March 2008COPPERS FACE "HOMOPHOBIA" ENQUIRY OVER PUB RAID31-03-2008West Midlands Police face an official enquiry into allegations of homophobia following a raid on a Birmingham pub last summer. Officers claimed The Fountain in the gay village was in breach of licensing conditions after regulars were caught watching hardcore porn, but attempts to revoke its licence ended in failure. moreRAVENURST RESIDENTS CALL BLUFF OF “BULLYING LAWYERS”31-03-2008Residents fighting to protect a green oasis in Harborne have decided to call the bluff of the Birmingham lawyers they’ve accused of “bullying” - and their plight has now attracted national media attention. moreSANDWELL DENIAL OVER MEETINGS PLAN31-03-2008Sandwell Council have denied claims made by senior Tory councillors that town meetings in Wednesdbury are being moved to West Bromwich moreBlind Dave's Challenge On Stirrer TV ...............7 Days To GoBLIND DAVE - "WHAT INSPIRED ME TO RUN AROUND THE WORLD"31-03-2008Blind Dave Heeley set off yesterday from West Bromwich on his globetrotting 777 challenge. Here he tells Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg about the moment inspiration struck, and he decided it would be a great idea to run seven marathons in seven days on seven continents. moreCOUNCIL WORKERS CONTRACTS D-DAY31-03-2008Today is D-Day for thousands of Birmingham Council workers who will be working under new terms and conditions imposed by management under the Single Status Pay Review. Yet with 40% of workers having refused to sign their new deal, there's confusion about what happens next. moreCallum's Blues BlogBLUES UP, GATES DOWN31-03-2008Blues went a long way towards securing Premiership survival with a 3-1 win over Man City. But as Callum O'Connell reports a great game was marred by a poor attendance. moreTerry’s Baggies BlogS&M AT THE HAWTHORNS31-03-2008Ninety minutes of torture followed by four minutes of ecstatsy. Blimey, The Hawthorns is becoming X-rated these days reckons Terry Wills. moreKingy’s Wolves BlogLAST GASP FEVER31-03-2008For the second game in a row, Wolves left it late... but finally got the result they deserved, winning 3-2 at Charlton. Brendan King reflects on their run into the play-off zone. moreBlind Dave’s 777 Challenge on Stirrer TV……………8 Days To GoMAD MAC – “I’M PRIVILEGED TO RUN WITH BLIND DAVE”30-03-2008Malcolm "Mad Mac" Carr has been telling Stirrer TV it’s a privilege to accompany Blind Dave Heeley as guide runner on his seven day, seven marathon challenge. moreBLACK COUNTRY’S BLACK DAY FOR DEMOCRACY29-03-2008Disturbing news reaches The Stirrer of plans to take democracy away from the people in the Black Country. Sandwell Council is considering axing local town meetings in Wednesbury, forcing residents to travel to West Bromwich. moreBLIND DAVE INVADES THE HAWTHORNS29-03-2008Blind Dave Heeley will be “invading” The Hawthorns pitch during Albion’s match against Colchester today – his last public engagement before heading off to the Falklands to prepare for his seven day, seven continent marathon challenge. morePREMIUM RATE CLAIMS DON'T RING TRUE - TILSLEY29-03-2008Claims that Birmingham Council is planning to introduce a premium rate phone number for taxpayers’ enquiries have been rubbished by the city’s deputy leader Paul Tilsley. But the Labour councillor who raised the alarm is refusing to withdraw his petition – at least for now. moreGet Out More...........................Film NewsTHE ELECTRIC CINEMA LISTINGS (Station Street, Birmingham)29-03-2008Not content with serving up a slew of fine films in funky surroundings, those fine folk at The Electric are giving away their entire poster collection between now and Thursday. Just turn up, and take the whatever's there in the Lounge. Here's what's on in the cinema. moreBRUM GETS GRAFFITI WALL29-03-2008Birmingham’s new graffiti wall will open on Monday – providing a legal, supervised outlet for any youngster who wants to express themselves with a spray can. moreMILLIONS UNSPENT ON ECO HOMES IMPROVEMENTS29-03-2008Selly Oak MP Lynne Jones has identified a multi-million pound underspend in a government scheme to boost sales of solar panels. So far less than half of a £19 million fund has been spent – leaving £11million to be distributed over the next three months. moreAIRPORT DEBATE TAKES OFF29-03-2008Solihull MP Lorely Burt and Birmingham Airport boss John Morris have both signed up for