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July 2009
CHEF SHORTAGE "THREATENS BALTI"
24-07-2009
The future of the balti, Birmingham's "national dish", is threatend by a shortage of chefs, according to the city's Chamber of Commerce. They want immigration rules relaxed to attract more chefs from abroad. more
READ ALL ABOUT IT - JOURNOS STRIKE
24-07-2009
Hacks at the Birmingham Post and Mail and Sunday Mercury have voted to strike next Thursday in opposition to compulsory redundancies and the closure of papers. more
Lars Von Trier
THE MOST SHOCKING MAN IN BRITAIN
24-07-2009
Tabloid editors are sharpening their knives for Danish director Lars Von Trier, whose Antichrist is reckoned to be the most graphic movie to be granted an 18 certificate in Britain. The film opens today, but Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg saw him quizzed by a preview audience at London’s Curzon Cinema in Soho. more
Doc Dave's Blog
STAND DOWN JULIE
24-07-2009
Just when you thought it was safe to go back into Bromsgrove... Supporters of disgraced MP Julie Kirkbride are hinting that they might ask her to reconsider her decision to step down at the next election. Not on your nelly, says David Nicholl. more
Get Out More.......................Gig Preview
FROM THE JAM (The Robin, Monday 27 July)
24-07-2009
Not quite Jam today, more like two thirds of The Jam on Monday. Dave Woodhall previews a gig that's sure to get The Robin rockin'. more
HORSING AROUND
24-07-2009
The Stirrer's publication of Glyn Berrington's letter about wild horses in Brierley Hill has nudged one of his local councillors, Margaret Wilson, to reply. But will it solve the problem? Not according to Glyn. more
Get Out More..................Gig News
WOLVES CIVIC LISTINGS
24-07-2009
Gary Numan, Basement Jaxx and the NME Radar Tour have all been added to the latest listings from the Wolverhampton Civic Hall, which also includes dates at the Wulfrun and the Civic. Here's the complete list. more
Martin Longley's Music Blog
JAZZ SOUNDS (New York, Part 2949)
24-07-2009
The Birmingham Jazz and Capsule promoters have jointly concocted a multi-media confrontation, as New York drummer Bobby Previte is lowered into the mosh pit of this weekend's Supersonic festival. Martin Longley saw him play jazz (of a sort) in NYC... more
THREE MORE SWINE FLU DEATHS
23-07-2009
Three more patients in the West Midlands have died from swine flu - H1N1 - bringing the number of fatalities from the virus to six across the region. more
KIDS CARE SLOWED DOWN BY PC'S
23-07-2009
Reports earlier this week suggested that a report into Birmingham Council’s Children’s Care is likely to expose “systematic failures” – with social workers in the front line of criticism. But should their lousy computer systems bear part of the blame? more
BUSINESS BACKS BRUM CULTURE BID
23-07-2009
Businesses in Birmingham and Solihull are backing the city’s attempt to be crowned UK Capital of Culture in 2013. Hmmm...wonder if they'll be accused of trying to "bounce" the Council into making a bid. more
Richard Lutz’s Blog
MAN, 91, DIES
23-07-2009
Now there's an amazing thing. An old bloke has died. In America, too. Richard Lutz wonders why the media made so much of it. more
MP’S “DISMAY” AS MOTOR AID STALLS
23-07-2009
Birmingham and Black Country MP’s are “dismayed” that billions of pounds of government aid still hasn’t found its way to local car maker Jaguar Land Rover. And they’re calling on the government to consider paying wage subsidies rather than unemployment benefit. more
HORSE PLAY
23-07-2009
Never mind potholes, The Stirrer’s Brierley Hill correspondent Glyn Berrington has discovered a new obsession – loose horses in the area. Despite complaints to his local councilors, he’s had no joy in getting them rounded up, so we’ll keep publishing the correspondence until they are. more
TASTE OF BRUM CROWNS “RIDICULOUS”
23-07-2009
Taste of Birmingham stall holder Gary Davis declares himself unimpressed with Marketing Birmingham’s explanation for the use of “Crowns” as currency for the event. In fact the proprietor of www.fudgeheaven.co.uk reckons it’s “ridiculous”. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
MUSING ON MOVIES
23-07-2009
It sounds unlikely, but the old curmudgeon was persuaded to go and see the new Harry Potter movie the other day. Of course, it set him thinking about Michaelangelo, Renoir and Milton’s ‘Paradise Lost’. more
Birmingham Central Library
DOES SIZE MATTER…?
