Liza and I went to school together.  Her Grandad used to take me to ballet classes and her Nan is the reason that I’m frightened of small dogs.  She is, without a doubt, one of my favourite people on the planet and I love her as if she were part of my family.  Now to be honest, I’m not really sure where to start with Ben.  On Facebook, his description is ‘ridiculous man’ and I think that this sums him up pretty well.  He is unique.  He’s interested in everyone and everything and he genuinely has a heart of gold.  He wants to make the world a better place in the most insane ways possible.  If you met him you would not forget him, that’s for sure.  

So, you ask, what possessed me to match this pretty, kind and funny girl with this amazing but crazy guy?  Well, as with all our finest matches, I can’t quite put my finger on it.  They just fit.  I can even remember the very class I was in when I first had the idea that the two of them should ‘get it on.’  On paper they don’t make sense at all.  But in the flesh, something about their shared sense of ambition, combined with their laid back approach to life, just seemed to make sense to me.  

Having learned as much about relationships as I have, I can tell you that looking back - without even realising it – they both dealt with the early days beautifully.  Liza, ever the lady, was caring, flirty and fun.  Ben, without losing his ‘cool’ was gentlemanly, affectionate and not afraid of admitting that he was interested in Liza.  Neither of them tried to ‘play’ the situation, but rather went with their feelings and got to know one another.  

Now at the beginning of a new romance, you definitely don’t want to appear too keen, but there is something to be said for just going with the flow.  I reckon that it’s much much simpler this way.  We all know of ‘The Game’ and other psychological techniques used in the early stages of dating – and these things do work, BUT they rarely lead to a relationship.  If you can’t see any potential then by all means follow Neil Strauss’s words to the letter (his tips work for girls too by the way), but if you think that at some point there could be something more significant there, then it is a bad way to go about things.  You don’t have to dive in head first like Liza and Ben.  You just don’t have to behave like a moron either – making the other person know that they are important to you is a good place to start and you take it from there really. 

So, having had a wonderful beginning to their relationship, Ben and Liza proceeded to go to university and then travel the world together.  They are now living in New York and building up a small empire between them. Throughout the years they’ve encountered far more than their fair share of misfortune, but amazingly, one thing they’ve managed to maintain is their sense of fun together.  They party, hang out, go to gigs, explore new places and basically have a good laugh.  I think that’s the key to it really.  Can you be yourself with this other person in all these different situations?  Does this person challenge you, surprise you and make you laugh?  Do you have enough common interests that you can relate to one another, yet enough differences that you can maintain your own independence?  In other words, is there enough to keep you interested for ten years at least? 

Luckily for Ben and Liza the answer to all these questions is ‘yes’ and I am thrilled to tell you that on Saturday Ben Croft orchestrated one of the most amazing proposals of all time.  The two of them will be Mr and Mrs Croft in little over a year and Liza has very kindly asked me to be her Maid of Honour!!!!!!!!!  I am of course delighted to be awarded such a task.  It’s not been easy for them to get here, but they have, and the people who love them couldn’t be happier.  So to all SiaT readers, if you’re after the real deal, I’d encourage you to have a little faith and make sure that you stay true to yourselves – if you follow your gut, you’ll never go too far wrong.  It wont be easy and it probably wont pan out quite the way you expected, but it’ll be worth it for sure.

Papajoon was not alone, various versions of “don’t go back” are heard far and wide. I’ve already been told this by innumerable other people whenever I’m at some life cross-roads. However, I’m beginning to wonder whether I perhaps misinterpreted my dear Grandfather’s words and that this adage doesn’t always hold water. I think in my context, he said it because he knew his life could never be as it was before, so as a source of comfort it helped to see it as a positive life-affirming journey, therefore such a maxim propelled him into his new future. However I don’t think the notion should be so readily embraced.

I do agree that life should move forward, but there are occasions when it is ok to reflect and return to our pasts. I called this aphorism into question at two recent weddings I attended. They were both celebrations of couples who had broken up and then months or years later got back together. The weddings were magical and a wonderful reflection of the strong bond they had. I kept thinking to myself: “what if they had followed this school of thought?!”. I often meet members who have broken up with people only to regret it deeply later. Whenever they mention an attempt to rekindle the romance they confess it as though ashamed, clearly associating their step “backwards” as a failure.

