EBENEZER’S Bob Weir keeps his mind and hands busy carving and creating ornaments and useful tools that he gives away and shares with others.
The 90-year-old craftsman said his ‘happy place’ is in his shed at home thinking of his next creation and travelling to local country music and poetry shows with like minded friends who also enjoy all things country.
Often Bob reminisces about the many experiences and adventures that he encountered when he was young, in particular after coming across a hidden box of childhood memories.
Bob said he had forgotten about the box that was in his home until one day when he accidently came across it and discovered a few trinkets from the past.
“When I opened the box I thought wow, as I discovered that it contained toys that I was gifted as a child, now some 85 years ago,” he said.
“A small tin crocodile wind up, ceramic honour guard soldiers, a Queen Mary ship, a wind-up walking man and a small push car – automatically hours of fun that I had with these treasures came back to my mind.
“Our family lived in Ipswich and as a young boy my parents would gift my siblings and me with a toy at Christmas time, and I took great pride in looking after each one.
“We would play for hours, and use our imaginations, both playing inside with them and also outside near a huge tree that we had in our yard that we would climb and play in.
“These toys really mean a lot to me.
“I have always ensured the gadgets are still in place and that they were stored in the original box, this has kept them just like new.”
Bob said that he had a happy childhood with his siblings, and most of his days were spent outdoors, climbing trees, playing with his treasures and also swimming in local waterholes that were close to his home.
“I am really pleased that I came across these toys and I wonder if there are other families out there that also have some similar to them,” he said.
“After admiring them for their condition and also the memories that they held, I have rewrapped them, gently placed them back in the box and stored them safely until they are found again.”
