Our members are at the heart of everything we do
Every story is different but being single unites us
Our members are at the heart of everything we do
Every story is different but being single unites us
Register your interest today to find out more
Register your interest today to find out more
Every Story is Unique: Hear it from Our Members
At Date in the Diary, our members are at the heart of everything we do. We listen, learn, and create events based on what they want—some are even hosted by members! Instead of us bragging, let our members share why they joined, what their first event was like, and what being part of this community has meant to them. Over to our members…
Kate
“Date in the Diary has transformed my social life”
I heard about date in the diary from a friend. I was in my first 6 months of being recently separated and it had just turned to the winter months. I was beginning to feel very low about the pending Christmas without the usual mum and family roles to fulfil…..big empty nest syndrome.
I wanted to meet someone organically, like the old days in a club…. eyes across the room and then mooch over for a chat, but the apps were just so intense and forced. I had only had two dates and these just put me off apps for life!
I went along to my first event brimming with confidence and hope at a fresh start and getting me out of the house and away from the overwhelming burden I felt I was putting on my friends all the time.
It was brilliant, getting ready together with my friend, choosing outfits and checking each other’s hair, fabulous! Literally like uni days all over! Also looking forward to hopefully chatting to a man without then looking down at his hand to see if it was “OK to flirt”.
It was certainly exciting knowing that all the men in the room would actually be single, but importantly on the same page and ready to begin dating.
This was a drinks event and very well attended, I was nervous but it was relaxed enough to move around and definitely not like speed dating of the 2000’s. I love the drinks evenings, because that’s so informal and suits my diary but the big events like Henley Festival, Regatta and Christmas are so lovely to have as a date in the diary to look forward to.
I would say without hesitation this has transformed my social life.
I actually don’t attend a lot of events, not by choice but due to work and family commitments and it gives me a real sense of security knowing I can dip in and out at any time. I love the emails and message reminders from Lisa and can definitely say its not too much, like the dating websites, but the notifications of the next events land just when I’m thinking …..”I haven’t been out in a while”.
Going along to the events I always meet new people as both friends and “HP” – that’s hot potential, but importantly, if I’m not feeling very hot myself, there’s some nice platonic friends that have become really close to me so it really is good to catch up and I always leave with a smile on my face. I also think it’s so important to break the cycle of being at home alone and genuinely I can switch off and focus on the interesting people around. I’ve also found its great to then have news to talk about and how busy my social life is, I love trying all these new activities like “Paddle and Padel”. You just wouldn’t have these opportunity on a one-to-one.
What’s lovely is there is no pressure and no expectation, its friends and like-minded people popping out for a drink or being stimulated into an activity we would never have done on our own. You can come and go at any time during the social mixer events, but I always end up chatting till the very end.
I have met some amazing female friends that have been cemented into my life. There is just a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by being single in my 40’s and raising a child via joint parenting, that my married friends just don’t seem to get.
Greg
“I’m much better in person, face-to-face, rather than just a faceless name on a dating app”
I’ve been single for 18 months and have tried dating apps in the hope of making meaningful connections, but haven’t had much luck. I know I’m much better in person, face-to-face, rather than just a faceless name on a dating app. I find it hard to be my true self through messages and struggle to gauge how the other person is feeling. After a while, I started losing confidence, especially on mainstream dating platforms, where it felt like I was just one of many trying to sell myself through a photo. It was a draining experience that affected my wellbeing.I decided to give Bumble one last shot, and I’m glad I did, as I connected with a lovely lady who told me about “Date in the diary”—something that immediately caught my attention. That’s when I decided to join.
My first social event was a pub crawl in Henley-on-Thames, I don’t typically go out in Henley, so I was excited for this opportunity. It turned out to be a fantastic decision. Everyone I met was incredibly friendly, and I had great conversations with people of all ages. I spoke with several ladies and gents, and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. Lisa did an excellent job as the host—she was very attentive and made sure everyone felt included. It was such a refreshing experience to be in a social setting with other singles, where I could just relax, chat, and even flirt a little. Although it was nerve-wracking at first, I quickly overcame those feelings thanks to how friendly and approachable everyone was.