We’ve got to change this! There actually isn’t anything wrong with restarting a relationship. You already know each other, you’ve been through the tentative first steps, you appreciate what works and what doesn’t. Sometimes people need that break in order to fully recognise what a good thing they had. This is no bad thing. As long as the spark is reignited with all of this in mind and folks realise that it’s going to be different the second (or third, or fourth!) time round. Extra effort has to be made to repair the damage of the division. You have to work out why you split up the first time and if those differences have been resolved. As long as you’re both now working together, there is absolutely no reason at all not to go back, in fact it can be the best way to move forward.

Inspirational, one of our lovely members sent us this link in response to the news that we were shutting up shop. She told us it would inspire us to great things. Have to say, we thought it amazing. It makes you look at your life afresh. If you watch one thing on YouTube this year, let it be this, please: Steve Jobs

Nice Knickers, we reckon this sweet, little company is doing a marvellous job and we think they represent a much bigger idea. Most of the clothing we get in the UK comes from factories where you can’t assure the conditions of the workers. It’s time to pressure the fashion industry, this is a start: WhoMadeYourPants

Magical Music, we were introduced to this venue by a couple I matched, who then got hitched there. It’s since become a favourite. There’s a constant stream of fun events, listed here are the free ones. Check out what they have on offer. I personally recommend Fernando’s Kitchen; they played me down the aisle and entertained our guests with music as they attended our zoo wedding. They’re outstanding: Rich Mix

Good Karma, if you feel your green knowledge leafs (!) something to be desired, or you’re, in fact, an environmentalist enthusiast and want to broadbean your awareness, take a look at this source of all things earth friendly. Yes, so we admit we were also swayed by the site’s wonderful name: Treehugger

Good things that have happened to us:

So you’d think it would be quite hard to think of good things this month, as we face our final few days as bespoke matchmakers (the online dating will live on, phew!). However, despite our tears we are feeling pretty lucky. The news that we’re stopping that side of the business was met with the most moving torrent of messages. We sat reading them together, for once silenced. Our collective emotion was evident as we all fought back the lumps in our throats. “Je ne regrette rien” may be a cliché, but it’s so true of us. We put every bit of ourselves into this company because we truly believed in it. Everyone deserves love. None more so than our members, perhaps. We know you’re brilliant relationship material, that’s why we took you on. We will be rooting for all of you long after the Tree has been felled. We may be poor of pocket, but you’ve all enriched us hugely. Thanks.

Dating anecdotes:

I decided to share something a bit odd with you this time. I’d like you to imagine a twenty-something girl, from a very working-class family. Leaves school at fifteen to help bring money in. Living with her mother, as her father died in a tragic accident. Never left her county, let alone the country. Her life revolves around going to church, working and looking after her relatives. Now imagine a man the same age, but from a very wealthy, aristocratic family. He’s circled the globe by the time he’s ten. Boarding school, university, glittering career in finance ahead of him. Chelsea flat, Lotus. His life revolves around partying. The fact that these two hail from completely divergent countries and cultures makes them even more contrasting. These people are my parents. They married forty-two years ago and remain happily together. A little like me and Baz, so many things could have separated them, but they didn’t look for the problems. My Dad said he fell in love with my Mum because she seemed kind (he also says she happens to have the brightest smile!) and my Mum fell for my Dad because he appeared interested in her opinions (!). It can be that simple, people. Something that’s always struck me in this job is that everyone is striving for perfection, which sometimes means they can’t see the wood for the trees. Don’t make it complicated. If you do like the person you’re dating, great. Give them a chance. You never know, you might be laughing about how unsuited you were forty odd years from now. Now, that would be a good position to be in, no?

Top dating tip:

Ok Men: tease, tease, tease! Women tell us they want someone to be playful. Stand up to her, if she deserves it. We hear endlessly that ladies want the gent to be strong and confident. Women: Be upbeat, talk, engage him with your charm. Chaps say they like girls who show spontaneity and who can appreciate adventure. Of course, they do still get swayed by seduction, so look as good as you can. Both of you: stop over-analysing it. Please. Let yourself go. Have fun, really life is too short.

