May 2008
Mick Temple’s Blog
ROTTEN BOROUGH?
31-05-2008
Professor Mick Temple sends a despatch from his Potteries homeland, where the BNP have made serious electoral inroads, and have promised to use the high profile manslaughter of one of their members as a rallying cry. All this and a highly critical report of their local council too. more
BRUM GETS GREENER
31-05-2008
Green householders in Birmingham have helped the city achieve an 8% annual increase in recycling. Council officials launched Climate Change Week by revealed that more than a quarter of the city’s rubbish is now re-used again. more
Get Out More.............................Film and Music
SEVEN INCH LISTINGS
31-05-2008
The wonderful 7" film folk have sent us their usual list of the weird, the offbeat and the plain interesting occuring over the next few weeks in the West Mids. Generous to a fault, we thought we'd share it with you. more
AL-QAIDA - TIME TO THINK THE UNTHINKABLE
30-05-2008
Northern Ireland prison boss Hugh Orde comes up with a shocking suggestion today – one which many people will find appalling and even distressing. Yup, he wants the chew the cud with Al-Qaida, the terrorist masterminds who downed the Twin Towers and killed 56 civilians in London. more
BRUM REACHES FOR THE SKY (AGAIN!)
30-05-2008
Boris Johnson might have signalled the end of London’s love affair with the skyscraper, but in Birmingham it’s only just beginning. The latest in an ever growing queue of new generation high rises has just been unveiled. more
Get Out More.............................Gig News
COLDPLAY (Dec 1, Dec 2 NIA)
30-05-2008
Weird, isn’t it, how groups become more popular, but less fashionable at the same time? Coldplay, who have tickets on sale today for the two Birmingham shows which open their UK tour, are a case in point. more
STRIKE BALLOT FOR 80,000 WEST MIDS COUNCIL WORKERS
30-05-2008
Local government workers across the West Midlands are being balloted for strike action today in protest at a below-inflation pay offer by the government. more
£450 MILLION UNLOCKS EASTSIDE
30-05-2008
And still the redevelopment of Birmingham powers ahead – this time with the unveiling of the first designs for new £450 million Eastside Locks project, which features offices, apartment, shops and a hotel, and the long-awaited city park. more
IVF SHOCKER - YES, THE SUN WAS LYING
30-05-2008
After yesterday's Sun-sational splash about a Birmingham couple who allegedly abandoned two girls born by IVF treatment India, The Stirrer posed the question - has Britain's favourite tabloid been telling porkies again. And the answer is...YES! more
BLACK LED CHURCHES DEMAND MOSQUITO EXPLANATION
30-05-2008
Birmingham’s Council of Black Led Churches is demanding to know why Yvonne Mosquito has been dropped from West Midlands Police Authority. They fear it could harm her chances of becoming Labour's parliamentary candidate for Ladywood. more
WHITBY’S CHINA EARTHQUAKE APPEAL
30-05-2008
Birmingham Council leader Mike Whitby is calling on citizens to help provide aid to victims of the recent earthquake in China. A book of condolence and donation boxes have been placed in the Council House. more
THANK GOD ITS FRIDAY
30-05-2008
Here’s a little light relief to welcome in the weekend. more
Get Out More.....................Music/Theatre/Comedy
LICHFIELD GARRICK LISTINGS
30-05-2008
The Garrick in Lichfield is an enterprising theatre, and there are always a few quirky attractions. Over the next few months, there’s the one man Star Wars show and a play based on Nic Roeg’s classic movie Don’t Look Now - and that’s all before the end of July. more
IVF TWINS SHOCKER - HAS THE SUN BEEN LYING AGAIN?
29-05-2008
Today’s shocking story about the elderly couple who had twins by IVF but then abandoned them in a Birmingham hospital has been called into question by the health authorities – and it poses the question, has The Sun been lying again? more
WOLVES LABOUR “IN DENIAL” – KINGMAKER HEAP
29-05-2008
The “kingmaker” in Wolverhampton’s new Conservative/Lib Dem alliance has accused senior Labour figures of being “in denial” after losing control of the City Council – and says they might still have been in power if they’d offered his party a realistic partnership deal. more
WIN......WIN......WIN......WIN
MIDSUMMER BIG BAND EVENING
29-05-2008
The Stirrer has three family tickets for next month’s Midsummer Big Band Music Evening at the Botanical Gardens to win. We’re confident it will have stopped raining by then. more
LABOUR INTRIGUE: HOW MOSQUITO WAS SWATTED ASIDE
29-05-2008
Word reaches The Stirrer of the curious manner in which Labour parliamentary hopeful Yvonne Mosquito lost her position as Vice Chair of the West Midlands Police Authority – robbing it of its only black woman. more
Bite Sized Review.......................Restaurant Opening
PICCOLINO (Brindley Place, Birmingham)
29-05-2008
There was a lavish launch recently for this new Italian on the site of the old Brasserie Blanc in Brindley Place. Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg tucks in. more
GO GARETH GO
29-05-2008
Gareth Barry made England’s second goal in last night’s win against the USA, no doubt adding a few noughts to his transfer value. There’s been a campaign to persuade him to stay at Villa, but The Stirrer advises – Go Gareth Go! more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
THE CRYING GAME
29-05-2008
Never mind England's 2-0 stroll against the USA last night, Laurence Inman is still reflecting on the European Cup final, and the philosophical differences between John Terry and Alex Ferguson. more
A Stirrer Interview
WHITE GLOVES AND BULL WHIPS
29-05-2008
Yes, just another typical night out for Pete Millington who encounters '60s icon Dave Berry at Arden Hall, then gets the nod to head backstage. Ooh er… more
FIVE MONTH CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK KEEPS MUM ON DOLE
28-05-2008
A single mother desperate to get off the dole has been waiting five months for a Criminal Record check so that she can take up a job she was offered before Christmas. West Midlands Police have admitted that 40% of applications are being delayed, some by more than three months. more
SINGING THE BLUES OVER FOOTY’S DEAD ATMOSPHERE
28-05-2008
Birmingham City have become the first West Midlands club to introduce a “singing section” to try and improve the atmosphere at St Andrews. They’ve handed over two blocks of the Tilton End to their more vocal supporters. more
WOLVES LIB DEMS “SPURNED LABOUR ADVANCES”
28-05-2008
Wolverhampton’s Labour leader Roger Lawrence has revealed on The Stirrer Forum that the city’s Liberal Democrats spurned advances to forge a coalition – and did a deal with the Conservatives without hearing what alternatives were on the table. more
Stirrer TV
SACKED ASTONBROOK STAFF BLAME “CONSPIRACY”
28-05-2008
A sacked worker from Birmingham based Astonbrook Housing Association claim there’s a “conspiracy” between the Home Office and accountants Baker Tilley to close it down. Berrenga Forbes was one of 15 employees given his cards last week. more
CAPITA GETS THE CALL FROM BRUM
28-05-2008
Capita, the company responsible for introducing Birmingham Council’s controversial Voyager financial system has been rewarded with a £52 million contract to run the city’s call centres for the next four years. The question is – what exactly will they do? more
Get Out More................................Gig News
WOLVES CIVIC HALL LISTINGS (Until Christmas)
28-05-2008
Here’s the latest list of happenings at the Civic, the Wulfrun and the Little Civic. Dates added in the last week include 70’s space cadets Hawkwind, irritatingly catchy pop blokes Scouting For Girls and telly’s Mock The Week host Dara O Briain. Oh, and did we mention Duffy, Yazoo and David Dickinson? more
PEACE GARDENS IN OUR TIME
28-05-2008
Barbara Panvel visits one of Birmingham's hidden attractions, and reflects on its meaning. more
Get Out More.............................Music and Comedy
GLEE CLUB (The Arcadian, Birmingham)
28-05-2008
The Stirrer tipped you off last week that comedy genius Dylan Moran is performing shortly at the Glee under the heading Special Guest Trying New Material. Astonishingly, his three dates still haven’t sold out. Here’s what else they’ve got to offer in June. more
Get Out More.......................................Festival Review
ALL TOMORROW'S PARTIES (Butlins, Minehead)
28-05-2008
OK, so it was over a week ago now, but Damien Doran has only just recovered from the Festival where you don't come home caked in mud - and where you can bump into the lead singer of Dinosaur Jr in Boots. Now that doesn't happen at Glastonbury. more
BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT...BUT WHERE ARE THE PHONE LINES?
