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March 09
YEAR WAIT FOR "PRIORITY" DISABLED
31-03-2009
Disability protestors who staged a demo in Birmingham yesterday have been promised a meeting with the City Council. Officials insist they haven’t been failing in their duty, but admit that even “priority” home adaptations may take more than a year. more
NO JOKE FOR STAYAWAY COUNCILLOR
31-03-2009
Attention seeking Wolverhampton councillor Jonathan Yardley has attracted national headlines today with a non-story about political correctness – but fellow councillors are asking whether he should be paying more attention to matters closer to home. more
SOAR POINT OVER AIRPORT PLANS
31-03-2009
Plans to reduce the environmental impact of Birmingham International Airport’s runway extension have been dismissed as a “wasted opportunity” by Friends of The Earth. Solihull Council will be discussing an updated planning application today. more
Richard Lutz’s Blog
IT’S IRAN
31-03-2009
Obama’s offer of better ties with Iran provides a welcome opportunity to improve relations with the Islamic state…and it’s also a timely moment to visit. Stirrer columnist Richard Lutz is going to Teheran this week to find out more about what makes this country tick. more
KING IN NO HURRY TO END EXILE
31-03-2009
Former Northfield MP Roger King has laughed off suggestions that he might be seeking a return to his old constituency – although he hasn’t categorically ruled out the idea. more
HOME SECS APPEAL
30-03-2009
There are many reasons to oppose Jacqui Smith in her role as Home Secretary. Her husband’s taste in late night entertainment isn’t one of them. more
Get Out More..............................Gig Review
DAVID BYRNE (Symphony Hall
30-03-2009
Former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne goes down a storm at Symphony Hall. Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg enjoys the show – with one serious reservation. more
DISABLED CAMPAIGNERS TAKE TO THE STREETS
30-03-2009
Disability campaigners who claim they’ve been snubbed by Birmingham Council are planning a protest today in the city centre. more
WARDS OF COURT?
30-03-2009
Now the dust has settled on the Staffordshire NHS scandal, Brendan King wonders when legal action will be taken. more
Get Out More.......................Music Review
LAST NIGHT OF THE SPRING PROMS (Symphony Hall)
30-03-2009
Terry Will enjoys a night to popular classics ranging from Tchaikovsky to Eric Coates. more
Poet’s Corner
COUNTER CULTURE
30-03-2009
Daytime TV, tabloid newspapers and even the government are on a mission to slim down the nation’s waistlines. Fat chance says Brendan Hawthorne. more
DAN THE MAN
28-03-2009
In time, Dan Hannan’s filmed attack on Gordon Brown will be widely recognised as a piece of political genius. Weekend editor Dominic Fisher attempts to deconstruct. more
COLLEGE CHAOS
28-03-2009
The college building funding shortfall is a perfect example of the chasm between government rhetoric and on-the-ground delivery. Moreover, the fight for funding looks like turning into a free-for-all. Stirrer Weekend editor, Dominic Fisher attempts to cut through the noise and finds out who is standing up for Birmingham’s share of the pie. more
WHEN SATURDAY COMES
29-03-2009
Starved of your usual footy fix because of the weekend's internationals? Dave Woodhall suggests an alternative. more
MAD MEN - MAD TO MISS?
28-03-2009
Regular contributor, Beefheart, is mad on madmen. Here’s his latest review. more
CZECH MATE?
28-03-2009
The chess world is open to all. Whether 8 or 80, in Havana, New York or Budapest, chess players have a common language that unites nations and generations. Weekend editor, Dominic Fisher writes about Birmingham’s rich chess heritage. more
WHAT’S OFF
27-03-2009
Birmingham listings magazine What’s On has become the latest victim of the recession. Owners Trinity Mirror are also cutting a range of other titles around the West Midlands including the Black Country Mail Extra and Wolverhampton Adnews. more
BUS IMPROVEMENTS CAUGHT IN THE SLOW LANE
27-03-2009
Bus passengers have seen no significant improvement to services in the last five years according to figures released today. Kevin Chapman reports on the latest, unimpressive punctuality statistics which show that four out of ten services are likely to arrive too early or too late. more
Get Out More.............................Gig Review
JOE GIDEON & THE SHARK
27-03-2009
Steve Beauchampe has seen the future of Blues music...and it’s from Birmingham! He caught them at that fine Kings Heath venue, the Hare and Hounds. more
LABOUR SECURES ETTINGHSHALL
27-03-2009
Wolverhampton’s Labour party are once again the largest group in the city following yesterday’s victory in the Ettingshall by-election – but they still can’t prise control from the Tories who remain in charge, propped up by the Lib Dems. more
Barbara’s Blog
PROTEST TOO MUCH
27-03-2009
Thousands of people will be protesting over the next few days at the G20 summit in London, exercising a right which is being increasingly curtailed – witness this shocking post by Barbara Panvel. more
Richard Lutz’s Blog
A GEM OF A PIECE
27-03-2009
As a former TV producer Richard Lutz has an appetite for quirky news stories – and he’s come across a real gem. Which is more than can be said for the administrators of a troubled Shropshire construction firm. more
THAT KING THING
27-03-2009
And still the rumours persist that former Northfield MP Roger King is considering a return to politics with a possible coup in his old constituency. Tory sources suggest his supporters are paving the way for him to supplant Keely Huxtable as the party’s prospective parliamentary candidate. more
SUM THING PUZZLES THE STIRRER
26-03-2009
Being a simple soul, The Stirrer is puzzled by savings being demanded by the City Council of Birmingham’s devolved constituencies – not least because they’re being asked to pay for the controversial Business Transformation scheme. Er, wasn’t this supposed to provide more cash at local level, not less? more
TORY CUTS TO BUILD UP "WAR CHEST"
26-03-2009
Wolverhampton’s ruling Conservative group has been accused of scrapping popular events and padding budgets in order to build up a tax-cutting “war chest” ahead of next year’s local council elections. The charge comes as voters turn out for the Ettinghsall by-election today. more
Get Out More..........................Gig News
DEPECHE MODE (LG Arena 13/12/09)
26-03-2009
Doomy electro survivors make long awaited return to the West Midlands. Tickets go on sale this Friday. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH
26-03-2009
How to laugh at the Grim Reaper. Some philosophical and hopefully consoling stuff from Mr Inman. more
LEFT RIGHT?
