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December 08
ELLIE'S MBE SUCCESS - FOR WALES
31-12-2008
Walsall teenager Eleanor Simmonds has become the youngest person to win a gong in the New Year Honours List after winning an MBE in recognition of her achievement in winning double gold at the Beijing Paralympics. Now the battle is on between the West Midlands and South Wales to claim her as their own. more
AWM CHARTS IN “NON JOBS” TOP TEN
31-12-2008
Regional quango Advantage West Midlands offered one of the Top Ten “Non Jobs” of the Year according to the Taxpayers Alliance pressure group . Their latest report also suggests that public sector pay is outstripping wages offered by private firms by more than 3%. more
Last Night's Footy
VILLA'S PENALTY CLAUS
31-12-2008
Referee Steve Bennett turned from hero to Villan when he awarded Hull City a last minute penalty at the KC Stadium - but then rescinded the decision after consulting a linesman. His remarkable turnaround allowed Martin O'Neill's team to nick the points courtesy of Kamil Zayatte's 88th minute own goal. more
VILLAGE PEOPLE LEFT OUT OF INVESTMENT PLAN
31-12-2008
Plans for a major City Council investment in Birmingham's Gay Village have attracted criticism - because the proposed expenditure seems to be focussed in and around Hurst Street. Now business owners elsewhere are wondering why they've been left out. more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
"WE'VE DONE IT BEFORE..."
31-12-2008
The new theme tune ringing around The Hawthorns is, “We’ve Done It Before, We’ll Do It Again” as fans rekindle memories of the Great Escape. Terry Will reflects on a season of goodwill at The Hawthorns following Sunday's defeat of Spurs. more
BIRMINGHAM VIGIL FOR ISRAEL’S GAZA VICTIMS
30-12-2008
Hundreds of protestors staged a candle-lit vigil in Birmingham City Centre last night in protest at Israel’s bombing of Gaza. more
Last Night's Footy
HENNESSY MISSES THE POINT FOR WOLVES
30-12-2008
Wolves goalie Wayne Hennessy cost his team the chance to extend their lead at the top of the Championship to nine points when his late clanger allowed former Molinuex star Rob Edwards to scramble an equaliser for Blackpool. more
Doc Dave’s Blog
THE WRONG KIND OF MISCONDUCT
30-12-2008
Remember the old British rail excuse about “the wrong kind of snow”? Well now, as Dr David Nicholl reports, it has an equivalent in the medical world – “the wrong kind of misconduct”. more
STILL WAITING FOR THE BUSWATCH
30-12-2008
Bus passengers still lack an effective lobbying voice says Barbara Panvel. And after her recent experiences she’s adamant that they need one. more
Get Out More................................Gig Review
THE HOLD STEADY (Wolves Civic)
30-12-2008
They’ve been getting oodles of play on 6Music of late, but our reviewer Steve Beauchampe was underwhelmed by their recent Wolverhampton show. Loyal Hold Steady fan Paul Samuels took the band’s advice to “Stay Positive”. more
Sunday Footy Round-up
THE GREAT ESCAPE - PART TWO
29-12-2008
Albion fans are starting to believe that The Great Escape - The Sequel is now showing at The Hawthorns following their second successive home win. But there was less seasonal cheer for Blues who were jeered off after being outplayed in a goal-less draw by Swansea. more
Boxing Day Footy Round Up
BETTER LATE THAN NEVER FOR VILLA
27-12-2008
Villa maintained their assault on the monopoly/montony of the self-proclaimed Big Four with a spirited fightback against Arsenal. Zat Knight's late equaliser completed their recovery from 2-0 down - a result which leaves Martin O'Neill's side occupying a Champions League position. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
LITTLE BRITTON
27-12-2008
Robert Napper’s conviction for the murder of Rachel Nickell finally forced the police to apologise for their hounding of innocent misfit Colin Stagg. But Laurence Inman wonders about the profiler whose “evidence” out the finger of suspicion on Stagg in the first place. more
Richard Lutz’s Blog
AIRPORT’S SKY HIGH PARKING CHARGES
27-12-2008
Thousands of families are heading off from Birmingham International Airport this week, and as Richard Lutz discovers they’ll be paying sky high parking charges before they even get off the ground. more
MERRY XMAS
25-12-2008
The Stirrer wishes all contributors and readers a very Merry Christmas. Enjoy yourselves, one and all...
