Bathams support Fizzog Theatre

Added July 2010

Bathams are pleased to announce their support for the Black Country group, Fizzog Theatre Company, who have developed a big audience following around the area with their live comedy shows and filmed Victorian drama episodes called “Black By Day”.

The Brewery have provide financial assistance for the production of a Fizzog brochure which is now on sale priced three pounds.

The Fizzogs are based at the Thorns Community College, Brierley Hill, and travel near and far presenting their comedy routines, most of which are based on Black Country characters. They also perform live street theatre at the Black Country Living Museum throughout the summer.

“Black By Day” has been developed over the last 12 months with two episodes of the comedy/drama and has been rapturously received by audiences around the Black Country. They are hoping to launch it nationwide with a full length feature eventually.

Further information on the Fizzogs can be obtained from their website http://www.fizzogtheatre.co.uk/ and for copies of their brochure and other merchandise please call 01902897809.

Bathams Cancer Research Cycle Ride

Added July 2010

Jamie Willets is organising a charity cycle ride on Saturday September 11th that will start from the Giler pub, near Betws-Y-Coed, and end 140 miles away at the Vine pub in Brierley Hill. The ride is in aid of Cancer Research, and anyone wishing to take part can find sponserhsip forms in any Batham pub.

Jamie has completed the ride twice before, but is hoping this year to attract more cyclists for this worthy cause. For more details there is a Facebook page for the event here:

Bathams Cancer Research Bike Ride

More to follow!

TT Racing - Great Results Again

Added June 2010

2010 at the TT once again saw some great results for Michael Rutter, sponsored by Bathams, gaining three top ten finishes.

Michael was riding a 1000cc Bathams Honda Fireblade, taking part in the Superbike race, the Superstock race and the Senior TT race.

Although competing against more powerful machines, he gained 8th place in both the Superbike and Superstock races, and a terrific 5th in the final Senior Race.

Director Matthew Batham said: “Michael did an excellent job at this year’s TT; the bike was well-prepared and looked resplendent in the Batham’s colours.”

Bathams TT Racing in 2010

Added April 2010

Once again, Bathams will be sponsoring local hero Michael Rutter – see news stories “Team Batham Ducati” and “Bathams at TT races 2009”.

The Superbike season for 2010 got off to a great start at Easter, where Michael – nicknamed ‘The Blade’ – brought his all-round racing skills into play, ending up a very creditable 6th.

Preparations are now well underway for this year’s TT races. Director Matthew Batham said “Last year’s TT was exciting and eventful, so we are all looking forward to this year’s TT on the Isle of Man”.

Watch this space!!

Bathams Celebrates the Restored Bean

Added April 2010

After snapping up the 1931 Bean truck at auction in 2009 – see the news item ‘Bathams brings home historic lorry’ – Bathams have now had the Bean beautifully restored, and brought back to its former glory.

Although the Bean had previously led an exciting life of television appearances, it was later owned by British Rail in the 1980s and had remained a rather forlorn British Rail Brown until the transformation.

Acquiring and restoring the Bean truck marks a pivotal moment in Batham’s history: when Bathams had bought their very first lorry, a 1928 Bean, it propelled the company and its traditional beers instantly into the modern world, playing a major part in taking the business forward into the future.

Director Matthew Batham said: “It has been fascinating recreating a part of Batham’s long history, and transforming an old Bean into the beautiful vehicle it has become again.”

Furthermore, a ‘viewing garage’ has been especially created at The Lamp Tavern in Dudley, where the Bean can be viewed through the glass.

So, on 30th March 2010 at The Lamp, all those involved in bringing the Bean back to life gathered to celebrate its homecoming.

Press were invited and Central News were filming and interviewing – and the Bean was splashed on the 6pm Central News programme that very evening.

Among those attending were Directors Matthew and Tim Batham; Selwyn Sheppard of  S.W.Sheppard who did the amazing restoration; John Pawson of Bennetts, Dudley, who created the viewing garage, and Richard James of Bostin’ Bathams Tours, who will be taking the Bean to its future venues.

