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February 09
IS BIRMINGHAM'S MAIN OPPOSITION PARTY FIT FOR PURPOSE?
28-02-2009
For yet another year, Birmingham council has delivered a 1.9% council tax rise. For the first time in living memory, no opposition party has presented an alternative budget. Sir Albert Bore and the Labour Party top brass are trying to shrugging off criticism, but as Rachel in Friends might say “It's not that common, it doesn't happen to every guy, and it is a big deal!”. more
BREAKING THE TWITTER HABIT
28-02-2009
Dave Harte from Digital Birmingham explains why he’s giving up twitter for Lent and raising some money for good causes while he does it. more
The Stirrer’s Talk-In Radio Blog (2)
PUBLIC APPETITE REMAINS UN-JADED
28-02-2009
How far should a presenter go in criticising a terminally ill woman? Stirrer editor and Talksport presenter Adrian Goldberg considers phone-in etiquette. more
LORDS NOMINATIONS
28-02-2009
The Tory grassroots website, Conservative Home is seeking peer nominations. Last week, the site publicised a nomination for Mike Whitby. more
INNOVATING IN THE EDUCATION SECTOR
28-02-2009
A recent Reform paper reported that there are twenty nine quangos involved in education. How will the economic crisis affect state involvement and is there any chance of increased innovation by educational institutions? more
Get Out More..........................Gig Review
CANDI STATON (Birmingham Town Hall)
28-02-2009
She's been having hits in Britain for more than three decades, but age hasn't dimmed her voice - as Paul Samuels discovers. more
ST GEORGE’S £6,000 OFFER
27-02-2009
Organisers of Sandwell’s “banned” St George’s Day parade have been offered £6,000 by anonymous songwriter as they explore the possibility of getting the event back on track. They’ll also be featured on BBC1’s Politics Show this Sunday. more
“THINK AGAIN” PLEA OVER LDV
27-02-2009
Birmingham Council’s regeneration chief Neville Summerfield has written to business minister Ian Pearson demanding the government “think again” over government aid to van maker LDV. In the meantime, The Council is setting up a “benefits bus” to let workers know what to do if the worst happens. more
Get Out More....................................Film Review
GRAN TORINO
27-02-2009
“Get off my lawn…” is this movie’s catchphrase, as Clint Eastwood plays the ultimate grumpy old man, ill at ease with the changing world in which he lives. Stirrer editor enjoys the veteran’s return to the big screen for his first starring role since Billion Dollar Baby. more
Last Night’s Footy
SQUANDERING VILLA
27-02-2009
Villa squandered the chance to progress in the Premier League by resting eight regulars for last night’s UEFA Cup game against CSKA Moscow. The battle lines are drawn between those who see it as a waste of a trophy winning opportunity – and others who reckon the PL and Champions League take precedence. more
GAZA CONVOY BACK ON THE MOVE
27-02-2009
The British aid convoy to Gaza being held under roadside arrest in Tunisia – and which includes Birmingham councillor Mohammed Ishtiaq – has now been released. It was all a “misunderstanding” apparently. more
Get Out More.............................Theatre News
THE HOUNDING OF DAVID OLUWALE (Birmingham Rep)
27-02-2009
In the latest of the current crop of gritty dramas at The Rep, this is the hard-hitting real life story based on the death of a man in police custody. Paula Elenor reports. more
WHOOPS – AN APOLOGY TO SANDWELL COUNCIL
27-02-2009
The Stirrer would like to apologise unreservedly to Sandwell Council for incorrectly suggesting they’d tried to “spin” their Council tax figures and “gazunder” Birmingham’s 1.9% increase. more
Kingy’s Wolves Blog
ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE
27-02-2009
Spring is in the air, and despite recent setbacks, Brendan King is upbeat about Wolves prospect. more
Get Out More...............................Music Review
CBSO YOUTH ORCHESTRA (Symphony Hall, Sunday)
27-02-2009
These are exciting times for the CBSO under the baton of new conductor Andris Nelsons. Steve Beauchampe checks out their bumfluff brigade. more
Get Out More..............................Boxing News
SCOTT EVANS v CHRIS LONG (Wolves Civic, tonight)
27-02-2009
There’s a busy weekend of boxing in the area, starting with the show at Wolverhampton Civic Hall on Friday evening, courtesy of local promoters First Team. Dave Woodhall reports. more
BRUM COUNCILLOR ARRESTED ON AID CONVOY
26-02-2009
A Birmingham councillor delivering aid to Gaza is caught up in a terrifying ordeal in Tunisia, which has seen more than 300 British citizens subjected to a roadside arrest. One woman who managed to escape claims she’s now been “kidnapped” by the authorities. more
THE QUALITY OF MIRZA
26-02-2009
Birmingham Council’s Chief Legal Officer Mirza Ahmed has been given what can only be described as a public bollocking by his boss – the city’s chief executive Stephen Hughes - in an email leaked to The Stirrer. It follows a shambolic budget vote at Tuesday’s full council meeting. more
HIGHBURY - NOW THE HARD WORK BEGINS
26-02-2009
Now that Birmingham Council has done a u-turn on disposing of parts of the Highbury estate - a revealed on yesterday's Stirrer - Cllr Martin Mullaney outlines what needs to be done to preserve this historical site for the future. Now, he says, the hard work begins... more
BAEZ, ZAPPA, PROCLAIMERS FOR BRUM
26-02-2009
