August 2008
COUNCIL “CAN’T BE TRUSTED” IN EMAIL MYSTERY
30-08-2008
Probing Birmingham councillor Martin Mullaney reckons the City Council “can’t be trusted” after trying to get to the bottom of the planning dispute which led to his suspension. He's discovered that, astonishingly, they've deleted all the emails about the issue sent by a senior officer. more
RIP OFF LAND BLUES A £30,000 FINE
30-08-2008
Birmingham City have been fined a pitiful £30,000 after ripping off thousands of away supporters visiting St. Andrews last season. What they’ve never been punished for is “taxing” some of their own most loyal followers for years. more
"MISCHIEVOUS" SANDWELL TORIES OFF THE HOOK
30-08-2008
Sandwell’s opposition Tory councillors claim they’ve been vindicated after having the threat of suspension lifted – but their efforts to save more taxpayers cash from being swallowed by The Public arts centre have been condemned as “mischievous”. more
Stirrer TV
A LOAD OF OLD BULL
30-08-2008
The new Bullring has become such an accepted part of Birmingham life that it's easy to forget that less than two decades ago the redevelopment of the city centre was a fierce issue in local politics. Councillor Martin Mullaney dips into the film archive and asks whether the protestors might just have been right. more
Get Out More...........................Gig News
WORLD UNLIMITED LISTING
30-08-2008
There's another strong line-up from these veteran world music and folk promoters including a rare Birmingham show on Thursday for Jackie Leven and a November gig in Wolverhampton for Sigur Ros. more
A LESSON IN INEQUALITY
30-08-2008
Is the gap in achievement at school widening between the middle classes and their less affluent colleagues? The Tories think so, but former teacher Brendan King begs to differ. more
Oliver’s Opera Blog
KING IDOMENEO (3)
30-08-2008
Oliver Harvery-Vallender has taken his final bow in Birmingham Opera Company’s sell out season of Mozart’s King Idomeneo – another success for a company which allows enthusiastic amateurs like him to tread the boards with season professionals. more
STORMY FORECAST AS QUESTIONS GROW OVER BRUM FINANCES
29-08-2008
What exactly has been going with financial forecasts at Birmingham City Council? And is there any truth in suggestions that senior officers have been leaning on staff to hid the local authority’s true situation? more
WILD AT THE SAFARI PARK
29-08-2008
West Midlands Safari Park is one of the great days out, but as Pete Millington reports, the attraction doesn’t seem to be keeping track with respect for the environment. more
Last Night’s Footy
VILLA SCRATCH SEVEN YEAR ITCH
29-08-2008
Aston Villa will enjoy their first UEFA Cup campaign for seven years after a 1-1 draw with Icelandic club Hafnarfjordur in the qualifying round last night. Martin O’Neill’s side go through with a 5-2 aggregate. more
Mick Temple’s Blog
I’M BACK, I’M BACK....
29-08-2008
.....as a matter of fact. Staffordshire University politics prof Mick Temple dodges Gary Glitter at Bangkok airport to offer a few pointers on the Tories likely election successes in the West Midlands. more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
DANGER SIGNS
29-08-2008
Three games into the season, and Albion have yet to avoid defeat. Terry Wills is getting nervous. more
VERY CROSS CITY LINE
28-08-2008
Long suffering rail passengers on Birmingham’s Cross City line have drawn the short straw in the latest round of engineering works on the busy West Coast Main Line. As Kevin Chapman reports, efforts to upgrade the route from London to Scotland are now hitting local commuters. more
INSTITUTE RUNS OUT OF FRIENDS
28-08-2008
The Stirrer can confirm that dozens of businesses have been asked to leave the Friends Institute in Balsall Heath – and all because the landlord Birmingham City Council can’t maintain the boiler. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
ALL THAT GLITTERS ....
