June 2008
THE PUBLIC GETS DOWN TO WORK…WELL, ALMOST
30-06-2008
West Brom’s £52 million art gallery The Public finally opened its doors to the public this weekend – but although an estimated 10,000 visitors flocked to a free two-day festival, there was disappointment that the main attraction still wasn’t working. more
Stirrer TV
PUBLIC’S “OPEN DOOR” PLEDGE TO COMMUNITY
30-06-2008
Arts organisations and community groups in the Black Country have been given an “open door” pledge by the bosses at West Brom’s newly opened Public Art Gallery. Bookings director Carol Creasey is calling on members of local groups to come forward and dictate the venue's agenda. more
Stirrer TV
PUBLIC BOSS HAILS “BIG NEW MOMENT” FOR BLACK COUNTRY
30-06-2008
The Director the Public Art Gallery in West Bromwich has described the building’s opening as “a big new moment” for the Black Country. more
Stirrer TV
THE PUBLIC ON THE PUBLIC
30-06-2008
We’re not pretending this is any way comprehensive, but here’s the reaction of one West Brom woman and her grandson to the opening of The Public. more
ACE Dance South Africa Blog (2)
ARRIVING IN GRAHAMSTOWN
30-06-2008
Digbeth-based dance troupe ACE are currently representing Birmingham at South Africa’s Grahamstown Festival. Tour booker Megan Nelsey fights off the jet lag to send the latest despatch. more
Poet's Corner
UP THE HOSPITAL CHARTS
30-06-2008
Lord Darzi's Next Stage Review of the NHS out today suggests hospital's publish their death rates - news which moves Brendan Hawthorne to verse. Make up your own Alan Freeman "Pick Of The Pops" music. more
POLICE AUTHORITY REJECTS GAY COMPLAINT
28-06-2008
West Midlands Police Authority have been accused of failing in their duty after refusing to take action against the officer responsible for the Green Lane mosque fiasco. Once again allegations of homophobia have been raised against the Force. more
TROUBLE BREWS FOR UNION-BUSTING $TARBUCK$
28-06-2008
Campaigners are planning a protest outside the Birmingham New Street branch of Starbucks next Saturday, July 5, in protest at the company’s sacking of union organisers in Spain and the United States. Doug Fielding Smith has more.
Where Are They Now?
GEOFF HUMPAGE
28-06-2008
Former Warwickshire all-rounder Paul Smith tracks down an old Bears favourite - hard-hitting wicket-keeper and batsman Geoff Humpage who courted controversy by taking part in a tour to apartheid South Africa in the 1980s. more
Mick Temple's Blog
QUEEN GORDON
28-06-2008
Gordon Brown celebrated his first anniversary in No 10 by contemplating Labour's catastrophic by-election thrashing in Henley. Never mind. Mick Temple's already got the Prime Mnister's future career mapped out. more
Get Out More ................................Gig News
SIGUR ROS (Wolves Civic)
28-06-2008
The four-piece Reykjavik outfit described as 'part Spiritualised and part Enya with the immense epic sonic vistas of God Speed You Black Emperor' turn out at Wolves Civic on November 4. more
HEAVY METAL CRIME SPREE ROCKS BLACK COUNTRY
27-06-2008
From stolen manhole covers to knocked off copper wiring…the rising demand for metal has sparked a deadly crime wave which has the Black Country as its epicentre. Now West Bromwich MP Tom Watson has come up with a simple solution to the problem. more
NEWSNIGHT SPELLS GOODNIGHT FOR SPELMAN
27-06-2008
The future of Conservative Chair Caroline Spelman is hanging in the balance after the BBC’s Newsnight programme made further revelations about payments to her nanny. It’s also emerged that Tory backbenchers are calling for the Meriden MP’s dismissal. more
STRAW RACE AGAINST TIME ON WITNESSES
27-06-2008
Justice Secretary Jack Straw faces a race against time after pledging to strengthen the law allowing anonymous witnesses to give evidence in serious trials. Straw has to get new legislation through the Commons before the recess on July 22. more
AN ASTON TOUR
27-06-2008
It’s one of Birmingham’s oldest suburbs, and as Dave Woodhall discovers it’s got loads more to offer than grim newspaper headlines and a Premiership football team. more
Get Out More................................Music News
RICH BATSFORD’S MUSIC BY CANDLELIGHT
27-06-2008
Occasional Stirrer blogger Rich Batsford lays down some beautiful Michael Nyman-style piano, and you can catch him in a rare local appearance next Tuesday, July 1, in the evocative surroundings of Moseley’s St Mary’s church. more
Library 1
ARCHITECTS PLAN FOR LIBRARY JOB
27-06-2008
While campaigners battle to preserve John Madin’s 1970s Central Library in Birmingham, seven distinguished architects are already drawing up plans for a replacement building in Centenary Square – and we can whet your appetite with a glimpse of what they've already achieved... more
Library 2
PARADISE PLAN “JUST EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES”
27-06-2008
Birmingham Council argues that unless the Central Library is demolished, plans to redevelop Paradise Circus will be stymied. But Alan Clawley, who wants the 1973 building preserved, reckons city leaders are wearing the Emperor’s New Clothes. more
Library 3
MULLANEY UNVEILS NEW BRUM “TATE MODERN” PIC
27-06-2008
Birmingham councillor Martin Mullaney has unveiled the latest version of his radical “Tate Modern” plan for Birmingham Central Library. more
STRAW PROMISES MAHMOOD ACTION ON WITNESSES
26-06-2008
Justice Secretary Jack Straw has promised Birmingham MP Khalid Mahmood that he’ll tighten the law to ensure that witnesses in high-profile cases are able to remain anonymous. Straw will make a statement in the Commons today. more
LIBRARY CAMPAIGNERS FIGHTING BACK
26-06-2008
Campaigners trying to save Birmingham’s Central Library are hitting back at the City Council’s lobbying campaign against the building’s possible listing by organising their own letter writing protest. more
TRIBUTE AT LAST TO FALLEN OFFICER
26-06-2008
Fallen West Midlands police officer DC Mick Swindells will finally receive a memorial after a long-running campaign by Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg to get his sacrifice recognised. more
WALSALL SNOOPERS CALLED TO ACCOUNT
26-06-2006
Walsall Council is being asked to reveal the full details of its snooping record after admitting it used a law designed to combat terrorism to spy on staff. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
THE ANSWER TO EVERYTHING
26-06-2008
Really. It’s all here. Well apart from how to get rid of an unwanted car. more
OVERCOMING GREEN FATIGUE (1)
26-06-2008
