February 2008
PRINCE HARRY AND THE CONSPIRACY OF SILENCE
29-02-2008
Prince Harry is being withdrawn from Afghanistan after it was revealed he’d been serving for two and a half months with British forces in the south of the country. While “foreign websites” are blamed for the leak, questions should also be asked of British news organisations who have been willing parties to a state propaganda exercise. more
Exclusive
Labour Conference 1
COPS TO CALL FOR STRIKE VOTE IN BRUM
29-02-2008
Police officers will ambush ministers arriving for the Labour Spring conference in Birmingham today by calling for a vote on whether they should be allowed to strike. more
Labour Conference 2
£4 MILLION DIVIDEND FROM LABOUR CONFERENCE
29-02-2008
Labour’s Spring Conference at the ICC this weekend will generate £4 million for Birmingham – but the city’s marketing boss says it’s just a “sprat to catch a mackerel”. more
Labour Conference 3
LABOUR SPRINGS INTO BRUM – AND CAUSES TRAFFIC CHAOS
29-02-2008
The arrival of the Labour Party Conference in Birmingham this weekend will mean disruption to traffic in the city centre. We’ve got all the info you need to avoid getting snarled up. more
BAGGIES SLASH SEASON TICKET PRICES
29-02-2008
The directors of West Bromwich Albion are clearly dedicated readers of this website – just days after we highlighted this season’s disappointing attendances at the Hawthorns, the club announced an 11% cut in season ticket prices. more
Get Out More........................................Gig News
MICK HUCKNALL’S TRIBUTE TO BOBBY BLAND (Wolvo Civic Hall)
29-02-2008
Tickets went on sale this morning for Simply Red singer Mick Hucknall’s tribute show to blues and soul legend Bobby Bland. more
AIR SMILES
29-02-2008
It’s Friday, so here’s a joke for you. A guy is sitting in the bar in departures at a busy airport. A beautiful woman walks in and sits down at the table next to him. more
SNOW HILL TO NEW STREET METRO “FACES AXE”
28-02-2008
The brains behind Birmingham’s new 20-year masterplan has said that long-awaited plans to take the Metro into New Street station may be scrapped. But he revealed that an alternative route to the Bullring is being eyed by the planners. more
BBC’S SECOND BEST WEST MIDLANDS
28-02-2008
The Stirrer’s revelation that BBC WM’s late show is being switched from the Mailbox to Nottingham was another blow to Birmingham’s broadcasting pride. Thomas Smith listens to how our local station handled the breaking overnight story of an earthquake and wonders why Second City will soon mean second best. more
NEW FOOD QUARTER FOR BRUM
28-02-2008
Birmingham needs a dedicated food quarter to create a distinctive identity and attract more visitors according to a new masterplan unveiled yesterday. Inner city Highgate has also been identified as the site of a trendy new “Islington style” estate for families. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
JUST ASK FOR MIKE
28-02-2008
We know that The Stirrer’s resident grumpy old man doesn’t like Mondays. Or Tuesdays, come to that. But this was the week that got worse. Only Mike (and then Mohammed) saved it. more
Get Out More.............................................Gig News
SHARON JONES AND THE DAP-KINGS
28-02-2008
Who they? No less than the backing band for Amy Winehouse on her superb Back To Black album. And as Paul Samuels testifies, they are headliners in waiting in their own right. more
"DOG FINE NOT FINE" MAKES THE TELLY
27-02-2008
The Stirrer’s campaign to get justice for a Black Country man fined for walking his dog in a graveyard - even though there were no warning signs - has been picked up by Midlands Today. Paul Perrins, the man at the centre of the controversy, has challenged Sandwell Council to come and see the site for himself. more
GAME ON AFTER GAME 39 CANCELLED
27-02-2008
Now that Game 39 is off the agenda for the Premier League, West Midlands football clubs will have to delay developing their “brand” overseas. Great. Now they can start thinking about how to foster more support at home. more
QUAKE – DID THE EARTH MOVE FOR YOU?
27-02-2008
Just after 1 o’clock – bloody typical! One of the kids is awake again. Whoops, no they’re not. Have we got burglars then? Nope? So how come the walls are shaking? Blimey, it must be an earthquake. more
SUTTON GET TWICKERS IN A TWIST
27-02-2008
Rugger buggers invade the hallowed, footy loving portals of The Stirrer? Why, yes. Because Sutton Coldfield have achieved the odd-shaped ball equivalent of Chasetown by reaching the semi-finals of the EDF Cup. Club chairman Geoff Fletcher recalls Saturday's achievments which put them on the brink of a trip to Twickers. more
SECRET AGENTS
27-02-2008
They are the "hidden" 1.4 million workers who keep the wheels industry and commerce moving. So should agency staff get the same rights as permanent employees asks Lynn Hawthorn? more
SCHOOL’S OUT
27-02-2008
We’re in the middle of term time, but plenty of kids aren’t getting taught – and it’s got nothing to do with wagging it. As Ros Dodd reports, her daughter has been off for three weeks. more
Get Out More........................................Gig News
GLENN HUGHES (The Robin, Bilston June 6)
27-02-2008
Former Deep Purple and Trapeze vocalist comes rocking back to his Black Country roots for a one-off home town gig. The show is a special treat for Robin boss Mike Hamblett who first saw Glenn Hughes performing in Dudley 30 years ago. more
DON’T GET DEPRESSED - THE DRUGS DON’T WORK
26-02-2008
Today’s revelation that commonly prescribed anti-depressants are practically useless will come as no surprise to regular Stirrer readers. Our blogging psychologist Dr Mike Drayton came to the same conclusion on this site ten months ago. more
FINED DOG WALKER PUTS COUNCIL IN THE PICTURE
26-02-2008
Sandwell Council has challenged a Wednesbury man to fight them in court after he was fined £75 for walking his dog through a graveyard – even though photographic evidence shows there were no warning signs. more
SOMETHING WIKI THIS WAY COMES FOR BLOGGERS
26-02-2008
Calling all budding online journalists and bloggers who want to make a living from the web. Birmingham City University is hosting an “unconference” aimed at allowing members of the local online community to share ideas and information. more
WOLVO, SOLIHULL SET FOR CASINO GREEN LIGHT
26-02-2008
Manchester will be licking its wounds today when the government confirms that it won’t, after all, be sanctioning the UK’s first supercasino – but both Solihull and Wolverhampton will get the nod for smaller schemes. more
Single Status 1
CONTRACT STAND-OFF AS STRIKE HALTED
26-02-2008
Bosses at Birmingham City Council have pledged to stop pressurising staff to sign revised contracts under the peace deal which prevented today’s strike – and Unions have promised that they won’t ask members to reject their new deal. The stand off will last a fortnight while talks continue. more
Single Status 2
PAY DEAL CONCESSIONS PAVE WAY FOR TALKS
26-02-2008
Unions have won major concessions from Birmingham City Council ahead of negotiations designed to end the impasse over the Single Status paw row. Controversial details of the new deal such as performance related pay, extended salary protection and the new seven band pay structure are all up for grabs. more
