After losing his wife Bridget five years ago, and retiring at a similar time, 70-year-old Martin Richards bumped into a former colleague who suggested how a visit to Horncastle Pool & Fitness Suite would help his social life.
And it certainly has! Martin says the venue is more than just somewhere to keep yourself fit and healthy, it’s a place to meet new friends too.
“I retired and lost my wife at around the same time and that was a big, a huge, change in my life. I realised shortly afterwards that I was putting on a bit of weight too so when a former work colleague suggested that I joined the gym, it seemed like a good idea,” said Martin.
As he built his future back up again, Martin made new friends during his morning visits to the fitness suite, three times a week. His health also improved as he took advice from the friendly and highly knowledgeable team who got his routine on the right track.
“I won a ticket for a personal training session over Christmas and George, one of the team here, took me through a routine and changed things a little bit, which was very good,” continued Martin.
It was a year or so ago that Martin felt he wanted someone to share his life with again and took the plunge – applying for a spot on First Dates. It was an experience he will never forget – although it has still left him looking for love!
“It was series 13, episode six and I had a date with Brenda from Milton Keynes. I could see on paper why they paired us up, but the date proved to be a bit of a mismatch I’m afraid. It’s an experience I wouldn’t repeat, but I got to meet Fred, the TV personality who fronts the show, who was very nice,” recalled Martin.
So, if you think you’re Martin’s perfect match – then rest assured, you will find him at Horncastle Pool & Fitness Suite on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings!