The event will be hosted in Central Salisbury. You’ll need to buy a ticket in advance to find out where so that we can ensure a balanced number of men and women on the night. We’ll also take your contact details at this point so that you don’t have to give them on the night. You should decide whether you want potential partners to have an email address, mobile or home number. It’s best not to give Facebook or other personal details until you’re sure you like them.
You’ll arrive at 6.30pm (being fashionably late for speed dating is NOT cool)
The event is open to 40(ish) to 60(ish) year olds in aid of the charity. Being flexible about the age range, there will be less temptation for participants to lie about their age. In fact, you won’t have to tell anyone your age at all , if you feel right coming along then you’ll be welcome.
You’ll have a chance to buy a drink at the bar and mingle for a few minutes with other attendees. During this time you’ll be given a name badge along with a pen and a sheet containing all the names of those you will be meeting during the evening. The sheet will also have space to list whether you find the person “interesting”, of “no interest” or “maybe of interest”. Don’t forget to update this after each four minute session.
All the men will be seated at their own tables and then the women will disperse amongst them so that the first session can begin. Don’t immediately scramble for the most attractive person in the room, in fact, if you want to choose then go for someone you feel is less likely to appeal as your first “date” so that you can get used to the concept before meeting your “ideal partner”. There is a scientific reason for keeping the men seated – read about it here.
Each session will last four minutes. After the first two minutes a small bell will be rung so that you may allow the other person to take over the conversation. Of course you are perfectly free to share each four minute slot between you as you feel fits but don’t do all the talking yourself or allow the other person to dominate the conversation. You need to find out about each other if the evening is to be a success. After four minutes a whistle will blow and you should conclude your conversation as quickly as possible, mark your score sheet and the women will move to the next table. (Yes, there are scientific reasons why the women move).
After the event, you will be given the contact details for anyone that found you “interesting” or that you found “interesting” as long as the other person did not mark you as “of no interest”. In other words, if one or both people were interested you’ll be put in touch unless one of the parties has said they definitely don’t want to be. Who knows, just because you weren’t sure on the night, don’t rule out the possibility that you might be suited. After all, four minutes isn’t long to make up your mind.
There will also be a chance to mingle at the bar after the formal sessions. Ideal for those wishing to meet potential partners or just make new friends whilst at the same time helping a marvellous charity. www.hopeandhomes.org.uk
Places are limted to 20 men and 20 women. To express an interest in attending a repeat of this event, email Chris at Dating@hhc-sw.com or call 01747 858016 – there is no commitment at this stage.
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