In the first of a series of inspirational stories about West Midlands eco-pioneers, Barbara Panvel visits Hall Green in Birmingham. more
WEATHER WITH YOU
26-06-2008
Want to know when the sun's going to shine over the next few months? Diane Benussi has the answers. more
BRUM LAWYER SLAMS ANONYMOUS WITNESS SCHEME
25-06-2008
Suspected killers – including the four men jailed for murdering Aston teenagers Charlene Ellis and Letisha Shakespeare – shouldn’t be convicted on the basis of anonymous evidence says a leading Birmingham lawyer. more
OVER TO THE PUBLIC
25-06-2008
Ahead of this weekend's free opening festival, The Public Art Gallery in West Bromwich opened its doors to the press pack for a preview yesterday. Sandwell resident and Stirrer poet laureate Brendan Hawthorne joined the throng. more
LIBRARY 1
CAMPAIGNERS WELCOME "TATE MODERN" LIBRARY PLAN
25-06-2008
Central Library campaigner Alan Clawley has welcomed radical proposals raised by Birmingham councillor Martin Mullaney on The Stirrer Forum which would see the building saved and converted into a modern art gallery along the lines of the Tate Modern. more
Library 2
"PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL" LIBRARY MEMO LEAKED
25-06-2008
The Stirrer can reveal that desperate Birmingham Council bosses are secretly writing to key decision makers in the city calling on them to support the demolition of the Central Library. more
Ace Dance South Africa Blog
GEARING UP FOR GRAHAMSTOWN
25-06-2008
Digbeth-based dance troupe ACE are representing Birmingham at South Africa’s Grahamstown Festival this week. Here’s tour booker Megan Nelsey’s opening blog. more
ALDEN: PROTEST NOW TO SAVE POST OFFICES NEXT YEAR
25-06-2008
Birmingham councillor and post office campaigner Deirdre Alden admits that protests against the closure of 26 branches will mostly fail – but she insists it’s vital to lay down a marker against more cuts next year. more
CITIZENS DEMAND PLANNING SAY AS GOV'T PREPARES NEW POWERS
25-06-2008
As MPs prepare to discuss proposals today allowing the government to ride roughshod over local opinion and force through major new developments, research released by Friends of the Earth shows that nine out of ten people want a say over significant changes in their local area. more
Get Out More........................................Gig Listing
The Robin, Bilston
25-06-2008
The latest listing from the Black Country’s finest venue includes some terrific gigs – and we don’t just mean The Stirrer’s audience with Blind Dave Heeley on September 14. more
STIRRER READERS INVITED TO GLAMOROUS FILM BASH
25-06-2008
Birmingham film-maker Brendan O’Neill is calling on Stirrer readers to support his dream of making a £100,000 movie based around the city’s inner ring road. more
COUNCIL JOINS BATTLE AGAINST P.O. CLOSURES
24-06-2008
Birmingham City Council will unveil plans later today to fight the closure of 24 Post Offices in the city, adding to a cross party alliance against the plan. A total of 56 P.O.’s will be shut across the region. more
MIND THE GAP AS HEALTH INEQUALITY WIDENS
24-06-2008
Birmingham and Walsall are among the worst parts of the country for infant deaths according to national “health maps” published today. Sandwell and Dudley have some of the lowest rates of breast feeding. more
Get Out More................................Gig News
AL GREEN (NIA, October 28)
24-06-2008
Soul legend Al Green has announced a return to Birmingham with a show at the NIA in October...just fifteen months after his last appearance. The Stirrer’s Dr Music Paul Samuels pays homage. more
"LOSER" DUTTON SAVAGED OVER LIBRARY
24-06-2008
Birmingham’s planning chief Clive Dutton is on the receiving end of a stinging attack today by Alan Clawley, the Friends of the Central Library campaigner. Dutton reacted angrily to a recommendation by English Heritage that it should be listed, and here’s Clawley’s response. more
THE GUANTANAMO DOCTOR
24-06-2008
There has been much criticism of the US military doctors in the treatment of detainees in Guantanamo and other secret prisons. What has not been told – until now – is that amongst the prisoners is a doctor who has now been detained without charge for 6 and half years. David Nicholl has more
Sammy's Music Blog
THE ZUTONS
24-06-2008
They're playing Cannock Chase in June and have a stonking new album out. They also wrote one of Amy Winehouse's greatest hits. What's not to like? Not a lot decides Paul Samuels. more
GIGBETH’S CLARE TAKES NATIONAL GONG
24-06-2008
Well done to Gigbeth founder Clare Edwards who scooped the British Council’s Young Music Entrepreneur Award for 2008. more
Stirrer TV
NEVER MIND OPEC GORDON, VISIT THE ECO HOUSE
23-06-2008
Gordon Brown singularly failed to persuade Middle Eastern oil producers to invest in alternative power sources at yesterday’s summit in Saudi, so it looks like we’ll just have to do it ourselves. Have no fear, though, The Stirrer visits a new eco house that cuts energy costs at a stroke. more
GAY VILLAGE COPS ADMIT RECORDS “INCOMPLETE”
23-06-2008
The Stirrer can reveal the identity of the alleged victim of police intimidation in Birmingham’s Gay Village which is now the subject of an official complaint. In a shocking development, the Police have admitted their records for the night of incident are “incomplete”. more
Stirrer TV
PUBLIC SLASHES PRICES BEFORE OPENING
23-06-2008
Bosses at West Brom’s controversial Public Arts Centre have responded to complaints about the price by launching a cut-price introductory membership fee ahead of next weekend’s free opening festival – but it’s only available to residents of Sandwell. more
Get Out More.............................Gig News
SOWETO KINCH (Birmingham Town Hall)
23-06-2008
Fresh from his Hockley Flyover Festival triumph, Birmingham sax god Soweto Kinch has lined up another date – this time in the more conventional surroundings of Birmingham Town Hall. more
ATTACK ON THE STIRRER’S “SHABBY JOURNALISM”
23-06-2008
The disgraced former Walsall councillor who replaced a democratically elected community activist as Chair of a health advisory board has condemned The Stirrer’s “shabby journalism.” more
BARROWMAN ON SPACEY, NANCY AND ROBIN HOOD
23-06-2008
John Barrowman held forth to the local press recently at the launch of this year’s Hippodrome panto Robin Hood. Terry Wills joined the gathering and reports on the star’s outspoken views about Kevin Spacey and the winner of the “Maria” TV show. more
THE STIRRER TALKS THE TALK
23-06-2008
Calling all insomniacs and night shift workers – Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg will be holding forth in the wee small hours on Talksport for the next fortnight. more