27-05-2008
After the recent scandals about TV phone-in competitions, you'd have thought they'd have got it sorted by now. But as Terry Wills reports, voters who rang into Britain's Got Talent last night were unable to cast their vote. more
ASTONBROOK 15 TAKE TO THE STREETS
27-05-2008
Marchers will take to the streets of Birmingham today in support of 15 workers dismissed from Astonbrook Housing Association. Sacked staff claim they are being victimised because no evidence has been brought forward to support the claims. more
A BANK HOLIDAY TRAGEDY
27-05-2008
Stirrer blogger Dr David Nicholl witnesses a Bank Holiday tragedy, and ponders the safety of cycling. more
WHAT A SHOWER
27-05-2008
Stay at home on Bank Holiday Monday because the Met Office predicted dangerous weather? Lynn Hawthorne did and - not for the first time - feels cheated by the forecast. more
BRUM PLANNING PROBE OVER MULLANEY CLAIMS
27-05-2008
Birmingham Council’s Chief Executive has launched an investigation into claims that the city’s planning department misled camcorder councillor Martin Mullaney and ignored his complaints about a listed building in Balsall Heath. more
Get Out More..............................................Gig News
VIC GODARD AND SUBWAY SECT (Hare and Hounds, May 31)
27-05-2008
One of the punk originals swans into town quaffing tea and wearing the postman's outfit that he uses for his day job (er, as a postman, not a stripogram). Paul Samuels salutes a long lost hero. more
AN EVERYDAY TALE OF CLAMPING
27-05-2008
Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg is launching a Downing Street petition to rid England of car clampers. Birmingham blogger Adrian Bailey has sent us his own sad tales of a run-in with the rogues of the road. more
Get Out More................................Book Signing
MARTIN BELL (Bonds Bookshop, Harborne, Weds 28 May)
27-05-2008
Former BBC broadcaster and scourge of corrupt politicians Martin Bell will be in Harborne on Wednesday discussing his book The Truth That Sticks: New Labour’s Breach Of Trust – published this month in paperback. more
ALAN TOWERS R.I.P
26-05-2008
One of the best known faces in Midlands telly Alan Towers has died following a heart attack at his home in Studley on Saturday. Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg remembers a broadcasting icon. more
TORY COUNCILLOR’S WIFE SLAMS “ANTI CHRIST” VOYAGER
26-05-2008
Senior figures on Birmingham Council have joined a Facebook Group slating the city’s controversial Voyager scheme. One contributor describes it as the “new anti Christ of payments and accounting schemes.” more
Bank Holiday Picture Special
POGUS CAESAR SNAPS INTO ACTION
26-05-2008
Birmingham photographer and film-maker Pogus Caesar has a major retrospective at Wolverhampton Art Gallery until July 12, but he’s been dusting down his prints and wants to share a few special snaps with The Stirrer readers. more
Get Out More.........................Charity Cricket Match
BLIND DAVE GOES BATTY
26-05-2008
Not content with being a blind marathon runner, Dave Heeley is now determined to prove himself as a cricketer with a charity match in Sutton Coldfield. Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg will be opening the batting. more
Stirrer Podcast
PERFECT UNPOP
26-05-2008
Former Balsall Heath resident Derek Hammond is responsible for the summer’s “must have” retro compilation CD – a celebration of the underdog bands championed by John Peel. It features a host of West Midlands faves including the Au Pairs, Prefects, and Swell Maps. more
VOLUNTEER LOSES OUT – TO DISGRACED COUNCILLOR
24-05-2008
Community volunteer Naveed Akhtar has been robbed of her role as a health watchdog in a deprived part of Birmingham – and replaced by a shamed West Midlands councillor who was once disqualified for a year. more
KHYRA DEATH: COUNCIL PROBE BEGINS
24-05-2008
The death of Khyra Ishaq – the seven year old thought to have starved to death in Handsworth – has prompted a serious case review by Birmingham City Council. Perry Barr MP Khalid Mahmood had called for the investigation as soon as news of Khyra’s death emerged this week. more
Read All About It....................Book Extract
THE DOOG (David Harrison and Steve Gordos)
24-05-2008
The untimely death last June of Wolves icon Derek Dougan rekindled memories of his great football career, but in this special extract from a recent biography, he’s remembered as a political activist and a broadcaster too.more
BRUM NEEDS MORE PRIDE IN GAY VILLAGE
24-05-2008
As Birmingham prepares for the weekend’s Pride Festival, campaigners are calling for a dramatic upgrade to the city’s Gay Village around Hurst Street, which they describe as “appalling”. more
Get Out More.................................................Comedy News
MIKE WILMOT (Glee Club, June 18)
24-05-2008
The Time Out award winner Mike Wilmot arrives in Brum next month for his only current date outside London, following a successful West End run at the Soho Theatre. more
Mick Temple’s Blog
LABOUR UP THE JUNCTION IN CREWE
24-05-2008
After The Conservatives won their first by-election in more than quarter of a century, Professor Mick Temple ponders what the result means for the government – and David Cameron. more
Get Out More .................................... Ballet Review
THE KIROV, GALA PERFORMANCE (Birmingham Hippodrome)
24-05-2008
One of the world's great ballet companies has been entertaining audiences in Birmingham this week, and Paula Elenor joins the throng. more
STIRRER WINNERS – PICCOLINO AND MICK HUCKNALL
24-05-2008
It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for – news of the winners for two great Stirrer competitions. We had a pair of tickets for Mick Hucknall’s Bobby Bland tribute gig in Wolverhampton and a meal for two at Piccolino in Birmingham. more
WOLVO CHIEF EXEC – “I’M STAYING”
24-05-2008
The chief executive of Wolverhampton City Council Richard Carr has emphatically denied rumours on our Message Board that he’s quitting or looking for another job. more
BASIC COMMON SENSE
24-05-2008
Musician and artist Brian Eno recently hosted a meeting at his studio for the British-American Security information Council, which supports nuclear disarmament. Barbara Panvel wasn’t on the guest list, but was interested in the outcome. more
