Your reporter wobbles home more than a little worse for wear after what has to have been one of Dead End’s very best ‘re-opening nights’ in recent times.  In spite of the exceptionally harsh economic circumstances Dead End finds itself in at the moment, the sponsors of this event really pushed the boat out and brought much cheer to Dead End’s dark streets.  I’d visited the RoughHouse over the previous couple of days and had been impressed by the warm welcome shown to me by the new owner, Radha, her manager Titi and barman Brett.  It was clear that they were putting a lot of effort into planning this event and their enthusiasm and thoroughness certainly seem to have been rewarded.

My Friday started much earlier when I went shopping for a new crisp white T-Shirt (for reasons which will become apparent later!) to go with the heavy ‘biker style’ leather trousers and jacket I’d chosen to wear to really get into the spirit of the event, in common with a number of the other Dead End ladies present.  Luckily the RoughHouse is only a very short walk from the ‘Projects’ bus stop, so my N-Core ‘Vertigo’ platform spike heels weren’t too much of a handicap.  As I walked up the street, the extent of the preparations was immediately apparent, with a massive outdoor catering effort including a huge serving table, grill and temporary seating area.  Catering was provided free-of-charge by the RoughHouse and the local diner, who even provided very smart serving staff who were audibly keen to ensure everyone present had a good feed.

As more Dead End residents joined the throng, the conversations flowed, building to a pleasant hum with most attendees appearing to be enjoying a convivial evening.  Titi and Brett kept the free drinks flowing, another generous gesture from Radha.   A number of Dead End’s newcomers attended the re-opening night, including two tall and identical-looking and identically-dressed gentlemen who, in addition to enjoying the social side of the evening, were clearly involved in some sort of business activity.  It’s good to see that in these hard times,  and with such obvious personal suffering visible, businessfolk are feeling able to progress their projects so publicly.   Another attendee was a tall gentleman with the appearance of a circus clown who appeared to be keen to have a quiet, relaxed and enjoyable evening – I trust he achieved his aim.  The proprietors of a number of Dead End’s other bars also attended and entered into the warm and friendly spirit of the evening.

As the crowd built to fill the street, Radha led by example to initiate the main event of the evening, a ‘Wet T Shirt’ competition, the winner promised a generous L$1000.  A good number of Dead End ladies entered the competition, some expecting their T-Shirts to be wetted in a semi-controlled fashion by a syphon of Vodka!  Unfortunately for them, The RoughHouse had installed a large open-air shower in the street, so confining one’s drenching to the shirt wasn’t really an option.  In order to prevent damage to their leather trousers, more than one lady stripped down to their underwear before entering the shower, undoubtedly providing an unexpected bonus for the growing audience.  By this time a number of DEPD Officers had also arrived but kept a respectful distance.  Whether their presence was a precaution against any possible outbreak of trouble or a desire to witness the much-advertized Wet T-Shirt contest is not something this reporter is party to, but this was certainly the most concentrated police presence she’s seen in Dead End.

Modesty prevents your Reporter from formally announcing who won the contest, but suffice to say that the Dead End Daily’s meagre clothing allowance has received a welcome boost this month.

The Caterer meets the Wet T-Shirt Competition

Only one minor incident detracted from an enjoyable evening and even this affected only one person and was quickly resolved.  As the Wet T-Shirt competition was drawing to a close, one of the catering staff was drenched, apparently against her will.  Her main concern appeared not to be embarrassment or awkwardness with her situation, but more the damage to a valuable pair of heels.  At least one DEPD Officer moved closer at this point, but the incident appeared to be resolved quickly and with a minimum of fuss.

As the crowds dispersed after this memorable event, both management and guests reflected on a most successful night.  The final word has to go to Titi, The RoughHouse’s Manager:   “It was a amazing success. Great turn out, every one had fun and no one went to jail or the hospital. The Rough House knows how to have a good time.”

Annabel Westminster, DE Daily Reporter