a public debate on Monday night about the planned runway extension at BIA – and Stirrer readers are invited to go along and make their views known. moreGet Out More................................Film NewsMIDLAND JOURNEY TO WOLVERHAMPTON (The Lighthouse)29-03-2008The successful Midland Journey archive film series has some more gems from Wolverhampton and the Black Country coming up – including a Peas-Pudding Night in Bradley, decorating ponies for May Day in Upper Gornal and a Royal visit at the Molineux. moreSCREEN SWITCH-OFF SCUPPERS BEACH28-03-2008The Stirrer has uncovered the full story of the decision to scrap Birmingham’s controversial beach – and it’s all due to the withdrawal of the BBC Big Screen from Chamberlain Square. moreBRUM COUNCILLOR GRUNDY QUITS28-03-2008Birmingham Councillor Catherine Grundy is a surprise early casualty of the local elections in May – she’s standing down from her Kingstanding seat. moreGet Out More .......................Gig NewsVIC GODARD AND SUBWAY SECT (Wolves Civic Hall, Saturday)28-03-2008Punk legend Vic Godard returns to the West Midlands this weekend – thanks to a positive review on The Stirrer. more"YOU KHAN DO THAT" CLAIM AS COUNCIL ISSUES "PROPAGANDA"28-03-2008Birmingham Council has been accused of issuing propaganda in favour of Liberal Democrat councillor Ayoub Khan. Rivals claim a leaflet offering financial advice and bearing Khan’s picture was issued with tax bills – but apparently only in Aston where he’s standing in the local elections. moreANTI RACISTS TO LOBBY IMMIGRATION MINISTER BYRNE28-03-2008Anti-racist activists are planning to picket the weekly surgery of Immigration Minister and Hodge Hill MP Liam Byrne over plans to deny healthcare to migrants and asylum seekers. Their campaign has been backed by more than 600 doctors. moreDave’s Villa BlogSTANDING UP FOR SEATING28-03-2008Parts of the Holte End are threatened with closure because of persistent standing. Heroes and Villains editor Dave Woodhall – who broke the story – sympathises with fans who are forced to sit, but insists that there are ways and means of protesting. moreWHERE’S MRS BELLINGHAM AND THE WHEELCHAIR DANCERS?28-03-2008The organisers of Wolverhampton’s forthcoming Disability Film Festival have got a curious request – they’re searching for Mrs Bellingham and her troupe of wheelchair dancers from 1981! moreCOUNCILLOR'S WIFE IN PHONE ROW27-03-2008Sandwell Cabinet member Derek Rowley has defended the appearance of his Council-issued mobile phone number on a receipt issued by his wife’s company. Critics say it's an abuse of his position to allow the moby to be used for commercial purposes. moreGet Out More ………………………..Theatre NewsEDWARD SCISSORHANDS TICKETS NOW ON SALE27-03-2008Tickets for Matthew Bourne’s modern dance re-interpretation of the gothic fairy tale Edward Scissorhands go on sale today. And with Bourne’s "Nutcracker" already wowing audiences at the Hippodrome, demand is bound to be high. moreOUI AND THE FRENCH27-03-2008French President Sarkozy and his glamorous ex-model wife Carla Bruni are wooing Britain on their current State visit – but while it’s nice to have a leader from across the channel paying us compliments, there’s really no need. Outside of the tabloids, the days of Frog-hating Brits are long gone. more32 YEARS ON - SEX PISTOLS PLAY BRUM27-03-2008The Sex Pistols - Johnny Rotten and all - will play their first Birmingham gig for 32 years this June when they come to the Carling Academy. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday. moreFoE NUCLEAR FOE27-03-2008Government plans for Britain to become a world leader in nuclear energy have been condemned by Friends of the Earth. They say that it’s "misleading and dangerous" to claim that new reactors would improve national security and combat climate change. moreLABOUR DOESN'T WANT TO RING THE CHANGES27-03-2008Birmingham’s Labour Party are ramping up the pressure ahead of May’s local elections by launching a petition against the introduction of a premium rate phone number to call the Council. They’re calling it a "stealth tax". moreVICTORY AS SOLDIERS WIFE FIGHTS FOR BRITISH PASSPORT27-03-2008The Canadian-born wife of a British soldier who was told she would have to leave her family and return home has emerged victorious after waging her own war against the Home Office. They’ve finally seen sense and granted her UK citizenship after