LORD PATEL - AN APOLOGY
24-05-2008
On 10th May The Stirrer carried an article by Professor Mick Temple titled "Peer stokes extremism row". more
Poet's Corner
24-05-2008
A ROUGH GUIDE TO DRINKING BLOKES SUMMER HOLIDAYS
Thinking of chilling out at the seaside this Bank Holiday weekend? Brendan Hawthorne reckons he's seen you about. more
THE BEACH IS BACK IN BRUM…AND IT AIN’T GREEN
23-05-2008
Birmingham’s city centre beach makes a surprise return to this summer – just weeks after officials said it was being axed. Once again, it’s mired in controversy. more
Exclusive
VOYAGER BOSS QUITS – IT’S OFFICIAL
23-05-2008
The Stirrer can confirm that the boss of Birmingham Council’s controversial Voyager scheme is stepping down – to take a new role with the government. more
EUROPEAN CUP FINAL - EXCLUSIVE PICTURES
23-05-2008
Never mind ITV ... these are the pictures they DIDN'T show on Wednesday night when Manchester United lifted the European Cup against Chelsea, thanks to John Terry's penalty miss. Poor old Roman Abramovich ... but hey, it's hard to feel TOO sorry for a billionaire. more
Exclusive
VOYAGER BOSS “TO QUIT”
23-05-2008
The Stirrer has been told that Brendan Arnold, the mastermind of Birmingham City Council’s controversial Voyager IT scheme, is quitting to take up a new post. more
BROWN "RUNNING OUT OF TIME" AFTER CREWE DEFEAT
23-05-2008
Labour MP Lynne Jones has warned that Gordon Brown “hasn’t got much time” following last night’s devastating Crewe and Nantwich by-election defeat. more
Get Out More......................................Gig Review
THE TING TINGS (Birmingham Irish Centre, Tuesday)
23-05-2008
Is it just me, or does "That's Not My Name" sound a bit like "Hey Miki" by Toni Basil? Anyway, here's Steve Beauchampe's review of Britain's Number 1 band. more
Exclusive
BRUM COUNCIL SICKIE FIGURES – BOOKS WERE COOKED
22-05-2008
Birmingham City Council has launched an investigation into the accuracy of its sick leave figures after being accused of “cooking the books” – an allegation first raised on The Stirrer. more
ASTONBROOK WORKERS “OPPRESSED” BY SACKING
22-05-2008
One of the workers sacked by Birmingham’s troubled Astonbrook Housing Association has been talking about of the human cost of his dismissal. Thirty year old Abdi Said is worried about his mortgage – but also feels “oppressed” by what has happened. more
BRUM RED ROUTE CONFIRMED
22-05-2008
Birmingham City Council has confirmed that the congestion busting Red Route on the A34 will be made permanent next month – despite bitter opposition from traders in Sparkbrook. more
KHYRA: LET JUSTICE TAKE ITS COURSE
22-05-2008
The tragic death of seven year Khyra Ishaq in Handsworth has already led to what sounds suspiciously like a rush to judgement. Newspapers are reporting neighbours’ gossip while MP Khalid Mahmood is demanding an investigation – so whatever happened to letting justice take its course? more
BLIND DAVE’S NEW 777
22-05-2008
Fresh from completing his seven day, seven marathon global marathon challenge, West Brom runner Dave Heeley is now planning another 777 expedition – seven pubs in seven towns in seven hours. more
MULLANEY LOSES APPEAL - AS FREE SPEECH THREATENED
22-05-2008
Camcorder councillor Martin Mullaney insists he won’t back down in a row with a developer over a listed building in Birmingham – despite failing in his appeal against the Local Government Standards Board. In an alarming development for free speech, the verdict against Mullaney has been upheld, in part, because he sent a video about the building to The Stirrer. more
Read All About It..........................................Book Review
THE DOOG (David Harrison and Steve Gordos) (Know The Score books, £18.99)
22-05-2008
The biography of former Wolves and Villa star Derek Doogan reviewed by Dave Woodhall. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
CHERRY BOMB
22-05-2008
This week Laurence has a World Exclusive - the chapter of Cherie Blair’s new book which Whitehall was determined would never see the light of day has fallen into his hands. Here it is: more
"DISCRIMINATE? NOT US SAYS WOMENS HOSPITAL
21-05-2008
Birmingham Womens Hospital has denied that it discrimates against lesbians and single women in its provision of fertility treatment. The claim was made in last night’s House of Commons debate on the new Embryology Bill. more
WATCH THE NEW LONGBRIDGE “FLY THROUGH”
21-05-2008
Check out the pictures of the new Longbridge as envisaged by developers St Modwen, who own the former MG Rover site. more
Exclusive
ASTONBROOK JOBS TO GO AS WORK TRANSFERRED
21-05-2008
135 workers at the Birmingham-based housing association Astonbrook are set to lose their jobs after accountants Baker Tilley decided to transfer their work to other companies. Astonbrook, set up in 2002 by Somalian refugees, provides accommodation for more than 2,000 people across the country who have fled persecution. more
MULLANEY "VINDICATED" IN LISTED BUILDING ROW
21-05-2008
Birmingham Councillor Martin Mullaney claims he’s been vindicated by the city’s Planning Department in the row over a listed building in Balsall Heath. The controversy led to both Mullaney and his Lib Dem colleague falling foul of the local government Standards Board. more
"10,000 NEW JOBS" ON REVAMPED LONGBRIDGE SITE
21-05-2008
Ten thousand jobs could be created on the former Rover site at Longbridge, following the submission of four major planning applications today. Northfield MP Richard Burden has welcomed the move – but wants a new fund created to give local residents an independent voice in the development. more
Get Out More.................................Ballet Review
KIROV BALLET (Birmingham Hippodrome, until Saturday)
21-05-2008
One of the world’s best known ballet companies pirouettes into town as part of the International Dance Festival. Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg dons his tutu… more
FIN
21-05-2008
Dave Woodhall raises a glass to one of great figures of West Midlands pub life, Finbar, the former landlord of the Wheatsheaf in West Bromwich, who recently passed away. more
Astonbrook Housing Association
THREATENED WORKERS AMBUSH THE GREAT AND GOOD