Get Out More...................................Music Preview
ST. PETER’S SINFONIA (St, Peter’s Church, Hall Green, March 2)
26-02-2008
It’s the inaugural (and also possibly farewell) performance by this 30-piece string orchestra, formed by some of Birmingham’s most talented young players. They’ll be under the baton of teenager Alpesh Chauhan in this charity fundraiser. more
Stay In More..........................................................................Book Review
HOBBIES & OTHER FALCONS ...NEAR MY HOUSE (Brian L Kington)
26-02-2008
Resisting any puerile temptation to go "phwooar...look at the tits on that" our in-house birdwatcher Pete Millington puts away his binoculars and admires a lesser spotted book about ornithology. more
BRUM COUNCIL STRIKE CANCELLED
25-02-2008
Tomorrow’s planned strike by Birmingham Council workers over their new Single Status pay deal has been called off pending further discussions. more
Exclusive
FINE NOT FINE WITHOUT A SIGN SAYS DOG WALKER
25-02-2008
Black Country dog owner Paul Perrins from Wednesbury reckons Sandwell Council is barking mad – they’ve fined him £75 for walking his dog in a cemetery, even though there are no signs banning it. more
MORE THAN 50 FAILING WEST MIDS SCHOOLS FACE CLOSURE
25-02-2008
More than 50 failing secondary schools could be closed across the West Midlands under government plans to improve academic standards. More than 20 are at risk in Birmingham, nine each in Walsall and Sandwell and half a dozen in Wolverhampton. more
BLIND DAVE ON TALKSPORT TODAY
25-02-2008
West Bromwich running hero Blind Dave Heeley gets more national exposure today when he appears on Hawksbee and Jacob’s show on Talksport. more
Oscars 1
HEROES AND MONSTERS
25-02-2008
Bookies favourite Daniel Day Lewis walked off with the Best Actor Oscar last night for his role in There Will Be Blood, but Paula Elenor reckons there was an even better candidate for the big gong. more
Oscars 2
THERE WILL BE BLOOD
25-02-2008
Daniel Day-Lewis picked up the Best Actor gong at the Oscars for his performance in “There Will be Blood” and the same film also won the Cinematography award. Dr David Nicholl checks out whether it hangs together as a movie. more
Midland Metro 1
FIVE WAYS "DROPPED FROM METRO PLAN"
25-02-2008
Plans for a tram link from Birmingham city centre to Five Ways seem to have been quietly dropped as part of a cost-cutting plan to make the next phase of the development more acceptable to the government. more
Midland Metro 2
BIRMINGHAM - THE CITY THAT LACKS A TRANSPORT SYSTEM
25-02-2008
Birmingham business leaders are casting doubt on the future of the Midland Metro extension to Five Ways and Brierley Hill. John Tyrrell, Brum's former Cabinet Member for Transport, can barely contain his anger. more
Midlands Metro 3
25-02-2008
So how come the Midland Metro tram upgrade is in danger of being derailed after the route through Birmingham was agreed five years ago? Kevin Chapman of the West Midlands Campaign for Better Transport says the time for dithering is over. more
OIL "THEFT" PROTEST SHUTS BRUM PETROL STATION
25-02-2008
With “There Will Be Blood” picking up a couple of Oscars last night, oil and greed are top of Hollywood’s agenda - and they haven’t disappeared in the real world either. Campaigner David Matthews tells us about a protest against the "theft" of Iraq’s black gold at the weekend. more
Callum’s Blues Blog
PRIZE DRAW FOR BLUES AFTER TAYLOR DRAWS RED CARD
25-02-2008
Villa did Blues a favour by beating Reading yesterday - a result which keeps Alex McLeish’s team out of the bottom three. Callum O’ Connell reflects on Blues own draw against Arsenal, and “that” tackle by Martin Taylor on Eduardo. more
Get Out More...................................Gig News
SUPERSONIC FESTIVAL/EINSTELLUNG
25-02-2008
Dates have been confirmed for Birmingham’s most consistently ambitious left-field music festival Supersonic this summer. One of the acts already confirmed are hometown hypno grinders Einstellung, who also play a one-off show next month (March 7) at the Rainbow in Digbeth. more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
NO SUBSTITUTE FOR A WIN
25-02-2008
Baffling substitutions were arguably the cause of Albion’s downfall as they slipped to their second home defeat of the season at home to Hull. Terry Wills wonders whether the Baggies are blowing their chance of automatic promotion for the second successive season. more
Poet's Corner
FED UP ON BREAD
25-02-2008
The Stirrer’s poet laureate Brendan Hawthorne is on a diet – and can’t you just tell? He’s complaining - in his broadest Black Country accent - that thick sliced bread has lost some of its bulk too. more
STIRRER TV
MEETING MAD MAC
23-02-2008
This week saw the official launch at The Hawthorns of Blind Dave Heeley's seven marathon challenge - but who is the fool who'll accompany him on his seven day, seven continent trip? Meet "Mad Mac", Malcolm Carr, Dave's long-suffering guide runner. more
AGENCY STAFF - THE SECOND CLASS WORKERS
23-02-2008
Dozens of backbench Labour MP’s are taking on the government by trying to force through a private members bill improving the rights of agency workers. About time too, says Simon Gray – an agency worker himself. more
AUSCHWITZ "GIMMICK" ROW EMBARRASSES CAMERON
23-02-2008
The Conservatives are furiously back-pedalling after David Cameron branded government-funded school trips to Auschwitz as a "gimmick". Apparently, he only meant to criticise the government’s funding. more
MP WATSON CHAMPIONS BEREAVED WOMAN FACING EVICTION
23-02-2008
West Bromwich East MP Tom Watson has vowed to take up the case of Shirley Geraghty - the Wednesbury woman threatened with eviction from her home of 47 years following the death of her parents. more
RUDGE’S "ARMY OF STRAW MEN"
23-02-2008
The Stirrer published exclusive details yesterday of a statement distributed by Cllr Alan Rudge to every Birmingham Council worker claiming to destroy the "myths" of Single Status. One anonymous worker - evidently union affiliated - is now circulating their response to what he (or she) regards as Rudge’s "army of straw men". We’re printing it, below, in full. more
PRIVATE EYE JOINS STREET OF SHAME
23-02-2008
Not content with printing porkies about Birmingham Council’s chief executive, muck-raking magazine Private Eye has been ripping off The Stirrer. more
ANYONE FOR TENNIS? NOT IN HARBORNE
23-02-2008
The Stirrer recently highlighted the disgraceful state of some of Birmingham’s tennis courts - especially Queen’s Park in Harborne. We’ve discovered that it’s not only the nets that have been stolen - so have the posts supporting them. more
Get Out More.........................................Musical Preview
EUROBEAT (Birmingham Hippodrome, 9-14 June)
23-02-2008
Describing itself as "the world’s first interactive musical", this award-winning Eurovision singalong allows audience members to cast their votes for their favourite performers and will even feature a (pre-recorded) guest turn from Terry Wogan. more
Mick Temple’s Blog
ANYTHING HAPPENED LATELY THEN?