How’s that for a hat-trick of shows lined up for Birmingham’s Symphony Hall – folk legend Joan Baez, Dweezil Zappa playing selections from his dad Frank, and those speccy Scots The Proclaimers. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
“I STAND BEFORE YOU.... I CAN DO NO OTHER”
26-02-2009
Sarah Brightman lost her heart to a starship trooper. Pah! That’s nothing. Laurence Inman mislaid his soul on a Number 11 bus. more
Martin Longley'sMusic Blog
JAZZ SOUNDS: (NEW YORK, PART 737)
26-02-2009
From The Bronx rightdown to Birdland, exiled Birmingham soul Martin Longley is still valiantly trying to keep his beret from fraying... more
HIGHBURY U-TURN AS DISPOSAL SCRAPPED
25-02-2009
Campaigners battling to save Birmingham’s historic Highbury Hall are claiming victory after a Council U–turn today. Plans to dispose of key buildings on the site have now been scrapped. more
FOUR DAY WEEK IF JLR WORKERS ACCEPT DEAL
25-02-2009
Workers at Jaguar Land Rover will start voting today on a new deal aimed at heading off hundreds of compulsory redundancies. Here’s the most comprehensive breakdown of the package yet published – which includes the prospect of a four-day week. more
HARD LINES FOR GOV’T OVER HOUSING
25-02-2009
Council tenants should get a fairer deal from government according to Birmingham’s tough-talking housing supremo John Lines – who’ll be taking his case to parliament today. more
Last Night’s Footy
COSTLY MISSES FOR BLUES
25-02-2009
Birmingham City turned in a much improved display at Crystal Palace last night – but failed to capitalise on numerous chances. Worst culprit was on-loan Honduran striker Carlos Costly. more
Get Out More...........................Film News
FLATPACK FESTIVAL (11-15 March)
25-02-2009
It’s Britain’s finest and most eclectic indie film festival, and we’re privileged to have it in Birmingham. Highlights include a tribute to the city’s early cinema pioneer and – bizarrely – “paper cinema” for kids. more
Barbara’s Blog
INDIAN TAKEAWAY
25-02-2009
Last week Barbara Panvel brought us news of a movement aimed wiping out VIPs – Vested Interests in Politics. The ripples are spreading far and wide - but so, too, is the corruption of the system. more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
DON’T MENTION THE GAME
25-02-2009
Terry Wills does his best Basil Fawlty impression. Except that instead of “Don’t Mention The War”, it’s “Don’t Mention The Game”. more
CABINET CONSPIRACY OF SILENCE OVER IRAQ
24-02-2009
Jack Straw has used unprecedented powers to veto the publication of minutes from the two Cabinet meetings at which it was decided to go to war with Iraq. Hmmm… has he got something to hide? more
VAN CRASH COMING AS LDV DENIED BAILOUT
24-02-2009
Government promises to help the West Midlands stricken motor industry appear to have come to nothing as far as LDV Vans are concerned. Pleas for a £30 million bailout have been snubbed. more
KNOCKDOWN PRICE FOR HISTORIC HIGHBURY?
24-02-2009
Birmingham Council has been accused by the Charity Commission of failing to consult over the proposed sell-off of parts of the historic Highbury estate - once home to the Chamberlain family. It’s also emerged that council officers are considering demolishing key buildings on the site – without ever discussing it with elected representatives. more
RENDERED SPEECHLESS
24-02-2009
The return to UK soil of Binyan Mohamed closes a disgraceful chapter in British history, with MI5 apparently complicit in the torture of a British resident. Dr David Nicholl, who has highlighted his case on The Stirrer welcomes his return. more
READ ALL ABOUT IT – NEW LIBRARY HAS COST £4 MILLION
24-02-2009
Not a brick has been laid in Birmingham’s new Central Library, but a joint investigation by the Stirrer and campaigners aiming to save the existing building has uncovered that £4 million has already been spent on fees. Alan Clawley says enough is enough. more
Get Out More...........................Film Preview
THE TIMES OF HARVEY MILK (March 3, 2009)
24-02-2009
Not the Oscar-winning biopic which brought Sean Penn an Oscar, but Robert Epstein’s 1984 documentary about the United States’ first openly gay man to win election in the United States. This one won an an Academy Award, too, incidentally. more
BLOGGING BYRNE REVEALS LDV BUYOUT
23-02-2009
Cabinet Office minister Liam Byrne has revealed plans on his blog for a management buyout of crisis–stricken Birmingham van maker LDV. The company is thought to be at risk of closure, jeopardising around 6,000 jobs. more
GRANPA'S FALLINGS STANDARDS
23-02-2009
Wolverhampton’s Council leader is being reported to the Local Government Standards Board for pre-judging the closure of a much loved care home in the midst of a consultation period. more
Weekend Footy Round-Up
ANOTHER WHITE FLAG DAY FOR BAGGIES
23-02-2009
Last time Albion got relegated, fans staged a “white flag day” in protest at how meekly Bryan Robson’s side surrendered their Premiership status. On current form, they’ll be in for a repeat performance at the Brummie Road End sometime between now and May. more
HOPKINS LABOUR PAINS
23-02-2009
Senior Labour figures in Birmingham have rejected suggestions raised on The Stirrer Forum that Kingstanding councillor Zoe Hopkins has been “deselected”. She will be stepping down – but we’re assured it’s entirely of her own volition. more
Get Out More..........................Concert Review
CBSO: TRANSFIGURED NIGHT (Symphony Hall)
23-02-2009
Charismatic new conductor Andris Nelsons now has his feet firmly under the table at the CBSO. Gary Whitehouse reviews last Thursday’s performance of works by Schoenberg, Messiaen, and Strauss. more
Poet's Corner
DARE TO CRITICISE?