CALL FOR REVERSE ON BUS FARE "STEALTH" RISES
24-12-2008
Transport campaigners are calling on bus operator National Express to delay “stealth” price rises which are due to come in on January 2. The increases were only announced a week ago and attracted scant media attention. more
CHIEF PLOD’S UNFINISHED BUSINESS
24-12-2008
Former West Midlands Chief Constable Sir Paul Scott Lee is in the running for the job of Metropolitan Police Commissioner – but in an open letter, gay rights campaigner Philip Rolle wonders about his unfinished business closer to home. more
CONFESSIONS OF A BRUMMIE MUMMY (Part 17)
24-12-2008
She’s got a dilemma about where the step-daughter’s boyfriend should sleep. And there’s news of a date with the mysterious Ian…
Terry’s Baggies Blog
THE GREAT ESCAPE – PART TWO
24-12-2008
Arsenal's Jay Simpson is coming to The Hawthorns on loan - another Christmas present for Baggies fans still celebrating a long overdue success against Manchester City. Now Terry Wills is eyeing another Great Escape. more
“WHITE ELEPHANT” PUBLIC IS “WORST NEW BUILDING”
23-12-2008
The Public Arts Centre in West Bromwich – which last week received another £1million of public money from Sandwell Council - has been dubbed “the biggest white elephant in the arts” by a leading national commentator. It has also scooped a “worst new building award”. more
BRUMMIE SOLDIER IS LATEST AFGHAN VICTIM
23-12-2008
The latest victim of Britain’s campaign in Afghanistan is a Brummie soldier, Corporal Robert Deering, who was killed when his armoured personnel vehicle was blown up by a Taleban bomb in the early hours of Sunday morning. more
WEAPONS OF MASS DISTRACTION
23-12-2008
The sale of Britain’s remaining stake in its nuclear bomb making factory at Aldermaston has been sneaked out reports Barbara Panvel. more
Richard Lutz’s Blog
SOFA, SO GOOD
23-12-2008
Have you stopped crying yet? Richard Lutz brushes away a teardrop and examines the legacy of Fiona Phillips’ years on the GMTV sofa. more
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE
23-12-2008
Lynn Hawthorne tests her theory that the standard of written English is declining by trying to string a sentence together. more
Get Out More..................................Panto Review
ROBIN HOOD (Birmingham Hippodrome)
23-12-2008
Pete Millington loved John Barrowman’s turn when he reviewed it yesterday – but what did Terry Wills make of “Britain’s biggest panto?” more
SURCHARGE THREAT OVER AXON AXE
22-12-2008
Wolverhampton councillors who vote in favour of scrapping the controversial business transformation deal with Axon are being warned they could be personally surcharged for misuse of public funds. more
BRUM “CALL IN” DEMAND ON POOLS AND CHARGES
22-12-2008
Birmingham councillors are demanding that two recent controversial Cabinet decisions – to approve in principle a new 50 metre pool, and increase leisure charges above the rate of inflation - be “called in” for further scrutiny. more
DIAGNOSING DAD
22-12-2008
Christmas is a family time and this one is a bit more special for Stirrer blogger and neurologist Dr David Nicholl. more
Get Out More..................................Panto Review
ROBIN HOOD (Birmingham Hippodrome)
22-12-2008
It's billed as "Britain's biggest panto" - but is it the best? Pete Millington checks out John Barrowman at the Hippodrome. more
THE NUMBER 11 - "A LAW UNTO ITSELF"
22-12-2008
Waiting for No. 11 bus has left Birmingham's former Cabinet Member for Transport John Tyrrell pondering alternative modes of public transport. more
Poet's Corner
BELLA NIGELLA
22-12-2008
Phwoooarrr! It's a Christmas cracker. Nigella Lawson gets a good stuffing - and other innuendoes courtesy of The Stirrer's poet laureate Brendan Hawthorne. more
THANKS, U.S.A. Ltd – FOR BUYING OUR NUCLEAR BOMB-MAKER
21-12-2008
The UK’s final 1/3 of the Aldermaston bomb factory has been sold to a US company. This, it seems, is to avoid more borrowing in propping-up recession hit UK banks and businesses. more
Kingy’s Saturday Footy Roundup
20-12-2008
CHRISTMAS CHEERS
Christmas cheer for Villa (away to West Ham) and Wolves (away to Doncaster) both grinding out late 0-1 winners. Blues suffer a hangover losing 1-3 at home to Reading. more
ZERO TOLERANCE FOR ‘UNFIT MOTHERS’?