Poet's Corner
THE TEXT IS NOW MIGHTIER THAN THE FILTER TIP
23-06-2008
Never mind fag breaks…workers are now demanding time out from their desks to have officially recognised text breaks. The Stirrer’s poet laureate Brendan Hawthorne surveys the nation’s latest addiction. more
Stirrer TV
ENGAGING WITH THE PUBLIC
21-06-2008
The director of the Public Arts Centre in West Bromwich gives The Stirrer a sneak preview of the new £52 million building which opens next week – and insists it will still maintain the original vision of being rooted in the community. more
NEW LIBRARY “WILL GO AHEAD” DESPITE LISTING SETBACK
21-06-2008
Birmingham Council bosses have vowed that a new Central Library will be built in the city – even though the government’s buildings advisor English Heritage has recommended that the existing one in Chamberlain Square should be listed. more
Get Out More..........................Film/Events
SEVEN INCH LISTINGS
21-06-2008
They've just got the funding that secures their Flatpack Film Festival for three years, but its hasn't gone to their heads - the folk at Seven Inch have still found time to send us their listings. As usual it's a treasure trove of the bizarre, the cultish, and the plain old interesting. more
Mick Temple’s Blog
NIGHTMAYOR IN STOKE
21-06-2008
Remember all that fuss about a mayor for Birmingham? Stoke already has one, but as Mick Temple reports there are plans afoot for change. Don’t worry though – he talks about beer and football too. more
Dave Price's Rant
21-06-2008
Is it me or have the Tories yet again crossed to the dark side of socialism leaping over New Labour in a single bound? Asks Dave Price in his weekly rant.... more
Get Out More...........................Film Listings
ELECTRIC CINEMA (Station Street, Birmingham)
21-06-2008
Birmingham's best cinema just got better...there's now a second screen at The Electric incorporating the latest HD Digital projector, 78 seats, plus a dozen luxury sofas with waiter service. It opens in fortnight with the Oscar-nominated Mongol, Blade Runner (Directors Cut) and a special HD version of the Wizard of Oz. Meanwhile here's the latest listings... more
Birmingham Pride Community Trust blog
WOMEN AGAINST THE TIDE
21-06-2008
Listeners to Radio 4 a few days ago day will have heard a quietly shocking account of how one woman was treated on the NHS simply because she was a lesbian. Lesley Pattenson finds its part of a wider trend. more
ENGLISH HERITAGE: "CENTRAL LIBRARY SHOULD BE LISTED"
20-06-2008
English Heritage which advises the government on historic buildings has re-stated its view that Birmingham Central Library should be listed. This doesn't mean it can't be demolished - but will make the process more difficult. more
LADYWOOD SELECTION FRAUD CLAIMS "WILDLY INACCURATE"
20-06-2008
Claims of corruption during Shabana Mahmood's selection as Labour's parliamentary candidate for Ladywood have been pooh-poohed by the party. They describe allegations of postal voting fraud as “wildly inaccurate. more
SACKED TORRINGTON PICKS UP INTERNATIONAL AWARD
20-06-2008
How’s this for irony. Just a week after being axed by BRMB, late night presenter Graham Torrington has just been handed a Bronze Medal in the “Best Talk Show” category at the New York Festivals radio awards. more
ASTONBROOK STAFF CLAIM UNFAIR DISMISSAL
20-06-2008
Fifteen staff sacked by the troubled Astonbrook Housing Association last month are claiming unfair dismissal. Their union is also investigating claims of discrimination, since all of those sacked are thought to be Somalian. more
Get Out More............................Gig News
WORLD UNLIMITED LISTINGS
20-06-2008
Show of Hands, voted Best Live Act of the Year in the BBC's Folk Awards in 2004 are heading to Wolverhampton's Wulfrun Hall in Wolverhampton thanks to the ever-enterprising roots promoters World Unlimited. There's also Thea Gilmore at Brum's Glee Club next week, and Henry Rollins at the same venue in August. more
THEY SEEK HIM HERE, THEY SEEK HIM THERE
20-06-2008
It’s been a busy year for West Midlands Police, what with that libel case against the producers of Undercover Mosque and allegations of homophobia in Birmingham’s Gay Village – not to mention falling crime figures. Yet the Force’s “Scarlet Pimpernel” Chief Constable remains as elusive as ever. more
Gebby's Top Tips
ROYAL ASCOT (Friday)
20-06-2008
After Wednesday's successes, Moseley's top tipster Paul Gebhard had - by his own admission - a "disastrous" day yesterday. Luck's got to turn today. right? more
LABOUR SLIDES DOWN THE POLL IN WALSALL
20-06-2008
Latest opinion polls suggest that Walsall South – currently held by Labour’s Bruce George – would be lost to the Conservatives if a general election was held today. Walsall North (David Winnick) would also be in danger writes Pete Smith, leader of the town’s independent Democratic Labour party. more
GAY VILLAGE LOBBYING GETS REWARD
20-06-2008
Last month, we carried a report suggesting that Birmingham’s Gay Village around Hurst Street was in an “appalling state.” A petition calling for improvements was launched at Pride and now, as David Viney reports, it seems that officialdom has been listening. more
Exclusive
MOSQUITO ENQUIRY CALL TO PM
19-06-2008
One of the most senior black figures in Birmingham’s Labour Group is calling on the Prime Minister to order an enquiry into the party’s recent selection of Shabana Mahmood as parliamentary candidate for Ladywood. She alleges that the figures in the vote “do not stack up” and warns that the process was “fundamentally flawed”. more
CHARLENE AND LETITIA KILLERS COULD GO FREE
19-06-2008
The killers of murdered Birmingham teenagers Charlene Ellis and Letisha Shakespeare could go free following a controversial legal ruling yesterday. more
Recycling 1
WALSALL’S BIN RUBBISH TOO
19-06-2008
Householders in Walsall will have to keep paying £18.50 to replace lost or stolen bins following a Council vote last night. Independent councillor Pete Smith calls for the charge to be scrapped – along with the rest of the local authority’s new recycling policy. more
Recycling 2
400 COMPOSTING BAGS NO PROBLEM SAYS COUNCIL
19-06-2008
A Birmingham householder recently left out 400 bags of garden waste in one day – leading to calls for a maximum to be imposed. The City Council says it has no plans for a limit, but admits there are currently delays in the collection system causing waste to pile up on the street. more
CUSTOMERS CAN P.O.
19-06-2008
Trade Minister (and Wolverhampton MP) Pat McFadden has confirmed that customers won’t be able to block the closure of around 60 Post Offices in the West Midlands when they are announced next Tuesday. So why is the government is calling it a “consultation” then, wonders Simon Gray? more
GOING APE FOR KING KONG
19-06-2008
One of Birmingham’s great lost icons, the King Kong statue, has been the subject of much speculation over the years, with suggestions that it might have been shipped off to America or even melted down. But now, thanks to Pete Millington’s Spaghetti Gazetti blog, we can reveal its true location. more
Get Out More................................Gig News
MELT BANANA (Hare and Hounds, June 22)
19-06-2008
Intense Japanese noisettes Melt Banana come to Birmingham on Sunday; Steve Beauchampé considers why Britain has, and probably never will, produce anything quite like them.more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT
19-06-2008
Never one to miss an opportunity, Laurence Inman takes advantage of the impending apocalypse to get rid of an unwanted J Reg Fiesta. Typical. more
Gebby's Top Tips
LADIES DAY, ROYAL ASCOT
19-06-2008
Moseley's top tipster Paul Gebhard was in scorching form yesterday with two well-priced winners and a decent each-way third at Royal Ascot. Here are his forecasts for Ladies Day. more
A SMASHING MEMORIAL
19-06-2008
News that Birmingham’s famous John F Kennedy memorial could re-emerge in the new Beorma Quarter – after being rejected by developers behind the Irish Quarter – has Simon Gray musing on municipal vandalism. more
"WRONG SORT OF WEATHER" CAUSES BRUM RUBBISH PILE-UP
18-06-2008
Len Gregory’s role on Birmingham Council has been under scrutiny over the past few days on The Stirrer, not least because of his vast brief looking after transport and waste. Former cabinet member John Tyrrell hears him blame “the wrong kind of weather” for piles of rubbish on the streets. more
PUBLIC OPENING “STRAYS FROM COMMUNITY ARTS VISION”
18-06-2008
Black Country poet Brendan Hawthorne is warning that the opening weekend of The Public in West Bromwich later this month shows how far the project has strayed from its original vision as a community arts centre. more
SPELMAN FACES EXPENSES PROBE
18-06-2008
Conservative Party chairman and Meriden MP Caroline Spelman is being investigated by the parliamentary watchdog over allegations that she misused her expenses to pay her nanny. more
Gebby's Top Tips
ROYAL ASCOT (Today, BBC)
18-06-2008
Punters who backed Moseley's own top tipster Paul Gebhard at Cheltenham recently would have ended the Festival in profit. We can't guarantee the same for Royal Ascot, but here are his selections anyway. more
FLATPACK, DEAFFEST ON THE MONEY
18-06-2008
Two pioneering West Midlands film festivals have beaten off national rivals to win funding that will help secure their future – so hats off to Birmingham’s Flatpack and Wolverhampton’s Deaffest. more
Exclusive
REYNOLDS GIRL TRIES TO MAKE PURCHASE
18-06-2008
Blimey! It can’t be all bad being an MP. The Stirrer has discovered yet another contender to succeed Ken Purchase as Labour candidate when he retires from Wolverhampton North East at the next election. more
Joy’s Peru Blog (1)
THE ADVENTURE BEGINS – PERU HERE I COME
18-06-2008
Universally-loved Birmingham PR queen Joy Stefanicki recently upped sticks to New York, only to lose her new job because of the recession. Undaunted she’s off to Peru to help victims of last year’s earthquake and will be sharing her stories with The Stirrer. more
SMERRICK ON THE TELLY
18-06-2008
A rejuvenated patch of urban greenery in Smethwick will be the star of the show on BBC2 this afternoon as part of the BBC’s Springwatch Action team series. more
Get Out More......................................................Gig Review
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN (Millenium Stadium)
18-06-2008
The Boss snubs Birmingham, so Richard Nevin - who saw him at Villa Park two decades ago - makes the trek to Cardiff, and comes over all misty eyed. more
Get Out More....................................Film Listings
LIGHT HOUSE (Fryer Street, Wolverhampton)
18-06-2008
Wolverhampton’s Lighthouse Cinema has easily the most adventurous programme of any cinema in the West Midlands – as the latest listings testify. Check out some of the best UK indie releases and a few choice selections from around the world. more
Exclusive
BRMB VETERAN TORRINGTON AXED
17-06-2008
Veteran BRMB presenter Graham Torrington is the latest victim of the West Midlands media cull. The late night host was axed without warning on Friday after 13 years service. more
SINGLE STATUS LEGAL DEADLINE LOOMS
17-06-2008
Thousands of Birmingham Council workers losing out under the Single Status Pay Review have been warned they must launch a legal appeal by the end of this month. The public service union Unison says that Council bosses are already taking advantage of the new contracts imposed in April to cut the wages of low paid staff. more
Get Out More..........................Gig Review
HOLLY GOLIGHTLY/COURTESY GROUP/TED EDWARDS
(Hare and Hounds)
17-06-2008
Promoters Curate’s Egg have fast established a reputation for evenings of eclectic adventure…and this hotchpotch of nu-country and avant rock certainly didn’t disappoint. more
Exclusive
JASPAL DECLARES FOR PURCHASE SEAT – AT JUST 35K
17-06-2008
Milkinder Jaspal is the latest deposed Labour councillor to emerge as a contender for the Wolverhampton North East nomination when MP Ken Purchase stands down at the next election. If selected and then elected, Jaspal says he’ll work in the Commons for just £35,000 a year. more
LIAM BYRNE…AND THE TANGLED WEB OF LADYWOOD
17-06-2008
There are two versions of the battle to replace Clare Short as Labour candidate for Ladywood, which was won by Shabana Mahmood. One has it that there was a good clean fight which Shabana won fair and square…the other has it that party officials were desperate to protect Hodge Hill MP Liam Byrne and would go to extraordinary lengths to protect him. more
Doc Dave’s Blog
GEORGE THE GUANTANAMO GORILLA
17-06-2008
As President Bush prepares to leave after his 2 day visit to the UK, David Nicholl announces the arrival of a great ape, ‘George the Guantanamo Guerilla'. Is he monkeying around? The Stirrer exclusively reveals all. more
SEX SHOP
17-06-2008
Ooh er, missus...the Nice and Naughty "adult shop" in Wednesbury is seeking permission from Sandwell Council today to display sexy lingerie in its (currently blacked out) front window. The Stirrer's poet laureate Brendan Hawthorne ponders the arrival of the sexual revolution in the Black Country. more
GREEN FATIGUES
17-06-2008
Tired of all the finger wagging encouraging us all to live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle? So is Barbara Panvel, but she has words of hope too. more
GREGORY TO GO CLAIMS "ABSOLUTE GARBAGE"
16-06-2008
The Stirrer has been solemnly assured that there'll be no changes in the make up of Birmingham Council's cabinet for two years - so why do rumours (described by one official as "absolute garbage") persist about the future of the city's transport boss Len Gregory? more
NEW GAY HATE ENQUIRY FOR COPS
16-06-2008
West Midlands Police has already been forced to hand over £100,000 in libel costs after cocking up its investigation of Channel 4’s Undercover Mosque programme......now it’s being investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission after failing to prosecute one of the homophobic preachers featured on the programme. more
BRUM QUALITY OF LIFE “STILL AS GOOD AS GLASGOW”
16-06-2008
Birmingham’s quality of life remains level pegging with that beacon of of sophisticated urban style – er, Glasgow. The slightly underwhelming news comes as Mike Whitby heads off to France today to pick up another gong. more
RATTLE ROLLS BACK TO BRUM
16-06-2008
Just as Sakari Oramao takes his final bow as CBSO conductor, his predecessor Sir Simon Rattle returns to Birmingham as part of the UK’s largest international classical music season outside London. more
LABOUR “SCRAPING BARREL” IN LADYWOOD
16-06-2008
Former Birmingham Council cabinet member John Tyrrell argues that the debate about Labour’s selection of Shabana Mahmood to replace Clare Short in Ladywood is a sideshow, and that the party is “scraping the barrel.” more
THANKS TO THE STIRRER GUEST EDITORS
16-06-2008
Many thanks to all the guest editors who did a sterling job last week. Martin Mullaney, Praguetory, Barbara Willis Brown, Phil Bateman, Nick Booth, Pete Millington – take a bow. more
BAD DAY AT THE OFFICE FOR THE APPRENTICE
16-06-2008
Ranting Dave Price has had all weekend to get over the finale of the latest series of The Apprentice - but it's still making him angry. So should Sir Alan be fired? more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
EURO TWO THOUSAND AND HATE
16-06-2008
The summer’s big footy tournament’s already more than a third over, and Laurence Inman is still trying to make his mind up who to support. more
Monday’s Viral
GETTING OLD DOESN’T MEAN YOU’RE SENILE…
16-06-2008
...And here’s the proof. Something to raise a smile on a Monday. more
Poet's Corner
PAID UP SHARES WITH LITTLE DIVIDEND
(A Bitter Tale of Epic Proportion)
16-06-2008
The Public in West Brom finally opens its doors this month, and Sandwell residents are seething. They were promised a "community arts centre" but now face a hefty admission price to get in. They'll only get a discount by buying a season ticket, much to the disgust of local taxpayer and Stirrer poet laureate Brendan Hawthorne. more
Mick Temple's Blog
42 DAZE
15-06-2008
Is Tory nearly man David Davis a vain fool to quit and force a by-election over the government's 42 day detention plan? Or that rare thing in politics - a man of principle? Mick Temple assesses the form. more
Today's editor (14th June 2008) - Pete Millington
A LITTLE TROUBLE IN ZIMBABWE
14-06-2008
Bob Marley visited Zimbabwe in 1980 to celebrate independence and black majority rule. But what would the icon of love, peace and unity have made of it all now? Pete Millington reflects: more
UP THE LICKEYS
14-06-2008
The Lickey Hills voted ‘number one day out’ by youngsters in national competition. Pete Millington investigates. more
MUCH TO DO ABOUT WENLOCK
14-06-2008
The Beijing Olympics will be the most expensive sports event ever staged. But as the Games get bigger and more costly every four years, in terms of money, environmental impact, technology and the affect on local people, Pete Millington asks should our Olympic Games in four years time go back to basics and build on the legacy of the Shropshire GP who started it all in the first place: more
SAUCY WORCESTER OR WHAT?