22-07-2009
Five years ago, plans were afoot for a massive extension to Birmingham Central Library – but now it seems that the building which will replace it could have less space. Campaigner Alan Clawley ponders the age old question – does size matter? more
DR BLOG GOES DOWN UNDER
22-07-2009
Social media surgeries pioneered by Birmingham's own "Dr Blog" Nick Booth have attracted visitors from across the UK. And now, as Audrey Miller reports, they've also got a fan club Down Under. more
DEBT VULTURES WINGS CLIPPED
22-07-2009
Debt campaigners have welcomed moves to protect some of the poorest countries in the world from so-called "Vulture Funds", aimed at cashing in on their inability to pay off loans. more
POST AND MAIL STRIKE CLAIMS DISPUTED
22-07-2009
Claims that journalists at the Birmingham Post and Mail group voted “overwhelmingly” to support industrial action have been challenged by a company insider – who points out that only half the NUJ’s membership voted. more
WOLVO PARKS GO GREEN
22-07-2009
Three Wolverhampton parks and open spaces have been awarded prestigious Green Flags – with St Peter’s Gardens in the city centre winning the accolade for the first time. more
Get Out More...............................Gig News
WOLVESTOCK (25/26 July)
22-07-2009
Plans to charge for this annual country music event have now been dropped, so all we need is bright, bright sunshine, and a great weekend in East Park is guaranteed. more
TOWN BUT NOT OUT
22-07-2009
The future looks bleak for Halesowen Town FC, but Richard Nevin discovers that a Black Country community is battling to keep its local club alive. more
"SUPPORT OUR TROOPS - BRING 'EM HOME"
21-07-2009
On the eve of a homecoming parade for troops in Birmingham, Sparkbrook councillor and Stop The War campaigner Salma Yaqoob says it's time to bring them all back. more
BANKRUPT COUNCILLOR STEPS DOWN
21-07-2009
A Birmingham councillor has been forced to step down after going bankrupt, sparking a by-election in the Sparkbrook ward, currently a stronghold for the Respect Party. more
TILSLEY BACKS CULTURE BID...SORT OF
21-07-2009
Birmingham Council’s deputy leader Paul Tilsley has come around to the idea of bidding for the UK Capital of Culture – just a few days after complaining about being “bounced” into the idea by his Liberal Democrat colleague Martin Mullaney. more
DUTTON GOES FOR GOLD
21-07-2009
Birmingham Council’s regeneration chief Clive Dutton is quitting to take up the Olympic legacy for the London borough of Newham, home to the 2012 Olympics. more
GORILLA WARFARE
21-07-2009
Like a gap year student lost in the Outback, Birmingham’s classic 70s statue King Kong was feared lost forever? But now Andy Munro has spotted the great ape – although readers who remember the beast in his prime should be prepared for a shock. more
Sandwell Parking Charges
PARKING ROW KEEPS ON RUNNING
21-07-2009
The row over the decision to introduce parking charges in Wednesbury refuses to go away, and here's the latest installment, with a local resident - Winfrey Parkingbay - warning that the decision will cost jobs and reduce wages. It's a response to the article Sandwell Tories Parked in Reverse Gear. more
Get Out More......................Film News
BRUNO (15 and 18)
21-07-2009
Sacha Baron Cohen’s follow-up to Borat has laughs aplenty – but the satire often backfires reckons Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg. more
Taste of Birmingham
NO FUDGE OVER CROWNS
21-07-2009
Disgruntled fudgemaker stallholder Gary Davis complained on yesterday's Stirrer about the use of Crowns rather than pounds at the recent Taste of Birmingham festival. Here's the response from Ian Taylor, commercial director at Marketing Birmingham, which organised this year’s event. more
STRIKE CALL AT POST AND MAIL
21-07-2009
Hacks at the Birmingham Post and Mail and the Sunday Mercury have given overwhelming backing to a strike call by the National Union of Journalists. more
THE JEKYLL AND HYDE (Steelhouse Lane)
21-07-2009
The people behind two of The Stirrer's favourite city centre establishments in Birmingham have come up with what looks like another winner - the Jekyll and Hyde, a Victorian-style gin palace in Steelhouse Lane. more
AUTOMATED CALLS AND AFGHAN STAMPS
21-07-2009
It does what it says on the tin. It’s a rant. By Dave Price. Covering automated calls and stamps from Afghanistan. more
GOV'T SHARES BLAME FOR CHILDRENS' FIASCO
20-07-2009
If the independent report into Birmingham’s Childrens’ Services is anything like as damning as newspaper reports suggest, it’s not only the Council which should be in the dock – but the government too. more
Exclusive
GREEN FINGERS, RED FACES
20-07-2009
After the fiasco of the Victoria Hall student flats development – first revealed on The Stirrer – news of another cock-up by Wolverhampton Council that could have costly implications for taxpayers. This time the issue is the maintenance contract for social housing organisation Wolverhampton Homes. more
CROWN SLIPS FOR TASTE OF BRUM
20-07-2009
Our recent review of the Taste of Birmingham complained that visitors have to use "Crowns" instead of sterling to buy food. Now a stall holder has come forward to endorse our criticism. more
Get Out More........................Gig News
RAISE THE ROOF FOR THE RAINBOW
20-07-2009
