News: Barbecue Goes Ahead Without Hitch

Mr. Delaney was speaking during the clean-up after his annual “end of summer” barbecue.

“There were more guests than last year, and not everybody brought their own food,” Mr Delaney told TS, while packing his barbecue away for another year, “To be honest I wasn't expecting such a large contingent from the office, and they didn't all go Dutch like I asked. That's fine, but it could be a problem if they come back next year expecting me to have food, or even beer, to spare.

“I have to say it was only a qualified success, after the incident with Roger. I can't really see him being invited again next year. In fact, come to think of it, I don't think he was invited this year.”

Mr. Delaney refers to Roger Brennan, a long time friend who is currently fighting a battle with alcoholism.

Above: Hank dredges out photographs from two years ago, and expects Jack and Marge to be impressed

“I don't mind Roger coming over, having a couple of beers, letting his hair down and all. However, I am convinced he was drinking before he came here today. I distinctly smelt alcohol from him when he arrived, and John says he saw him having a little nip from a hip flask. And I really shouldn't have let him speak to my wife the way he did. That's just not on, not at my barbecue.

“The only other slight problem was Hank once again bringing his photo album, and once again boring my guests with pictures from the time he took his wife on a round the world cruise. That was two years ago for christsake. Doesn't he realise that Jack and Marge were just being polite? I really wish we wouldn't rub my nose in it like that, in my own home. He knows that I couldn't possibly bring my wife on a trip of that size, not with a salary like mine. Plus, we have three kids, who's going to look after them for a whole month and a half?

“Yes, it's all fine and dandy for Mister ‘50k a year’, with no children to look after, I might add, but I have responsibilities. If he brings those photos again next year I may have to have words with him,” he told us. Having said that, Mr. Delaney feels sure that the barbecue will remain an annual event, and will continue to enjoy support from friends and relatives.

“Roll on next year,” a defiant Jim Delaney said, “I'll be here, with the barbecue lit, the beer cooling and the burgers thawing”