20-12-2008
Dutch mothers deemed ‘unfit’ may be prevented from having further children. And there’s a suggestion that mothers and children here be placed in residential homes. Brendan King is unhappy at such notions. more
Get Out More.............................Gig News
THE BEAT - IN BEARWOOD
20-12-2008
Legendry Ska band, The Beat, make two special homecoming appearances. Catch them while you can. more
Stay In More..................................Do Some Reading
BOOKS WE SHOULD READ AS AND WHEN WE GROW UP
20-12-2008
Amazon, Internet Book Supplier, has published a list of books suggested that we should read after we’ve reached ‘Year Nine’. Have you read any upper-teen appropriate literature? If
so what’s your opinion? more
LADYWOOD PUZZLE AS ENQUIRY DRAGS ON
19-12-2008
The long drawn out enquiry into Shabana Mahmood’s selection as Labour candidate in Ladywood shows no sign of coming to a conclusion anytime soon – but we’ve been given an insight into one of the lines of enquiry. more
POLICE AUTHORITY: TURKEYS WELCOME CANCELLED XMAS
19-12-2008
Like turkeys welcoming the news that Christmas has been cancelled, members of West Midlands Police Authority have praised a government U-turn over proposals to replace them with directly appointed officials. more
Get Out More...............................Film Reviews
CHANGELING/LAKE VIEW TERRACE
19-12-2008
Two movie recommendations for the price of one by Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg, who catches the latest releases starring, respectively, Angelina Jolie and Samuel L Jackson. more
AUDREY MILLER - RETIRING BUT NOT SHY
19-12-2008
One of the great figures of West Midlands civic life Audrey Miller retired this week from her role as co-ordinator of the Jubilee Debt Campaign. Her successor Revd John Nightingale pays tribute. more
Get Out More......................Club News
EDITORS DJ AT BLAST OFF (Wolves Civic, Sat 20 Dec)
19-12-2008
Here's a coup for Blast Off at Wolves Civic on Saturday - Russ and Ed from top-selling Brummie band Editors will be handling duties on the wheels of steel. more
CLEARED TERROR DOC MUST GO FREE
18-12-2008
Stirrer blogger and Birmingham doctor David Nicholl has accused the Home Office of smearing his fellow medic Dr Mohammed Asha, who remains in custody despite being cleared of involvement in a terror plot this week. more
GOVT AID CALL FOR MOTOR FIRMS
18-12-2008
Government aid to car firms is essential to save thousands of jobs in the West Midlands and beyond claims Northfield MP Richard Burden. more
200 FIRMS IN LIMBO AFTER SUMMER ROW COLLAPSE
18-12-2008
Around 200 businesses in Wolverhampton have been left in limbo after the collapse of the city’s new Summer Row shopping development. A funding gap of £150million has left the scheme in jeopardy. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
THE LESSONS OF EDUCATION
18-12-2008
Wading into the age-old row about nature versus nurture, Laurence Inman argues that too many youngsters are sacrificed to academic tomfoolery. more
Get Out More..............................Theatre Review
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL (Alexandra Theatre)
18-12-2008
It’s the Grease of a new generation, packing them in at venues around the country. Terry Wills finds out what all the fuss is about. more
Barbara's Blog
A NASTY SMELL FROM DEODORANTS
18-12-2008
Barbara Panvel gets a whiff of something nasty from her deodorant. more
THE BLACK COUNTRY ALPHABET SONG
18-12-2008
We don't know a lot about this song - but we know we like it. It's the Black Country Alphabet Song. 'Nuff said >>> youtube.com
Get Out More............................Gig News
THE HOLD STEADY (Wolves Civic, Monday)
18-12-2008
American rockers The Hold Steady brought their tales of excess and debauchery to Wolverhampton on Monday night. Steve Beauchampé tries to stay positive… and just about succeeds. more
GOLFERS CLUBBED BY NEW BRUM FEES
17-12-2008
Golfers at Birmingham’s municipal courses face inflation-busting increases in green fees in the New Year – and families visiting the popular Nature Centre will also face significant price rises. more
BIRMINGHAM CHILD PROTECTION "INADEQUATE"
17-12-2008
Birmingham Council’s child protection record has been slated in the latest Oftsed inspection – but opposition councillors say they’ve been kept in the dark about the latest development. more
Dave Price’s Rant
THE HAPPY MEDIUM
17-12-2008
Is the media to blame for the depth of the current recession. Not ‘arf reckons Dave Price. more
Exclusive
CLEARED MIDLAND DOC “SHOULD GO BACK TO WORK”
17-12-2008
