May 07
30-05-2007
Colonel Gaddafi…now there’s a strange one. His secret service used toorganise the mass slaughter of British citizens,but now he’s alright apparently. Tony Blair has even been pressing the flesh with him on his tour of Africa. David Nicholl sends his own postcard to the PM >more
30-05-2007
Proposals for a new “pay as you throw rubbish tax” might persuade some in the green lobby that the government is serious about waste - but a new national league table of fly-tipping suggests it’s actually, er, garbage. >more
30-05-2007
We all know by now that they couldn’t find a Brummie bird pretty enough to represent the city in some lame-brain beauty contest or other at the weekend - so they got some Oatcake muncher from Stoke to stand in. The Stirrer’s not impressed. >more
Get Out More………………………Opera and Ballet
30-05-2007
The BBC Big Screen in Chamberlain Square might not be to everyone’s taste, but there’s no doubting that it adds another dimension to the city centre. Tomorrow sees the first of three major summer broadcasts with Swan Lake relayed live from the Royal Ballet - plus a host of local acts. >more
Check out The Stirrer’s snaps from yesterday’s play-off final between The Baggies and Derby County. They clearly show entire blocks of corporate seats left empty while thousands of genuine fans were locked outside. Meanwhile, the touts made a mint.>more
29-05-2007
Despite the apparent success of women politicians since Tony Blair came to power, Birmingham’s female MPs have mostly come to grief - while their male counterparts have flourished. Time to think of more radical ways to keep battle of the sexes balanced, perhaps? >more
29-05-2007
When the first MG TF rolls off the new Nanjing production line at Longbridge today, the challenge will be to see if more than 300 jobs can be created - and local politicians are talking up the prospects. >more
Get Out More………………………Gig Preview
THE ROBIN, BILSTON
29-05-2007
Top rock venue The Robin in Bilston has just announced its latest line-up, and there are some real gems among the tribute acts - not least a one-day convention in honour of 70s art rock pioneers The Sensational Alex Harvey Band in August, and return for Brum veteran Ricky Cool in July. Check out the full listing here. >more
28-05-2007
Thirty three thousand Baggies supporters will be heading to Wembley today to watch the Championship play-off final - including one fan who’s travelled 6,000 miles from South Africa for the game. >more
28-05-2007
The Stirrer’s been hearing some intriguing gossip about UKIP - not least the suggestion that their West Midlands MEP Mike Nattrass could be about to reject the leadership of Nigel Farage. Nattrass is also due to face an industrial tribunal, and could face grass roots moves to deselect him. >more
28-05-2007
The Stirrer recently ran Birmingham Councillor Hugh McCallion’s memories of the Birmingham Super Prix. Amongst his recollections was an episode in which Councillor John Lines - now Cabinet Member for Housing dressed down for the Hospitality Tent. Some kind person has now sent us the photos … >more
28-05-2007
Blind Dave Heeley will be the first disabled athlete to run seven marathons in seven days on seven continents next year. Follow his exploits in The Stirrer >more
BIRMINGHAM PRIDE 07 - IN PICTURES
28-05-2007
Despite the awful weather, hundreds turned out in Birmingham city centre yesterday to celebrate “Judy Garland’s Funeral” - the chosen theme for this Gay Pride procession. The Stirrer’s Peter Millington donned the pink bib. Check his photo gallery here >more
26-05-2007
The Stirrer has a bona fide movie star in its midst. Regular blogger Dr David Nicholl appears in Taking Liberties - Britain’s answer to Fahrenheit 9/11. Here’s his first hand account of his own glittering premiere. >more
26-05-2007
More than ten weeks after a Sandwell Councillor allegedly broke the law for voting at a budget meeting while being in arrears with his council tax, The Stirrer can reveal that the police haven’t even spoken to him or met with the local authority to discuss the case. >more
Get Out More………………………………..Gig Preview
26-05-2007
Art chancers with the best eyebrows in pop? What more could you want from your pop music wonders Paul Samuels. >more
26-05-2007
Officially, the failure of Central Trains to provide a service on two local routes last Sunday was down to a lack of volunteers. The Stirrer can reveal that it was actually down to wildcat action which could occur again at any time. >more
New On Stirrer TV
CYST (by Paul Martin)
Black Country animator Paul Martin’s spooky film Cog has become a cult classic since we started hosting in The Stirrer a few months ago.
Now a chance to view his debut film - the equally sinister Cyst. Not for the faint-hearted.
And to read our interview with Paul click here.