all. moreLaurence Inman’s BlogTINDAL STREET'S NEXT HIT27-03-2008After Catherine O'Flynn's "What Was Lost?" what next for Birmingham publisher Tindal Street Press? Laurence Inman recommends All The Dogs by Daniel Bennett. moreGet Out More.........................................Theatre ReviewMATTHEW BOURNE’S NUTCRACKER (Hippodrome, till Saturday)27-03-2008Matthew Bourne's re-imagination of classic dance and theatre has proved a reliable box-office turn. Terry Will sees for himself what all the fuss is about. moreHELLO TO TATA FOR LAND ROVER, JAGUAR26-03-2008Today’s takeover of Land Rover and Jaguar by the Indian car manufacturer Tata has been greeted with cautious optimism by the national media – although there are fears for jobs and quality in the years ahead. moreDIGBETH NOISE WAR OPENS UP ON RAINBOW, CUSTARD FACTORY26-03-2008Fears that the Noise Abatement Order served on Digbeth’s Spotted Dog pub would set the tone for the entire district are being realised. Residents of the Abacus Apartments – whose complaints triggered the row in the first place – are now being urged to kick up a fuss about two other late night entertainment venues. moreMULLANEY’S U-TURN APPEAL OVER BAN26-03-2008Birmingham councillor Martin Mullaney has decided to appeal against a month’s suspension for trespassing and showing disrespect to one of his constituents. moreBUILDING A BETTER CITY 1MORE THAN SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT26-03-2008Away from the chainstores and coffee shops Barbara Panvel opens the door on a couple of her favourite places in Birmingham. moreBuilding A Better City 2VISIONING THE CITY26-03-2008It's the anniversary next month of the Highbury Conference, the weekend brainstorm which dramatically re-shaped Birmingham. To mark the occasion, Stirrer readers are invited to check out Visioning The City - an event aimed at assessing the progress made and the challenges that lie ahead. A must for anyone interested in the future of where they live. Just click here to find out more.ARCHBISHOP’S VIEW ON UNHOLY ROW26-03-2008The Stirrer took the Catholic Church to task yesterday for its stance towards the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill. In the interests of balance, here are Archbishop Vincent Nichols’ comments from his Easter Monday mass at St Chad’s Cathedral. moreBUSH – IRAQ TROOP LOSS "NOT IN VAIN"25-03-2008On the fifth anniversary of the Iraq War George Bush has insisted that the loss of US troops was not in vain – just as the death toll reached 4,000. The mother of one Birmingham soldier has told The Stirrer she would beg to differ. moreAN UNHOLY ROW OVER EMBRYOS25-03-2008The current row over human-animal embryo experiments reminds me of why I’m a lapsed Catholic rather than a practising one writes Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg. But that shouldn’t stop MPs having a free vote. moreSTIRRER’S 2008 MANIFESTO PLEDGE25-03-2008The Stirrer will be doing its bit for democracy by offering to host a party manifesto from every ward being contested in the West Midlands at this May’s local elections. Readers will be able to click and find the name of their ward, then download the relevant literature from the rival candidates. moreJEAN MICHEL JARRE CD’S AND DVD’S25-03-2008Electro pioneer Jean Michel Jarre is appearing at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall this Thursday replaying his seminal "Oxygene" album, marking the 30th anniversary of its release. To celebrate we’re giving away four CD/DVD sets. moreWOLVES TORIES EYE BRUM STYLE "PROGRESSIVE PARTNERSHIP"25-03-2008The new leader of Wolverhampton’s Conservatives is aiming to take four seats from Labour at this May’s local elections – and says that given the chance he’d consider a Birmingham-style “Progressive Partnership” with the Liberal Democrats. moreMOORPOOL SPAWNS HARBORNE WEBSITE25-03-2008Harborne residents have brought forward the launch of a new community website because of the ongoing row over the future of the historic Moorpool Estate. moreGet Out More…………………………………Gig NewsTHE ROBIN 2 (Mount Pleasant, Bilston)25-03-2008The Robin has some choice moments lined up over the next few months include local legend Steve Gibbons, former Focus guitarist Jan Akkerman, Procol Harum main man Robin Trower, ex-Zappa collaborators The Muffin Men, and Bill Wyman. To see the full list click here.SICK NOTE25-03-2008The government’s