Digbeth's Rainbow pub has been served with a Noise Abatement Order - and, thanks to Radio 4, the ensuing row has been heard across the nation. Now you can do your bit to help, by turning out for a summer festival aimed at raising funds for a new soundproofed roof. more
Get Out More..........................Theatre Review
JULIUS CAESAR (RSC, Stratford)
20-07-2009
The new RSC production of Julius Caesar isn’t just about the famous quotes. It’s also about using modern techniques to tell an old story. Richard Lutz is impressed. more
Sandwell Parking
“PUT THE KNIVES AWAY”
20-07-2009
Arguments have been raging back and forth on The Stirrer Fourm about the introduction of parking charges in Wednesbury. Arthur Dean, from the town’s Business Association calls for rival politicians to “put the knives away”. more
Get Out More.......................Gig Review
DEREK TRUCKS BAND (O2 Academy)
20-07-2009
His name is revered by guitar aficionados, but unknown to the rest of us – for now at least. But according to Robin Valk, the stadiums are beckoning. more
STUDENT FLATS BUILT DESPITE SAFETY ADVICE
17-07-2009
Wolverhampton Council has admitted giving planning permission for new student flats in the city against the advice of Health and Safety Officials - saying there was "no reason to object". The application has now gone to judicial review. more
Exclusive
CITY "WON'T BE BOUNCED" INTO CULTURE BID
17-07-2009
The deputy leader of Birmingham Council is warning the city won’t be “bounced” into bidding for UK Capital of Culture – even though his Cabinet colleague Martin Mullaney announced the plan two days ago. Mullaney’s predecessor Ray Hassall has also weighed in by demanding to know the cost of the project. more
GIVING BIRMINGHAM A SPORT CHANCE
17-07-2009
The football World Cup, the Commonwealth Games, Britain’s first City of Culture, even the Olympic Games... Birmingham plans a global sporting and cultural profile in the years ahead. Better start investing in the infrastructure then says Steve Beauchampé. more
Andy’s Balti Blog
KUSHI (558, Moseley Rd B12)
17-07-2009
It’s won loads of certificates – including one for having fire fighting equipment. Blimey, just how hot are their curries? Andy Munro reports. more
Get Out More.........................Event News
YES WE KHAN
17-07-2009
Pakistan’s former World Cup winning cricket captain Imran Khan is in Birmingham tonight (Friday) to talk about humanitarian crisis in his home country. more
BRUM HOMECOMING PARADE FOR TROOPS
17-07-2009
Soldiers who've served in Iraq and Afghanistan will be given a homecoming parade in Birmingham next Wednesday. Here's the info from the Council Press Office. more
CONFESSIONS OF A BRUMMIE MUMMY (Part 36)
17-07-2009
She's what? Going to her suitor's house in her jogging gear? It's bound to end in tears. more
Get Out More................................Gig News
THAT PETROL EMOTION
17-07-2009
There are Undertones connections with this lot, but thankfully not the skinny one with the annoying voice. Yes, it's That Petrol Emotion, who were at Birmingham's Academy recently. more
Get Out More................................Theatre Review
REMEMBER WHEN
17-07-2009
A bit of old time nostalgia captivated Terry Wills this week at the Alex in Birmingham. more
Exclusive
PLANNING FEARS OVER WOLVO DIGS
16-07-2009
Safety officials are at loggerheads over the opening of new student accommodation in Wolverhampton – because they fear the proximity of a nearby gas tank. more
MAKE YOUR OWN ORIGAMI BULLSHIT
16-07-2009
Birmingham Council’s chief executive Stephen Hughes has sent a series of bizarre emails to staff inviting them – among other things – to make an origami butterfly. His oddball request came during the launch of a recruitment programme for “Change Agents and Change Specialists” more
Get Out More..........................Festival News
SUPERSONIC FESTIVAL (July 24-26)
16-07-2009
Italian prog rock legends Goblin and Black Country noisemongers Head of David are among the highlights of Birmingham's forthcoming Supersonic Festival - one the city's undoubted cultural highlights. more
Barbara's Blog
UNIMPRES'D BY BLAIR
16-07-2009
Could Tony Blair be the first President of Europe? Apparently so - and Barbara Panvel ain't impressed. more
Sandwell Parking 1
"DEMOCRACY WILL WIN" SAYS MAVIS
16-07-2009
Yesterday's condemnation of Conservative "hypocrisy" about the introduction of parking charges in Wednesbury has aroused plenty of anger - not least from local councillor Mavis Hughes who has exercised her right of reply. more
THE RACE AGAINST RACISM
16-07-2009
The alarming rise of the far-right needs to be countered by everyone who cares about a decent society argues Sparkhill councillor Salma Yaqoob. more
Sandwell Parking 2
PARKING WILL COST WEDNESBURY JOBS
16-07-2009
Businesses will close and jobs are bound to be lost as a result of the decision to introduce parking charges in Wednesbury, according to Arthur Dean who helped organise a 10,000 signature petition against the plan. Here’s his response to an article on yesterday’s Stirrer. more
CURE FOR THE WOOZY FLOOZY
16-07-2009
Well known local blogger and broadcaster Igor Romanoff has come up with a cure for Birmingham's leaky Floozy in the Jacuzzi - and it only costs £6.99. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
IF THE CAP FITS...
