April 2008
Stirrer Comment
FOR GORD’S SAKE …CUT THE FUEL DUTY
30-04-2008
It says everything about Gordon Brown’s political instincts that he’s only just apologised for the 10p income tax fiasco. Sorry mate, that was last week’s crisis – this week it’s the price of fuel. And we need the government to act now. more
ITV PULLS OUT OF LOCAL ELECTION COVERAGE
30-04-2008
Central ITV has pulled the plug on its traditional local election coverage from Birmingham Town Hall. And follow-up reports the next day will be forced to fight for space with the anniversary of Madeleine McCann’s disappearance. more
A MILLION VIEWS FOR CIA TORTURE VIDEO
30-04-2008
Amnesty International’s video about the CIA’s “waterboarding” torture technique – as featured on the Stirrer - has been seen by an estimated one million people. Not bad for a film that doesn’t feature Britney Spears or a skateboarding cat. more
JAIL VERSUS WORK
30-04-2008
Gordon Brown has announced this morning that a 40% pay rise for prisoners is being frozen - but when you hear about conditions "inside" it can make you wonder whether it's worth working for a living. In case you're uncertain, here's The Stirrer's guide to Jail versus Work. more
Get Out More.............................Gig News
THE KINGS HEAD, HARBORNE
30-04-2008
Here’s a welcome addition to the local gig scene…the revamped Kings Head on the Hagley Road in Harborne. Eclectic is the word. more
MINDING YOUR P’S AND Q’S
30-04-2008
ITV’s Tonight programme this week took posh eqtiquette coach Diana Mather to try and stop a Sunday football team from swearing. As Lynn Hawthorne reports, it’s the latest outbreak of our national obsession with manners. more
Poet’s Corner
AFTER THE 9 CARAT GOLD RUSH
30-04-2008
Welcome to the “United Blingdom” where shell-suited chavs queue up to flog off their sovereign rings and cash in on the rising price of gold. Brendan Hawthorn wonders where Gerald Ratner is now. more
MOTORISTS PUMPED AS OIL PROFITS ROCKET
29-04-2008
Shell and BP have just announced a giant leap in profits – thanks in no small part to rocketing petrol prices. Now, with garages in the West Midlands charging more than £1.10 per litre, internet campaigners are hitting back with calls for a boycott of two major oil companies. more
BRUNT FIRES BAGGIES BACK TO THE PREM
29-04-2008
Chris Brunt’s late equaliser against Southampton made Albion’s return to the Premier League all but a mathematical certainty on a tense night at The Hawthorns. The Baggies outplayed relegation-threatened Saints, but struggled to create clear cut chances. more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
GUTWRENCHINGHEARTSTOPPING ETC, ETC
29-04-2008
So Albion - barring freakish disaster - are back in the Premier League. Terry Wills savours a wonderful night at The Hawthorns. more
COULD NEW LIBRARY BE SUNK BY FLOODS?
29-04-2008
Birmingham’s controversial proposals for a new library have been hit by a double blow over the last few days. A warning from the Environment Agency that developers should beware of basement buildings has been followed by the shock departure of a key staff member. more
Get Out More.............................Gig News
SAW DOCTORS (Wolves Civic, December 7)
29-04-2008
Do you want a) Po-faced bluster from Bono and his pals? Or b) Kick ass good times from a band who rival the Pogues for a good night out? Given the choice you’d opt for b) every time wouldn’t you? Welcome to the Saw Doctors. more
STRAW MAN TO STEP UP FOR BROWN?
29-04-2008
Never mind David Cameron - could Jack Straw be the next Prime Minister? The Stirrer’s Westminster sources suggest the Justice Secretary is positioning himself for an assault on Number 10. more
NEW SUPERMARKET WATCHDOG CALL
29-04-2008
Friends of the Earth are calling for the creation of a new supermarket watchdog in advance of the Competition Commission's two-year investigation, due to be published tomorrow. more
SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME
29-04-2008
Stirrer blogger Dr David Nicholl was astonished to find a new CCTV installation coming to his home village of Hagley Not only that – but it’s monitoring a childrens’ playground. more
"NEO NAZI" PIPE BAND INFILTRATED ST GEORGE'S DAY PARADE
28-04-2008
Sandwell Council has denied booking an Ulster marching band accused of having “neo-Nazi links” for the borough’s St George’s Day parade last week. Website reports suggested the British Ulster Alliance Flute Band were officially selected to lead the march from Stone Cross to Dartmouth Park. more
BILLY HAS PLENTY TO BRAGG ABOUT
28-04-2008
Billy Bragg turned in a storming performance at Birmingham Town Hall this weekend, and made an eloquent case for "progressive patriotism" in a pre-show Q&A hosted by Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg - who offers a first hand account of a memorable night. more
SINGLE STATUS CRUNCH TALKS TOMORROW
28-04-2008
Unions representing 20,000 Birmingham Council staff will meet tomorrow to discuss the next phase of their dispute over the new Single Status pay arrangements. more
Stirrer TV
BRUM DANCES TO A DIFFERENT TUNE
28-04-2008
Birmingham’s first International Dance Festival, which boasts an unrivalled line-up, starts today - in the window of a city centre store. From the Kirov Ballet to Akram Khan, no hoofing tendency will be ignored. more
STIRRER HOSTS BIRMINGHAM COUNCIL ELECTION COVERAGE
28-04-2008
Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg is hosting Birmingham’s official web coverage of the local elections on Thursday night. Results and interviews will be streamed live on the City Council website. more
"NEO NAZI" BAND LED ST GEORGE'S DAY PARADE - CLAIM
28-04-2008
Sandwell Council leader Bill Thomas has promised an urgent investigation into claims that the borough’s St George’s Day parade last week was led by an Ulster marching with “neo-Nazi” tendencies. more
BEARDIE BLOCKS BLACK COUNTRY ROUTE TO LONDON
28-04-2008
Black Country rail passengers are celebrating a new direct service to London today – unless they live in Wolverhampton. The service passes through the city’s railway station, but thanks to Richard Branson, they can’t get on or off there. more
WELSH BADGERED OVER CULL
28-04-2008
Badger lovers are organising a mass petition against the cull of their favourite animal proposed by the Welsh Assembly. ; Evidence suggesting it will halt the spread of TB in cattle in tenuous, but that hasn’t stopped politicians in the principality ordering the slaughter. more
Get Out More...............................Gig Review
BJORK (Wolves Civic, Friday)
28-04-2008
Steve Beauchampe has followed Bjork’s career since the early days of the Sugarcubes. He finds her in fine form at the Civic Hall in her first West Midlands gig for more than a decade. more
Weekend Footy Round-up
VILLA CLOSE IN ON EUROPE AS BLUES CLING TO PREM
28-04-2008
John Carew’s late equaliser earned battling Villa a point at Everton yesterday, keeping alive their hopes of UEFA Cup qualification. Blues Premiership place still hangs in the balance, though, after a 2-2 draw with Liverpool. Completing a trio of draws, it was honours even for play-off hopefuls Wolves at Coventry. more
THE STIRRER’S BLOG
