Blind date

Every week, we send a couple out on a blind date. This time, David rooney, 65, had lunch at The George of Stamford, in Lincolnshire, with Gill Grant, 72.

David, a retired psychiatric nurse, is divorced and lives in Lincoln. Gill is also retired from running her own arts and crafts business and is divorced. She lives in Peterborough.

GILL, 72, SAYS:

Once you pass 60, you sometimes feel that life’s over, but then something happens to give you a boost and you think: ‘I’m Ok, I’m good-looking, I can do this.’ That’s how I would sum up my lunch with David.

It was my first date in three years and I arrived early, but David was already in the lounge. He was wearing a smart suit and tie and looked nice. We gave each other a warm welcome and sat down for an aperitif.

We had a funny ice-breaker when I started to choke on some nuts and he dashed off to get me some water — perhaps afraid he’d end up having to give me mouth-to-mouth.

We chose a lovely wine and both ordered the duck, then settled down to talking. We were properly laughing in no time.

He told me he had been a psychiatric nurse and said that hearing that sometimes puts people off. I could understand that and asked him to promise not to assess me.

He told me about a lady he likes and I ended up counselling him on that. It didn’t bother me because, at first, I didn’t feel any romantic chemistry towards him. I thought he needed a little encouragement, so I told him he was free to live his life.

We spoke about family and I showed him photos of my son. It is a shame David never had children of his own, as I think he would have liked to. With five children myself, now aged 32 to 51, and three grandchildren, I’m kept busy.

I’ve been married and divorced twice and have been single now for around eight years. I’ve done online dating but, unfortunately, I’ve pushed away the princes and attracted the frogs!

Quite a few people I met had money or prospects and wanted to go travelling with me. But, at the time, I had to be here for my grandchildren, so I let them go without me.

NOWI feel freer, so this is a great time for me to meet someone fun. My daughter is always telling me to get looking for men.

Twice a year, I visit my son and daughter-in-law in Las vegas, where they live, which is a nice adventure. I also love collecting antiques, walking and helping out in my local community.

My life is enjoyable after many years of hard work running my own business, but there are times when I miss a man’s companionship.

I’d love to meet someone with a sense of humour who shares a few of my interests.

By the time David and I had dessert, we felt comfortable enough to sample each other’s — it shows we’d built up some trust. We then went to the lounge for coffee but, unfortunately, his train was at 3.15pm — so we didn’t have enough time to get to know each other further.

I’m a great believer in a second date to see how things go, so we exchanged numbers and I suggested meeting for a coffee soon. He seemed to like the idea, so fingers crossed.

We both said we’d enjoyed the date and shared a warm hug goodbye. He told me I’d given him confidence, which made me feel good.

In all, it was a real boost. I was singing in the car all the way back. David rang me from the train to make sure I’d got home. I told him I’d already changed into my pyjamas and he laughed. As we got on so well, there might be potential to develop some chemistry. I’m looking forward to seeing him again.

LIKED? He was smartly dressed and funny. REGRETS? none at all.

COFFEE OR CAB? coffee. Verdict: 8/10

DAVID, 65, SAYS:

I WAS a bit nervous about going on a date, but when Gill walked in, I thought she looked warm and welcoming. She has lovely eyes and a pretty smile with a dimple.

Quite soon into the lunch, she started to choke on some nuts, so I had to rush off to get water. I thought it would be too soon to give her the kiss of life. But it helped to break the ice.

Once she could breathe again, we got chatting and covered a broad spectrum of topics, from holidays and walking to theatre and food.

I found Gill easy and downto-earth, different from dates I’ve had in the past. Usually, I’ve been out with people who have issues of some sort, such as recovering from a divorce, but she seemed carefree and I felt I could tell her anything.

In fact, I’m so out of practice with dating that I needed some female advice, so ended up telling her about a woman I’ve been interested in. I felt a bit silly, but Gill was gracious and gave me her thoughts. We were kindred spirits.

I did feel there was a little chemistry as the date went on and we had a giggle — she has a great sense of humour.

She’s helping her daughter move house soon and we laughed about her daughter’s two dogs and a cat squashing in with her in a small house.

The date helped to boost my confidence, which has been eroded in the past — I’ve been hurt in previous relationships, especially my marriage, and it’s great to spend time with someone who makes you feel good about yourself. I’m romantic and caring, but have been single for about a decade. I’ve never tried online dating. A friend urged me to join, but it’s not for me. I like dining out, walking and going to the theatre, and would love someone to share that with. I have a good circle of friends, but haven’t met anyone to date. My last date was 18 months ago, but it never developed and we just stayed friends. Gill is so approachable: there wasn’t a moment of tension and the time flew by. I walked her to her car and gave her a hug. She told me she’d borrowed her daughter’s coat, and I told her she looked so youthful she could easily get away with it. I rang her on the way back to make sure she got home safely. I know she is busy for the next couple of weeks, but hopefully we’ll meet up again after that. LIKED? Her smile and her warm personality. REGRETS? none. COFFEE OR CAB? coffee. Verdict: 9/10 Interviews: ALANA KIRK

‘He started telling me about a lady he likes ...’ ‘I felt I could say anything to her’