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John Gassom – cricket bat maker
Interview
Since John Gassom was not available for interview it might be interesting to ask children what questions they might wish to put to him. Below is a list of questions that were originally put to him by letter, which may help to support discussion with the children.
How did you become a cricket bat maker? Where did you learn to become one? What or who has inspired your work? What particular skills are needed to become a specialist in this field? What do you particularly enjoy about your craft? What is the most difficult aspect of the work? Is the design seen in the programme typical of your work? Do you produce different types of bat? For how long do you normally work each day? Is there a particular bat or other piece in wood which you would like to make in the future? You repeatedly looked closely along the line of the bat? What were you looking for? Why is the handle strung as well as covered with a rubber grip? How long does the whole process of making a bat take? When you plane the curved angles of the bat do you have a tool to help you or is this done merely by eye? Two men were seen in the programme – do you always share the work in this way? When the handle is fixed on to the blade of the bat, is glue used at all? Does your work involve designing new models or do you produce the same traditional model at all times?
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