Bathams at the Right Match

Added April 2010

Those watching the exciting match between West Bromwich Albion and Preston North End on Saturday 20th March 2010 would have been delighted to spot a very familiar logo on the shirts!

Bathams sponsored this match – and must have brought some extra good luck because the Baggies won 3 – 2.  Goals were from Watson, Dorrans and Brunt.

The shirts will eventually be auctioned, the proceeds going to Cancer Research UK.

Director Matthew Batham said:  “We are over the moon that we supported such a great team for such a great match.”

Team Bathams Ducati

Michael Rutter, our local superbiking champion, hit Silverstone last weekend!

Added October 2009

Following a creditable performance at the Isle of Man TT in June, Michael has now been lucky enough to test out and race all the major superbikes in one season – Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha and Ducati.

But right at the top of his list is the Italian Ducati.  So, with local brewery sponsor Bathams, has formed Team Batham Ducati.

“We had a brilliant time at Silverstone and it was a joy to ride the Ducati as I have always been very successful on Ducatis” said Michael.

In fact, Ducatis are a family tradition as Michael’s famous dad, Tony Rutter of Wordsley, near Stourbridge, winner at  the TT on numerous occasions in the past, always favoured Ducati.  Indeed, Ducati’s superior engineering ensured championship domination way before others tried to catch up.

Team Batham Ducati will be riding at Darley Moor “ Stars of Darley” over the weekend of 3rd and 4th October, and then it is on to Oulton Park to race in the British Superbike Championships the following weekend, 9th, 10th and 11th October.

Team Sponsor Matthew Batham of Bathams Brewery said “It was thrilling to have such a talented rider flying the Batham’s colours at Silverstone and Team Batham Ducati is looking set for success”.

Michael added “It was a lot of hard work from everyone involved that put us on the grid, so I need to thank everyone, especially Bathams, for their support,  It was good to score a point first time out as it is so competitive out there, and now we can look forward to Oulton Park”.

Bathams at TT Races 2009

Added June 2009

A major venture for Bathams this year is the sponsorship of local riding hero Michael Rutter at the TT races on the Isle of Man during June 2009.

A string of biking successes for Michael mean hopes are high – especially as dad Tony Rutter, himself a Manx TT legend having won 8 times, is a regular at Batham’s pub, The New Inn at Wordsley!

Michael was previously with the Yamaha team, but with Bathams behind him, has been able to go for glory in his own right this year.

Michael’s newly built bike, a Suzuki GSXR1000K9, looks fantastic in Batham’s striking yellow, with their contrasting and eyecatching red logo.

In spite of a few last minute mechanical tweaks being needed, Michael ended up a terrific 7th in practice.

But the weather stepped in, and with torrential rain everywhere, all races over the weekend of 6th and 7th June were postponed.  So Michael’s first race – the Superbike TT Race – was on Monday 8th June.  A brilliant start found Michael lying 8th on Lap 4 (of 6), when not one but two pieces of bad luck struck!  He was hit by a large bird, making a big mess of both the bike and his leathers. Then suddenly his gear lever snapped – bringing his race to an untimely end.

“Everyone now has their fingers crossed for Michael’s race on Friday 12th June” said Matthew Batham, Director. “This is the Senior TT Race and we are pinning our hopes on Michael’s skills and experience for this race.”

New Flash!

12.6.09:  Once again, rain delayed the start of the Senior TT Race, but Michael was not deterred, coming in at a magnificent 7th place. “We are really proud of Michael – this is a major race and he has done extremely well” said Matt Batham.

Bathams sponsors Morris Dancers

Added May 2009

Morris dancing has become a recent welcome sight at Batham’s pubs.

The historic and characterful nature of Batham’s pubs provides a series of perfect backdrops for this colourful, energetic and ancient form of dance and entertainment.

Morris dancing is believed to go back at least 500 years, becoming a fixture of Church festivals by the early 16th century.  At that time churches themselves brewed and sold ales for all sorts of occasions!  Later, Morris dancing became part of village fetes as well as May Day and other celebrations.