20-05-2008
Workers from Birmingham’s threatened Astonbrook Housing Association “ambushed” the great and the good attending St Philips Cathedral for Sir Richard Knowles’ memorial service yesterday. More than 100 campaigners also turned out for a public meeting last night to protect the jobs of staff working with asylum seekers. more
PLOT WORKS OUT FOR ALLOTMENT HOLDERS
20-05-2008
Allotment holders in Birmingham who were turfed off their plots are celebrating after Moseley Golf Club withdrew its appeal against a failed planning application on the land. As Mark Jackson reports, the growers now want the site returned to them. more
YAM YAM UNI ON THE WAY
20-05-2008
Bright kids in Sandwell could soon have the chance to finish their education at home. Education bosses have outlined plans for a university in the borough – traditionally ranked among the country’s worst for exam passes. more
BANDS CAN BATTLE - FOR A PRICE
20-05-2008
The Walsall-based organiser a national “battle of the bands” competition, has defended the decision to ban groups from progressing unless they can attract 25 supporters willing to pay £6 admission to the gig. more
SANDWELL RUBBISH – BIN THERE, DONE THAT
20-05-2008
Sandwell Council has outlined ambitious plans to slash the amount of waste it sends to landfill from 65% to just 5% - while admitting it will take more than a decade to achieve the target. The drawback for staff is that bin collection and waste management is set to be privatised. more
DOCTORS SAY ‘NON’ TO EUROPE
20-05-2008
After correctly predicting the chaos that would ensue from the introduction of the government’s ill-fated junior doctors training scheme, Dr David Nicholl has a new warning – and this time it’s EU which is to blame. And patients will be at the sharp end. more
Get Out More...........................................Film Review
HAPPY GO LUCKY
20-05-2008
Mike Leigh’s attempt to make a deliberately upbeat movie has had mixed reviews in this country, but fared rather better abroad. Are we missing a classic in our midst, wonders Paula Elenor? more
Carol Jones Blog
UNIFORM HOLIDAY
20-05-2008
Armed forces blogger Carol Jones welcomes a proposal to introduce and annual holiday to mark the contribution of the army, navy and RAF. more
WHEN NOT TO HYPHENATE YOUR NAME
20-05-2008
John Tighe, rogeuish landlord of Digbeth's Spotted Dog hostelry has sent us a sample of marriages made, if not in heaven, then certainly on the pages of Viz magazine. Finbarr Saunders, where are you now...? more
ASYLUM SEEKER WORKERS TRY TO SAVE 135 JOBS
19-05-2008
Campaigners trying to save 135 jobs at a centre for asylum seekers in Birmingham are picketing the Government Office for the West Midlands in Colmore Row today. They claim interim managers appointed by the Charity Commission have turned a profitable company into a loss making one. more
WILL VOYAGER BE CALLED TO ACCOUNT?
19-05-2008
Concerns about Birmingham Council’s new Voyager IT payments system don’t just focus on the thousands of unpaid invoices – now insiders wonder whether the City will meet its deadline for closing down its annual accounts. more
CAMPAIGNERS DEMAND BIGGER SLICE OF PIE FOR WORLD'S POOREST
19-05-2008
Campaigners formed “the biggest pie chart in the world” outside Centenary Square yesterday in a bizarre attempt to draw attention to the ongoing crisis in global debt. more
BRUM GREEN SHAME AS WOLVO’S CARILLION HONOURED
19-05-2008
Wolverhampton builders Carillion have been named as one of the UK’s greenest companies in a national newspaper. A Black Country metal-bashing firm have also been praised – but there’s no representation from Birmingham’s business community. more
BRUM LIBRARY ARCHITECT BROUGHT TO BOOK IN HISTORIC DOC
19-05-2008
An historic BBC documentary about the Birmingham-born architect John Madin, who designed the city’s controversial Central Library and redesigned the centre of West Bromwich, has now been put online. more
"BIG BROTHER" BRITAIN COSTS EVERY FAMILY £2,500
19-05-2008
Every family in Britain is forced to fork out more than £2,500 a year for government quangos and state agencies according to the right-wing lobby group the Taxpayers Alliance. They claim that our bureaucracy is now “too large” and “impossible to manage”. more
Get Out More..................................................Gig Preview
STARS OF THE LID (Hare and Hounds, May 21st)
19-05-2008
Kings Heath's funkily revamped Hare and Hounds is fast establishing a rep as a top class boozer and an even better gig venue. Roy Ayers (recently) and Vic Godard (soon) are testament to an ambitious booking policy, and on Wednesday, the beautiful mood music of Stars of The Lid will be getting Paul Samuels stroking his chin. more
WIN......WIN....WIN.....WIN.....WIN.....WIN
MEAL FOR TWO AT PICCOLINO (9, Brindleyplace)
17-05-2008
Ciao Birmingham! Piccolino is bringing authentic Italian food to the city - and Stirrer readers can tuck in by winning a meal for two worth £80 at this fab new eaterie. more
THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE
17-05-2008
Womens’ abortion options are expected to be reduced next week when MP’s vote on cutting the time limit from its current 24 weeks. Penny Barber, Chief Executive of Brook in Birmingham, makes the case for extending choice, not restricting it. more
COULD MOSQUITO BITE ALBERT?
17-05-2008
Yvonne Mosquito’s shock departure as Labour’s nomination on the West Midlands Police Authority robs it of it’s only African Caribbean woman, and might yet come back to sting the man Labour malcontents are suggesting was the architect of her downfall - the leader Sir Albert Bore. more
WOULD JUBILEE'VE IT - POOREST COUNTRIES STILL PAYING BACK
17-05-2008
New research published this weekend ahead of a global debt summit in Birmingham on Sunday reveals that the developing world still gives $5 in loan repayments to the First World for every $1 they get back in aid. more
BBQ RULES
17-05-2008
We are about to enter the summer and BBQ season. Therefore it is important to refresh your memory on the etiquette of this sublime outdoor cooking activity as it's the only type of cooking a ‘real’ man will do, probably because there is an element of danger involved. more
Mick Temple's
Blog
BROWN
AND OUT?
