January 08"NO OVERWHELMING SUPPORT" CLAIM AS STRIKE GETS NOD28-01-2008Birmingham Council workers have voted in favour of a strike over their new pay deal - but the city’s deputy leader insists there's "no overwhelming support" for industrial action. moreSingle Status UpdateSTRIKES, “SECRET DEALS”, AND COUNCILLORS “MISLED”28-01-2008The Stirrer has discovered that Birmingham councillors representing all three major parties are demanding an enquiry into a senior officer, who’s been accused to misleading them over Single Status discussions. There are also allegations that a “secret deal” is being hatched to prevent refuse workers striking. All this against the background of a ballot in favour of industrial action. moreVOYAGER INTO THE UNKNOWN28-01-2008Birmingham Council’s Deputy Leader will be demanding an immediate update today into the progress of the city’s new Voyager IT system – following The Stirrer’s revelations that hundreds of creditors remain unpaid. It’s been alleged at least one local authority office has been visited by bailiffs. moreBRUM ESTATE “COULD DOUBLE IN SIZE”28-01-2008Birmingham’s regeneration boss has admitted he’s considering plans to double the number of houses on the city’s Druids Heath estate – and says that he would personally support a 50% increase in density. moreCarol Jones’ Forces BlogARMED FARCES28-01-2008It’s emerged that dozens of civil servants at the Ministry of Defence are in line for a performance-related bonus of £7,000 – half the annual wage of an infantryman on the front line in Afghanistan. No wonder MPs are warning today that forces morale is deteriorating. Carol Jones is furious. moreWOLVO’S LEAFLET LICENCE EXPLAINED28-01-2008Wolverhampton Council has denied failing to consult nightclub promoters over its new "leaflet licence" – and says the aim is reduce litter. moreVIZ: VIZ28-01-2008Remember Viz magazine? How could you forget Finbarr Saunders and His Double Entendres or Johnny Fartpants? This great mag which began life as a fanzine is still on sale, and to remind you of what you’ve been missing reader Manish Patel sends us a personal selection of their greatest readers’ letters. moreTerry’s Baggies BlogALBION SEEING DOUBLE28-01-2008Saturday's victory at Peterborough takes Albion into the last 16 of the FA Cup, and has Terry Wills dreaming that a unique Baggies double might be repeated. morePoet’s CornerURBAN METRO FREEDOM28-01-2008The Stirrer’s poet laureate Brendan Hawthorne muses on the litter-strewn, muck-stained streets of his Black Country neighbourhood. moreExclusiveVOYAGER: BAILIFFS THREAT TO THE COUNCIL HOUSE26-01-2008Birmingham City Council has been threatened with bailiffs because of late payments to suppliers – with critics blaming the new Voyager IT system. A former councillor has also told us he’s owed hundreds of pounds for work carried out last year. The news follows our revelation that supplies of daily papers to city libraries have been stopped by newsagents who are still waiting for their dosh. moreWOLVO: “WHAT NEXT, A LICENSE TO BREATHE?”26-01-2008Black Country music promoter Steve Harrington reckons you’ll soon need a licence to breathe in Wolverhampton, after learning that he’s got to cough up £250 for the privilege of handing out nightclub flyers. moreMANC-Y PANKY OVER BIRMINGHAM AIRPORT26-01-2008As Solihull Council prepares to debate whether to approve the runway extension at Birmingham Airport, Manchester already has the capacity for long-haul flights – and they’re rubbing our noses in it with a massive advertising campaign around the West Midlands. moreMick Temple's BlogMYSTIC MICK26-01-2008Puffed-up with pride after Peter Hain took his advice to quit, Mick Temple now tries to influence a few more events in the political world. moreGAUNT BACKS MAYOR FOR BRUM26-01-2008Radio shock jock Jon Gaunt has accused Birmingham ofpunching below its weight – and says the city needs a London-style elected mayor. His comments emerged in this week’s Stirrer column in the Birmingham Mail. morePLAYING CLEVER WITH BRIGHT KIDS26-01-2008Football clubs go out and recruit talented youngsters, so why aren’t big businesses targeting teenage brainboxes wonders Diane Benussi. moreExclusiveLIBRARIES “NOT GETTING PAPERS” BECAUSE OF CAPITA COCK-UP25-01-2008The Stirrer’s been told that libraries in Birmingham haven’t been receiving their daily newspapers because newsagents bills haven’t been settled. The root of the problem is the Council’s new IT payments system, Voyager, recently introduced by consultants Capita.moreALI QUITS YOOBEES25-01-2008UB40 singer Ali Campbell has quit the Birmingham reggae giants after 30 years to concentrate on his solo