Batham’s sponsored team is Bedcote Morris.  Formed locally in 1991, the team took ‘Bedcote’ as its name from the feudal manor which became Stourbridge.  The team currently totals 14 male and female dancers, together with 3 musicians, and dance at least twice a week, come rain or shine!

A Morris team traditionally has a ‘Foreman’ – the person who leads and is in charge of the dancing.  Foreman for Bedcote Morris is Phil Watson, who himself has 40 years’ experience of Morris dancing.

Phil said  “We are delighted Bedcote Morris has this association with Bathams, enabling us to reach local audiences at a series of great pubs in great locations.”

Director Matthew Batham agreed.  “Bathams is known for its historic pubs and traditional ales and Morris dancing fits with that perfectly.  What combination could be nicer on a Summer’s day for our customers?”

Find out when and where Bedcote Morris are performing at www.bedcote.com

Bathams brings home famous and historic lorry

April 2009

A 1931 Bean truck, believed to be one of only three remaining, has been snapped up at auction by Matthew and Tim Batham. 

“As soon as we heard about this historic vehicle through a customer of ours, we felt we had to bring it home” said Matthew Batham.

Not only were Bean vehicles produced in The Black Country at Tipton, Dudley from 1919, but, at a time when horse and carts were the norm, Batham’s Brewery decided to buy their very first lorry – a 1928 Bean!

The Bean has therefore already played a huge part in the history of Bathams and the new acquisition will now be playing its own big part in the future of Bathams, as it is intended to be used for all sorts of promotional and charitable purposes.

But the 1931 Bean has already led a varied and exciting life of its own!  It has made numerous television appearances including “The House Of Elliot” and “Brideshead Revisited”, and after a major mechanical overhaul in the 1980s, completed the Historic Commercial Vehicle Club London to Brighton run. 

Amongst its notable former owners are the Historic Motoring Journalist Nick Baldwin and British Rail.  Indeed it is currently painted “British Rail Brown” from its time with British Rail during the 1980s. 

The New Inn at Wordsley

One year old!

April 2009

The New Inn at Wordsley is celebrating its first birthday as a Bathams pub on 10th April 2009.

Bathams and landlord Steve Hadley straightaway breathed new life into this historic pub, quickly establishing it as a busy and successful venue.

In its first year much has been achieved.  Music nights have become extremely popular and recently the garden areas have been opened up and completely refurbished.

Matthew Batham said: “ As we have all been promised a good Summer this year, the new garden will provide a lovely place for our customers to sit and enjoy the sun over a pint. We are all delighted The New Inn has proved such a success, particularly in such difficult economic times.”

Bostin' Bathams Tours

A very refreshing boost for local tourism!

April 2009

Bathams and Richard James of Themed Tours and Excursions have got together to launch a brand new tourist attraction for The Black Country, designed to bring new visitors to the area as well as offer local people a great day or evening out.

They have created Bostin’ Bathams Tours, a series of tours based around the “Batham’s 11” pubs, all steeped in local character and history.

Famed Black Country comedian Aynuk launched this initiative on Wednesday 8th April 2009 at The Lamp Tavern in Dudley.  Everyone enjoyed refreshments and some Bathams beer, while Richard provided the faggots and peas with which he is famously associated!

The launch coincided with National Cask Ale Week.  Matthew Batham said: “This is a real opportunity to bring new people to the area to enjoy the very essence of The Black Country – its special character, its scenery, and its famous brews.”

Richard James said: These pubs are our local heritage.  Creating this new way for tourists to come and experience The Black Country increases the number of attractions for the area, and brings this unique heritage to a wider audience.  As a passionate supporter of The Black Country I see this initiative as a way of revitalising the idea of ‘visiting your local’ and this could benefit the whole region.”

Tours can be booked through Richard on 0121 550 8016.

The picture shows, L to R, Matt Batham, Tim Batham, Stan Stephens (CAMRA), Richard James, Aynuk

BATHAMS BIG PRESENTATION

The amazing sum of £3065 was presented to local charity Mary Stevens Hospice on 16th October 2008 by Director Matthew Batham.