26-05-2007
The West Midlands’ leading charity lottery has hailed “a victory for the small man” following a government U-turn on a new tax described as “a raid on the donation tin” >more
26-05-2007
As a dedicated Baggies fan your Stirrer editor will spend most of the Bank Holiday weekend quivering in anticipation at Monday’s play-off final. But even if you aren’t heading for Wembley, there’s plenty of other stuff to entertain you. >more
25-05-2007
John Reid’s suggestion that Britain might have to declare a “state of emergency” to opt out of human rights legislation is another frightening indicator of the government’s willingness to sacrifice the liberties it is supposed to be defending in the “War on Terror”. >more
25-05-2007
Tickets for West Bromwich Albion’s play-off final at Wembley on Monday are being offered for sale at £350 on the internet today. Proof - along with the Champions League fiasco - that the people in charge of football couldn’t run a bath. >more
25-05-2007
Congratulations to the NEC. We asked them to wake up and smell the fair-trade coffee (and tea for the matter). Good people that they are, they have, and now all of their visitors can enjoy a warm drink with a clear conscience. >more
Get Out More………………………Events Preview
25-05-2007
Just a bit of advance warning for after the Bank Holiday weekend. Tickets for the two week “Celebrating the Past, Pioneering the Future” Festival to mark the reopening of Birmingham Town Hall go on sale on Wednesday. >more
24-05-2007
The woman behind the campaign to support Rover workers when the Longbridge factory closed in 2005 has called on British car buyers to back the new Anglo-Chinese MG when production resumes next week. >more
24-05-2007
Help? I really don’t want to love nuclear power, I really don’t. But isn’t Tony Blair simply being realistic when he argues that it has to be put on the energy agenda? >more
24-05-2007
It’s been a good week for Birmingham Council leader Mike Whitby who fought off allegations that he was abusing his official car and won a constitutional battle that asserts his authority over the Mayor. But whatever possessed him to back an award for Labour’s “invisible woman” >more
24-05-2007
Wearing your yellow ribbon for missing toddler Madeleine McCann yet? Laurence Inman isn't.He deplores the whole manufactured outpouring of grief that surrounds her disappearance and argues that it's the sign of a sick society. >more
24-05-2007
Planning permission for controversial motorway expansion schemes, bigger airports and nuclear power plants should be made easier according to the government’s new white paper. But as Barbara Panvel observes, most of the media have concentrated on how it will affect conservatories. >more
23-05-2007
Two BNP councillors staged an impromptu walkout from Sandwell Council last night in protest at Sikh becoming mayor. They claim his appointment breaches the Magna Carta - but now face an enquiry by the local government standards board. >more
23-05-2007
Wembley-bound West Bromwich Albion have snubbed supporters by refusing to take part in a victory parade if they win Monday’s play-off final on against Derby County. >more
Get Out More………………Gig News
23-05-2007
Two distinctive performers of differing vintages are heading to Brum…legendary sideburned crooner Englebert Humperdinck and The Stirrer’s current fave torch artist Richard Hawley. Surprisingly the two are connected. >more
23-05-2007
Three Birmingham nightclub owners have been told they face the prospect of jail or massive fines jail unless posters advertising their gigs are removed in the next ten days. >more
23-05-2007
Veteran Minister and former Birmingham MP Jeff Rooker has said the House of Commons has made itself “a laughing stock” by exempting parliament from the Freedom of Information Act - and has warned the measure could still be overthrown in the Lords. >more
23-05-2007
If Margaret Thatcher was the milk-bottle snatcher, is David Cameron the Grammar Hammer? His opposition to schools which cream off the most academically gifted seems like a bold move for a Tory, but Mick Temple sees it as another sign of a lookey-likey political culture. >more
LABOUR DEPUTY CONTENDER LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN IN BLACK COUNTRY
22-05-2007
Labour deputy leadership contender John Cruddas launches his campaign at the Millennium Centre in Wednesbury.