28-08-2008
String him up? No hanging’s too good for him etc etc. Laurence Inman casts a quizzical eye over the conviction – and release – of Gary Glitter. more
Get Out More..............................Music Review
SHREWSBURY FOLK FESTIVAL
28-08-2008
Brendan King sees Richard Thompson play his "best ever set" at “the best run Festival I’ve ever been to”. The Oyster Band and The Duhks weren't bad either. more
OLYMPIC GOLD TARNISHED FOR JEWELLERY QUARTER
28-08-2008
Firms in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter are calling on Lord Coe to explain why the contract for lapel badges for the 2012 Olympics has gone to an overseas firm. more
Get Out More..............................Gig News
WOLVES CIVIC HALL LISTINGS
28-08-2008
Recent additions to shows at the Civic Hall complex in Wolverhampton include a knockout show with Rick Hatton, a special night of Lover’s Rock and “Chelsea Dagger” stars The Fratellis. Here are the full listings. more
BARMY CRICKET BOSSES PUT PUBLIC DOWN BATTING ORDER
27-08-2008
The Stirrer has discovered that West Midlands cricket fans are being placed behind the boorish Barmy Army in the queue for next summer’s Ashes Test Match at Edgbaston. Even worse, ticket prices have rocketed by around 40% compared to the Aussies last visit in 2005. more
Last Night’s Footy
BAGGIES SUNK BY ‘POOL
27-08-2008
Albion crashed out of the Carling Cup last night, losing 3-1 to League One Hartlepool. In a grim night for the Wrest Midlands, Blues also lost to Southampton, while Wolves were defeated on penalties by Rotherham. more
A PAIN IN THE BACKSIDE (Part 3)
27-08-2008
Stirrer webmaster Andy Goff has been sharing the painful story of his prostate cancer scare. So has he got the disease or not? more
Get Out More...........................Gig News
KANYE WEST (NEC, November 15)
27-08-2008
Tickets go on sale on Friday for one of the most intriguing shows of the year. Kanye West has long transcended his hip-hop roots and this latest tour promises to be more Gary Numan than Public Enemy. In a good way. more
Barbara's Blog
AMERICA - A FORCE FOR GOOD?
27-08-2008
The recent Stirrer Forum discussion on whether or not we hate the the Yanks prompts Barbara Panvel to assess the state of the world's last remaining superpower. more
Martin Longley’s Music Blog
JAZZ SOUNDS: NEW YORK [PART 543]
27-08-2008
In which our intrepid thrill seeker checks out some the finest avant jazz in the Big Apple. more
BRUM GANG WARS SPREADING FEAR
26-08-2008
So what exactly is happening on the streets of Birmingham following the murder of Dimitri Foskin in Newtown in the early hours of Saturday morning? The Stirrer’s hearing disturbing news that the influence of the city’s powerful drugs gangs is starting to spread nationwide. more
FINANCE BLUNDERS LEAVE BRUM WITHOUT FRIENDS
26-08-2008
Blundering finance officers are to blame for huge cuts in services in Birmingham – including the closure of the Friends Institute - according to a senior city councillor. more
THE DISINTEGRATED TRANSPORT NETWORK
26-08-2008
When Labour came to power in 1997, Transport Secretary John Prescott promised to deliver an “integrated transport network”. Two nightmare Bank Holiday rail journeys have left Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg wondering whether it’s likely to turn up any time soon. more
OBITUARY FOR THE OLD DAYS OF NEWSPAPERS
26-08-2008
Journalists facing redundancy at the Birmingham Post and Mail deserve our sympathy, says Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg. But the old days of journalism have gone forever. more
Get Out More.........................Event News
DIGITAL DYSTOPIA (BUSK, Birmingham, Sept 13)
26-08-2008
Eclectic is the word for the Project X crew, and their latest function embraces comedian Reginald D Hunter, Kings Heath piano maestro Rich Batsford and chill out DJ Mixmaster Morris. There’s even a podcast by Robin Valk to tell you more. more
"CUTS COST LIVES" WARNING AFTER WEEKEND SLAYINGS
25-08-2008
Former Stirrer blogger Derrick Campbell has stoked a major controversy by claiming that funding cuts to community groups are leading to the deaths of black youths. His comments came in the aftermath of two gang-related killings in the West Midlands over a grim Bank Holiday weekend. more
Weekend Footy Round-up
VILLA, BAGGIES SLUMP AS BLUES GO TOP
23-08-2008
Villa and the Baggies both slipped to defeat in the Premier League – but Blues and Wolves now occupy the top two spots in the Championship after a weekend of proverbial mixed fortunes for our local teams. more
BLACK COUNTRY BOXER GETS IN THE PICTURE
25-08-2008
An historic snap of a Black Country boxer has received a record-breaking transformation after becoming the face of the world's largest photo mosaic. more
BUSINESS ASKS RAIL TO GET REAL
25-08-2008
Birmingham’s business leaders are calling on Network Rail to “get its act together” to minimise disruption after the Bank Holiday weekend. more
CONFESSIONS OF A BRUMMIE MUMMY (Part 3)
25-08-2008
It’s a family holiday. Cue schoolkid daughter on an ice-cream mission and embarrassed husband forced to re-visit the site of an amorous conquest. Just the usual, really. more
Poet's Corner
THREE LINE WHIP
25-08-2008
The Stirrer's poet laureate Brendan Hawthorne celebrates freedom and liberty after discovering that councillors in Sandwell are facing an expensive inquiry for airing an opinion and the views of the voting public on the Public arts centre - a story first aired on The Stirrer... more
POST AND MAIL HACKS THREATEN STRIKE
23-08-2008
Journalists facing redundancy at Trinity Mirror’s West Midlands titles – including the Birmingham Mail, Birmingham Post and Sunday Mercury – are balloting for strike action after it emerged that 65 jobs are being axed in a major restructuring. more
WEST MIDLANDS GETS IN THE PICTURE
23-08-2008
Thousands of people from across the West Midlands will play their part in setting a world record this weekend, when more than 110,000 photos submitted by members of the public are unveiled in a giant mosaic. more
Get Out More................................Gig Review
STEVE CROPPER (The Robin, Bilston)
23-08-2008
Dave Woodhall reports on the curious visit of soul legend Steve Cropper to the Black Country. Cropper appeared with British R n’ B veterans The Animals, but in this case, two into one didn’t go. more
BLUES: WHERE’S THE MONEY GONE?
