GAZETTE & HERALD: Speed dating has arrived in Chippenham and reporter RONAN MCCAUGHEY went along to find out if the path of true love can run smooth when couples only have a few minutes to impress.

YOU could perhaps see corporate high flyers in London going for speed dating, but the fact it's a hit in Chippenham is proof of our need for fast love.

In days gone by, seeking a mate was unnecessary because most couples knew each other from social activities such as church.

This gave the pair ample time and opportunity to get to know one another in a structured setting.

Bachelors were encouraged, even harassed, to marry as quickly as possible.

But dating in the 21st century is a very different matter. Finding a partner is increasingly difficult because many people are just too exhausted for social activities outside work.

And texting, e-mailing and Internet chat rooms are reducing our face-to-face contact.

But fear not, love is alive and well in Chippenham.

Last Tuesday, 36 lonely hearts flocked together at the town's Pheasant Inn to take part in the new craze to sweep Britain, speed-dating.

The process involves single people spending four minutes finding out about each other.

Everyone has a match card they tick if they want to see that person again.

At the end of the evening, the cards are collected, and couples notified of their matches.

Last week's event was hosted by Matchmakers UK and catered for the 36-50 age group.

Not knowing what to expect, I was directed to a function room at the back babbling with noise and conversation.

The atmosphere was buzzing.

On the one side there were a group of 18 men downing drinks at the bar, seeking the confidence which only alcohol can provide. Opposite them stood an equal number of ladies.

But why do people come?

Telecom engineer Martin Hanington from Malmesbury explained.

Grinning cheekily he said: "I am here for a bit of fun. I always like to try new things at least once. This event seems a good way of meeting a new circle of friends and possibly a partner. Malmesbury is a small town and it is not easy to meeting the right partner there."

Sue from Melksham said: "I am looking to meet the right partner and I have come here because it seems a good place to start. I moved to Melksham two years ago but I still do not know many people. Maybe I can meet my ideal man tonight."

Around 8pm, a bell rang to start the proceedings. It was time to speed date.

A series of questions peppered most conversations such as: Why are you here? What do you do? Do you have any children?

It was fascinating to listen to different chat-up styles.

One man asked his date if her nails became more delicate as they got older.

Another rather serious chap spent at least a minute teaching his date to spell his name properly.

The most disastrous technique came from one lady who talked endlessly about her ex-partner to each man.

Speed dating rule one: Do not talk about your ex-partner. It will only frighten your potential new love.

An hour into proceedings the bell rang to signal half time.

Both sexes swarmed the bar, but sitting at the back looking very content was Frances from Chippenham.

I asked her how things were going.

"I think it has been brilliant. I am having a ball. Everyone is very friendly and relaxed. I have met people from right across the spectrum and I think my positive attitude has helped a lot. A lot of the men were quite nervous so I made a lot of the conversation. But, working in retail, I am used to that.

"I want a man with a good sense of humour, who is interesting, and can cook. Being able to cook for a woman is very romantic I think. Being comfortable with the person is also important."

Carol from Chippenham added: "I am 50. When you are at my age, finding yourself on your own is very lonely. Tonight has been a lovely way of meeting new people."

Matchmaker UK owner Claire Hall said speed-dating was growing because people lead busy lives and find it difficult to meet other singles.

She said: "Speed-dating is great if you are a man because it saves you the embarrassment of being rejected.

"I have been on a few speed-dating nights myself and I really enjoyed it as a way of making new friends. I did not meet my current partner by speed-dating but he has been very supportive."

Miss Hall started the company in July and has spent more than £4,000 so far on advertising and promotion. Each person taking part is charged £20.

She said she always wanted to run her own company and hopes to start making a profit within three months.

Time flies when you're speed dating, and by 10.30pm, the official dating was over.

But although the bell rang, nobody was moving. With candles flickering, about a dozen couples chatted by their tables lost in each other's eyes.

Love, on top of some delightful perfume, was definitely in the air and I raced over to a group of men to see how the women rated.

Factory worker Malvin, 46, from Melksham said: "I have met 18 beautiful women tonight. I am very very happy. I like women to have a nice figure, be physically attractive and a good smile. I was not let down tonight and I met one lady who I am sure I will date."

Matchmakers UK can be contacted on (01373) 303034.

http://www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk/dating/