Our picks for this month:

Fitness Fix, this is an unusual one to mention, as you’re all fabulously formed.  However in case any of you are hoping to hone your six-packs or tone your pins to perfection, we thought you might want to meet Nick.  He’s everything you want in a personal trainer, effective, effusive and effing funny:  Nick Crispin

Open-air Opera, one of our favourite things to do on balmy evenings is to have a picnic in the grounds of the Holland Park Opera house.  While a ticket to get inside is rather costly, as it’s open-air you can hear the gorgeous music throughout the park.  So if you’ve got a rug, some glasses and a bottle-opener… we reckon this might be the perfect date.  To pick which one you’d like to hear, read here: Holland Park

Conservation, we all know we’re damaging the earth and destroying wild habitats at an alarming rate, but maybe the message isn’t hitting home hard enough.  If, like us, you wept at the film Born Free as a kid, you’ll know how important this foundation is, if not rent the movie and then have a look:  Born Free

Good things that have happened to us:

As you’ve heard, I got hitched!  Baz and I sealed the deal at London Zoo (to support their conservation projects, I practise what I preach!) on 6^th June.  It was an amaaaaazing day, surrounded by our families and friends.  As you know, we’ve had a long road, but our Christian, Muslim, Jewish, English, Iranian, Israeli (!) festivities all blended wonderfully well.  Our honeymoon in Sicily was a fitting finale, full of laughter and ice-cream (‘course I was also a cunning cannoli critique).  Thank you for all your wishes.  Seems that our romantic vibes might have reached all of you, as last month saw more Tree ticklings of fancy than ever before.  We happily seem to have collectively lost many members as they’ve met someone they want to go steady with.  We’re not sure that we’re doing anything differently, love must be in the air.

Dating anecdotes:

This isn’t a Sitting in a Tree pairing, but I wanted to tell you about a couple I met on honeymoon.  While stuffing our faces with pizza one evening, we happened to be sitting next to a very charming, elderly couple.  I can’t do much else, but my foreign lingo skills are decent, so we struck up conversation with them.  Turned out they’d been married for 61 years.  I cannot imagine spending that much of my life with anyone and still being good company, but they were inspirational to watch.  Not only did they still clearly love each other, but they continued to be so kind and considerate and warm together.  They still made conversation about current affairs, he still teased her gently, she still looked at him with awe as he chatted about his years as a doctor.  They were adorable.  I’m sure there were creases, but they’d glaze over them and only see the best in each other and their union.  There’s a whole lot to be said for a positive attitude.

Top dating tip:

Hang out in the beautiful London parks.  While we wouldn’t necessarily recommend approaching semi-naked randoms, we do think in this weather you should make the most of people’s sunny dispositions.  You could invite them to play Frisbee with you, share your sandwiches, start a sing-along with a guitar, offer them your anti-histamine…!  Whatever it is, you have an excuse as grass and trees bring out the community spirit in everyone.

Sport in general is SUCH a good topic to start a conversation with.  There is so much of it around at the moment, that even if you don’t know what’s what, you can ask the right kind of questions to find out.  Also, aside from providing a handy ice-breaker, this summer’s sporting overload means that pubs and bars are fuller than normal, so it’s a great way to meet people too.  Get yourself out there and get chatting.

Now England are out, you’re free to adopt any team you like without feeling as though you’re heart’s been ripped out if they lose.  I’m going for Ghana, admittedly, that has a lot to do with my Ghanaian friend who gives me no choice.  I’m also kind of hoping that Spain get knocked out, so Torres can rest up for next season.  But that’s all by the by.

In my quest for ideal sporting pubs across London I’ve discovered an awesome little app that will help you support whichever team you’re now backing, by telling you which pubs are showing which matches.  There are a few of these things around, but from what I can tell, this is the only one that’s free.  Bonus.  Click here to check it out : clever footy app.

Now Gents, I know you need no further incentive to flock to a big screen, so if anything, I hope that this tip has assisted you in doing so.  Ladies, if you have a penchant for males of the foreign variety, then now if ever is the time to get your tookas into a pub.   What with England no longer in the competition, the chances are there’ll be fewer hooligans and more hotties.  Everyone’s a winner.

I would cheer Murray on at this point, but Nicky would probably throw something at me.  Still, it’d be nice to have a British Wimbledon champion wouldn’t it?  Or any kind of British champion for that matter.  We can’t just leave it to the cricketers.

So here’s to a full, fun and flirty sporting summer of 2010, hopefully you’ll find someone wonderful to canoodle!