23-08-2008
Birmingham City’s excellent start to the new Championship season has stopped Koppites worrying about the club’s lack of investment in the transfer market. Given that the clubs have spent four out of the last five seasons in the top flight, Bluenose Andy Munro can’t work out where the money has gone. more
Get Out More.............................Theatre Review
BOOGIE NIGHTS (Alexandra Theatre)
23-08-2008
The Alex’s annual “Summer Stage Experience” aims to put a professional polish on young amateur performers – and as they take on Boogie Nights, Terry Wills is impressed. more
PENSIONERS CENTRES CLOSE TO SAVE "FRACTION" OF PUBLIC CASH
22-08-2008
Former Mayor Bill Archer has condemned Sandwell Council for axing four "Sons Of Rest" centres for pensioners - claiming they could have been saved for a fraction of the cash being spent on the controversial Public Arts Centre. more
PAYMENTS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT
22-08-2008
Lynn Hawthorne contemplates the curious world of ordering goods over the phone. more
Doc Dave's Blog
IN SICKNESS AND IN POWER
22-08-2008
Neurologist David Nicholl gets to grips with some holiday reading - Dr David Owen's "In Sickness And Power", an examination of illness in heads of government during the last 100 years. more
Glyn's Virals
THE FIRM SMACK OF DISCIPLINE
22-08-2008
The Majority of parents in the UK today, think it improper to smack kids. Glyn Berrington has an alternative suggestion. more
FILINI SHORTLISTED FOR HOTEL “OSCARS”
22-08-2008
Congratulations to our pals at Filini Restaurant, who offer a 25% discount to Stirrer readers – they’ve just been been shortlisted for the equivalent of the hotel Oscars in this year's Catey Awards, run by Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine. more
Exclusive
SANDWELL TORIES FACE 6 MONTH BAN – BUT DON’T KNOW WHY
21-08-2008
Puzzled Tory councillors in Sandwell have been reported to the Local Government Standards Board which has the power to ban them for 6 months – although they haven’t been told why. They think it might have something to do with raising concerns about the troubled Public arts centre in West Bromwich. more
BITE SIZED REVIEW
LASAN EATERIE (1355 Stratford Road, Hall Green)
21-08-2008
Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg checks out the suburban offshoot of one of Brum’s best Indian restaurants – Lasan in the Jewellery Quarter. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
GOING FOR GOLD
21-08-2008
Never mind all that track and field nonsense in Beijing. Laurence Inman surveys the true Olympians in his own back yard of Kings Heath. more
LEO ABSE RIP
21-08-2008
One of the greatest reforming MPs of the 20th century, Leo Abse, has died at the age of 91. It was his Sexual Offences Bill that paved the way for the decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1967. more
Exclusive
FRIENDS INSTITUTE CLOSURE SHOCKER
20-08-2008
One of Birmingham’s best loved and most vibrant community business centres, The Friends Institute in Balsall Heath has been earmarked for closure – all because it needs a new boiler. more
65 JOBS TO GO AS POST SCRAPS SATURDAY
20-08-2008
65 journalists will lose their jobs across Trinity Mirror’s Midland operation covering the Birmingham Post, Mail, the Sunday Mercury and the Coventry Telegraph. The Post is also scrapping its Saturday edition as it shifts resources to internet publishing. more
Get Out More.........................Gig News
BROWNSTOCK (Barfly, November 1)
20-12-2008
The Brummies who support the world's most "right on" footy club - St Pauli of Hamburg, Germany - have just announced their fourth annual fund-raiser. It's known as Brownstock and you'd be mad to miss it. more
UNISON SLAMS COUNCIL SINGLE STATUS PLOY
20-08-2008
Trade union Unison has described Birmingham Council’s decision to withdraw its improved Single Status pay and grading offer as “outrageous” and “completely incomprehensible”. more
XMAS SHOPPING BLOW FOR LOW PAID COUNCIL STAFF
19-08-2008
Birmingham City Council has been accused of cashing in on thousands of workers by forcing them to take their wages monthly instead of weekly – then offering them a loan to cover the Christmas period. more
Get Out More.............................Musical News