26-04-2008
The scary movie Orphanage…a royal opening of Birmingham’s new Town Hall…Robert Forster's new album…MG Rover’s Return (again) and Gordon Brown’s climbdown. Oh, and a Dr Doolitle ticket winner. Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg reflects on the last seven days. more
Get Out More...............................Gig News
PAUL WELLER
26-04-2008
One of Britain’s best songwriters of the last 30 years is on the road again – Paul Weller swaggers into the NEC in November as part of his second tour this year. Between now and then, he’ll have released his new 75-minute blockbuster of an album. more
HUNTING FOR BUNTING AS ELECTION LOOMS
26-04-2008
Should there be posters and bunting to mark the local elections? We think so, but the Deputy Leader of Birmingham Council reckons it would be wrong for politicos to deface lamp posts when other organisation are banned from fly posting. more
Get Out More.............................Comedy News
JIMMY CARR (Wolves Civic Hall, 28 and 29 November)
26-04-2008
Possibly the hardest working man in showbiz, Carr returns to the West Midlands for another pair of shows. To those who’ve only ever seen him on telly, be warned – he turns up the crudeometer to 10 in his live shows, but can be very, very funny. more
DAWKINS: GREENS UNDERMINING STIRCHLEY REVAMP
26-04-2008
Birmingham councillor Nigel Dawkins has hit back at claims made on the Stirrer website that he tried to disrupt a community meeting organised by the Green Party in Stirchley. The Greens are opposed to plans for a new Tesco supermarket, but Dawkins says this will undermine much needed regeneration in the area. more
BRUM HISTORY - IT'S A REAL GAS
26-04-2008
It's remarkable what can be found in old boxes - and Andy Goff tells of a little gem he's found ..... more
Get Out More.................................Photo Exhibition
THAT BEAUTIFUL THING
(Wolverhampton Art Gallery, April 26 – July 12)
26-04-2008
Photographer and movie director Pogus Caesar is one of the West Midlands most under-rated cultural figures. This retrospective show, covering some of his snaps over the last quarter of a century, should go a long way to rectify that. more
UNIONS WARN OF MORE STRIKES OVER SINGLE STATUS
25-04-2008
Trade unions have threatened more strikes in the wake of yesterday’s two day walkout by Birmingham Council staff unhappy with the new Single Status Pay and Grading offer. But our sources admit that this week’s two day stoppage may have been a tactical error. more
JUNK EMAIL SETS PUNAM ON THE ROAD TO STARDOM
25-04-2008
BBC WM travel presenter Punam Verma boldly upped sticks from her home in Walsall last June to try her chances as telly presenter in the Middle East – all thanks to a junk e mail she almost deleted. Now she’s a star worthy of front page coverage in OK magazine - but still misses Bescot Market. more
HEMMING TUNES UP FOR NEW RELEASE
25-04-2008
Not content with being an outspoken parliamentarian, a computer millionaire and the world’s greatest lover…MP John Hemming has added yet another string to his bow. Literally. He’s used his musical talents to record a single to promote one of his favourite causes – injustice in the family courts. more
HACKERS NET HARMAN “RESIGNATION”
25-04-2008
Justice Minister Harman has quit and sensationally defected to the Tories – at least if you believe her website. The MP for Camberwell and Peckham has, in fact, been the victim of a successful hacker who posted a fake resignation letter. more
GREENS TAKE ON TESCO...AND DAWKINS
25-04-2008
Less than a week before the local elections, the Green Party held a public meeting in Stirchley setting out their opposition to a new Tesco store. Conservative councillor Nigel Dawkins turned up, and according to The Stirrer’s man on the spot didn’t cover himself with glory. more
Dave Woodhall’s Villa Blog
HARD TOFFEE FOR EVERTON
25-04-2008
Everton’s late season dip has opened a window to the UEFA Cup for Villa – just as long as they don’t come unstuck against the Toffees. Dave Woodhall chews over the weekend's prospects. more
Mick Temple’s Blog
BROWN DOWN, EXTREMISM UP
25-04-2008
With the local elections less than a week away, Professor Mick Temple of North Staffs University takes the temperature of Midlands voters. He sniffs some upsets next Thursday. more
BLIND DAVE TO GET BAGGIES SALUTE
25-04-2008
Marathon runner extraordinaire Dave Heeley will have the chance to take the plaudits of his home town crowd on Monday when he’s introduced at half time of West Brom’s game against Southampton. more
THOUSANDS RALLY IN BRUM FOR BETTER PAY
24-04-2008
Thousands of teachers, council workers, and college lecturers from around the West Midlands gathered in Victoria Square this lunchtime to demand better pay. It was the biggest show of discontent by public sector workers since the 1980s. more
Stirrer Comment
STRIKING TEACHERS GIVE MATHS LESSON TO GOVERNMENT
24-04-2008
Parents and children at more than 400 schools across the West Midlands face serious disruption to their lives today as the teachers stage a one-day pay strike. "Sir" and "Miss" are getting a predictable kicking in the media, but The Stirrer reckons they are handing out a well-timed maths lesson to the government. more
STRIKERS PREPARE FOR RALLY... AS SUPPORT CRUMBLES
24-04-2008
Thousands of Birmingham Council workers and other trade unionists are expected in Victoria Square this lunchtime for a rally in protest against the Pay and Grading Review…but evidence from the first day of a 48-hour stoppage suggests support for the dispute is crumbling. more
THE BURLINGTON, THE BNP AND “CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY”
24-04-2008
After reading our revelation that Birmingham's Burlington Hotel had "no problem" with hosting BNP meetings, one reader - let's call him Cheggers - contacted the head office of MacDonald, the company which owns the place. He discovered it was fine by them too - despite their commitment to "Corporate Social Responsibility". more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
A SLICE OF FLANN
24-04-2008
In a diverse week, Laurence Inman checks out Hapgood at Birmingham Rep, suffers a recurring bout of pavement rage – and discovers a new heroine, the American writer Flannery O’Connor. more
SPEED CAMERA WARNING
24-04-2008
Readers may be aware that new "zero tolerance" speed cameras are due to be introduced shortly on the roads of the West Midlands. The Stirrer can offer you an exclusive preview of the new German-designed GATSO's. more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
FOUR DAYS TO SAVOUR
24-04-2008
With Albion on the brink of promotion and their first Football League championship for 88 years, Terry Wills is, for once, a contented man. Well, almost. more
Brum Council Strike Update
"THREE QUARTERS OF BIN MEN WORKING"
23-04-2008
Birmingham Council is claiming that three quarters of refuse staff are working as normal today – the first day of a planned two-day strike in protest at the new Single Status Pay and Grading Review. more
HAPPY ST GEORGE'S DAY
23-04-2008
The Stirrer wishes all our readers a happy St George's Day. Here's to England's traditional virtues of freedom, tolerance and justice.