Midland doctor Mohammed Asha – cleared yesterday of involvement in a plot to blow up hundreds of people in London and Glasgow – should be allowed to return to his former job as soon as possible according to a colleague who testified on his behalf in court. more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
17-12-2008
Albion’s worst performance of the season has left some fans questioning manager Tony Mowbray’s future. Terry Wills stands by his man. more
Kingy’s Wolves Blog
17-12-2008
THE CREME DE LA PREM
With Wolves sitting pretty atop the Championship, Brendan King assesses what they'd need to survive in the Premier League. more
RUNWAY EXTENSION GROUNDED BY SOLIHULL
16-12-2008
Green campaigners were claiming a “good result for the environment” after Solihull Council surprisingly deferred a plan to extend the runway at Birmingham Airport. more
ALBERT BACKS 50 METRE POOL – IF THE PRICE IS RIGHT
16-12-208
Birmingham’s opposition Labour leader Sir Albert Bore has backed Council plans for a 50 metre Olympic sized pool – but only if it can be paid for without cuts to other leisure services. more
Richard Lutz’s Blog
THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENTS
16-12-2008
From Woolies to The Wire, Richard Lutz muses on the best gifts to give and get in 2008. more
Get Out More....................................Gig News
THE EAGLES (NIA, July 7 and 8)
16-12-2008
Top American West Coast pioneers The Eagles have now announced a second date at the NIA - proving that some acts are recession proof. Tickets for the latest show - priced between £50 and £100 - go on sale today. more
Martin Longley's Music Blog
JAZZ GUITAR SOUNDS: New York (Part 1)
16-12-2008
Lou Reed with John Zorn, James Blood Ulmer and Mark Isham are among the latest clutch of left-field eclectica surveyed by our Big Apple critic. more
SWIMMERS HOPES SUNK BY OLYMPIC POOL
15-12-2008
Plans for a new Olympic-sized pool in Birmingham are expected to be rubber-stamped by the city’s Cabinet today – but as Steve Beauchampe argues, the cost will be paid by leisure swimmers at other public baths. more
WELL DONE ELLIE!
15-12-2008
Congratulations to Eleanor Simmonds, the 13-year old Walsall swimmer named Young Sports Personality of the Year by the BBC last night. more
STAND AND DELIVER
15-12-2008
Richard Hooper’s independent report into the future of Royal Mail is being considered by ministers ahead of publication later this week, and he’s likely to recommend radical action to preserve our postal service. Lynn Hawthorn offers a punter’s eye view. more
SQUATTERS SEE OFF FIRE... AND POLICE "TRICKS"
15-12-2008
Social housing campaigners currently squatting the Firebird pub in Balsall Heath claim West Midlands police attempted to trick them into leaving the building after a fire last Wednesday. more
CONFESSIONS OF A BRUMMIE MUMMY (Part 16)
15-12-2008
A chance encounter with her Book Club admirer Ian leaves the Brummie Mummy in something of a daze. Esecially as he considers her to be “quite something.” more
ALL ABOARD THE REGIONAL EXPRESS
15-12-2008
Manchester's rejection of roads charging highlights the gap between politicians and the public when it comes to spending on major transport initiatives. Former Birmingham Cabinet Member John Tyrrell looks across the Atlantic in the hope of inspiration. more
VOTE FOR A MOVIE PREMIERE
15-12-2008
West Midlands moviegoers are being invited to vote for the chance to watch “the world’s first user generated film” at a local cinema when it’s released next month. more
WRITING IN THE SKY
15-12-2008
The death of Oliver Postgate – creator both Bagpuss, The Clangers, Pogles’ Wood and Noggin The Nog – has Brendan Hawthorne reaching for the tissues. more
Get Out More.........................This Christmas
POGUES AT THE CARLING ACADEMY (15 December 20087.00 pm)
14-12-2008
The Pogues, including legendry alcholic, brillaint songwriter and performer, Shane MacGowan, re-formed in 2001 and have been named, by ‘Q’ magazine, as one of the "50 Bands To See Before You Die". more
Kingy’s Weekend Footy Roundup
A FESTIVE MIX OF FORTUNES FOR OUR TEAMS
14-12-2008
Villa Mostly Terrific After Poor Start; Albion Mostly Poor Throughout; Wolves Mostly Poor But Win; Birmingham Mostly Good But Lose. more
JOB SEEKERS TO ‘WORK FOR BENEFITS’
13-12-2008
James Purnell, Work and Pensions Secretary, Says Long-term Jobseekers Will Have to “Work For Their Benefits”. Notions as Proposed by Labour Right-Winger Frank Field When Labour First Came to Power in 1997. Brendan King thinks that it’s mere electioneering rhetoric. more
THE 4 MILE PER HOUR WINGED POSTY?
