By Marcus Uhe
When John Cox said goodbye to his wife of 58 years, Jean, two years ago, he found himself in what described as a dilemma.
The former electrician spent years caring for her in their Lyndhurst home before moving her to a nursing home in her final days where she could access round-the-clock care.
He found solace in his workshop garage where it was suggested he make a clock for a friend.
Two years later, the 84-year-old hasn’t looked back.
“I’d never touched a clock in my life until I started,” Mr Cox said.
Using recycled and discarded wood found on nature strips and around town, from old cupboards, chairs and abandoned DIY projects, the great-grandfather turns trash into treasure in his workshop, with rock and jazz music accompanying him as he works, punctuated by the roar of power tools.
The installation of a battery-powered quartz mechanism, which keeps perfect time, is the key, according to Mr Cox.
Upon their completion, he takes them to markets at Akoonah Park, The Gully in Ferntree Gully and Chelsea.
“I think the best thing is the market,” Mr Cox said.
“I love meeting people. Even if I don’t sell a clock I love seeing all the people.”
His love for woodwork extends to other projects around the house, including a bird box in his backyard, a lazy Susan, tables and chairs.
There’s even a table made from an old chair.
He believes the expensive manufacturing costs of circular, round objects, which can balloon due to the equipment required, pushes customers towards his creations, which are not as costly, and also ensure support for a local talent.
When he’s not working away on his time pieces, he volunteers at Cranbourne charity Backpacks 4 Vic Kids, where he also ran a stall at their first pop-up market last month.
“I’ve been a volunteer for them since Christmas and I love every minute of it,” he said.
