This evening, Dunedin Dating coordinator Jane Metcalfe will hold what is believed to be the city's first speed-dating get-together that excludes anyone with less than three score years.
It was an experiment to test the level of demand, Miss Metcalfe said. And it looks set to succeed - if the men show up.
‘‘There are a whole pile of ladies who have booked and a handful of guys,'' Miss Metcalfe said. ‘‘But traditionally, the men do book late.
‘‘I'm hopeful for a dozen to 15 pairs.''
Miss Metcalfe has been organising weekly speed-dating events for more than two years.
‘‘It's a bunch of women and a bunch of men getting together and I set them talking.''
‘‘The trick is to work out, ‘do I like this person enough to get together for a coffee?' That's it.''
This weekend, she will attend the wedding of a couple who met at one of her speed dates.
Tonight's soiree was prompted by requests from older women participating in speed dating events for 45 to 65-year-olds who were keen to meet men their own age.
Men and women up to the age of 60 often looked for someone younger, she said. Beyond that age they tend to be ‘‘more realistic about what they are looking for in a relationship. It's much more about companionship''.
Those who have booked for tonight were ‘‘excited to have the opportunity'', Miss Metcalfe said.
Normally, every speed dater gets three or four minutes to talk with each person of the opposite gender. This evening's participants ‘‘might get a bit longer''.
Pam (surname withheld) was ‘‘not looking to get married again'' but hoped the evening might result in ‘‘a special man friend.''
‘‘I'm surrounded by people. But when you are watching telly in the evening, sometimes you get lonely.''
