Who'll find love on our blind date? This week it's Fay, 79, and Derek, 89, but will romance be on the cards?
- Every week, FEMAIL asks two singletons to report back from their blind date
- Fay, 79, and Derek, 89, who both live in Hampshire, shared their experience
- Would you like us to find you a date? Are you a singleton, or is there someone you'd like to send on a blind date? Email: blinddate@dailymail.co.uk
Fay, 79, (pictured) is a retired solicitor's clerk who divorced 29 years ago
FAY, 79
Dating Past
After my divorce, I travelled the world and while I did enjoy a few brief relationships, none lasted. I dated one truly wonderful man, but I let it go because I wasn’t ready for commitment.
I have read so many horror stories about dating online that I avoid it. Covid hasn’t helped either.
Pre-Date Nerves?
No, I’m a ‘people’ person and my first blind date sounded fun. But I was apprehensive finding my way around London, not having travelled in the capital for some time. I’d only told my daughter I was taking part. I wanted to keep it a surprise for everyone else.
First Impressions?
Good. Derek wore a smart blazer and trousers and certainly looked like a gentleman. I arrived first and once Derek was shown to the table, we soon settled into easy conversation.
Easy To Talk To?
Yes, the date whizzed by. We talked about what we’re doing in retirement — Derek enjoys bell ringing and has performed in 41 pantomimes, while I like tai chi, and I’m also kept busy by my nine grandchildren.
Derek is still involved in his metal sign business which takes some doing at 89. We both have wonderfully close families, too. Rather surprisingly, I discovered Derek only lives a couple of streets away from me in our Hampshire town.
Embarrassing Moments?
None. We both agreed that we came on the date with open minds. Derek said that he did it for a challenge.
As for me, after Covid, I wanted to have fun — and the pampering involved in the photoshoot was an unexpected bonus.
Did Sparks Fly?
It felt natural for us to share a cab to Victoria and a train ride home, still talking and enjoying one another’s company. As Derek lives so close by, he was a gentleman and walked me right to my door.
At our age, we’re looking for comfort and compatibility.
See him again?
Oh yes, definitely. We have already arranged to meet up for a coffee tomorrow.
What do you think he thought of you?
Hopefully nice, kind thoughts. There was never a dull moment. We chatted easily from the start.
Would your family like him?
Yes, absolutely — there is nothing not to like about Derek.
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Derek, 89, (pictured) who widowed in 2013, is retired but still involved in his business
DEREK, 89
Dating Past
I haven’t come across the right person since I lost my wife. We met in our 30s under the clock at Waterloo and were married for 45 years.
In my 20s, I shared a cottage in Windsor with my brother — a lot of young ladies were constantly in and out. We had fantastic times and it’s likely why I married late.
Pre-Date Nerves?
I had an unusual choice of National Service, being one of the few selected to be trained as a pilot in the RAF. I ended up flying Meteor jets; the nerves I felt just before the date were exactly the same as those I experienced when I did my first solo flight.
First Impressions?
I wish I had arrived first, because Fay was already seated. She was attractive and wore a red top and navy skirt.
Easy To Talk To?
The restaurant was rather noisy, which meant it was difficult for Fay and I to hear each other. Even the waitress had to bend down to hear what we wanted to order. But I thought our conversation flowed easily.
We both despaired of the wokeness permeating everywhere in our world.
Embarrassing Moments?
Just one, when I washed my hands after going to the gents. The water spilled over the edge of the tiny basin onto my trousers.
‘Yes, it does tend to do that,’ explained a young man, who was waiting for his turn.
Did Sparks Fly?
I thought Fay was surprisingly attractive. She most probably thought I talked too much, especially about myself.
See them again?
I ordered a taxi to take both of us to the station, then accompanied Fay to her front door as she had no desire to walk home alone at night; I can’t say I blame her. We are already planning a coffee.
What do you think she thought of you?
If I were a litmus test, I think the paper might well have turned slightly blue away from the red on this occasion. That’s a good sign.
Would your family like her?
Fay would get on well with my family, but perhaps I should have asked her a little more about hers; how accepting would they be of an old and decrepit extra in their own circle?
Fancy a posh meal with an eligible single like you? Or would you like to play Cupid for someone else? Email your — or their — details and a photo to blinddate@dailymail.co.uk