16-07-2009
A hat for every occasion - that's Laurence Inman. Must be his age... more
BIRMINGHAM BIDS TO BECOME UK CITY OF CULTURE
15-07-2009
Birmingham is aiming to become the first UK City of Culture in 2013 – and the city’s Cabinet Member for Leisure Martin Mullaney wants the city’s blogging community to get behind the bid. more
NEW INQUEST CALL OVER KELLY "MURDER"
15-07-2009
Government scientist Dr David Kelly who died after exposing the government’s controversial “45 minute” claim in the run up to the Iraq war was murdered according to Liberal Democrat MP Norman Baker. He’s now calling for a full inquest into Kelly’s death which happened six years ago on Friday. more
Get Out More........................................Gig News
NME RADAR TOUR (Wolves Civic 10/10/09)
15-07-2009
The NME has an unparalleled reputation for spotting – and touring – the best young British bands, and their latest “Radar” tour arrives at the Civic Bar in Wolverhampton in the autumn. Tickets go on sale on Friday. more
DISORDER, DISORDER
15-07-2009
The public gallery was cleared by police at Dudley Council House on Monday night, as trade unions and campaigners aiming to save Pensnett High School and Coseley Baths made their voices heard. But as Al Jackson reports, it didn't stop councillors awarding themselves an extra £2,000 in expenses. more
PUBLIC "FULLY OPEN" BY BANK HOLIDAY
15-07-2009
West Brom’s Public Arts Centre is due to be fully opened over the August Bank holiday to coincide with the Sandwell Show – but the future of the interactive gallery is shrouded in mystery after the borough’s regeneration boss admitted it would include other exhibits in addition to the planned digital display. more
COMMONWEALTH BID UNDER STARTERS ORDERS
14-07-2009
Birmingham’s aim of hosting the Commonwealth Games has gained renewed impetus, following yesterday’s Cabinet approval for a feasibility study into a new Aquatics Centre in Ladywood. more
JOBS PLAN “CLOAKS CUTS”
14-07-2009
Plans to slash 250 jobs at Wolverhampton Council by cutting bureaucracy” and “duplication” have been condemned as a “cloak to mask cuts” by opposition Labour leader Roger Lawrence. He says library services are being damaged and Leisure prices increased by an inflation busting 10%. more
Get Out More.......................Pub News
GREEN BEER
14-07-2009
The UK’s first organic beer festival, at the Anchor in Digbeth, marks its tenth anniversary this year – and Friends of the Earth are ensuring that green principles extend beyond the brewery tap and into the barbeque. more
HACKED OFF
14-07-2009
Disgruntled hacks at the Birmingham Post and Mail have passed a unanimous motion of “no confidence” in their bosses at Trinity Mirror following a series of recent job cuts and paper closures. The journos, who are balloting for industrial action, warn that both the city’s newspapers could disappear. more
SANDWELL TORIES PARKED IN REVERSE GEAR
14-07-2009
Labour supporters have hit back in the bitter row over the introduction of parking charges in Wednesbury, accusing their Conservative rivals of hypocrisy. They claim that when the idea was first mooted, Tory councillors – who’ve made capital out of opposing the plan – actually suggested the proposed fees should be doubled. more
MORE MOORPOOL
14-07-2009
There’s been astonishingly little fallout from last week’s decision by Birmingham City Council to abandon the principles of conservation and approve a new housing development on the historic Moorpool Estate in Harborne – but at least one member has raised his head above the parapet. more
GONE TO POT (Part 68)
14-07-2009
Stirrer blogger Glyn Berrington just keeps nagging away about the state of the potholes in Dudley, and has even used a Freedom of Information request to find out more. Not that he’s much the wiser as a result. more
Get Out More..............................Film News
ELECTRIC CINEMA LISTINGS
14-07-2009
That nice Tom Lawes from The Electric Cinema has been kind enough to send us his latest listings, and we're happy to share them with you. There's the new Harry Potter, Johnny Depp in Public Enemies, and Sacha Baron Cohen's Borat. more
THE HATE THAT DARE NOT SPEAK ITS NAME
13-07-2009
Consumers of mainstream media outlets may have been surprised to read about a Unite Against Fascism demo in Birmingham at the weekend – not least because it was a counter protest against the previous week’s Anti Muslim rally which was mysteriously overlooked in local newspapers and on the radio. more
Get Out More......................Event Review
TASTE OF BIRMINGHAM
13-07-2009
Taste of Birmingham in Cannon Hill Park has now become a fixture on the city’s summer events scene, but while it offers plenty of tasty morsels, the overall effect is less than satisfying reckons Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg. more
Business Transformation
PUBLIC SERVICE OR PRIVATE PROFIT
13-07-2009
Birmingham Council rejected a union call this week for a review of the city’s Business Transformation programme following an open letter on The Stirrer Forum. Now the unions have hit back with this statement warning that public services have become little more than the profit arm of private companies. more
BLO OUT?