He tells The Stirrer why party members should vote for his back to basics Socialism >CLICK TO VIEW
22-05-2007
Thirteen Birmingham mayors, including the current incumbent Mike Sharpe, have signed a petition calling for the withdrawal of a resolution at the City Council today which critics says would hand over too much power to leader Mike Whitby >more
22-05-2007
Now that Liverpool fan Steve Morgan has bought Wolves for a tenner, it’s time to assess the contribution made by the previous chairman Jack Hayward - the man who rebuilt Molineux but wasted a golden opportunity. >more
22-05-2007
The resignation of the BMA chairman James Johnson is the latest twist in the fiasco of the government’s new recruitment scheme for junior doctors. Birmingham neurologist Dr David Nicholl tells us who should be next >more
22-05-2007
Industry Ministry Margaret Hodge has echoed one of the BNP’s favourite mantras by claiming that migrants are allowed to jump the queue get priority for social housing - a view which simply isn’t backed up by the evidence in the West Midlands. >more
Get Out More…………………………Gig Preview
22-05-2007
Birmingham’s Glee Club has made itself the home of the melancholy twang, having featured the likes of Damien Rice, Richard Hawley and Laura Cantrill over recent years. Paul Samuels recommends another one for your collection - Cherry Ghost. >more
22-05-2007
Blind Dave Heeley and his guide runner Malcolm "Mad Mac" Carr have been running locally again after the excitement of the London Marathon as thebuild begins to next year's amazing 7/7/7 challenge >more
21-05-2007
Football clubs who sign children and force them to travel long distances for matches and training are guilty of “child abuse” according to a Midlands journalist who’s been investigating the game's academy system. >more
21-05-2007
Five of the contenders for deputy leadership of the Labour party have launched their campaigns in London - the exception is John Cruddas who’ll be kicking off his campaign tomorrow in Wednesbury. >more
21-05-2007
Two rail routes were cancelled in the West Midlands yesterday, forcing up to 150 trains off the tracks. It’s the second time in six months that passengers have suffered a Sunday morning hangover which dates back to the days of British Rail. >more
21-05-2007
One of the most prolific users of the Freedom of Information Act has defended the exemption given to MP’s. Tom Watson, the MP for West Bromwich East says it’s vital to protect information given to them by constituents. >more
Get Out More………………………Theatre Review
21-05-2007
This new comedy by homegrown theatre company Something and Nothing premiered over the weekend…it’s all about showbiz, friendship and accepting your place in the world, apparently. Dionne Mcarthy is impressed. >more
21-05-2007
Birmingham has been selected to host the World Trampoline Championships in the year before the Olympics - giving us the chance to spot future medal winners less than 12 months ahead of the London games. >more
19-05-2007
Birmingham Council leader Mike Whitby faces a double challenge over the coming days following allegations that he’s trying to take over the Lord Mayor’s role - and misusing his official car. >more
19-05-2007
Former Warwickshire all-rounder Paul Smith has been telling The Stirrer that his new book “Wasted” which has been banned at Edgbaston isn’t meant to hurt anyone. Meanwhile the club have been explaining why they won’t stock it in the club shop. >more
19-05-2007
Friends of the Earth are warning that runway expansion at Birmingham Airport and widening the M6 from Cannock to Manchester could be forced through regardless of local opposition under new government proposals to streamline the planning process. >more
19-05-2007
At last…the FA Cup Final is back in its spiritual home of Wembley Stadium. And a good thing too. But as Damien Doran reports from Glasgow, it’s actually the second major Final to be played in Britain this week. >more
19-05-2007
It’s FA Cup Final weekend, and with the new Wembley staging its biggest match yet, dozens of fans will be posting their own footage after the event on the internet. But Dave Woodhall has a warning for innocent supporters who just enjoy sharing the fun of their big day out at the match. >more
19-05-2007
Sixth former Janelle Romano from King Edward VI College in Stourbridge was among 190 West Midlands students who recently travelled to Auschwitz with the Holocaust Education Trust. She reflects on an unforgettable day. >more
18-05-2007
Warwickshire County Cricket Club have banned “Wasted” - the new book by former all-rounder Paul Smithin which he lifts the lid on the sport’s drugs culture in the 90s. Smith also has harsh words for his former team-mate Keith Piper, now the Bears’ second team coach, who is apparently threatening to sue. >more
