- Every week, FEMAIL asks two singletons to report back from their blind date
- 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
FRANCES, 71
Widowed, 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 were together for 46 years. I haven’t been on a date since before I met him.
Pre-Date Nerves?
This was a new experience for me, so yes, I was a bit nervous.

Frances, 71, is widowed, with two adult children and two stepchildren. She is retired, having worked as a teacher for 47 years, and is keen to meet a sincere and worldly man
First Impressions?
Patrick was very gentlemanly and got up to pull my chair out, which was lovely. I wasn’t initially drawn to his looks, and was disappointed he wasn’t in a shirt and tie. But then I discovered he’s Australian and that’s just his style rather than a lack of effort.
Easy To Talk To?
We just laughed and chatted away about all sorts of nonsense. I can rattle on about my family for ages.
We both ordered the shepherd’s pie and discovered a mutual love of brown sauce. I told him he needed to try the fruity version for 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 career as a teacher.
Embarrassing Moments?
Not really, it was good fun.
Did Sparks Fly?
I thought he was a lovely man, and very flattering. I complimented him, too, on his pocket handkerchief.
But it was my first date in a long time so I wasn’t expecting to be swept off my feet. I felt initially we are more suited to friendship, but who knows what may happen over time?

Frances liked that Patrick was gentlemanly – he got 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 I had to be on my best behaviour. We swapped numbers and he messaged me afterwards to say thanks for a great afternoon, ending it with ‘your friend always’, which I thought was lovely.
What do you think he thought of you?
I think he quite liked me and enjoyed my company, and he seemed to agree we would carry on as friends.
Would your family and friends like him?
He’s such a lovely man, so I think so. Although, they’re struggling with the idea of me meeting anyone at the moment.
PATRICK, 72
Widowed with five children.
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.

Patrick, 72, is widowed with five children. Retired from nursing with the merchant navy, he’s looking for someone kind and entertaining
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.

Patrick’s first impressions of Frances were good – he thought she was very pretty and he liked that she was natural with little make-up
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.
FRANCES’S VERDICT: 7/10
LIKED? He’s funny and down to earth.
REGRETS? Taking ages deciding what to wear.
COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee.
PATRICK’S VERDICT: 11.5/10
LIKED? Her manner and presentation.
REGRETS? No, I’m looking forward to meeting up.
COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee.