Partnerships in focus: Aldred Cricket Bats
We believe the best cricket bats aren’t just manufactured, they are grown and crafted with a deep love and understanding of the game. This month, we’re shining a spotlight on one of our most dedicated partners: Paul Aldred of Aldred Cricket Bats.
From pro cricketer to master bat maker
Paul relationship with cricket runs deep. Between 1995 and 2003, he played professional cricket for Derbyshire, earning his prestigious County cap in 1999. As Paul transitioned from the pitch to coaching the next generation, he sought a new way to stay connected to the game he loved. With a background in the building trade and an interest in environmental stewardship, the move into bat making was about more than cricket. As a professional, Paul already had an instinctive “feel” for what players looked for in a bat – the balance, the “ping,” and the reliability. And so began a journey from the crease to the workbench.
The early days
A self-taught maker, Paul’s journey with JS Wright began in 2008. He started small, collecting just 30 clefts from our yard and hand-crafting them in his garage. Since those early days, the business has grown significantly. In 2020, Paul built a dedicated workshop to keep up with demand. Today, he processes hundreds of clefts every year, supported by wife Sharon and fellow bat maker Neil Parkin.
Beauty in the “butterfly”
A key thing we admire about Paul is his appreciation for the unique characteristics of English Willow. While many seek out pristine, white wood, Paul has long promoted the “unusual” clefts, particularly butterfly and blue coloured clefts. In the past, these grades were harder to sell because they looked different. However, Paul and the team at JS Wright share a belief these bats are often among the most durable, have a beautiful natural aesthetic, and play exceptionally well.
The seal of authority
The relationship between JS Wright and Aldred Cricket Bats is built on total trust. Paul is an avid supporter of our heritage and only uses willow sourced from our English plantations. Because of this loyalty and the fact Paul doesn’t source timber from any other supplier, Paul is one of only a handful of makers authorised to add the JS Wright & Sons name directly to the edge of his bats. When you see that stamp on an Aldred bat, you know you are holding 130 years of forestry expertise combined with professional-grade craftsmanship.
Find out more
If you want to go “behind the scenes” of bat making, we highly recommend following Paul. He is generous with his knowledge, and shares videos and posts about the intricacies of willow and the craft of the workshop (see links below 👇)
Aldred Cricket Bats website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
We are proud to support Paul and his team and wish them all the best for the future.