17-05-2008
Mick Temple casts an
eye on Thursday's Crewe and Nantwhich by-election, and predicts the beginning
of the end for the Brown premiership. more
Exclusive
GRUNDY AND BORE COME TOGETHER
16-05-2008
It’s not yet November – but fireworks are guaranteed over the coming months in Birmingham’s opposition Labour Group. Leader Sir Albert Bore will be forced to work alongside his bete noire, Cath Grundy, who’s been elected to the city’s shadow cabinet. more
KEEPING KIDS OFF SWEETS? FAT CHANCE
16-05-2008
As the father of a two pre-school girls – writes Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg – I’ve already lost the Battle of the Sweetie Jar. My four-year old daughter loves crisps and chocolates and the one-year old shows signs of going the same way. So am I a bad dad? more
VIRGIN RAIL MISERY SET TO CONTINUE
16-05-2008
Travellers on Virgin Trains between the West Midlands and London beware! Power failures around Milton Keynes are likely to interrupt journeys and cause severe delays between now and the end of the year. more
MULLANEY CLEARED BY STANDARDS BOARD – AGAIN
16-05-2008
Controversial Birmingham councillor Martin Mullaney has been cleared by the Local Government Standards Board in the latest row over a listed building in his Moseley ward. more
SIR ALBERT COUP CLAIM “ABSOLUTE BOLLOCKS”
16-05-2008
The deposed Birmingham councillor rumoured to have been involved in a coup attempt against Labour leader Sir Albert Bore has dismissed the claims as “absolute bollocks.” more
SHOW GOES ON FOR HUMPH'S BAND
16-05-2008
In time-honoured fashion, “the show must go on” for the Humphrey Lyttleton Band despite their leader’s recent death. Surviving members have pledged to complete their scheduled gig at the Lichfield Festival in July, and will turn it into a celebration of his life. more
MORE THAN £100 MILLION TO TACKLE BRUM DOLE QUEUES
16-05-2008
Birmingham is allocating more than £100 million over the next three years to combat unemployment hotspots. There are parts of the city where more than 30% of the population are out of the work. more
ROBIN AND SOWETO ROCK DEBT CAMPAIGNERS
16-05-2008
This weekend sees the 10th anniversary of the launch of the Jubilee Debt Campaign in Birmingham – and once again the city centre will rock to the sound of campaigners fighting for global justice. Local music legend Robin Valk will provide the soundtrack, and Soweto Kinch will be putting in an appearance. more
Dave’s Villa Blog
MR SCHADEN…MEET MR FREUDE
16-05-2008
Among the turmoil of last weekend’s Premier League season, it was overlooked by all too many Blues fans that their win against Blackburn guaranteed Villa’s place in Europe. Dave Woodhall gloats. more
WIN...WIN....WIN...WIN...WIN...WIN....WIN.....
MICK HUCKNALL PERFORMS BOBBY BLAND
15-05-2008
The Stirrer has a pair of prize tickets on offer for Mick Hucknall's show at Wolverhampton Civic Hall on June 30, 2008. Mick will be performing the songs of one of his musical heroes, the great blues and soul man Bobby Bland. more
TV NEWS PROBES VOYAGER I.T. FIASCO
15-05-2008
A major TV news programme is probing Birmingham City Council’s controversial new Voyager payments system – after it emerged on The Stirrer message board that there’s still a backlog of more than 10,000 unpaid invoices. more
Get Out More............................................Music/Comedy News
DYLAN SNEAKS INTO BRUM
15-05-2008
The Stirrer's discovered that top comic misanthrope Dylan Moran - star of telly's wonderful Black Books - is performing three "secret" shows at Birmingham's Glee Club next month, trying out new material. more
RED FACES IN WOLVO RED ROUTE ROW?
15-05-2008
What’s that we hear? Why, it’s the furious sound of back-pedalling from Wolverhampton’s ruling Conservatives over their decision to scrap the city’s controversial Red Route – not least because it could cost taxpayers money. more
FORCE'S COSTLY CLIMBDOWN OVER MOSQUE PROGRAMME
15-05-2008
West Midlands Police and the Crown Prosecution Service have been forced to make an apology in the High Court after falsely accusing the producers of Channel 4’s “Undercover Mosque” documentary – filmed in Birmingham - of distorting the facts. The cost to the public purse will be more than £100,000. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
AN BRITISH EDUKASHUN
15-05-2008
Prompted by seeing David Edgar’s Testing The Echo at The Rep, Laurence Inman ponders a test to sort out the true Brits. more
COUNCIL WORKERS THREATEN STRIKE ACTION
15-05-2008
Council workers across the country are preparing for a two-day strike after the Unison trade union rejected the employers’ below inflation pay offer. more
CALLING CAMERON’S BLUFF
15-05-2008
Instead of trying to defend himself from Conservative attack, is it time for Gordon Brown to go on the attack? David Nicholl wonders whether that would expose the holes in Tory thinking. more
Exclusive
BATEMAN DECLARES FOR WESTMINSTER
14-05-2008
Phil “Busman” Bateman – former Wednesfield councillor and spokesman for Travel West Midlands – has declared his intention to fight for the Wolverhampton North East constituency being vacated by Ken Purchase. more
WHAT WAS LOST – THE MOVIE
14-05-2008
Catherine O’Flynn’s award winning novel What Was Lost – based at a fictional shopping centre that bears an uncanny similarity to Merry Hill – is being turned into a movie by the producers responsible for the Harry Potter series. more
BRUM ACCUSED OF “COOKING THE BOOKS” ON SICKIE CULTURE
14-05-2008
Birmingham City Council has been accused of cooking the books to make it’s figures for absence look better than they really are. Labour leader Sir Albert Bore says he’s “querying the maths”. more
TRANSPORT BOSS SEES RED IN WOLVO CONGESTION ROW
14-05-2008
West Midlands transport bosses are demanding an urgent meeting with the leader of Wolverhampton Council following his decision – first revealed on The Stirrer – to scrap a congestion busting Red Route in the city. more
Get Out More...............................Gig Listings
WOLVES CIVIC HALL LISTINGS
14-05-2008
The Civic complex takes some beating when it comes to live music and comedy in the West Midlands. Their latest listing (until December) features loadsa comedy and gigs from Birmingham heroes Guillemots and wonderful Scottish songsmiths Camera Obscura. more
COPPERS PRIDE IN GAY SURVEY
14-05-2008
West Midlands Police are attempting to build bridges with the gay community by carrying out a crime survey in the run up to the Pride Festival. In the last 12 months, relations have been strained following a raid on The Fountain pub. There have also been allegations of “rogue coppers” abusing regulars around Hurst Street. more
TOYAH ROCKS WITH VAMPIRES (Wulfrun Hall, Oct 26)
14-05-2008
Brummie singer/actress Toyah Wilcox has been resurrected from beyond the grave to take a starring role in Vampires Rock – the zombie horror musical that returns to Wolverhampton in the Autumn. more