26-03-2009
Looking for the reasons behind the recession? John Tyrrell reckons he knows – and the solution, he argues rests with Arthur Scargill’s Socialist Labour Party, who are holding an open meeting in Birmingham on Saturday. more
Poet’s Corner
VERSED IN RECESSION
26-03-2009
Wolverhampton poet Beverley Mckenzie will be attending this weekend’s Put People First march in London this coming Saturday. Here, in verse, she explains why. more
Library Closures 1
“MISCHIEVOUS” STIRRER LEFT ON THE SHELF
25-03-2009
Birmingham council staff have been warned to stop circulating Stirrer articles about the possible risk of library closures. Originally described as “scaremongering”, they have now been upgraded to “mischievous” by Yardley constituency director Adnan Saif. more
Library Closures 2
LIBRARIES AN OPEN AND SHUT CASE CLAIMS TILSLEY
25-03-2009
Claims that three Birmingham libraries will be closed are based on a misunderstanding claims deputy Council leader Paul Tilsley – who insists there are plans to roll out extra book lending services across the city. Yet he doesn’t deny that existing premises might be shut. more
RETURN JOURNEY
25-03-2009
Once again, ministers are floating the idea of yellow buses operating on school routes in the UK - just like America. Barbara Panvel traces the recurring links between the transport business and government. more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
IN THE PSYCHIATRIST'S CHAIR
25-03-2009
Tony Mowbray reckons anyone writing Albion off needs their head examined. Terry Wills makes a Freudian slip. more
Audrey's Grow Yer Own Blog
YES WE CAN
25-03-2009
US First Lady Michelle Obama is set to break the ground for an organic garden on a patch of the south lawn to grow produce for the White House kitchen. Audrey Miller rejoices. more
ECK AND CHIPS
25-03-2009
Our Blues blogger Andy Munro blows The Stirrer expense account to enjoy some posh nosh and polite conversation with St Andrews boss Alex McLeish*. more
IT'S A BANKER FOR BRUM
24-03-2009
Birmingham Council’s plans for a new Municipal Bank are still on course – despite newspaper reports to the contrary. But unlike the city’s old municipal bank, it won’t offer personal accounts or have a branch network – at least not in the short term. more
“FORCED ENTRY” CLAIM AT CRICKET GROUND SQUAT
24-03-2009
Social housing campaigners Justice Not Crisis claim contractors for Warwickshire County Cricket club illegally broke down the front door and forced an entry at one the properties they are squatting next to the County Ground. more
Get Out More.............................Comedy News
FRANK SIDEBOTTOM (Wulfrun Hall, 5th Dec)
24-03-2009
It’s a long way off, but make a date in your diary for the long awaited return of 80s music/comedy legend Frank Sidebottom – the titan of Timperley, and possibly the finest turn to wear a papier mache head (apart from The Residents). Support comes from Charlie Chuck. more
Andy’s Blues Blog
YELLOW PERIL
24-03-2009
Blues are the automatic promotion places, but Andy Munro already has his eyes focussed on the play-offs. That’s how bad Blues are right now. more
Martin Longley's Music Blog
JAZZ SOUNDS: NEW YORK (Part 935)
24-03-2009
Mr Eclectic's latest mooch around the jazz haunts of Noo Yawk City. more
VILLAGE PEOPLE
23-03-2009
Now that the fuss has died down over the recent police incident outside the DV8 club in Lower Essex Street, are we to assume that all is well between the cops and regulars in the gay village? Not a bit of it. more
BUILDINGS IN SPACE
23-03-2009
Alan Clawley’s campaign to maintain Birmingham’s existing Central Library prompts him to assess the likely architectural merits of its proposed replacement in Centenary Square. more
P45 FOR NO HOPE MINISTER
23-03-2009
After last week's demo at Bilston in the Black Country, campaigners opposed to Royal Mail privatisation moved to Corby in Northants. The Stirrer's man on the spot reports on an embarrassing day for Phil (No) Hope. more
SUMMIT TO THINK ABOUT
23-03-2009
Next weekend, dozens of Third World debt campaigners from across the West Midlands will be heading for the capital to lobby world leaders ahead of the G20 summit. John Nightingale explains while he’ll be joining them. more
DRINKERS WILD
23-03-2009
Lynn Hawthorne wonders whether proposals to push up the price of alcohol have been well thought-out. more
“SCAREMONGERING” STIRRER SLATED BY COUNCIL
21-03-2009
Claims by The Stirrer that libraries in Birmingham are set to be closed down have been dismissed as “scaremongering” by the City Council. Yet once again, they’ve cast doubt on the story without actually denying it. more
Get Out More...........................Film Review
THE DAMNED UNITED
21-03-2009
Brian Clough’s family boycotted the premiere of this controversial movie about Ol’ Big Ead’s traumatic 44 days at Leeds United. Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg showed no such scruples. more
RANKING ROGER
21-03-2009
Former Northfield MP Roger King has risen to prominence again recently with his campaign to strongarm Birmingham City Council into bailing out troubled car maker LDV. Now Tory insiders are asking whether his high profile campaign signals a desire to return to parliament. more
CAN I HAVE MY LIFE BACK PLEASE?