BRUM UNIONS REJECT “SPLIT” CLAIM AS TWO-DAY STRIKE STARTS
23-04-2008
Trade unions have rejected claims of a split in their ranks as Birmingham Council workers begin at 24 hour strike. More than 60 schools will close today, along with a number of libraries, neighbourhood offices, and leisure centres. more
BNP "NO PROBLEM" FOR BURLINGTON
23-04-2008
Birmingham’s Burlington Hotel which hosted a bizarre re-creation of Enoch Powell’s “Rivers Of Blood” speech by the BNP on Sunday has said it would have “no problem” with hosting the far-right party again in future. more
"GREEN" ENERGY SOLUTION FUELS FOOD SHORTAGES
23-04-2008
Warnings that the era of cheap food is over have led West Midlands environmentalists to call for the scrapping of European biofuel targets. The EU wants 10% of our petrol and diesel needs to be met from this supposedly "green" source by 2020. more
Get Out More..............................Gig News
JAMES (NIA, 13/12/08)
23-04-2008
Here’s a comeback few would have predicted 12 months ago. But after a sell-out spring tour, James – who inspired the “must wear” t-shirt of the early '90s are now moving up again into bigger arenas like the NIA. more
ELECTIONS OFFICE TO PROBE SOMALI VOTERS
23-04-2008
The Stirrer understands that Birmingham’s Elections Office has been asked to investigate postal voting applications made by members of the Somali community in Aston – already the scene of claim and counter claim in the run up to the local elections on May Day. more
Doc Dave’s Blog
CIA FORCE FEEDING HARD TO SWALLOW
23-04-2008
One of the CIA’s favoured methods of torture – waterboarding – has been highlighted in a shocking new Amnesty International video. Doctor David Nicholl explains a few of their other favoured techniques, including force feeding. more
NO DOSH SO DICKIE QUITS SADDLERS
23-04-2008
The departure of Walsall’s Richard Money is a sad day for the club – but it became inevitable when owner Jeff Bonser flogged two of the Saddlers’ prize assets during the January transfer window. more
Get Out More........................................Gig News
NOUVELLE VAGUE (Wolves Civic, 25/11/08)
23-04-2008
If wonderful lounge re-interpretations of John Peel classics are your thing, you won’t want to miss these classy French subverters. Amelie meets the sound of the underground. more
Kingy’s Wolves Blog
KITES FLIES FOR WOLVES
23-04-2008
Remember Brendan King’s depression about Wolves play-off hopes and his desire for the season to end? It lasted just 72 hours or so, until last night’s 3-0 despatch of Cardiff. more
PAUL DALE’S DIARY
23-04-2008
The Stirrer yields to no one in his admiration for the Birmingham Post’s Public Affairs editor Paul Dale. But has he been suckered by the architect of Andy Howell’s failed mission to return to politics? One Labour activist thinks so. more
Last Night’s Footy
ON OFF PLAY OFF ON AGAIN ...MAYBE
23-04-2008
They thought it was all over…it isn’t yet! Wolves 3-0 thrashing of FA Cup finalists Cardiff re-ignited their seemingly forlorn play-off hopes, and with two winnable games left, promotion remains a possibility. more
MORE THAN 50 SCHOOL CLOSURES IN STRIKE HIT BRUM
22-04-2008
This week’s planned two-day strike by Birmingham Council workers is already starting to bite. At least 20 schools will be closed tomorrow on the first day of action over the city’s Single Status review, while more than 50 are affected on Thursday when teachers are also due to walk out over pay. more
10P TAX “WILL BE SORTED” PROMISES BROWN
22-04-2008
The Stirrer’s Westminster sources are confident Gordon Brown will head off a backbench revolt against the scrapping of the 10p income tax band. Yet despite the PM's pledge to deliver a compensation package, several West Midlands MP’s have signalled that they are willing to vote against the government. more
AMNESTY POURS COLD WATER ON CIA TORTURE
22-04-2008
Coming to a cinema near you soon – a shocking video of one of the CIA’s favoured torture methods, as approved by George Dubya Bush. The Amnesty film is released as a cinema trailer in May, but it’s available today online. more
Get Out More.............................Gig Review
SHARON JONES AND DAP KINGS (Yardbird, Birmingham)
22-04-2008
Soul veteran Sharon Jones has come to belated prominence thanks to her role backing Amy Winehouse on the Back To Black set. But could she cut it in her own right? Paul Samuels sweats on it at a packed Yardbird. more
RUNNING LONDON WITH BLIND DAVE AND MAC
22-04-2008
Blind Dave Heeley’s incredible achievement of running seven marathons on seven continents in seven days has been well documented on The Stirrer, but he’s also inspired other runners to try their hand at long-distances – among them Philip Calcutt. more
PUNAM’S DONE OK FOR A GIRL FROM WALSALL
22-04-2008
Former BBC WM travel reporter Punam Verman has hit the big time following her bold move to Dubai a couple of years ago. She’s now presenting her own telly show, and is featured on the front cover of the local edition of OK magazine. Not bad for a girl from Walsall. more
Get Out More....................................Theatre News
BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME 2008
22-04-2008
Between now and the end of the year, the Hippodrome’s showcasing award-winning West End musicals, Britain’s biggest pantomime, world-class opera and ballet, and a brand new international dance festival. Here are some of the highlights. more
Callum’s Blues Blog
DOWN AND OUT AT ST ANDREWS
22-04-2008
Is it all over for Blues following that 5-1 thrashing at Villa Park on Sunday. Callum O' Connell fears the worst while casting envious eyes at Roy Keane's Sunderland spending spree. more
DERBY ROAD DEATH “NOT VILLA V BLUES”
21-04-2008
Claims that the death of a football fan in a collision outside Villa Park yesterday may have been motivated by fan rivalry have been scotched by West Midlands Police. more
BNP GATCRASHES “RIVERS OF BLOOD” ANNIVERSARY
21-04-2008
BNP leader Nick Griffin “gatecrashed” the 40th anniversary of Enoch Powell’s infamous “Rivers of Blood” speech yesterday by watching a bizarre re-enactment at the city’s Burlington Hotel – the same venue which hosted the original meeting in 1968. more
SECOND CITY “MURDER” FEAR AFTER VILLA/BLUES DERBY
21-04-2008
Police have arrested a 20-year old man on suspicion of murder following yesterday’s Second City derby between Villa and Blues. A 26-year old male pedestrian was knocked down outside the ground at 3pm around an hour after the final whistle. He later died in hospital. more
NOT OVER FOR ROVER
21-04-2008
Northfield MP Richard Burden insists the battle to bring car production back to Longbridge isn’t over yet – despite the withdrawal of car body manufacturer Stadco from the former Rover works. A crunch meeting on Wednesday will provide a much clearer vision of the way ahead. more
Get Out More..........................Film News
THE LIGHTHOUSE (Chubb St, Wolverhampton)
21-04-2008
Son of Rambow, Leatherheads, Mike Leigh’s Happy Go Lucky, and Morgan Spurlock’s hunt for Osama Bin Laden – all this and more at the Black Country’s only arthouse cinema. more
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE CUNNING LINGUIST?
21-04-2008
Lynn Truss, step aside. Ros Dodd is gunning for your title as Britain’s number one literary pedant. more
JOIN UP FAST FOR DEBT CAMPAIGN
21-04-2008
Over 50 campaigners from the Black Country and Birmingham are one week into the 36 day rolling fast to highlight the plight of 36 different countries which are in urgent need of speeder debt cancellation writes Audrey Miller. more
Kingy’s Wolves Blog
A SEASON OF HOPEFUL HOPELESSNESS
21-04-2008
Wolves season isn’t technically dead, but it’s certainly on life support. Brendan King reflects on another home draw for a team which, ultimately, just isn’t good enough. more
Poet's Corner
COLLECTIVE CONSERVATISM AND HARD LABOUR IS SO LIBERATING
21-04-2008
With the local elections coming, you might find yourself meeting strangers in the street. Weird people who you think you vaguely remember having met once before. Yes, says Brendan Hawthorne, it's your local councillor. more
Weekend Footy Round-up
VILLA THRASH BLUES AS BAGGIES PREPARE TO PARTY
21-04-2008
Villa take pride of place in the West Midlands today after thrashing Blues 5-1 in the Second City derby. The result opens up the prospect of Albion by-passing the St Andrews' side on their way to the Premiership. more
HOUSING CRISIS? WHAT CRISIS?