The biggest benefit for me has been the opportunity to stand in front of single ladies and have real conversations. I wanted to push myself and rebuild my confidence while also having the chance to meet a potential partner. I’ve now attended several events, and every one of them has been a lot of fun. I’ve made some great friends along the way and feel much more positive about interacting with ladies face-to-face again.
Additionally, these events have been a great way to break out of my usual routine. I used to struggle with loneliness, especially since most of my friends are in relationships or have family commitments, which often left me spending time at home or going to the pub alone.
Now, with “Date in the Diary,” not only are there regular events but I also have the option to reach out to other members and invite them to join me for things I might want to do. It’s been a great way to meet new people and step outside my comfort zone in a more supportive, social environment.
There are so many single people out there, but navigating dating apps can be frustrating. The algorithms often don’t seem to match you with a real, potential partner, making it hard to build a meaningful connection. For me, the mental struggle of sitting at home, messaging faceless people, and trying to make something real happen was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.
“Date in the Diary” offers a refreshing, old-school approach to dating. It gives you the opportunity to attend social events, meet like-minded people, and build genuine friendships. There’s always the potential that you’ll meet someone you click with, or perhaps they have a friend who would be ideal for you.
If you’re considering “Date in the Diary,” my question to you is: why haven’t you already joined? It’s a fantastic group of people in a safe, welcoming environment where you can socialise, engage with new people, push your personal boundaries, and really get yourself out there. Then who knows what opportunities and connections might come from it.
Andy and Carine
“Date in the Diary gave way for something new, exciting and fun”
I joined DITD in March 2023. I had been single for 5 years after my marriage breakup. I felt ready to start meeting new people. I hadn’t gone down the dating app route and thought this could be a more organic way of meeting people.
I went to two events that were socials at the pub. The second event was where I met Andy. I am a shy person but felt at ease and very relaxed. Conversation just flowed within the group I was standing with and I ended up chatting to Andy. We have now been happily together for 18 months. We would not have crossed paths had it not been for DITD.
Meeting a wonderful man! What I will say about my story is DITD gave way for something new, exciting and fun, a place where you can meet people in a relaxed setting with no expectations. I have met some lovely people, both female and male and I met a man that I felt instantly as ease and safe with. DITD offers this safe environment.
My advice on DITD is to take it as it is and enjoy every moment and see what comes of it and whatever happens you will be ok!
Roxi
“I now have access to a great social calendar and never find myself struggling to find something to do, or someone to go out with”
I’m a full-time, working mum of 2 fairly young kids (8 and 10). After I became divorced, I thought it would be really easy to enjoy single life, to go dating and have fun. However, I found app dating hard work and the endless coffee dates, drinks or walks were not really the kind of fun I had originally hoped for.
When I saw Date in the Diary, it immediately grabbed my attention because of the social based dating. There was no pressure to “like” a guy to be able to go on a date and I could join events with a group of fun, like-minded people, anything from quad biking to wine tasting.
The first event I went to was a wine tasting in Henley. It was a very relaxed event and we all chatted over wines and snacks (albeit the conversation at the end of the wine tasting was slightly less formal than when we started!)
I didn’t initially know anyone, but Lisa introduced me to everyone as soon as I arrived and made me feel completely comfortable. The group were really friendly and everyone made me feel really welcome.
There were a few other people who were also attending their first event and by the end of the evening you couldn’t tell the difference between new or old members. It was a great night and people stayed for drinks afterwards as everyone was having so much fun.
It’s definitely been finding a group of people that I can enjoy my free time with (and with no strings attached!)
Most of my friends are in relationships, or don’t want to go out, so unless you can find a date, it’s very hard to find someone to go out with. I now have access to a great social calendar and never find myself struggling to find something to do, or someone to go out with.
