Word on the street: Dating
It’s Valentine’s Day, but Ashlie doesn’t have that special someone. Stephen tries to help her find Mr Right – but the road to true love is never smooth!
Meanwhile, Amandeep does meet one happy couple, and Word on the Street are guests on a very special day – their wedding!
Dating Scene 1
"It’s Valentine’s Day and Stephen convinces Ashlie to try speed dating. Does she meet someone special?"
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Transcript
Stephen: Dear Valentine, I want the world to know I love you… Roses are red, violets are blue... I love you more than I can say…
It’s Valentine’s Day next week and I’m writing the cards I’m going to send. Aren’t you going to send any?
Ashlie: Oh, what’s the point? I never get any back. I’m just so unlucky in love.
Stephen: Oh, you’re just not meeting the right people. You should send more. The more cards you send, the more you receive.
Ashlie: I don’t think it works like that, Stephen.
Stephen: That’s it, Ash. You need to join a dating agency. You know, where they find the perfect partner for you.
Ashlie: Hmm… I don’t know, Stephen. I think they just take your money and match you up with the first person who comes along. And besides, I don’t want a computer to make decisions for me.
Stephen: Well, what about speed dating?
Ashlie: What?
Stephen: You know, speed dating. Where you meet lots of different people in one night. Like lots of little dates. Like an interview for a boyfriend. And...
Ashlie: And?
Stephen: You get to choose someone. Or they get to choose you. I’m sure there’s a speed dating night down at the club. It’s a great chance to meet new people. And anyway it’ll be a lot of fun.
Ashlie: Well, OK then. But will you come with me?
Stephen: Of course I will. If you meet the man of your dreams, I need to check him out.
Ashlie: Oh, Stephen!
Ashlie: Wow, Stephen! There are a lot of people here. It seems really popular.
Stephen: Good. Lots of choice for you then.
Ashlie: What’s this bell for?
Stephen: You ring the bell when you don’t want to speak to someone any more. Then they move on. Now, come on, Ashlie – sit up straight, smile.
Ashlie: Stop it, Stephen!
Stephen: Don’t forget, you have to make a good impression. Make some jokes, try and be nice. And if you get bored of them, just ring the bell.
Stephen: Ashlie, the lady’s about to talk.
Lady: Welcome to speed dating, the place where you will find love and romance and passion. Or perhaps just a new friend. Now, you ladies know what to do. You remain seated and these handsome gentlemen will come to your table. If he’s not Mr Right, you can always ring the bell. Are you ready? Begin!
First Date: Yes, so, I really like computers. Don’t you? My favourite is the Wakefield CPC four six four nine hundred. I’ve got some photos here somewhere...
Second Date: Well, I’m really looking for a girl who likes doing housework. Someone who’d like to wash my clothes, do my ironing...
Third Date: Your hair’s too dark. I like blonde hair. Have you ever thought about changing your hair colour?
Stephen: So Ashlie? How’s it going?
Ashlie: Terrible! So far they’ve been either totally boring or just weird!
Stephen: Hmm, well, I think you should keep trying. It’s supposed to be fun, remember!
Ashlie: Look, Stephen! He’s very handsome. And tall. Go on, Stephen. Go, go, shoo. He’s coming over...
Ted: Hi!
Ashlie: Hi.
Ted: I’m Ted.
Ashlie: I’m Ashlie.... or, or Ashlyn, in Irish. Or Ash, actually. My brother calls me Ash so that would be fine. But, well, my full name is Ashlie Bridget Alice Walker but you can call me...
Dating Scene 2
"Ashlie tries online dating and Stephen anxiously awaits the postman. How many cards will he get?"
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Transcript
Ashlie: Stephen! For goodness’ sake, you’ll scare the postman away. Anyway, it’s too early. The postman usually comes at 11.
Stephen: Yeah. You’re right. He’ll probably be late. He’s got to carry all those cards for me.
Ashlie: It’s Valentine’s Day today and Stephen takes it very seriously. He thinks he’s going to get a lot of cards this year.
Stephen: I sent lots of cards, so I’ll get lots of cards – simple.
Ashlie: Stephen, it doesn’t work like that. Anyway, I thought you were going to help me with my online profile.
The speed dating didn’t really work out. So now Stephen thinks I should try online dating to see if I can meet someone on the internet.
Stephen: Yeah, we’re going to try it, Ash. Come on, let’s take a picture. You’ll need one for your profile. I’m a very good photographer.
Ashlie: OK, then. Come on.
Stephen: OK, so now you have to describe yourself.
Ashlie: So, I guess we could say, tall, beautiful, funny, clever, thin, successful...
Stephen: Or maybe you could just tell the truth?
Ashlie: Stephen! OK, then. Which of these statements sounds most like me? Am I: A: Quiet and shy; B: Outgoing and chatty; C: Optimistic and confident?