14-06-2008
The famous Worcester based sauce manufacturer, Lea and Perrins, recently held a competition to create an authentic dish which typifies the county of Worcestershire more
A PERSONAL TRIBUTE TO BOB TAYLOR
14-06-2008
Last weekend the former director of Birmingham International Airport and retired Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Sir Robert Taylor, died after a long illness. Whilst the local press have run tributes to Sir Bob, most have concentrated on his achievements at the airport and his high status as the Queen’s ‘man in Brummagem’. But few have mentioned his tireless work for charity and for disability rights. Editor Pete Millington fills in the gaps with this personal tribute: more
Get Out More...................................The Merchant of Venice
THE QUALITY OF MERCY - IN THE EAR
14-06-2008
Vidar Hjardeng is a television journalist and presenter at ITV Central television and outside of his media work he is a lover of theatre. Vidar has sent us a theatre review he has written of a recent production of The Merchant of Venice in Stratford. But as you will see, Vidar’s theatre review has a slightly different slant from similar reviews you might have read: more
Get Out More..........................Festival News
SUPER MODEL BUYS INTO BRUM DESIGNER
14-06-2008
Birmingham City University’s Graduate Fashion Show is once again a highlight of this year’s innovative New Generation Arts Festival. more
Today's editor (13th June 2008) - Nick Booth
DUBLIN AND THE DEMOCRATIC DEFICIT
13-06-2008
So the Irish have said no to the Lisbon Treaty. Is it right that 5 million folk can have such sway in a community of half a billion? more
IS DIGBETH MOVING TO BOHO B13?
13-06-2008
Building work will begin in September to turn part of the Post Office building in Moseley into a new co-working space for creative types. The £300,000 project is designed to keep Moseley people working in Moseley. more
NO MORE HUMAN CHAINS FOR BIRMINGHAM
13-06-2008
The woman who organised the 1998 Drop the Debt human
chain ten years ago tells The Stirrer’s guest editor Nick Booth why she thinks it can never happen again. more
IS 42 DAYS GORDON BROWN'S POLL TAX?
13-06-2008
Are the Conservatives changing their spots? Regular Stirrer columnist Dr David Nicholl writes on why David Davis could inspire him to vote Tory for the first time in his life. more
MEET THE TWITTERING BUS DRIVER
13-06-2008
In a strange combination of old world and news world Birmingham has it’s very own blogging bus driver. more
Today's editor (12th June 2008) - Phil Bateman MBE
HAULIER COULD HAVE TO CLOSE AFTER DIESEL THEFTS
12-06-2008
"It appears that the theft of diesel and other fuel is starting to have a deleterious affect on owners and road haulage companies. The news that a Willenhall Road Haulage company is considering closing with a loss of 40 jobs through the theft of diesel is worrying indeed" writes Phil Bateman. more
FAST TRACK FOR WOLF LICENCE
12-06-2008
Phil Bateman writes " The Wolf is being fast tracked by Ofcom because there was no other interest from other radio companies for its licence. I do hope that there will, however, be the usual safeguards about the news and the local content. more
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT DEFECTS TO LABOUR
12-06-2008
The Stirrer can now confirm that twice Liberal Democrat candidate James Lindly is now an official member of the Labour Party. more
MAJOR STEEL FIRM LOCATES HQ TO WOLVERHAMPTON
12-06-2008
"At a time when there are concerns about the economy, it is good to learn that Wolverhampton has once again become the choice of location for a major engineering company. more
PARLIAMENT SUPPORTS PRIME MINISTER IN TERROR BILL VOTE
12-06-2008
"One of the really big Parliamentary occasions took place yesterday as the Government fought to introduce legislation that would make Britain safer from terrorists" writes Phil Bateman more
WANT AN EDDIE SHOESTRING?
12-06-2008
"Have you ever thought of hiring a Private Detective? Or even thought that this was a career for you?" writes Phil Bateman more
LEADING TRADE UNIONIST SPEAKS OUT AGAINST FASCISM
12-06-2008
Support grows for 21 June national march against fascism. Anti Racist Campaigners up and down the country are mobilising for a national demonstration in London on Saturday 21 June against the fascist British National Party (BNP). more
VILLA STAR WANTS TO GO!
12-06-2008
"The news Villa fans didn't want to hear! Sky News is reporting this morning that Villa Captain Gareth Barry wants to become a Liverpool Red". writes Phil Bateman more
BIOFUELS CAUSING STARVATION?
12-06-2008
"There is a huge debate taking place in the UK about what sort of biofuels we should be using as we move to tackle the energy crisis. In the public transport industry several of the big bus companies have embraced biofuels in a big way. The trick it appears is to discover real sustainable biofuels and produce them from sources like algae. This is the sort of development that Birmingham based National Express are pressing" writes Phil Bateman. more
BIG PHIL SAMBA'S INTO CHELSEA!