13-07-2009
The buzz on The Stirrer Forum is unmissable – and it says that Test Match Special commentator Henry Blofeld has past his sell-by date and should be pensioned off. more
SPLASHING OUT
13-07-2009
After years of neglect, Birmingham City Council appears to be seriously addressing the state of its community swimming pools, starting at today’s Cabinet meeting. But are they ready to splash out wonders Steve Beauchampé. more
LEGAL EAGLE SWOOPS FOR UNDERHILL
13-07-2009
Campaigning lawyer Yvonne Hossacks who specialises in fighting care home closures made an unsuccessful return to court on Friday in an effort to protect staff and patients at Wolverhampton’s closure threatened Underhill House. more
A BLACK DAY FOR DEMOCRACY - PART 2
13-07-2009
Lynn Hawthorne regrets the passing of an old acquaintance during Friday's meeting of Sandwell Council which passed plans to introduce parking charges in Wednesbury town centre. more
Martin Longley’s Music Blog
13-07-2009
JAZZELECTRO SOUNDS: NEW YORK (Part 30)
The Italian pianist Ludovico Einaudi brings his new Nightbook project to Symphony Hall on the 27th October. Martin Longley witnessed him New York-wards recently, in his other electroacoustic setting as part of the Whitetree threesome... more
ALDEN WINS TORY “BEAUTY CONTEST”
12-07-2009
The Conservative party has chosen its remaining parliamentary candidates for Birmingham after a “beauty contest” before members of six constituencies. Robert Alden was chosen for the key target seat of Erdington. more
3,000 SIGN UP FOR POOL PETITION
12-07-2009
Swimmers in Birmingham will step up their campaign to re-open the Gala pool at Moseley Road baths when they present a 3,000 name petition to the city’s new sports and leisure boss Martin Mullaney. Campaigners call it “the jewel in the crown” of British baths. more
OLLEY, OLLEY OLLEY
12-07-2009
The Stirrer's recent suggestion that "Come Dine With Me" star and Broad Street manager Mike Olley might be reconsidering a return to local politics has provoked a cheery reply from the man himself. more
TROOPS OUT
12-07-2009
Barbara Panvel examines an alternative approach to the war in Afghanistan by looking across the world to New Zealand. The Kiwis are introducing laws which make it harder for their leaders to become embroiled in adventures abroad. more
Poet's Corner
THE DAY DEMOCRACY DIED
12-07-2009
Shoppers in Wednesbury will have to pay parking charges following a decision by Sandwell Council on Friday - even though 10,000 residents and traders signed a petition opposing the plan. Brendan Hawthorne - who lives in the town - ain't chuffed. more
FREE ADMISSION POSES QUESTIONS FOR PUBLIC
10-07-2009
Visitors to The Public in West Bromwich will enjoy free admission – even after it’s fully opened later this year. It was originally envisaged that the“interactive gallery” which is the centrepiece of the building would be a charged for attraction. more
STAND AND DELIVER
10-07-2009
Women with "high risk" pregnancies in Solihull face being transferred to either Bordesley Green or Sutton Coldfield under proposals put forward by the Heart of England Foundation Trust. Barbara Panvel ponders how residents in a major West Midlands town can be denied a full range of health facilities. more
MOOR POOL LOSES CONSERVATION BATTLE
10-07-2009
Conservation area? What conservation area? Birmingham Council's planning committee has made a mockery of efforts to preserve some of the most historic parts of the city by giv
ing the go-ahead for 16 new homes on the Moorpool Estate in Harborne. more
CARR CRASH
10-07-2009
Wolverhampton Council’s Chief Executive Richard Carr – who instigated an unsuccessful legal action against The Stirrer website – is quitting his job. more
Andy’s Balti Blog
POPULAR BALTI (Ladypool Rd)
10-07-2009
It's one of the "old reliables" of the Balti Belt - but Andy Munro finds the Popular overdoing one ingredient in particular. more
Get Out More.............................Gig News
FROM THE JAM
10-07-2009
Okay, so Paul Weller can't be persuaded to come back, but this is still an unbeatable night of nostalgia featuring two of the three blokes who created some of the most enduring moments in British pop. more
Amnesty Blog
A HAIR-RAISING EXPERIENCE
10-07-2009
It seems that in Mexico, a dodgy haircut is sufficient to earn you a good kicking from the coppers. Amnesty International's Eulette Ewart reports on a shocking outbreak of police brutality. more
PUBLIC “FULLY OPEN” BY END OF SUMMER
09-07-2009
The future of the Public in West Bromwich has been secured after Sandwell Council thrashed out a rescue deal with the Arts Council. The local authority is promising it will be “fully open” by the end of the summer, but remains coy about how much the bailout will cost taxpayers. more
OLLEY EYES RETURN
09-07-2009
The emergence of Broad Street manager Mike Olley as a local government pundit isn’t only good news for readers of the Birmingham Mail – it could signal a return to politics for one of the city’s most colourful characters. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
GORMLEY – OR GORMLESS?