career – although the remaining seven band members have vowed to soldier on. moreCommentBRUM SPLASHES OUT £20MILLION – TO SAVE CASH25-01-2008Consultants hired to slash costs at Birmingham City Council have cost £20 million over the last two years - and the spending will go on. But although the figures are enormous they must be balanced against the savings ushered in by the Council’s new Business Transformation Plan designed to cut spending by £600 million. moreSandwell Council by-electionLIB DEM BLOW AS LABOUR SNATCH NEWTON25-01-2008One of the few Lib-Dem strongholds in the Black Country has been broken with Labour’s shock victory last night in the Sandwell Newton by-election. David Hosell snatched the seat left vacant following the death of Martyn Smith by just 35 votes. moreGet Out More...........................Musicals, Gigs etcTHE HARDER THEY COME, THE FALL - AND MORE25-01-2008Movie classic The Harder They Come which opened the world’s ears to Reggae is coming to Birmingham Hippodrome as a musical – and that’s just one of West Midlands forthcoming arty highlights. We’ve also got online art from the Black Country, the Fall in Bilston, the chance to sing with CBSO and plenty more besides. moreDave’s Villa BlogBETTER OUT THAN IN FOR O’NEILL25-01-2008Martin O’Neill’s transfer window policy seems to be “better out than in”, with more players primed to leave Villa Park than join it. Maybe owner Randy Lerner’s £5million donation to the National Portrait Gallery has left him short of pocket money. Dave Woodhall muses on the movers who weren’t shakers. moreAIRPORT RUNWAY PETITION TAKES OFF24-01-2008It's not only campaigners against the extension of Birmingham Airport's runway who are demanding to be heard - so are supporters of the scheme. They've launched a petition backing the plan, which has been lodged with Solihull Council. moreExclusiveTHE GREAT DRUIDS HEATH MYSTERY24-01-2008Mystery surrounds the future of one of Birmingham’s biggest council estates after The Stirrer received reports that more than 2,500 new homes are going to be built there. moreDISABLED WORKERS FACE BENEFITS BARRIER24-01-2008Research published today reveals that people with disabilities still face significant barriers to work - despite the introduction of laws aimed at ending discrimination. One of the key culprits is the benefits system. moreSINGLE STATUS: THE FORGOTTEN LOSERS24-01-2008Birmingham Council has – somewhat bizarrely - just won a government award for its Business Transformation programme, even though it won't be completed for another 10 years. One City employee reports on how the new programme is combining with Single Status to rob him and many others of vital employment rights. moreJUST BECAUSE YOU’RE PARANOID...24-01-2008...it doesn’t mean that they aren’t out to get you. As Laurence Inman knows only too well. That’s why he’s lifting the lid on the conspiracy known as Central Command. But sshhh…don’t tell everyone. moreCEMENTING OUR FUTURE24-01-2008New buildings are VAT free, but you have to pay the tax if you want to do up an existing one - even though conservation is better for the environment. Barbara Panvel mounts a passionate defence of "mend and make do". morePOLICE PROTEST “ABOUT MORE THAN PAY”23-01-2008As more than 1700 West Midlands police officers head to London for today’s national pay protest, their local union boss is warning there’s more at stake than money. Paul Tonks of the Police Federation accuses Home Secretary Jacqui Smith of having "another agenda." moreLEWINSKY BLOW FOR CLINTON23-01-2008Hillary Clinton might be vying to become the first woman President of the USA in her own right, but she can't quite shrug off her husbands's legacy. I mean, there's always likely to be someone with a blue dress walking around. And then there are the bumper stickers...or what Bill might call a bit of light relief. moreLONGBRIDGE DELAY “COULD BE GOOD NEWS”23-01-2008Delays in resuming car production at the old Rover factory in Longbridge could be good news according to the local MP Richard Burden. He blames the hold-up on the merger of the factory’s owners Nanjing Automobile with Chinese rivals SAIC – but remains optimistic about the future. moreWHAT WAS LOST? THE COSTA BOOK PRIZE23-01-2008Birmingham author Catherine O’Flynn has narrowly missed out on the Costa prize for the most enjoyable read of the year – despite recently scooping the new novel award. moreBRUM DRAMA CLIFFHANGER AS BBC OFFERS TALKS23-01-2008BBC Director General Mark Thompson refused to rule out the closure of the Corporation’s Birmingham-based Drama Village yesterday – but he has agreed to talk about its future with the region’s Film and TV boss. moreLAST ONE IN…MAKES HISTORY23-01-2008Not content with trying to save Moseley Road baths, Steve Beauchampe celebrates the history of the old Tudor Grange Pool in Solihull which closes for the final time next Monday. moreExclusiveBNP LEADER GRIFFIN IN BRUM PUB MEETING22-01-2008BNP leader Nick Griffin has been rallying the party faithful at a Birmingham pub, following a series of recent setbacks. Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg who was allowed in to the meeting but then thrown out, gives his first hand account of a bizarre evening. moreBBC DRAMA “ABSOLUTELY VITAL” TO BRUM22-01-2008Birmingham’s PR boss has warned its “absolutely vital” the BBC keeps making drama in the city. His comments come as local film executives head to Manchester to confront the Corporation’s Director General Mark Thompson over his plans to downgrade the Second City’s TV output. moreSLUMP? WHERE WAS THE BOOM?22-01-2008Fearing an economic slump amid tales of falling global share prices? Take a trip to Walsall’s main shopping arcade and you’ll see that the chill wind of recession already seems to be blowing through parts of the West Midlands. moreCRADLEY SPEEDWAY BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD22-01-2008Hopes for the revival of one of the great names in Black Country sport – Cradley Heathens Speedway Club – have been dashed. An application for a new stadium on green belt land in Wollescote has been withdrawn after running into opposition from residents. moreGet Out More...............................Gig PreviewDUFFY (Glee Club, Birmingham, March 11)22-01-2008She hasn't even got her own official website yet, but already Duffy's '60s-style soul ballads have won her a loyal following. The Stirrer's Dr. Music - Paul Samuels -has already been converted to the sound of tearstained mascara. moreCALL FOR BAN AS B&Q GOES COLD ON PATIO HEATERS22-01-2008Britain’s biggest outlet for patio heaters B&Q has warmed up the debate on global warming – by withdrawing them from sale. Now West Midlands Friends of the Earth wants the offending items banned altogether. moreCallum's Blues BlogCHELSEA DAGGER22-01-2008Three major signings and a decent performance against Chelsea have lifted spirits at St Andrews. Callum O' Connell is in a positive mood despite Saturday's 1-0 defeat. moreMartin Longley's Music BlogMODERNE SOUNDS: NEW YORK [PART ONE]22-01-2008What's the point of being in the world's craziest city if you're not going to explore the extremes of music. None whatsoever, especially if your name is Martin Longley, who's been listening to early pieces by British avant jazzer Gavin Bryars and seeing Harry Parch's unique self-built instruments. Quadrangularis Reversum, anyone? moreNEVER MIND LONDON, JACQUI – HAVE A NIGHT OUT IN REDDITCH21-01-2008Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has caused a political storm by suggesting that the streets of London aren’t safe after dark. Blimey, she ought to spend a Saturday evening in her own constituency to know what scary is. moreNEIGHBOURS AMAZED AT £100,000 CANNABIS FACTORY21-01-2008Residents of a leafy Birmingham suburb have been telling of their astonishment at the discovery of a cannabis factory in their midst. An ordinary terraced house in Bournville, close to the Cadbury factory, was hosting a production line of a very different kind – weed with a value of £100,000. moreSPLITS EMERGE IN WEST MIDS BNP21-01-2008Cracks have started to appear in the West Midlands BNP – which until now has been a stronghold of under-pressure leader Nick Griffin. A blog purporting to be written by a veteran member of the far-right party’s East Birmingham branch has been created to lobby for change at the top. moreSTIRRER SERVES UP A BARGAIN AT FILINI21-01-2008The Stirrer is delighted to announce a new partnership with Filini – “the most stylish Italian restaurant in Birmingham" – which is based at the Radisson SAS Hotel, Holloway Circus. Readers can save 25% and get a free bottle of Prosecco. morePoet's CornerPOWER FOR THE PEOPLE21-01-2008Energy bills are on the rise and the government looks on helplessly, yet at the same time it's more than happy to spend squillions of your money propping up an ailing bank. Now you know who really holds power in our country muses Brendan Hawthorne. moreGet Out More................................Film ReviewNO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN (15, General Release)21-01-2008The Coen Brothers latest release, about a serial killer on the loose hunting down $2 million dollars, has been described as their best movie to date – which is no mean feat when you consider their track record