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!

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