23-02-2009
Middle managers are the bane of Brendan Hawthorne's life. You know the sort - too insecure in their own position to have an opinion, and wary of anyone beneath them who might want to try expressing theirs. more
JOSS STONE AT THE RAINBOW
22-02-2009
What an amazing coup – 10 million album selling and Grammy award-winning Joss Stone is playing a gig at Digbeth’s intimate Rainbow pub on Monday night. And there are still a few tickets available. more
THE STIRRER ON FIVE LIVE - TONIGHT
22-02-2009
Your favourite website is featured on BBC Five Live tonight at 7 o’clock. Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg explains all. more
A RED CARPET RIDE
22-02-2009
It’s the Oscars tonight – and Paula Elenor dons her best ballgown to weigh up the likely winners. more
JNC SQUATTERS STAY PUT
21-02-2009
Members of the Justice Not Crisis social housing campaign group have launched an appeal against their eviction from The Firebird pub – and are also occupying new premises. more
"GAZUNDERING" SANDWELL IN A COUNCIL TAX SPIN
21-02-2009
Sandwell is attempting to “gazunder” Birmingham by claiming to offer the lowest Council Tax rise in the West Midlands. The Black Country borough reckons its rate will rise by just 1.8% - but that doesn’t tell the whole story. more
Richard Lutz’s Blog
OSCARS AND THE GREYHOUNDS
21-02-2009
At the same time as warning us not to waste our money on the track, Richard Lutz has another cunning plan for mis-spending our hard earned. Yup. Waste it on the Oscars instead. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
JUST LIKE LIVING IN BEIRUT, 1978
21-02-2009
Kings Heath’s favourite son is in prolific form at the moment. Look out for his definition of what food is. more
Audrey's "Grow Yer Own" Blog
PRETTY, VACANT
21-02-2009
Even the "Today" programme and National Trust got in on the allotment act this week. Audrey Miller, who's been encouraging Stirrer readers to clamber aboard the bandwagon, says there's never been a better time. more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
A STROLL BESIDE THE THAMES
21-02-2009
With Albion lining up against Fulham in Sunday's televised lunchtime fixture, the nation's gaze will be fixed on their relegation struggle. Terry Wills weighs up the likelihood of survival. more
LIB DEMS HEADING FOR BRUM
20-02-2009
In another coup for Birmingham, the Liberal Democrats have announced that they will hold their Spring 2010 and Autumn 2011 conferences in the city. more
“I’LL SPRAY GAZA MURAL AGAIN”
20-02-2009
Award-winning aerosol artist Mohammed Ali has vowed to re-paint his controversial pro-Gaza mural in Alum Rock – one the same house where sprayed over following pressure from the police. more
KELLY GROCUTT R.I.P.
20-02-2009
Fan tributes have been flooding in for Kelly Grocutt, bassist with West Midlands pop giants ELO who died of a heart attack yesterday. Grocutt, from Coseley, played with the band during their most successful years, between 1975 and 1983, and his high-pitched vocals can be heard on “The Diary Of Horace Wimp”. more
"OUTLAW" COUNCILLOR VOWS TO FLY FLAG FOR ST GEORGE
20-02-2009
One of Sandwell’s Tory councillors has vowed to join in West Brom’s St George’s Day parade – even if it remains an “outlaw” event, without official sanction. Yet after the national furore caused by the banning of the event, organisers have renewed hope that a compromise can be thrashed out with the local authority. more
BURDEN RENEWS BEEB BLAST OVER GAZA
20-02-2009
Birmingham MP Richard Burden has renewed his attack on the BBC for refusing to screen a Gaza charity appeal. The Corporation said yesterday that it stood by the decision, but Burden – who has been in the territory this week – said “they should get their priorities straight. more
CONSULTATION? WOT CONSULTATION?
20-02-2009
We posed the question on this site yesterday about the credibility of the consultation process dealing with Birmingham’s Big City Plan. One former city councilor reckons the situation is even worse when it comes to the proposed closure of a day care centre for adults. more
JUSTICE NOT CRISIS EVICTED
19-02-2009
Social housing campaign group Justice Not Crisis have been evicted from their squat at the The Firebird pub in Balsall Heath. They claim the papers weren't served properly - but say the occupation was a success anyway. more
GAZA MURAL REMOVED "UNDER DURESS"
19-02-2009
The row over the removal of a Gaza mural from a house in Alum Rock has intensified today, with one of the residents accusing the police of putting his elderly mother “under duress” to sign a consent form. more
IN SEARCH OF THE BIRMINGHAM APOSTROPHE
19-02-2009
Claims that Birmingham is "dumbing down" by removing the apostrophe from street signs and place names are challenged by city councillor Martin Mullaney. His research suggests they've been going AWOL for years. more
Get Out More.........................Theatre Review
DON JOHN (Birmingham Rep)
19-02-2009
Top Cornish touring company Kneehigh are back in town, with another of their strictly unfaithful versions of the classics. This time, Paula Elenor runs the rule over Don John. more
BIG CITY PLAN – CONSULTATION OR CONTROL FREAKERY?