13-12-2008
Brendan King, Weekend Editor, is in Support of Posties Claiming ‘Onerous’ New Targets Being Demanded of Them in Delivering to Their Customers. more
Mick Temple's Blog
ACROPOLIS NOW
12-12-2008
Our political blogger arrives in Athens - and the riots begin. Professor Mick Temple sends a despatch from Europe's hottest hot spot. more
COUNCIL HAS TO POOL RESOURCES
12-12-2008
Yesterday we asked the question - just how is Birmingham City Council planning to pay for the new 50 metre Olympic-sized pool in the city? And now we’ve had an answer – sort of... more
PUBCO PUNCHES BACK OVER PRINCE BAILOUT
12-12-2008
One of Britain's major "pubco's" Punch has hit back at criticisms by the publican of the Prince of Wales in Moseley, who needed a £20,000 bailout from his regulars to stay open. more
WOOLIE THINKING
12-12-2008
While ministers were falling over themselves to save the banks, it seems they're quite content to let Woolworths go to the wall. Kevin Chapman advocates a more determined rescue package. more
UNDERHILL CLOSURE PROTEST
12-12-2008
The latest phase in the campaign against £40million Conservative/Lib Dem cuts in Wolverhampton begins on Monday, with a protest against the closure of Underhill House - home to 27 residents, including a 105-year old woman. more
JUSTICE NOT CRISIS FUNDRAISER
12-12-2008
Squatters from the social housing campaign group Justice Not Crisis are holding an open day and fundraising car boot sale this Sunday (December 14) at the Firebird pub, in Balsall Heath, starting at 8am. They are currently occupying the old Firebird with the hope of turning it into a community centre.
Callum's Blues Blog
BOARD MOOOOVE TO HELP CASH COWS
12-12-2008
The St Andrews board have finally woken up the fact that thousands of fans have stopped turning up regularly at St Andrews. Callum O' Connell welcomes a change of heart. more
"MORE TRAINS" CALLS AS WOLVES-WALSALL ROUTE AXED
12-12-2008
Transport campaigners are demanding the reintroduction of the Walsall to Wolverhampton rail route which (barring one train per day) will cease to operate this evening. There are calls for a new station at Willenhall to improve train use in the Black Country. more
Sammy's Music Blog
BLACK AND WHITE RIOT
12-12-2008
A recent TV screening of a documentary about Joe Strummer has Paul Samuels coming over all misty-eyed. Must be the mace from the "White Riot" van. more
Kingy’s Wolves Blog
IS MICK A TRANSFORMER?
12-12-2008
The transformation of Wolves from mid-table mediocrities into table-topping terrors has left Molinuex regulars puzzled and delighted in equal measure. Brendan King ponders the reasons for the change. more
Exclusive
REGULARS £36,000 WHIPROUND SAVES PUB
11-12-2008
The landlord of Moseley’s popular Prince of Wales pub has been telling The Stirrer how his business was saved by a £36,000 whipround among his regulars. more
BIRMINGHAM AIMS FOR 2012 OLYMPIC POOL
11-12-2008
Birmingham Council has officially confirmed the site of its proposed 50metre pool – and says it intends to open the facility in time to host visiting teams preparing for the 2012 Olympics. There are still no details about how it will be funded, though. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
CHARITY BEGINS…AT THE BOOKSHOP
11-12-208
Laurence Inman ponders all those books he’ll never read. He also has a delightful metaphor about knitting fog. more
Get Out More...............................Gig News
THE EAGLES (NIA, July 7, 2009)
11-12-2008
Country rock superstars head into town next year as one of only three UK dates. It ain't cheap, mind, with top whack tickets priced at £100. more
Barbara's Blog
NON STOP DRIVERS
11-12-2008
It's not a new phenomenon, but that doesn't make it any less annoying - bus drivers who don't stop! Barbara Panvel wonders if the time has come for an organisation to represent the needs of passengers. more
Get Out More..........................Gig News
THE HOLD STEADY (Wolves Civic, Monday 15th Dec)
11-12-2008
The band's "Stay Positive" is getting oodles of airplay on 6Music right now - and justly so. It's like Springsteen meets The Redskins, which can only be a good thing. Here's Paul Samuel's appreciation of the band from a few months ago ahead of Monday's re-scheduled show. more
ASSISTED DYING IS HERE - SO WHY NOT DIGNITAS, TOO?