12-06-2008
"The 'Big News' last night was not the torrential rain that fell on the Switzerland v Turkey game, or the fact that Turkey squeezed a victory in the last few minutes with a late goal in what could have been the local duck pond! No...the real news is that big Phil Scolari, currently manager of Portugal is set to be the new Chelsea Manager, replacing the luckless Avram Grant."writes Phil Bateman. more
TAXI ROW BREAKS IN WOLVERHAMPTON
12-06-2008
Wolverhampton City Council is still feeling the 'shock waves' following the change from Labour to the new Conservative/Liberal Democrat Alliance that is now running the City Council. more
NATIONAL EXPRESS SAY "MORE IS LESS"
12-06-2008
Demand for transport continues to grow. By 2020 travel within the UK is forecast to increase by a further 19%. Birmingham based National Express have produced a document that argues that more travel doesn't have to mean more damage to the environment or peoples quality of life. more
Today's editor (11th June 2008) - Barbara Willis-Brown
COST OF LIVING 1: DISAPPEARING WORLD OF ENGLISH FARMERS
11-06-2008
According to a broadcast on Radio 4 this morning, it seems alarm bells are ringing over the decline in farming. more
COST OF LIVING 2: PENSIONERS THE BIGGEST LOSERS
11-06-2008
The DWP indicate a rise of 300,000 pensioners living in poverty in 2006/7, 3 times higher than predicted. What an indictment on our society. We have some of the lowest pensions in Europe, and, from my own professional experience in community development, I often see the sharp end of pensioner poverty. more
CONNECTING BLACK HISTORY TO THE STATELY HOMES OF ENGLAND
11-06-2008
SCAWDI’s first publication, in magazine format, draws together the first phase of its Heritage Lottery funded project, detailing our excellent work to date - researching and exploring the hidden, often overlooked, yet fairly substantial Black population in the midlands from the 17th C. Of necessity, this starts with the stately homes to which most were attached. more
BAGGIES FOR SALE
11-06-2008
Terry Wills brings us the lowdown on developments at the Hawthorns. more
RACE, GENDER & POLITICS:
11-06-2008
Female Activists to Local Politicians more
Get Out More................................ Theatre Review
‘EUROBEAT’ ALMOST EUROVISION’- Birmingham Hippodrome. to June 14th.
11-06-2008
Ten years on from Birmingham hosting the 1998 ‘Comedy Show’ masquerading under the title of The Eurovision Song Contest, ’ it’s back in the city…Well almost!. Terry Wills tells us why... more
Today's editor (10th June 2008) - Praguetory, Dominic Fisher
THE POWER OF THE STIRRER
10-06-2008
There's no denying the influence of the Stirrer at Birmingham Council House. more
POOR BRUMMIE BUILDINGS
10-06-2008
When in Brum, I frequently drive past Opal One student accommodation on the corner of Belgrave Middleway and Bristol Road. I don’t like it, so I asked a Birmingham architect lecturer to give me her critique. more
Stay In More ........................... What's On TV
THE IRON LADY AND THE CLUNCKING FIST
10-06-2008
At risk of appearing unbalanced (well I am only editor for one day) I’m going to take a brief look at some political programmes starting with a couple on Maggie Thatcher. more
A LITTLE LIBERAL OR A LITTLE CONSERVATIVE?
10-06-2008
Whilst last year’s Party conference season was marked by fevered election speculation, Cllr Tim Huxtable (Con, Bournville) and his wife Keely Huxtable (Tory PPC for Northfield) were taking their honeymoon in Europe. more
THE APPEAL OF CONSPIRACIES
10-06-2008
Hello, fellow Stirrers. It's Dominic Fisher aka Praguetory here. The Bohemian drinking holes of Prague are full of pissed and pissed off anti-Americans from all over the world. I enjoy introducing them to each other and hear them share 9/11 or Iraq conspiracy theories that are inevitably mutually exclusive versions of events. more
TALKING ABOUT CREATION
10-06-2008
During his spell as an Aston Villa player the French footballer David Ginola reflected on this great city of Birmingham - "You wonder if this city will ever run out of grey paint". Makes your heart sink, doesn't it? But it shows you don't need to be an architect to appreciate that our city environment can lift our spirit and enhance our lives or do the opposite. more
Today's editor (9th June 2008) - Cllr Martin Mullaney
ALBERT BORE CAUGHT OUT BY HIS OWN WORDS
09-06-2008
Stirrer Editor for Monday, Martin Mullaney, has revealed today how Sir Albert Bore accused Birmingham Council Leader Mike Whitby in June 2006 of being “inept” for alledgedly trying to remove the only black woman on the West Midlands police authority. Now that the Birmingham Labour Party has now done this, what does that make Albert? more
CONGESTION CHARGING
09-06-2008
Are the Manchester leaders brave or foolhardy with regards to congestion charging. They are clearly ploughing ahead with its introduction in 2012 against the flow of local public opinion. But will Birmingham look back to 2008 and question whether we were foolhardy to miss this opportunity for a massive investment in public transport? more
IT'S SHABANA FOR LADYWOOD
09-06-2008
Labour has controversially selected Shabana Mahmood as their candidate for Ladywood constituency. Political pundits assume this is a safe seat for Labour....or is it. Do boundary changes in the next General Election make this a Labour marginal? more
SHOULD WE TREAT OUR HOUSES LIKE CLASSIC CARS?
09-06-2008
Colin Troth urges us to treat our houses in the same way we treat our classic cars – namely keep them as original as possible. Retain the original front doors, windows, roof material – OR replace these with extract replicas. Is he right? Do places like Bournville benefit from Article 4 directives which control the removal of original front doors and windows? more
SHOCK AND AWE AT BRUM TOWN HALL
09-06-2008
Ros Dodd was both appalled and awed by the launch of the New Generation Arts Festival in Birmingham more
GET OUT AND ABOUT...............GONE BABY GONE REVIEW
09-06-2008
Gone Baby Gone has been released in the UK. It was due to be released on 28 December 2007, but was delayed since it was considered too close to the disappearance of Madeline McCann. Stirrer Editor for today, Martin Mullaney, watched it over the weekend. Should it have been delayed and is it any good? more
SEEING THE LIGHT
09-06-2008
The north has the Angel of the North. The south are about to get a Giant Cow.......and Birmingham has an electricity pylon. Yes, Birmingham has an electricity pylon in Victoria Square. However, it wasn't long for a poem about this pylon came down the wires (excuse the pun)...from Wednesbury's and The Stirrer's own poet laureate Brendan Hawthorne.... more
MOSQUITO D-DAY IN LADYWOOD SHOWDOWN
07-06-2008
Labour councillor Yvonne Mosquito will find out today whether she’s been selected as Labour candidate for Ladywood following Clare Short’s decision to stand down. Her closest rival is Shabana Mahmood. more
STIRRER EDITOR QUITS SHOCKER
07-06-2008
Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg is quitting his post – for one week only. And this esteemed website will be left in the hands of a team of guest editors. Crumbs. more
BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION - THE '70s WAY
07-06-2008
Birmingham Council's business transformation plan is supposed to offer a 21st century solution to managing the back office of a major local authority. One insider at the sharp end suggests it's more like stepping back to the 70's. more
BRICKHOUSE "ROUNDHOUSE" - FUTURE DECIDED NEXT WEEK
07-06-2008
The future of a remarkable Black Country building will be decided next week – but the onus is on local residents to save it. more
Get Out More.................................Film/Talk Preview
POGUS CAESAR SHOWCASE (Lighthouse, July 3)
07-06-2008
Top telly bloke and photographer Pogus Caesar will be showcasing his 20-year career in film at Wolverhampton’s Lighthouse Cinema next month. It will include a rare chance to see his controversial 1993 documentary “I’m Black In Britain” which includes an interview with National Front founder John Tyndall. more
TYRRELL'S TRANSPORT TICKLER
07-06-2008
Birmingham's former Cabinet Member for Transport John Tyrrell responds in spiky fashion to The Stirrer's most recent revelations about the West Midlands Metro system. more
A DIFFERENT KIND OF NATIONAL SECURITY
07-06-2008
Food, energy, water...the basics of civilised life. So shouldn't we be doing more to ensure we keep our hands on them, asks Barbara Panvel? more
Get Out More......................................Gig News
STEVIE WONDER (NIA, September 8)
07-06-2008
Following yesterday’s revelations that tickets for Stevie Wonder’s Birmingham show were being touted on t’internet even before the prices were announced, we’ve now got full details of how much they’ll cost officially. And it ain’t cheap. more
SO, AM I A SEXIST - OR WOT???