includes the likes of “Fargo” and “The Big Lebowski.” Paula Elenor gets in the line of fire. moreTerry’s Baggies BlogSQUEAKY BUM TIME21-01-2008Two home games in five days saw Albion advance to Round Four of the FA Cup and extend their lead at the top of the Championship. And that’s despite some dodgy defending. Terry Wills' fingernails are bitten to the quick. moreA Stirrer CampaignCLAMPING ROW REACHES PARLIAMENT19-01-2008The Stirrer’s campaign to rid the West Midlands of clamping reached parliament this week, when Perry Barr MP Khalid Mahmood called for the practice to be abolished. moreStirrer PodcastBLIND DAVE SURVIVES MEDIA BLITZ19-01-2008With just 79 days to go before he attempts to run seven marathons in seven days on seven continents, Black Country marathon runner Blind Dave Heeley has overcome his injury problems to resume training. His only problem now is fending off the media. moreCALLING TIME ON THE LOCAL19-01-2008Across the West Midlands, more and more local pubs are calling "time" and shutting their doors for good. Ellie Clifton wonders if the people who own them shouldn't be a bit more creative. moreTV IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE19-01-2008Earlier this week, The Stirrer reported that the BBC Drama Village in Selly Oak - home of Doctors and Dalziel and Pascoe was earmarked for closure, with the work being transferred to the Third World (ie Manchester). Kevin Chapman reflects on the decline of Midlands TV. moreADOPTION TARGETS TO BE SCRAPPED19-01-2008Controversial adoption targets – blamed by campaigners including the Birmingham MP John Hemming for increasing the numbers of children in care – look set to be scrapped. moreTAKING LIBERTIES, WINNING BAFTA’S?19-01-2008Taking Liberties – the movie made by Bromsgrove director Chris Atkins and featuring Stirrer blogger Dr David Nicholl – has been nominated for a BAFTA. Atkins says he’s “flabbergasted.” moreSINGLE STATUS: THE DUSTMAN’S STORY18-01-2008The Stirrer has received this email from a Birmingham City Council refuse worker, who lifts the lid on the current offer being made to him and his colleagues under the Single Status review. To compensate for the loss of annual bonuses of more than £10,000 his basic pay will rise - but he'll still end up losing £4,000 a year, with no salary protection. This is his story, in his own words. moreWOLVO/SANDWELL SINGLE STATUS UPDATE18-01-2008More than 2,000 council staff will lose pay following Wolverhampton’s Single Status pay review – but more than 5,000 will gain. It’s also emerged that a £55 million gap in Sandwell’s Single Status deal will have to be met by local schools. moreBBC BIRMINGHAM: ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST18-01-2008The shrinking world of BBC Birmingham grows smaller still – The Stirrer can reveal that Danny Kelly’s evening programme from the Mailbox has been axed and the West Midlands will now receive a Midlands-wide late show from Nottingham. moreMick Temple’s BlogLA HAIN18-01-2008“Go on then,” we said to Mick Temple. “Tell us what you really think about Peter Hain and his undeclared donations.” So he did. moreGet Out More...............................Gig NewsALI CAMPBELL (NIA, June 7)18-01-2008Ali Campbell and his band UB40 might divide the critics, but there’s no doubting his (and their) popularity. Tickets for Campbell’s solo show at the NIA go on sale tomorrow. moreJEWELLERY QUARTER “WORLD HERITAGE” BID17-01-2008Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter could soon take its place alongside Stonehenge, the Taj Mahal, the Eiffel and Tower and the Statue of Liberty – by being named a World Heritage Site. moreBBC DRAMA VILLAGE “TURNS INTO FARCE”17-01-2008Secret BBC plans to close the Drama Village at Selly Oak in Birmingham have been condemned by Black Country MP Tom Watson. He’s promised that his colleagues in Westminster will back a campaign to reverse the decision. moreJon Gaunt Interview..................Part ThreeGAUNT: “I SPEAK FOR THE PEOPLE WHO DON’T HAVE A VOICE”17-01-2008Controversial radio talk show host Jon Gaunt who’s appearing at Birmingham Town Hall next month has been telling The Stirrer how he once “bullied” the Arts Council out of £26,000 – and says he speaks for the “people who don’t have a voice.” moreBARRY FIGHTS “MUSLIM PERSECUTION” WITH MUSICAL WMD17-01-2008Outspoken gig promoter Barry Tomes claims Britain’s Muslims are treated like Jews in Nazi Germany. Now he’s fighting back with what he describes as “musical WMD” – a free CD featuring Islamic talent from the West Midlands. moreOLDBURY GETS THE WIND UP17-01-2008Sandwell Council has launched its first experiment in wind power