latest crackdown on Britain’s "sicknote culture" has got Lynn Hawthorne reaching for the medicine cabinet. She reckons a bullying management culture and failures in the NHS contribute to the problem. moreMartin Longley's Music BlogBLUES SOUNDS: OLD AND NEW YORK (Part 22)25-03-2008Fans of Bill Wyman, Mavis Staples, James Cotton, Johnny Winter, Tommy Castro, Duke Robillard and the North Mississippi All Stars stand by your PC - Martin Longley has sweat-soaked despatches about your heroes from both sides of the Atlantic. moreWOOF JUSTICE FOR DOG WALKERS AS COUNCIL FOULS UP24-03-2008Sandwell Council has finally got round to putting up warning notices at a Black Country cemetery where dog walkers have been fined for exercising their pooches. There’s just one snag - they give the wrong information. moreGet Out More...................................................Film ReviewTHE ORPHANAGE (General Release)24-03-2008Fancy a psychological chiller from the maker of the wonderful Pan's Labyrinth? Then you've come to the right place reckons Paula Elenor. moreStay In More............................................Book ReviewAN UTTERLY IMPARTIAL HISTORY OF BRITAIN (John O’Farrell)24-03-2008After breaking through with "Things can Only Get Better" - a chronicle of 18 miserable years as a Labour supporter - John O'Farrell has become one of our wittiest satirical writers. Andy Goff revels in his latest release. moreCallum’s Blues Blog"ATTACK, ATTACK - ATTACK, ATTACK, ATTACK"24-03-2008As Blues stumble back towards danger, The Stirrer's resident Bluenose Callum O' Connell calls on boss Alex McLeish to opt for a bolder strategy. moreTerry’s Baggies BlogALBION GOING BANANAS24-03-2008The Baggies draw at Charlton was remarkable for the return of the iconic inflatable banana. Remember, you read it here first, courtesy of Terry Wills. moreREAL MONEY24-03-2008After the megamillion Paul McCartney/Heather Mills divorce settlement, divorce lawyer Diane Benussi ponders the world of paper assets and decides they aren't worth as much as real money. moreThe Stirrer PodcastGRAND SEND OFF FOR BLIND DAVE22-03-2008Blind Dave Heeley has been given a "grand" send off by his local Gardeners Club in West Bromwich ahead of his seven day, seven marathon, global challenge. Earlier this week, regulars held a fundraising night which raised more than £1,000. moreChina 1 – Doc Dave’s BlogCHINA’S HUMAN RIGHTS – AND WRONGS21-03-2008You won’t catch Stirrer blogger Dr David Nicholl at this year’s Beijing Olympics. He’s been boycotting China for years after meeting victims of the repression in Tibet. moreChina 2WHITBY’S CHINA CRISIS21-03-2008In last night’s Birmingham Mail, Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg cast a critical eye over Mike Whitby’s close relationship with China. moreVICTORY FOR MULLANEY OVER MOSELEY ROAD BATHS LEAK21-03-2008Birmingham councillor Martin Mullaney has been vindicated after leaking confidential information about Moseley Road swimming baths on this website. He’s been told he won’t face censure by the city’s chief legal officer Mirza Ahmad. moreFAMILIAR PATTEN FOR WOLVO TORIES21-03-2008Troubled Tories on Wolverhampton Council have appointed veteran Neville Patten as their leader following the shock departure of Paddy Bradley this week. Senior figures in the party have been slow to comment on the change - with rivals suggesting they are in turmoil. moreMick Temple’s BlogNO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN?21-03-2008Veteran politicians are an endangered species with opposition parties opting for youngish, Blair-lite politicians. What’s wrong with a few grey hairs wonders Mick Temple. moreMartin Longley's Music BlogJAZZELECTRO SOUNDS: Birmingham [PART 283]21-03-2008Back home, the boy Longley chows down on Electric Kulintang, B.E.A.S.T. Charlie Dark's African Beats and the Grande Mothers of Invention. moreIRAQ: FIVE YEARS ON, 80,000 DEAD20-03-2008On the fifth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, the civilian death toll in the country over the last five years is estimated at more than 80,000. And there are precious few signs that the bloodshed is coming to an end. moreHOME SEC SMITH LOOKS BOTH WAYS ON P.O. CLOSURE20-03-2008Home Secretary and Redditch MP Jacqui Smith voted in favour of the government’s Post Office closure programme last night – despite campaigning against the loss of her local branches. The row