10-12-2008
The decision not to prosecute a Midland couple over the suicide of their son at a Swiss clinic has all but legalised assisted dying in Britain argues Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg. In which case, why not just have a Dignitas clinic here? more
LIBRARY DEAL NOT SEALED
10-12-2008
So Birmingham is going to have a new Central Library in 2013, and the old one in Victoria Square will be bulldozed to make way for offices? That’s what we’re told, but Alan Clawley reckons there are plenty of grounds for caution. more
PURCHASE STICKS THE BOOT INTO SHAMED ACADEMY BOSS
10-12-2008
Wolverhampton MP Ken Purchase has wasted no time sticking the boot into Carphone Warehouse co-founder David Ross - forced to resign from the company's board for failing to declare that he had used most of his shareholding as security for personal loans. Purchase wonders if, in the circumstances, the businessman is a fit sponsor for one of the government's flagship Academies. more
WOLVES, BLUES SET THE PACE
10-12-2008
Wolves breezed to a 3-0 win against Derby to maintain their lead at the top of the Championship. Blues remain in hot pursuit with a 1-0 defeat of Plymouth. more
Barbara’s Blog
HELICOPTER BEN
10-12-2008
With the threat of deflation looming, could we soon see the world’s leading economies printing money? Barbara Panvel sees a one heretical view become the new orthodoxy. more
Get Out More...............................Gig News
WOLVES CIVIC LISTINGS
10-12-2008
Here’s the full listing for the Wolves Civic Halls in the weeks ahead, with new shows for Paul Weller, Magnum’s Bob Catley, Mick Green and the Spencer Davis Group, and Stourbridge indie kids Midas. Oh, and Starsailor too. more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
PILING ON THE AGONY
10-12-2008
Failure to secure three points in another "must win" game has a pessimistic Terry Wills checking out next season's opposition in the Championship. more
£3 MILLION, MATE? NO PROBLEM
09-12-2008
Regional development agency AWM has confirmed a £3m grant towards the upgrading of the LG Arena at the National Exhibition Centre. Now there’s a surprise… more
MUSEUM LOCKOUT CONFIRMED
09-12-2008
Willenhall’s historic Lock Museum will close next month, closing a sad chapter in Black Country life. Now there’s a danger that this lovingly restored Victorian treasure trove could be sold off to a developer. more
Get Out More.............................Gig News
WILL YOUNG (Symphony Hall, Sun and Mon)
09-12-2008
One of the few winners of TV talent show to actually sustain a worthwhile music biz career, Will Young has been playing two nights at Symphony Hall. Victoria Grainger loves the voice - but has reservations about the show. more
Richard Lutz’s Blog
THE FIVE RING CIRCUS
09-12-200
The Olympic Games could soon be restricted to viewers of subscription TV channels, leaving those of us who aren't prepared to pay extra for our telly locked outside of "the greatest show on earth". Richard Lutz wonders whether we'll notice. more
Get Out More................................Gig Review
THE FRATELLIS Wolves Civic, Sat Dec 6th)
09-12-2008
They stormed to the top of the charts with Chelsea Dagger, a tune which has become a modern indie standard. But how did the Scots trio fare live in concert? Well, Steve Beauchampe enjoyed it. more
Sports Award 1
ELLIE SCOOPS GONG – IN SPITE OF BRUM
08-12-2008
Walsall schoolgirl Eleanor Simmonds scooped the BBC Midlands Sports Personality of the Year Award last night – prompting blushes all round for Birmingham Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure Ray Hassall. more
Sports Award 2
BLIND DAVE’S ‘SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT’ TAKES HONOUR
08-12-2008
West Brom marathon runner and Stirrer blogger Blind Dave Heeley won the Special Achievement Award at last night’s BBC Midlands Sports Awards for his amazing feat of running seven marathons in seven days on seven continents. more
MAKING A NOISE OVER THE RAINBOW
08-12-2008
As revealed on The Stirrer last week, The Rainbow pub is now in the front line of Digbeth's ongoing battle against suburban peace and tranquility. Spotted Dog landlord John Tighe, himself the victim of the noise police, has even taken the unusual step of urging late night drinkers to support a rival establishment. more
Doc Dave’s Blog
QUESTION TIME COMETH
08-12-2008
Radio 4’s Question Time is heading for David Nicholl’s local church later this week. The hunt is on for that elusive “perfect question”. more
Get Out More.................................Opera Review
TWEEDELEEDEDEEDEE AND FRIENDS
08-12-2008