21-03-2009
The Birmingham man wrongly jailed for his role in the killing of newspaper boy Carl Bridgwater has warned that a prisoner released this week after serving 27 years for a crime he didn’t commit is bound to suffer post traumatic stress disorder. more
The Stirrer’s Talk-In Radio Blog (5)
THE MAN YOU LOVE TO HATE
21-03-2009
Anjem Chodary may have become the most vilified man in the British tabloids, but I’ll say this for him – he doesn’t duck a challenge. more
"THIRD WORLD" CHILDRENS HOSPITAL JOINS SICK LIST
20-03-2009
Too few beds, poorly trained staff, equipment in short supply…the Healthcare Commission has delivered a withering verdict on Birmingham Childrens’ Hospital whose Chief Executive Paul O’Connor quit earlier this month following complaints about "Third World" conditions. more
TILSLEY BLAST OVER "LIBRARY CLOSURE" CLAIM
20-03-2009
Birmingham Council’s deputy leader Paul Tilsley rang last night following claims in The Stirrer’s Birmingham Mail column that three city libraries had been earmarked for your closure. “Do your homework” was the gist of Tilsley’s message. Trouble is, we have. more
GREEN LIGHT FOR TRAFFIC REVOLUTION
20-03-2009
Birmingham councillors are being asked to consider a revolutionary traffic scheme which would see pavements and roads brought to the same level, guard railings removed, and traffic lights reducd to a minimum. more
Richard Lutz’s Blog
FRITZL FREAKSHOW
20-03-2009
The Josef Fritzl trial is over. But Richard Lutz wonders just why we are so obsessed with psychopathic behaviour. Are we brainwashed by the media? more
Get out More.......................Gig Listings
THE ROBIN (Bilston)
20-03-2009
Some terrific visitors coming up at The Robin in the next few weeks - Focus guitarist Jan Akerman, Newport Folk Festival Julie Felix, local heroes The Beat and Steve Gibbons, as well as Chumbawumba.
For the full listing, click here
TORIES NOT BANKING ON WHITBY
19-03-2009
As the row continues on about the prospect of a Muncipal Bank for Birmingham, The Stirrer can reveal rumblings of discontent on the Conservative backbenches with the Council leader Mike Whitby. more
Get Out More.........................Dance Review
THE PIED PIPER (Hippodrome, till Sat)
19-03-2009
Or to give it it’s full title – The Pied Piper, A Hip Hop Dance Revolution. Troubled critic Sibyl Ruth enjoys the spectacle…her daughter (aged 11) rates it “the best night ever. more
HOLLOW HOLOCAUST DENIAL SHOULD BE CRIME
19-03-2009
Should denial of the Jewish Holocaust in World War Two be a crime? After watching a recent TV documentary, Brendan King has no doubt. more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
MEGGO'S RETURN
19-03-2009
Albion take on Gary Megson's Bolton this weekend - but while a warm reception is guaranteed for the "Ginger Mourinho", can the Baggies send him packing up the M6 with "nul points". Terry Wills isn't counting on it. more
Barbara's Blog
LIVE LOCAL, BUY LOCAL
19-03-2009
With more than 200,000 people unemployed in Birmingham alone, Barbara Panvel considers the merits of buying homegrown products. more
“SUBSIDISE WAGES” CALL AS BRUM DOUBLES DOLE
18-03-2009
Latest unemployment figures published today show that with the jobless total now exceeding 2 million, dole queues in Birmingham are twice as long as the national average. That’s prompted calls from a leading bosses’ organisation for wage subsidies. more
BIRMINGHAM MALE STEPS UP BANK PRESSURE
18-03-2009
Birmingham Mail editor Steve Dyson is stepping up the pressure on the City Council after it accused his paper of getting a major story wrong earlier this week. more
LAST DISORDERS IN GAY VILLAGE
18-03-2009
A club owner in Birmingham’s Gay Village has launched an outspoken defence of his venue – just 24 hours after West Midlands police accused him of creating “substantial and widespread disorder” with a drinks promotion. more
STAFFORDSHIRE'S CASE FOR NHS SURGERY
18-03-2009
The disgraceful failure of Staffordshire General Hospital may not be proof that the NHS is a terminal case but it could certainly withstand the amputation of a couple of useless appendages – namely Health Secretary Alan Johnson and junior minister Ben Bradshaw. more
TAKEN FOR A RIDE
18-03-2009
The Stirrer’s campaign to persuade rail operator London Midland to staff their ticket offices full-time struck a chord with angry passenger Russ Vale. more
MAIL'S COUNCIL OF WAR OVER BANK
17-03-2009
Is Birmingham’s proposed Municipal Bank being scrapped or not? Birmingham Mail editor Steve Dyson has moved quickly to defend a story in last night’s paper claiming the plan had no future – opening up a war of words with Council spinmistress Deborah Harries. more