09-07-2009
Antony Gormley who designed the Iron Man in Birmingham’s New Street is the “creative force” behind the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square, which is currently being filled by an army of ordinary people. Laurence Inman is unimpressed. more
Mikey Powell Justice Campaign
FAMILY WIN ACCESS TO DOCUMENTS
09-07-2009
The family of Handsworth dad Mikey Powell who died in police custody in 2003 have moved a step closer to finding out why he lost his life. Last Friday, the High Court ordered that the Northants constabulary release 4000 previously confidential documents. more
Buswatch Blog
TWO'S COMPANY
09-07-2009
This month Buswatch blogger Barbara Panvel reports on the shabbily upholstered Number 2 bus service in Birmingham - for which passengers have to pay the same fare, of course, as on showcase routes. more
SANDWELL TAXPAYERS SPEND A PENNY
09-07-2009
Taxpayers in Sandwell are paying just a penny a day for councillors’ expenses according to figures published by the local authority – a cheap price to pay for democracy. more
PAY FREEZE FOR WOLVO HOMES STAFF
08-07-2009
Disturbing news from Wolverhampton Homes, the "arms length" organisation which runs the city’s council housing – hundreds of repairs staff are facing a five year pay freeze. Union sources claim that in real terms this amounts to a wage cut of around £3,000. more
BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION - COUNCIL REPLY
08-07-2009
Birmingham’s joint trade unions wrote an open letter on The Stirrer yesterday calling for a review of the city’s Business Transformation process, which they described as a corporate “gravy train”. Here’a a reply by Glyn Evans, the Council’s Corporate Director of Business Change. more
Get Out More.........................Gig News
NEW SHOWS AT TOWN HALL/SYMPHONY HALL
08-07-2009
Comic Rob Brydon, Yes, Alison Moyet, Ray Davies and the Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain are among the new shows at Birmingham's Town hall and Symphony Hall venues. more
UNDERHILL RESIDENTS WIN STAY OF EXECUTION
08-07-2009
Elderly residents at Wolverhampton’s Underhill House have been given a three week “stay of execution” after the City Council agreed in court yesterday to hold off from plans to evict them. more
Get Out More..................................Musical Review
THRILLER
08-07-2009
Now that’s timely – the Michael Jackson tribute musical arrives at the Alex just in time for the funeral. more
CONFESSIONS OF A BRUMMIE MUMMY (Part 35)
08-07-2009
Forget the heatwave outside – Brummie Mummy is living in a winter wonderland. more
PROTESTORS - "BRIT MUSLIMS ARE ALL EXTREMISTS"
07-07-2009
The far right group responsible for Saturday’s demo against Islamic extremism in Birmingham has revealed it’s opposition to all Muslims practising their faith in Britain. In an interview with Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg on Talksport last night, spokesman Paul Ray also admitted their links with the BNP. more
Exclusive
UNIONS CALL FOR “GRAVY TRAIN” REVIEW
07-07-2009
Birmingham’s joint trade unions are calling for an urgent review of the city’s Business Transformation programme, which they say is failing to deliver promised savings. In an open letter they’re asking the City Council to derail the consultants’ “gravy train” and use the cash to employ more staff. more
Birmingham Central Library
LET’S WORK TOGETHER
07-07-2009
Could the developers who want to transform Birmingham’s Paradise Circus work hand in hand with conservationists determined to preserve the city’s Central Library? Campaigner Alan Clawley thinks so. more
First Friday Club
KINGSWINFORD PUB CRAWL
07-07-2009
Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg and his pals head out for a regular pub crawl on the first Friday of every month. It’s a tough ask getting five decent boozers within walking distance, but Kingswinford, on the edge of the Black Country, didn’t disappoint. more
THE NORTHFIELD ECOCENTRE
07-07-2009
An ordinary house in South Birmingham has been transformed into a model for sustainable living. Barbara Panvel reports. more
NEW CHAPTER FOR SPARKILL LIBRARY
07-07-2009
Users of Sparkhill library have been alarmed by the circulation of an anonymous leaflet suggesting it’s about to close. But that’s not true, according to Birmingham Council, who insist provision for readers in the area is set to improve. more
Get Out More...........................Opera Review
FOR YOU (Birmingham Rep)
07-07-2009