The money had been raised in just one day at Batham’s 4th Annual Charity Day held at Cleobury Mortimer Golf Club on 1st October. A record 26 teams had entered, achieving the highest amount so far raised on one of their Charity Golf Days.

The presentation was made at one Batham’s own pubs – The Swan at Chaddesley Corbett, ‘home’ to the winning golf team on the Charity Day.

Janet Jones, Fundraising Development Manager at the Hospice said
“I would like to thank all those who organised the golf day and those who participated, enabling this fantastic amount of £3065 to be raised for Mary Stevens Hospice. We also very much appreciate the ongoing support of Bathams Brewery.”

At the presentation, Matthew Batham said “We were absolutely delighted that our Golf Day raised so much money for one of our best known local charities. It can be hard work organising such an event, but so rewarding to be able to hand over such a sum to the Hospice – and everyone had a wonderful day on the golf course as well!”

Mary Stevens Hospice adds, "Mary Stevens Hospice needs £2.2million a year to remain fully operational and support those who use its service when nearing the end of their lives. Without the help of people in the community, who so generously donate to our work, we would be unable to offer the care necessary for terminally ill patients, their carers and families."

THE GILER ARMS BECOMES EVEN MORE BEAUTIFUL

Story added 28/05/08

Batham’s patch of Heaven in North Wales, The Giler Arms, has created a superb decked area, designed so that visitors and customers can enjoy spectacular views from all directions.

The new deck comprises local Welsh slate wherever possible, with drystone walls to complete it.  It provides a raised elevation overlooking the lake and the waterfall, and those dining or perhaps just enjoying a drink on the new deck can now do so to the sound of the waterfall and with views of the Hithaethog, the ancient heart of North Wales.

Belinda Kim Bunnagar, The Giler Arms licensee, said   “The new deck area provides a most wonderful location for all our customers, and the perfect place for the most romantic of Wedding Receptions – indeed, any special occasion would be enhanced by such a beautiful place.”

With en suite bedrooms, welcoming bars, wonderful beers, bar meals and a popular restaurant, a Coarse Fishing lake and camping area, plus the perfect position for visiting Snowdonia, many castles and other attractions, The Giler Arms offers everything for the visitor to Wales.

The new elevated deck, surrounded by the natural beauty of Wales, completes the idyll.

BATHAMS ACQUIRE ANOTHER PUB

Story added 10/04/2008

Bathams  has just acquired another pub – The New Inn at Wordsley

Full of the character Bathams pubs are known for, the pub stands at the centre of the village, on the main thoroughfare.  It is locally listed by Dudley Council as a building of special interest – earliest records suggest it became a pub in the 1820s, although the building is older and could even have been a farmhouse.

Buying another pub means Bathams are bucking a national trend: some figures suggest that as many as 25 pubs could be closing for good every week, and boarded up pubs around the Black Country tell their own tale. Pubs are an integral part of our British heritage, and Bathams pubs and brewery are an integral part of our local heritage.

Bathams intends breathing new life into this important pub with its mix of prize-winning beers, great value, friendly service and warm atmosphere. The new Manager will be Steve Hadley. Steve is already well known locally having kept other pubs in the Stourbridge area, and Bathams drinkers in particular will know him from his one and a half years at The Britannia in Upper Gornal. He is also a keen musician, having played in various tribute bands. As The New Inn benefits from a full music/late licence, this is definitely something to watch for in the future!

The New Inn reopened on Thursday, 10th April. There was a private reception for invited guests and Press from 6pm, and at 8pm the pub reopened to the public.

Matthew Batham, Director, said  “It is wonderful that, even in a difficult economy, the popularity of Bathams beers remains undiminished, and that at The New Inn we are able to create another Bathams haven for lovers of traditional beer and pubs.”

OPENING NIGHT AT THE NEW INN

Story added 10/04/2008

After lots of hard work, The New Inn was opened for business on Thursday evening 10th April, 2008.

The picture shows Matthew Batham, Director, raising a glass on opening night with Manager, Steve Hadley, amongst other staff and guests.