19-02-2009
When is consultation not consultation? When the people asking the question have already made up their minds, of course. Michael Grimes (aka Citizen Sheep) wonders if Birmingham’s Big City Plan falls into this category. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
GIRL TROUBLE
19-02-2009
Skating effortlessly from Obama’s inauguration to the trouble with daughters – yes, it’s our weekly fix of Laurence Inman. more
Last Night’s Footy
VILLA’S DEFENCE MISS EARLY LOCKOUT
19-02-2009
Hundreds of fans were caught out by last night’s early kick-off against CSKA Moscow at Villa Park – and so were the home defence, who failed to manage the lockout demanded by boss Martin O’Neill. more
Kingy’s Wolves Blog
NERVOUS TIMES
19-02-2009
Have Wolves blow in? Not necessarily, argues Brendan King. But he warns that boss Mich McCartthy has to re-discover his attacking nerve. more
Gaza Mural 1
POLICE RESPONSE TO GAZA MURAL “PETROL BOMB” CLAIM
18-02-2009
Artist Mohammed Ali has made shocking allegations on The Stirrer today, suggesting that West Midlands Police scared a householder into agreeing to having a pro-Gaza mural sprayed over in case she was petrol bombed. The Police have now responded. more
Gaza Mural 2
“PETROL BOMB THREAT USED TO WIPE OUT GAZA MURAL”
18-02-2009
Award-winning aerosol artist Mohammed Ali has launched a passionate defence of his pro-Gaza murals in Birmingham – including one which was sprayed over by order of the police. Here’s his unedited version of what happened – including the allegation that a householder was warned she was in danger of being petrol bombed. more
TURN ON, TUNE IN…HERE COMES SPOTIFY
18-02-2009
For some readers, the name of the much-hyped website will induce a weary yawn. Been there, done that, signed up. For the rest of you, a treat awaits. more
Get Out More..............................Theatre Review
BUDDY (Birmingham Hippodrome)
18-02-2009
Billed as "failsafe family entertainment" this hit musical biog has been wowing the punters for years.Terry Wills checks it out the 50th anniversary edition. more
WALSALL JOINS BUS BLOCKADE
18-02-2009
Following on from yesterday’s article about the “bus blockade” forcing the re-routing of buses in Kings Heath, Kevin Chapman reports on a similar story from Walsall, discussed last night at the town’s Transport Users Forum. In this case, a prestige showcase route has been thrown off course. more
Get Out More....................................Theatre Review
THESE FOUR STREETS (Birmingham Rep)
18-02-2009
Or, as it’s known in the trade, “Lozells Riots – The Drama”. Paula Elenor enjoys a rare perspective on this tragic outburst. more
Barbara's Blog
VIP HAS ZIP
18-02-2009
Barbara Panvel reports on a fledgeling movement to combat the VIPs - vested interests in politics. more
GAZA PROTEST MURALS SPRAYED OVER
17-02-2009
The emergence of Northern Ireland-style political murals in Birmingham protesting at the Gaza conflict have been quickly squelched by the authorities. more
BUS RE-ROUTED AFTER RESIDENTS "BLOCKADE"
17-02-2009
Angry residents in a Birmingham suburb have forced the region’s largest bus company Travel West Midlands to re-route popular services by “blockading” their own street. more
SHHH! COUNCIL OFFICERS CAN SHUT YOU DOWN ROUND EAR
17-02-2009
Birmingham Council has confirmed that environmental health officers can issue noise abatement proceedings based purely on the subjective evidence of their own hearing –The revelation comes as another Digbeth venue faces a noise abatement order. more
WHITBY’S NIGHTMAYOR RETURNS
17-02-2009
Birmingham’s prospect of having a directly elected Mayor was dramatically revived today when Tory leader David Cameron unveiled plans to increase local democracy. Other proposals include the introduction of elected police chiefs and scrapping development agencies like Advantage West Midlands. more
Get Out More.................................Photography
MUZIK KINDA SWEET (Fazeley Studios, 27/2/09 to 3/4/09)
17-02-2009
Make a date in your diary for this excellent retrospective of top Brummie snapper Pogus Caesar, capturing some of the major artists who've visited the West Midlands since 1985. more
ROUGH JUSTICE FOR HOMELESS
17-02-2009
Housing campaign group Justice Not Crisis is challenging Birmingham councillors to go onto the streets with them one night and check the number of rough sleepers in the city. Officially, there are just four. more
GAZA SUPPORT NIGHT
17-02-2009
There’s a fundraiser for Gaza on Friday night. Here are the details courtesy of John Tyrrell who had this posted on his blog. more
BIRMINGHAM COUNCIL’S MISSING MILLIONS
16-02-2009
Millions of pounds in savings from Birmingham Council’s much vaunted Business Transformation scheme are proving elusive if the budget being presented to the city’s Cabinet today is any guide. more
MUM WINS BATTLE OVER SOLDIER'S MEMORIAL
16-02-2009
Midlands mom Carol Jones who lost her soldier son in Iraq is celebrating a hard-fought victory after the Ministry Of Defence agreed to return a memorial plaque in his honour from Basra. more
SIX YEARS ON – JUSTICE FOR MIKEY POWELL?
