Hello everybody, I recently had the pleasure of going to Mr Julian Millichamps's workshop to get some weight taken off one of my bats. I was expecting just to drive up to his place at Daylesford (1hr 30min drive from Melbourne) drop the bat off and receive it at a later date in the post. However Julian said that he would do it on the spot which i couldn't believe. After Julian finished the job while I marveled at his workmanship and we spent a couple of hours chatting, my wife and I left and couldn't stop talking about how amazing Julian was.
It was then that I decided (after again promising that this would be the last bat ever) that I must have him make me a bat, so last week we drove back to Daylesford and had my new baby made for me by THE Master. Julian offered me the same package that Yash received on his being a Professional grade bat at the Premium price including Pro Kevlar gloves and other extras.
Julian then set about picking through his best willow "tapping up" about 25 - 30 clefts before settling on 3 which I then got the pick of. We then sat and watched Julian hand craft my bat which if you ever get to you must do.
I have no doubt that there will be people that comment on the look of the willow and that it is not pretty enough but I could not care less. This bat pings like a trampoline from about an inch from the toe to just below the splice. It weighed in at 2lb 10.7oz but picks up exactly the same as my split L&W Carbo that weighs 2lb 7oz.
Anyway sorry for the long post but I just had to share this amazing experience with an amazing, kind, generous individual. If you live in Melbourne or Victoria for that matter and love you cricket go and visit Julian Millichamp's workshop just don't tell your wife.
Scotty
Clefts that were tapped up
The Master at work
The Weapon