Find out if it’s a match for Frances and Patrick on this week’s Blind Date: ‘She suggested we go to the Cotswolds. I loved that’
FRANCE, 71
Widow, with two adult children and two stepchildren.
Dating past?
I’ve been single for almost five years since I lost my husband. He was older than me and we had been together for 46 years. I haven’t been on a date since I met him.
Pre-date nerves?
This was a new experience for me, so yes, I was a little nervous.
Frances, 71, is a widow with two adult children and two stepchildren. She is retired, has worked as a teacher for 47 years and would like to meet a sincere and worldly man
First impression?
Patrick was very friendly and stood up to pull out my chair, which was lovely. I wasn’t initially attracted to his appearance and was disappointed that he wasn’t wearing a shirt and tie. But then I discovered he’s Australian and that’s his style rather than a lack of effort.
Easy to talk to?
We just laughed and talked about all kinds of nonsense. I can talk about my family for a long time.
Was I nervous? I haven’t dated in almost 50 years!
We both ordered the shepherd’s pie and discovered a mutual love for brown sauce. I told him he had to try the fruity version of a bacon sandwich, which made him laugh.
He seems to do a lot for charity and travels to India once a year, which was interesting, and I told him about my 47 year teaching career.
Embarrassing moments?
Not really, it was a lot of fun.
Did sparks fly?
I thought he was a nice man, and very flattering. I also complimented him on his handkerchief.
But it was my first date in a long time, so I didn’t expect to be thrown off. I initially felt like we are more suited for friendship, but who knows what might happen over time?
Frances liked that Patrick was friendly; he stood up and pulled out her chair when she arrived
Would you like to meet again?
Yes, he was great company and I didn’t feel like I had to be on my best behavior. We exchanged numbers and he messaged me afterwards to say thank you for the great afternoon, ending with ‘your friend always’, which I thought was lovely.
What do you think he thought of you?
I think he really liked me and enjoyed my company, and he seemed to agree that we should continue as friends.
Would your family and friends like it?
He’s such a nice man, so I guess so. Although at the moment they are having a hard time with the idea of me meeting anyone.
PATRICK, 72
Widow with five children.
Dating past?
I became a widow in 2009 and have been single ever since. Even though my friends have tried to set me up, I keep saying no. But my kids are all grown up, so I decided this is the right time.
Pre-date nerves?
I could barely get up from the nerves. But I noticed she was shaking, so we were clearly both in the same boat.
Patrick, 72, is a widow and has five children. He is retired as a nurse from the Merchant Navy and is looking for someone who is friendly and entertaining
First impression?
I thought Frances was sweet and very beautiful. She looked natural with very little makeup, although I complimented her on her beautifully painted nails. It was sweet that she was so nervous; I told her I was too and we both sat down.
Easy to talk to?
She was great company and would make a great dinner party guest. She’s not shy and shoots from the hip, which I like.
She suggested we go to the Cotswolds. I loved that
I grew up in Australia so I’m straight forward and loved her way of doing things. Coincidentally, she has a daughter in Australia, so I knew where she had been.
Frances was a teacher for 47 years, which is an incredible achievement. There was no pretension, because she is very sincere. We continued to chat for over four hours.
Embarrassing moments?
No, thank goodness.
Did sparks fly?
Not in public, because we were just getting to know each other, but we got along very well.
When we were talking about places we wanted to visit, she said, ‘Let’s go to the Cotswolds, we’ll have our own rooms and we’ll go on an adventure.’ I loved that.
I told her I was no longer swinging from the chandeliers and wanted company, so that was a great idea.
Patrick’s first impressions of Frances were good – he thought she was very beautiful and he liked that she was natural, with little make-up
Would you like to meet again?
Please. She recommended a spicy version of HP Sauce, so I bought some to taste and reported 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 gets along with everyone.
FRANCES’ VERDICT: 7/10
LIKED IT? He is funny and down to earth.
REGRET? It takes ages to decide what to wear.
COFFEE OR taxi? Coffee.
PATRICK’S VERDICT: 11.5/10
LIKED IT? Her manner and presentation.
REGRET? No, I’m looking forward to meeting each other.
COFFEE OR taxi? Coffee.