Blind date

EVERY week, we send a couple on a blind date. This time, 71- year- old Derek Guard, who was unlucky in love on his first Blind Date, tried again, going out to lunch at The Ivy with Carol Ann Flanagan, also 71.

Carol Ann is a widow and lives in Clapton, East London. Derek is divorced with two sons and lives in mill Hill, also in London.

CAROL ANN, 71, SAYS:

Some people might think a woman of my age is past looking for romance, but I believe in living life to the full. I miss men and I want their company, but I don’t really go out to places where I’d meet any and I’m not that keen to go online because I don’t want to have to sell myself.

years ago, you just went out and met a bloke. I’d love to find someone with a sense of humour and similar interests. oh yes, and they have to be well-dressed!

I met my last partner on a blind date when I was 50 — we were together for 20 years until he passed away 18 months ago — so this was my first date in a long time.

Going on a blind date again felt fun and safe all at once. I was excited rather than nervous, even though as soon as I arrived my daughter rang to make sure I was ok! I’m always early, so I got there first.

I’m good with people and the minute Derek walked in I knew he was a sweet man. Initially, I thought he perhaps wasn’t my type, but people can surprise you!

The first thing he did was present me with a gift — he’d bought me a scarf with my initials on it, which was kind. He is a real gentleman and smartly dressed.

We were chatting away about lots of things — he’s done some cab driving, and my sonin-law is a black cab driver so we had lots of silly little things in common, which kept the conversation going.

We also discovered that we have both lost a child, although we didn’t dwell on that too much. I’ve always been resilient and although I’ve had a lot of upsets in life, they have made me stronger. While I’ve still got life in me, I want to keep living as fabulously as I can.

Derek’s probably more serious than me and I’m more outgoing than him, but I think I made him laugh and it never felt awkward. We had a few drinks, which made us relaxed and the restaurant was lovely. I had scallops to start with and then haddock, and we both had Irish coffee and shared a bottle of rose.

After the meal, we decided to go on somewhere else for another drink, so we had a lovely walk around and saw the Christmas lights. Eventually, we found a little pub and had a few more drinks until it was quite late!

When it was time to go, Derek found me a cab and gave the taxi driver my fare, which I thought was sweet of him. He’s an absolute gentleman.

I’m not sure if it will lead to romance. He was talking about another date and I felt he was a bit too intense for a first meeting.

I don’t want to be rushed — I felt he came on a little strong talking so soon about other dates, whereas I just wanted to enjoy the moment.

That said, Derek was attentive and it made me feel good. It was lovely to be on a date.

I’m going away just after Christmas, so I would like time to think about things. I might see Derek again, but I have so much on at the moment I would rather wait for the new year.

It was a positive experience for me, though, and so nice to be in a man’s company for a change. We shall see what January brings. LIKED? He was a true gentleman. REGRETS? None. COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee. Verdict: 8/10

DEREK, 71, SAYS:

I’m A bit of a romantic and I like to make sure my date feels welcome, so I had brought a little gift with me for Carol; a scarf with her initials embroidered on it. I suppose I was nervous to a degree, but I don’t think anybody would not enjoy spending an afternoon and evening with Carol — she is a sheer delight.

She is attractive and wonderful company. The conversation was easy. Carol is a lovely person to be with, so confident, interesting and warm.

In fact, I didn’t want the date to end, so after we finished the meal we walked out into Covent Garden, took in all the beautiful Christmas decorations and went for another few drinks.

Having met at 2.30pm for lunch, I didn’t get home until after midnight, so possibly my longest date ever!

Like myself, Carol has come through some difficult times and her love of living for the moment shines through. We have both lost sons, and unless you lose a child, no one can appreciate the devastation when something this dreadful occurs.

It was good to speak to someone who understood, but neither of us dwelled too much on it, perhaps because we both knew what it is like.

As for the meal, the food was wonderful. I had a crab starter, followed by calves’ liver, and because neither of us wanted dessert, we both ordered Irish coffees.

AT THE end of the evening, I called Carol a black cab and paid the driver to take her home safely, which I think she appreciated. my last date found that awkward so I was pleased Carol took it in the spirit in which it was meant.

The only downside from my point of view was that in the speed of getting all that organised, we never swapped numbers and just parted with a kiss on the cheek. I would have liked to have heard that Carol got home safe and well.

Carol is charismatic and is a lovely person inside and out. It was such a happy, convivial date and the time just flew by.

I’m aware, though, that she has a busy life — she already has three holidays booked up for next year. I get the impression she wouldn’t want to rush in to anything. I would like the opportunity to see her again and I hope she feels the same way.

It’s my birthday in January, so it would be perfect if we could meet up then when she gets back from her holiday. LIKED? She’s an attractive, lovely person. REGRETS? None. COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee. Verdict: 10/10

I miss men and their company, but Derek came on too strong I’d love to see Carol again. I hope that she felt the same