Blind date
Robin would make someone a lovely partner, but not me We enjoy doing different things -- she’s not as active
EVERY week we send a couple on a blind date. This time Robin ottery, 62, met 65-year-old Anne Moore for lunch at The Swan restaurant, at Shakespeare’s Globe theatre in London.
Robin is divorced with two daughters and three grandchildren. He manages a farm and lives in Godalming, Surrey. Widow Anne, a volunteer carer, has two sons and four grandchildren. She lives in Purley, Surrey.
ANNE, 65, SAYS:
WHEN I lost my husband in 2011 after 19 years together, I could never have imagined I would still be single seven years on.
Yes, you do get used to your own company, but I don’t want to be on my own for the rest of my life. I have tried dating sites but haven’t met anyone who I even wanted to see more than a couple of times.
I wasn’t nervous about the date because I’m a calm person and take things as they come. Robin was waiting for me at the restaurant and was warm and welcoming. He was very smartly dressed, which I liked, and we chatted away about all sorts of things.
I was surprised to find we actually had a lot in common, including a love of music.
But despite the lovely setting — at a table for two overlooking the river — unfortunately I didn’t feel there was any chemistry. The conversation was interesting and we found plenty to say, but it wasn’t lively, and there wasn’t much laughing or flirting.
Despite having shared interests, we lead quite different lives. I was impressed that he visits the gym every night, swims and goes out as well as working full-time, but that’s very different to my schedule.
I was made redundant from my job at a cruise company a few years ago, so I now care for an autistic lady one day a week and do exam invigilating at a local high school.
‘I tend to do all my activities in the daytime, then enjoy relaxing in the evenings. I also have two grown-up sons, and these days I’m kept quite busy helping to look after my four lovely granddaughters.
Robin and I had plenty to talk about, though — he was really chatty and friendly. If we lived closer to each other I would say we could have been good friends.
At the end of the meal, we spent some time outside chatting on the South Bank. He took my number and suggested we meet up again. I’d be quite happy to go with him for a coffee, but I don’t see any romance developing.
I had a lovely day and Robin’s company was wonderful. He would make someone a lovely partner but there was just no attraction between us.
It would be nice to have someone to share things with and to talk to. I love the cinema and concerts, art galleries and museums, but don’t go as often as I would like, as it’s not the same without company.
I love music, too. I listen to soul on the radio while doing the housework and I have joined a choir. I’d never sung before, but I enjoy the challenge of learning something new and the sense of belonging it brings. I used to enjoy ballroom and Latin dancing, but have stopped going as it is not very rewarding without a partner — I’ve joined a Zumba class instead.
I recently moved back to Surrey from Southampton to be closer to my family, and am having a good time making new friends, getting used to being retired and making a new life for myself. But it would be lovely to share things with a man on a romantic level.
I’d love to meet someone kind and caring who shares some of my interests. I am easygoing, so would like someone who does not take life too seriously and can make me laugh. Ideally, they would not live too far away. LIKED? He was smartly dressed and friendly. REGRETS? None. COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee. Verdict: 7/10
ROBIN, 62, SAYS:
AS SOON as Anne walked into the restaurant, I thought she was attractive and seemed very friendly and warm.
That said, I was feeling pretty nervous — this was the first time I’d been on a date with someone I hadn’t known or even seen beforehand.
Anne has a lovely personality and we never stopped talking, so the date must have gone OK. For me, it was just nice to have a good day out.
I don’t get up to London as often as I’d like, as managing a farm is very much a full-time job. This is a great time of year there, handling day- old chicks and seeing spring bringing new life.
I’m really active and love being outdoors, cycling, walking and swimming. I love dancing, too. I don’t like sitting around much.
That sense of being energetic and always on the go is something I’d look for in a partner, and while Anne has lots of interests and is very creative, I don’t think she’s as active as I am. I think we might find ourselves keen to do different things.
I really enjoyed the date though, and the restaurant was very nice. Afterwards we went outside and looked at the spectacular view of the Thames as dusk fell and all the lights came on.
We parted with a kiss on the cheek and I asked for Anne’s number and suggested we meet up again. She’s a really lovely lady and it would be nice to see her as a friend, but I don’t feel it would work out romantically — there wasn’t much of a connection in that way.
We did talk a bit about past relationships — I’ve been divorced for about five years now after a 32-year marriage, and have two adult daughters and three grandchildren, the youngest only five weeks old, so family keeps me busy, too.
I haven’t dated much in the past five years, but have decided that now is a good time to start getting proactive about it.
I have been online, but think the first four women I was in touch with were scammers as they kept asking for details like my home address. You just don’t know who you are talking to. So I really enjoyed this date and just sitting down talking face to face.
It has given me confidence, which I really needed. It’s good to know I can meet a total stranger and have a really enjoyable time — and I’m looking forward to going on more dates.
I’m looking for an active, honest, loving lady with a sense of humour, who is easygoing and just as happy being outside walking as staying indoors. Who knows, I might find her soon.
LIKED? Anne was so relaxed and friendly. REGRETS? None.
COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee. Verdict: 7/10