Helma (68) and her son Sven (40) from Bekerhuis Lambregts in Roosendaal are working hard to get all trophies and medals in time for the end of the outdoor sports season. “We sit here stressing from six in the morning until ten at night. We have never experienced it this crazy.” Despite the crowds, they do so ‘with love’. “Those happy faces of the champions. That’s what we do it for,” says Helma.
In the small warehouse behind the shop, Sven skilfully adds text to the cup plates using an engraving machine. Helma then sticks them on the marble base of a trophy with a miniature football player on it. They are intended for the celebration of a youth team of football club Cluzona in Wouw.
“This year we have to improvise.”
“It is often last-minute work. People come to the store on Tuesday or Wednesday and then they want it Friday or Saturday. Previously this was not such a problem, but this year we have to improvise because our main supplier was lost due to a fire. Moreover, the delivery services are also increasingly busy,” explains Helma.
Yet, according to Sven, it rarely happens that they have to tell customers ‘no’. “Usually we do find a solution, but around this period everything comes together. We also make thousands of medals for the four-day walking and they all have to be finished on time.”
“I will continue to help Sven where I can.”
Since the death of his father in 2021, Sven and his mother have been on their own. “Our Sven has now taken over the business and I will continue to help him as long as I can. I had a very sweet husband and he was also very popular with the customers. He leaves a huge hole but we have to move on. The business has been around for fifty years, it is our life’s work,” says Helma, holding back her tears with difficulty.
Many sports prize shops have disappeared since corona. Especially the smaller businesses could no longer keep their heads above water. Helma: “Fortunately we survived thanks to a nice regular customer base. Many associations have been here for years. I can say exactly who is coming in every month. Moreover, we are not averse to hard work. Those long days would be impossible for staff.”
“A little free time would be welcome.”
While Helma steadily works on the miniatures, Sven helps a customer in the store between engravings. “I’m more of the web shop and my mother of the chat and the cups of coffee. This is how we keep each other in balance. We can make a good living from it, but a little free time would be welcome.”