16-02-2009
So how did Mikey Powell really die? Six years after he lost his life in police custody in Birmingham in September 2003, an inquest is finally being held, and his family might finally get some answers. more
Weekend Footy Round-Up
VILLA COME UNSTUCK AGAINST TOFFEES
16-02-2009
Emile Heskey’s midweek exertions for England cost Villa dear as they were forced to rest their star striker – and duly slipped out of the FA Cup at the 5th Round stage. In the Championship, Wolves look all set to blow promotion again, but Blues are back on the march. more
NEW BALTI GUIDE FEATURES STIRRER FAVE
16-02-2009
The latest official guide to Birmingham’s Balti Triangle has just been published – and it includes the Stirrer’s family favourite Imran’s. If you’ve never been, go try it. more
Andy’s Blue Blog
FOREST CUT DOWN TO SIZE
16-02-2009
A Valentine’s Card from Karren Brady and a home win? Andy Munro has obviously been doing something right. more
WIN......WIN........WIN........WIN......WIN
BUDDY (Birmingham Hippodrome)
14-02-2009
The life story of Buddy Holly is on stage at Birmingham Hippodrome next week – and we’ve got two tickets to give away. more
The Stirrer’s Talk-In Radio Blog (1)
BORN TO BE WILDERS
14-02-2009
In the first of a regular series exploring life behind the microphone, Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg – host of "Britain’s biggest phone-in" on Talksport Radio – offers an exclsuive analysis of the week’s most popular phone-in subjects. more
PAPER TIGERS
14-02-2009
Independent Walsall councillor Pete Smith reveals details of huge jobs losses in local newspaper groups. He reckons it’s only good news for those in power who want to avoid awkward questions. more
Get Out More.....................................Film Review
VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA
14-02-2009
It’s a long time since a Woody Allen film attracted this much attention – so is it a return to form? Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg laps it up. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
A LOAD OF BOLLARDS – PART TWO
14-02-2009
In his most recent missive, Laurence Inman admitted that he hated people he’d never met. But hey, if you’ve got friends in high places, you can make sure they never trouble you. more
SALMA: “LET IN OFFENSIVE WILDERS”
14-02-2009
Birmingham councillor Salma Yaqoob has criticised the decision to ban Dutch politician and film-maker Geert Wilders, whose film Fitna equates Islam with Nazism. more
Get Out More.............................Eco Meeting
OLIVER TICKELL (17/2/09)
14-02-2009
Environmentalist, journalist and writer Oliver Tickell is coming to Aston Business School on Monday to discuss tackling climate change on a global scale. more
Poet’s Corner
CUT UP, CUT DOWN, CUT OFF
14-02-2009
Birmingham’s decision to get rid of the apostrophe from street names is exercising Brendan Hawthorne this weekend – along with the fat pay packets of BBC presenters. more
WOLVES COUNCILLORS – CRACKERS AND SLACKERS
13-02-2009
Thanks to our number crunching statistician “Wulfrun Ian”, The Stirrer can reveal the attendance records of Wolverhampton’s councillors - who get expenses amounting to almost £1million every year. Check out for yourself the crackers – and the slackers. more
EARLYBIRD PRICE FREEZE AT VILLA
13-02-2009
Blimey – that’s early! Villa are putting season tickets for 2009/10 on sale on Monday - and supporters who get in early will be able to buy them at existing prices. more
BRUM COUNCIL TAX BELOW INFLATION AGAIN
13-02-2009
Birmingham Council is trumpeting a below inflation Council Tax increase for the fourth year running – but the leader of the city’s opposition Labour group Sir Albert Bore has claimed they’re “pulling the wool over people’s eyes.” more
PAUL BIRCH RIP
13-02-2009
The funeral of former Villa, Wolves and Halesowen Town star Paul Birch (1962-2009) is being held in West Bromwich today. Richard Nevin offers a fan’s tribute. more
MUHAMMED ALI KNOCKED DOWN IN BRUM
12-02-2009
Plans have been approved to demolish Birmingham’s Muhammed Ali Centre in Hockley – news which is sure to provoke anger among sections of the city’s African Caribbean community. more
Exclusive
HIGHGATE “SUPER RATS” PLAGUE
12-02-2009
Disturbing news reaches The Stirrer that Highgate in inner city Birmingham is being plagued by giant “super rats” who’ve been disturbed by the demolition of tower blocks in the area. They’re so big, cat are being scared away. more
ADOPTION CASE SHOWS NEED FOR REFORM - HEMMING
12-02-2009
The incredible story of a couple who may have been victims of a miscarriage of justice after having their three children taken from them and adopted has led Birmingham MP John Hemming to renew his calls for a change to the family courts system. more
PARADE FLAGS AS ST GEORGE MARCH “BANNED”
12-02-209
Sandwell Council has effectively scrapped Britain’s biggest St George’s Day Parade – but organisers have warned that disgruntled locals will still turn up anyway. more
Get Out More.........................Comedy News
ED BYRNE (Wolves Civic 5/11/09)
12-02-2009
Blimey, that was quick. He's only just done a show at the Wulfrun, and now he's been booked again - this time at the Civic. more
LONGBRIDGE GEARS UP FOR MAKEOVER
12-02-2009
Birmingham’s rundown Longbridge district – devastated by the closure of the Rover car plant – is set for a dramatic rebirth after a government inspector approved a development plan for the area yesterday. more
