The “Cupid Express” is a cute nickname for a train, especially for a group promoting connections and love. Holding a rally at Speakers’ Corner in Hyde Park must have been an exciting way to spread their message.
The Birth of the Lonely-Hearts Club
Evelyn’s journey as a matchmaker began in 1965 when she founded the Lonely Hearts Club. Initially, the club was a small, local group that met regularly at the Corporation Club on Whitby Street. However, Evelyn’s flair for publicity soon brought the club wider attention. By 1967, she and 15 other members embarked on a memorable journey to London on a train they christened the “Cupid Express.” The “Cupid Express” is a cute nickname for a train, especially for a group promoting connections and love. Holding a rally at Speakers’ Corner in Hyde Park must have been an exciting way to spread their message.Their mission was to spread the word about their club, even performing a song written specifically for the occasion at Speakers’ Corner in Hyde Park.
Image courtesy of Museum of Hartlepool
Innovative Approaches to Matchmaking
Evelyn’s methods were as creative as they were effective. In 1971, she launched the “Rent-A-Cook” initiative, where lonely men could enjoy a home-cooked meal prepared by women looking for companionship. This initiative not only brought people together but also raised funds for charity.
Her efforts didn’t stop there. Evelyn’s expertise in matchmaking gained international recognition. In 1973, she responded to an appeal from 100 women in Hong Kong who were seeking British men, showcasing her dedication to helping people find love across borders.
A Legacy of Love
By the mid-1970s, Evelyn’s Lonely-Hearts Club had facilitated numerous marriages and relationships. Her dedication to bringing people together was evident in the 350 letters from potential grooms she collected and distributed to women members during the club’s birthday party in 1976. Evelyn’s impact on Hartlepool was profound, and her legacy as a matchmaker continues to be remembered fondly by those whose lives she touched.
Evelyn’s fame extended beyond the town’s borders—she was known not only locally but also in other corners of the world. Some folks found her eccentricities endearing, while others raised an eyebrow or two. But hey, who doesn’t love a character who stirs things up a bit?
Rumour has it that Evelyn even penned a letter to none other than President Nixon, offering sage advice: “All men at the top are lonely.” Whether Nixon took her counsel to heart remains a mystery, but it’s a delightful titbit nonetheless.
And here’s the pièce de resistance: Evelyn orchestrated a jaunt to London in 1967. Her Lonely Hearts Club hopped aboard the “Cupid Express”, a London-bound train (yes, you read that right—Cupid Express!). Their destination? Hyde Park’s Speakers’ Corner, where Evelyn aimed to rally her lovelorn troops. Imagine the scene: hearts fluttering, banners waving, and perhaps a few hopeful glances exchanged.
Finally
Evelyn Harrison’s story is a testament to the power of community and the impact one person can have on the lives of many. Her innovative approaches to matchmaking and her unwavering commitment to helping others find love made her a beloved figure in Hartlepool. Evelyn’s legacy lives on as a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is a little creativity and a lot of heart to make a difference. So, my dear friend, next time you’re near Hartlepool, raise a cuppa to Evelyn Harrison—the matchmaker with a dash of whimsy and a heart as big as the North Sea.
If you ever find yourself in need of love advice, just remember Evelyn’s words: “All men at the top are lonely.” Wise words, indeed! 😄
