AS a self-taught woodworker Northdene resident Koos Verbeek has used his crafting skills to make various items, including toys for children.

The 78-year-old’s passion for woodwork started at the age of 55 where he gained experience and turned his passion and love for woodworking into more than just a hobby.

Everything he does is carved, shaped and cut with love in his workshop where over the years he has accumulated a number of tools to help him on his woodworking journey.

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“I was a mechanic by trade and I had no background in woodwork. But when I retired I wanted to keep myself busy and because I like to make things I decided to try woodwork. As the years have gone by I’ve honed my skills and slowly become better and better.

“I remember the first item I made was a toy truck, because I loved vehicles. I began learning from trial and error. Now I’m able to scale down a model of a vehicle if someone wants a replica or add details to the car to make it more realistic,” he said.

For five days a week, Verbeek uses his collection of chisels, hammers and saws to build various items, including miniature furniture, vehicles, doll houses, trains, horses and trailers, and trucks.

He and his wife Marijke are regular traders at the weekly Golden Hours Family Market and they’ve also made a handful of appearances at Flame Lilly.

“It gives me so much joy hearing people who bought my toys when they were children and passing them down to their children. I’ve always had the philosophy of making toys affordable for the normal man on the street because if I raise my prices, how can someone afford something that could bring joy to their children,” he said.

Verbeek, who has eight grandchildren, also has a heart for charity.

“Twice a year, Marijke and I travel to the Mpophomeni township in Howick where we give back to the community. My wife, who also crafts items, helps the maternity unit and crèche. She also collects stuff and I make cars for the boys. It’s important for me to give back and put a smile on their faces. We were both heavily involved in community work for many years in the north Durban area. That has stayed true to this day,” he said.

While he has a collection of wood, Koos often has residents donating wood to his door to help him craft as much as he wants.

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