23-02-2008
The politics professor has been locked in his study for the last fortnight working on his latest book. He can’t imagine that he’s missed much. more
FORWARD MOTION
23-02-2008
Pendeli – NO! says Diane Benussi after a trip on one of Virgin’s new fleet of tilting trains. She wonders what other "advances" don’t take us any further forward. more
EXCLUSIVE
SINGLE STATUS: THE TRUTH BEHIND THE HEADLINES?
22-02-2008
Birmingham City Council has launched a major charm offensive ahead of Tuesday's planned strike with a release to all staff called "Single Status: The Truth Behind The Headlines". It is also due to be included in the next edition of the Council newspaper Forward, reawakening the row over the publication's alleged political bias. more
MEDICS TEMPERATURES RISING
22-01-2008
Birmingham's University Hospital Trust has caused a ferment in the medical world with plans to introduce a new, specialist medical role. Critics say it's all about cutting costs. more
SANDWELL BOASTS BLACK COUNTRY’S LOWEST COUNCIL TAX RISE
22-02-2008
Bosses at Sandwell Council are celebrating the lowest council tax increase in the Black Country – an increase of just 2.9%, adding between 46p and 62p to resident's monthly bills. more
Dave Woodhall's Villa Blog
VILLA’S READING FESTIVAL
22-02-2008
Sunday bloody Sunday football comes to Villa Park with visit of Reading. Dave Woodhall assesses the prospects. more
SMALL PRINT, BIG DEAL
22-02-2008
Financial companies are putting ever greater pressure on the elderly to cash in the equity on their homes - either in return for a leaseback of the property or a place in residential care. Barbara Panvel checks out the fine print. more
Exclusive
SANDWELL HOMES: "LOSE YOUR MUM, LOSE YOUR HOME"
21-02-2008
Five weeks after her mother died, Shirley Geraghty from Wednesbury is facing another devastating loss - she's being threatened with eviction from the council house that has been her home for 47 years. more
EYE EYE, IT’S STEPHEN HUGHES IN THE NEWS
21-02-2008
Birmingham Council’s chief executive Stephen Hughes has strenuously denied allegations about his love life which have surfaced in the latest edition of Private Eye. more
Get Out More..................................................Theatre Review
ANGEL HOUSE (Birmingham Rep, tonight and Friday)
21-02-2008
Birmingham Rep showcases the latest play by one of the best-known black British writers Roy Williams. Paula Elenor is on the side of the angels. more
JOINING THE VILLAGE PEOPLE
21-02-2008
Ever fancied leaving the big city for the green, green grass of the countryside? Well don’t, warns Laurence Inman. more
BRUM BLAMES INFLATION BUSTING RENT RISE ON GOVERNMENT
21-02-2008
Is this the other side of Birmingham’s 1.9% Council tax increase – an inflation busting 5% increase in rents for its tenants. more
Get Out More...........................................Film Listing
THE LIGHTHOUSE (Fryer Street, Wolverhampton)
21-02-2008
Some good stuff going down at The Lighthouse in Wolverhampton in March, with The Diving Bell and The Butterfly, Juno and There Will Be Blood. For the full listing, click here. (word document)
ARE INSURERS THE NEW ECO HEROES?
21-02-2008
Insurance companies aren't the obvious saviours of the planet, but according to Barbara Panvel, they've got a larger role than you might think in shaping our shared future. more
A Stirrer Investigation
ANYONE FOR TENNIS? NOT AROUND HERE
20-02-2008
Ever eager to slip into his posing shorts, Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg decided to take advantage of the glorious early spring weather and check out the city’s free tennis courts. Now he’s wishing he hadn’t bothered. more
SALMA - "NO WAKE UP CALL NEEDED" FOR MUSLIMS
20-02-2008
Birmingham Respect Councillor Salma Yaqoob has reacted angrily to claims by MP Khalid Mahmood that the conviction of five city men in a terror plot was a "wake up call" to the community. She said that just reinforces negative images about local Muslims and helps reinforce a siege mentality. more
WOLVO COUNCILLOR SLAMS CONSULTANTS "CRIMINAL" CHARGES
20-02-2008
Fees paid to consultants are "criminal" according to the Wolverhampton councillor in charge of transforming the city’s IT database – but he says they have "no choice" because of government red tape. more
PARENTS DIED - SO BLACK COUNTRY WOMAN EVICTED
20-02-2008
A Sandwell woman faces eviction from the home she’s lived in all her life – because her parents have died. more
Get Out More...........................Gig News
CHUMBAWUMBA (The Robin, Bilston, March 12)
20-02-2008
They get knocked down…but they get up again…oh Danny Boy, Danny Boy. Yes the world’s most listenable anarcho punksters are back in the West Midlands next month, and are always worth a gander. more
JOHN CLEESE'S LETTER TO AMERICA
20-02-2008
Is it really written by the old Monty Python hero? Who knows. But this gagworthy script has been doing the rounds on the web and should raise a chuckle or two. more
SELLY OAK HOSPITAL VICTIM OF "IRRESPONSIBLE" PRESS
19-02-2008
Media reporting of Birmingham’s Selly Oak Hospital - the first port of call for injured British soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan - was both "inaccurate and irresponsible" according to a group of MP’s. Their findings follow a series of claims last year that squaddies had been abused by Muslim visitors to civilian wards. more
THE CASTRO CONUNDRUM
19-02-2008
Fidel Castro’s decision to formally stand down as Cuba’s leader today following months of bad health opens up a vista of possibilities - not least a transition to democracy. That would be welcome but so, too, would retaining the best aspects of the Revolution. more
Birmingham Terror Plot 1
BEHEADING PLOT A "WAKE UP CALL" WARNS MUSLIM MP
19-02-2008
Birmingham MP Khalid Mahmood has said the life sentence handed down to an Islamist “fanatic” from Alum Rock for plotting to kidnap and behead a soldier is a “wake up call” to the local Muslim community. more
Birmingham Terror Plot 2
MOSQUE LEADER PLANS TO VISIT TERRORIST PLOTTERS IN PRISON
19-02-2008
The Chair of Birmingham Central Mosque says he plans a prison visit to the extremist given a life sentence for plotting to behead a British Muslim soldier in the city. Dr Mohammed Naseem says he wants to meet Parviz Khan to understand him, and prevent another terrorist outrage. more
MP BURDEN’S "MR BIRMINGHAM" TAG FOR MP KNOWLES
19-02-2008