07-06-2008
That's what Brierley Hill's favourite son Glyn Berrington wants to know after sending us this viral. It's an oldie but goodie he reckons. Have a look, and tell us what you think. more
WAITROSE FINED £25,000 FOR WORKER’S INJURY
07-06-2008
Horrific injuries sustained by a young worker in Birmingham have led to a £25,000 fine for posh supermarket chain Waitrose. The 17-year old had his arm crushed at their Hall Green store on Stratford Road. more
TOUTS CASH IN ON STEVIE WONDER STUFF
06-06-2008
Ticket touts are already cashing in on Stevie Wonder’s Birmingham show later this year, by offering tickets online today – even though they aren’t officially on sale until next week. Needless to say, the prices are exorbitant. more
Exclusive
MEDIA DOWNSIZING CAMPAIGN REACHES COMMONS
06-06-2008
The Stirrer’s campaign against the downsizing of West Midlands media reached parliament yesterday, when two Birmingham MPs signed a commons motion protesting against the BBC’s plans to close its Drama Village in Selly Oak.more
Exclusive
BROOKFIELD UP FOR PURCHASE SEAT
06-06-2008
Deposed Wolverhampton cabinet member Ian Brookfield has thrown his hat in the ring in the battle to replace MP Ken Purchase who is standingdown at the next election. Another ex-councillor Phil Bateman has already declared his interest. more
Transport 1
TRAM BOSSES GIVE UP ON BROWN - AND LOOK TO GERMANY
06-06-2008
One of the West Midlands most senior transport bosses has told The Stirrer he’s given up on getting government funding to extend the Metro tram system in Birmingham and the Black Country. Now he’s looking to Germany for examples of a cut-price alternative. more
Transport 2
BRUM REFUSES TO PAY METRO FARE
06-06-2008
News that the four Black Country Councils are clubbing together to pay the £100,000 salary of a new director to chase funding for the Midland Metro extension begs the question – where’s Birmingham’s contribution? more
Transport 3
NEW STREET SAFE AS BROMSGROVE GETS ON TRACK
06-06-2008
The £600 million revamp of Birmingham New Street station will go ahead – despite a cut in Network Rail’s budget of £1.5 billion. There’s more good news for the region with a Cross City line extension to Bromsgrove. more
Get Out More................................Film News
ELECTRIC CINEMA LISTINGS (Station Street, Birmingham)
06-07-2008
Is it the Electric? Or the Eclectic? This month, the West Midlands funkiest cinema spans the glamour of Sex and the City and a grainy documentary about indie heroes Joy Division. And that's just in the next few days. more
Gebby's Top Tips
THIS WEEKEND'S EPSOM CLASSICS
06-06-2008
It's the weekend of weekends for flat racing buffs with the nation's premier race for three year olds, The Derby, and The Oak which is for fillies only. Paul Gebhard invites you to lose your shirt. more
Eco 1
WHY A PYLON?
05-06-2008
It’s World Environment Day, and Birmingham is in the midst of its first Climate Change Festival. But why have they plonked a pylon in the middle of Victoria Square. Stella Bland from the organisers CABE explains. more
Eco 2
MACARTHUR'S GREEN CHALLENGE TO BRUMMIES
05-06-2008
Record-breaking lone yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur is in brindleyplace today challenging Brummies to cut their Co2 emissions by 100kg a year. more
TIANANMEN– 19 YEARS ON
05-06-2008
Dr David Nicholl joins protestors outside the Chinese embassy in London marking the anniversary of an atrocity that still hasn’t been acknowledged by those responsible. more
SMOOTH WITH THE ROUGH STUFF AS BEV BEVAN AXED
05-06-2008
The downsizing of West Midlands media continues apace with the news that Smooth radio is axing some of its high profile local presenters including former Move and ELO star Bev Bevan. They’ll be replaced by networked shows from London. more
BORE BLOW AS AFZAL REJECTED BY LABOUR LEADERS
05-06-207
West Midlands Labour leaders have delivered a humiliating blow to Sir Albert Bore by rejecting his favoured candidate for the local Police Authority, Mohammed Afzal. more
GAZZA: HOW WE LIKE TO REMEMBER HIM
05-06-2008
Former England footballer Gascoigne is currently battling mental health problems after years of alcohol abuse. This is why we care click here
Laurence Inman’s Blog
TRUE CONFESSIONS
05-06-2008
Laurence Inman tells all about his meeting with a Hollywood superstar and a leading politician. more
Get Out More.........................Musical Review
OUR HOUSE (Birmingham Rep)
05-06-2008
It’s a Madness musical alright, but there’s a compelling and complex storyline too reports Paula Elenor. more
Winners..................Winners...................Winners..................
