Oldies dig creating own coffins

Peter Kimber and Katie Williams. Photo / Herald on Sunday

When pensioner Katie Williams suggested a coffin-making class to her friends she received a deathly silence.

But the former nurse won them over and has 15 people ready to start work, with nine more on a waiting list.

"People came out of the woodwork and all of a sudden I had a group of people with a like mind," says the 71-year-old grandmother.

"They're all oldies, of course.

"We get the timber next week and I'm dying to start,"

The class is part of the Rotorua branch of the University of the Third Age, a club for retired and semi-retired locals.

Williams bought wood, screws and glue in bulk and the group visited a funeral home for research.

The coffins will be whipped up for about $100, but members are more interested in designs that reflect their personality than saving money.

Williams wants rose pink wallpaper on hers. Others have chosen vintage tractors or walking tracks.