POLICE DV8 FROM VILLAGE VERSION OF VIOLENCE
17-03-2009
West Midlands Police have moved to damp down anger among Birmingham’s gay community following an operation outside Club DV8 in last week. Allegations of heavy handedness have led to suggestions there might be a protest march. more
STALLING? NOT US SAY BROMSGROVE
17-03-2009
Claims that Bromsgrove Council is stalling on a meeting with campaigners opposed to the closure of lottery funded Haybridge Sports Centre in Hagley have now got a response – of sorts. more
DON’T BANK ON BANK COLLAPSE
17-03-2009
Birmingham Council has rubbished newspaper reports that proposals for a Municipal Bank have been withdrawn because of the mammoth £500million cost. more
Get Out More........................................Gig News
WOLVES CIVIC LISTINGS
17-03-2009
Maturing boy band McFly and Radio Four’s favourite punning funster Milton Jones are among the recent gig announcements at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall complex. Paul Weller is on tonight, too... more
Dave Woodhall’s Fighting Talk
MATT FINISH PAINTS ELCOCK INTO A CORNER
17-03-2009
In the Battle of Brum at the Aston Events centre on Saturday, Matt Macklin pulled off a surprise victory against British middleweight champion Wayne Elcock. Dave Woodhall reports from ringside. more
Andy’s Blues Blog
PUT A DONC ON IT
17-03-2009
Blues are now looking odds-on for promotion – despite an unimpressive series of performances this season. At least they looked the part against Doncaster at the weekend, as Andy Munro reflects. more
CONFESSIONS OF A BRUMMIE MUMMY (Part 24)
17-03-2009
Hot stuff as Brummie Mummy finds herself entwined with the amorous Ian. But does she or doesn’t she? more
THE JIMI HENDRIX INEXPERIENCE
17-03-2009
The Boat That Rocked is the new Richard Curtis film about the days of pirate radio in the 60s - a celebration of rock n roll, of free radio, of youthful exuberance. But just how accurate is it? more
Kingy’s Wolves Blog
IT’S NOT OVER TILL IT’S OVER
17-03-2009
Championship leaders Wolves are now ten points clear of third placed Reading with just seven games to play. Brendan King has the finishing line in sight. more
“NO HARRASSMENT IN GAY VILLAGE” SAY COPS
16-03-2009
West Midlands Police have denied allegations of harassment in Birmingham’s Gay Village which have appeared on The Stirrer Forum. They say their increased presence in the area can be explained by an investigation into a recent assault. more
HAYBRIDGE SPOILSPORTS
16-03-2009
Campaigners trying to save Haybridge Sport Centre in Hagley have accused Bromsgrove District Council of “stalling” after failing to stick to a promised meeting. No wonder, says Dr David Nicholl – a leaked email reveals they have legal advice which suggests they could avoid replaying an £800,000 lottery grant. more
BATTLE ROYAL IN BILSTON
16-03-2009
Thousands of people gathered at the weekend in the Black Country town of Bilston – constituency of Postal Minister Pat McFadden – to protest against plans to part privatise Royal Mail. more
METRO PRIORITY FOR SNOW HILL AND WOLVES LINK
16-03-2009
Travel bosses have prioritised three major schemes for expanding the Metro tram system in the Birmingham and the Black Country. If they get government backing, there’ll be a long awaited link between New Street Station and Snow Hill, and a new loop around Wolverhampton city centre. more
THE LURE OF THE NEW
16-03-2009
Birmingham’s proposed new central library will be unveiled to the great and good early next month. But will the assembled dignitaries be brave enough to ask the questions that really matter asks Alan Clawley. more
IAN McDIARMID RIP
16-03-2009
Tributes have been paid by friends and colleagues of Birmingham stand-up and comedy promoter Ian McDiarmid who died last Tuesday of a heart attack. more
RECORD TURNOUT FOR BRUM'S ST PATS DAY
16-03-2009
An estimated 80,000 people watched Birmingham’s St Patrick’s Day parade yesterday – a record turnout. Stirrer bloggers, though, were divided in their opinions about the event. more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
OUT AND NEARLY DOWN
16-03-2009
If Albion’s visit to West Ham isn’t quite the “last chance saloon” for Tony Mowbray's side, then it’s certainly the pub next door. Terry Wills takes little heart from recent performances. more
UNDER POSTAL ORDERS
16-03-2009
The weekend rally in Bilston to prevent the part-privatisation of Royal Mail has got Brendan Hawthorne’s creative juices flowing. Funny how cash is available to bail out the banks, but not save the Post Office, eh? more
WIN...WIN...WIN...WIN...WIN....WIN....WIN...
