Jason Parsons goes into bats

AFTER plying his trade as a furniture maker, Jason Parsons has recently started crafting cricket bats by hand.

With former Australian cricketer Ian Callen introducing Mr Parsons to cricket bat manufacturing, the Kyabramite has the perfect figure to look up to. Callen has made cricket bats for more than 30 years for his business Callen Cricket in Melbourne.

Not even two months into his new business venture, Mr Parsons said bat manufacturing remained a hobby for now, but it could become more serious down the track.

‘‘I’m just doing it for fun at the moment, but we’ll see how it goes. I’ve sold a few and had some enquiries,’’ he said. ‘‘They rebound quite well.’’ Mr Parsons’ said the opportunity to get involved with tools was the main reason for his interest.

‘‘The chance to get back on the tools drew me in. Each piece of timber has its own characteristics, so it’s quite interesting,’’ he said.

Using Australian-grown english willow, which Callen grows himself, Mr Parsons’ constructs the bats in his backyard.

To learn more contact Parsons on 0400 038 420.

— Josh Barnstable