LOCAL senior Eric Boel is putting in the time to show that learning is a lifelong pursuit after creating a replica of Plato’s water alarm clock.
As part of a U3A class, of which Eric has been a tutor for the past 10 years, he went about creating the model after coming across a book in the Ipswich library.
“The philosopher Plato takes the credit for creating the water alarm clock in the 4th century BCE,” he said.
“Those Greeks were a clever lot!
“I took a fancy to building a smaller copy and it works rather well considering the problems that had to be overcome.”
The clock took six weeks to complete.
“I am still fiddling with it. I am in awe of Plato as he did not have a Bunnings store for supplies,” Mr Boel said.
One of his fellow U3A classmates, Neil McFadzen, said the model was a huge hit when Mr Boel brought it to the class.
“We were all impressed,” Mr McFadzen said.
“No other objects are made as this is a class of discussion in philosophy and the mutual sharing of ideas.”
U3A is a hub for seniors through Ipswich to learn a diverse range of classes and adopt a new skill or to build on ones previously learnt.
“I attend the PU3A is great for seniors as it provides intellectual stimulation, a learning and social environment,” Mr McFadzen said.