WE WILL ROCK YOU (Hippodrome, 1 July - September 5 2009)
19-08-2008
The hit West End musical written by Queen and Ben Elton comes to Brum next summer, and tickets are already on sale to Hippodrome Friends. The rest of you will have to wait until September. more
DIARY OF A BRUMMIE MUMMY (Part Two)
19-08-2008
The latest instalment of the ordinary Birmingham mother and her offspring. more
Damo's Baseball Blog
CHICAGO - MY KIND OF TOWN
19-08-2008
Birmingham baseball fan Damian Doran has been making the latest of his regular pilgrimages to America to catch up with his favourite Stateside sport baseball. Here's his latest missive from Chicago. more
Callum's Blues Blog
ONE HUNDRED PER CENT
19-08-2008
Blues have won three out of three in all competitions, giving Callum O'Connell that good time feeling. more
COUNCIL “CHIPPING AWAY” AT CIVIL LIBERTIES
18-08-2008
Maverick councillor Pete Smith is demanding to know more about Walsall Council’s snooping on its own citizens and workers, after discovering that the local authority has set up more than 900 covert surveillance operations. He’s warning that civil liberties are being “chipped away.” more
RONNIE DREW RIP
18-08-2008
Ronnie Drew, The Dubliners lead vocalist has passed away. Richard Nevin pays tribute to an artist who was immensely popular with the Irish diaspora in the West Midlands. more
Weekend Footy Round-Up
GABBY’S HAT-TRICK IS KILLER FOR VILLA
18-08-2008
Gabriel Agbonlahor got Villa’s home campaign off to a flyer, with a hat-trick in their 4-2 slaying of Man City. Blues, Wolves and Walsall won too – with only the Baggies letting the side down despite a promising performance at Arsenal. more
Poet's Corner
SONG SO BLUE
18-08-2008
The Stirrer's poet laureate Brendan Hawthorne pays tribute to Birmingham's spin doctors whose advertising leaflets showed another city with the same name in the United States. To be sung to the tune of Lynrd Skynrd's Sweet Home Alabama. more
Kingy’s Wolves Blog
THAT WINNING FEELING
18-08-2008
After last week's opening day draw at Plymouth, Wolves opened their Molineux account with a romp against Sheffield Wednesday. Brendan King basks in the reflected glory. more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
A KICK UP THE ARSE
18-08-2008
Albion made their first trip to the Emirates on the opening day of the Premier League season, and - predictably - came away empty handed. Terry Wills looks at the positives. more
UNIONS HIT BACK IN SINGLE STATUS ROW
16-08-2008
Union negotiators have questioned whether Birmingham City Council was ever serious about a revised offer made to thousands of workers affected by the Single Status Pay and Grading Review. They also accuse the local authority of misleading staff over the proposed deal has now been withdrawn. more
Dave’s Villa Blog
THE SKY’S THE LIMIT
16-08-2008
Just a couple of extra signings before the end of the August transfer window and Dave Woodhall reckons Villa could be flying this season. more
Sammy's Music Blog
BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB
16-08-2008
They're playing Birmingham's Barfly tonight (August 15), and despire - or perhaps because - the singer sounds like the Larry The Lamb of Glam, they're very, very good reckons Paul Samuels. more
Exclusive
IMPROVED PAY DEAL WITHDRAWN FOR THOUSANDS OF STAFF
15-08-2008
Thousands of Birmingham City Council workers have had an improved Single Status pay offer withdrawn. The new deal was offered in March, but city officials claim union bosses have broken their promise to ballot members. more
TORIES “DISTORTING” SANDWELL’S A LEVEL RATE
15-08-2008
Sandwell’s education boss has accused the Conservatives of “distorting the facts” after claims that it has the lowest number of pupils taking ‘A’ Levels in the country. more
A PAIN IN THE BACKSIDE (Part 2)
15-08-2008
Prostate problems are fairly common among men over 55. Webmaster Andy Goff is one such sufferer – and here he shares his non-too-pleasant experience of having a medic put a finger up his backside. more
Damo’s Baseball Blog
CHICAGO A-GO GO
15-08-2008
For a dedicated baseball nut like Damien Doran, Chicago is an irresistible destination – two teams for the price of one. more
Get Out More....................................Film Listings