19-04-2008
Amid all the doom and gloom about falling house prices, is there a good news story? Maybe. This week Shelter revealed how theyears of propertyboom had penalised thousands of hard-working families in the West Midlands. more
BAD LANGUAGE FOR STUDENTS IN WALSALL
19-04-2008
A Walsall language school exposed by The Stirrer for falsely claiming accreditation from a number of awarding bodies has now cut off its phone lines. As revealed in yesterday’s Birmingham Mail, it failed to re-open after Easter. more
GOLF CLUBS ALLOTMENT HOLDERS AGAIN
19-04-2008
Blundering Council officials allowed two thirds of a popular Birmingham allotment to be taken out of commission. Now, as Mark Jackson reports, the Golf Club which owns the land is coming back for the rest. more
Mick Temple’s Blog
WAKE ME UP BEFORE YOU VOTE
19-04-2007
Why aren’t local elections held every four years wonders Mick Temple. It would create a sense of occasion, and might wake the voters from their slumbers. more
WOMBLING ALONG THE SIDEWALK
19-04-2008
It’s been claimed that only 17% of children’s television shown in this country is home made. Lynn Hawthorne wonders if we’re just jaywalking up the wrong Sesame Street. more
RADIO OUT OF TUNE WITH LOCAL VOICES
19-04-2008
Sick of so-called local radio that plays the same Top 40 garbage as every other station? Matthew Revell is proud to declare that in Wolverhampton, at least, there is an alternative. more
A FAIR COP?
19-04-2008
Always keen to expand our readers' literary sensibilities, The Stirrer is proud to offer you the chance to read an updated children's classic. This Ladybird book explains everything you and your kids need to know about the modern police force. click here
Postal Voting 1
"SCRAP POSTAL VOTING BLACKMAIL" - YAQOOB
18-04-2008
Birmingham Councillor Salma Yaqoob has called for the scrapping of more relaxed rules designed to make postal voting easier. She warns that the current system leads to "blackmail" and undermines the the democratic principles of a secret ballot. more
Postal Voting 2
COUNCIL CLAIMS "COCK UP NOT CONSPIRACY" OVER POSTAL VOTE LEAK
18-04-2008
Birmingham MP John Hemming has called for an enquiry after details of postal voting applications made by party colleague Ayoub Khan were leaked to the Labour party. The City Council insists it's a cock up not a conspiracy. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
NOT SO MUCH MARATHON MAN, AS SNICKERS BLOKE
18-04-2008
Laurence Inman knows what it takes to run a marathon. He’s actually completed one – in a respectable four hours too. So he’s got some idea of what it must have taken for Blind Dave Heeley to run seven in a week, while travelling around the world. more
Single Status 1
RUDGE CLAIMS UNIONS "DON'T WANT TO SETTLE POLITICAL STRIKE"
18-04-2008
Birmingham's Single Status boss Alan Rudge has claimed the unions "don't want to settle" in the pay dispute which threatens to bring the city to a standstill. In this open letter, issued in a bid to head off next week's two day strike, Rudge argues that the dispute is politically motivated. more
Single Status 2
UNIONS: SINGLE STATUS DEAL "NEVER AGREED"
18-04-2008
Union leadersrepresenting Birmingham Council staff have denied claims that they ever agreed to management's revised pay offer - contradicting claims made Alan Rudge, the city's Single Status boss. more
Dave’s Villa Blog
WHEN SUNDAY COMES
18-04-2008
After a six-goal swatting of Derby last weekend, Dave Woodhall expects a rather tighter affair on Sunday when Villa play a team in blue. more
Martin Longley's Music Blog
JAZZ SOUNDS: NEW YORK [PART 541]
18-04-2008
Martin Longley checks out the Big Apple form of the Dave Douglas Quintet who appear at the CBSO Centre tonight. While's he at it, he gives Ravi Coltrane, Carla Bley and a host of others the once over. more
HERE'S JOHNNY....
18-04-2008
Local radio legend John Platt has just completed 30 years at BBC WM. Danny Reddington pays tribute to one of our best loved broadcasters. more
Get Out More.....................................Ballet News
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET SUMMER SEASON (Hippodrome)
18-04-2008
BRB can boast a world premiere as part their summer season unveiled yesterday - a performance of Le Baiser De La Fée choreographed by Michael Corder as part of the Stravinsky Festival. David Bintley and Galina Samsova’s production of Giselle. returns after five years. more
APPEALING COMMUNITY CENTRE IN SOLIHULL LODGE
18-04-2008
Stirrer blogger Barbara Panvel encourages readers to make use of Solihull Lodge Community Centre - close to Highters Heath, Yardley Wood & Shirley. more
KHAN: LABOUR "CLUTCHING AT STRAWS" OVER POSTAL VOTING
17-04-2008
Liberal Democrat councillor Ayoub Khan has hit back at Labour calls for a police probe into postal voting in Aston. He accuses his rivals of "clutching at straws" and trying to smear him. more
Postal Voting 1
BORE CALLS FOR POLICE POSTAL VOTING PROBE
17-04-2008
Birmingham’s Labour party is calling for a police investigation into the delivery of 200 postal vote applications and 150 voter registration forms yesterday by Liberal Democrat Councillor Ayoub Khan. He handed in the paperwork just an hour before the deadline for postal votes at this year’s local council elections. more
Postal Voting 2
INNER CITY “DIRTY TRICKS” CLAIM OVER POSTAL VOTING.
17-04-2008
"Dirty tricks" are being used to try and entrap political rivals according to an inner city Labour councillor. He claims to have had three phone calls in one day to trying to persude him to break the law. Once again, postal votes are at the heart of the allegations. more
BLIND DAVE'S WELCOME HOME
17-04-2008
Blind Dave Heeley and Malcolm "Mad Mac" Carr were given a heroes welcome in West Bromwich yesterday after completeing 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days. more
PICKET LINE PLEA TO BRUM COUNCIL STAFF
17-04-2008
Unions are appealing to Birmingham Council staff not to cross the picket lines when the two day pay and grading strike strike starts next week. In a leaflet sent to workers, they warn “this fight will determine your pay and conditions for years to come” more
Get Out More...................................Theatre Review
HAPGOOD (Birmingham Rep)
17-04-2008
Is it The Spy who Loved me…? Nope, it’s Tom Stoppard’s Hapgood, a cold war spy thriller with a difference, currently playing at Birmingham Repertory Theatre. If you like a conundrum to solve with a bit of philosophising on the side, this is the play for you reckons Paula Elenor - albeit with some reservations. more
VILLA PARK AND THE QUIET AMERICAN
17-04-2008
Never mind those rowing Yank owners at Anfield – Richard Nevin applauds the quiet American Randy Lerner whose takeover at Villa Park is doing far more to enhance the club’s heritage than 20-odd years of local ownership achieved. more
BRUM DOLE QUEUES STATIC
17-04-2008
Unemployment in West Midlands remained virtually static last month – with Birmingham remaining the second worst major city for unemployment. Only Liverpool has longer dole queues. more
BLIND DAVE "RAN THROUGH PAIN BARRIER" TO COMPLETE 777
16-04-2008
As 777 marathon king Blind Dave Heeley prepares for his triumphant homecoming to West Bromwich today he’s been talking about the agony and the ecstasy of his global running challenge. He says he was only able to completeit by going through the pain barrier. more