In addition, I’ve started Padel tennis solely as a result of joining Date in the Diary. I’ve always wanted to play a sport, but struggled to find someone to play with. Padel is one of the Date in the Diary events and it has meant that I am now learning a new sport and have a group of people to play with!
Do it!!
Whether you use internet or app dating, or you are not sure if you’re ready to date, joining Date in the Diary will be a massive benefit to your life.
The events are always well chosen so that conversation is easy and fun. There is a great mix of people, of all ages, backgrounds and experiences and many locations to visit.
I genuinely think Date in the Diary is a great concept and I know of so many amazing friendships that have formed from being a member.
It also means that you’re not ‘desperately’ looking to meet someone or settling, so when the right person comes along, naturally, it will be a great match.
Lisa
“Post divorce, it became harder to find married friends that wanted to go out mid week or have a weekend away”
I joined DITD in after a friend had been to an event and told me I should try it too. She said it was ‘right up my street’ full of really lovely men and women, all our age, professional and with a similar income bracket and all very sociable, wanting to make new friends
I had divorced a couple of years prior and was recovering from a serious illness. I was starting to feel better in myself and ready to start going out more, but didn’t have many single friends. I had the energy, will and finances to start being more sociable but lacked the partners in crime
I was both excited and nervous at my first event but my friend reassured me that it was a lovely group of people and Lisa the organiser was great on the introduction call I had. She explained what it was all about with no pressure, no name badges, just a hand selected bunch of local professionals that want to be sociable.
Initially I really liked the monthly drinks events that we affectionately named ‘single mingle’, but 2 years in, I am now drawn towards all the activities that are arranged, including padel tennis, wine tasting and SUP.
Without a doubt this group has transformed my social life. I always had a busy social diary when married, but post divorce, it became harder to find married friends that wanted to go out mid week or have a weekend away. I have made such a wide circle of new friends and everybody is on the same page and really supportive of each other. It’s lovely to see familiar faces alongside meeting new people at every event. One of the things I missed the most about not being married is the lack of planning and booking holidays. With some of the new friends I made at DITD, I arranged a weekend away in West Wittering, in a Self catering house near the sea. I even took my dog. We cooked and ate together, had long walks by the sea, pub dinners and played board games. It made me realise you don’t need to be married to still do all the things you want to do!
Do it! You are missing out on so much if you don’t
Joanna & Stephen
““I was eager to build my confidence by trying out new activities and enjoying how to socialise again!”
JOANNA
I hadn’t gone down the dating app route…..but I was keen to meet new friends and enhance my social life in a safe environment. I had left a very unpleasant relationship and was determined to face the challenge of being single. I wanted to be happy and was eager to build my confidence by trying out new activities along with enjoying how to socialise again!
STEPHEN
I joined DITD as I was totally done with the roller-coaster ride of the dating apps
I was looking for a new group of friends and to broaden my social experiences, this had obviously changed somewhat since my marriage ended.
JOANNA
I was extremely nervous and self conscious at my first event despite going with a friend. But meeting LISA for the first time put me at ease and the knowledge that all the other people there had relationships that had changed and that was what had brought us together. It felt safe and easy to relax and just chat to people – although, as this was my initial event, I was more comfortable just listening.
I went on to attend as many events as possible after this: paddleboarding painting, wall climbing, walks, meals out, drinks out… life was for living again.
STEPHEN
Felt excited to attend my first event…did not know what to expect…certainly came away with more than I expected … enjoyed the drinks, indoor wall climbing, and the cooking class experience.
JOANNA
I grew in confidence and started to believe in myself again. It was lovely to see familiar faces at the events and friendships grew. They still continue. I have a flourishing new relationship with someone who joined the group; I had not envisaged this at all. I believe the group offers something very special and this is based on the principles that it is primarily a group of people (single) who can enjoy time together.