THE LIGHTHOUSE (Fryer Street, Wolverhampton)
15-08-2008
The Black Country's finest indie cinema has some terrific movies lined up including Man On A Wire, Standard Operating Procedure and Shane Meadows new release Somers Town. Not to mention a free animation class for beginners. more
Callum’s Blues Blog
THE SAINTS ARE COMING
15-08-2008
Birmingham City head to Southampton at the weekend in good heart after winning two games out of two. Callum O’Connell assesses the early season form. more
Exclusive
LEGAL PLEDGES IGNORED AS ASTONBROOK STAFF SACKED
14-08-2008
More than 100 former employees of Birmingham's troubled Astonbrook Housing Association have lost their jobs - just weeks after being being transferred with "legal guarantees" to new companies. more
NEW STREET DEBATE MUST END WARNS BLACKETT
14-08-2008
Birmingham business leader Jerry Blackett has called for an end to speculation about the future of the New Street Station development. He warns the ongoing controversy could give the government an excuse to withdraw funding for the scheme. more
Footy Round-Up
BLUES, BAGGIES, WOLVES ALL DRAWN AWAY
14-08-2008
Blues reward for a convincing 4-0 Carling Cup win at Wycombe last night is a trip to Southampton in Round Two. The Baggies and Wolves both have to travel as well. more
Get Out More...............................Opera Review
KING IDOMENEO (Sherborne Building, Ladywood)
14-08-2008
In their first show since being spared by the Arts Council, Birmingham Opera Company pulls off another triumph in the unlikeliest of settings. Paula Elenor revels in their survival. more
POGUS EXHIBITION TRIBUTE TO ISAAC HAYES
14-08-2008
Birmingham film-maker and photographer Pogus Caesar will be paying tribute to soul legend Isaac Hayes with an exhibition at The Mailbox later this month. Hayes died earlier this week, and Caesar – who once worked with him – described him as “a great man”. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
PAVEMENT POLITICS
14-08-2008
How can they put a man on the moon – but fail to sort out the pavement in Laurence Inman’s street? more
Beijing Blog
"FANCY CHINESE TONIGHT.?"
14-08-2008
Paul Phedon and Jo Green from Birmingham based PR company S&X Media are at the Beijing Olympics promoting their clients Speedo. But as Paul reports from the local Chinese, it’s not all about hard work… more
JOBLESS TOTAL ON THE RISE
14-08-2008
More than 100,000 people are unemployed and claiming benefits in the West Midlands – a rise of 2,000 compared to last month. Birmingham remains second only to Liverpool as a blackspot for joblessness. more
Barbara's Blog
WHAT'S EATING PRINCE CHARLES.....?
13-08-2008
Prince Charles warns that the earth faces a catastrophe because of the investment by multinational firms in GM crops - which he describes as "a gigantic experiment that has gone seriously wrong". Barbara Panvel explains why. more
POLICE ANTI GAY COMPLAINTS REJECTED
13-08-2008
Complaints about West Midlands Police handling of the Green Lane Mosque controversy have been thrown out by the Independent Police Complaints Commission. They've also rejected a claim of homophobia brought by Stirrer blogger David Viney. more
KINGY’S BLACK COUNTRY BLOG (1)
13-08-2008
The Stirrer’s Black Country correspondent Brendan King surveys his patch…this week with a focus on Sandwell. more
Get Out More..........................Gig Preview
STEVE CROPPER (The Robin, Bilston Aug 21)
13-08-2008
It’s one of the gigs of the year …American soul legend who’s performed with greats from Otis Redding to Neil Young appears under his own steam in a corking gig next week. Dave Woodhall wouldn’t dream of missing it. more
Last Night’s Footy
WOLVES THROUGH, WALSALL OUT
13-08-2008
A much-changed Wolves team squeaked through to the second round of the Carling Cup, beating League Two Accrington Stanley after extra time – but Walsall crashed out against Darlington after Michael Ricketts was sent off in the first half. more
WOLVES COUNCIL - NO PC'S TO LANDFILL, NO £30K LOAN
12-08-2008
Wolverhampton Council has denied rumours that all its old computers are being sent to landfill – and has also scotched a persistent claim on The Stirrer Forum that it’s lending £30,000 to management consultants Axon. more
WOLVES COMPUTERS DOWN IN THE DUMPS?