RAVENHURST RESIDENTS PLAY ON TO SAVE FIELD
16-04-2008
Residents fighting to protect Ravenhurst Playing Fields in Harborne insist the battle to save their local open space will continue – despite the withdrawal of a Village Green application. There’s a public meeting to discuss the next step tomorrow night. more
SELLY OAK "SUE" THREAT TO SUN OVER MRSA STORY
16-04-2008
Bosses at Selly Oak Hospital are taking legal advice after the Sun newspaper ran a front-page story yesterday, alleging that an injured soldier returning from Afghanistan caught MRSA on the wards. more
WATCH OUT...THERE'S CRICKET ABOUT
16-04-2008
It’s the start of the cricket season today with a County Championship game between Warwickshire and Worcestershire. What do you mean you haven’t noticed? Yet it wasn’t always like this. more
THE FOOD OF LIFE
16-04-2008
Food riots around the world have only attracted minor coverage in Britain, but Barbara Panvel argues they represent a challenge to this country – not least because so much of what we eat is sourced abroad. Time, she says, to re-assess food security. more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
BAGGIES BAG BRAGGING RIGHTS...AND MORE
16-04-2008
Victory in the Black Country derby means more than bragging rights for Albion fans. A delighted Terry Wills can ponder promotion too. more
Kingy’s Wolves Blog
IT NEVER RAINS BUT IT POURS
16-04-2008
Teeming rain played it’s part in a night of electrifying passion in the Black Country, but The Stirrer’s Wolves blogger Brendan King went home broken-hearted after a 1-0 defeat. more
DOO LITTLE STIRRER GOES BANANAS ON TALKSPORT
16-04-2008
Banana chomping Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg returns to the national airwaves in the early hours of tomorrow morning with the start of a two-day stint on Talksport. And he’s tying it in with a chance to win a family ticket to see Dr Doolittle tickets at Birmingham Hippodrome. more
Get Out More.........................Gig News
OCEAN COLOUR SCENE (Wolves Civic, December 22)
16-04-2008
Brummie modfathers and pals of Paul Weller take to the stage for a Christmas special in Wolverhampton. Tickets go on sale today. more
Last Night’s Footy
ALBION WIN BLACK COUNTRY BATTLE TO GO TOP
16-04-2008
Zoltan Gera’s second half goal settled a thrilling, rainswept Black Country derby which saw Albion return to the top of the Championship in front of a full house at Molineux. Wolves couldn’t be faulted for effort, but lacked a killer instinct in front of goal. more
Stirrer TV
BRUM CHIEF EXEC BLASTS UNION’S “IMPOSSIBLE DEMANDS”
15-04-2008
Birmingham Council’s Chief executive Stephen Hughes has condemned “impossible demands” made by union officials in negotiations over the Single Status pay deal. His comments come in a film made for staff – but which can now be watched on Stirrer TV. more
Exclusive
BOURNVILLE WORLD HERITAGE PLAN
15-04-2008
Bournville is the latest part of part of the West Midlands to join the quest for World Heritage Status. Local councillor Nigel Dawkins wants the home of Cadbury’s to be listed to help protect the Birmingham suburb’s unique environment. more
Stirrer TV
SANDWELL ROUTES FOR BLIND DAVE ON VICTORY PARADE
15-04-2008
Sandwell Council has confirmed the victory route for Black Country running heroes Blind Dave Heeley and Mad Mac when they return to West Bromwich tomorrow. Exclusive footage of the climax of their 777 marathon challenge can be seen right here on Stirrer TV. more
AFTER NRF: BUILDING A BETTER BIRMINGHAM
15-04-2008
Yesterday we brought you news of an independent report which questioned the value of Neighbourhood Renewal Fund spending in Birmingham – some £160 million. Jackie Mold – director of Be Birmingham which commissioned the study – highlights some of the positive outcomes and promises better results from the new Working Neighbourhoods Programme. more
Get Out More...............................Theatre Review
THE WEDDING SINGER (Birmingham Hippodrome, until Sat)
15-04-2008
Robbie Williams’ old mate Jonathan Wilkes takes the lead role in this West End-bound adaptation of the successful movie. Terry Wills chomps on the chocolate caramels. more
DIGBY ROCKS BROWN….OR DOES HE?
15-04-2008
Much excitement in Westminster circles today about claims that Lord Digby Jones of Birmingham will quit as Business Minister before the next election because he doesn’t want to endorse Gordon Brown. In truth, it’s nothing that he hasn’t said before. more
OLYMPIC CHINA WINS EXECUTION “GOLD”
15-04-2008
As the countdown continues to the Beijing Olympics, Amnesty International has already handed China one “gold medal” – for executing more prisoners than any other country. more
Doc Dave's Blog
NO RAINBOW IN ZIMBABWE…JUST CLOUDS
15-04-2008
Zimbabwe is on high alert today after the opposition Movement For Democratic Chamge called for a General Strike. They're reacting to the continued failure of Robert Mugabe's government to release the results of the election two weeks ago. Dr David Nicholl calls on neighbouring South Africa to act. more
PORTISHEAD (Wolves Civic Hall, Sun)
15-04-2008
Blimey! The Stone Roses were fast workers compared to this lot. Portishead have taken eleven years to make their latest studio album. Simon Gray caught them live at the weekend as they woke from their slumbers. more
BIRMINGHAM AIRPORT MARCHES TO A RECORD
15-04-2008
Birmingham International Airport – currently seeking a runway extension to expand its range of long haul flights – had it’s best ever March, with almost three quarter of a million passengers. It’s the airport’s second record-breaking month in a row. more
Exclusive
BRUM SPENDS £160 MILLION - WITHOUT CHECKING THE OUTCOME
14-04-2008
Birmingham spent £160 million of government money without having any system for finding out if the cash was wisely spent according to a critical report sent to councillors. It says that local authority officers in charge of the scheme often carried out their duties in addition to their “day jobs.” more
Stirrer TV
TEARS OF JOY AS BLIND DAVE COMPLETES 777
14-04-2008
Stirrer TV brings you exclusive pictures and interviews from the London marathon where Blind Dave Heeley became the first disabled athlete to run seven marathons on seven continents. more
OPEN TOP TOUR FOR “GAGGED” BLIND DAVE
14-04-2008
Dave Heeley’s achievement in becoming the first disabled athlete to run seven marathons in seven days on seven continents will be honoured with an open top bus tour in his home town of West Bromwich. But the Black Country runner has been gagged from announcing his next challenge. more
Poet’s Corner
SEVEN IN SEVEN (FOR BLIND DAVE HEELEY AND MAD MAC)
14-04-2008
The Stirrer’s poet laureate pays this tribute in verse to the heroic achievements of Blind Dave and Mad Mac – only the third and fourth people in the world to run seven marathons in seven days on seven continents. more
MARK SPEIGHT R.I.P.
14-04-2008
The Wolverhampton-bred TV presenter Mark Speight – star of the kids' show SMarteenies – has been found dead at Paddington Station. Speight went missing last week, shortly after the inquest into the death of his partner Natasha Collins. Ros Dodd pays tribute. more
WHERE’S THE BEEF?
