O Lord of smoky skies and honest toil,
We give thanks for the land that shaped us:
for the furnaces that glowed through the night,
for the canals that carried our labour,
and for the good folk of the Black Country,
whose hearts are warm and whose words are straight.
Bless the hands that brew Bathams,
that amber gift poured with care,
bringing neighbours together in laughter,
storytelling, and friendship.
Grant that our pints be well kept,
our company cheerful,
our football debates spirited,
and our glasses never empty for long.
May we remember where we came from:
the graft, the grit, the humour,
and the pride of being born Black Country bred.
And when the day’s work is done,
may there always be a seat by the bar,
a familiar face at the table,
and a proper Bathams waiting at the end of it.
For bostin’ beer, good mates,
and the place we call home,
we give thanks.
Amen
This picture by the absolutely top-notch local artist Ken Wood. You can click on it if you like – it will take you to Kens’ site.