Naked Bike Ride, this is right up our street.  Not that we’re exhibitionists, mind.  It must totally break the ice and it also encourages people to cycle, two things we feel strongly about.  So if you’re free on Saturday 12thJune and you’re feeling brave, join in: Bare-Back Riding

Dr Demartini, we don’t usually promote self-help things because you folks don’t need them.  But I recently was given a free ticket (we do get some perks!) to hear this guy speak.  He was genuinely outstanding.  The crowd were very rational, bright, professionals.  He does a lot of stuff about relationships.  The organiser has offered SIAT a 20% discount, if you enter the code “Tree”:  Love Guru

Arty Farty, if you fancy a date that’s a little bit different, you could try a pottery cafe.  During the day they’re full of kids, but in the evening they can be pretty romantic.  You can bring a bottle of wine and make each other objects of affection.  We’re thinking Ghost, but perhaps not on date 1: Kissing Cups

Hope HIV, I found this charity a little while ago and it’s actually where our wedding list is going to.  Having got to know them a bit over the months, I can say that they’re wonderful.  They help children and young people born with HIV, who are often orphaned.  They educate them, care for them and inspire them, so that they can lead full, happy, secure lives:  Hope HIV

Good things that have happened to us:
So having had a lovely journalist, Daisy Greenwell, with us for a full day a couple of weeks ago, she wrote up her experience in the ‘paper.  We were very relieved that she seemed to have enjoyed herself – we imagine that fourteen hours in our company can be trying.  Despite the typically moany readers’ responses in Comment is Free (they do sometimes make me laugh, not so much when you’re the target!), we seem to have emerged rather unscathed – phew.  In case you missed it, you can read it here: Guardian

Over the sunniest weekend in the last year, we scheduled our Singles’ Doubles tennis tournament – that’s our good karma for you.  We hired three courts for a couple of hours and played a mixture of games for the serious players and just rallies for us amateurs.  We had such fun trying to improve our strokes, as did some of you from the looks of things!  We rounded up with strawberries and cream and cake, on the grass in the sunshine.  We’re pleased to say that we know of at least one resulting game, set and match!

Dating anecdotes:
Now here’s a nutty one for you.  I had to go and state my intention to marry at the Town Hall some months ago.  For those of you who haven’t been through this process, it’s quite odd.  They interview you about your life.  The registrar was a comedy genius and despite me telling him I only had half an hour, he insisted on keeping me entertained for much longer.  During the process he told me all about his own lovelorn status and how he found it difficult to meet people.  I immediately started thinking of suitable pairings (I can’t help it, we live and breathe this stuff).  Eureka!  I had someone ideal.  I subtly turned the interview in his direction and probed a little deeper to be sure I was right.  I was pretty certain.  So I decided to ask him on the spot whether he was up for a blind date.  Being an amiable chap, he agreed.  This was back at the beginning of April and when I popped back to get the paperwork done last Wednesday he told me that things with Julie were still going very well.  He was beaming from ear to ear.  The moral of the story is that you never know when Cupid might get you!  Being someone who deals with engaged couples and new parents all the time, I’m sure John didn’t expect to meet someone through work!

Romantic rendezvous:
We’re going to give you a little break on events for a while, since we’re approaching silly season with holidays booked etc.  So instead, we’re planning on having a summer soiree towards the end of August or beginning of September.  We’ll keep you posted, but if you have any ideas of your own do tell us, please.  We’d really like to hold an event that you help us plan somehow!

Top dating tip:
Go and watch the upcoming football matches.  Honestly.  If you’re a girl, there are tons of guys in the pubs, so it’s rich pickings, plus they’ll like you for getting stuck in.  If you’re a boy, adrenalin has a big impact on making people feel loved up!  So meeting anyone who’s excited about the action on the pitch will improve your chances of getting a date with them; their love hormones will be heightened.  That’s a medical fact that is.  Anyway, it’s so exciting, we don’t think you need an excuse to watch the World Cup!

Had we, however, been in the early throes of dating, it would have been the perfect location to get those butterflies fluttering.  Now I’d say that a gig is a good second date choice, so let’s take a step back and think about that all important date numero uno.

We recently conducted a survey which showed that 98% of women prefer it when the gentleman suggests a venue.  Whilst this might be a bit unfair, gents, to get things off on the right foot (in other words to make your life easier) I’d recommend that you make the first suggestion.