PIED PIPER - A HIP HOP DANCE REVOLUTION
15-03-2009
We've got two tickets on offer for this Wednesday's performance of Pied Piper - A Hip Hop Dance Revolution at Birmingham Hippodrome. more
Dave’s Villa Blog
REDKNAPP’S RETURN
15-03-2009
Harry Redknapp, previously the subject of abuse from Villa fans in his days as Pompey boss, returns to take more stick from the Trinity Road faithful – this time in the Spurs dugout. But Dave Woodhall only has eyes on his own manager. more
HAPPY ST PATRICKS DAY(S)
14-03-2009
OK, so it's not officially Paddy's day until Tuesday, but Birmingham's hosting a fabulous weekend of entertainment, building up to Sunday's midday parade. more
The Stirrer’s Talk-In Radio Blog (4)
OPEN SEASON ON BRITISH MUSLIMS
14-03-2009
This week’s anti-war protests in Luton led to a massive media backlash against Muslim extremists.... and provided no shortage of fodder for Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg on his overnight Talksport show. The hard job was ensuring the debate remained balanced. more
Get Out More...................................Film Review
THE WATCHMEN (18)
14-03-2009
Graphic novelist Alan Moore apparently hates movie versions of his work – but the rest of us will find plenty to enjoy in this bold and challenging movie. Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg watches the Watchmen. more
BRUM TELLY IS A SURVIVOR
14-03-2009
The Stirrer's campaign to maintain Birmingham's status as a major BBC production centre has been rewarded with the news that the re-make of the hit 70s series Survivors is being made in the city. more
Get Out More..................................Film Premiere
THE AGE OF STUPID (Vue Cinema, Star City, Sunday)
14-03-2009
A movie premiere comes to Brum on Sunday - a screening of climate change drama The Age Of Stupid. Audrey Miller prepares to walk down the red carpet. more
Dave Woodhall’s Fighting Talk
THE BATTLE OF BRUM
14-03-2009
The build-up continues to the biggest night of boxing in Birmingham for years – Wayne Elcock vs Mattthew Macklin at the Aston Events Centre on Saturday night. Dave Woodhall weighs in with a preview. more
WHO'S BEEN ON THE GRASS THEN?
13-01-2009
Birmingham Council’s cabinet have been summoned to an emergency meeting today to sort out the mess of the city’s tree cutting and gardening contract. A monumental double cock-up prompts the thought - has someone ignored the instruction to Keep Off The Grass? more
COUNCIL "RENT FREE" AT HIGHBURY HALL
13-03-2009
Birmingham councillor John Alden makes the shocking admission that the local authority is currently paying no rent on historic Highbury Hall site in Kings Heath – even though hundreds of functions are held there each year and the council uses its buildings for offices. more
JUSTICE NOT CRISIS MOVE OUT - AND IN
13-03-2009
Social housing campaigners Justice Not Crisis have given up possession of three of the four houses they were squatting next to Edgbaston cricket ground yesterday - but promptly moved into another two properties. more
Barbara's Blog
A FAIR COP
13-03-2009
Barbara Panvel meets a Chelmsley Wood copper who's debut novel has just been issued. It would make a damn fine movie, she reckons. more
Richard Lutz’s Blog
WATER WASTE
13-03-2009
It’s one of the most precious assets in the world, and we pay through the nose for it – so why is one local company so unbothered about wasting it? Richard Lutz offers a personal view of Severn Trent. more
WEST MIDS MPS CHOOSE BURDEN
13-03-2009
Northfield MP Richard Burden has been elected chair of the new West Midlands Regional Select Committee of the House of Commons. Their first job will be to examine how the recession is affecting local businesses. more
SQUATTERS ON STICKY WICKET
12-03-2009
Twenty four hours after handing over their long-running squat at The Firebird pub in Balsall Heath, housing campaigners Justice Not Crisis are facing another legal battle – this time to evict them from four derelict houses next to Edgbaston cricket ground. more
ROVER AND OUT?
