Phil's mind games

PALMWOODS resident Phil Rochow loves a challenge, particularly anything that looks impossible.

His collection of games of skill, simple creations that test the mental dexterity, are what he refers to as his twisted hobby.

The collection ranges from very simple ideas, like 'Catch a Duck’ to the most challenging feat, the 'Electric Maze’.

Each game tests different skills - eye and hand co-ordination or the logical process of someone’s mind.

"I started developing the ideas when my own children were in school for fetes and fundraising days we were involved in. The ideas simply grew from there," Mr Rochow said.

The collection includes a challenging game where the player has to roll a ball vertically up a slide at the exact pace to see it fall through the hole at the top of a very narrow ledge.

Phil had this game on display at the recent Australia Day celebrations at Kolora Park and gauging by the response, it certainly is a lot harder than it looks.

"I’ve taken the games to the Palmwoods Bowls Club to entertain the children down there and there’s been plenty of interest from both the young and the young at heart," he said.

"Each game has a degree of difficulty and my new idea the 'electric maze’ is a real challenge," he said.

The maze is an electrical circuit laid on a square of metal hooked up to a battery that flashes a light to indicate a barrier. The idea is to find the way through the maze in the shortest time without flashing the light.

"The games have been popular at local events because what appears to be a simple thing can be very difficult indeed," he said.

Phil admits that his latest game has even stumped him.

The games of skill are handcrafted and according to Phil, not as smooth as a commercial production.

They range in size from a bucket and pole to the slide which needs to be transported by trailer.

Phil and his wife Norma have lived in Palmwoods for 17 years. Phil is a keen bowler currently playing in the local competition. Many residents will have seen Phil’s games of skill at local events at the Bowls Club.

The Rochows are happy to display the games at local events, so if there is anyone with an interest in holding a display he’d be only too happy to oblige. They can be contacted on 5445 9590.

Phil Rochow shows a youngster how to play
one of his games at Kolora Park recently.