Name – Henry Davey

Role – Driver

How long have you worked at hoppa?

I started with hoppa in May 2025, so just over four months – I’m currently the new boy!

What did you do before joining hoppa?

I was a Police Officer with the Metropolitan Police. I was on a response team for the first 12 years of my service and then I was a dog handler for the last 20! I worked a number of search dogs, all Springer Spaniels. Some were trained to find explosives, some could find guns, drugs and money.

What appealed to you about being a driver at hoppa?

The chance to help people to stay independent and to make their lives a little bit easier. Oh, and the fact that I wouldn’t enjoy being stuck in an office.

What do you enjoy or find most rewarding about your role?

I love my job. I’m a bit of a ‘jack of all trades’. I don’t have a set ‘Shoppa’ route or a specific school assigned to me so I really only know what I am doing a few days in advance.
I love catching up with the regular Shoppa customers. Some of them have such amazing stories. The school kids we transport guarantee that there’s never a dull moment on the bus – in a good way.

What has been your proudest or most memorable moment at hoppa?

I’ve not been at hoppa long so I don’t yet have many stories, however, I never thought I’d have a beauty queen as a passenger on one of my Shoppa journeys! I won’t embarrass her, but she won a competition in 1959, and she even got presented with a sash!

What are your interests or hobbies outside of work?

Anything that takes me outdoors really. I’m a reasonably good distance runner (well, good for my age) and I run trail marathons and Ultras for fun. The furthest I’ve run in one go is 100km (62 miles). I’m about to sign up for a 50km race around the Surrey Hills this December. I may well even try to raise a bit of money for hoppa.

I enjoy cooking (especially curry) and I love my music. I enjoy most genres, but I particularly enjoy anything Disco related, 80s and 90s Hip Hop and 90s and 00s Electronic Dance Music. I’ve yet to play any of it to my passengers!

What’s your favourite way to unwind after work?

Taking our two Terriers out for a jog (although they’re not as enthusiastic), catching up on a boxset or two (nothing too challenging) or chilling on the sofa with my incredibly patient and long-suffering wife! If I’m feeling decadent (and not working the following day) maybe even ending the day with a G&T or a whisky.

What’s your hidden talent that (until now) most people don’t know about?

I know all the words to Rapper’s Delight by The Sugarhill Gang and I can touch my nose with my tongue (but not at the same time!).

What’s the best thing about working at hoppa?

The difference I am able to make to people’s lives. hoppa provide a value for money service that allows people to get to town, to hospital or to other appointments and remain independent.

I love catching up with the regulars, the hours are good (no more 4am starts or 2am finishes) and a 15-minute commute is a real bonus.

They’re a great bunch to work for. It’s a real family atmosphere and everyone has been so friendly, helpful and accommodating. I love it at hoppa.