Award-winning novelist Ian McEwan has turned his hand to opera, after teaming up with composer Michael Berkeley. Paul Elenor reckons he should stick at it. more
Poet's Corner
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
07-07-2009
The weekend's Fudgestock festival in West Brom raised hundreds of pounds for charity - but according to Brendan Hawthorne the staff didn't enter the spirit of the event? Unused to seeing a large crowd, he wonders? more
"NO ARRESTS" AT ANTI-ISLAM DEMO
06-07-2009
West Midlands Police have revealed they were tipped off about Saturday's demo in Birmingham Islamic extremism - and say there were no arrests. The protest also spawned a peaceful counter protest. more
ANTI MUSLIM PROTESTORS DEMO IN BRUM
06-07-2009
Dozens of far right anti-Muslim protestors disrupted shoppers in the shadow of Birmingham's Bull Ring on Saturday afternoon, but were contained by a sizeable police presence. The hatemongers are promising to return on August 8 to whip up more ill will. more
BIRMINGHAM BACK IN THE SWIM
06-07-2009
Every resident in Birmingham should have a pool within 20 minutes walk according to the city’s new Cabinet member for Leisure and Sport Martin Mullaney.He’s got plans to re-open the large pool at Moseley Road as well as build a replacement for the closed baths in Sparkhill. more
COUNCIL COURTS CONTROVERSY OVER CARE CLOSURE
06-07-2009
Elderly residents faced with eviction from a Wolverhampton care home are going to court tomorrow in a bid to remain in their existing accommodation. They’ll be backed by one of Britain’s most controversial lawyers. more
Andy’s Blues Blog
BARTON THE OTHER HAND…
06-07-2009
Could a club which has had Kenny Burns, Robert Hopkins and Mark Dennis on its books really regard any player as too hot to handle? When it comes to Joey Barton, ‘yes’ says our Blues blogger Andy Munro. more
MG ROVER INQUIRY "NOT IN LONG GRASS"
06-07-2009
Northfield MP Richard Burden has dismissed claims that an inquiry into the collapse of MG Rover has been “kicked into the long grass”. The circumstances surrounding the demise of the Birmingham car maker are now being referred to the Serious Fraud Office following a four year, £16 million investigation. more
NEW HOPE FOR NINE AXED PAPERS
04-07-2009
The newspaper group recently linked with a takeover of the Birmingham Post has said it’s also interested in saving some of the nine Midlands titles axed this week by Trinity Mirror. The company's chief executive also estimates the Post could more than double its circulation to 30,000 copies a day. more
Get Out More.....................Film Review
LOOKING FOR ERIC
04-07-2009
After Mike Leigh’s Happy Go Lucky, it was the turn of Britain’s other great naturalistic film director Ken Loach to approach a feelgood movie – and he certainly succeeded in this footy-based comedy which is still being screened around the West Midlands. more
Get Out More......................Musical Review
WE WILL ROCK YOU (Birmingham Hippodrome)
04-07-2009
Brian May and Roger Taylor make a surprise appearance during the finale of this musical based on their work with Queen, but what about the rest of the show? Terry Wills goes radio ga ga. more
Get Out More.....................Event News
SUMMER IN WOLVERHAMPTON
04-07-2009
Mock ye not. There’s actually tons going on in Wolvo this summer – South Asian dance, Chitty Bang Bang at the Grand, Ray Lamontagne at the Civic and an exhibition of how children lived in Victorian times. more
THE STAR’S NOT IN THE PINK
03-07-2009
The Stirrer can reveal that Black Country newspaper institution “The Sporting Star” has been quietly dropped and won’t appear next season. It was the last remaining Saturday evening sports paper in the West Midlands following the demise of the Sports Argus three years ago. more
NEW HOMES BACKING FOR CONSERVATION AREA
03-07-2009
Birmingham Council’s planning officers are recommending approval for 16 new houses on the city’s historic Moorpool Estate conservation area – contradicting advice given by English Heritage experts. more
NATIONAL DISTRESS
03-07-2009
Debt-stricken transport operator National Express has already had to give up its East Coast rail franchise - and now, as Kevin Chapman reports, its bus operations in the West Midlands are coming under pressure too. more
Get Out More.............................Gig Review
NEIL SEDAKA
03-07-2009
The American singer songwriter whose career started before Elvis hit the big time made a rare appearance at Symphony Hall on Wednesday. Our own veteran, Terry Wills, watches a master reconnect with his fans. more