Having played Cupid for some time now, I can safely say that going for dinner on a first date is risky business.  What cuisine do you go for?  How fancy should the place be?  What do you order when you are there?  What if you end up stuck, that’s right stuck, opposite a moron for 3 whole courses?  Dangerous territory, no?  By avoiding the suggestion of dinner on a first date you make the whole process a lot less painful.

If we look to our super little survey once more, we can tell you that 64% of girls and 63% of guys would much rather go for drinks on a first date.  In the Tree we have a policy of only sending people to independent bars where you can get nibbles, tapas or sharing platters.   If it looks like things are going well and you’re both a bit peckish then that’s the right time to grab some grub.

If coming up with a cool suggestion fills you with dread, then fear not, help is at hand.  We recently  met the founder of a wonderful website called The Great Date Guide.  Not only is Miss Mary completely lovely, but she’s really good at finding super things to do on dates.  Her site is so easy to use (even I can work it) and it should definitely be your first port of call when thinking up a smashing location.

Now as I’ve said, I think a gig is great for date two.  Other recommendations are art galleries, museums, walks in the park, boat trips(!), bowling, a visit to the zoo, going to see a show and frolicking in a fair-ground.  I think it’s really important that the second date is quite playful, with something fun going on in the background.  This allows you to see more of each other’s personality and stops your dating routine from feeling like a Q&A.

My point is that whether you are on date number one or one hundred, it’s crucial that you give it some thought.  After all, it’s likely that the person you’re meeting is pretty awesome, so they deserve a bit of effort don’t you think?

Real Treehouse, if this sunny weather brings out the child in you and, like us, you feel like rolly-pollying on the grass, licking ice-lollies and climbing trees (gently!), you should spend an afternoon here, where you can walk among the beautiful tree canopies: Kew Gardens

Tree Aid, last month we helped plant trees in London, this time we’d like you to help us plant them in Africa.  There they can make a huge impact on the livelihood of entire communities.  Read more: Tree Aid

Sweet Tooth, we wanted to tell you about a little band we found who not only make dreamy, original music, they’re also carrying out the cutest competition we’ve come across in ages.  We’d be very proud if our members got involved.  Click here to hear their tunes and to spread the love with them: Sweet Tooth

TheGreatDateGuide, it’s very difficult to find unique date suggestions in saturated cyberspace, so we were tickled pink when we found this genius idea.  Having met the founder, marvellous Miss Mary, we’re even happier to share the wealth with you about this one.  She and her idea are inspirational.  Next time you’re looking for suggestions of what to do, go here:  GreatDateGuide

Good things that have happened to us:

There have been numerous nuptials since the Treehouse started, but those celebrated this month were particularly precious.  We witnessed the wonderful wedding of Amelie and Mark.  We’d have loved to show you a photo, but they’re still on their happy honeymoon – hurray!  They are a truly gorgeous couple, both inside and out.  Thank you for sharing your special day with us.  We had an absolute blast.  Warmest congratulations to you Mr & Mrs Jackson!

We were lucky enough to have a double spread article in The Big Issue.  Of course, you buy it anyway, but in case you’ve missed it, see if you can find April 26^th’s pink Election Issue.  Out now until Monday!

One of our members broke a marathon world record, for completing in 3.5 hours, despite being dressed as a tiger!  We would never attempt the run, let alone in a huge, hot, furry outfit, so we salute you, Kevin!

We also had our Boys’ and Girls’ Night In.  We hope you awesome attendees learnt as much as we did.  The results of our questionnaires made riveting reading.  We’re going to follow up with the results soon.  Anyone who hasn’t yet taken part online can request a copy.  Especially big thanks to Jen, Hugh and Jide for being the most perfect panel of pros.  Your insights were hugely helpful and ever so entertaining too.