by installing a turbine in Oldbury. moreUP IN SMOKE17-01-2008‘They say there’s nothing more self righteous than an ex-smoker’ muses Laurence Inman – before concluding that ‘they’ are right. As a former addict himself, he now reckons it’s time to ban the evil weed altogether. moreGet Out More..........................Musical ReviewSCROOGE (The Alexandra, Birmingham, until Jan 26)17-01-2008Shane Richie reprises his popular role as the central character in this musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”. Terry Wills swallows the humbug. moreBBC DRAMA FACES FINAL CURTAIN16-01-2008The BBC is set to pull the plug on Birmingham’s great tradition of telly drama - as revealed by The Stirrer in tonight's Birmingham Mail. moreJon Gaunt Interview ……………………………Part TwoGAUNT: “HOW I KICK-STARTED CLIVE OWEN’S CAREER”16-01-2008Jon Gaunt is best known as Britain’s leading “shock jock” but the former Birmingham University graduate has an intriguing past as an award-winning playwright. Ahead of his live show in the city next month, he tells us how he made a star of Clive Owen. moreGet Out More....................................Gig NewsDEF LEPPARD, WHITESNAKE, KATIE MELUA (NEC)16-01-2008Three big names – two big gigs. Heavy rockers Leppard and Whitesnake – with main man David Coverdale – are heading to the NEC in the summer, while for Katie Melua it’s an autumn date. moreALL HAIL “LYIN’ AIR” AS BLARNEY COMES TO BRUM16-01-2008Ryanair’s decision to expand its operations at Birmingham Airport has been greeted with almost universal acclaim in the local media, but The Stirrer wonders if we’ve all been taken in by the blarney of the company’s chief executive Michael O’Leary. moreRUDGE: “NO FUNDAMENTAL ERRORS” ON SINGLE STATUS16-01-2008The Birmingham Councillor responsible for introducing the controversial Single Status Pay and Grading Review has told The Stirrer there are no “fundamental errors” in his plan. moreBlind Dave’s 777 Countdown.........................82 Days To GoBLIND DAVE REJECTS TV STARDOM16-01-2008Black Country marathon runner Blind Dave Heeley has rejected the chance of TV stardom. He’s turned down an approach from the producers of Channel 4’s reality show “Wife Swap”. moreGet Out More.........................Gig PreviewTHE LINES, (Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton, Feb 23 2008)16-01-2008They haven’t released a single yet, but already they’re playing significant local venues. As Mat Danks explains The Lines have built their reputation the old-fashioned way by playing live – and the new-fangled way by going online. moreA Stirrer InvestigationTRADING STANDARDS PROBES WALSALL LANGUAGE SCHOOL16-01-2008Birmingham Trading Standards officers have launched an investigation into a language school causing severe delays to students desperate to become British citizens. moreJon Gaunt Interview......................Part OneSHOCK JOCK GAUNT: "I’M RIGHT WING, BUT I’M NO BIGOT"15-01-2008Britain's leading shock jock has been telling The Stirrer about his political journey from left to right. But ahead of his show at Birmingham Town Hall, Jon Gaunt insists "I'm not a racist, and I'm not a bigot" moreTILSLEY BLASTS “IRRESPONSIBLE” BORE OVER SINGLE STATUS15-01-2008Birmingham Council’s Deputy Leader Paul Tilsley has branded Sir Albert Bore “irresponsible” for saying he would back strike action over the new Single Status pay settlement. moreBlind Dave 777 Countdown.................83 Days To GoBLIND DAVE NAIROBI SAFETY FEAR15-01-2008Riots in Kenya which have left hundreds dead could force West Brom marathon runner Blind Dave Heeley into a rethink of the Nairobi leg of his 777 challenge. The Foreign Office is currently advising against non-essential travel to the country in the bloody wake of the recent election. moreGONE FISSION15-01-2008This time last week the government signalled its support for a new generation of nuclear power stations. Barbara Panvel, an unashamed reactor reactionary, offers her own Q&A for anyone who wants to know why they should oppose the plans. moreGet Out More..............................Music NewsCBSO GOES FOR A SONG IN THE JANUARY SALES15-01-2008Forget about trawling the shops for oversized jumpers you’ll never wear. The CBSO is entering the spirit of the January Sales with a 25% reduction in ticket prices – for one week only! moreDoc Dave's BlogSURGEONS PRESCRIBE THE CHOP FOR SIR LIAM15-01-2008Trying to get your own boss sacked is a bold move, but heedless of the risk Stirrer blogger Dr David Nicholl is renewing his call for the removal of the Chief Medical officer Sir Liam Donaldson. Here’s why. moreOxford Saddler’s BlogTHRILLING DRAW IS KID’S