SQUARE BASHING IN KINGS HEATH
03-07-2009
Here are the plans for a proposed new village square next to All Saints church in Kings Heath. Public consultation starts at tomorrow's Farmer's Market, but we can give you a sneak preview of the designs. more
Get Out More..............................Event News
THE WORD IS OUT
03-07-2009
Here’s something worth celebrating …a new live literature venue in the Black Country town of Bilston. Café Metro launches its poetry and storytelling evening on Thursday July 23. more
STRAW BIGGS UP PINOCHET
02-07-2009
Jack Straw, the Justice Secretary who once freed human rights abuser Augusto Pinochet, has seen fit to reject Ronnie Biggs application for parole. Shame on him. more
PAPER CUTS LEAVE JOURNOS SORE
02-07-2009
Birmingham Post and Mail journalists are fearful of more cuts after owners Trinity Mirror announced the decision to close nine weeklies yesterday. Meanwhile those who’ve lost their jobs in the latest cull are battling for improved redundancy terms. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
WACK JOB
02-07-2009
You thought you'd heard all the shocking revelations about Michael Jackson? Not quite - Laurence Inman has another one. more
YAQOOB SHOWS RESPECT FOR OFFICIAL 7/7 VERSION
02-07-2009
Respect Party leader Salma Yaqoob - a leading voice in the West Midlands Muslim community - has rejected claims that the 7/7 bombings in London were caused by a government conspiracy. As we reported yesterday, worshippers at Birmingham Central Mosque were shown in a BBC documentary rejecting the official version. more
Get Out More.....................Event News
JEWELLERY QUARTER CELEBRATION
02-07-2009
There's a chance to discover Birmingham's historic Jewellery Quarter this Saturday, with a collection of family oriented events including a Farmers' Market, and the chance to have a go at coin making. more
JUST A SIMPLE ‘YES’ OR ‘NO’ WILL SUFFICE…
02-07-2009
Lynn Hawthorne wonders why getting a straight answer is so difficult. more
EXTRAS, EXTRAS – READ ALL ABOUT IT
02-07-2009
Midlands movie director Mark Locke has just returned from the States where he filmed the new Dinosaur Jr video – and now he wants your help for a TV pilot he’s shooting over the next two weekends. more
Poet's Corner
THE RAINBOW FIASCO - DUN MOANIN?
02-07-2009
Stirrer poet laureate Brendan Hawthorne comments onthe row over the Rainbow in Digbeth. more
Get Out More.........................Musical Review
THORN BIRDS – THE MUSICAL
02-07-2009
The Alex hosts a musical version of the blockbuster novel. Terry Wills checks out if it’s a theatrical page turner. more
WALSALL OBSERVER CLOSES AS 100 JOBS GO
01-07-2009
Birmingham Post and Mail owners Trinity Mirror have announced plans to close the Walsall Observer as part of cuts affecting around 100 jobs in the Midlands. more
MOSQUE WORSHIPPERS SUPPORT 7/7 CONSPIRACY
01-07-2009
Worshippers at Birmingham Central Mosque were seen on television last night rejecting the official version of the 7/7 bombings –preferring instead the conspiracy theories advanced in a film called The Ripple Effect. more
TARGET PRACTICE
01-07-2009
The government announcement of patients being guaranteed to see a specialist within 2 weeks for suspected cancer fails to impress neurologist Dr David Nicholl. more
ART FOR OUR SAKE?
01-07-2009
Could Birmingham be on the verge of building a major modern art museum to compare with the Tate Modern, MoMA in New York, or Bilbao’s Guggenheim? The city’s cabinet member for Leisure Martin Mullaney certainly thinks so. more
SUPER OR BLOOPER?
01-07-2009
Leading figures in the charity world are calling for smaller organisations to absorb their smaller counterparts to improve efficiency. Pete Millington remains unconvinced. more
Andy’s Balti Blog
SHEREEN KADAH (543 Moseley Road, Balsall Heath)
01-07-2009
No frills but plenty of thrills reports Andy Munro in the latest instalment of his tongue tingling adventures. more
DI MATTEO – OR DOORMATTEO?
01-07-2009
West Bromwich Albion have pulled off a surprise by appointing Roberto Di Matteo to replace Tony Mowbray as manager – but Baggies fans will be hoping he’s not Doormatteo. more
SLEEPING BEAUTY AWAKES
01-07-2009
Fomer Corrie star Lucy Evans (aka Lauren Wilson) washes up in the West Midlands later this year when she appears in the title role of Sleeping Beauty, the Hippodrome's panto. Terry Wills is already enchanted. more
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