Northfield MP Richard Burden has paid this moving to tribute to Birmingham’s former Labour leader Sir Richard Knowles who died on Sunday. more
A KICK UP THE ARTS
19-02-2008
Whether you want to be included in the West Midlands biggest photo album, be recognised as one of the faces of West Bromwich or have your say over a new public art work in Rowley Regis - you’ve come to the right place. more
MORE TRIBUTES TO DICK KNOWLES
18-02-2008
Tributes continue to be paid to the former leader of Birmingham Council Sir Dick Knowles, whose passing was first announced on The Stirrer last night. Political rivals have been quick to pay tribute and assess impact on the city. more
GOVERNMENT DIGS HARD ROCK
18-02-2008
The government is bringing forward emergency legislation to nationalise Northern Rock today. Though the Chancellor’s failed pursuit of private suitors is highly embarrassing, letting the free market rip would have been even worse. more
DICK KNOWLES R.I.P.
18-02-2008
Sir Dick Knowles, the former Labour leader who lifted Birmingham out of the "dark ages" of the 1980s depression, has died. He’s credited with inspiring the changes which changed the face of the city. more
Get Out More.............................Film News
WOLVO GETS ANIMATED
18-02-2008
West Midlands film-goers get the chance to cast their vote at the British Animation Awards next months when special screenings are held in Wolverhampton. Pete Millington joins the queue. more
Martin Longley's Music Blog
THURSTON MOORE GROOP/ECASTIC PEACE! NITE
(Knitting Factory, New York)
18-02-2008
As the creator of Sonic Youth, one of Rock's more adventurous noise combos, freaky axeman Thurston Moore is already a legend. Now he's got a record label too, hoping to spawn a new generation. Our eclectic gig collector Martin Longley drops in on the New York showcase. more
Terry's Baggies Blog
WEMBLEY HERE WE COME?
18-02-2008
Albion are the last West Midlands team left in today's FA Cup draw but despite a 5-0 thumping of Coventry on Saturday, Terry Wills would gladly swap their place in the last eight for a spot in the top two of the Championship. more
Get Out More...............................Charity Film Premiere
SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES (March 9)
18-02-2008
Birmingham’s St Mary’s Hospice is hosting a charity regional premiere of one of the most successful US family films of recent months – The Spiderwick Chronicles. more
Poet's Corner
BUSKER
18-02-2008
Are buskers "people with a story to tell and a talent that goes unnoticed" - as opposed to untalented losers who don't know when to quit? The Stirrer's poet laureate Brendan Hawthorne thinks so with this selection from his latest volume. more
The Stirrer Podcast
CYRILLE, MORLEY, BOYDEN LINED UP FOR BLIND DAVE LAUNCH
16-02-2008
Albion hero Cyrille Regis, Villa European Cup legend Tony Morley and award-winning broadcaster Malcolm Boyden have all promised to turn out at The Hawthorns next Thursday for the official launch of Blind Dave Heeley’s seven marathon challenge. more
"WE ARE RIGHT TO BE IN AFGHANISTAN" - BRUM MP
16-02-2008
British involvement in Afghanistan has been defended by a Birmingham MP – despite the fact that our European partners seem unwilling to commit more troops. more
BIRMINGHAM DRAWS A BLANC
16-02-2008
When Raymond Blanc’s restaurant first arrived in Birmingham nine years ago it was a sign of great things to come – the city was at last ready to host fine dining establishments where the maitre d’ didn’t sneer at working class customers. Now though, we’ve got plenty of decent places to eat and though its closure, announced yesterday, is disappointing this is no tragedy. more
FIGHTING COCKS TAKES PLACE IN MUSIC HISTORY
16-02-2008
Birmingham’s top indie venue of the '80s – the Fighting Cocks in Moseley – has had its place in rock history guaranteed. Smiths fans, in particular, will want to erect a blue plaque on the place. more
SIGN HIM UP
16-02-2008
However your football team fares this weekend, The Stirrer can’t believe they won’t be improved by signing this star performer. more
Get Out More.............................Gig Review
MANCHESTER ORCHESTRA (Barfly, Birmingham)
16-02-2008
Just for the record, they aren’t from the North-West at all – they hail from the States actually and have been heavily touted as the NEXT BIG THING. Simon Gray waits to be impressed. more
LIBRARY GAMBLES: GAMBLES REPLIES
16-02-2008
Birmingham Library chief Brian Gambles responds to recent Stirrer articles by Alan Clawley and Steve Beauchampé complaining about the lack of space given over to books in the building – especially following a refurb of the archive section. more
Exclusive
US TO SIGN BRUM OLYMPIC DEAL TOMORROW
15-02-2008
American track and field officials will sign an agreement with Birmingham Council officials tomorrow confirming their intention to base their pre-Olympic training camp in the city. more
Single Status
WOLVO: "NO HONORARIUM - AND NO STRIKE EITHER"
15-02-2008
The councillor in charge of Wolverhampton’s Single Status pay review has dismissed claims on this website that a Council official has been granted a £30,000 "honorarium" – and says he would be "shocked and amazed" if workers followed the example of colleagues in Birmingham by striking over their new contracts. more
BLATTER BATTERS PREMIER LEAGUE’S GAME 39
15-02-2008
The boss of football’s world governing body FIFA has poured cold water on the Premier League’s plan to stage matches overseas. Sepp Blatter has called the idea "nonsense." more
FEAR OF CRIME "ON THE DECLINE"
15-02-2008
West Midlands Police Authority claims that fear of crime is plummeting - with just one one five people now worried about becoming victims compared to almost one in three in 2004. more
NEW STREET REVAMP? KEEP THE CHAMPERS ON ICE
15-02-2008
The revamped New Street Station? At least it’ll be somewhere nicer to wait for the delayed trains reckons Steve Beauchampé, who’s in no mood to join the celebrations. more
SOLDIERS’ MEMORIAL PETITION GETS THE GO AHEAD
15-02-2008
Downing Street has surrendered to forces families who demanded the right to set up a petition calling for the chance to visit a memorial to fallen soldiers in Iraq. The news comes just days after the issue was highlighted on The Stirrer. more
LIBRARY GAMBLES ON SPACE
15-02-2008
Campaigner Alan Clawley notes with alarm that Birmingham Central Library is shrinking before our very eyes. Boss Brian Gambles seems to be reducing the space available for, er, you know….BOOKS! more
