Dating over 40

Love Horse

It might sound like something you wouldn't admit to being part of but, in fact, Love Horse aims to bring together lonesomes with a longing for all things rural - long walks, fishing, farming and, well, horses.

Its founder, Ben Lovegrove, said: 'Partly, I want to help people in the country who have suffered with the breakdown of rural communities and the social networks that went with them. But it is also aimed at people who want to escape the urban jungle. People in their 20s are looking for a quick answer, but those in their 40s and 50s are more patient and are happy with this slower process.'

Hilary is 53 and runs her own advertising company. She said: 'I work from home, I have a daughter and because of that and because I ride competitively I don't get a chance to go to bars and clubs. Love Horse doesn't seem like a meat market and it gives you something to talk about immediately. I've had some great dates and I feel much happier now.'
www.lovehorse.co.uk

Swerve

Nothing breaks down inhibitions better than a drink, which is why there is none of the sinfully wasteful spitting out when you attend a Swerve wine-tasting event.

Bristol-based Swerve attracts single, busy professionals between 20 and 50 and, alongside the ever-popular wine-tasting/drinking nights, it offers Tapas and Salsa parties, Feast 'n Flirt dinners and an annual 'Eligible Ball'.

Jane Bickerton, who runs Swerve, said: 'Dating for the over-40s is definitely under-served, which is silly because there are a lot of women out there who just want to be in a position where they can meet someone. We have cards so that if someone has seen a potential date, but is too shy to approach them, they can write flirty messages and their contact details and I'll pass them on.'

Judy, 41, who works in human resources, said: 'I was separated in 2001 and had been on my own for three years when I decided to launch myself back out there. When I joined Swerve it was a real relief because I realised I wasn't the only one like me out there. I met John at a Swerve ball and was bowled over. I haven't looked back.'
www.swerve.me.uk

Events Together

Some people liken relationships to jumping off a 100ft cliff, not knowing what's in store. Well, at Events Together it's exactly like that. The brainchild of Alun Goodman, Events Together organises adventure weekends for singles including abseiling, climbing, caving, mountain-biking, white-water rafting and sailing.

Alun said: 'Many people that come on my events have high-pressure jobs and don't get the chance to meet people. If they have an interest in adventure sports they can come along to a fun, social environment without the pressure of it being a date as such. We always try to get equal numbers of each sex on any trip.'

Karen, a company director who has been on a number of Events Together trips, said: 'I tried dating agencies, but they were a bit 'in your face'. I'd been single for a while and not found anyone to share any of my interests with. This is more a chance to go out and socialise with like-minded people and see what happens.'
www.eventstogether.co.uk