Dating anecdotes:

Last Saturday, we took time out from our hectic schedule to help Marisa (who I happen to have introduced to her boyfriend of five years, Raph) hand out flyers for her fabulous new business Hubbub.  As we struck the streets of Stoke Newington (telling residents how they can now buy their favourite foods from local independent shops, online, and get them all delivered to their door) we were so chuffed to see a beautifully smiley couple strolling towards us, hand in hand: John and Lucy, who we’d set up some months before!  Funnily enough, they weren’t the only SiaT couple I saw then, I also bumped into one half of another Tree pairing, Sarah.  In fact, I encountered no less than nine separate buddies that day, leaving the girl flyering with me aghast “Do you know everyone in London?!”. I don’t, but I guess you pay us for our connections, good to see we’ve got them!  Thank you to J & L who followed up the street-meet with the most delicious box of Hummingbird Cupcakes, to reaffirm their appreciation.  It was absolutely our pleasure!  We couldn’t be happier for you.

Romantic rendezvous:

Anyone for tennis..?  Our buddy, Pete, came up with an ingenious plan: Singles Doubles.  We’re going to hire out 3/4 courts, to be shared between anyone who would like to play, one weekend afternoon (likely to be 22^nd May).  Strawberries and cream too.  Watch this space for details.

Top dating tip:

Keep up with current affairs, especially now.  We’re getting excited about the election; anything could happen.  We’re up for some debate, if you are.  Wonder who you think we’re backing? We reckon a lot of table talk will be about politics this month.  If you’re still unsure which way to vote, try this: Vote Match

Treehouse Tipples, this Brixton bar may not be the easiest to get to, but it’s worth it. With the days getting longer, what better way to spend the evening than in a cosy cavern, sipping snifters…? Grand Union

Trees for Cities, we clearly love trees, but we also love cities, so we particularly love trees in cities: they break up the concrete jungle, freshen the air and remind us that nature is wonderful. So imagine our delight when we found this charity right here in the big smoke.

Pillow fight, need we say more? Londoners are meeting up to join a simultaneous, worldwide battle of the bumps. Clearly it’s going to be loads of fun anyway, but you can feel extra happy as it raises money for Haiti.  It’s on Saturday 3rd April, 3.00pm, Trafalgar Square. Bring a pillow and see if you can spot us. We’re ready!

Ribbon & Roses, these goodies might be more up the girls’ Trees, but this gorgeous site is also great for presents. ‘Course we especially adore the leaf earrings, tree necklaces and lovebird lockets! Ribbon & Roses

Good things that have happened to us:

Apparently we need to schmooze more, so we went to our very first networking thing. Fortunately this wasn’t the corporate c*ck-fest that some of these events can be, it was much cosier. Organised by WedgeCard, which supports independent businesses and founded by John Bird, creator of The Big Issue, it’s an idea that’s after our own heart. So while we chatted to slebs with a social conscience, lamenting the collapse of the community, we munched on free food and decided hobnobbing ain’t half bad! Check out whether this marvellous little scheme is in your local area and get involved: Wedgies

Our Cannoli and Cocktails evening was a Sicilian sensation! Lovely local, Lisa, was unable to take the class – last minute emergency in Palermo, no joke. Which meant that an alternative had to be rustled up. Fortunately for us we had Faye, our foody friend. She judged the efforts of the chefs and tasted their wares. “Mamma Mia, fantastico”, she said! Grazie for coming. Try Lisa’s own goodies at the site: Le Dolci

Dating anecdotes:

Not exactly a dating anecdote, but funny. The other day on my way back from an interview, I decided to run into the supermarket to get a snack. While there I grabbed a handful of free Wasabi peas to calm my food rage. Took too many and started to choke. A knight in ripped jeans came over and offered me some of his water. We chatted a bit, as he was a friendly Northerner. I then couldn’t shake him; he kept striking up conversation in the aisles. He looked vaguely familiar, so I wondered if he was an old friend of my brother’s who I wasn’t recognising. As I walked back to the office, he joined me for the stroll. Not concerned about dangers, this is 3pm in Kensington, he started to tell me about his struggle to find love, so I told him it was his lucky day: “I am Cupid!”. He loved the sound of SiaT and said he’d definitely have signed up, if it weren’t for his “situation”. Intrigued, I dug a little and soon discovered that I was only talking to a member of Take That! Oops, slightly embarrassing. Can’t reveal his name in case I get in trouble, but suffice it to say when I Googled afterwards, I realised I’d been talking to the fit one. Really nice guy too, bit surprisingly perhaps. So sorry ladies, wish he could join us!