Get Out More................................Book News
SARAH PARETSKY (West Brom Town Hall on March 27th)
15-02-2008
The creator of iconic female detective V I Warshawski – US author Sarah Paretsky – is the latest in an increasingly impressive list of authors to pop up for a talk and signing session at West Brom Town Hall. more
DOLE QUEUES SHORTEN – EXCEPT IN THE WEST MIDS
14-02-2008
The number of people claiming Jobseekers Allowance in Britain has fallen below the 800,000 barrier for the first time in more than 30 years - but the West Midlands bucked the trend with rising unemployment in both Birmingham and the Black Country. more
SECOND TO NONE CITY NEEDS MORE THAN NEW STREET
14-02-2008
The regeneration of New Street Station, far from being the end of the line, should mark the route ahead for transport developments in the West Midlands argues John Tyrrell. more
GORDON BROWN........WELCOME TO EDEN
14-02-2008
Charismatic leader steps down to be replaced by his long standing deputy who looks to have all the necessary qualifications - but somehow it doesn't work out. Laurence Inman offers Gordon Brown a few lessons from history. more
THERE IS A LIGHT THAT NEVER GOES OUT
14-02-2008
Earlier this week, it was reported that some local authorities have been turning off street lights to save energy, reduce electricity bills and combat climate change. Not in Birmingham they’re not. The Stirrer has discovered that faulty lights have been designed to stay on all the time, even when they aren’t needed. more
DOWNLOAD BAN "A WASTE OF TIME"
14-02-2008
Threats to ban internet users who download illegal music and movies are a waste of time warns one the West Midlands leading blogging experts. more
Get Out More....................................Theatre Review
HELLO DOLLY (Birmingham Hippodrome, until Sat)
14-02-2008
It lit up the Grand in Wolverhampton last week, and now it’s packing them out at the Hippodrome. Terry Wills joins the throng lining up to see Anita Dobson and Darren Day in the latest revival of Jerry Herman’s magical musical. more
HELPING THE HIDDEN HOMELESS
14-02-2008
Birmingham’s Housing Chief warned on The Stirrer last week of the "frightening" prospects caused by a Court of Appeal ruling, which said the city had an obligation give residents in overcrowded accommodation the same priority as the homeless. Northfield MP Richard Burden argues that the Council has been guilty of chasing targets – not meeting real need. more
Get Out More.....................................Gig Review
KULA SHAKER (Birmingham Academy 2, last Saturday)
14-02-2008
It was the second coming no one was really waiting for, but let it not be forgotten that the band fronted by pin-up boy Crispian Mills (son of actress Hayley) sold a million copies of their psychedelic Britpop debut K, released in 1997. Simon Gray is impressed. more
"NO DISCUSSIONS CLAIM" AS NEW STRIKE ANNOUNCED
13-02-2008
Trade union officials in Birmingham who’ve announced a second strike day over the Single Status Pay Review claim the City Council hasn’t negotiated with them since last week’s walkout - a suggestion the local authority has denied. Either way, it looks like schools will close and bins will go uncollected again on February 26. more
Exclusive
WOLVO SINGLE STATUS BOSS "IN LINE FOR £30,000 TOP UP"
13-02-2008
Wolverhampton Council has failed to answer claims that a senior manager will receive a £30,000 "thank you" on top of his salary after overseeing the city’s controversial Single Status pay review. more
WHITBY REKINDLES THE FEELGOOD FACTOR
13-02-2008
The redevelopment of New Street Station is good news for Birmingham, the West Midlands, and indeed the nation – all of us stand to benefit when the Second City finally has a rail terminal befitting its status. No one is rejoicing more, though, than irrepressible Council leader Mike Whitby who has finally managed to re-ignite the political feelgood factor. more
PRICE IS RIGHT FOR THE REP
13-02-2008
Birmingham Rep have pulled off something of a coup for next month’s production of Ibsen’s “The Lady From The Sea” – Claire Price, best known as Inspector Rebus’ sidekick Siobhan Clarke in the top telly ‘tec series, has been signed to play the leading role. more
FORMER BEARS STAR RALLIES ROUND "LEPER" CHAMBERS
13-02-2008
Former Warwickshire cricket star Paul Smith whose career ended amid tabloid drink and drug revelations has called for an end to the “hypocrisy” surrounding athlete Dwayne Chambers – once banned for using performance enhancing steroids, but now recalled to represent his country. more
Carol Jones Blog
MEMORIALS AND COMPENSATION
13-02-2008
Earlier this week, Carol Jones complained that the government had ignored her petition demanding the right to visit an impromptu memorial to her soldier son who died in Iraq. Stirrer readers have established that because it didn’t get 200 signatures, Downing Street didn’t have to respond. Now Carol has something else on her mind. more
"DAY TO CELEBRATE" AS NEW STREET REVAMP APPROVED
12-02-2008
Birmingham Council leader Mike Whitby has called this "a day to celebrate" after hearing that the New Street Station revamp will finally get the go-ahead. Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly will make the official announcement when she visits the city today. more
CHILDREN’S COMMISSIONER CAN “BUZZ OFF” OVER SIREN
12-02-2008
The Childrens’ Commissioner has called for a controversial “mosquito” siren that wards off teenagers to be banned – but a councillor who helped introduce it in Birmingham reckons he should “buzz off.” more
Get Out More.............................Film News
7" LISTINGS
12-02-2008
It’s been a while, but the folk at The Stirrer’s favourite Film Club - 7" - have sent us their latest listings. Highlights include another screening of Kojak’s classic Brum travelogue, and a chance to quiz legendary lo-fi film maker Nick Broomfield. more
WESTMINSTER-STYLE ENQUIRY FOR RED ROUTE
12-02-2008
The row over Birmingham’s controversial Red Route in Sparkbrook takes another twist today when councillors demand a parliamentary-style enquiry into its future. more
SCHOOL PARENTS CALL FOR NEW TIMES TABLES
12-02-2008
Concerned parents demanding improvements to Birmingham’s schools are calling for revised academic league tables ahead of a meeting on Wednesday night. more
PARADISE FOR DEVELOPERS?