18-05-2007
After the latest rash of gun crime in the West Midlands focused mainly - but not exclusively - on inner city Birmingham, The Stirrer understands that the police are planning a major crackdown on gang leaders using a range of “civil orders” to make their lives more difficult. >more
18-05-2007
Birmingham has been at the centre of the global effort to cancel Third World debt, but as Oxfam campaigner Serena Tramonti reports time is running out for Tony Blair to ensure that promises made two years ago are kept. >more
Get Out More ……..Puppet Festival
18-05-2007
England’s largest celebration of the art of puppetry is taking place in the West Midlands … and it starts today. >more
18-05-2007
Dozens more post offices could shut down across the West Midlands following the government’s confirmation that another 2,500 closures are on the way. >more
18-05-2007
Rock pioneer Bo Diddley has cancelled a forthcoming a West Midlands date after suffering a stroke. Veteran Jewish comedian Jackie Mason has also cancelled his tour. >more
17-05-2007
Anyone who has spent time exploring the regeneration of Eastside in Birmingham will have heard the word "sustainable" used like it's going out of fashion. But is this a real commitment - or just planners playing bullshit bingo >>> more
17-05-2007
The mother of a Birmingham soldier killed in Iraq has called the Ministry of Defence “idiots” for their handling of the Prince Harry fiasco – and says that despite being third in line for the throne, he should be sent to serve his country. >>> more
WIN …WIN…WIN
17-05-2007
With England taking on the West Indies this summer, what better time to recall the amazing 1976 tour of the Caribbean when skipper Tony Greig famously said he would make the opposition “grovel”? >>> more
17-05-2007
The Stirrer can reveal that West Midlands’ commuters have won their battle to keep free parking at the region’s railway stations - even though motorists using trains in many other parts of the country have to pay.>>> more
17-05-2007
Professional theatre critics are currently barred from reviewing Ian McKellen as King Lear at the RSC, but as Laurence Inman has paid for his ticket, there's nowt stopping him.>>> more
16-05-2007
Tonight’s Black Country derby at The Hawthorns promises to be a cracker. At stake is local pride by the bucketful and a place in “the most valuable club match in the world” - the play-off final at Wembley. But that, says The Stirrer, is the problem.>>> more
16-05-2007
Birmingham MP John Hemming will be stepping up his campaign for reform of the family law courts today, by bringing together seven families who’ve been victims of injustice to lobby parliament.>>> more
16-05-2007
Sandwell’s regeneration boss Bob Badham has confirmed his commitment to the future of Black Patch Park in Smethwick, which until recently was zoned for industrial development. Badham now says this historic open space could become part of a new Black Country tourist attraction.>>> more
16-05-2007
At long last, Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt has submitted herself to a full-grown up interview about the government’s hugely unpopular recruitment plan for junior doctors. Birmingham doctor David Nicholl watches her face the flak on Channel 4 News.>>> more
16-05-2007
He’s still the Prime Minister but Tony Blair has finally decided on his “vote by” date, and now it’s only a matter of time before Gordon moves from Number 11 to Number 10. Barbara Panvel sums up a decade in power.>>> more
16-05-2007
The Robin in Bilston stages probably the biggest and the best “Battle of the Bands” competition in the West Midlands, and it’s about to start again - with the winner getting a record deal, a live concert DVD and a cash prize of £1,000.>>> more
15-05-2007
The Stirrer called him Lord Snooty, a misery guts and a wet blanket - but for all that we’re sorry to see Stephen Hartland being forced to step down from Birmingham Civic Society for daring to voice his opposition to a beach in Chamberlain Square.
>>> more
15-05-2007
Last night’s Panorama was compulsory viewing if only because we knew that reporter John Sweeney lost his rag with the Scientologists he supposed to be exposing. Edward Cameron has seen the programme the Scientologists have made about the making of the programme about them.
>>> more
15-05-2007
An investigation by local MP Tom Watson has revealed that West Midlands Police are one of only four forces in the country to deny stab vests to Community Support Officers - even though it could be in breach of Health and Safety laws. >>> more
15-05-2007
One of Birmingham’s Michelin-starred restaurants, Jessica’s in Edgbaston, looks set to shut following the departure of award-winning chef Glyn Purnell to set up his own venture in the city centre.