ALBERT SCOFFS AT PLOT RUMOUR
14-05-2008
Sir Albert Bore has admitted confronting a senior Labour councillor this week over allegations of a plot to replace him as leader of Birmingham’s Labour group. But he insisted he has no plans to quit, saying “I’m going nowhere”. more
FOOTBALL? IT ALL AMOUNTS TO THE SAME THING
14-04-2008
Never mind the beautiful game, Pete Millington sees football as a numbers game. But what does it all add up to? more
ROTUNDA REVAMPED – AS PRICES GO DOWN
13-05-2008
The revamp of Birmingham’s iconic Rotunda building is officially completed today, marking the one of the city’s more successful regeneration projects – although even here, there’s evidence that the housing slump is starting to bite. more
MP DENIES RETURN TO "POLITICS OF ENVY"
13-05-2008
The Birmingham MP masterminding Labour’s by-election campaign in Crewe and Nantwich has denied claims that his party have returned to the “politics of envy” – despite drawing attention to the Conservative candidates upper class origins. more
Get Out More...............................Concert News
KATHERINE JENKINS (NIA, 12 DECEMBER)
13-05-2008
Glamorous Welsh opera diva Katherine Jenkins comes to town again in December, shortly after her recent appearance at the NIA with Darcy Bussell. Tickets go on sale on Friday. more
COUNCIL LEAVE FIGURES LOOK SICK
13-05-2008
Birmingham City Council is claiming success in tackling staff absence – even though their figures are worse than three years ago. The average Council employee has almost a fortnight off every year on sick leave. more
CLINTON’S TITANIC EFFORT
13-05-2008
The Stirrer’s US correspondent reports that students at a Washington school were assigned to read two books - 'Titanic ' and 'My Life ' by Bill Clinton. Much to the surprise of their teacher, the kids discovered a few similarities. more
EASY TARGETS
13-05-2008
It’s emerged today that Serious Organised Crime Agency has shelved it’s original hit list of 130 serious lawbreakers after failing to bring a single prosecution. Meanwhile, as Barbara Panvel reports, officialdom has no problem with picking off easier targets. more
BATEMAN BLASTS DOOLAN’S DUMBED DOWN “MUSH”
13-05-2008
Ed Doolan’s BBC WM radio show has been condemned as dumbed down “mush” by one of its most prolific contributors - Phil Bateman, the former spinmeister for bus company Travel West Midlands. Posting on The Stirrer Forum, Bateman also criticised the station’s Black Country coverage. more
PROF DEFENDS TALK FOR RADICAL ISLAM GROUP
12-05-2008
A Birmingham University Professor has been defending his decision to talk at a meeting last night organised by the radical Islamic group Hizb-Ut-Tahrir. The organisation has been accused of promoting the execution of gay people and Muslims who turn away from their religion. more
Weekend Footy Round-Up
ANGRY FANS TURN ON BOARD AS BLUES GO DOWN
12-05-2008
Police had to protect Birmingham City’s board of directors from their own fans as the club was relegated for the second time in three years from the Premiership. Just to rub it in for the Bluenoses, Villa qualified for Europe, albeit via the least glamorous route – the Intertoto Cup. more
HERE IS THE SUMMER
12-05-2008
With the West Midlands in the grip of a heatwave, Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg recommends Edgbaston’s Botanical Gardens for a great family day out. Readers are invited to tell us where they enjoy soaking up the sunshine. more
BLACK COUNTRY GETS ROUGH PRESS
12-05-2008
While Birmingham has been preening itself over favourable comments made in the latest edition of the Rough Guide to England, the Black Country has – literally – been written off. more
Get Out More........................................Play Review
TESTING THE ECHO (Birmingham Rep)
12-05-2008
Where were the paparazzi? The flashbulbs should have been popping as a star-studded audience swept up for Saturday’s last night performance of David Edgar’s pacy examination of national identity. more
GRUNDY “LAYS DOWN MARKER” FOR LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE
12-05-2008
Kingstanding Councillor Cath Grundy fell nine votes short of defeating Ian Ward as deputy leader of Birmingham’s Labour group – but she believes the support she received “lays down a marker” for a future leadership challenge.more
Poet's Corner
FASHION STATEMENT
12-05-2008
Fed up with Size Zero catwalk queens and their tedious tantrums? So is The Stirrer's poet laureate Brendan Hawthorne. more
TUTU’S DEBT MESSAGE TO BRUM
10-05-2008
Nobel Peace winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu has sent a message of support to campaigners fighting global poverty in Birmingham. Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg will be hosting one of the key events at next week’s Journey to Justice celebration, marking the tenth anniversary of the Jubilee Debt Campaign. more
THE STIRRER’S WEEK
10-05-2008
It’s been a musical melange this week, what with Birmingham International Dance Festival, Leonard Cohen’s weird album with Phil Spector, Nick Cave, and the strains of Keep Right On. more
Get Out More..........................................Film News
ELECTRIC CINEMA LISTINGS (Station Street, Birmingham)
10-05-2008
Some fantastic offerings at Brum's indie/arthouse joint, with Persepolis, In Bruges and The Diving Bell and The Butterfly. more
Dr Mansfield’s Blog
SHARP WORDS ABOUT VACCINES
10-05-2008
As one of the few doctors in the country willing to offer seperate measles, mumps and rubella vaccines, Dr Peter Mansfield is a controversial figure in the medical world. In his first monthly update for The Stirrer he re-opens the debate on MMR, wonders why the French live longer, and chews over the vitamin debate. more
Dave’s Villa Blog
CRUISERWEIGHTS AIM TO MOVE UP IN CLASS
10-05-2008
Villa enter the final game of the season with European football a tantalising possibility. Who knows, success might just persuade Gareth Barry to stay, but either way, Dave Woodhall isn’t losing any sleep. more
PEER STOKES EXTREMISM ROW
10-05-2008
The government says that it wants to prevent violent extremism by “winning hearts and minds” – er, except when those hearts and minds belong to democratically elected members of the BNP, apparently. Professor Mick Temple reports on a curious retreat. more
NEW ARTY FACTS DISCOVERED AT WOLVES CIVIC
10-05-2008
Gig goers in the Black Country have a new website to enjoy…Arts Wolverhampton which will showcase some of the less raucous acts at the city’s hugely successful Civic Hall complex. more
GRUNDY: WHY I HAVE TO STAND
09-05-2008
Birmingham councillor Cath Grundy has told The Stirrer she’s decided to stand for election as Sir Albert Bore’s deputy to encourage a “more inclusive” style of leadership. more
HEMMING “UNREPENTANT” OVER FAMILY COURT ROW
09-05-2008