12-02-2008
As English Heritage ponders whether Birmingham Central Library should be listed, campaigner Alan Clawley wonders why property developers seem reluctant to plunge in with exciting plans for Paradise Circus if the building is knocked down. Do the money men know something the Council doesn't? more
Exclusive
SOLDIERS’ DOWNING STREET PETITION FALLEN
12-02-2008
Here’s a curious one. Carol Jones, whose son John died serving his country, can’t find out what happened to the Downing Street petition calling for families of the fallen to visit Iraq. Yet anyone who’s anyone is heading to the war zone. more
BALLS TO EVERYONE
12-02-2008
Is there a football fan in the West Midlands who thinks plans to switch Premier League matches abroad is a good idea? Not any we’ve spoken to. Trevor Fisher, editor of the Villa Matters fanzine identifies plenty of pitfalls. more
Exclusive
IS THIS WHAT YOU CALL “COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT”?
11-02-2008
"Community engagement" is one of those phrases bandied around by officials who want to persuade us that they really care about what ordinary people think. This shocking account of a mother of four from Birmingham who tried becoming an active citizen tells a different story. more
SUN CLAIMS “TALIBRUM” TAKES ON THE ARMY
11-02-2008
The Sun - which recently printed Jeremy Clarkson’s allegations that people from the West Midlands are fighting for the Taliban - has repeated the claim in a front page article today. Military insiders claim to have heard the distinctive tones of West Bromwich on eavesdropping missions. more
AIRPORT FLYING LOW AS TRAVELLERS FALL
11-02-2008
Weeks after Ryanair announced a major expansion at Birmingham Airport, the question has to be asked – have we reached saturation point for budget airlines? Newly released figures for January showed a year on year fall in the number of travellers. more
WOLVO: AIN’T NO LOVE IN THE HEART OF THE CITY
11-02-2008
There’s been much discussion on our Message Board about the forthcoming redevelopment of Wolverhampton City Centre – which will see a clutch of independent traders around Summer Row forced out to make way for a new Debenhams. Lynn Hawthorne laments the loss of one special institution. more
Callum’s Blues Blog
McFADDEN HAMMERS HOME THE POINT
11-02-2008
Blues escaped the bottom three with a battling point at Upton Park, thanks to recent signing James McFadden. But as Callum O' Connell reports, Carson Yeung is still lurking in the wings. more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
"WE ARE NOT TOP OF THE LEAGUE"
11-02-2008
It’s 61 years since Albion won at Barnsley, But Terry Wills reckons that on this kind of form Albion will have the chance to try again at Oakwell next season. And not in the Premiership either. more
Poet’s Corner
JUST A LITTLE TO THE ONE SIDE OF BOHEMIAN AT THE ALL-NIGHT CAFE
11-02-2008
The Stirrer's poet laureate Brendan Hawthorne adapts a poem from his book with another noted Black Country poet Geoff Stevens - "The All Night Café and Other Dives". more
Stirrer Podcast
BLIND DAVE CONFIRMS KENYA SWITCH
09-02-2008
West Brom running hero Blind Dave Heeley has been forced to scrap plans to visit Nairobi as part of his 7/7/7 marathon challenge. more
BELOW INFLATION COUNCIL TAX RISE FOR BRUM
09-02-2008
Birmingham’s Council tax is set to just 1.9% for the third year running – representing a major PR triumph for the city’s ruling Conservative/Lib Dem partnership. more
Get Out More...........................Dance News
KIROV BALLET (Birmingham Hippodrome, May 20-24)
09-02-2008
Tickets are now on sale for one of the dance events of the year – the arrival of the Kirov Ballet at the Hippodrome as part of the Birmingham International Dance Festival. more
WEST BROM GOING DOWN
09-02-2008
Earlier this week, Sandwell Council improved to a two star rating – partly because of its work in regenerating West Bromwich. Dave Woodhall wonders where the improvement are. more
Get Out More........................Gig News
WE ARE SCIENTISTS (Birmingham Academy, April 18)
09-02-2008
Like raucous, uplifting toons with rousing choruses? And a side order of humour thrown in? Then We Are Scientists could be just what you're looking for reckons our Dr Music Paul Samuels. more
SUPPORTERS UNITED AGAINST PREMIER LEAGUE OVERSEAS
09-02-2008
The campaign against the Premier League’s plan to stage matches overseas is gathering momentum – with fans organisations united in opposition. Villa’s Supporters Trust says the idea will turn the competition into a "lottery". more
Get Out More.............................Photo Exhibition
POGUS CAESAR (Wolverhampton Art Gallery 26 April –12 July)
09-02-2008
Wolverhampton Art Gallery will be displaying photographs by renowned Birmingham artist, photographer and film maker Pogus Caesar. Peter Millington takes a sneak preview. more
PREMIER LEAGUE – HAVIN’ A LAUGH
08-02-2008
Yes, it really was a day to check the calendar and ensure it wasn’t April 1st. The Premier League announced yesterday that it’s going to stage matches outside England - and bizarrely, clubs who traditionally play each other twice will face at least one opponent three times. more
VOYAGER: BAILIFFS FORCE DRIVER OFF THE ROAD
08-02-2008
In the latest twist on Birmingham Council’s Voyager payments fiasco, The Stirrer has been told how bailiffs forced a terrified Birmingham Council driver off the road and repossessed his van. The scene was described as being like an American TV cop drama. more
Save Our Opera Company
"STEP FORWARD" FOR OPERA COMPANY RESCUE
08-02-2008
Birmingham Opera Company has described yesterday’s crisis meeting with the Arts Council as a “step forward” – but major issues still have to be clarified before a rescue plan is agreed. more
MINISTER DIGBY CLASHES WITH GOVERNMENT
08-02-2008
Birmingham businessman and trade minister Digby Jones has put himself on a collision course with his own government by opposing plans to tax wealthy “non-doms” who live in Britain but run companies oversees. more
"FRIGHTENING" FUTURE FOR BRUM HOUSING AFTER LANDMARK CASE
08-02-2008
Birmingham Council’s housing boss has warned his department faces a "frightening" future following a landmark legal ruling which has serious implications for local authorities across the West Midlands and the rest of the country. more
COPS SLAP ASBO ON WOLVO HOUSE
08-02-2008
In what could be the first recorded instance of a house getting an ASBO, police have closed a drugs den in Wolverhampton – and warned anyone from going in or out for the next three months. more
BY GEORGE - HAS HE GOT IT?