>>> more
15-05-2007
Nominations have opened for the leadership of the Labour Party, but the result is a foregone conclusion. Gordon Brown will take the title and replace Blair as PM. But is he up to the job? Not according to Professor Mick Temple from Staffordshire University. >>> more
15-05-2007
The Stirrer is delighted to give you first news of a fantastic new one-day festival coming to Birmingham this summer, featuring an admirably eclectic array of bands, from 90’s indie heroes Inspiral Carpets to local jazz-hop star Soweto Kinch to Afro pioneers Osibisa. >>> more
14-05-2007
If the Department For Transport gets its way,West Midlands rail passengers could be forced to pay forparking at suburban stations later this year. So much for encouraging public transport. Kevin Chapman from Transport 2000 examines why the government seems willing to backtrack on free"park and ride" schemes. >>> more
14-05-2007
Residents ofthe historic Moorpool Estate in Harborne - one of the country’s original garden suburbs - are fighting back against plans for a new housing development which they say would rob their area of itsunique character. Here the campaigners explain why their area is so special. >>> more
14-05-2007
Following last week’s EU climbdown over the abolition of imperial measurements, a campaign is being launched to gain a posthumous pardon for Steve Thoburn, and the other “Metric Martyrs” who refused to bow to Brussels. The ideal moment for Pete Millington to explore the fascinating history of weights and measures. >>> more
Get Out More……………………………………Gig Preview
14-05-2007
The West Midlands most knowledgeable music critic is, we are proud to say, The Stirrer’s very own Paul Samuels. So when he recommends a band you’ve probably never heard of, it pays to listen…even if you’ll have to go out of the area to see them. There’s also a handy youtube clip so you can judge for yourself. >>> more
14-05-2007
As Sir Cliff might have said, “Congratulations” to Serbia for winning this year’s Eurovision - an event so lacking in the spirit of fair competition, it could have been organised by the Premiership. The Stirrer’s resident poet Brendan Hawthorne reflects on another year when politics called the tune. >>> more
12-05-2007
Two Birmingham councillors - including camcorder king Martin Mullaney - are facing an enquiry by the local government Standards Board after shooting a video about a derelict listed building in Moseley. >>> more
12-05-2007
There’s no end of radio phone-in prattle about the rights of motorists - but what about pedestrians? The Stirrer’s campaign to win back our pavements for those of us who like to use Shanks’s Pony gathers pace. >>> more
The Stirrer’s New Video.
CARAWAY
12-05-2007
Keen as ever to give a leg up to local talent, The Stirrer is delighted to give you the chance to sample a couple of tracks recorded last October at the Alexandra Theatre by Caraway. Have a look and leave a comment on the Music and Arts section of our Message Board. More music videos welcome. >>> more
12-05-2007
In the latest “hot off the press, first draft” extract of his forthcoming memoirs, Labour veteran Hugh McCallion remembers Birmingham’s original Super Prix - the road race which, if rumours are to be believed, could soon be heading back to the city. >>> more
12-05-2007
Campaigners hoping to preserve the unique character of the historic Moorpool Estate in Birmingham are drawing up battle plans to combat proposalsto build up to 30 new homes. >>> more
12-05-2007
One of the world’s leading Islamic scholars is visiting the West Midlands next week where he’ll call on Muslims to become more involved in tackling global debt. >>> more
12-05-2007
Black Country runner Blind Dave Heeley offers more reflections on last month’s London Marathon, as the countdown begins to next years amazing 7/7/7 challenge. >>> more
Leading figures in Birmingham’s Muslim community are divided over David Cameron’s two night stay with a local family in Balsall Heath with one accusing him of being “a publicity seeker”. One thing’s certain, though - his visit can only be good news for the Karachi café on Ladypool Road. >>> more
11-05-2007
Residents on Birmingham’s historic Moorpool Estate have responded with anger to plans by a developer to eject allotment holders and build up to 30 new houses. >>> more
11-05-2007
Veteran Birmingham politician Hugh McCallion is casting his beady eye over the potential candidates in a Birmingham mayoral election. After Karren Brady and John Hemming, here’s his assessment of Perry Barr MP Khalid Mahmood. >>> more
Get Out More…………………….CBSO Ball
11-05-2007
Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg will be hosting a fund-raising gala ball for the CBSO’s education and community programme - come and join us if you can >>> more
Exclusive
10-05-2007
In a remarkable “getting to know the people” exercise, David Cameron has spent the last two days living with a British Asian family in Birmingham. >>> more
10-05-2007
So, Tony Blair is about to leave after more than 10 years in office, having won a record three elections as a Labour leader. Now The Stirrer wants to know - when are we going to have an election? >>> more