12-08-2008
Curious gossip reaches The Stirrer about Wolverhampton’s Council-wide computer upgrade. The allegations is that their entire stock of existing PC’s is being sent to landfill. more
NEW TWIST IN PREVENTING EXTREMISM ROW
12-08-2008
The row over Birmingham’s government funded anti-extremism campaign takes another twist today, with claims by Sparkbrook councillor Salma Yaqoob that senior colleagues have been kept in the dark about developments. Yaqoob also says she’s been denied the chance to attend two high-level meetings. more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
PESSIMISTIC, OPTIMISTIC…OR REALISTIC?
12-08-2008
Just four days to go before Albion start the Premiership season with a lunchtime kick off at Arsenal. Terry Wills still doesn’t know how to feel… more
Get Out More..............................Gig News
WOLVES CIVIC LISTINGS
12-08-2008
Autumn is the prime gigging season, and in the last seven days, Wolves Civic has announced a slew of terrific gigs…Stirrer faves The Kooks in December, Brummie hero Steve Winwood in October and ex Beautiful Southerner Paul Heaton supported by Cerys Matthews in October. more
Get Out More..........................Music Review
CBSO YOUTH ORCHESTRA ACADEMY (Worcester Cathedral, Sat)
12-08-2008
Established in the early 18th Century, the annual Three Choirs Festival alternatives between the cathedral cities of Hereford, Gloucester and, this year’s hosts, Worcester. Steve Beauchampe catches a performance by the CBSO’s up n’ coming youngsters. more
RUDGE - MUSLIMS "NOT FROZEN OUT OF TERROR FIGHT"
11-08-2008
Birmingham’s Equalities boss Alan Rudge has slammed claims that Muslim councillors are being squeezed out of the city’s efforts to combat terrorism. He says the claim is “ludicrous” and “ego driven”. more
BRUM GOES FOR GOLD WITH £70M BANK UPGRADE
11-08-2008
Birmingham is bucking the recessionary trend with a £70 million regeneration of the former Bank of England building in Temple Row, opposite St Phillip’s Cathedral. It’s now claimed the city has more investment planned than the London 2012 Olympics. more
Weekend Footy Round-Up
SUB PHILLIPS SINKS BLADES
11-08-2008
Albion fans will be casting envious eyes at St Andrews after former Hawthorns hero Kevin Phillips marked his Blues debut with the winning goal against Sheffield United on Saturday. Wolves and Walsall both nabbed a point on their travels. more
Oliver’s Opera Blog
KING IDOMENEO (2)
11-08-2008
Oliver Harvery-Vallender is one of 150 locals who form part of the singing and acting choruses joining the professional cast for Birmingham Opera Company’s latest production, King Idomeneo by Mozart. As rehearsals step up for the opening night, he finds that as the going gets tough, the tough get going… more
AN UNFAIR COP?