08-02-2008
The government preaches localisation while pushing through new planning laws that reduce the power of communities to have a say over major developments in their area. Barbara Panvel hears from a West Midlands visionary with a truly radical idea...giving power to the people. more
Martin Longley's Music Blog
NYC WINTER JAZZFEST 2008 (The Knitting Factory)
08-02-2008
Longley braves the heaving bodies of one of the Big Apple's foremost avant jazz venues to sample the likes of David Murray and Amir El Saffar. more
Save Our Opera Company
ARTS SUPREMO TELLS OPERA COMPANY HOW TO SAVE ITSELF
07-02-2008
West Midlands Arts Council supremo Sally Luton has been setting out the conditions for the survival of Birmingham Opera Company ahead of crisis talks today. But she insists she’ll do everything she can to help the organisation survive. more
ENGLAND: NOT FAB....BUT NOT BAD
07-02-2008
Fabio Capello’s reign as England manager began with a 2-1 win against Switzerland at Wembley last night – but the performance was rather better than the scoreline suggest. more
WHITBY COCK-A-HOOP AT THREE STAR BRUM
07-02-2008
Leaders of Birmingham Council’s "Progressive Partnership" are basking in the achievement of a three star rating in the annual Audit Commission review. Improvements are noted in adult care, education and housing. more
TWO STAR SANDWELL "IMPROVING STRONGLY"
07-02-2008
Sandwell Council is "improving strongly" and moved up from one star to two in the latest Audit Commission rankings. Leader Bill Thomas said he was “overjoyed” at the news. more
Exclusive
SINGLE STATUS JOB RATINGS
07-02-2008
Want to know how Birmingham Council ranks different workers under the new Pay and Grading Review and which jobs are comparable? Thank to our moles on the "inside" we’ve got full details of the rankings from Grade 7 down to Grade 1. more
TEENAGER FACES IRAN EXECUTION
07-02-2008
Campaigners are calling for the reprieve of an Iranian teenager found guilty of murder when he was just 15. Behnam Zare faces execution within the next 72 hours. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
LAURENCE INMAN RECOMMENDS…
07-02-2008
Inman’s been in Eastenders y’know and he’s trod the boards all over the place. Loads of quality writing to, so he knows his stuff. What’s our culture vulture been watching and reading lately then? more
LIAM BYRNE'S OFF MIGRANT DOCTORS
07-02-2008
Does Liam Byrne read The Stirrer. Less than a week after we revealed that non-EU junior doctors were still be allowed in the country - despite an oversupply of homegrown candidates - the Immigration Minister (and Hodge Hill MP) has moved to close the loophole. more
RUDGE SLAMS UNION "LIES" AND "POLITICAL" STRIKE
06-02-2008
The Birmingham Councillor managing the city’s controversial Single Status pay review has accused union leaders of telling lies about the dispute - and says that yesterday’s strike was politically motivated. more
UNIONS WARN OF MORE SINGLE STATUS STRIKES
06-02-2008
Union leaders have warned there’ll be more strikes to follow yesterday’s walkout by Council workers which crippled services around the city. Schools, libraries, and leisure centres were all closed as staff protested against the Single Status Pay and Grading Review – while binmen picketed their depots. more
TREATING MRSA ...THE GUANTANAMO WAY
06-02-2008
"Bare below the elbow" is a government rule for combatting MRSA, even though there's no evidence to support it. Dr David Nicholl heads to Cuba in a search for the truth. more
Dave Woodhall’s Villa Blog
THE BEST AWAY TRIP OF THE SEASON...UNTIL KICK OFF
06-02-2008
Have Villa squandered a chance to make the Champions League by failing to bring in more than one player during the transfer window. Dave Woodhall reckons it looks that way after Saturday’s trip to Fulham. Nice ground, though. more
Martin Longley's Music Blog
JAZZ SOUNDS: NEW YORK (PART 515)
06-02-2008
Kenny Garrett, Stefon Harris, Pat Martino, David Ostwald, McCoy Tyner, Cindy Blackman, Han Benink, Curtis Fuller and the Brooklyn Jazz Underground are all on Longley's latest list. Phew! more
Single Status 1
A STRIKER’S STORY
05-02-2008
As thousands of Birmingham City Council workers go on strike today, The Stirrer speaks to a teaching assistant who stands to lose £3,000 a year under the new Single Status deal. Here, the woman – let’s call her Helen – explains in her own words why she won’t be going to work. more
Single Status 2
COUNCIL WORKERS STRIKE TODAY AS TALKS FAIL
05-02-2008
Thousands of Birmingham City Council workers will take to the picket lines today and attend a mass rally in Victoria Square following the failure of last-ditch talks aimed at settling the row caused by the Single Status Pay and Grading Review. More than 80 schools will close, along with the Central Library, and (at least) 11 leisure centres. more
Single Status 3
ALBERT: PM SHOULDN’T COUGH UP FOR SINGLE STATUS
05-02-2008
Gordon Brown shouldn’t have to dip his hand in his pocket to bail out Birmingham Council for the Single Status fiasco – so says Sir Albert Bore, the leader of the city’s Labour opposition. more
THE £500 MILLION TRAM
05-02-2008
The next phase of the Midland Metro tram system could create more than 5,000 jobs and generate £178 million for the local economy according to a report commissioned by Centro. Further developments could yield more than £500 million in annual spin-offs. more
BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL….ER, OLDBURY
05-02-2008
Well, they do say it’s in the eye of the beholder. And in fairness to the folk at community arts workers Multistory, they have managed to show the best side of an oft-maligned Black Country town. more
POGUS MOVIE HAT-TRICK
05-02-2008
Birmingham movie director Pogus Caesar’s been a busy boy – directing not one, not two, but three movies, free to download at your PC. more
Get Out More.........................................Gig Review
NICK CAVE (Carling Academy, May 5th)
05-02-2008
The Stirrer's already splashed out 25 quid for a ticket to see the Goth's Goth. Read our Dr Music Paul Samuels' assessment, and pray they haven't sold out yet. more
Callum’s Blues Blog
BLUES DERBY FALL
05-02-2008
