What our members have said about our service

“Dear Patricia, Many thanks for the information received today about friendsfirst. The profile that you did about me was so well done and everything was correct. You have in my prayers…….you serve…the body of Christ…..through your job” (Harriet, Civil Servant)

 “I found the contact with your staff helpful – it made my membership more personal – I was not just a box number! I’ve found it very exciting to receive so many profiles during the year. Thank you! I have had a good number of positive contacts either by phone or letter, both from me or initiated by them. It’s nice to receive a letter, but I can tell more from a telephone conversation. Seven or eight ladies I have met as a one-off and taken them out for a meal and in the vast majority it has been a positive experience. But actually meeting them helped me decide whether I wanted to pursue their friendship. One member has now become a very good friend and I want to pursue my relationship with her exclusively and hence don’t need to continue my membership. Lastly I have come to realise how difficult  and often painful it is for so many christian ladies in this whole friendship area, as compared with us men who are far fewer. So I now have a lot more empathy and understanding for the ladies due to my friendsfirst membership. Thank you again for your help during the last year.”  (David, Postman)

"The quality of people you send me and the whole ethos of friendsfirst I am very very comfortable with". (Susanne, PA to Director)

“Talking to you this morning about my profile was really helpful. You’ve really put my mind at rest.” (Eileen, Teacher)

“Can I thank you for an excellent service you provide and can I thank you for a most enjoyable year.” (Paul, Retired)

"I found being able to talk to you personalises the service – the contact with your staff has been friendly and supportive and has given me confidence.” (Angela, University Lecturer)

“I appreciated being able to talk to member of staff in person because you give good advice.” (Sarah, Retired Civil Servant)

“I am writing to put down my thoughts on the service you and Patricia provide and also how I, as a new member, am finding it.  Over the last ten years since the death of my husband I have had a lot of experience of both internet and offline dating organisations where you could talk to someone at the other end of the phone. Internet dating brought me nothing but grief and the people I met through the others weren’t much better. But frankly, I had completely given up all hope of even meeting people with whom I could be myself, let alone finding a life partner at my time of life. Then one day I went into our local Anglican church and saw your leaflet, and I felt led to phone you. Your organisation is completely different from anything I’ve ever been involved in.  I have only just had my second set of profiles, but I have found already that the gentlemen I speak to all seem very genuine, courteous and real Christians. And, if they are already going out with someone, they are completely honest about it and we go on to talk about their experiences at friendsfirst. I haven't yet had a meeting with anyone - this was my choice, not theirs. But meetings are in the planning stages. For the first time in my dating agency experience I am meeting gentlemen who not only have interests in common with me, but whom I get along with personality-wise.  I have discovered that some people are disappointed because the matches they receive live miles away, and this for them doesn't work. I am finding that, even if people make a point of writing in their profile that they would prefer to meet someone who lives nearby, if they find someone they feel they have 'chemistry' with, they want to make the effort to see where it could lead. I myself find it very interesting to talk to as many people as possible, because in that way I discover more about myself and the kind of person I would really feel comfortable with. I also pray that the Lord will guide and direct me, but I have to be proactive myself. And then who knows? Finally, but certainly not least, thank you Katharine and Patricia, for being the helpful voices at the end of the phone, particularly when I was reduced to a fit of giggles over difficulties with the technology of the Discussion Forums! And thank you and all the people I am coming into contact with for caring. I lead a very full life, but for me life is richer if you can share it with someone else.” (Anne, Freelance writer)

“I was very impressed with the literature you’ve sent me. It was so reassuring to talk to you. Please find my application form enclosed.” (Roy, Quantity Surveyor)

"It's been good talking to you - it's given me a lot of confidence." (Joyce)

“Thank you so much for your lovely Christmas blessing.   May you both be blessed this Christmas in the work you both do, providing a  service much needed for commited Christians.  May 2009 bring many new clients.”  (Avril, Nurse)

“I am very impressed with the efficiency of friendsfirst” (Eric)

'Thank you for being so helpful and constructive' (Christine, Proof reader)

“Thank you for your help and courtesies whenever I talk to friendsfirst”  (Brian, Property Management)

