Spalding nightclub doorman retires from security work after 45 years
A familiar face around Spalding's nightlife for 25 years has handed in his badge and retired from frontline security work.
Heinz Heckmann (67), formerly head doorman at XO nightclub, off Westlode Street, admitted he was "getting too old now" for the job of making sure nightclubbers were safe and unarmed at the town venue formerly known as Loaded.
The father-of-four, of Moulton Marsh, is planning to spend more time with his four children and four grandchildren, as well as taking his German Shepherd dog Scout for her walks after a 45-year career at nightclubs in England, the Netherlands and his native Germany.
Mr Heckmann said: "I've thoroughly enjoyed my job, met some great people and it's been my biggest hobby.
"But I'm getting too old now so I've retired from frontline door work completely.
"I was in the German army for five years and through friends, I started working at nightclubs.
"Then I ventured out a bit further and did bits and pieces in the Netherlands.
"I started working in England in 1984 after I moved to the UK from Germany a year earlier, an idea I had because when I was in the army, I was based at a camp in Pembrokeshire, Wales.
"My first job was in Essex where I was a bodyguard and one of my clients was former world heavyweight boxing champion Tim Witherspoon.
"Then I came up her in 1995 and worked at The Punchbowl, Bentley's Bar and Grill for nearly ten years, Loaded and XO."
Mr Heckmann, whose hobbies once included boxing and martial arts, has also retired from his "day job" as a butcher at George Adams and Sons, in Spalding, where he worked for eight years.
"I trained as a butcher in Germany before I went into the army and spent time there.
"When I come over to the UK, I worked in meat factories and then carried on in the trade at George Adams.
"Both my jobs were very enjoyable because I made them enjoyable and I met a bunch of nice people.
"Now I'm enjoying the rest of my years, taking my dog for a walk and spending time with my children now I'm home at weekends."
Matt Clark, managing director of Activ Leisure Group which owns XO nightclub, said: "We would like to extend our thanks to Heinz for his dedication to the role, in summer and winter alike when he would always meet our customers on the front door with a smile and regulars often with a hug.
"He brought unique experience to the team of security staff and developed several new staff to take on their roles.
"There was always a confident, calm and controlled management and care for customers with Heinz, ensuring that all had a safe environment in which they could enjoy their evening.
"Whilst the team he leaves behind are capable, welcoming and committed to our values, there will be an obvious absence of a great personality and highly capable doorman.
"We wish Heinz the best for his retirement years."