STUFF15-01-2008Introducing our new blog about the comings and goings on and off the field of Walsall FC. Oxford Saddler reflects on an eighteenth consecutive unbeaten match with Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Swindon. moreCOUNCIL CALLS FOR FRESH TALKS IN SINGLE STATUS ROW14-01-2008Unions representing angry Birmingham Council workers have been invited to fresh negotiations over the controversial Single Status Pay and Grading Review. The news comes after an estimated 1,000 protestors turned up to a rally in Victoria Square at the weekend. moreSave Our Opera CompanyOPERA COMPANY PREPARES TO “DO OR DIE”14-01-2008Birmingham Opera Company is putting the final touches to its “do or die” submission to the Arts Council before tomorrow’s deadline. This is their first and last appeal against the axing of their £324,000 Arts Council grant. moreGOOD LUCK LIVERPOOL - CAPITAL OF CULTURE14-01-2008Liverpool has the title Birmingham wanted – Capital of Culture 2008. With celebrations now underway, Pete Millington says it’s time to forget the bitterness of defeat and take delight in the success of a great British city. moreKIDNEY DONOR MAYOR AGAINST “PRESUMED CONSENT”14-01-2008The former Birmingham Lord Mayor given a kidney by his wife has spoken out against Gordon Brown’s proposal that organs should be taken without permission from dead patients. Councillor Mike Sharpe spoke out after the Prime Minister gave his support to the idea of “presumed consent” moreGet Out More................................Film ReviewLUST, CAUTION (18, General Release)14-01-2008From the Ice Storm to Brokeback Mountain, Ang Lee has acquired a reputation for wringing great emotional depth from unlikely scenarios. But can he maintain that impressive track record with his latest release, set in World War Two Hong Kong? Paula Elenor munches the popcorn and gives her verdict. moreCallum's Blues BlogBLUES SILENCE ARSENAL'S BIG GUNS14-01-2008It was the kind of performance that made Alex McLeish's name as Scotland manager - only this time it was his Blues side who were picking up the plaudits for a 1-1 draw at Arsenal. Callum O' Connell revels in a deserved draw. moreTerry’s Baggies Blog“WE ARE TOP OF THE LEAGUE (AGAIN!)”14-01-2008Only Albion’s inconsistent away form has prevented them becoming runaway leaders of the Championship, but a 3-1 triumph in Saturday’s televised game at Hull sees the Baggies move two points clear. Terry Wills watches from the (dis)comfort of his sofa. morePoet’s CornerWHERE IS THE CARE14-01-2008Pensioners in Sandwell are fighting plans to close five residential care homes. Kingsbury House in Wednesbury is causing a particular stink because it has a memorial garden with scattered ashes on its site. Brendan Hawthorne asks where is the care? moreCOUNCIL DRAWS UP BATTLE PLANS FOR SINGLE STATUS STRIKE12-01-2008Birmingham City Council has called on senior officers to draw up contingency plans in case of strike action. The news comes as hundreds of staff prepare to turn out today for a rally to protest against the new Single Status pay scheme. moreThe Stirrer PodcastBLIND DAVE OFF THE ROAD AGAIN12-01-2008Blind Dave Heeley is feeling the strain of preparing for his 777 marathon challenge – a back strain has forced him off the road for a second day in a row. But as you can hear in the latest Stirrer podcast he’s not given up training altogether. moreMick Temple’s BlogWHY POLLS ARE A MATTER OF OPINION12-01-2008Isn’t it great when opinion pollsters get it wrong? Mick Temple reckons we should take a lead from the Italians and simply lie to those who want to know who we’re going to vote for. moreGet Out More........................John Peel DayKEEPING IT PEEL12-01-2008Following an appeal for help on The Stirrer earlier this week, we’re delighted to announce a disco to mark John Peel day – and your editor will be manning the wheels of steel. moreA Stirrer CampaignCLAMPING SCUM, GET OUT OF BRUM11-01-2008The Stirrer’s campaign against car clamping officially starts here after hearing yet another tale of woe from a hapless motorist. What happened to Tori Cannell in Birmingham this week will make your toes curl. moreGet Out More..........................Film ReviewBEOWULF (IMAX, Birmingham)11-01-2008Remember the excitement of going to see your first ever movie - the roaring noise and eye-popping spectacle? Rekindle that first-timers thrill by heading to the IMAX to watch Beowulf in 3D on a huge screen. moreBRUM CLOSES SCARY SUBWAY11-01-2008Businesses in Birmingham’s Fletcher’s Walk have welcomed the closure of one of the city’s least loved underpasses. The Stirrer has discovered that work to fill in Paradise