14-04-2008
Midlands shoppers might be getting more than they bargained for after a shock survey showed that one in three meat products was incorrectly labelled. Trading standards officers fear that beef, pork, chicken and lamb are being mixed up by careless producers. more
Carol’s Forces Blog
SOLDIERS' HUMAN RIGHTS - AND THE MOD'S WRONGS
14-04-2008
After the death of her soldier son in Iraq because his Land Rover “snatch” vehicle wasn’t properly equipped, Carol Jones welcomes a High Court ruling that soldiers on active service are protected by Human Rights Legislation. more
Weekend Footy Round-Up
BLUES DRAGGED CLOSER TO DOOM AS VILLA HIT SIX
14-04-2008
Birmingham City were sucked back into the Premiership relegation battle despite a decent performance in a 1-1 draw with Everton, while Villa piled on the misery for Derby with a 6-0 thrashing. In the Championship, Wolves and Albion warmed up for the Black Country with a draw apiece, and the Saddlers kept up the pace for a League One play-off place. more
Terry's Baggies Blog
ALBION SHOOTING THEMSELVES IN THE FOOT
14-04-2008
The Baggies missed the chance to go clear at the top with a frustrating 1-1 draw against Watford on Saturday. Do they REALLY want promotion wonders Terry Wills? more
SQUATTERS AGAINST THE BLANDING OF BIRMINGHAM
12-04-2008
Campaigners involved in a three-day squat of a derelict warehouse in Digbeth have been telling The Stirrer about their dream of creating a new centre for community activism in Birmingham. The Free Space Brum group wants a building outside of both commercial and local authority control – and to prevent blandness overtaking the city. more
BRUM ARMY MUM WELCOMES SOLDIER’S RIGHT TO SUE MOD
12-04-2008
The mother of a Birmingham soldier killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq has welcomed a landmark legal ruling guaranteeing the human rights of soldiers in a war zone. Families of troops who die in combat can now sue the government if they aren’t adequately protected. more
STATE OF THE UNION
12-04-2008
After a couple of less than inspiring experiences, Lynn Hawthorne ponders the state of British Trades Unions. more
Mick Temple’s Blog
A DEGREE OF INTELLIGENCE
12-04-2008
Can you really tell if someone has been university educated or not? And is it worth the effort of getting a degree, especially when you're racking up all that debt? Professor Mick Temple thinks so. more
Postive Stirrers
SUPER FRANK VOLUNTEERS FOR AWARD
12-04-2008
We told you recently about the wonderful voluntary work of Frank Foster from Walsall. Now, as Paula Elenor reports, it's been recognised by a wider public.more
STIRRER/SONY TIE-UP FOR REVOLUTIONARY PC CAM
12-04-2008
The Stirrer is pleased to announce an exclusive deal with Sony for their revolutionary new PC-Cam - which allows you to take a snapshot with your computer. Readers are invited to sample this amazing new software - which is unavailable elsewhere - by clicking here.
Martin Longley's Music Blog
MODERNE SOUNDS: NEW YORK (Part 9)
12-04-2008
Laurie Anderson and Philip Glass come under Martin Longley's beady gaze in this latest despatch from the front line of music in the Big Apple. There's Buffalo Collision, too, and Margaret Leng. Oh, and did I mention Sylvie Courvoisier and Ray Anderson and Bob Stewart. more
FIVE OUT OF FIVE FOR DAVE - BUT NOT ERIC
11-04-2008
West Brom marathon man Blind Dave Heeley has completed his fifth marathon in five days in Dubai – and now has to negotiate Tunis tomorrow before completing his globetrotting running exploits in London on Sunday. Central ITV reporter Eric MacInnes couldn’t keep pace though after being thrown off a flight over a ticket cock-up. more
ANARCHIST SQUATTERS MOVE INTO DIGBETH
11-04-2008
Radical squatters are occupying a disused building in Digbeth as part of a Europe-wide weekend of action to reclaim cities from corporate ownership. They are also demonstrating today at the Council House.more
CRIME FIGURES LOWEST FOR 18 YEARS
11-04-2008
New figures just released by West Midlands Police show that recorded crime in the region has dropped to it lowest level since 1989. With the detection rate at 26%, the question is whether these figures reflect the true level of villainy on our streets – or whether the public just don’t bother reporting incidents any more. more
WOLVES LIB DEMS PLAY DOWN COALITION PROSPECTS
11-04-2008
The Stirrer’s sources in Wolverhampton say that a Tory/Liberal Democrat coalition is unlikely to take control of the city in next month’s local elections – because the Consevatives just aren’t working hard enough on their target seats. more
Get Out More…………………………………..Gig News
JULIAN COPE, SHELBY LYNNE (Town hall, Symphony Hall)
11-04-2008
Midlands psychedelic weirdo Julian Cope adds another string to his bow of strangeness with a lecture and film show about witchcraft as part of the Fierce Festival at Birmingham Town Hall. Meanwhile Symphony Hall showcases American country artist Shelby Lynne. more
CATH 'GONGED' AT BOOK AWARDS
11-04-2008
Birmingham author Catherine O’Flynn has picked up the Best Newcomer gong at the British Book Awards – dubbed the “Oscars of the literary world” – for her debut novel “What Was Lost”. more
“NO PUBLIC INTEREST” IN PROSECUTING SEVERN TRENT BOSSES
11-04-2008
The Serious Fraud Office has told The Stirrer there’s “no public interest” in prosecuting the former management of Severn Trent Water – despite evidence that they lied to customers and the regulator. more
DROP THE DEBT – FAST!
11-04-2008
Could you give up something you like for a short time - food? telly? - to help some of the poorest people in the world, struggling with the burden of unpayable debts? Then listen up, because as Audrey Miller explains, there’s a major event kicking off at the Bullring tomorrow. more
BLIND DAVE CONQUERS SYDNEY
10-04-2008
West Brom running hero Blind Dave Heeley and his sighted guide Mad Mac are now more than halfway through their seven marathon global challenge, having completed the Sydney leg of their jaunt. Now it's on to Dubai. more
BLUES SHARES SUSPENDED
10-04-2008
Shares in Birmingham City have been suspended at the club’s own request according to reports today. The news follows the arrests yesterday of co-owner David Sullivan and manager Karren Brady. more
SINGLE STATUS STRIKERS TARGET GREGORY AND PLAN STREET PROTESTS
10-04-2008
Union members protesting against Birmingham Council’s Single Status pay offer are planning to target the Transport Cabinet member Len Gregory this weekend. The Stirrer has also discovered plans for city-wide street protests during the forthcoming two day strike. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
A RIGHT ROYAL CONSPIRACY
10-04-2008
So you think the Diana inquest finally put paid to some of Mohammed Al Fayed’s more fanciful theories? Not a bit of it. Laurence Inman knows the Harrods boss was right. He also has the inside gen on the Kennedy assassination, the sinking of the Titanic …and Adolf Hitler’s secret life as a milkman. more
BRUM COUNCILLORS BACK CONTROVERSIAL RED ROUTE
10-04-2008
Birmingham Council’s Transport watchdogs have given their backing to the controversial Red Route through Sparkbrook and said it should be made permanent – although a minority report says the scheme should be suspended. more
BLIND DAVE GETS QUICKER AS HE COMPLETES RUN THREE
09-04-2008
Blind Dave Heeley and his running partner Malcolm “Mad Mac” Carr are getting quicker as they battle through their global marathon expedition. The third leg, completed last night in Los Angeles, knocked ten minutes off the time of the second section in Rio. more
STRIKERS MYTH THE POINT WARNS RUDGE
09-04-2008
Birmingham Council have responded to news of a two day strike later this month by issuing a new “myth busting” fact file aimed at persuading staff to cross the picket lines. Alan Rudge, the cabinet member responsible for introducing the controversial Pay and Grading Review is behind the move. more
LIBRARY CAMPAIGN GOES DIRECT TO ARCHITECTS
09-04-2008
