19 MAY 1979, Page 37

A cold buffet we had of it Just at the

worst time of the day For a wedding reception, and such a reception. Teatime is the cruellest time With the champagne cheap and the fondue tasteless The hearty men winking and wanting their smokes

And spoiling the appetite for fruit salad. There were times when I regretted my lack of three hands.

Mankind cannot stand too many canapes.

11, en, at last, we came to the speeches, Long and full of innuendo and old jokes, sci to the sickly taste of the cake with more champagne

And the last worst than the first. All this was a long time ago ut set down this, set down this,

I Shall not be glad of another reception.

(M.K. Cheeseman)