person, Shirley I will never forget you, Keep smiling now and for always

I never knew Shirley, but just by looking at the photo's you can see what a special and happy person she was, I give my condolences to all her family and friends. its such a tragedy.

At this moment their are very few words that can express our feelings. Just remember the good times; Shirley sitting at the end of the bar in the figurehead, fag in hand, 4 customers waiting! Your smile will never leave me.

Shirley, I only knew you 8 months, but you'll be remembered forever, thanks for keeping me sane whilst standing on the door listening to Graham all night. I feel better knowing that wherever you are now at least you'll be making a new set of people happier.

Dearest Shirley, I find this really strange to be sat here trying to put what I feel into words. You were a lovely friend and I can't believe this has happened to someone so sweet. You were one of the most genuine people in the world and beautiful to go with it.

Your smiled never failed to cheer us all up and I hope you are at peace now. I am lost for words...

lots and lots of love lyds. xxxxxxx My heart goes out to all of Shirley's family and friends, its such a tragedy to lose such a wonderful person so young. -xx-

Its so hard to find the words to describe how I'm feeling right now, it doesn't matter how long any of us knew Shirl, she was the type of person who just mad an impact on everyone's life. She lightened up my life and I will never forget her she was the best flatmate I had, who else could make tiger impressions like Shirl. I'll miss her dearly and can only hope that wherever you are Shirl that you are still smiling and that they have stocked up on Guinness

I really don't know what to say as it came as a total shock. I remember seeing something on the news about it and tried calling Tom just to see if Shirley was OK only to be told of what had happened.
Shirley was always happy and even when she had problems always wanted to help you first and that was the loving and kind person that she was and will always be remembered as. To many people at D&B she was known like this and even if they didn't work there that long they all knew that they could talk to her.

At this time as well I know that Tom has been strong and shown great strength by dealing the loss of, by his own admission, his best friend.

At this time also I would like to send my deepest sympathies to Shirley's family, friends and anyone who's life she had touched in her special way.

When I heard the news I was really lost for words, I still can't believe this could happen to such a lovely & bubbly young woman.
My thoughts go out to everyone who had the privilege of meeting Shirley.

There's not a word good enough to describe Shirley. Looking at pictures I can hear her squeaky little voice saying "Oh my hair, what a state!".
But no matter what, she always looked great. Shirley, that smile of yours I'll never forget, somehow it never faded. We have great memories and will never forget the night you came home with Katy from the pub and came into my bedroom, flopped yourself on my bed and started giggling. You jumped in my bed and fell asleep still with that lovely smile on your face. I hope where ever you are you're still smiling.

We're so grateful for the blessing of knowing and loving you.
We have such lovely memories from the day you were born 'Little Shirley'
You will always live in our hearts

My time at D&B's was the best and I miss everyone very much. When I was there, there were a handful of people that I became very close to and of course Shirley was one.
I moved down to Bristol for the summer and knew nobody, she made it the most enjoyable time that I remember. We went out together and had a great time and she was one of the people that I stayed in contact with. I still, as many people will agree will not forget what she meant to so many people and I will miss her greatly.
I cannot believe this has happened and will never understand why someone that had so much in her life could be taken so horribly. It makes me lose faith! I wish I could see you again and can only hope you are somewhere more worthwhile than this cruel place.
I'm sure everyone feels that way, love you lots Shirl and I'll NEVER forget you, lots of love your friend, Al. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Shirley, you meant so much to everyone in the house. You always had something pleasant to say to me. The number of touching messages on this page gives further proof of what a great girl you were and shows how many people were blessed by knowing you and will feel the loss.
We'll all miss you. Love Leo

I've just found out about this site & I'd like to say how good (and very sad)it is to read the messages of so many people who loved & will miss Shirley.
I knew Shirley since she was 15 & she was best friends with my kid sister Kerry, when I moved to Bristol from Cheltenham she was one of the few people I really missed. I was thrilled to bits when a year later she got a place in college in Bristol & moved in with myself & Paul.
We used to have a real laugh in the year we lived together & became close friends. When we weren't both skint we would go down the local pub after she'd finish work at D&B get beved & have a chinwag & a giggle. She always cheered me up when I was down & I was gutted when I moved back to Cheltenham & had to leave her behind but she seemed happy to stay in Bristol as she made so many new friends.
I last saw her in February when she paid a visit to my pub, I never dreamed that would be the last I'd see of her. I will never get over the way she was robbed of her life, I actually received a voice message from her hours before she was murdered, I was planning to visit her, she said in her message that she'd call me the next day she obviously never did. Shirley was a wonderful girl with so much to live for & its hard to believe she has gone I can only hope its to a much better place, she deserves no less.
Shirley you were a ray of light to me & I will miss you more than I can say.
Love you always

I couldn't believe the news. I was lost for words. It's so senseless. D&B seems such a long time ago now but Shirley always stood out from the crowd with her bubbly personality and huge smile. My thoughts go to all her family and friends. I know what it means to lose someone so close. Shirley, may you rest in peace and all your worries be over.

My heart goes out to you.You are greatly missed and all my thoughts are with Rob and your family.
God bless you Shirley.

To even to begin to try and make any kind of sense of the way I feel about this tragedy is nothing less than impossible. I try hard to remember the smiling little face that Shirley used to always wear and the infectious little giggle that spilled effortlessly from her lips and it is only now, with the deepest of regrets lying so heavy on my heart that I realise I havn't seen my dear cousin in more than 5 years. Worse still is the knowledge that now I never will never have the opportunity to get to know her as the charming, beautiful, sensitive and fun loving woman that Shirley clearly became. From what I knew of Shirley and what I read from the countless messages of condolence, I'd like to think that by example Shirley has taught me, and indeed could teach us all something about what is important in our lives - about loving and caring for those that are close and dear to us, about being intrested in the lives of those that are close by, about making that un-expected visit, about making others feel happy and warm, about looking after poeple whose precious existence we take for granted with every passing day. Be happy whereever you are 'cous, we all love you deeply. Ed. x

From Dee and Myself we would like to send our deepest condolances to Shirleys family and to share in the sorrow of this tradegy with all her friends and her colleagues.
She was a light that lit the way and now it burns less bright without her presence.
Rest in peace Shirley - We will always miss you -xxxxxxxx-

I did not personally know Shirley but I knew of her from going to D&B and occasionally seeing her out at places like Brannigans.
I just wanted to say that I am so sorry for such a waste of life. She seemed like such a lovely person and for someone to do what they did to her was a pure act of evil. I know there's probably not alot to say that hasn't already been said but I wanted to pass on my condolences anyway and say that my thoughts are with family and friends. Shirley, may you have a wonderful life in the city of angels.

I can’t believe you’re gone. I wish we could go back to our carefree days of nicking chocolate bars from the sweet shop on the way to school! I’ve read all the messages from your hundreds of friends and just wanted to say I’ll miss you too.