10-05-2007
Dozens of West Midlands teenagers headed to Auschwitz yesterday - courtesy of Gordon Brown. And The Stirrer was with them. >>> more
10-05-2007
In the light of this week’s historic power-sharing deal in Northern Ireland, Birmingham doctor David Nicholl reflects on his childhood as an Ulster Protestant during The Troubles. Can peace now hold? >>> more
10-05-2007
Ever had a near brush with fame and fortune? Laurence Inman has. Quite apart from his current occupation of failing auditions for Crimewatch, the Birmingham writer and actor once got talent-spotted by a pro football club and could have given the over-rated Bestie a run for his money (well, almost). >>> more
10-05-2007
Over the past few weeks, The Stirrer has given coverage to Birmingham councillor Martin Mullaney’s efforts to give graffiti taggers a positive outlet for their artistic impulses by setting up classes at Moseley’s Epic Skate Park. But is all “street art” necessarily vandalism? >>> more
09-05-2007
Campaigners fighting the imposition of metric measurements are hailing a major victory today after the EU’s industry commissioner said that imperial measures could continue to be used “indefinitely” on goods. >>> more
09-05-2007
Stirrer blogger Dr David Nicholl makes his movie debut next month in a new documentary - partly shot in Birmingham - which exposes the erosion of rights in modern Britain. >>> more
09-05-2007
The Stirrer can reveal the latest twist in Birmingham’s battle of the beaches - the Bullring sand, in the shadow of St Martin's church, will play host to a religious service. >>> more
Mick Temple’s Blog
09-05-2007
Tony Blair is expected to announce his decision to step down tomorrow after more than 10 years as Prime Minister - so how will he be remembered? Our new blogger Mick Temple, a politics professor at Staffordshire University, weighs the evidence. >>> more
09-05-2007
Go on, admit it, even six months ago, that headline would have been about as believeable as ....well, as alasting peace in Northern Ireland…yet there they are, Paisley, McGuiness Adams, Ahern and Blair shaking hands and bringing home rule to NI. >>> more
08-05-2007
One of the most heartening aspects of last week’s local council elections was the failure of the BNP to make any further ground in the West Midlands. Labour MP John Cruddas hails a success for “pavement politics” but tells Edward Cameron there’s no room for complacency. >>> more
08-05-2007
Jubilant Blues fans turned out in their thousands at Birmingham Council House last night as a Civic reception was held to mark their team’s return to the Premiership. The Stirrer’s snapper Pete Millington was there (click here to see photos). >>> more
08-05-2007
Former Birmingham Lord Mayor Mike Nangle has ruled out a return to politics after losing his Hodge Hill seat in the local elections, describing debates in the council chamber as “dead” - but he’s revealed that at 74 he has no plans to give up public life. >>> more
Get Out More………………………….Theatre Preview
08-05-2007
Birmingham Hippodrome hosts its first hip-hop festival next week, with break-dancers arriving from all over the world. >>> more
08-05-2007
Labour veteran Hugh McCallion has been sharing exclusive extracts of his memoirs with Stirrer readers - and snippets have even appeared in the Mirror and Telegraph. If you’re not sure who he is though, here’s Hugh’s official career record. >>> more
07-05-2007
The play-off semi-final between Wolves and The Baggies is still virtually a week away, but already rival fans are in conflict over ticket allocations. >>> more
07-05-2007
Former Birmingham Mayor Mike Nangle who lost his council seat on Thursday after 23 years has blamed his defeat on anti-Tesco candidate Roger Gordon. Nangle warns that, ironically, the supermarket chain’s controversial development in Hodge Hill is now virtually certain to go ahead. >>> more
Get Out More………………………..Gig Preview
07-05-2007
Frazzled old acid head or bona fide British pop genius. Paul Samuels reckons Julian Cope is a bit of both >>> more
07-05-2007
The local elections saw the usual pitiful turnout across the West Midlands, with three out of five voters staying at home. The Stirrer’s resident poet Brendan Hawthorne puts an X against the apathy Party. >>> more
World Exclusive
07-05-2007
What do you mean you’ve seen it already? Not this one you haven’t. In Pete Millington’s design, the Villa Lion has got poor old Beau Brummie by the throat. >>> more
05-05-2007
This weekend Rich Batsford invites you to inhale deeply, anddebate the merits of legalising drugs. Go on, you know you want to. Just this once won't do any harm... >>> more
05-05-2007
It's not only older citizens who complain about growing levels of lawlessness among the young. Dionne McCarthy, a media student at UCE, offers a disturbing insight into life on the Birmingham council estate where she lives. >>> more
05-05-2007
The Bishop of Birmingham is backing the city’s Community Empowerment Network (BCEN) which is facing closure. The organisation, which supports grass roots organisations, has had it’s funding slashed by 40% - and the money runs out altogether in five months. >>> more