Matthew Batham & Steve Hadley	Matthew Batham & Martin Birch (Head Brewer)	Tim Batham (Director)
Mr & Mrs Batham (Proud Parents)	Steve & his daughter	Another pint on the way!

THE PERFECT COMBINATION

Story added 08/03/2008

Bathams Brewery has created the perfect combination for customers at The Unicorn Pub in Wollaston – their normal terrific pint plus the latest technology!

WiFi has just been installed at The Unicorn and regulars and visitors can now enjoy their favourite pint whilst catching up with the news, their emails, or even a bit of work on their own wireless-capable laptops and mobiles. They can enjoy browsing the Web, or maybe watching their ebay auctions in real-time, all in the comfort of their pub!

Landlord John Freeman said “Our customers could even leave work a bit earlier now and continue on their laptops over a refreshing pint!”

Installing the new technology has been the task of Tim Bailey of Stourbridge-based business techys2u. He said “We have been delighted to introduce this technology for Bathams Brewery, who were quick to realise the benefits a WiFi hotspot offers many of their customers.”

Amazingly, the service is free! To start using it is very straightforward: users simply come in with their suitable laptops or mobiles, create their own on-line account, which is almost instantly activated – and then just start! As this stage is done only once, regulars will be then be able to enjoy using the service whenever they are in the pub from there on.

Matthew Batham, Director, said “We are very keen to offer our customers such up to date technology as a free service that they can enjoy alongside a pint or two in a relaxed atmosphere. We are now planning to roll this out in many of our pubs over the coming months.”

BATHAMS CHARITY GOLF BASH

Story added October 2007

Bathams Brewery organised a hugely enjoyable Charity Golf Day at Cleobury Mortimer Golf Club on Wednesday 3rd October.

A total of 18 teams played, almost all drawn from Bathams own pubs across the region. The Lamp Tavern, Dudley, was the overall winner, and Chris Fisher from the same team was the Individual winner

A terrific £2100 was raised for charity on the day, and this sum has now been donated to the County Air Ambulance by Director Matthew Batham. He said “Whilst organising something like this is very hard work, it is so rewarding when we are able to to hand over such a good sum of money to such a worthy cause – and all have a great day as well!”

A FUTURE CHAMPION – The next step

Story added September 2007

The amazing tennis skills of local girl Elli Share see her take the next step on the long hard road to becoming a top player we may one day see at Wimbledon.

From the age of 5, Elli has shown not only huge talent, but also the total dedication that is part and parcel of becoming a championship player. Hard daily training, careful diet and constant travelling to tournaments, plus maintaining her excellent school grades, has meant a very unusual life for Elli and her parents.

Now 14, nearly 10 years on and countless trophies later, Elli is joining the prestigious Priory Club at Edgbaston. This is a Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) High Performance Centre, where Elli will be training every day for 4 hours each day.

For the last 2 years, she has attended and lived at the LTA Academy at Loughborough University, so will now be based back at home again in Coseley with proud parents Kevin and Monica Share.

Supporting their daughter and funding the increasing costs of Elli’s talent and progress is an ongoing battle. Dad Kevin said “The more she progresses, the greater the costs, plus she now plays in Europe as well as all over the UK.”

Fortunately, local businessman Matthew Batham of Batham’s Brewery was very impressed when he read just how hard Elli works and how talented and successful she is and was keen to support and sponsor such an important talent. He said “ As a local business we wanted to help Elli, a local girl with exceptional ability, where we could. We feel we have a real winner in the making.”

Elli has just returned from the Belgium Event, reaching the semi finals, and, with another British girl, won the Argayon Cup Doubles event, beating the Number 1 seeds in the final.

Matthew Batham added “We are now looking forward to following Elli’s progress at the Edgbaston Priory Club and think the Black Country can look forward to its own future champion!”

GRAND OPENING Of the GARDEN LOUNGE

Story added June 2007

the new sanctuary for smokers and their companions

At last! A celebration for the smokers amongst us! On Thursday 14th June 2007, at their Unicorn Pub in Wollaston, Stourbridge, Batham's Brewery held the Grand Opening of its first Garden Lounge, created for the comfort and convenience of those who enjoy smoking, for their friends and family, and indeed everybody who would simply enjoy the garden ambience.