The campaigner trying to save Birmingham’s Central Library has taken his battle direct to the seven architects short-listed by the City Council to design its replacement. Alan Clawley has called on them to stop parroting the local authority’s claim the building isn’t “fit for purpose” – and he has the backing of the man who created the original building John Madin. more
10P OR NOT 10P….THAT IS THE QUESTION
09-04-2008
One of Gordon Brown’s last acts as Chancellor was to get rid of the 10p income tax band for lower paid earners…news which appeared to come as a shock to some MP’s who belatedly protested when it was finally scrapped this week. Barbara Panvel reflects on the plight of the low paid. more
WOLVES TORY LEADER DISTANCES BNP NEPHEW
09-04-2008
The leader of Wolverhampton’s opposition Conservative Party has distanced himself from a family member who’s standing in the local elections for the BNP – but insists “it’s a free country” where people can stand on whatever platform they wish. more
BEAR NECESSITIES
09-04-2008
Never mind the snow...this time next week Warwickshire will be starting the cricket season with a game against local rivals Worcestershire. Former Bears legend Paul Smith assesses the prospects for the coming season at Edgbaston. more
Positive Stirrers
SUPER FRANK
09-04-2008
Frank Foster will find out tonight at a Gala event at Walsall Town Hall whether he’s won an award at Walsall Disability Forum’s 2008 annual awards ceremony. Either way, he’s an inspirational community figure. Paula Elenor pays tribute. more
Get Out More………………………………… Event News
LICHFIELD FESTIVAL, KEN DODD AT WOLVES
09-04-2008
Veteran quip king Ken Dodd returns to Wolverhampton at Christmas, while booking opens on Friday for the Lichfield Festival, which includes attractions like the Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain and Humphrey Lyttleton’s band. more
Last Night’s Footy
BAGGIES RIDE BLACKPOOL ROLLERCOASTER TO GO TOP
09-04-2008
A devastating late burst by supersub Kevin Philips took Albion to the top of the Championship at blustery Blackpool last night – restoring smiles to the faces of Baggies fans after the disappointment of Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final defeat. more
RESPECT SLAM LIB DEM "INELIGIBLE" CANDIDATE CLAIMS
09-04-2008
Birmingham’s Respect Party has hotly denied claims that one of their candidates might be ineligible for the forthcoming Council elections. Spokeswoman Salma Yaqoob has written off the allegations as Liberal Democrat “dirty tricks.” more
Get Out More.......................................Film n' Stuff
7" LISTINGS
09-04-2008
Not content with cooking up some of the tastiest film nights in the West Midlands, the 7" folk also deliver the choicest events listing. This month's highlights include The Divine Edgar as part of the Fierce Festival and a screening of Jaws with a full orchestra. more
BRUM COUNCIL WORKERS ANNOUNCE TWO DAY ALL OUT STRIKE
08-04-2008
Birmingham Council workers are stepping up their protests against their new pay and grading structure by announcing a two day strike – just a week before the local elections. more
RECORD FINE FOR LYING SEVERN TRENT
08-04-2008
Birmingham based Severn Trent Water faces a record £35 million fine after lying to the regulator Ofwat. In a separate case, they’ve also pleaded guilty to two charges of falsifying their records on leaks. more
GLASTONBURY: DON’T BLAME JAY-Z, IT’S THE RADIO 4 FACTOR
08-04-2008
Something amazing happened this week – the Glastonbury Festival didn’t sell out within minutes. Critics are blaming the slump on organiser Michael Eavis’ choice of US rapper Jay-Z as a headline act, but I reckon it’s got more to do with the event’s whole middle-class vibe. Blame it on the Radio 4 Factor. more
SANDWELL TORIES PROMISE TO DISH OUT "A BLOODY NOSE"
08-04-2008
Sandwell’s Tory leader has promised to give Labour “a bloody nose” in the forthcoming local elections – and he slammed what he described as their “dirty tricks”. more
Get Out More................................Comedy News
FRANKIE BOYLE (Wolves Civic, 13th December)
08-04-2008
The droll Glaswegian has already sold out this venue in three weeks time – and now he’s added another date in December. Tickets go on sale on Friday at 9am. more
BRUM "LOOKS BOTH WAYS" OVER CLIMATE CHANGE
08-04-2008
Birmingham has been accused of "looking both ways" over climate change after research revealed that the International Airport could contribute twice the emissions of all other sources of Co2 in the city combined when it’s new runway opens. more
BLIND DAVE NOTCHES UP RIO
08-04-2008
West Brom’s finest – marathon runner Dave Heeley – has successfully completed the second of his seven marathons, taking 4 hours and 45 minutes for the Rio leg of his worldwide fundraising schlep. more
Sammy’s Music Blog
BETTYE LAVETTE
08-04-2008
One of black America’s great under-rated voices is in London next Sunday for a one-off show, but even if you can’t catch the Soul Train to the Capital, there’s no excuse for not catching up with her back catalogue. Let Paul Samuels introduce you to Bettye Lavette. more
Dave’s Villa Blog
ASTON’S VILLA
08-04-2008
Like many big football clubs, Aston Villa haven’t always had a good relationship with their neighbours – and we don’t mean Birmingham City. Dave Woodhall reports on a novel scheme to attract the fanbase on their doorstep. more
HU'S IN CHARGE IN CHINA?
08-04-2008
China's at the centre of international attention right now, what with Tibet and that blasted Olympic torch. Anthony Taylor sends us this urgent diplomatic despatch from the White House. Just click here to see it
SNOW IN THE PARK
08-04-2008
Did those April snowstorms really happen? Oh yes they did. Andy sent us this picture of willow tunnels in Birmingham’s Cotteridge Park. more
HEMMING: WITNESSES “FRIGHTENED OFF” IN ELECTION COURT
07-04-2008
Birmingham MP and councillor John Hemming has used The Stirrer Forum to defend fellow Liberal Democrat Ayoub Khan – criticised last week by an Electoral Court probing alleged malpractice. And he claims that some witnesses in the case were frightened off. more
SINGLE STATUS DEMO FLOPS
07-04-2008
Birmingham’s Liberal Democrat leader Paul Tilsley is in cheery mood after a trade union demo against his role in the Single Status pay review flopped at the weekend. Only seven protestors bothered to turn up. more
ID CARD ACTIVISTS POINT FINGER AT BROWN
07-04-2008
Anti ID cards activists are targetting Gordon Brown and Jacqui Smith by trying to obtain a set of their finger-prints to highlight the inadequacies of system. Perhaps they should be trying to target their DNA as well to show up the daftness of this project, suggests Stirrer blogger Dr David Nicholl. more
BLIND DAVE – "MY LEGS TOOK A POUNDING"
07-04-2008
Blind Dave Heeley has achieved the first leg of his worldwide seven day, seven marathon fundraising extravaganza - but admits his legs "took a pounding" in the Falkland Islands where the campaign kicked off at midnight. more
Exclusive
MAC HITS JACKPOT WITH EXTRA MILLION
07-04-2008
Birmingham’s Midlands Arts Centre hit the jackpot yesterday as it closed down for an 18 month refurb. The Arts Council has pledged an extra L1.2 million to upgrade the theatre. more
ARGIE BARGY CAN'T STOP BLIND DAVE
07-04-2008
West Brom marathon runner Blind Dave Heeley has successfully started the first leg of his seven day, seven marathon fundraising expedition – despite a last minute hitch in Argentina. more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
BLACKPOOL ON TUESDAY…BACK TO REALITY
07-04-2008
Albion’s FA Cup semi-final defeat against Portsmouth leaves Tony Mowbray’s team with just promotion to chase, starting tomorrow at Blackpool. Terry Wills reflects on a weekend on heartache - and hope. more
Kingy’s Wolves Blog
WOLVES WINNERS WITHOUT A GAME
07-04-2008
Wolves were left kicking their heels at the weekend, as their planned opponents Cardiff were otherwise engaged in the FA Cup semi-final. Yet as Brendan King reports, they still had a good weekend – and not just because the Baggies lost at Wembley. more
Blind Dave’s Challenge on Stirrer TV …………..2 Days To Go
"SOMETHING TOLD ME INSIDE THIS WOULD BE A GOER"
05-04-2008