Subway, underneath the Conservatoire, will start later this month. moreMOAZZAM’S GITMO PLEA TO GORDON11-01-2008Moazzam Begg, the Birmingham man held for two years at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba before being released without charge, will be at Downing Street today calling for the closure of the US detainment camp - which is “celebrating” its sixth birthday. moreBlind Dave’s 777 Countdown.....................87 Days To GoBLIND DAVE INJURY SCARE11-01-2008West Brom marathon runner Blind Dave Heeley was forced to cancel training for his 777 challenge yesterday after pulling a muscle in his back – but has assured his followers that he’ll be back on the road today. moreROUND THE ROTUNDA11-01-2008Is the Rotunda the defining image of Birmingham? Ellie Clifton talks to a photographer collecting stories about one of the city’s great cultural icons. moreNew Nukes 1GOVERNMENT’S “COMPELLING” CASE FOR NUCLEAR10-01-2008The government has confirmed in the Commons today that it’s backing the creation of a new wave of nuclear power plants. John Hutton, the Business Minister, said the case was “compelling” – although the Energy Bill also promotes greater use of renewables. moreNew Nukes 2"REVOLUTION" CALL AS GOVERNMENT GOES NUCLEAR10-01-2008Government plans for a new generation of nuclear power generators have been dismissed as a “irrational” by Friends of the Earth, who are calling for a “revolution” in the provision of UK energy needs. moreHANKS A BUNCH10-01-2008News just in from Hollywood. After Tom Hanks was spotted waving an Aston Villa scarf at the Leicester Square premiere of his new movie Charlie Wilson’s War, we can reveal that he’s now being considered for a whole host of re-makes with a claret and blue theme. morePUB BOYCOTT THREAT OVER PARKING CHARGES10-01-2008Angry parents are threatening to boycott a Birmingham pub which has introduced parking charges. They say it’s the only place they can safely drop off and collect their children from a nearby school. moreSTATION REDESIGN IS DEAD END10-01-2008An international architecture competition has been announced to give Birmingham’s revamped New Street station the “wow” factor – all assuming the government comes up with the rest of the cash needed for the development. Barbara Panvel argues that city leaders are missing the point. moreALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN10-01-2008Want to know how the "most powerful man in the free world" (copyright every news organisation ever) is elected. Here's Laurence Inman's simple guide. moreMAYOR DEBATE HEADS TO DOWNING STREET10-01-2008Gordon Brown has been hearing the argument for a Birmingham Mayor after sharing dinner at Downing Street last night with Mail editor Steve Dyson. moreTORIES YANK BIRMINGHAM OFF THE MAP09-01-2008Do the Conservatives know where Birmingham is? Birmingham, England that is? Not if one of their websites is to be believed. moreUNIONS ON WARPATH OVER SINGLE STATUS REFUSENIKS09-01-2008Union officials are upbeat about the prospect of industrial action following The Stirrer’s revelation that more than 5,000 Birmingham Council workers have already rejected their revised contracts under Single Status. moreOBAMA LEFT WITH HILL TO CLIMB09-01-2008Black presidential candidate Barack Obama has been eclipsed in the New Hampshire primary by his main Democrat rival Hillary Clinton…but she’s not the only “comeback kid”. Republican John McCain, knocked the Iowa winner Mike Huckabee into third. moreJOHN PEEL DAY, ANYONE?09-01-2008For (at least) five generations of music fan. John Peel was the man who opened our ears to the world(s) of alternative music. Nick Roberts-Alatti wants to celebrate the man’s achievements with a hoe-down in October – and he’s after your help. moreMARKET FORCES09-01-2008The traditional British market is under threat - at least in some parts of the West Midlands. Lynn Hawthorne reports on the decline of great Birmingham and Black Country tradition. moreGet Out More.........................Musical ReviewHIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL ON ICE (NEC)09-01-2008As an alternative to the panto, the NEC hosted a Disneyfest unlikely to appeal to anyone over the age of 18. Richard Nevin (who’s at least 19) sneaked in anyway. moreDave’s Villa BlogFIFTY ONE YEARS OF HURT09-01-2008FA Cup Round Three and Villa lost to Manchester United. Again. Now there’s that transfer window to puzzle over. The tabloids keep talking up Jermain Defoe, but Dave Woodhall only sees more modest targets on the horizon. moreStirrer TVSINGER’S FORGET-ME-NOT FOR GRAN09-01-2008Regular visitors to The Stirrer will know that local folk singer