Lonely Dave’s appeal warms the cockles of people’s heart
A VIDEO of Nottingham’s famous “cockle man” has gone viral after the lonely local legend appealed for a companion.
Widower Dave Bartram has melted the hearts of young Tiktok followers with his plea on the social media platform.
Wearing his white coat and cap and holding his wicker basket, he said: “I’ve got nobody at the moment. Looking for a lady, of course, I just want friendship or something like that.”
The 74-year-old, who hasn’t been able to go round the pubs with his basket of cockles, prawns and mussels for months since the last lockdown, has felt lonely – especially after the death of his beloved Colllie dog, Cass, last year.
The clip has been seen 679,900 times, liked 113,900 times and led to an appearance on the BBC’S One Show.
Dave, who lives in Ruddington, said: “I’ve missed seeing people. It’s been horrible.”
He said his perfect lady must like animals – and seafood.
Dave, who doesn’t have a computer, was astounded by the response to his video. “I didn’t expect that. It makes me happy,” he said.
Social media producer Jake Meskell, who has known Dave for six years, was behind the video that made him a Tiktok star.
Jake, 25, of Hyson Green, said: “I went to see him during lockdown and he was a bit down so I said ‘let’s do a video and tell everyone how you are feeling.’
“He lost his wife 25 years ago and he talked to me about how he missed having a companion. The response has been incredible.
“I was sitting at home the night after I posted the clip and my phone started going off. It’s been crazy since then and snowballed. People have been messaging me. Everyone loves Dave and he’s got all these new friends on Tiktok who want to speak to him.
“Nobody has been looking for love unfortunately. It’s all been young people who think he’s cute. I think they all want a grandpa.
“He is a perfect character for Tiktok. Everyone in Nottingham knows who he is. I was confident there would be good interest – everyone one has a memory of him but I’m surprised it went this big,” said Jake, who used to work for Notts TV and fmet Dave while covering a story about him being robbed.
One of the young Tiktok followers, who lives locally, baked Dave a cake. Other messages flooded in. There were those who wanted to fix him up: “My nan is single and in her 70s. We should set this up,” said one, while some suggested he should go on Channel 4 dating show First Dates.
Others volunteered to ease his loneliness: “I’ll be his friend.
“I get on with older people, cuppa and a chat,” said one.