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!