saw the biggest rebellion of the Brown Premiership. moreBRUM, WOLVO DOLE QUEUES LENGTHEN20-03-2008Unemployment in Birmingham rose last month and the city retains its unenviable position as the second worst dole blackspot among Britain’s major cities. There were also more claimants for Jobseeker's Allowance in Wolverhampton. moreTHE LIGHTS ARE ON .... BUT NO ONE’S HOME20-03-2008Walk past Birmingham Council House at night, and you’ll see a projection encouraging us all to reduce our carbon footprint. Then check out nearby Alpha Tower, where the local authority has offices, and see how they're leading by example. moreLaurence Inman's BlogCONFESSIONS OF A NUT WHIRL NUTTER20-03-2008Laurence Inman recalls the halcyon days of student jobs at Cadbury's. Get a taste of nostalgia. moreNO HONORARIUM – BUT WOLVO COUNCIL WORKER GETS EXTRA £6,00020-03-2008Claims that a member of Wolverhampton’s Single Status pay team received a £30,000 honorarium have again been dismissed by a leading city councillor – but he confirmed that one staff member has received retention payments in excess of £6,000. moreREP MAKES DRAMA OUT OF LOZELLS CRISIS20-03-2008The Lozells Riots of 2005 which left two people dead are being turned into a stage play by Birmingham Rep. moreMORE STRIKES PLANNED OVER BRUM SINGLE STATUS19-03-2008Union leaders are planning more strikes next month over Birmingham Council’s Single Status pay offer following the rejection of a compromise deal at a series of public meetings last week. more"NO SPLIT" CLAIM AS WOLVO TORY LEADER QUITS19-03-2008The acting head of Wolverhampton’s opposition Conservative party has denied the party is split – despite the resignation of leader Paddy Bradley, who has stood down after six years. An election to choose her replacement will be held tonight. moreTHE STIRRER JOINS JOURNEY TO JUSTICE19-03-2008Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg has been named as the host for Journey To Justice - a major event at the ICC marking the tenth anniversary of the launch of the global debt campaign in Birmingham. moreTINDAL STREET CATH UP FOR ANOTHER GONG19-03-2008The accolades just don’t stop coming for Birmingham author Catherine O’Flynn. Following her appearance on "Richard and Judy" last Friday, she’s been shortlisted for Newcomer of the Year at the Galaxy British Book Awards – and Stirrer readers can vote her to victory. moreGet Out More……………………………………..Gig NewsJOE JACKSON (Wolves Civic, June 16, 2008)19-03-2008Long time no see. One of the UK’s most versatile musicians, now exiled to the States, makes a long overdue return to the gigging scene. moreLast Night’s FootyWOLVES IRON OUT THE PROBLEMS19-03-2008A much improved second half performance saw Wanderers come from behind against struggling Scunthorpe and move to within a point of the play-off places. more"SOCIALIST WORKERS" TRYING TO WRECK COUNCIL PAY DEAL18-03-2008The Birmingham councillor in charge of modernising the city’s pay structure has accused "Socialist Worker activists" of trying to wreck a new deal aimed at halting industrial action. moreLast Night’s FootyHONOURS EVEN AS OWEN NICKS POINT OFF BLUES18-03-2008Blues inched closer to Premiership safety with a 1-1 home draw against fellow strugglers Newcastle – but there’ll be disappointment at their failure to beat a team who’ve failed to win since Kevin Keegan returned in mid-January. moreCentral Library 1"COME AND SEE" LIBRARY PLEA TO MINISTER18-03-2008Campaigners fighting for the preservation of Birmingham Central Library have called on a government minister to come and see it for herself. They are demanding protected status for the building. moreCentral Library 2LOOK BACK IN ANGER18-03-2008Birmingham Central Library campaigner Alan Clawley has been trawling his own archives and discovers that plans for a 30,000 square foot replacement were rejected seven years ago for being too small. Now the Council thinks that’s the perfect size. Funny, eh? moreMick Temple’s BlogGORDON BROWN’S LONG GOODBYE18-03-2008Stock markets around the world have been plummeting following the fire sale of US bank Bear Stearns. As the global financial crisis worsens, Professor Mick Temple advises "Sell Brown". moreGet Out More.......................................Gig NewsTHE FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS (The Robin, Bilston April 11)18-03-2008The Robin plays host to some beefy Stateside rockaboogie