The new Garden Lounge at The Unicorn was created from the former bowling club changing room, overlooking the lovely garden. Whilst complying with the Government's requirements for smoking shelters, the Garden Lounge has all the home comforts such as heaters, lighting, pictures and comfortable furniture which ensure that those smoking can do so in comfort and without the sense of being 'banished' from the pub.

At the Grand Opening, a Jazz Band, free snacks and a free drink for anyone dressed as Famous Smokers ensured everyone enjoyed themselves. Winston Churchill, Marlene Dietrich and Groucho Marx were amongst those who attended!!

At the opening ceremony, Director Matthew Batham cut the ribbon, and declared the Garden Lounge 'Open'.

The Dream Job

Story added June 2007

We don't all get our dream job, but Martin Birch certainly has!

Martin has recently joined Batham's brewery in Quarry Bank, taking over the brewing of Batham's beer when the last brewer retired recently after 40 years.

Martin is, in fact, a Master Brewer. Born in Quarry Bank, a stone's throw from the brewery, Martin started his brewing career with Watney's in 1978. He studied for his Diploma of Management Studies at Kingston Business School, and in 1984 passed his Master Brewer Examinations for the Institute of Brewing. He later became Head Brewer at Hansons and then held several senior management positions with Wolverhampton and Dudley Breweries. Until recently he worked for Unilever as a Technical Consultant within the brewing industry, travelling the length and breadth of the country.

Married to Lyn, they have a daughter Katherine, 27, and a son Daniel, 24. Martin still lives not far from Batham's Brewery, so he has manged to stay close to his roots and a loyal Batham's customer!

Martin takes over the brewing from Ken Smith, who retired earlier this year after 40 years at Batham's Brewery.

Martin said "I still have to pinch myself when I think how lucky I am to be brewing Batham's beer. It must be every local man's dream!"

Director Matthew Batham said "Now that Ken Smith has retired, all Bathams drinkers will be relieved to know that the brewing continues in the safe hands of a local connoisseur!"

Bathams use F1 Technology.

Many thousands of gallons of "hot liquor" have finaly taken their toll on our 60 year old bronze Sparge arms; the start of the brewing process. A refurbishment was the only answer, but who could be trust with such a precious piece of equipment?

Firstly, Evans and White of Stourbridge carried out essential silver solder repairs to the sparger. Once all the leaks had been patched the sparger went to Revolvo of Dudley who turned a new bearing plate in stainless steel. They finished the job off by supplying silicon nitride ball bearings as used by the Williams Formula 1 race team!

The Sparger is now sparkiling like new and running very smoothly indeed, hopefully ready for another 60 years service.

French Chef shows local men how to cook up beef with Bathams

French chef, Cecile Loubaud recently paid a visit to the Community Learning Centre at Pendeford near Wolverhampton where he showed the men (and women!) how to cook a Flemish Beef Stew.

The recipe for (shown below) Carbonade Flamande was rounded off nicely with a bottle of Bathams Special Strong Ale, which Cecile felt enhanced the meat perfectly.

Bathams donated 20 bottles to the class, allowing all students to enjoy the recipe to it's fullest! Pictured is the group of men learning to cook better meals - including Michael Kirk, award winning Wolverhampton butcher.

Click here for the Carbonade Flamande recipe - It's a bit of alright!

Y Giler Arms

What better way to enjoy a break in beautiful North Wales than by staying at The Giler Arms. With great food and of course Batham's famous draught ales on tap, you can be assured of a satisfying time. The pub has several well appointed rooms, and has it's own sensitively landscaped one acre lake, which offers all year round fishing for guests.

We now have 5 electrical hook ups available for campers and caravaners.

For more informationor to make a booking, please call our friendly manager Kim on 01690 770612. Alternatively, take a look at The Giler's website at:

www.giler.co.uk

We look forward to seeing you soon!