11-08-2008
Are police cars allowed to park in a family bay at the supermarket - especially when there are plenty of spaces free just a few yards away? If the evidence from Morrisons in Wednesbury is any guide, the answer is yes. more
Kingy’s Wolves Blog
IT’S NOW OR NEVER
11-08-2008
Wolves opened the season with a less than impressive 2-2 draw at Plymouth, leaving Brendan King to ponder the future of Michael Kightly – “better than Robbie Keane at the same age”. more
“HUNDREDS” RIPPED OFF BY DODGY LANGUAGE SCHOOL
09-08-2008
“Hundreds of students” have been left disappointed by a dodgy language school exposed by The Stirrer. The figure comes from Walsall Trading Standards who’ve revealed the full scale of the problem for the first time. more
SEASON’S GREETINGS
09-08-2008
Hurrah! The footy drought is over – this weekend sees the return of big match action as the Championship returns. Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg weighs up the prospects for Wolves and Blues, and League One Walsall. more
Birmingham Pride Community Trust Blog
FOR GOD’S SAKE…IT’S ONLY SEX
09-08-2008
As The Lambeth Conference demonstrated, the worldwide Anglican communion is split by the ongoing row over gay bishops. In this powerful article, Reverend Chris Dowd from Birmingham argues that it’s folly to take the Bible literally. more
CHILTERN vs VIRGIN
09-08-2008
West Midlands rail passengers frustrated by Virgin’s inability to offer bargain fares over the August Bank Holiday because of ongoing track improvements might be considering Chiltern Trains instead – especially if they’re heading to London. Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg who travels regularly to the capital assesses their rival charms. more
Glyn's Virals
THE EDITOR'S HAVING A BAD DAY
09-08-2008
Glyn Berrington trawls the net to bring us another fine selection of howlers from the world's media. more
MUSLIM COUNCILLORS "FROZEN OUT" OF EXTREMISM FIGHT
08-08-2008
Muslim councillors are being frozen out of Birmingham’s efforts to clamp down on Islamist terrorism according to Sparkbrook councillor Salma Yaqoob. more
WAVING NOT DROWNING
08-08-2008
You’d expect a local authority with something as unique and valuable as Moseley Road Baths to shout it from the rooftops, especially with a popular neighbouring pool out of commission all summer. Yet as Steve Beauchampe reports, Birmingham City Council officials seemingly want this Grade II* facility to remain a secret. more
TALK ABOUT THE STIRRER
08-08-2008
Following a successful stand-in shift, Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg has been confirmed as the permanent presenter of Talksport’s overnight shift between 1am and 6am, Tuesday to Friday. Tune in on 1089 or 1053 AM, or at www.talksport.net
REP PLAYWRIGHT “INSENSITIVE” SAYS 7/7 SURVIVOR
07-07-2008
A survivor of the 7/7 suicide bombings in London has condemned the author of a controversial play which comes to Birmingham Rep next month as “insensitive”. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
GETTING AWAY WITH MURDER
07-08-2008
Barry George’s successful appeal for the murder of Jill Dando might have delighted his family and supporters, but left the coppers who convicted him on the defensive. Laurence Inman reckons that’s where they should stay. more
Get Out More…………………..Comedy News
AL MURRAY, THE PUB LANDLORD (NIA, April 14)
07-08-2008
Top comic Al Murray brings his pub landlord persona to the NIA in April – and it should be a cracker. more
Callum’s Blues Blog
07-08-2008
Just a few months after the despair of relegation, our Blues blogger Callum O' Connell is facing up optimistically to the prospect of life in the Championship, starting with Saturday's game against Sheffield United. more
Barbara's blog
WATER “MEDICINE” HARD TO SWALLOW
07-08-2008
Hundreds of thousands of people in the West Midlands are forced to consume fluoride every day courtesy of Severn Trent Water. Barbara Panvel finds it hard to swallow. more
PATIENTS PESTERED BY INFESTED WARDS
06-08-2008
West Midlands patients are being put at risk of infection from vermin as the grim reality of dirty wards became apparent today. Three of the region’s hospital trusts have been “named and shamed” for each having more than 50 infestations in just over two years. more
SLOWCOACH BYRNE
06-08-2008
Rail passengers hoping to save the Walsall to Wolverhampton route can’t have failed to notice one late arrival recently – West Midlands minister Liam Byrne. In fact, although the link between the Black Country towns is threatened with the axe, there are fears that he won’t turn up to defend it at all. more
Libraries 1
NEXT ARCHITECT PLEASE
06-08-2008
Alan Clawley, who's leading the campaign for the preservation of Birmingham's Central Library, casts an acid eye over the City Council's choice of architect to build a new one. more
Libraries 2
LIBRARY MEETING – READ ALL ABOUT IT
06-08-2008
While Birmingham City Council presses ahead with plans to build a £193m replacement for its Central Library, concerned residents in Yardley Wood have called a meeting for this Thursday evening over the parlous state of their branch library. Steve Beauchampe has the whys and wherefores. more
DIARY OF A BRUMMY MUMMY
06-08-2008
An anonymous suburban housewife begins her weekly blog here. more