12-03-2009
As the fourth anniversary of the closure of MG Rover approaches, there’s still no sign of the official inquiry into the company’s collapse – including the bumper pensions enjoyed by John Towers and the Pheoenix Four. Stirrer reader and ex-Longbridge worker David MacKenzie has written this open letter to his MP Steve McCabe. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
A PROPER JOB
12-03-2009
When John Lennon saw a film of Elvis being mobbed by girls after a gig he thought: ‘That’s a good job!’ and decided to become a global rock star. more
Get Out More...................................Gig News
BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL/SYMPHONY HALL
12-03-2009
Here are the latest ticket releases from Birmingham Town Hall and Symphony Hall – including the line-up for the English Originals Folk Festival. There’s an amazing Nick Drake tribute featuring Martha Wainwright, Beth Orton, Graham Coxon and Robyn Hitchcock. more
Kingy’s Wolves Blog
NERVOUS TIMES
12-03-2009
With none of the Championship contenders capable of pulling clear, these are nervous times for the fans. Brend King assesses Wolves prospects. more
SOLDIERS SHOULD HAVE RIGHT TO SUE SAYS IRAQ MUM
11-03-2009
The mother of a Birmingham soldier killed in Iraq says she welcomes moves to use human rights legislation to challenge equipment failures by the Military of Defence. more
SQUATTERS HAND OVER FIREBIRD
11-03-2009
Birmingham housing campaigners Justice Not Crisis have handed over the Firebird pub in Balsall Heath – after the owners agreed to cancel costs for a previous court hearing. more
COUNCIL’S GROWING PAINS CONTINUE
11-03-2009
Yesterday’s Stirrer gave the lowdown on Birmingham Council’s double cock-up over its contracts for parks and trees maintenance around the city. The official response is in. more
Doc Dave’s Blog
PEACE PROTESTS IN OUR TIME
11-03-2009
Anti-war protestors greeting homecoming troops on the streets of Luton are in the wrong place at the wrong time argues Dr David Nicholl – who knows a bit about violent conflict after growing up in Northern Ireland. more
Andy’s Blues Blog
ROLLERCOASTER BLUES
11-03-2009
Last night’s 1-1 draw at Barnsley left Blues in second place in the Championship. Andy Munro reflects on a recent upturn in fortunes. more
Get Out More..............................Theatre Review
ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR (Birmingham Hippodrome)
11-03-2009
David Essex treads the boards in this new funfair based musical which trades on some of his best known songs. Terry Wills sings along – and sees the star of the show receive a special accolade. more
HOBBIT’S HIGHBURY HOO HA
11-03-2009
Stirrer blogger Barnard Hobbit has been doing some ace investigative work into Birmingham’s historic Highbury Hall site – which the City Council was considering splitting up until their ruse was exposed by this site. more
Dave Woodhall’s Fighting Talk
WAYNE ELCOCK V MATTHEW MACKLIN
11-03-2009
Our boxing blogger previews Friday night’s Battle of the Brummies at Aston Events Centre – which has a pretty tasty undercard too, including some bloke called Tyson (honest!) more
Growing Pains 1
TREE’S A CROWD
10-03-2009
Birmingham City Council is currently embroiled in an expensive legal battle after the contract for cutting trees in the city ended up in the High Court. It’s the second cock-up in a matter of weeks involving maintenance contracts. more
Growing Pains 2
GROUNDS FOR CONCERN
10-03-2009
The Stirrer hears rumours that council officers were hauled over the coals by their elected bosses in Birmingham yesterday after a cock-up over the city’s annual £20million grounds maintenance budget. more
BRUM TERROR SENTENCES HANDED DOWN
10-03-2009
Four men from Birmingham have been given sentences of up to three years yesterday after pleading guilty to terrorism offences at the Old Bailey. more
CONFESSIONS OF A BRUMMIE MUMMY (PART 23)
10-03-2009
Will it be tears before bedtime for Brummie Mummy as she hooks up with her suitor Ian? It’s starting to get steamy now. Well, nearly. more
Get Out More.............................Gig Review
HALF MAN HALF BISCUIT (The Robin)
10-03-2009
For the second day in a row, The Stirrer reviews Half Man Half Biscuit at The Robin in Bilston. This time it’s Dave Woodhall pogoing down the front. more
Get Out More.........................Film News
FLATPACK FESTIVAL
10-03-2009
The West Midlands top indie film festival is just a day away. Here are the organisers' selected highlights of the programme which starts on Wednesday 11 March. You can trust 'em. They're good folk, more
BIRMINGHAM FOUR JAILED FOR TERROR OFFENCES
09-03-2009
Four men from Birmingham have pleaded guilty to terrorism offences at the Old Bailey this morning. Sentencing is due to take place later today. more
IS IT COS THEY IS BLACK?
09-03-2009
If my heritage was African Caribbean and I was living in Birmingham, I might be tempted to wonder how welcome I was being made in the city. As Ali G might say – “Is it ‘cos I is black”? more
Get Out More.............................Gig Review
HALF MAN HALF BISCUIT
09-03-2009
The acerbic Birkenhead pub punkers rocked up at The Robin last week. John "Jeff Dreadnought" O'Shea was in the audience. more
Audrey's Grow Yer Own Blog
GREEN PLAQUES, ANYONE?
09-03-2009
Our "grow yer own" blogger Audrey Miller wants to locate the region's eco-friendly rooves - can you help? She's proposing" green" plaques instead of blue ones. more
Poet's Corner
GET DOWN AND DIRTY WITH THE ALLOTMENT CREW
09-03-2009
The Stirrer has been encouraging readers to get their hands dirty in recent weeks with Audrey Miller's "Grown Yer Own" blogs. Our poet laureate Brendan Hawthorne gets into the green spirit. more
Win...............Win...............Win...............Win................
PRIZE TICKETS FOR ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR
07-03-2009
The Stirrer has a pair of prize tickets for All The Fun Of The Fair – the brand new musical starring David Essex at Birmingham Hippodrome next week. more
1970s BRITAIN - PART 3 - BRIAN CLOUGH AND DON REVIE
08-03-2009
The trailer for the forthcoming film about Brian Clough – The Damned United – is now on YouTube. The film is out on 27th March, with Michael Sheen staring as Brian Clough. Martin Mullaney remembers the two titans of 1970s British football – Brian Clough and Don Revie. more
1970s BRITAIN - PART 2 - WHAT WAS IT REALLY LIKE?
07-03-2009
Life on Mars or Red Riding? Which is closer to the truth about life in 1970s Britain. Martin Mullaney delves into his childhood memories of his life as a child in 1970s Birmingham. more
1970s BRITAIN - PART 1 - RED RIDING 1974
07-03-2009
Channel 4 drama series premiered last Thursday at 9pm. It has been hyped up by the broadsheets, but did it match up to expectations? Martin Mullaney thinks it's a seminal drama dealing with pre-Thatcher Britain. more
The Stirrer’s Talk-In Radio Blog (3)
WHO ARE YOU?
