Vicky's Speed Dating Story
Dating for the impatient

Party Host Alan went to meet her at the newly refurbished bar at Mackenzies to find out why she went speed dating in the first place, and to see if she would recommend it to other single people in Swindon.

Alan: What attracted you to speed dating?
Vicky: My friend and I were having no real success in dating. Having moved to a new town, we didn't seem to meet people outside of work. And having a relationship with someone in work is not practical, unless you're absolutely certain it will work.

A: Were you nervous before the party?
V: Yes. Before the party I'd been thinking about it all day! As soon as I got there my nerves immediately all went. There was a very relaxed atmosphere.

A: Did you like everybody you met?
V: A couple of people I thought, "Go away!" (laughs), but there were enough people who were worth speaking to.

A: Can you find out enough to make it worthwhile during your three-minute date?
V: Sometimes yes, sometimes no. If three-minutes wasn't enough, there was always breaks for people to talk in.

A: Did you feel that you got a true reflection of people's real personalities in that short space of time?
V: Yes I think most people were honest and open. Some of the guys there were friends, so sometimes I got the same story over again, but this just provided a talking point!

A: Had you heard any stories about speed dating before you chose to go yourself.
V: I have a friend at work, my kind of "speed dating buddy". He's been on four or five different speed dating events. He's always got dates from them, and has recently started a relationship with someone he met speed dating.

A: Did you get many matches?
V: I got five matches. I had already set up a date at the end of the party, with the guy who is now my boyfriend. I also kept in touch with a friend of his, who was also at the party.

A: What did you like and what did you dislike about speed dating
V: I liked the fact there was no rubbish, and you can be brutally honest. You know that you don't need to spend a whole evening with the person you're with. It's like dating for the impatient. I met lots of people that evening, and made both male and female friends. We still talk about the night now!

A: And dislike?
V: Well, I didn't know when there was a twenty-minute break and was caught talking to someone for 20 minutes. Actually the bloke I spoke to was OK, but I know some girls who were a bit caught!

A: And the price?
V: My friend and I have spent more going to numerous restaurants and bars trying to meet people, here we knew we would meet lots of people in one night. And of course we did!

A: What was your most memorable person to talk to in the evening?
V: There were some real smoothies! (laughs). There was one guy who, when I asked what he enjoyed said, "I always enjoy spending my evening chatting to ladies!"

A: What would you say to people who were still sceptical about speed dating?
V: Try it. Be thick skinned. It's funny, if you say to someone "I've tried speed dating." you'll find at least one person who'll say, "Oh I've tried that!" or they know someone who has. There are more people doing this than you think!

www.fast-dating.co.uk lists speed dating parties all over the UK, including at Mackenzies in Swindon's Old Town. Parties are generally aimed at single professionals aged between 23 and 39 and will be held in the new lounge upstairs. It's very chilled out and relaxed venue. Perfect for chatting and getting to know new people. Why not click on the banner below and book your place today.

Find out more about www.fast-dating.co.uk