05-05-2007
More evidence that the local elections weren’t exactly an unqualified success for the Conservatives came in Solihull, where they lost two seats to the Lib Dems - and sacrificed their overall control of the Council in the process. >>> more
05-05-2007
In this latest, “hot off the press” first draft of from the memoirs of Hugh McCallion, the Labour veteran recalls the career of Birmingham’s first female Mayor - and fierce Tory rival - Freda Cocks (OBE, JP, and still going strong at 90) >>> more
05-05-2007
Never mind climate change, there are plenty of other threats to human existence which appear to have been sidelined in the debate about global warming. Barbara Panvel investigates. >>> more
05-05-2007
This time next year, Dave Heeley will become the first blind runner to complete seven marathons in seven days on seven continents. In the meantime, he just had the little matter of the London marathon to negotiate. Here’s his blog of the weekend. >>> more
04-05-2007
The breakthrough came at 1.45 a.m. - Gareth Compton snatched a seat in the traditional Labour stronghold of Erdington, and for the first time in 23 years, the Conservatives were on course to becoming the largest party in Birmingham. >>> more
04-05-2007
The far-right British National Party failed to make expected gains in Sandwell and Dudley, and were once again unable to make any significant impression in Birmingham. >>> more
04-05-2007
Given the national swing towards the Conservatives in the local elections it would have been remarkable if they hadn’t held on to three of their prized West Midlands assets - and they duly obliged by strengthening their hand in Walsall, Dudley and Tamworth. >>> more
04-05-2007
Birmingham Council’s Deputy Leader Paul Tilseley claimed that talk of a mayoral debate on the streets of Birmingham was “an urban myth”. >>> more
04-05-2007
Political anoraks had to stay up later than ever to get the results of last night’s local elections - and in Wolverhampton and Solihull they are still waiting. >>> more
Get Out More………………………Gig News
04-05-2007
Local musical legends UB40 have lined up what’s becoming an annual Christmas gig, with a show at the NEC in December. >>> more
03-05-2007
Blimey! Election day isn’t over yet, and already there are claims of skulduggery at the ballot box - with Birmingham’s Lib-Dems accusing Labour of unethical behaviour. >>> more
Get Out More…………………………..Various Artists
03-05-2007
In our never ending quest to find you better things to do than sit in front of a computer all day, here’s our latest round-up of stuff to do. It’s an eclectic selection, we promise you. >>> more
03-05-2007
On the day of the local elections, Dave Woodhall makes an impassioned plea to the lazy majority, and poses the question - should voting be compulsory? >>> more
03-05-2007
Here's the deal. The Stirrer costs you nothing but your time. You log on, and sometimes we bring you a heady punchbowl of news and comment. Then, once a week, we bring you a truly wonderful column by Laurence Inman. Enjoy. >>> more
03-05-2007
The Lib Dem MP John Hemming recently gave his first clear indication that he was willing to stand as Birmingham’s mayor on The Stirrer messageboard. Veteran Labour man Hugh McCallion assesses his prospects. >>> more
03-05-2007
Birmingham’s first transatlantic budget airline takes to the skies today, offering flights to Canada for as little as £99. The news comes amid reports that the airport is shelving plans for a second runway. >>> more
03-05-2007
With the local elections today, the Stirrer trusts that every reader will do their civic duty. But just in case you're thinking of voting for the apathy party, read this by Andy Goff. >>> more
03-05-2007
How can you tell if a politician is lying? His lips are moving. So goes the old joke, but Birmingham neurologist Dr David Nicholl - currently in Boston, USA - reckons that we’ve never had it so bad. On local election day, he’s got some angry words for national politicians. >>> more
03-05-2007
In his latest blog, marathon runner Blind Dave Heeley reports on his build-up to to London Marathon. >>> more
02-05-2007
Liberal Democrat MP and Birmingham councillor John Hemming who helped uncover electoral corruption in the city three years ago has said the situation has improved but “there’s still a way to go”. >>> more
02-05-2007
MP’s on the Culture select Committee have announced another investigation into ticket touting - The Stirrer tells them not to waste their time. Selling tickets above face value may, like prostitution, be an unsavoury trade. But it will always be with us. >>> more
02-05-2007
Radio DJ’s often give the impression that they are more important than the music they play. Now Ros Dodd has the proof. >>> more
02-05-2007
The Stirrer’s campaign to remove carelessly parked cars from the pavements of the West Midlands - and get the law clarified for the rest - gathers pace. >>> more
02-05-2007
Currently groovin’ in Sao Paolo, Brazil, Martin Longley checks out Lee 'Scratch' Perry and Motörhead at the Via Funchal, São Paulo, Brazil >>> more
01-05-2007
