Blind date

He seemed shy but there’s more to Mark than meets the eye

Every week, we send a couple out on a blind date. This time, Mark allen, 55, had dinner at san Carlo in Leicester with Julie Clarke, 52. Mark, who lives in nearby Coalville, is divorced and works as an engineering draughtsman. Julie, a speech therapist, is twice divorced with one grown-up son and also lives near Leicester, in south Kilworth.

JULIE, 52, SAYS:

MarK got to the restaurant first — I think he wanted to be early, as he is definitely a gentleman. The waiter seated us at different tables, but I liked the look of Mark so went over and asked if he was my date!

He’s tall and has his hair and a nice smile, which was a great start. He was also very aware of getting me a drink and making me comfortable, which I appreciated. He asked if I was nervous and I said yes, and initially I think he was a bit shellshocked too.

He probably thought he’d never get a word in edgeways at first as I tend to chatter when I’m nervous!

But we soon settled down with a relaxing glass of wine. He told me lots about his music tastes, friends and family, and his love of classic cars. I was really impressed by the book groups he has started in London and Leicester, and funnily enough I go to one of the music quizzes he set up. It’s a small world!

I’m looking for a man who is kind above all things, perhaps handsome in a quirky way, and preferably taller than me. What else? Funny, calm, employed and capable of having an interesting conversation!

I have lots of interests, including hot yoga, films, walks and the occasional gin, and I wouldn’t be attracted to a couch potato. I need someone who is enthusiastic to try new things and generally keep learning — about anything.

Mark really fitted the bill, and it’s clear he loves to get involved and to socialise.

We talked a little bit about dating but didn’t dwell on it! I’ve been married twice, and have been separated for 18 months. My first marriage happened when I was really young at 22 and I had a baby at 23 — but I’ve changed so much since then.

My 29-year-old son (how did he get to that age?) lives in Manchester now, although my work as a consultant speech and language therapist keeps me busy.

I haven’t had much dating experience at all, as I only joined a dating website just before Christmas. I did meet a guy, but he wasn’t quite as he’d advertised so I haven’t bothered much with it since then. I’ve been quite happy to spend time discovering what my actual likes and dislikes are before trying to find a man.

This date went so well though. We left the restaurant at 10pm as it was quite noisy and hard work to talk, and went for coffee somewhere quieter. There was lots of laughing and we had so much to say we were almost talking over each other!

I’m not sure how much flirting was going on. But then I think Mark is quite mindful and mature. I definitely think there is more to him than meets the eye.

We’ve already been in touch and we’ve arranged to go the cinema followed by a meal next week, so we can talk more when we feel less nervous.

He did seem a bit shy, so we’ll see what happens on our second date — I’m looking forward to it. LIKED? Gentlemanly, with good conversation, and attentive. REGRETS? None. COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee.

Verdict: 9/10 MARK, 55, SAYS:

I Was quite nervous, as it’s been a couple of years since I’ve been on a date.

I arrived first and then almost immediately, an attractive lady walked in but was seated at a different table.

It was too much of a coincidence to have two single people arriving at the same time, so she leaned over and asked if I was Mark. It meant the date started off with a laugh.

We were both a bit anxious, I think, but Julie came across as really friendly so my nerves went away quite quickly. I’m always attracted to women who have a friendly and confident manner and a sense of humour, so I felt that we clicked. I’m always conscious of trying not to talk too much about myself, but it felt really equal.

We had a lot in common. she told me she was in a book and