07-03-2009
Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg delivers his latest self-indulgent masterclass in the art of phone-in radio. This week – who listens to an overnight show? more
THE DISASTER THAT WAS THATCHER
07-03-2009
On this site yesterday, Peter Sampson offered a personal perspective on the Thatcher era – 30 years on. Here’s Brendan King’s take on the former PM. more
Birmingham Central Library 1
THREATENED LIBRARY BUCKS TREND AS VISITORS UP
06-03-2009
Birmingham’s threatened Central Library is bucking the trend by attracting extra visitors – despite a downturn in attendances nationally. Not bad for building the Council wants to demolish. more
Birmingham Central Library 2
NEW LIBRARY LAUNCHED NEXT MONTH
06-03-2009
Plans for Birmingham’s new city centre library are being unveiled next month says Alan Clawley – who’s campaigning to save the existing one. Here’s his personal comment. more
STANDING UP FOR STAND DOWN MARGARET
06-03-2009
Along with “Ghost Town”, “Stand Down Margaret” was the theme tune of the Thatcher era. Thirty years since she was elected, should we forgive her asks Peter Sampson. more
LAWRENCE BLAST AT STAR STRUCK WOLVES
06-03-2009
Wolverhampton’s opposition Labour leader Roger Lawrence has weighed in with at two-pronged attack on the city’s Conservative-Liberal Democrat alliance. He’s condemned the authority’s latest audit rating – and claims his party would have offered cheaper Council Tax. more
Get Out More.............................Ballet Review
POMP AND CIRCUMSTANCES (HIPPODROME)
06-03-2009
Our second review of Birmingham Royal Ballet’s latest shows at Birmingham Hippodrome. This time it’s Terry Wills in the tutu. more
Exclusive
JLR WORKERS VOTE 2-1 TO ACCEPT DEAL
05-03-2009
Workers at West Midlands car-maker Jaguar Land Rover have voted 2-1 in favour of a accepting a new pay deal aimed at preventing hundreds of compulsory redundancies. more
CATCH A FALLING STAR.... OR EVEN TWO
05-03-2009
Birmingham and Wolverhampton Councils have each lost a star in the latest National Audit Commission assessments. Brum’s opposition leader Sir Albert Bore accused the city’s “Progressive Partnership” of being “in denial” about their failings. more
Last Night’s Footy
MOSCOW BACKFIRING ON O'NEILL
05-03-2009
Martin O’Neill’s ploy of resting players for last week's UEFA Cup trip to Moscow last week is backfiring ominously – after Sunday’s draw at Stoke, Villa lost 2-0 at Manchester City. Blues moved back onto the top two of the Championship with a late winner against Bristol City. more
FLICKING THE V AT WESTON
05-03-2009
Tickets go on sale tomorrow for the V Festival at Weston Park, near Wolverhampton – and the line-up includes the reunited Specials (albeit minus founder Jerry Dammers) The Killers, Lily Allen, Oasis and Snow Patrol. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
WHERE THERE’S A WILL
05-03-2009
Shakespeare. He was quite good you know. That’s what Laurence Inman thinks anyway. more
Richard Lutz’s Blog
YOU GREEDY BANKERS
05-03-2009
Fred Goodwin’s pension is a hot topic. It is nearly £700,000 per year. But who - really- is to blame? Richard Lutz has a question or two. more
Get Out More.............................Ballet Review
POMP AND CIRCUMSTANCES (Hippodrome, until 7 March)
05-03-2009
BRB’s latest performance at The Hippodrome reviewed by Richard Lutz. more
Barbara’s Blog
BIN THERE, DONE THAT
05-03-2009
Ever had something strange crop up in your compost heap or recycling box? Barbara Panvel has, er... bin there, done that. more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
A TITANIC PERFORMANCE
05-03-2009
Yep... like the classic liner, The Baggies are going down reckons Terry Wills. more
Dave Woodhall's Fighting Talk
BEN WILKES V MARK PHILLIPS
05-03-2009
Dave Woodhall runs through the card at Wolves Civic last Friday - including the featured fight Ben Wilkes vs Mark Phillips. more
FAIR TRADE CADBURY GETS BACK TO ITS ROOTS
04-03-2009
Cadbury is returning to its philanthropic roots by making best selling Dairy Milk bar with Fair Trade chocolate. Good on 'em. more
JUST THE JOB FOR LONGBRIDGE - BUT CUTS AT LDV
04-03-2009
Birmingham is gaining 250 jobs in the motor industry, thanks to the transfer of posts from Leamington Spa to Longbridge by Chinese car maker SAIC. But workers at troubled van firm LDV have been forced to accept a 10% pay cut to pave the way for a management takeover. more
SPELMAN GUILTY OVER NANNYGATE - BUT SURVIVES
04-03-2009
Former Conservative Party Chairman Caroline Spelman has been forced to hand back £9,600 and apologise over the “Nannygate” affair – but she won’t be asked to resign. Tory activists are unimpressed by the news. more
WM CHANGES ITS TUNE
04-03-2009
BBC WM has drafted in former ELO drummer Bev Bevan to beef up its weekend schedule, while Danny Kelly has been restored to his mid-afternoon slot in place of local legend Les Ross who is retiring. more
Last Night’s Footy
BAGGIES AND WOLVES READY FOR TRADING PLACES
04-03-2009
The chances of West Brom and Wolves trading places next season has moved a step closer after a night of potentially decisive footy. more
A FAMILY UP IN SMOKE?