“You’re the most sweet listening person I’ve ever had this sort of conversation with” (Jenny, Leader-Churches Together)

“I have only spoken to friendsfirst a few times but you are always helpful and polite.  My emails replied to promptly and it is nice to know one is an individual and not just a number”. (Stephen, Civil Servant)

“Dear Patricia, Thanks so much for the call last night – I did appreciate it and all the work that you are doing on behalf of the friendsfirst members. You really do provide a personal and caring service. I’ve not been involved with any other kind of agency but I would imagine that you are rare in the care that you provide and demonstrate. I do realize that I’ve not taken advantage of the services you provide; perhaps moving back to the UK and beginning a new job and setting up home etc has actually been more demanding and challenging than I’d anticipated, and it’s left me a bit weary I think, and perhaps not as able to pursue things as I’d hoped. Thanks again though for your encouragement and hard work,” (Ruth – college lecturer and Missionary)

“Patricia, thank you for all your help. It was a wonderful experience to have somebody on the end of the phone giving me the confidence.” (Ana) 

“I found my profile very well done indeed. There is only one thing lacking, something about my profession. I would like it to be added to my profile -it should say that I am a doctor, working currently in a private sector and I find my job very rewarding and fulfilling. Apart form that everything seems to be fine. Thank you so much for the kind way you have treated me and all the encouraging words.” (Ann, Doctor)

“I have found it very easy to contact you. Having contact with you really personalises your service. Your service is very friendly and supportive and has given me confidence. I have found your profiles very useful. I’ve contacted very few people but have used my membership as a sign of interest, while doing some preparatory therapeutic work.  I also found your free Top Tips book very useful (Monica, University Lecturer)

“All your advice is helpful. Your contact is good and its very worthwhile doing.” (Theresa, Local govt Officer)

I’m just ringing to say Patricia was just wonderful to me on the phone. I know a lot about customer services and she is a great credit to your organisation. She was very gentle, very informative and very accommodating.  (Janice, Norfolk)

“I am so very appreciative of friendsfirst for giving me confidence. I was terrified I first joined but that has all changed now – I’m over that and now very happy to meet people which I’m doing and things are going really well.” (Claire, Lecturer)

“I surely will remind my friends of your friendly and helpful service and their daughters too - those who are having such a hard time trying to meet up with young Christian males.   God bless you in all you are doing.” (Terry, NHS Personel Manager)

“Thanks for your continuing efforts in encouraging active, caring membership and friendship.” (Elizabeth – Local Government Officer)

“I think your service is very good. I like your follow up, your customer service, the fact that you are a paper based service, and your newsletters. It’s a very good service that you provide.” (Margaret, Deputy Headteacher)

“I have found you easy to contact, your phonecalls friendly, and the stories of others very encouraging. Overall your service has been excellent. I haven’t been active this year due to my job and disabled mother, but I plan to be a pro active member next year and will recommend you to my friends.” (Margaret, Teacher)

“I think what you are doing is fantastic – it’s brilliant. I ran a singles group myself once so I know what it’s like.” (Theresa,)

“You have been very good at providing a personal service.” (Diane, Life Coach)

“The personal contact from you is very helpful.” (Fay, Teacher)

“Thank you also for the helpful manner in which I have been treated when I phone for help” (Felicity, Special Needs Teacher)

“It was good talking to you on the phone the other day – thank you for taking the trouble to call me. Also thank you for your advice and encouragement”.  (Paul, Vicar)

“You guys are absolutely fantastic – the best of all the agencies – I would like to renew my membership please.” (Noel, Prison officer)

”I’m really interested and pleased with the friendsfirst service. It’s excellent , I think. I’m just about to follow some things through now” (Kirsty, Nursery School Head Teacher)

“THANK YOU so much for the trouble that you are going to – it speaks volumes of your commitment to your service and I appreciate it very much.” (Ruth, College Lecturer)

"Thanks for all your helpful ideas at friendsfirst and for all that you do" (Margaret, Community Development Worker)

“I think that yourself and your team do a lot of good work and help many Christians find friends of the opposite sex with whom they can get on well” (Roy -Tax Adviser)

