Beckie and I are going speed dating. Tonight we'll be working our way through 30 men - but they (and we) only get three minutes' to make a good impression.  | | The boys eye up the talent |
It's the latest addition to life in the fast lane - and what better way for go-getting singles with little time in their hectic schedules to meet the guy or girl of their dreams? The dating "do" is organised by four single friends from Cheltenham. They've had enough of the same old dating scene and have taken matters into their own hands. 
As we gather in a wine bar the sexes furtively eye each other up and gulp down a dose or two of Dutch courage - some at top speed (the hurry, hurry atmosphere is infectious!)  | | The girls compare notes |
Thus fuelled, the hope is that a few wines or beers inside will help unleash a steady stream of witty chat-up lines and flirty banter with which to dazzle would-be suitors. The evening is organised with military precision. A horn sounds and another three minutes are up - so it's all change! For each new prospective partner you meet you fill in a form indicating your interests and whether you'd be interested in meeting again.  | | Happy ever after? Here's to love, anyway! |
A couple tickle my fancy - but for some of these guys even three minutes with me seems too much to handle! But is Becky saving the best till last? She seems to be getting along very well with one chap. The question is: did he tick Becky's box? She'll find out if the speed dating evening's organisers send her his e-mail address later this week... If you can't spare a whole evening to try speed dating for yourself, it only takes a minute to enjoy a 'virtual speed date' with our photo gallery! Just click on the link below.
Want to know more? The next speed dating events for 20s and 30s in Cheltenham are at Residence in Montpellier on Thursday, February 12 and Thursday March 11 at 7.30pm. For more details see the Smart dating website.
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