Debbie Hodgson has an excellent voice – and now she’s proving that she’s an all-round good egg too by taking music to a group of older people with dementia. moreExclusiveONE IN FOUR COUNCIL WORKERS REJECT NEW DEAL08-01-2008The Stirrer can reveal that more than 5,000 Birmingham Council workers have rejected their new contracts following the Pay and Grading review – stats which will pile the pressure on management now the unions are balloting for industrial action. We’ve also discovered that the Single Status agreement will add £27 million to the local authority’s wage bill. moreRed Route 1“NO PARKING” ROUTE LEAVES TRADERS IN THE RED08-01-2008Nine out of ten shops on the controversial congestion-busting red route in Sparkbrook say the scheme has hit their trade – and it’s claimed that nearly 100 jobs could be lost as a result. moreRed Route 2RED ROUTE INFO “USEFUL” SAYS COUNCIL08-12-2008Birmingham Council has described a survey showing that the Red Route through Sparkbrook could cost up to 100 jobs as “useful”. For the record, they get the initials of the Stratford Road Business Association wrong, and there’s still no news of when Cabinet Member for Transport Len Gregory will visit. Here’s the statement. moreThe Stirrer’s Blind Dave Podcast (1)BLIND DAVE’S FAMILY AFFAIR08-01-2007The Stirrer’s first in a regular series of podcasts covering Blind Dave Heeley’s 777 challenge features an interview with his wife Debb, who admits she’s “totally and utterly” amazed at how he’s given up alcohol. moreGUANTANAMO SIX YEARS ON - THE DIEGO DILEMMA08-01-2007Diego who? Not Maradona, that's for sure. Dr David Nicholl examines a curious British outpost which could hide Guantanamo-style secrets that ministers don't want uncovered. moreGet Out More…………………….Gig NewsTHE ROBIN 2 (Bilston, Wolverhampton)08-01-2007The Robin remains a beacon of excellence on the West Midlands gig scene, and while there are one too many tribute acts for The Stirrer’s liking, “originals” up n’ coming in the next few months include The Fall, Chumbawumba, and local NWOBHM legends Diamond Head. And that’s not all. moreLuke and Sarah’s Nanjing BlogXIN NIAN KUAI LE08-01-2008Or as we say over here, Happy New Year. Luke Pinney who’s moved with his wife Sarah and their two young daughters from Birmingham to Nanjing keep us updated on a Christmas far from home. There are trips to panda reserves in the offing too. more“COME AND SEE FOR YOURSELF” – INVITE FOR “NO GO” BISHOP07-01-2008The Bishop of Rochester who claimed that parts of Britain have been turned into “no go” zones for non-Muslims has been invited to see the reality for himself in one of Birmingham’s most ethnically diverse areas. City councillor Salma Yaqoob says his comments “echo the BNP”. moreNEW ANTI-RUNWAY CAMPAIGN RISES TO CHALLENGE07-01-2008Environmental activists have launched a new online campaign today in protest at Birmingham Airport’s plans for a thrusting runway extension. They’ve created a new website called Flyagra …the question is, can they keep it up? moreSave Our Opera CompanyBIRMINGHAM OPERA COMPANY “COOLEST IN THE WORLD”07-01-2008Legendary Birmingham music mogul John Mostyn has launched a passionate defence of Birmingham Opera Company on The Stirrer Message Board. Mostyn – who’s worked with The Beat, Fine Young Cannibals and Ocean Colour Scene – describes them as “the coolest opera company in the world”. Here’s his post in full. moreBRUM IN IT FOR LONG HAUL WITH RUNWAY EXTENSION07-01-2008Birmingham Airport has finally submitted plans for a runway extension that could link the region with China and the West Coast of America. Many long-haul passengers currently have to travel to Heathrow or Manchester. moreBlind Dave 777 Challenge.........................91 Days To Go“A TYPICAL SUNDAY – JUST THE TWO HALF MARATHONS”07-01-2008Blind Dave Heeley has been telling The Stirrer about the latest preparations for his 777 challenge in April – a Sunday spent running two half marathons around the Black Country. moreA CUP OF COCKLE WARMER07-01-2008For at least one weekend a year, the predictability of big time football is knocked sideways as the game’s minnows swim with the big fish – and occasionally swallow them whole. Oldham supporter Damien Doran – whose side beat Everton – relishes the moment. moreMilitary Families BlogSOLDIERS DRESS TO DEPRESS07-01-2008British troops arriving back in Birmingham after a tour of duty in Afghanistan were told to swap their uniforms for “civvies” before going out in public. Carol Jones gives the fools in charge a dressing down. moreGet Out More..............................Music and Comedy
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