Martin Longley's Global Music Blog
The Gent Jazz Festival (Pt 1- Hardcore Jazz)
06-08-2008
Our eclectic musical adventurer checks out some of the wilder extremes of one of Europe's best regarded festivals. more
BRUM TO HAVE LIBRARY BUILT BY MECANOO
05-08-2008
Birmingham’s new £193 million city centre library will be built by Dutch architects Mecanoo…presumably Legoo were unavailable. Here’s the Council’s press release issued today, (along with images of some the company's previous creations). more
BROWN'S CABINET COMES TO BRUM
05-08-2008
News that Gordon Brown has decided to hold September's Cabinet meeting in Birmingham has had political insiders scratching their heads about the likely venue. Don't worry, The Stirrer has the answer. more
CENTRAL LIBRARY ARCHITECTS NAMED TODAY
05-08-2008
The architects for Birmingham’s new £193 million city centre library will be announced today – although the future of the existing one remains uncertain. more
Oliver’s Opera Blog
KING IDOMENEO (1)
05-08-2008
Oliver Harvery-Vallender is one of 150 ordinary Brummies recruited to take part in Birmingham Opera Company’s latest production – King Idomeneo by Mozart – which opens later this month. Like many of those taking part, he’d never seen himself as an opera buff. more
SANDWELL BROUGHT TO BOOK OVER LIBRARY
05-08-2008
Sandwell Council is being reported to the local government ombudsman over its plans to force the sale of two businesses in Blackheath and relocate the town’s library. One opponent is warning that if the plan goes ahead, the local authority will be able to force the removal of any business in the borough. more
BIG JOHN BUYS THE JUG
05-08-2008
The owners of Birmingham’s Big John’s fish and chip shop chain has splashed out almost £2million to buy Moseley’s Jug Of Ale pub – until recently, one of the city’s best known music venues. more
SWIMMING AGAINST THE TIDE
05-08-2008
An architectural historian will take on the Birmingham leg of a challenge with a difference this week as he continues his attempt to visit each of England's listed Victorian and Edwardian public pools. What’s more, he’ll swim a length for every year the buildings have been standing. more
EXCLUSIVE
NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN PARADISE
04-08-2008
Birmingham Central Library campaigner Alan Clawley has discovered that the City Council has been in secret discussions for four months - possibly with Brindley Place developer Argent - over the future of Paradise Circus, although these talks have been hushed up “in the public interest” and no records are available. Here’s what else Alan found out using Freedom of Information laws. more
WEST MIDS ACTIVISTS FIRED UP FOR COAL PROTEST
04-08-2008
West Midlands campaigners will be joining hundreds of others from across the country in a “Climate Change Camp” at Kingsnorth in Kent – the site of Britain’s first new coal-powered station for 24 years. more
OLDER GOLD AND BLACK
04-08-2008
The Express and Star’s former Wolves correspondent David Instone has launched a cracking website dedicated to the club’s history – and we reckon the template could be used for any other club. more
POST OFFICES GO DOWN THE YOUTUBE
04-08-2008
Edgbaston residents are presenting a youtube video to the postal watchdog Potswatch today in a bid to halt the closure of three post offices in the area. Fifty six offices are scheduled to be shutdown across the West Midlands, including 26 in Birmingham alone. more
Poet's Corner
04-08-2008
MELTDOWN
French energy giant EDF was rebuffed the other day in its efforts to buy Britain's nuclear industry leaving Brendan Hawthorne to ponder our future energy needs under a mushroom cloud of uncertainty. more
Longbridge 1
BLUNDERING AWM FORGETS RAIL LINK
01-08-2008
Blundering regeneration bosses have submitted plans that could destroy hopes for a major new rail link close to the old Rover factory in Longbridge. more
Longbridge 2
ROVER’S RETURN AT LONGBRIDGE
01-08-2008
It’s the day many people thought they’d never see – the return of car making at Longbridge. more
PRICE IS RIGHT FOR HOYS
01-08-2008
The reinvention of brassy supermodel Jordan into upmarket glamour girl Katie Price continues apace. Fresh from her successes as a children’s novelist, she’s now been booked for an appearance at the Horse of The Year Show at the NEC. more
MORE THAN 30,000 GO FREE UNDER EARLY RELEASE
01-08-2008
More than 2,000 prisoners have been released early in the West Midlands in the first year of a government programme to end prison over-crowding. Nationally, 31,000 convicts have been set free – and 600 of them have gone on to re-offend. more
"WE'D NEVER SPEND 70K ON PROMO" - BRUM PR CHIEF
01-08-2008
Birmingham Council’s PR boss has hit back at claims that the City spent £70,000 on a promo film – for which payment has allegedly been delayed because of problems with the Voyager IT system. more
Get Out More..................................Film/Comedy
GLEE CLUB LISTINGS (September)
01-08-2008
There's loads to look foward to as autumn sets in at the Glee - music from the highly rated Cibelle and Teddy Thompson, and comedy from the likes of Lucy Porter and Jeff Green. To see the full listing, click here |
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