STEPHEN
I have made some new lovely friends and we still get together as a group on regular basis..and of course I am now in an amazing relationship as a result.
Joining DITD has resulted in an “Unexpected love story”
Relationships are always different… happiness is immeasurable when you are with the right person; for you.
Speak to Lisa!
The events are so well organised, everyone just seems to settle in and feel very comfortable as there is a good mix of regulars, some returning DITD members and newcomers all with interesting backgrounds. It really is fun meeting new personalities and making new friends.
Lisa’s vetting does seem to make things feel more genuine.
Give it a go…try it
Andy
“The events are relaxed and nothing is forced, like a normal night out with friends!”
I was told about DITD through some people that I coach for tennis – I was slightly dubious, I’m not one for ‘singles events’ but they assured me Date in the Diary doesn’t fall into the ‘singles events’ category that it was just like going out on a normal night, with friends but you have this unique opportunity to chat to other single people. You know, the people you always hope you might meet in the pub but never do. So being a very social guy, this sounded right up my street!
I wasn’t sure what to expect, I mean who were these people, what if they weren’t ‘my people’…but I went to a drinks social and I had the best night. I met some fantastic people, they were like me, single, chatty, open minded and fun! I met people that night that almost a year later are still great friends, and will be for life!
Without doubt the friends I have made – and these guys will be friends for life. But also some of the things I have done, which I definitely wouldn’t have done without having these dates in my diary – a highlight was quad biking, that was so much fun, numerous socials, it’s got me really in Padel tennis and I even went to the opera (not a DITD event but) with a bunch of people I’d met through the group. I have dated lovely DITD ladies too. I just feel the connections made through the DITD group feels stronger than meeting a random person on a night out. You get to “feel your way” with someone and build a connection in a safe environment which means the connection becomes deeper and more authentic.
Just do it – We only get one life chaps. It’s not some competitive dating prowling ground – the events are relaxed and nothing is forced, like a normal night out with friends, you just leave every event feeling very happy….can you say that after an app date where you have wasted money on a dinner out when you know you aren’t into your date…save your app dating money and join Date in the Diary!
Emma & George
“We all have different “journeys” and sharing those experiences helped us grow stronger together”
EMMA
I had gone through a separation, I was very hurt – and felt very alone in life. Most of my friends were married- my social life after the separation especially at weekends was non existent.
I had started going on a few dates through dating apps and felt it just didn’t feel right, it was too soon, I just needed to get my confidence back. I just wanted to meet other people, like me, who had gone through a similar experience who I could chat to as they would understand.
GEORGE
Being a single dad (divorced 10 years) with two girls (now 18 and 15) life revolved around school / homework and going to sports training and matches, as well as working full time. Finding time and knowing where to start “dating” seemed daunting.
I wasn’t really looking (and hadn’t heard anything good about online “dating”). Luckily I was chatting to a mum on a cold autumnal evening doing my football duty with my youngest, and she told me anbout Date in the Diary. She mentioned a wine tasting event coming up that she was going to which sounded great with no pressure or expectations. I chatted to Lisa who is amazing, so I knew that I would at least know a couple of friendly faces at the wine tasting. I felt this was the perfect time to re-invigorate my social life.
EMMA
My friend and I went to a single mingle night.
I had no idea what to expect-slightly anxious-but there was no need, as soon as we arrived, Lisa introduced herself and made us feel so welcome.
It was a fantastic evening where everyone was so friendly, kind and chatty and everyone just bonded having all been through separation and divorces, so it did not feel like a dating group.
GEORGE
I was very nervous. But I knew Lisa was very chatty so I felt there was at least one friendly face. The focus was on the wine tasting so the “event” felt more like going out with like minded friends in a relaxed environment. Looking back, I really appreciate the format of the event – doing an activity (wine tasting) that I wanted to do, but almost certainly wouldn’t have done on my own. Such a great opportunity to meet other people like me!
EMMA
It’s changed my life.