“You are so unlike other organisations who just want £££ - you are a very friendly bunch”   (Martyn, Signwriter)

So many thanks for all your kindness and help.  I shall certainly publicise your service to my many single friends. Wishing you and all the team at friendsfirst - A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR. (Terry, Beauty Therapist)

“I find you lot very efficient if I may say, remarkable so in fact. It’s easy to lose heart doing something like this, but if the people who run it are keen and efficient, its keeps you going.” (Rita, Homemaker)

“I never needed to talk to you during my 2 years of membership but it was really helpful to know that I could talk to someone if I needed to. I have emailed a few times and always had prompt replies. I’m very pleased with the service I received, and my experience of other friendsfirst members has been very positive. I found all your guidance very useful. I also found other members profiles very useful and in Nov 06 I met someone and we have been going out since then. I have recommended friendsfirst to all my single friends. The man and I are getting on really well and are seeking God about our future. Thanks so much for introducing us!   (Diana, Customer Services Advisor)

“Apart from those queries, thank you for making your online application easy to complete.” (Maureen)

“Thank you for your service. Your contact with me has been good, and I have been pleased to be able to talk about the way you work. Your staff have been helpful in answering questions. I found your profiles very good – I contacted 4 and had 4 lovely replies, one of which quickly became a very special and most wonderful friend whom I am seeing regularly.  (Cedric, Church minister)

“Thank you for this information. It is good to know that as an organisation you are concerned for the well being of members and will take any steps you feel are necessary to ensure that this continues. Thank you for all that you do both for myself and others.”  (Margaret, Social work manager)

“Thank you for your email Katharine it was kind of you to keep me informed. It is reassuring to know that you are concerned enough to contact us all about this.” (Amanda, Public Services Professional)

“Hi Katharine, Thank you very much for this note; I am so sad that you had to send it out, but very appreciative of the care and the concern for the well-being of your members which it conveys. lessings on you as you continue with this work.”

(Patricia, Missionary)

“I’d like to renew again please. I’ve been a member now for 4-5 years and had 3 good relationships with people I have met through friendsfirst. I’m hard to match perfectly but find your service very useful. You’re doing a great job in difficult circumstances.” (Sharon, Teacher)

“friendsfirst does provide a very good service indeed” (Martyn, Railway employee)

“You and Julia have been so nice to me. You haven’t pressurized me into joining but have let me take my own good time which I have done.”    (Preston, Retired)

"It really helps when I get your calls - it makes me feel someone is out there to help me." (Margaret, Information Manager)

“I’ve tried so many agencies but had no success at all.  I’m going to rejoin you now because your service was much more personal.” (Ruth, Novelist)

I am in receipt of copy of my profile (compiled by friendsfirst), thanks. There is only one small amendment to make then it will be good and okay. You guys are doing a brilliant work, thank you very much! (Sandra, Lecturer)

“I have not renewed my membership this year. This is because I have started to see someone (who I met through friendsfirst) regularly. It may be that the postal strikes have held up the letter but I just wanted to check that my profile is no longer being sent out to anyone? Thank you for the service you provide and I hope it goes from strength to strength.” (Anne, Primary school teacher)

“I think you run a very professional service and a much needed resource for Christians trying to form new friendships/relationships. I really do think you're doing a vital work for the Kingdom here and love reading your members' stories!”  (Robina, Administrator)

“Many thanks for the excellent service you are providing. It is proving very successful for me.”  (Colin - Retired)

“I love talking to you. You are so understanding”   (Diana, Auxiliary Nurse)

“Thank you for all the help and advice you gave me after I received my first set of profiles. I really appreciate your kindness and efficiency”

 (Philip, Vicar)

“Thank-you so much for the wonderful service that you offer to single Christians” (Tom, Waiter)

“Thank-you for all of your support and encouragement, you really do come across as friends”  (Mark, Retired)

 “Thanks for the birthday card I received for my birthday, it was a total surprise and it really shows what a fantastic team you are because I don't receive many cards these days”  (Juliette, Factory Worker)

 “I have appreciated the friendly telephone and email contacts which have helped me to overcome the nervousness of doing something different on my own”  (Gillian, Ballet Dancer)