Blues’ failure to beat the worst team in Premiership history left Callum O’Connell so disappointed, it’s taken him an extra day to write his blog this week. Relegation rivals Fulham and Wigan won, too leaving McLeish’s team in the bottom three. more
SILLY BUGGERS
04-02-2008
An MP gets bugged – and all of a sudden his colleagues wake up to the fact that Britain is a snooper’s paradise, where citizens can be routinely watched, monitored and spied upon. Welcome to the club. more
WEEK’S WAIT FOR GP AS HEALTH SEC SEEKS LONGER HOURS
04-02-2008
As the government seeks to force doctors to extend their opening hours, a Walsall mum has been telling The Stirrer that she can be forced to wait a week for an appointment. more
SPANISH RACE-ISM DOGS HERO HAMILTON
04-02-2008
Spanish racists have launched an astonishing attack on British motor racing hero Lewis Hamilton. Supporters of his former McLaren team-mate Fernando Alsonso "blacked up" to mock the mixed race driver during the weekend’s pre-season tests, and part of the grandstand in Barcelona had to be closed when missiles were thrown. more
Mick Temple’s Blog
ALL THE NEWS THE PR COMPANIES WANT US TO PRINT
04-02-2008
Mick Temple has gained access to disturbing research about the media’s increasing reliance on PR handouts, rather than original journalism. Funnily enough, the findings don’t appear to have made it into the mainstream media. more
THE STIRRER'S WALSALL PUB CRAWL
04-02-2008
In the latest in our occasional guide to the nightlife of the West Midlands, The Stirrer ventured on a Walsall pub crawl this weekend. Do you know these boozers? And which good ones did we miss? more
ALBON HITS BACK IN SINGLE STATUS ENQUIRY ROW
04-02-2008
Birmingham Council’s Human Resources Director Andy Albon has come out fighting after The Stirrer revealed that councillors from three different parties are demanding an enquiry into his behaviour. more
Terry's Baggies Blog
LANCASHIRE HOT POT
04-02-2008
Preston away, Burnley at home. The footballing fates threw Albion together with a pair of Lancashire "town teams" in the space of five days. Terry Wills tucks in. more
Get Out More.....................................Theatre Review
RAFTA, RAFTA (Birmingham Rep, until Feb 16)
04-02-2008
Birmingham Rep’s new season is certainly off to a cracking start, reckons our drama queen Paula Elenor. First off the blocks is the National Theatre’s touring production of Rafta, Rafta…, a comedy by Ayub Khan-Din. Judging by the audience’s enthusiastic response on press night, you should get your tickets now. more
Poet’s Corner 1
WHY?
04-02-2008
Amy Winehouse, Pete Doherty, and Britney Spears are front page news for no their reason than their various addictions. Brendan Hawthorne wonders what - and who - lurks beneath the headlines. more
Poets Corner 2
ROI KWABENA – FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS
Former Birmingham poet-laureate Roi Kwabena was given a 21 Drum Salute in honour of his life at the weekend, after passing away at the age of 51. Audrey Miller reflects on his poetical contribution to the Jubilee Debt Campaign. more
EXCLUSIVE: SINGLE STATUS
COUNCIL SAYS "PAY FOR OUR MISTAKES" AS 500 DEMAND INFO
02-02-2008
Staff at Birmingham Council have been warned they could be forced to pay to find out if management have cocked up their new pay scale. More than 500 workers have submitted Freedom Of Information requests about the basis of their new grades, but if these prove too time consuming to process, there'll be a charge. more
Save Our Opera Company
BIRMINGHAM OPERA: IT AIN’T OVER TILL THE FAT LADY SINGS
02-02-2008
Birmingham Opera Company which faced closure after it’s funding was cut has been given a reprieve – but the organisation still faces a series of crisis meetings to ensure its survival. more
Get Out More.............................Film Preview
TOMB RAIDER ASCENSION (The Lighthouse, Feb 7)
02-02-2008
Local film maker spends 10 grand making his own thrilling Tomb Raider spin off – and not only you can watch it for free, you can quiz the whole team behind this low-budget adventure. more
Exclusive
BINMEN ACCEPT PAY DEAL
01-02-2008
Birmingham's bin men and street cleaners have accepted the controversial secret pay deal revealed on The Stirrer earlier this week. To see The Stirrer's orginal story revealing the secret deal, which unions have warned could be unlawful. click here
ECP: THREE MEETINGS, SIX SETS OF MINUTES
01-02-2008
The murky world of Birmingham’s £14.5 million Enterprising Communities Programme takes another twist today with the revelation that minutes of its meetings were significantly changed on no fewer than three separate occasions. An internal audit has already said poor management left the organisation open to accusations of "malpractice, favouritism, and Illegal decision making". more
Exclusive
MIGRANT DOCS OD ON NHS
01-02-2008
The government’s cack handed reform of junior doctor training came a cropper last year – not least because they had to honour their obligations to overseas doctors who’d trained here. But as Dr David Nicholl reports, the door is still open to migrant medics, even though there’s already an over-supply in this country. more
RED ROUTE "BETRAYAL" AS GREGORY DUCKS OUT - AGAIN
01-02-2008
Angry Birmingham traders have spoken about their sense of "betrayal" after the council boss who introduced the controversial congestion-busting Red Route once again ducked out of meeting them – this time with less than four hours notice. more
BOOK WORM TURNS OVER LIBRARY REFURB
01-02-2008
There are big changes afoot at Birmingham’s Central Library when two key departments re-open today. But bookworms are telling The Stirrer that they’ll get access to fewer books for less time than before. more
JON GAUNT COMP WINNERS
01-02-2008
We had a bumper bag of entries (oh alright, then, quite a few emails) for our competition to win free tickets to see Jon Gaunt at Birmingham Town Hall on February 5. Here are the winners. more
COOKING THE BOOKS
01-02-2008
Plans to reintroduce compulsory cookery lessons won the government plenty of headlines recently, but Black Country teacher Lynn Hawthorne offers a different lesson they ought to digest - a recipe for creative thinking. more |