A new "folk opera" performed by top Birmingham musical collective The Destroyers was premiered at Birmingham Town Hall on Saturday - and Pete Millington was there. more
Poet's Corner
GOOD SPIRITS AND INNOCENCE
08-12-2008
Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market moves Brendan Hawthorne to waxlyrical. He observes a place where belief has to be suspended whilst wallets get thinner, waistlines expand - and adults behave like kids. more
Kingy’s Weekend Footy Roundup
ASTON VILLA AND CITY THE ONLY WINNERS
07-12-2008
Villa achieve a fortunate win at Everton; Albion, unfortunately, fail to win at home against Portsmouth; Wolves deservedly lose at QPR; whilst close rivals Birmingham deservedly win at St Andrews against Watford. more
BACK TO BASICS FOR THE BANKS
06-12-2008
Leader of Birmingham Council, Mike Whitby, in the aftermath of the world and national Banking crises has proposed to reintroduce the Neville Chamberlain inspired, 1916, creation of a Birmingham (Municipal) Bank. more
Get Out More.............................Gig News
BOB DYLAN (NIA 29 April 2009)
06-12-2008
The legendary singer-songwriter, Bob Dylan, is to play The NIA on Wednesday 29 April 2009. more
MAKING 'ENDS MEET' WITH A RECESSION DIET
06-12-2008
The Stirrer weekend editor Brendan King harks back to the first post war recession and remembers how folks managed during that time – with similar food price inflation and rising unemployment to that we’re experiencing at the present. more
DIGBETH NOISE ROW GOES OVER THE RAINBOW
05-12-2008
The threat to Digbeth’s vibrant nightlife has spread from The Spotted Dog to The Rainbow pub, which has been warned that environmental health officers are ready to pounce with their rapid response unit to clamp down on any alleged breaches of noise regulations. more
WOLVERHAMPTON – THOSE TORY CUTS IN FULL
05-12-2008
Full details of the impact of £41 million savings in Wolverhampton have now emerged – even if they haven’t been widely circulated. They include major reductions in facilities for elderly and disabled people. more
Last Night’s Footy
VILLA LOSE…BUT GO THROUGH
05-12-2008
Aston Villa slipped to a surprise 2-1 defeat at home to MSK Zilina …but they are guaranteed a place in the knockout stages of the UEFA Cup thanks to Hamburg’s victory against Slavia Prague. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
PUB'S CLUBBED
05-12-2008
Laurence Inman reflects on the decline of the British boozer - and asks "what makes a good pub?" more
Get Out More.............................Gig Review
COLDPLAY (NIA)
05-12-2008
Soppy bedwetters or sensitive souls with great hooks? I think we can safely say Dr David Nicholl puts Coldplay in the latter camp. more
Kingy’s Wolves Blog
MY BLUENOSE BROTHER
05-12-2008
Have you ever watched a match from the "wrong" end of the ground, or been in the stadium with a rival supporter? Brendan King knows the feeling. more
Get Out More......................Film News
THE ELECTRIC (Station Street, Birmingham)
05-12-2008
Clint Eastwood's latest movie Changeling starring Angelina Jolie is on at The Electric this weekend, while in January Italian Job producer Michael Deeley visits for a Q&A. His other porduction credits include The Deer Hunter and Blade Runners. Here's their full up n' coming list. more
MEALS ON WHEELS ADMISSION OVER VOYAGER
04-12-2008
Birmingham Council has finally admitted that its controversial Voyager IT system caused a backlog in payments from Meals On Wheels clients – leaving elderly and vulnerable service users owing hundreds of pounds. more
Exclusive
VISITORS’ SLUMP AT BOTANICALS
04-12-2008
Following The Stirrer’s revelations that Birmingham’s Botanical Gardens is making redundancies, we’ve received new information highlighting an alarming fall off in membership, visitor numbers and revenue. more
POST AND MAIL “GRAND LARCENY"
04-12-2008
Journalists’ union the NUJ has accused the owners of local newspaper groups – including the Birmingham Post and Mail - of “grand larceny”. more
CONFESSIONS OF A BRUMMIE MUMMY - Part 15
04-12-2008
Putting all thoughts of the mysterious Ian behind her, Brummie Mummy has to deal with her teenage daughter's awkward underwear dilemma. more
Get Out More............................Film/Event News
THE LIGHTHOUSE (Wolverhampton)
04-12-2008
There are some choice arthouse delights in the New Year listings for The Lighthouse, including the wonderful Waltz With Bashir and Clint Eastwood’s latest directorial outing Changeling, tipped to win an Oscar for its star Angelina Jolie. more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
THE BLAME GAME
04-12-2008