Romantic rendezvous:

We are trying to break a world record and we need your help! We need the most people ever to kiss in a tree at the same time. Sounds fun, eh? So we’re going to pick a date in the next few weeks to invite you to smooch under the St James’s Indian Bean Tree at Piccadilly at 6pm. We need as many people as possible, folks! Bring your friends, your colleagues, grannies. We’ll be raising money for Trees for Cities at the same time. Be prepared to come along, we’re going to drag you there. Breath mints at the ready!

Top dating tip:

Smile! With our new online site we can see how often different profiles are clicked on – unbelievably fascinating for three nosy wenches. We don’t know who’s looking at what, just which images are the most popular. Anyway, it would seem that by a million miles the most interesting photos are ones with big grins, which must reflect real life. If you look happy, people want to get their share of your flair. So show off your pearly whites, gang!

Victoria and Albert, Buckingham Palace is celebrating one of the greatest love stories ever to have blossomed on Britain’s shores, that of our past monarch.  This exhibition is meant to be inspiring because their passion is almost palpable in the displays: This couple really had a fire in their belly for one another:  Art & Love

Memorable dates?, several of you won a free trip to Paris through a competition we mentioned, so try your luck again.  You can win a free dinner for two at the Firehouse, a fancy foody favourite in South Kensington.  Just tell them about your most memorable date, it doesn’t have to be one through SIAT…! �
Memorable Magic

Help Chile, yet another natural disaster so soon.  Also one close to our hearts, as I spent some months living with a family and working at a charity here.  Chileans are kind, warm and generous.  My local “relatives” say the community is destroyed.  You could help one of our favourite charities out there..?: Doctors Without Borders

Good things that have happened to us:

We launched!  Our new online site is filling up finely.  We still need all the help we can get, so thank you for your continued support.  It’s free for you brilliant bespoke members, just sign up.  If you get stuck then tell us and we’ll sort out your payment problems.  As a result, we were in The Metro (again!) and talked about on Absolute Radio.  Woo hoo!  In case any of you are alarmed that our matchmaking will diminish, it won’t.  In fact, we’re on it more than ever. That, we promise you.  If you’ve somehow missed it: Sitting in a NEW tree

Our scavenger hunt through London on Valentine’s Day was SUCH fun.  Thank you so much to the participants who made our day (and evening) fabulous.  How we laughed!  Competition was tight and we were pretty amazed by the spirited response to the challenges.  The posh prize (a bundle of my home-made cookies (poor things) and a fancy bottle of wine) went to the winners by a hair: Pete, Madeleine, Rob, Charlie and Mark.  Well done!

Dating anecdotes:

Last week we said goodbye to one of our favourite lovebirds, Simon.  He joined us last year.  He had everything going for him: funny, engaging, clever, good-looking, kind.  But he didn’t know it.  Trish came back from her interview all-a-fluster!  Nicky and I met him at an event soon after and adored him too.  We introduced him to a couple of ladies he dated for a good while and a few who turned into chums.  He’s jumped down from the Tree, as he’s met someone special of his own accord.  He left us with some lovely words: “If anything, you guys have had a massive impact on my last eight months or more. I had never dated before really, and you would probably only have to ask Rachel (date 1) just how nervous I was. Over these months, I’ve got my confidence back, and it’s given me some ‘cojones’ to get out and speak to girls again.  There’s a good chance I wouldn’t have been on Friday’s date if it wasn’t for how you guys had changed my life. I may never have even asked if she wanted to meet up…”  We couldn’t be happier.  People do say membership acts as a catalyst to love.  Go on, Si!

Romantic rendezvous:

We’re planning an evening of chilly willies!  Yes.  We’d like to teach you how to make cannoli (Sicilian pastries, which are traditionally thought of as symbols of fertility!), while you sup refreshing wine or cocktails.  We’ll send you the full details soon, but it’s likely to be very central, starting at 6.30/7pm, costing £20 for the lesson, a drink and entry to a gorgeous bar.  The spaces will be limited, so we recommend speedy responses.

Top dating tip:

Make sure that you’re putting yourself in the right situation to meet someone.  Often members say to us that they struggle to meet new people, as much of their time is spent around old, faithful friends.  We would highly recommend joining clubs which cultivate conversation.  You could take a buddy, but we tend to think it’s better to brave it alone, that way you’re encouraged to chat.  Try out book clubs/art classes/drama workshops. Just do it*!

*We do not endorse wearing the wearing of Nike.  At all.  Thanks.