next month when The Fabulous Thunderbirds come to town – fronted by founder member Kim Wilson. moreDave’s Villa BlogVILLA PAYING THE PRICE OF JANUARY GAMBLE18-03-2008Villa’s recent run of poor form has left them slouching behind Everton in the quest for a UEFA cup spot. Dave Woodhall reflects on manager Martin O’Neill’s January gamble which may now be backfiring. moreSUTTON MISS OUT ON TWICKERS18-03-2008They were just 80 minutes from an historic Twickenham appearance, but the brave boys of Sutton Coldfield Rugby Club fell at the final hurdle, going down 40 - 3 to Hartpury College in the EDF Cup semi-final. Chairman Geoff Fletcher looks back with pride and disappointment on a drizzle-soaked Saturday afternoon. moreWHAT IS POLITICS?18-03-2008A good question you might think. Andy Goff reckons he's been sent the answer. moreSINGLE STATUS CRUNCH TALKS TODAY17-03-2008Trade Unions will be holding crunch talks today to discuss their next move in Birmingham’s Single Status pay dispute. In a series of public meetings last week, members voted overwhelmingly in favour of continuing industrial action. moreTWO GUNNED DOWN IN WEEKEND SLAYINGS17-03-2008Two men have been gunned down in separate incidents in the West Midlands over the weekend. The latest victim, thought to be in his 20’s was killed in Newtown last night - this follows Saturday’s fatal shooting in Wolverhampton. moreHOME SEC SMITH COULD BE TOPPLED WARNS FABBO17-03-2008A Midlands Conservative MP has dismissed a Sunday Times poll showing Labour’s support at a 25-year low as "too good to be true." But he insists there’s been a "profound shift" in public attitudes to his own party which could see Home Secretary Jacqui Smith toppled in her own constituency. moreTerry's Baggies BlogMOORE IS LESS17-03-2008Albion’s weekend was "an absolute disaster" according to our Baggies blogger Terry Wills. His team lost 4-1 at home, following the sending off of Villa loanee Luke Moore. With the dressing room resembling an A & E ward, surely things can’t get any worse? Don’t bet against it he warns. moreTHE RABBI AND THE TAX INSPECTOR17-03-2008A joke to brighten up your Monday, courtesy of Paul Gebhard. more777 Countdown......................................22 Days To GoFALKLAND ISLANDERS "NOT TO BLAME" FOR BLIND DAVE SWITCH17-03-2008More details have emerged of the reasons for Blind Dave Heeley’s decision to switch the second leg of his seven marathon challenge from Chile to Brazil – with Falkland Islanders insisting they aren’t to blame. moreGet Out More....................................................Music NewsBRAHM’S REQUIEM (CBSO, Symphony Hall)17-03-2008It won’t be long before pin-up boy Andris Nelsons wields the baton full time as the CBSO’s new music director, but in the meantime Sakari Oramo is determined to go out with a flourish. morePoet’s CornerTAXED TO DEATH17-03-2008MP's expenses are never out of the news at the moment, not least with the revelation that they can even get their second homes furnished at the taxpayers’ expense. The Stirrer’s poet laureate Brendan Hawthorne prepares to dig deep - even when he’s been dug deep. moreTWO STABBED AFTER SUCCESSFUL PADDY’S DAY PARADE16-03-2008Birmingham’s St Patrick’s Day Parade has been overshadowed by a double stabbing in Digbeth. The incident happened after the main event attended by 65,000 people had started to disperse. moreSPOTTED DOG GETS AD BY PADDY´S DAY15-03-2008As Birmingham gears up for this weekend´s St Patrick´s Day Parade, Digbeth´s famous spotted Dog pub has been featured in a spoof ad. We´ve got the link here, and details of Sunday´s parade route. moreSUTTON´S HISTORY MAKERS15-03-2008Sutton Coldfield Rugby Club Chairman Geoff Fletcher looks forward in anticipation to the biggest game in the club’s history on Saturday as they play for a place at Twickenham and throws open the invitation to Stirrer readers to come along and enjoy a real occasion at a real community club. moreThe Stirrer's Blind Dave PodcastBELFAST, FAST, FASTER15-03-2008After a recent training camp in Belfast, Blind Dave Heeley thought he'd be scaling down his training in the build up to his seven marathon challenge, which takes in seven continents in seven days. But as he reveals in his latest podcast, he was very much mistaken. To hear it, just click here.Get Out More.............................................Film NewsROCK AND REEL (MAC, 22 March)15-03-2008Maverick