04-03-2009
Should families tolerate their youngsters taking drugs – especially if it starts affecting their other children? One Stirrer reader offers this thought-provoking real life story. more
Andy’s Blues Blog
CALL ME!
04-03-2009
Is this an offer Alex McLeish can’t refuse? Our Blues blogger Andy Munro reckons he could slot in at centre half. more
Martin Longley's Music Blog
GLOBAL SOUNDS: NEW YORK (PART 432)
04-03-2009
Birmingham music scribe continues to straddle the Atlantic. And that takes some doing. more
BIRMINGHAM’S STAR ON THE WANE?
03-03-2009
Rumours abound that Birmingham City Council has lost one star in its annual National Audit Commission rating. more
BEARS BATSMAN CAUGHT UP IN CRICKET TERROR
03-03-2009
Former Warwickshire batsman Kumar Sangakkarra is among six Sri Lankan cricketers injured in a terrorist attack in Pakistan. Five police were killed in the incident near the Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore. more
SPOTTED DOG SILENCED IN ST PATRICK’S ROW
03-03-2009
John Tighe, landlord of Digbeth’s celebrated Spotted Dog pub, has had his advert for this year’s St Patrick’s Day parade programme censored after poking fun at officials and residents trying to curb late night noise in the area. more
“BACK GARDEN” WAR MOVES TO WOLVES
03-03-2009
The war against “back garden” developments is taking place in leafy suburbs across the West Midlands – with Fallings Park in Wolverhampton the latest battleground. more
Get Out More......................................Gig News
HALF MAN HALF BISCUIT (Thurs 5 Mar, The Robin)
03-03-2009
They’re the band who - legend has it – once missed a Top of The Pops appearance so they could watch Tranmere Rovers. Dave Woodhall can’t wait for Thursday. more
AN APOLOGY FOR AN APOLOGY?
03-03-2009
The Stirrer had no sooner apologised to Sandwell Council for suggesting they’d tried to “spin” their Council Tax figures than Birmingham Council’s press office got on the line demanding we say sorry to them as well. Steady on chaps. more
“NO DECISION YET” ON BRAMU FUNDING
03-03-2009
Council officials insist no decision has yet been made to cut funding from Birmingham Racial Awareness Monitoring Unit – even though the Chair, Maxi Hayles, has told The Stirrer he’s expecting the axe. more
Get Out More................................Event News
THE NEC GROUP LISTINGS
03-03-2009
There's some terrific stuff coming up at the the NEC's stable of venues in the coming months - The Prodigy, Gurdaas Mann, Bob Dylan and Al Murray The Pub Landord. more
Poet's Corner
TOP DOGS AND FAT CATS
03-03-2009
It's not an easy task combining the RBS banking fiasco and London Fashion Week - but somehow The Stirrer's poet laureate Brendan Hawthorne has managed it. more
BIRMINGHAM LAGS BEHIND IN ATHLETICS RACE
02-03-2009
Birmingham has been snubbed in the race to become a host city for a major new global athletics competition – despite investing millions in the sport over recent years. more
Exclusive
BRUM RACE ATTACK UNIT FACES CLOSURE
02-03-2009
Birmingham Racial Attacks Monitoring Unit fears it will be forced to close after the City Council pulled the plug on it’s £60,000 funding. Chair Maxie Hayles insists the organisation has a “vital role” in tackling inequality. more
BLAST FOR SANDWELL’S “BRUM SLUM PARK”
02-03-2009
A prominent Sandwell councillor has used The Stirrer Forum to launch a stinging attack on Birmingham City Council, which he says is allowing Lightwoods Park to gradually decline “into a slum”. more
Weekend Footy Round-Up
HOW BAD ARE BLUES AND WOLVES?
02-03-2009
Are Wolves and Blues the worst teams to lead the Championship in living memory? Maybe not – but right now, it sure feels like it. more
RADIO REQUEST IS A MOUTHFUL
02-03-2009
Stirrer reader Paul Gebhard has sent us this contribution he overheard on BBC Radio Leicester. Kinda leaves a bad taste in the mouth, don't you think? Click here to listen
BATTLE ROYAL COMES TO BILSTON
02-03-2009
It’s not often that Bilston is at the centre of UK politics, but all that will change on Saturday 14 March, when the battle against privatisation of Royal Mail will be brought home to the constituency of the postal minister Pat McFadden – MP for Wolverhampton South East. more
Get Out More..............................Gig Preview
A CAMP WITH NINA PERSSON
02-03-2009
The Glee Club’s dates for March and April are out, and in among the usual fine selection of music and comedy, The Stirrer’s spotted one absolute “must see” – a show by former Cardigans vocalist Nina Persson. more
CONFESSION OF A BRUMMIE MUMMY (PART 22)
02-03-2009
She doesn't want to be with Awful Wedded Husband. She doesn't to be with her romantic suitor Ian. But she discovers that women in their 40s should be having their best sex EVER! more
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