Dog breeding

When walking past the potting shed towards Helmut’s office one would easily get the impression that there is a mini petting farm or zoo on the property. True in a sense, but the giant fence is for one animal only. Her name should suggest it is a small animal, but the fact is quite the opposite. “Bienchen” (Little Bee) is a giant St. Bernard who’s father weighed in at 110 kilo’s, just a few pounds short of a small calf.

Helmut is a certified breeder of St. Bernards, his qualification proudly displayed on his office wall alongside photographs of Bienchen and her relatives.

Football

Among the various awards on display in the office for different plants and gardens, you will also find a picture of Helmut standing in the line-up of the FC Marbeck soccer team that played against the oldies of the famous Shalke 04 from Gelsenkirchen, Germany.

Helmut plays in the left-back position for FC Marbeck. His team competes in the over 50s “Alte Garde” league, but Helmut also often participates in leagues with younger players.