Birmingham MP John Hemming declared himself “unrepentant” and vowed to continue his battle to open up the Family Courts – despite fierce condemnation by a judge yesterday. more
Get Out More........................................Theatre Review
DR DOOLITTLE (Birmingham Hippodrome, until May 17)
09-05-2008
Tommy Steele stars in the stage adaptation of this famous movie. Terry Wills hears him talk to the amazing, lifelike animals. more
Stirrer Comment
MORE CHAMPAGNE FOR ROVER…LESS WHINE
09-08-2008
Confirmation that car making is to resume at Longbridge in August is a cause for celebration …but while we pop open the champagne, can we do away with that well-matured Brummie whine? more
ALBERT BACKS WARD AS GRUNDY LAUNCHES CHALLENGE
09-05-2008
Birmingham’s Labour leader Sir Albert Bore is calling on colleagues to back his current deputy Ian Ward in the face of a challenge from Catherine Grundy. Her decision to fight for Ward’s position comes just weeks after she threatened to stand down from her role as a Kingstanding councillor, citing a heavy workload. more
Kingy’s Wolves Blog
ONE MORE SEASON FOR MAD MICK
09-05-2008
In the end, Wolves missed out on a play off-place by just one goal, but our Molineux blogger Brendan King reckons it was a lucky escape. He names the three players his team must keep to launch a successful promotion bid next season. more
MODERN NURSERY RHYMES
09-05-2008
Bit of a laugh for Friday. Here are a few nursery rhymes - updated for 2008. more
Get Out More.....................................................Gig Review
NICK CAVE (Academy, Birmingham)
09-05-2008
The Gothfather returned to Brum this week for a sell-out show at The Academy, and against all the odds, he sent the crowd home smiling. Paul Samuels appreciates one of Rock's true curiousities. more
Get Out More................................................Film News
7 INCH CINEMA LISTINGS
09-05-2008
The grooviest left-field movie (and music) listings in the West Midlands. Don't go out until you've checked out what's on here. more
BRUM WELCOMES LIE DETECTORS FOR BENEFIT CHEATS
08-05-2008
Birmingham City Council has welcomed the extension of so-called “lie detectors” to identify housing benefit cheats after piloting the technology last year. The government has announced that funds will made available to extend the scheme nationwide. more
Exclusive
RED ROUTE SCRAPPED AS TORIES SEAL WOLVES ALLIANCE
08-05-2008
Wolverhampton’s Conservative party will lead the City Council in alliance with the Liberal Democrats following last Thursday’s election breakthrough – but they insist it’s not a coalition. One of their first actions will be to scrap a controversial, jambusting Red Route. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
JESSIE MAE BANNER HEADLINE
08-05-2008
Read to the bottom and it will all make sense. Blimey, it’s frightening what a touch of sunshine can do to a man. Especially that bit about the underwear. more
Get Out More..................................Theatre Review
TESTING THE ECHO (Birmingham Rep, until Sat)
08-05-2007
Brummie David Edgar's play about nationhood and identity enjoys a (very) short run at The Rep. Catch it while you can, advises Paula Elenor. more
Get Out More................................Concert News
CBSO WITH ANDRIS NELSONS
08-05-2007
The CBSO's new music director Andris Nelsons has just announced details of his first season, starting in September - and variety is to the fore. more
MULLANEY CLEARED AFTER HAT-TRICK OF COMPLAINTS
08-05-2008
Martin Mullaney is innocent – OK? The Birmingham councillor has been cleared by the local government Standards Board after being on the receiving end of his third complaint in as many months. Once again, your favourite website was implicated. more
McCLAREN "RESPECTED COACH" SHOCKER
08-05-2008
Reader Glyn Berrington launched his campaign to have former England boss Steve McClaren withdrawn from the BBC’s summarising squad for this year’s Euro Championship. In response the Beeb have come up with an astonishing claim – they reckon Macca is “respected”. Oh really? more
Get Out More.................................Theatre Review
SHOUT (Birmingham Alexandra, until Sat)
08-05-2008
Blimey, this one’s proving popular. Here’s our second review in two days of this swinging 60’s singalong starring Clare Sweeney, and Vicki Pollard’s older sister, Su. Terry Wills dances in the aisles. more
Barbara's Blog
FREE MONEY
08-05-2008
Does the supply of money have to rely on interest rates set by the Bank Of England? Not according to Austin Mitchell who - in the tradition of great Birmingham MP Thomas Attwood - wants to see more cash issued, interest free, for public works. more
Exclusive
WHITBY LIVES THE HIGH LIFE ON PRIVATE JET
07-05-2008
The Stirrer can reveal that Birmingham council leader Mike Whitby lived the high life by flying to the MIPIM property exhibition in Cannes on a private jet – while his colleagues travelled “cattle class”. more
A Stirrer Investigation
LANGUAGE PROBLEMS CONTINUE FOR WALSALL STUDENTS
07-05-2008
The Walsall language school which has kept hundreds of students waiting months for their exam certificates has broken a promise to reopen at the end of April. We’ve also discovered that one of the key figures behind the school has been in similar difficulties before. more
"BACK BORIS" SHOCKJOCK SACKED
07-05-2008
Former Central TV presenter James Whale has been sacked from his show on national radio station Talksport for urging listeners to vote for Boris Johnson in the London mayoral election. He had his contract terminated on Friday after 12 years. more
OH NO! McLAREN'S BACK FOR ENGLAND
07-05-2008
Former England boss Steve McLaren is back – but thankfully only as a BBC summariser for this summer’s Euro championships. You know, the tournament we failed to qualify for when he was manager. Glyn Berrington is so outraged he’s getting up a petition calling for Mac to get the sack - again! more
Get Out More…………………………….Theatre Review
SHOUT (Alexandra Theatre, until Saturday)
07-05-2008
Dubbed “the ultimate '60s feelgood musical” and starring former Brookie star Clare Sweeney, Shout is in town this week. Theresa and Joe Millington deliver the verdict. more
A Stirrer Campaign
CERYS GETS £800,000 - BUT THE FIGHT GOES ON
06-05-2008
The Stirrer is proud to offer its support to the family of Cerys Edwards – the Sutton Coldfield toddler today awarded £800,000 after being left brain damaged and paralysed by a speeding motorist. Cerys’ parent are appealing for a change in the law after Antonio Singh Boparan was given a sentence of just 21 months for dangerous driving. more
BAGGIES OWN GOAL OVER PREMIER CELEBRATION
06-05-2008
West Bromwich Albion chairman Jeremy Peace has scored a PR own goal by turning down a celebration of the club’s first silverware for 40 years. Sandwell Council wanted to mark the achievement with an open top bus tour of the borough, but the Baggies are refusing to play ball. more
FLYING PIGS IN WOLVERHAMPTON?
