Nerves might have impacted mining machine operator Louise’s date with communications technician Cameron but they still found common ground.

Louise was there first. As I got to The Elford, I did see someone sitting by themselves and I wondered if it was my date.

But I still went up to the bar and said I had a booking and they took me over to the table, which was the same table that I had seen as I walked in.

We introduced each other. I did forget her name pretty much straight away but at the end of the night, I did remember it.

The experience was a bit weird, I suppose. I’ve never done anything like it before. It was just a bit awkward at the start, figuring out how to talk to each other, but it went pretty well.

I really had no idea what to expect. I was sort of a bit worried at the start but I was actually quite surprised, after the first 10 or 15 minutes, it was pretty easy to talk to her. We had a drink as well and I started relaxing a bit and the nerves sort of started settling, I guess.

She works up at the mines. We both like camping and we have similar tastes in music, I guess. I play in two metal bands. I think she was going to look one of them up. But I didn’t talk the whole night about my music.

Louise is pretty outdoorsy and so am I. She’s got a horse, actually. She used to have a couple, which is pretty cool. I like to keep active but I don’t do much in winter. I’m concentrating on work and music stuff, but in summer, I play cricket pretty competitively so that takes up a fair amount of time.

We exchanged details when we left and I dropped her back at her place afterwards. I’m pretty busy this week but I’ll talk to her in a couple of days and see if she wants to meet up again.

Being the first blind date I had ever been on, I was a nervous wreck. I didn’t know what to expect.

I arrived 20 minutes earlier than I thought, but the staff were very helpful and kept me comfortable while I waited. I actually didn’t mind being so early because I could get my bearings and calm down a bit.

Cameron arrived right on time, we introduced ourselves and sat down together.

We were both a bit nervous at the start, but once the conversation started, it flowed pretty well for the rest of the night.

My first impression of Cameron is that I found him to be quiet, but kind, and once we were a little more comfortable, he opened up a little more. I’m pretty tall and he’s over 6 foot so that was a plus.

We spoke about our interests, we both love camping and enjoy being outdoors. I’m also into gaming, travel and lately have been getting into hiking and snorkelling. I love the ocean.

We also spoke about what we do for work, family and pets. We have quite a lot in common and it was a nice, relaxed conversation.

I can’t quite name the best part of the date, as it was all very enjoyable. He was very considerate and offered me a lift home afterwards, which is where I think we both connected with our taste in music. He spoke a bit about the metal band he’s in. I am hoping to keep in contact with him and see where everything goes.