film collector and cult cinema curator Jack Stevenson offers a quartet of rarely seen rockumentaries, showcasing the Stones, Paul Anka and "the last American Rock anti-hero" G.G. Allin. moreSocial Enterprise 1MONEY FOR SOMETHING15-03-2008Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg recently hosted the inaugural conference of Social Enterprise West Midlands - an organisation dedicated to promoting socially aware, not-for-profit companies. Here he explains why he was so impressed by what he saw. moreSocial Enterprise 2BHAT SINGH SABHA15-03-2008Bhat Singh Sabha runs the Saffron Centre in Highgate, providing a much needed conference centre and banqueting suite in the inner city, along with a 50 place nursery. Chief Executive Shiv Singh explains the background. moreSocial Enterprise 3SANDWELL COMMUNITY CARING TRUST15-03-2008Sandwell Community Caring Trust attracts annual headlines when it’s featured in the Sunday Times list of the Best 100 Companies to work for. But as Chief Executive Geoff Walker explains, it’s pretty good for its clients too. moreSocial Enterprise 4TOP BARN TRAINING15-03-2008Noelle Wilson had the dream of creating an agricultural college training people with learning difficulties, physical disabilities and challenging behaviour. Phew! Not much of a challenge then. moreSocial Enterprise 5ASTON REINVESTMENT TRUST15-03-2008How do entrepreneurs in deprived areas persuade banks to lend them money for unproven businesses? The truth is, they struggle. But as Steve Walker, ART’s chief executive explains, that’s where his organization comes in. moreBRUM COUNCIL WORKERS TO REJECT SINGLE STATUS DEAL14-03-2008Birmingham Council workers are on the brink of rejecting the latest Single Status pay offer, after union members at six public meetings yesterday voted overwhelmingly against management’s proposals. moreGIVING UP THE GHOST14-03-2008How medics collaborate with 'ghost detention', rendition and torture, by Dr David Nicholl - a consultant neurologist at Birmingham’s City Hospital, and a human rights campaigner with Amnesty International. moreMULLANEY UNREPENTANT OVER STANDARDS BOARD14-03-2008Birmingham councillor and Stirrer message board regular Martin Mullaney was unrepentant ahead of today’s Standards Board hearing which could see him suspended for three months. moreCHANNEL 4 SWITCHES ON TO BRUM'S DIGITAL FUTURE14-03-2008Birmingham has been chosen as the home of Channel 4’s first "commissioning hub" for a ground-breaking online venture aimed at fostering creative talent in the regions. The 4 Innovation For The Public Fund will nurture new digital content. more777 Countdown..................................25 Days To GoBLIND DAVE SHORT-LISTED FOR JANE TOMLINSON AWARD14-03-2008Black Country marathon man Dave Heeley is in the running for a prestigious national award named in honour of heroic cancer victim Jane Tomlinson who raised thousands of pounds for charity before her untimely death last year. moreGet Out More...............................................Gig ReviewNEIL YOUNG (Hammersmith Apollo)14-03-2008From violent, feedback-drenched guitar epics to tender, folksy ballads Neil Young is the Everyman of American Rock. Live, though, his shows can teeter between brilliant and awful. Damien Doran checks out his latest form in London. moreIT'S NOT ALL ABOUT THE BOOZE AND FAGS, DARLING13-03-2008Amid all the hoo ha about the budget – higher taxes on cars, fags and booze – Alastair Darling has come up with at least one initiative we should all be applauding. He’s redirecting £1.7 billion to take 250,000 kids off the breadline in the next two years. moreBRUM COUNCIL WORKERS RALLY TO SINGLE STATUS13-03-2008One of the union leaders at the heart of Birmingham’s Single Status pay negotiations has been telling The Stirrer why they’re putting the Council’s latest offer to staff at public meetings today and tomorrow – even though key demands have not been met. moreGet Out More...............................Comedy NewsSTEVE COOGAN (Wolvo Civic, Oct 4, NIA, Oct 29)"Steve Coogan is Alan Partridge and Other Less Successful Characters"13-03-2008Steve Coogan is one of Britain's finest comic actors and he brings some of our favourite telly creations to the West Midlands for a couple of "must see" shows later this year – including Alan Partridge. CASHBACK! moreTerry's Baggies Blog
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