She suggested we go to the Cotswolds. I loved that

PATRICK, 72 VITAL STATISTICS

WIDOWED with five children.

CURRENT ROLE

RETIRED from nursing with the merchant navy.

WOULD LIKE TO MEET

SOMEONE kind and entertaining. I am outgoing so nobody too shy.

DATING PAST?

I Was widowed in 2009 and have been single ever since. although my friends have tried to set me up, I keep saying no. But my children are all grown up so I’ve decided now is the time.

PRE-DATE NERVES?

I could barely stand up with nerves. But I noticed she was trembling, so we were clearly both in the same boat.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

I THougHT Frances was lovely and very pretty. she looked natural with very little make-up on, although I complimented her on her nice painted nails. It was sweet she was so nervous; I told her I was too and we both settled down.

EASY TO TALK TO?

sHe was wonderful company, and would be a great guest at a dinner party. she’s not shy and shoots from the hip, which I like. I grew up in australia so I’m straightforward and liked her manner. By coincidence, she has a daughter in australia so I knew the places she had been to.

Frances was a teacher for 47 years which is an incredible feat. There was no pretence as she’s very genuine. We kept chatting for more than four hours.

EMBARRASSING MOMENTS? No, THaNk goodness. DID SPARKS FLY?

NoT in a public way as we were just getting to know each other, but we got on very well. When we got talking about places we wanted to visit, she said, ‘let’s go away to the cotswolds — we’ll have our own rooms and have an adventure.’ I loved that. I told her I was no longer swinging from the chandeliers and wanted companionship, so that was a great idea.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET AGAIN?

I’d love to. she’d been recommending a spicy version of HP sauce, so I bought some to taste and have been reporting back.

WHAT DO YOU THINK SHE THOUGHT OF YOU?

I THINk she likes me and hopefully we’ll go away and have some fun together.

WOULD YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS LIKE HER?

oH Yes, absolutely. Frances is such a nice lady and she’d get on well with everyone.