As Blind Dave Heeley from West Bromwich prepares to become the first disabled athlete to run 7 marathons in 7 days on 7 continents he tells Stirrer TV about his Red Letter Day - 9th June 2006. more
BAGGIES FANS BOYCOTT SEMI IN HANDLING FEE PROTEST
05-04-2008
Lifelong Baggies supporter Darren Cooper is boycotting Albion’s Wembley trip this weekend because he objects to the handling fee being charged for FA Cup semi-final tickets bought over the phone . Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg reflects on the wisdom – or otherwise – of the consumer boycott. more
BROWN’S CANNABIS POLICY RUNS OUT OF PUFF
05-04-2008
The Prime Minister is set on reclassifying cannabis as a Class B drug, even though – as Mick temple argues – it runs counter to the recommendations of his own advisory committee. Has he been on the wacky baccy wonders Mick Temple? more
Exclusive
"BULLYING" LAWYERS BEAT RESIDENTS OVER PLAYING FIELDS
04-04-2008
Residents defending an suburban playing field in Birmingham have been forced to conceded defeat and withdraw their application to have it classified as a Village Green. They've accused the lawyers Pinsent Masons of "bullying" and "intimidation". more
SALMA CONSIDERS STANDARDS BOARD OVER "DECEPTION" SLUR
04-04-2008
Birmingham Councillor Salma Yaqoob is considering taking the city’s Cabinet Member for Transport Len Gregory to the local government Standards Board after he falsely accused her of deception in a row over the controversial A34 Red Route. more
Dave’s Villa Blog
A STATUE TO A GREAT
04-04-2008
Never mind that Villa’s defenders stood around like statues as Manchester United waltzed around them last weekend - Dave Woodhall says it’s time to erect a monument to one of the great men of football. more
Blind Dave’s Challenge on Stirrer TV …………..3 Days To Go
BLIND DAVE – COPING WITH BLINDNESS
04-04-2008
As Blind Dave Heeley from West Bromwich prepares to become the first disabled athlete to run 7 marathons in 7 days on 7 continents he tells Stirrer TV how he came to terms with losing his sight as a teenager. more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
WEMBLEY HERE WE COME
04-04-2008
Terry Will reflects on a fine midweek draw in Cardiff for Albion, but admits he expects to taste defeat in Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final against Cardiff. more
LIB DEMS REPORTED TO POLICE AFTER ELECTION COURT ROUT
03-04-2008
Birmingham Cabinet Member Ayoub Khan has been reported to the High Court and West Midlands Police after a damning verdict by an election Court yesterday. Labour has questioned whether the councillor – a barrister by profession - is a "fit and proper person" to hold office. more
NEW THREAT TO NIGHTINGALE
03-04-2008
One of Birmingham’s best known gay clubs The Nightingale is facing another threat from the housebuilders Crosby Homes – who are appealing against the City Council’s decision not to apply more stringent conditions to their licence. more
Blind Dave’s Challenge on Stirrer TV …………..4 Days To Go
"GUIDE DOGS MY INSPIRATION" - BLIND DAVE
03-04-2008
West Brom runner Dave Heeley has been telling The Stirrer about his inspiration for running seven marathons in seven days on seven continents. more
BRUM STEPS UP MINISTER LOBBY OVER LIBRARY
03-04-2008
Birmingham Council has stepped up its lobbying of the conservation watchdog English Heritage as it desperately seeks to have the Central Library given immunity from listing. English Heritage advises the Minister Margaret Hodge, who’ll make the final decision. more
BRUM WINS WORLD HALF MARATHON BID
03-04-2008
Birmingham has won the right to host the IAAF World Half Marathon in 2009 – one of the most prestigious athletics events in the run-up to London 2012. Previous winners of the events include Paula Radcliffe, Liz McColgan and in the men’s race the great Ethiopian Haile Gebrselassie. more
THE APPRENTICE’S SORCERER
03-04-2008
Watch out Sir Alan – Laurence Inman wants to demystify The Apprentice. It’s all buying stuff at one price and conning people into paying more for it. Simple really. more
Exclusive
UNIONS SET NEW STRIKE DATE OVER BRUM SINGLE STATUS
02-04-2008
Trade unions representing 40,000 Birmingham Council workers will officially confirm a second strike over the city’s Single Status pay review within the next few days – despite warnings that it could be unlawful. The next walkout will be on April 16. more
Exclusive
GRUNDYGATE: THE PLOT THICKENS
02-04-2008
The shock decision of Labour candidate Cath Grundy to stand down from her seat just weeks before the May Council elections has been blamed on a plot to replace her with one of Sir Albert’s Bore’s former leadership rivals Andy Howell. more
COULD THE WEST MIDLANDS BECOME A "TRANSITION TOWN?
02-04-2008
So how will we fare when the oil's run out and climate change has done it's worst. In transition towns like Bristol, they aren't waiting to find out. As Barbara Panvel reports they're deciding to confront the challenges head on and alter their lifestyles now. more
Blind Dave’s
Challenge on Stirrer TV.............5 Days To Go
COMMUNITY PULLS TOGETHER
FOR BLIND DAVE
02-04-2008
One of the great features of Blind Dave Heeley’s epic running
challenge – 7 marathons in 7 days on 7 continents – has been the great support
of people in his home town of West Bromwich and across the region as a
whole. His guide runner Mad Mac pays
tribute to a real community effort. more
Get Out More..............................Music and Comedy
GLEE CLUB LISTINGS (Arcadian, Birmingham)
02-04-2008
The Glee Club’s listings for May are just out, and there’s plenty for fans of great music and stand-up to enjoy more
"WORST" MRSA TRUST CUTS OUTBREAKS BY HALF
02-04-2008
University Hospital Trust in Birmingham - named yesterday as being one of the worst in the country for MRSA - has said it outbreaks have been reduced by 50% in the last 18 months. more
WEDNESBURY TOWN MEETINGS – AN APOLOGY
02-04-2008
The Stirrer is happy to clarify that contrary to our report on Saturday, Sandwell Council isn’t planning to merge town meetings in Wednesbury with those in West Bromwich – and we unreservedly apologise to the local authority for the mistake. more
TWO BRUM HOSPITALS AMONG WORST IN COUNTRY FOR MRSA
01-04-2008
Two Birmingham hospital trusts have been sent warning letters by a health watchdog for failing to control the superbug MRSA. The University Hospital and Heart of England Trusts are among the worst in the country for failing to control infection. more
SPOTTED DOG BACKED BY 98% OF ABACUS RESIDENTS
01-04-2008
Digbeth’s Spotted Dog pub – whose future is jeopardised by a Noise Abatement Order issued by Birmingham City Council – has won support from 98% of residents in the nearby Abacus Apartments. Landlord John Tighe’s report appears to contradict the findings of the Council’s own independent research. more
Blind Dave's Challenge On Stirrer TV ............. 6 Days To Go
MAD MAC - "I NEVER THOUGHT WE COULD DO IT"
01-04-2008
With West Brom's Blind Dave Heeley planning to run seven marathons in seven days on seven continents from next Monday, his running guide "Mad Mac" - aka Malcolm Carr admits that when he first heard about the challenge he thought it was impossible. more
THE TOP TWENTY SILLY SOCCER NAMES
01-04-2008
We wouldn’t trouble your intelligence with a lame April Fool’s Day joke – not when real life is always more humourous. Pete Millington, for example, has been studying actual football club names on our behalf and come up with – among others – Deportivo Wanka. (At least we think he’s not joking!) more
Get Out More………………………..Gig News
WOLVES CIVIC, WULFRUN, LITTLE CIVIC
01-04-2008
Van Der Graaf Generator, KT Tunstall, Joe Jackson…blimey, that’s what you call eclectic. more
PARAGLIDING...NEVER GOT THE HANG OF IT MYSELF
01-04-2008
Unfortunately this fellow did....click here
A RATIONAL VIEW OF LIFE
01-04-2008
John Tyrrell’s blog always has an interesting perspective on life beyond these shores, and yesterday he posted a fascinating report on the battle to save a child being sacrificed in India. There’s some interesting comment on Heathrow Terminal Five as well. more |
Available - click here
|