SALMA’S TV APPEAL – “SAVE JAG JOBS”
12-02-2009
Birmingham councillor Salma Yaqoob has pledged to use an appearance on BBC1’s “Question Time” tonight to argue the case for state aid for beleaguered Midlands car maker Jaguar Land Rover. more
MCALPINE’S FUSILIERS
12-02-2009
The recent controversy over Italian and Portuguese workers carrying out construction work in contracted teams, allegedly on low pay and inferior working conditions to those required for UK workers, is nothing new – as Brendan King reports. more
BRADY – “I’VE DONE NOTHING WRONG”
11-02-2009
Birmingham City Managing Director Karren Brady has vehemently denied doing anything wrong – after being re-arrested in a football bung enquiry focussed on money laundering allegations. more
NO NEED FOR LIBRARY GROUP TO MEET
11-02-2009
Birmingham Council has said there has been no need over the last 10 months for a Scrutiny Group to meet to discuss the city’s new Central Library plans. As we revealed earlier this week they last got together in March 2008. more
Kingy’s Wolves Blog
KEOGH SURGE-ERY
11-02-2009
News from the Wolves is that Andy Keogh has signed an extended contract taking his current deal (due to expire in 2010) until 2012. more
CONFESSIONS OF A BRUMMIE MUMMY (PART 21)
11-02-2009
To tangle or not to tangle? Brummie Mummy’s liaison with Ian from the Book Club attracts a new layer of intrigue. more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
BAGGIES OUT OF TOON
11-02-2009
Albion are spending international week in Spain. Just as well - otherwise Terry Wills would be giving them an ear-bashing. more
MULLANEY "NO REGRETS" AS HIGH COURT UPHOLDS BAN
10-02-2009
Birmingham councillor and Stirrer blogger Martin Mullaney insists he has “no regrets” about trespassing on the historic former Tram Depot owned by one his constituents in Moseley – even though the High Court has upheld his suspension. more
APOSTROPHE’S FIGHT BACK
10-02-2009
Who would have thought that grammar could become a key political battleground in Birmingham? Labour has pledged that when it’s restored to power, it will restore the city’s apostrophes. more
BLUES WHITEWASH OVER AGGRO?
10-02-2009
Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg was contacted on his overnight Talksport show by Birmingham City fan “Peter” – a regular and trusted correspondent. Peter claims there’s been a media whitewash over recent violent incidents at St Andrews. more
CLIMATE OF FEAR?
10-02-2009
Not for the first time, Stirrer blogger John Lish found himself censored the other day on The Guardian’s Comment Is Free website – for committing the modern heresy of challenging climate change. Here’s his letter to their online editor Georgina Henry.more
BRUM TEACHES BNP A LESSON IN UNITY
10-02-2009
Opposition is mounting to the BNP’s possible rally in Birmingham today in defence of teacher Adam Walker – accused of posting on extremist websites from school premises. more
Richard Lutz’s Blog
WITH FRIENDS LIKE US
10-02-2009
US special envoy Richard Holbrooke, aka Obama’s man in the war zone, arrives in Pakistan today. Richard Lutz says one presidential policy must be changed. more
Boxing round-up
KING NORTON
10-02-2009
The cream of the West Midlands boxing fraternity was out in force on Friday , with Rob Norton, Dean Harrison and Young Mutley all in action on a Barry Hearn promotion. Dave Woodhall was ringside. more
READ ALL ABOUT IT
10-02-2009
I wonder when you last bought a book and just had to tell everyone you met - "You must read this!" Audrey Miller has. more
Poet’s Corner
CRUNCH
10-02-2009
With Britain’s bankers being called to account by MPs today, Brendan Hawthorne offers a poetic view of credit crunch carnage. more
JACQUI SMITH – BE CC’ING YOU SOON
09-02-2009
Home Secretary and Redditch MP Jacqui Smith hasn’t only got dodgy expenses claims to worry about – in June her inbox could collapse under the weight of emails. more
VALENTINE'S DAY LOVE FOR BLOOD
09-02-2009
Protests against the loss of 70 jobs at Birmingham’s Blood Processing Centre are expected this Saturday. West Midlands patients will now be serviced from a centre at Filton near Bristol – M5 permitting, of course. more
LIBRARY SCRUTINEERS HAVEN’T MET FOR YEAR
09-02-2009
Campaigner Alan Clawley reveals that the scrutiny group set up to examine Birmingham’s new Central Library hasn’t met for almost a year. He poses some awkward questions they might like to answer. more
Get Out More.................................Film Review
THE WRESTLER
09-02-2009
Mickey Rourke grabbed “Best Actor” gong at last night’s BAFTA’s. Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg assesses his performance. more
Andy’s Blues Blog
THE ENDLESS STUTTER
09-02-2009
Blues are somehow hanging in there as contenders for automatic promotion. But as Andy Munro reports, that’s in spite of another disappointing performance against Burnley. more
Weekend Footy Round-up
"BARRY COULD GO" AS VILLA RUN GOES ON
08-02-2009
Villa’s club record seventh consecutive away win has been overshadowed by Martin O’Neill’s suggestion that Gareth Barry could still leave the club in the summer. It seems that Champions League football will be the decisive factor. more
Richard Lutz’s Blog
SNOW DRIFTS
08-02-2009
We think we’ve got it bad with all this snow? Pah? Exiled Yank Richard Lutz recalls what a real downfall is like. more