“Although it is very early in my membership, I feel that I have joined a really caring organisation”  (Linda, Retired)

“I received a birthday card from you, it was really beautiful. Thank you for being so thoughtful, once again I thank you all at friendsfirst for being so thoughtful”   (Wendy, Note Summariser)

 “Wayne, you have such a beautiful telephone manner. I really enjoy calling and speaking to you”  (Caroline, Retired)

“Thank you for your sensitivity. I can also see that your organization is totally genuine as I know one of the couples that have got married through you and are on your website.”  (Valerie, Church worker)

“Thank-you for phoning me and for your very thoughtful response to the issues I have raised. I offer all my best wishes for your work”

(Thomas, Vicar)

“Thank you very much for the Birthday card you send me, what a lovely surprise! May God bless you”  (Judith, Minister)

All contact with your office has been good. You are kind and helpful on the telephone and it is like talking to friends! Concerning the profiles, they do generally give good information. But its only by actually speaking on the phone that we find out if they could be compatible.  (Fiona, Retired secretary)

“What a lovely surprise to receive a birthday card from you kind folks!! Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness - I really appreciate it very much”  (Maureen, Civil Servant)

“Thank you very much for my birthday card, which was extremely thoughtful of you, much appreciated and a great choice”  (Carol, Physician)

"I have found your service professional, prompt and helpful. Please renew my membership – I have been very encouraged by the contacts and friendship I have made and my membership has been successful so far!' 

(Norman, Curate)                                                                            

'I am just ringing to say how happy I am with the service you have provided. What you are doing is really great. I have been contacted by quite a number of females some of whom I have built friendships with. I have made an effort to reply to every correspondence I have had. Please stop circulating my profile as I have made such a good friendship with Joan and I am very excited about our continuing relationship. It is like going back to my teenage years.'                (Jeremy)

"I think your service is excellent and I have really appreciated the personal touch. I have been very happy at the prompt and helpful response to my requests for assistance. I have joined organisations online - but it is special, refreshing and different to have your system. I have met someone from elsewhere but should things not work out for me, I will certainly be in touch again! Bless you for your wonderful ministry.' (Ellen - Admin Assistant)

"Thank you for the chat about my membership and profile. It was helpful and encouraging." (Elizabeth, Nurse)

"Your service has been good - please find enclosed my renewal fee." (Keith, Computer Anaylist)

“It was so nice to receive a call from you to welcome me to friendsfirst”      (Pearl, Physiotherapist)

“Your service has been good. It has been a wonderful experience to fellowship with other believers. I thank you for your services throughout the year. I have chosen not to continue with my membership, not because of any disappointment or dissatisfaction. I wish friendsfirst every continued success, as I do its members, and remember that as Christians, we all continually pray for each other.”

 (John, Chartered Surveyor)

“All contact with your office has been good. You are kind and helpful on the telephone and it is like talking to friends!”
(Teresa, Retired)

'You offer a professional service that is well executed."   (Lesley, Specialist)

"Your service has been excellent – you have always answered my questions and request for assistance promptly and effectively. Please find enclosed my renewal fee."  (Rose, School Teacher)

'I just want to say thank you for your kind letter you sent me recently. I'm sure something of the kind of person you are came through it, and if there is anybody out there with anything like your spirit for me, I would be only too glad to meet her. It might seem a rather silly thing to say to someone I've never met, but I'm sure you will have a big impact on people you write to and who get in touch with you through friendsfirst. Anyway thank you again and for persuading me to take the plunge.' (Gordon, Fitter)

"It's definitely an advantage being able to talk to the people who run the organisation. That makes a big difference. Thank you.'
(Delphine)

"I have finally made contact with Steve. Thank you for your encouragement not to give up.' (Ellina, Teacher)

"Thanks for your reply to me from our phone conversation, you sound like a great bunch of people doing a great job!!' (Jenny )

"It was lovely speaking to you both today, I feel more confident about using the service, and re-assured that I am going to make some new friendships which will change the whole course of my life. Thank you for your vision and inspiration in establishing such a wonderful way of meeting new friends and building fresh relationships'. (Sarah, Business Development Mgr)