I met George- at DITD- we were friends for a short while- after he joined and chatted a few times at single mingle nights- And we have been together for now nearly 2 years. I’m in an amazing ‘Blended relationship’ – families – as we both have children.
It’s a journey- there have been ups and downs but I have met my soul mate.
I also have met the Bestest friends at DITD and had lovely girls nights out- and transformed my social life-! We all meet regularly and I feel if you meet someone on a dating apps, you could be very isolated as a new couple.
GEORGRE
Massive change. I met Emma and we really enjoyed chatting. Our friendship developed, we started dating and have now been together almost 2 years. We all have different “journeys” and sharing those experiences helped us grow stronger together. Blended is new to me and has some unexpected twists and turns. But facing those challenges together has been amazing (and difficult at times).
Getting to knowing new friends who have been on similar journeys has made our relationship stronger. We have never felt isolated and can always reach out to our friends who “get it”. Sometimes we all need a reality check! We both keep in touch with Lisa who has been amazing.
I feel very lucky to have met Emma. We have known each other for nearly 2 years now and hopefully many more.
EMMA
JOIN!!!! There are so many amazing events to go to, everyone is so welcoming and lovely.
You will meet some incredible new friends! IT IS honestly just the Best group. I have also introduced single friends to DITD who love it.
GEORGE
Thanks DITD . DEFINITELY – I second what Emma said !!
Den
“There is no other singles community quite like the Date in the Diary community”
I joined following a recommendation from a friend. I just didn’t want to go back on the dating apps as I’ve found them soul destroying, not authentic and repetitive in nature. I was also keen to meet other singles wanting to do activities beyond the coffee and dinner scene.
I went to a monthly pub social in Marlow and felt really nervous at first but everyone was very welcoming, I had a great time and just wondered why I hadn’t joined before!
I’ve loved it and have done many things with a wide group of people including quad biking, clay pigeon shooting, polo, opera, Rewind festival, padel, SUP, Henley festival and walks to name but a few! I have made some life long friends as well.
There is no other singles community quite like the Date in the Diary community and when I talk to single friends elsewhere they always say how they wish there was something like this where they live. So I feel incredibly lucky to have this community as part of my social life. Single’s really do have a great together!
Nick & Clare
“It’s so nice to meet people that understand what going through a divorce is like”
NICK: Because traditional dating sites had lost their appeal, too much baring your soul to complete strangers, whom you’ve never met. I wanted to actually meet people face to face.
CLARE: I was going through a divorce and one of my friends suggested going. She was already a member. I thought it sounded fun! I just wanted to meet new friends, I wasn’t looking to date! I was definitely nervous but everyone was so lovely and Lisa very welcoming.
NICK: I get nervous in social situations, but went with a friend which really helped. I’ve been to drinks events and some of the active events and was much more comfortable doing activities, as this provides a shared experience and less small talk required.
CLARE: My first event was a monthly social – I was a little nervous, apprehensive and lacked confidence. But I loved all the events I went to. You immediately feel relaxed.
NICK: I feel very blessed as not only do I have a new circle of close friends and but have also found true happiness in relationship with Clare – and we have been together for almost 2 years! It was touch and go as to whether I was going to attend the event where we met, but my children pushed me out the door, so I’m very thankful to them too. After meeting at that event, we met a few more times with friends and went for a couple of dogs walks together., we just got to know each other slowly The tipping point was when I mentioned that I was going to see ‘The Cure’ and she said “I my god I love them”, so how could I resist..
CLARE: I met someone quite special on my first event. Who I am still with! I’ve also met some lovely friends. It so nice to meet people that understand whats its like going through a divorce, and really helped support me through the process. You can never have too many friends, especially single friends!
NICK: It really is the best way to meet people in a similar situation to yourself. It’s a really safe space. Just go with a friend if you are nervous and be yourself. DITD has really changed my life in a profound way, I have so much to thank Lisa for.
CLARE: Just go for it – don’t even think about it, you have nothing to lose.