Barbara’s Blog
CREDIT WHERE IT’S DUE
08-02-2009
Jon Walker recently wrote in the Birmingham Post that the challenge to politicians during the current recession is to construct a successful and stable economy that does not rely on credit. Barbara Panvel explores the alternatives. more
Martin Longley’s Music Blog
ODDROC SOUNDS: NEW YORK (PART 4280)
08-02-2009
Oddroc, or just plain Oldster Rock? Why are those creakily decaying folks often weirder than today's striplings? Martin Longley finds himself in search of rock'n'roll revivalism in New York City, which might just be turning into the new Great Wyrley... more
HIGHBURY SELL OFF "TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE"
07-02-2009
Birmingham councillor Martin Mullaney has branded the sell off of parts of the Highbury Hall estate as "totally unacceptable". Here he says why - and explains what readers can do about it. more
BRUM BLAST FOR GAZA "MASSACRE"
07-02-2009
Birmingham councillor James Hutchings has emailed The Stirrer explaining that he didn’t – as we’d claimed – sign a statement condemning the invitation to Israel’s deputy commander of ground forces in Gaza. Here’s his clarification in full – which nevertheless includes some uncompromising words about the conflict. more
JOE CALZAGHE/HENRY COOPER (Wolves Civic 15/6/09)
07-02-2009
Joe Calzaghe who retired on Thursday was arguably Britain’s greatest boxer – but was he our greatest sports star of all-time? You can ask him when he comes to Wolves Civic later this year along with “Our ‘Enery”. more
Get Out More.....................................Theatre Review
FLASHDANCE (Birmingham Hippodrome)
07-02-2009
Flashdance - The Musical is a translation of the 1983 film that opened to unflattering reviews but went on to win massive audiences and a host of musical awards. Terry Wills assesses the stage version. more
Wolves by-election
JASPAL BACK IN HEATH TOWN
06-02-2009
Popular Wolverhampton councillor Milkinder Jaspal has regained his seat in yesterday’s by-election in Heath Town – a result which will be seen as a reflection on public anger towards £40 million cuts ordered by the ruling Tory/Lib Dem coalition. more
HIGHBURY SELL OFF IS SELL OUT
06-02-2009
Birmingham City Council has been accused of being underhand in its efforts to sell off prized assets at Highbury Hall – former home of the Chamberlain family, and one of the city’s most precious historic sites. more
“ONE RULE FOR THEM” CLAIM OVER OFFICE PLAN
06-02-2009
Birmingham’s Labour leader Sir Albert Bore has launched a savage attack on the City Council over a new office development close to the city centre which the planning committee approved yesterday. He’s said it’s “one rule for them…” more
Get Out More...................................Gig News
GARY NUMAN (Wulfrun Hall, 23/4/09)
06-02-2009
Great opportunity to see the once reviled but now revered synth pop pioneer in close quarters at the Wulfrun. more
NO RACISM IN DALE'S DIARY
06-02-2009
Blogger Iain Dale has clarified the negative comments he made on the Today programme about West Bromwich Albion fans. Posting on The Stirrer Forum, Dale explained that he wasn’t commenting about Baggies fans in particular – just referring to supporters’ banter in general. more
Get Out More....................................Theatre Review
AN INSPECTOR CALLS (Birmingham Rep)
06-02-2009
An Inspector Calls – the English teacher’s favourite. But will it remain a favourite with this old English teacher – Paula Elenor? more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
TALK OF THE TOON
06-02-2009
It's Newcastle at The Hawthorns on Saturday for a "must win" relegation tussle. Terry Wills reads the runes after another turbulent week for Albion. more
Warning: Adult Content
SNOW BALLS
06-02-2009
Wondered what regulars at Digbeth's Spotted Dog have been up to during the recent snowfalls? Landlord John Tighe has sent us a few example of their handiwork (be warned - these pix are rude!) more
VILLA HAVE BEEN ARSE’D ABOUT
05-02-2009
The Premier League’s decision to allow Arsenal to sign Andrei Arshavin after the transfer deadline could cost Villa dear as they pursue a Champions League spot – and is another example of rule bending by the game’s authorities. more
WHAT A 51ST STATE
05-02-2009
Is it time to swap the pound for the dollar and accept that Barrack Obama is president of Britain? A shocking human rights case in the High Court this week shows that we’ve become the 51st state in all but name. more
BLACK MARK FOR BLOGGER DALE
05-02-2009
It’s time for Tory blogger Iain Dale to apologise after casting a vicious slur on the supporters of West Bromwich Albion on Radio 4’s Today programme yesterday. more
SNOW GO FOR SCHOOLS – AGAIN!
05-02-2009
As snow engulfs the West Midlands once again, credit to Birmingham City Council for getting its act together and having regularly updated information on the dozens of school closures in the city. more
WOLVES VOTERS IN POLL POSITION
05-02-2009
Voters in Wolverhampton have the chance to register their support or disapproval for the ruling Tory/Lib Dem coalition today when the polls open in the Heath Town by-election. more
Last Night’s Footy
ROVER AND OUT FOR DONNY
05-02-2009
Villa eased into the last 16 of the FA Cup with a comfortable 3-1 win against Doncaster Rovers – despite making seven changes from the side which drew against Wigan at the weekend. more
DAMNED IF THEY DID....
