About Duck Soup

Duck Soup is the creation of Adrienne Ford, a Nelson-born single mum with the concept of making her internet dating experience more efficient. Whilst she believes internet dating is a rewarding way to meet potential long-term prospects, the time it takes to find, message and meet possible matches can sometimes take weeks or months, and more often than not ends quickly in disappointment.

Removing the ‘dating’ challenge and replacing it with ‘networking’ was Adrienne’s obvious first step. Without huge amounts of self-esteem and confidence, the ‘blind coffee date’ can be torturous for most singles to even contemplate. Offering the opportunity for large numbers of unattached Nelsonians to meet up in one place together once a month seemed like a more sensible and rewarding way to find promising connections.

Understanding that many singles are more interested in increasing their circle of friendships rather than ‘hooking up’ is the second key to the Duck Soup philosophy. Expectations are very clear that Duck Soup never resembles a ‘meat market’ and fosters a friendly, supportive and light-hearted atmosphere that is inclusive of all interested in expanding their social networks with other unattached Nelsonians.

As most networkers arrive at events alone, Duck Soup provides trained and experienced ‘Mixologists’ to welcome and settle in those initially feeling a little intimidated. Nametags make it easy to remember introductions and speed-networking sessions facilitate a new face every three minutes if one requires assistance. A group mingling activity ensures the evening starts with everyone in the same boat and provides the framework to move quickly into dynamic socialising.

The successful launch in July 2008 and subsequent free advertising in The Leader, The Waimea Weekly and on dating websites has allowed Duck Soup to enjoy networking crowds of between 150 and 200 every month. Meeting at 623 In The City in Hardy Street every first Sunday of the month from 7.30pm, the group has almost outgrown the venue and finds some singles are overwhelmed by the sheer number of people to meet.

To cultivate blossoming friendships and encourage the very shy introverts to participate, Adrienne now provides Duck Soup splinter events during the month based around an activity or local festival. Often included is a monthly Duck Soup Richmond Drinks evening for Tasman residents to build friendships with singles in their own community as well as a Duck Soup Beach Walk to encourage healthy activity – although the walk invariably ends over a cappuchino or latte whilst chatting to a new friend.

Adrienne organises the branding, marketing, advertising and events of the group herself – at this stage without profit. It is her intention to build on the continued success of Duck Soup with ticketed singles events providing live bands and catering and has dreams of a Duck Soup Cruise in the pacific. Duck Soup merchandising may also follow with the quirky title (borrowed from a Marx Brothers movie) quickly becoming an up-beat Nelson brand.