Stephen: Ah, definitely optimistic and confident.
Ashlie: Quiet and shy. OK, hobbies… Tick all the boxes that are true for you. Let me see… OK, playing cards, yes, gardening, yes, walking, yes...
Stephen: Err, hang on, Ashlie. I’ve never seen you do any of those things.
Ashlie: Well, I’m trying to sound mature. You know, more grown up.
Stephen: Mature? You sound like an old lady! You’re supposed to tell the truth...
Ashlie: The postman. Just the one card, Stephen?
Stephen: It’s not how many you get, Ashlie. It’s the thought that counts. Ooh, listen to this, ‘Your eyes are like diamonds that shine in the sky...’
Ashlie: Stephen, is that your writing?
Stephen: Err, no.
Ashlie: Err… yes it is, Stephen. Did you send yourself this card?
Stephen: No, Ashlie. I notice you didn’t get any. Anyway, how’s your profile going?
Ashlie: All finished actually. Now I just need to wait for a reply. Oh my goodness! That was quick!
Stephen: Quick. Open it, Ashlie. Let’s see who you got.
Ashlie: Strange photo...
Stephen: What’s the message? What does he say?
Ashlie: Well, his name’s Barry... He says our interests are the same – they match perfectly. He wants to meet...
Stephen: Oh, do I hear wedding bells?
Ashlie: Well, I think I should meet him. He sounds nice. But Stephen – you will come, won’t you? Just to keep me safe?
Stephen: OK. But how will you recognise each other?
Ashlie: We could wear a red flower or something?
Stephen: A red flower? That’s a silly idea. You never wear flowers. Maybe you should wear something green. I know – a green scarf.
Ashlie: OK. Let me message him. OK, done. Ooh, I’m going on a blind date!
Ashlie: Stephen! What on earth are you wearing?
Stephen: Shh – I’m in disguise.
Ashlie: Yes, but why?
Stephen: So no one recognises me.
Ashlie: Right. OK. Look, I’ll sit on that bench over there. You text me if you see him arrive. Remember, green scarf.
Ashlie texting: Green scarves everywhere – I should have worn a flower
Stephen texting: Look right – Man in hat – Green scarf – Flowers
Man: Ashlie? Ashlie Walker? Oh, no.
Stephen: Ashlie, you asked for that. I told you, you needed to tell the truth.
Ashlie: Right, that’s it, Stephen! I give up on dating.
Stephen: Come on, grandma!
Wedding
"Join Amandeep as she meets a young couple on their wedding day. Find out how people get married in the UK and watch as they get ready to tie the knot!"
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Transcript
Amandeep: The sound of bells in an English churchyard. The bells signal a very special event for one couple because today is their wedding day. Stevie and Bobby are engaged and are allowing Word on the Street to follow them on their special day when they become man and wife. The day starts very early in the morning for the bride, Stevie, and bridesmaids help her with the preparations. I spoke to Stevie as she was getting ready.
How are you feeling?
Stevie: Feeling… a little bit nervous but very excited.
Amandeep: And what have you got left to do?
Stevie: Just having my hair done now, then put on my dress after.
Across town at Bobby’s house, there is lots of food to prepare and Bobby’s also getting ready.
Bobby: Nice to meet you.
Amandeep: So it’s your big day today?
Bobby: It is.
Amandeep: Fantastic. Is this the main suit?
Bobby: It is. This is it.
Amandeep: Brilliant. Just check it fits all OK, it’s ironed well…
Bobby: Yep.
Amandeep: It looks good.
Bobby and Stevie are having a traditional Christian wedding in a church. But today in Britain there are many different marriage ceremonies, depending on the religion or beliefs of the couple.
A civil ceremony is a non-religious legal marriage that takes place somewhere other than a place of worship. Same-sex couples can also get married in Britain.
To understand more about today’s ceremony, I met the vicar who’s going to be leading it.
Amandeep: What are the origins of this marriage ceremony?
Rev. Chris Shipley: This marriage ceremony goes back first to the Reformation in the 16th century and then further back in time and it is a standard Christian wedding with Christian vows made in the name of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Amandeep: And what’s your advice for a long and successful marriage?
Chris: A good deal of tolerance, a willingness to ask for help and a sense of humour.
Amandeep: The groom arrives first, and waits for his bride. The atmosphere at a wedding is a mixture of pride, joy and celebration. There may be a few tears, too – of happiness.
The bride arrives in a horse-drawn carriage, accompanied by her father. And now the ceremony can begin.
Chris: Bobby and Stevie have declared their marriage by the joining of hands and by the giving and receiving of rings. I therefore proclaim that they are husband and wife.
Amandeep: With those important words and the signing of the official register, Bobby and Stevie are now legally husband and wife. After some photographs to record the big day, everybody will go to a local hall for dinner and a big party called the reception. So a big congratulations to the newly married couple from Word on the Street!