04-02-2009
Birmingham Council has come in for criticism – not least from the city’s Chamber of Commerce – for announcing a complete schools shutdown on Tuesday. The anticipated snowfall never came, leaving education chiefs with red faces. more
THE SUN SHINES ON DRUGGIE ISLAND
04-02-2009
While Carol Thatcher has been booted off the BBC because of her use of the word “golliwog”, The Stirrer spots an altogether more insidious message in Britain’s top selling tabloid. more
GAZA COMMANDER'S SECRET TRIP EXPLAINED
04-02-2009
Israel’s Deputy Commander of Ground Forces during the recent Gaza invasion planned an unpublicised meeting in Birmingham on Sunday – a visit described by opponents as a "betrayal of trust" Ruth Jacobs of the Israel Information Centre explains that the proposed meeting (which was cancelled at late notice) would have helped counter anti-Jewish sentiment. more
Doc Dave’s Blog
LOVE LETTER TO A HOSPITAL
04-02-2009
Dr David Nicholl enjoys a first glimpse of his new professional home - the "superhospital" on the QE site in Birmingham. more
Get Out More..............................Gig News
DEEP PURPLE (LG Arena, Nov 13)
04-02-2009
The legendary rockers are only doing four dates – and one of them is in Brum. Tickets go on sale on Friday. more
Last Night's Footy
BAGGIES OUT AS WOLVES HELD AT HOME
04-02-2009
Albion fell victim to an FA Cup giant-killing when their much changed team – showing six changes from Saturday – fell 3-1 to Burnley. In the Championship, Sylvan Ebanks Blake bagged a hat-trick for leaders Wolves but still failed to end up on the winning side. more
Warning – Contains Scenes of Mild Peril
CONFESSIONS OF A BRUMMIE MUMMY (PART 20)
04-02-2009
Brummie Mummy explores her mother's past for clues as to how she should behave in her own life. What with her Awful Wedded husband, and her suitor Ian... more
Gaza 1
“BETRAYAL OF TRUST” OVER GAZA INVITE
03-02-2009
A visit to Birmingham by the Deputy Commander of Israel’s Ground Forces in Gaza has been cancelled after news of the invitation was leaked. One city councillor has described plans to host a so-called “war criminal” as “a betrayal of trust”. more
JACQUI SMITH FOR WOLVES CLAIM “RIDICULOUS”
03-02-2009
The prospective Labour candidate for Wolverhampton North East has laughed off suggestions that Home Secretary Jacqui Smith is about to be parachuted into the constituency. more
WHITEOUT FOR ALL BIRMINGHAM SCHOOLS
03-02-2009
All schools in Birmingham, Dudley, and Solihull will be closed today after falling victim to the heavy snowfall. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
A LOAD OF BOLLARDS
03-02-2009
Life is great, muses Laurence Inman. Or at least it would be, without other people. more
SPINK PAYS TRIBUTE TO BIRCH
03-02-2009
Former Villa goal-keeper Nigel Spink has paid tribute to his former team-mate Paul Birch who died from cancer yesterday at the age of 46. more
Gaza 2
AFTERMATH IN GAZA
03-02-2009
The Gaza crisis has all but disappeared from our screens, but victims of the conflict are still dealing with the aftermath. Here’s an eyewitness report from Steve Kamlish QC who is just back from the International Federation for Human Rights mission to the warzone. more
STIRRER GROWS RADIO AUDIENCE
03-02-2009
The listening figures are in – and Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg has boosted the quarterly audience on his overnight Talksport phone-in show by 6% compared to the previous quarter. more
SPORTS CENTRE CLOSURE COULD COST £800,000
02-02-2009
As the row intensifies over the future of a threatened West Midlands sports centre, a letter seen by The Stirrer confirms that a local council would be opening itself up to an £800,000 compensation claim by closing it. more
Get Out More..........................Gig Preview
BILLY BRAGG (Wolves Civic, 18/6/09)
02-02-2009
Anyone who saw the Bard of Barking’s terrific show at Birmingham Town Hall last year will be queuing up for a repeat performance at Wolves Civic in June. more
STIRRER BAN FOR THE KING OF MERCIA
02-02-2009
For only the second time in our two and half year existence, we’ve had to ban a blogger sine die – so farewell then to apgriffith, representative of the Mercian independence movement, who gets the old heave-ho for advocating the wholsesale deportation of Muslims. more
Get Out More.........................Gig News
SEASICK STEVE (Wolves Civic)
02-02-2009
One of the most unlikely touring stars of recent times headed to the Civic last Thursday. Steve Beauchampe revels in an improbable gig. more
Andy’s Blues Blog
BY ‘ECK – IT’S McTINKERMAN
02-02-2009
A late equaliser saved Blues blushes at Hillsborough in Saturday’s televised game, but like so many St Andrews regulars Andy Munro remains unimpressed by the boss now known as McTinkerman. more
CLOSE TO THE HEART
02-02-2009
Lynn Hawthorne looks into a- new development in the treatment of heart disease for the UK - being pioneered in the Black Country. Her husband - The Stirrer's poet laureate Brendan Hawthorne - is one of those who stands to benefit, and he needs your help. more
Poet’s Corner
OMEGA 3
02-02-2009
Stirrer poet laureate Brendan Hawthorne suffers from a potentially fatal condition called FH means there’s too much naturally occurring fat in his bloodstream – increasing his risk of heart attack or stroke. Omega 3 – the vitamin found in oily fish – is apparently a solution. more
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