I have found your service outstanding. The best news is that Beverley and I were married on 21st August 2004, having met through friendsfirst on 30th April – 16 weeks before. Our year has been a whirlwind of romance. Bev has moved 25 miles out of Bristol to live with me. This has enabled me to continue as vicar. Our offspring have had to get used to our marriage but they have done really well.Thank you for the good suggestion that I should write to everyone on that first mailing I had from you. For hree or four weeks it seems like nothing would go well as various dates were made and cancelled with other people, but then Bev came home from holiday to my letter. She rang me and very soon after that we met. I proposed to Bev on our second date and 'the rest is history'! Bev says 'Cheers for sending me Bernard because I was too lazy to write to anyone else!!" She also says she realizes this will make you wonder why she bothered to join friendsfirst but she did it to keep her mother quiet!!! With very best wishes for the future of friendsfirst."   (Bernard and Bev)

"Thank you for your service – its been a very good experience, which has really improved my confidence."
(Douglas, Retired bank Manager)

"I would like to say that your service was very successful for me overall. Your staff were very helpful throughout my membership, and I found the profiles gave a very good account of each woman. I am sure I have found the ideal woman with whom I want to share my life – I am sure we will be an item in time." (Stephen, Verger)

"Indeed I was very pleased to receive the profiles you sent me. Thank you also for your letter and the template for guidance, taken together with the previous generally more extensive instructions, they were most useful to me. Thanks to you and your staff for what you have evolved and for the hard work you must do. Blessed you are and I hope you will continue and flourish in the name of the Lord.
(Roger, Govt surveyor)

"I think it's a terrific service. It's been ideal for me since I don't drive and yet I've been meeting local people. I'd lost faith in meeting someone locally, but now have struck up a riendship which I'm really thrilled about. I am full of praise for friendsfirst and particularly appreciate that it's always there to help." (John, Teacher)

'friendsfirst has been a long time coming. The way it is organised and run is good. It's what I've been waiting for.' (Angela,  Nurse)

"Your service has been the best thing to happen to me for a long time. A long awaited service." (Peter, Vicar)

"friendsfirst has certainly been both reputable and Successful for me. Thank you for your service. Please find enclosed a card thanking you. I am very happy with the service friendsfirst has provided"
(Chris, Company Director)

"Please suspend my membership – God has brought a lovely Christian women into my life. There's none more surprised than me, but I know He keeps his promises even if sometimes we have to wait many years – His timing is always right. Thanks for an excellent service and keep up the good work!" (Joseph, Paramedic)

"I think the service is a very good one. It helps me to maintain integrity in my personal life. It was the thing I was waiting for and I'm really pleased to be part of it." (Simon, Nurse)

"Your service is most friendly and polite. I think it is an excellent service. Please renew my membership." (Fran, Manager)

"May I take this opportunity of thanking all the members of your team for keeping me regularly informed of profiles etc. I think your service is very good " (Jo, Accountant)

"Thanks for the great service you are providing with friendsfirst."  (Charles, Ecologist)

"I really appreciate the personal contact from friendsfirst and the fact that you ring me. That's really good." (Jo, Teacher)

"Your organisation is always very friendly and approachable" (Kathleen, Lecturer)

"Please accept my cheque to renew my membership. I've got the courage now I never had in my 20's and 30's. You provide a good service."  (Ruth, Secretary)

"I did not know what to expect from your service – and have been pleasantly surprised. Thank you for your assistance over the year." 
(Susan, Community Nurse Manager)

"I have found your service both modern and professional. Thanks for your help." (Jillian, Technical Consultant)

"Your service has been very good. friendsfirst has been very helpful for me, and its been good to meet and talk to new people."
(Andrew, Computer Analyst)

What members have said about our 'Blind Date' service

“Just to say I did go on blind date with Tony on Saturday. A good experience - he is a lovely man and we had a good chat. I said I would be happy to go to cinema or such like with him. However he did not indicate wanting to meet again which is fine - I think we are not long term relationship material for each other. However, It was so helpful and fun to meet someone I wouldn't otherwise have chosen. Please could you arrange another blind date for me?!  Will send payment in next couple of days.”  (Kay, Social worker)