MIDSUMMER BIG BAND EVENING (Botanical Gardens, June 22)
05-06-2008
It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for... the winners of prize family tickets for the Midsummer Big Band Evening at the Botanical Gardens in Edgbaston on June 22. more
Exclusive
KIDS FAVOURITE SLIDES INTO HISTORY
04-06-2008
A huge slide at Birmingham’s Botanical Gardens which delighted generations of children without serious mishap has been removed – for Health and Safety reasons. more
CRISIS MEETING FOR BEEB DRAMA STAFF
04-06-2008
BBC staff fighting to save their jobs at the Corporation’s Drama Village in Selly Oak are having a crisis meeting next week, amid rumours that their jobs are being transferred to Cardiff and Manchester. more
WOLVO'S BONUS OF CONTENTION
04-06-2008
It’s the story that just won’t go away – the issue of bonus payments to a member of staff working on Wolverhampton Council’s Single Status project. Now we’ve learned that a city councillor has started asking awkward questions about it. more
MOSQUE LEADER DEFENDS COPS IN ALUM ROCK ROW
04-06-2008
The Chair of Birmingham’s Central Mosque has defended the police for defusing a row between Christian preachers and local Muslims in Alum Rock – but insists he has no problem with people trying to convert others to their religion. more
Stirrer TV
BARROWMAN BACK IN BRUM…WITH A ROBOT
04-06-2008
One of Britain’s most popular entertainers John Barrowman returns to Birmingham Hippodrome for this year’s panto Robin Hood…although at the launch he was in danger of being upstaged by a giant robot which somehow got in on the act. more
GUERILLAS IN OUR MIDST
04-06-2008
Fed up with scruffy scraps of green in her Cotteridge hood, Lucy Sobrero vows to take up the cudgels. Or rather, the shears. Guerilla gardening in Cotteridge anyone? more
Doc Dave’s Blog
BLAIR’S SORRY BRAND OF FAITH
04-06-2008
A new foundation was launched this week to harness the power of faith in public life. Dr David Nicholl would normally applaud, but is waiting for one simple word from it’s founder. more
Get Out More.........................Gig News
GILBERT O’SULLIVAN (Symphony Hall)
04-06-2008
Dust down your flat caps and schoolboy shorts…one of the '70s most singular talents is back on the road and taking bookings a year ahead. Gilbert’s return to the West Midlands isn’t until May 2009, but tickets go on sale Friday. more
"WORLD CLASS" NHS AXES 85 JOBS IN WALSALL
03-06-2008
NHS bosses will be delivering their vision of a “world class health service” today – while staff at Walsall Manor Hospital come to terms with the news that 85 posts will disappear by the autumn. more
VILLA'S GREAT SHIRT GIVEAWAY
03-06-2008
Aston Villa’s leading fanzine editor has welcomed the club’s decision to turn its back on traditional commercial shirt sponsors – and wear the name of Acorns Childrens Hospice instead. more
BLOGGER BLAGS LIFE SAVING COLA MEETING
03-06-2008
The Midlands blogger trying to enlist the help of Coca Cola in saving lives in Africa has at last secured a meeting with the company – just hours after his story was featured on the Stirrer. more
ROWLEY CLASSIC NEEDS SAVING TOO
03-06-2008
Inspired by our coverage of Birmingham Central Library, Stirrer reader Jayne Murray wants to draw attention to another classic modern building under threat – this time a community centre in the Brickhouse area of Rowley Regis. more
BLIND DAVE TAKES TO THE STAGE
03-06-2008
Black Country runner Blind Dave Heeley is taking to the stage to talk about his epic seven continent, seven day, seven marathon expedition. He’ll be appearing at the Robin 2 in Bilston in September in a show compered by Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg. more
POLICE PLEDGE – NO “NO GO” AREAS
03-06-2008
West Midlands Police have moved to damp down fears of “no go” areas following the row over Christian preachers threatened with arrest in Alum Rock. The matter has now been referred to the Police Complaints Authority. more
Get Out More..........................Film News
DEATH OF A BUREAUCRAT (Library Theatre, 5 June)
03-06-2008
This highly rated Cuban satire directed by Tomas Gutierrez Alea is the latest screening by the Birmingham International Film Society. It’s earned comparisons with Laurel and Hardy and Luis Bunuel. more
Get Out More........................Musical Review
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL (Birmingham Hippodrome)
03-06-2008
All visions of cool disappeared before Pete Millington’s eyes when his six year old daughter asked to High School Musical at the Hippodrome. But like any good dad, he donned the basketball vest of responsibility and headed for the Circle. more
AMIS RIVAL HEADS UP ANTI-ISLAMOPHOBIA RALLY
03-06-2008
The university professor embroiled in a war of words with top-selling novelist Martin Amis will be leading a rally against Islamophobia in Birmingham on Wednesday night. more
"TONIGHT, MATTHEW, I'M GOING TO BE."
03-06-2008
Lynn Hawthorne ponders the popularity of tribute artists and the rise of nostalgia. more
Jewellery Quarter 1
JEWELLERY QUARTER LOSES OUT TO CHINA IN OLYMPICS ROW
02-06-2008
Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter has lost out to China for the order to make lapel badges for the 2012 Olympics – even though the event is being staged in Britain. more
Jewellery Quarter 2
JEWELLERY QUARTER MUSEUM “ONE OF THE BEST IN EUROPE”
02-06-2008
Birmingham’s Museum of the Jewellery Quarter has been named one the best free attractions in Europe by a leading travel website – news which insiders say will boost the area’s chances of becoming a World heritage site. more
MULLANEY GOES TO HIGH COURT OVER BAN
02-06-2008
Birmingham councillor Martin Mullaney is launching a High Court challenge to his suspension by the local government Standards Board for “disrespecting” a constituent. more
IT’S THE REAL THING – SAVING LIVES
02-06-2008
Midlands bloggers could hold the key to a major life-saving initiative in Africa involving Coca Cola – and Stirrer readers are being invited to play their part. more
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO LABOUR’S LIBERALS
02-06-2008
Threats to criminalize boozing teenagers and their parents…plans to detain suspects and their parents for up to 42 days…whatever happened to Labour’s liberals? more
ANOTHER GAFFE FOR WEST MIDS PC PC'S
02-06-2008
West Midlands Police are embroiled in another row about political correctness after it was emerged that two Christian preachers were threatened with arrest for handing out leaflets in Muslim-dominated Alum Rock. more
Get Out More................................................Gig Review
SOWETO KINCH (Hockley Flyover)
02-06-2008
Birmingham sax king and agent provocateur Soweto Kinch hosted a mini-festival at the city's most unlikely venue on Saturday - Hockley Flyover. Karen Hamilton braved the underpass and joined the admiring throng. more
SALMA TAKES POSTAL VOTE FIGHT TO LONDON
02-06-2008
Salma Yaqoob has vowed to take her fight against postal voting to London today for the latest meeting of the task force aimed at increasing the number of ethnic minority women on local councils. more
Get Out More...........................Gig Review
VIC GODARD AND SUBWAY SECT (Hare and Hounds, Kings Heath)
02-06-2008
When tickets for the Sex Pistols Birmingham gig later this month went on sale, it sold out within minutes. Another punk legend Vic Godard drew barely 50 punters to the city at the weekend – but Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg was among them. more
THE CHANCELLOR’S DUTY TO ACT
02-06-2008
Despite the squeals of anguish from hauliers – and, indeed, the rest of us – Kevin Chapman argues the Chancellor must stick by his plans to increase fuel duty by 2p a litre. more
Poet’s Corner
LOST TO THE WORLD
02-06-2008
The discovery of an isolated tribe of hunter gatherers deep in the Amazon jungle prompts Brendan Hawthorne to send a welcoming message from the so-called developed world. more |
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