The Stirrer understands that a Birmingham Liberal Democrat councillor and a local election candidate have been arrested by police investigating allegations of postal voting fraud. >>> more
01-05-2007
Today is the 10th anniversary of Labour’s first election victory under Tony Blair - so what has the party and the Prime Minister achieved in their decade of power? The Stirrer’s been canvassing local MP’s. >>> more
01-05-2007
MI5 has launched an unprecedented defence of its actions, after it emerged that two of the 7/7 bombers were known to the security services - but had not been deemed to be sufficiently important to warrant full-scale surveillance. >>> more
01-05-2007
Sir Albert Bore has described the BNP as “the joker in the pack” at the forthcoming council elections in Birmingham. He said we was confident they wouldn’t win any seats - but admits that the number of votes they takeoff the mainstream parties could be decisive. >>> more
01-05-2007
The Public Arts Centre in West Bromwich has swallowed up more than £2million in the last year despite remaining unopened. Administrators Price Waterhouse Coopers trousered £727,000 in fees. >>> more
01-05-2007
Northfield MP Richard Burden has accused Centro of planning little more than a “gold-plated car park” in it’s proposals to redevelop Longbridge station (see the article here). Here’s Centro’s response. >>> more
Get Out More……………………..Theatre Review
01-05-2007
Freud meets Dali in an award-winning, mind-bending farce written by Terry Johnson, and reviewed by Lucy Quilliam. >>> more
01-05-2007
Yes, he's boldly gone...Scotty from the USS Enterprise that is. His ashes have been rocketed into orbit leaving Brendan Hawthorne to muse on one star's final trek... >>> more |
WIN …WIN…WIN
17-05-2007
With England taking on the West Indies this summer, what better time to recall the amazing 1976 tour of the Caribbean when skipper Tony Greig famously said he would make the opposition “grovel”? >>> more
A BUNCH OF BANKERS
Some people think that bankers get a hard time - but when you hear stories like the one Gay Watson told me this week, you have to wonder if sometimes they deserve it.
Gay works six days a week to pay her mortgage and has never been in arrears - yet she faces being made homeless through no fault of her own.
It all dates back to the mortgage she took out five years ago with her husband - who then disappeared.
When her current fixed rate deal runs out, she’ll have to pay £200 extra each month.
She can’t afford it, but neither can she switch to a cheaper deal, because she can’t get hubby’s signature.
Are the bank being sympathetic? What do you think?
To find out more, click here to read The Stirrer’s weekly Birmingham Mail column.
click the link
THE TRUTH - IN BLACK AND WHITE
BBC bosses will have been horrified by the furore surrounding Robert Beckford’s departure from Radio WM
His allegation that the station fails to meet the needs of African Caribbean listeners in this great multi-cultural city is bound to cut them to the quick.
“Racist? Not us” you can hear them cry. And up to a point that’s true, says The Stirrer in his latest Birmingham Mail column. In fact, the problem is industry wide.
In ten years of telly presenting, he’s never worked with a black camera operator, and during fifteen years on the radio has never had a non-white producer.
The Stirrer also calls Stephen Hartland of Birmingham Civic Society a “Second City Lord Snooty” for opposing the beach in Chamberlain Square; and warns that Brummies won’t back the Olympics if it means their city is a financial loser
click the link
Bungling tax officials have given Gemma Cartwright the shock of her life - by telling her she’s dead.
The mum-of-four from Kings Norton was sent a letter by HM Revenue and Customs last week, which even gave the date when she was supposed to have died - March 30th, 2007.
Find out more in The Stirrer’s regular Birmingham Mail column.
There’s also more on the Scientolgists and how they infiltrated a mental health campaign in Bordesley Green - and a tart summary of the new Home Information Pack.
THE STIRRER'S BLOG ROLL
GENERAL
birminghamitsnotshit
Home of Brummie of the Year and other funny stuff about where we live
createdinbirmingham
Local arts and related stuff
brumblog
Comprehensive aggregate of local arty and general sites
podnosh
Home ofcommunity podcasting with the Grassroots channel
To be continued...
Download the Birmingham Mail Mayoral referendum form >>> click
Friends of Birmingham Library “Back To The Modern Exhibition” online exhibition >>> click here
Just what the West Midlands needs - another giant supermarket. Residents in Shirley are fighting back against plans for a new Asda which will see precious parkland gobbled up, and couldthreatenthe local traders who havealready survived the onslaught of more than half a dozen large stores. Here's their story. >>> more
A TASTE OF SPAGHETTI - 4th EDITION NOW AVAILABLE
Pete Millington is a one-man writing factory. Not content withregularoutput for The Stirrer, he's found time to pull together the latest edition of his excellent magazine Spaghetti Gazetti, dedicated to local life and culture.
Check it out here
It's seriously good.
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