Now what did I say before visiting fog-shrouded Wigan to see what was reputedly expected to be one of the ‘easier games’ following the battles against the big teams? more
Get Out More..........................Theatre Review
THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE
04-12-2008
Birmingham Rep’s Christmas Show, based on the novels of C.S Lewis runs until January 17. Paula Elenor gets into the festive spirit. more
PUBLIC MEETING KICKSTARTS WOLVES CUTS FIGHTBACK
03-12-2008
The fightback against Conservative plans to slash £41million from services in Wolverhampton begins in earnest today, with a public meeting against one of the old people’s homes threatened with closure. more
Get Out More..............................Exhibition
BARBER GOES ON THE ROAD
03-12-2008
Birmingham’s Barber Institute has pulled off a coup – from today, they’re showing the original 120 feet long manuscript of Jack Kerouac’s seminal beat novel On The Road. It’s being displayed for the first time in Europe. more
CENTRAL LIBRARY: DEMOLISHING THE ARGUMENTS FOR 'FITTING IN'
03-12-2008
While the Culture Department dithers on its decision on whether or not to list Birmingham Central Library, campaigner Alan Clawley is cheekily pursuing all the correspondence between the local authority and the Minister in the last year. Good for him. In the meantime, he re-assesses the arguments for demolition. more
JACKSON AWARD FOR MAXI HAYLES
03-12-2008
Birmingham civil rights campaigner has been telling The Stirrer about his pride in being presented a Lifetime Achievement Award by former US presidential candidate, Revd Jesse Jackson. more
BIRMINGHAM COUNCIL REACTS TO OFSTED CLAIMS
03-12-2008
Birmingham Council has defended itself against Ofsted claims that it’s Childrens Services department put vulnerable children at risk by failing to carry out satisfactory reviews when youngsters known to them had died or come to serious harm. more
Get Out More..........................Gig News
NINE BELOW ZERO/DR FEELGOOD (The Robin, Bilston)
03-12-2008
Two British R n’ B giants for the price of one on a rocking night at The Robin. Dave Woodhall was there. more
VULNERABLE KIDS – BRUM FAILING TO LEARN LESSONS
02-12-2008
Vulnerable children are being put at risk in Birmingham according to an Ofsted review which says the City Council is one of the worst in the country for failing to learn from its mistakes in cases of serious abuse. more
LEGS AKIMBO RIP
02-12-2008
One of the most engaging characters of Birmingham’s 1980s indie scene, Legs Akimbo, has passed away. Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg pays a personal tribute. more
WOLVES-WALSALL LINE AXE “LIKE BEECHING”
02-12-2008
Birmingham’s former Cabinet Member for Transport John Tyrrell has described the axing of the Wolverhampton to Walsall train line this month as a throwback to the Beeching era of the mid 1960s, when hundreds of local rail routes were decommissioned. more
Martin Longley's Music Blog
JOHN OTWAY
02-12-2008
Clear all pointy objects from the stage! John Otway is bringing his Big Band to The Robin in Bilston tomorrow (Wednesday December 3) but Martin Longley's already witnessed him laying waste to The Duchess in York... more
SANDWELL: PARKING UP THE WRONG TREE?
02-12-2008
Lynn Hawthorne questions proposals to scrap free parking in Sandwell. more
LEGAL THREAT TO PLAYING FIELDS UNDEVELOPER
01-12-2008
Birmingham City Council has confirmed it’s taking legal action against a private developer for failing to deliver on a promise to create new playing fields in Handsworth – a pledge made in return for permission to bulldoze historic allotments. more
COUNCIL "SORRY" AFTER CABBIE COCK UP
01-12-2008
Birmingham’s private hire taxi drivers have been sent individual letters of apology by the City Council after last week’s chaotic scenes at Villa Park, were hundreds were locked out of a consultation meeting. more
Mick Temple’s Blog
GAUNTY’S CONVERSION TO FREEDOM
01-12-2008
Sacked Talksport presenter Jon Gaunt has a won an unlikely ally in the form of Liberty’s Shami Chakrabarti – who he once described as “the most dangerous woman in Britain”. Mick Temple comments on the strange bedfellows. more
Richard Lutz’s Blog
THANKSGIVING MYTHS
01-12-2008
Exiled Yank Richard Lutz has just been celebrating Thanksgiving weekend - but what was he celebrating? more
Poet's Corner
THE SWITCHING ON OF THE LIGHTS
01-12-2008
Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg switched on the Christmas lights at Wednesbury on Friday, prompting Brendan Hawthorne to put pen to paper. Brendan's still waiting for his drink, mind. more
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