Tipton Life Interviews - Dave Baker

He’s a bit of a local celebrity and is so well known and well thought of that he’s got his own fanpage on Facebook. Everyone who has had the pleasure of meeting him in the supermarket where he works in Great Bridge will tell you that he has an uncanny knack for brightening up the day of anyone he bumps into. And in his job, he meets an awful lot of people! It’s of course Asda Dave!!

Dave Baker has worked at Asda’s Great Bridge store for 19 years as a Porter. He’s instantly recognisable with his beaming smile and friendly manner. He’s always ‘happy to help’ as the Asda slogan goes. You can see him most days amongst the trolleys and baskets, and he always has a kind word for the people he meets. “My favourite thing about working at Asda is meeting lots of different people”, says Dave. “I like working there very much and enjoy working outside, helping the members of the public.”

The Dave Appreciation Group (Asda) page on Facebook has over 4000 likes and literally dozens of photos of selfies with Dave and his fans. He’s been formally recognised for the brilliant job he does by Asda, winning the Great Bridge store Colleague of the Year Award in 2011. He’s seen as a great ambassador for the company by many of us, always keen and willing to help customers where he can.

Asda shoppers are very keen to have a selfie taken with Dave, and many of the photographs in the Facebook Group include Dave’s trademark ‘thumbs up’ pose. There are also lots of lovely comments on the page, attest to what a credit to the store Dave is, as he goes of out his way to help shoppers and always makes time to share an encouraging word or compliment. “I’ve never seen him without a smile”, says of the Groups many comments.

“I’ve lived in Tipton all my life” says Dave. “I love the people in Tipton – they are what makes the town so good. They are very helpful and very kind.” And it is very true to say that very many people would say that Dave is himself, very helpful and kind.

In his spare time, Dave is an avid follower of wrestling. “I went to watch a wrestling event at Dudley Town Hall recently and someone there recognised me from the Facebook Group!!” It’s true to say that Dave likes his local celebrity status and who can blame him! Dave is also a regular at Hebron Hall Church in Horseley Heath, where he has been greeting worshippers for a number of years now.

Here at This is Tipton, we’ve had the privilege of knowing Dave for many years. People like Dave make Tipton great; people who go out of their way to help others, embodying true community spirit.

Thanks very much to Dave for allowing us to feature him in this month’s blog.