Archive - Tuesday, 4 June 2002


Find by date

Other ways to search

Also look for

Never miss anything again. Sign up for our RSS news feeds and Newsletters.

Down in the forestry section, they're making cricket bats

VISITORS to the forestry section at next month's Great Yorkshire Show will be given some expert tips on the art of cricket bat making - alongside a host of other interesting woodland activities.

Many of the bats produced by the skilled craftsmen at Bradford-based Peter Kippax Sports Ltd are used by top professional and league players, including Pakistan's Azur Mahmood, Yorkshire's Vic Craven and Nottinghamshire's Bilal Shafayat.

Founded 25 years ago by Peter, the small family business is now run by his son, Chris. Each year, they produce about 1,000 hand-made cricket bats, and, as willow merchants, export across the world.

One of the highlights of the forestry section is the Great British Pole Climbing Championships, sponsored by McCormicks Solicitors. Former world-champion Jeremy Barrell will be shinning up an 80ft pole - along with other professional climbers - in a bid to beat the current world record of 9.61 seconds.

Dave Brearley from Grassington will be demonstrating pole lathing - a traditional way of turning wood - and making wooden flowers, whistles and other unusual items.

Cabinet maker Brent Thompson will be marking his tenth visit to the show by using traditional tools from the 19th century to help create fine pieces of furniture made from oak and ash.

The show runs from Tuesday, July 9, to Thursday, July 11.

Updated: 10:46 Tuesday, June 04, 2002