06-05-2008
Following their success in the local elections, Wolverhampton's Conservatives are meeting tonight to discuss a possible coalition with the Liberal Democrats. But as Matthew Revell reports, that's not the only option. Could Labour and the Tories come together in a "flying pig" scenario? more
Exclusive
JUG OF ALE TURNS FLAT AS LANDLADY QUITS
06-05-2008
The landlady of Moseley’s legendary pub rock venue the Jug of Ale has admitted she’s in the dark about the future of the landmark building when it closes at the weekend – but fears it will be demolished to make way for flats. In an exclusive Stirrer interview, Anne Garside also revealed she’s been given less than a fortnight to leave her home of 20 years. more
ALBERT WARNS "BRUM KHAN APPOINT AYOUB AGAIN"
06-05-2008
Birmingham’s Labour leader Sir Albert Bore is warning that the city’s credibility is at risk if Liberal Democrat councillor Ayoub Khan is re-appointed to the city’s cabinet. Khan claims he’s the victim of a smear campaign after being implicated by the Mirror newspaper in a postal voting scandal. more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS
06-05-2008
Imagine the tedium of being a Manchester United or Chelsea fan. You will never experience the exquisite joy of seeing your team achieve its first Championship for 88 years – but Baggies fan Terry Wills has. more
Exclusive
KHAN DEMANDS POLICE PROBE INTO POSTAL VOTE CLAIMS
05-05-2008
The councillor at the centre of the latest allegations of postal voting fraud in Birmingham has asked the police to investigate. Ayoub Khan, a Liberal Democrat member of the city's ruling coalition, claims he's the victim of a smear campaign and says he he'd welcome a re-run of Thursday's local election poll. more
JUG EMPTIES FOR THE FINAL TIME
05-05-2008
One of Birmingham’s most famous rock venues, the Jug of Ale in Moseley, is closing next week, following months of rumours about its future. The final gig will be on Sunday. more
Weekend Footy Round Up
BAGGIES JUST CHAMPION, BLUES SLIP AGAIN
05-05-2008
West Brom celebrated their first Football League title for 88 years, winning 2-0 at QPR on their way to the Premiership. It looks as though they’ll swap places with Blues who lost a relegation cruncher against Fulham. Villa still harbour European hopes despite losing to Wigan, while Wolves narrowly missed out on the play-offs. more
WOLVO TORY REVELS IN “DECAPITATING” LABOUR
05-05-2008
The leader of Wolverhampton’s Conservatives has described his joy at “decapitating” Labour at Thursday’s Council elections when five Cabinet members lost their jobs. But he insists no deal has yet been done on a coalition with the Lib Dems and joked – “We might leave Labour to it.” more
CALLING LONDON
05-05-2008
Pete Millington sees a silver lining for the West Midlands in Boris Johnson’s election as Mayor of London. Are you ready to become the nation’s capital? more
CUBA UNHEELED
05-05-2008
Birmingham movie buffs will soon have the chance to see an expanded range of world cinema in the city with the launch on Thursday of a new international film club. They’re kicking off with a Cuban season boasting four titles which have never been seen here. more
GUANTANAMO JOURNO RELEASED
05-05-2008
BBC journalist gets taken hostage and it's front page news. Al Jazeera cameraman gets banged up in Guantanamo Bay, and the world looks the other way. Except that, as David Nicholl reports, he's finally been set free. more
Poet’s Corner
TURNING OVER A NEW LEAF
05-05-2007
Supermarkets are just sooooo last year. In 2008, with a global crops crisis upon us, we’re all turning to growing our own. Food for thought, reckons Brendan Hawthorne. more
THE STIRRER’S BLOG
03-05-2008
Local Council elections…a promotion party…a trip to Lasan…and 100,000 visits to this website. Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg sums up another hectic seven days. more
Exclusive
JOHN HEMMING, THE MUSICAL
03-05-2008
The Stirrer is delighted to bring readers an exclusive clip of Birmingham MP John Hemming, whose debut single is released as a download next week. The track, “Bring The Sunshine In”, is aimed at highlighting miscarriages of justice against mothers and fathers. more
DEVOLUTION FOR ENGLAND?
03-05-2008
Now that Scotland and Wales have progressive, devolved governments, should England have one too wonders Barbara Panvel. more
Callum’s Blues Blog
KEEP RIGHT ON?
02-05-2008
Blues have a six-pointer againt Fulham, then a home match against Blackburn to save their Premiership skins. Callum O' Connell isn't putting his house on it. more
Get Out More...............................Comedy News
RICH HALL (Wolves Civic, 9/11/08)
03-05-2008
Is there a top name comedian who isn’t at the Civic Hall this year? Steve Coogan, Jimmy Carr….and now US king of deadpan Rich Hall. more
FUJITSU WORKERS HEAD FOR JOB LOSS SHOWDOWN
03-05-2008
Workers at Solihull’s Fujitsu telecom factory where 140 jobs are threatened aren’t going down without a fight. Abigail Lawrence Jones of the Communications Workers Union explains why the plant - recently praised by Gordon Brown - must be saved. more
Dave’s Villa Blog
THE PRICE IS WRONG
03-05-2008
As Villa head into the final furlong with Europe on their minds, Dave Woodhall makes a surprising plea – for higher ticket prices! more
Gebby’s Top Tips
NEWMARKET JULY MEETING
03-05-2008
The Stirrer’s resident racing pundit Paul Gebhard – fresh from a double success at the Cheltenham Festival – tells us he’s “very, very confident” about this weekend’s Newmarket meeting, which features the first two classics of the Flat racing season. more
Election 08
LABOUR TOPPLED IN WOLVERHAMPTON
02-05-2008
Voters in Wolverhampton delivered a massive snub to Gordon Brown by voting out the city’s Labour administration. Four cabinet members and the Mayor all lost their seats. more
Election 08
GREEN JOY AS SOLIHULL TURNS BLUER
02-05-2008
Solihull’s Green Party proved unlikely allies to the Conservatives by picking up their first seat in the borough - unseating the Labour leader in the process. The Tories now have full control of the previously hung authority. more
Election 08 - Birmingham
LABOUR GETS THE BLUES AS BRUM TORIES TAKE SIX
02-05-2008
Mike Whitby hailed the dawn of “urban Conservatism” as the Conservatives snatched six seats from Labour in Birmingham – including traditional working class heartlands like Stockland Green and Weoley. more
Election 08
TORIES HOLD WALSALL, DUDLEY
02-05-2008
The Conservatives held on to both Dudley and Walsall Councils – which in the light of national trends is no surprise. In Dudley they gained four seats, while in Walsall there was no movement. more
Election 08 - Sandwell
HONOURS EVEN AS TORIES GAIN THREE IN SANDWELL
02-05-2008
Sandwell’s opposition Conservatives maintained their recent progress in the borough – but Labour were able to claim it was a successful night after losing only three seats overall. more
Get Out More...........................Boxing News
AMIR KHAN (NIA, June 21)
02-05-2008
Tickets for Olympic silver medallist Amir Khan’s first West Midlands bout go on sale at noon today…and as a bonus there’s a former Blues player on the undercard. more
Get Out More………………………………………..Dance Review
HAVANA RAKATAN (Birmingham Hippodrome, until Sat)
02-05-2008
Direct from Cuba, it’s one of the first big shows of Birmingham’s International Dance Festival, and a breathless Terry Wills just can’t get enough. more
BIRMINGHAM ELECTION COUNT 2008
The feed will go blank when the broadcast finishes but the conversations continue at The Stirrer forum - click here to join the live feed thread
SWIMWEAR POSTER GETS MATALAN IN HOT WATER
01-05-2008
Posters of women in bathing suits have been taken down in the last 24 hours after being defaced in Birmingham’s predominantly Muslim suburb of Sparkbrook. Now a city councillor wants to establish a committee with powers to censor advertising hoardings. more
A Stirrer Campaign
"JABS FOR ALL" CALL AS TB OUTBREAK HITS 30 SCHOOLKIDS
01-05-2008
The Black Country grandmother fighting for the reintroduction of TB jabs in schools has warned that there will be further outbreaks across the West Midlands unless urgent action is taken. It was revealed yesterday that 30 pupils in Aston have contracted the illness. more
SANDWELL TORIES SHRUG OFF POSTAL VOTING PROBE
01-05-2008
The leader of Sandwell’s Conservative party has dismissed allegations of postal voting fraud which are being investigated by police. more
Mullaney Malarkey 1
STIRRER CITED IN LATEST MULLANEY STANDARDS PROBE
01-05-2008
Controversial Birmingham councillor Martin Mullaney has been reported to the Local Government Standards Board – again! The latest complaint follows comments made on The Stirrer. more
Mullaney Malarkey 2
THE STIRRER AND MR SAFDAR ZAMAN
01-05-2008
The Stirrer has been named in a complaint to the local government Standards Board about Birmingham councillor Martin Mullaney. We’d like to put the record straight – and extend an invitation to Mr Safdar Zaman, who thinks he’s been unfairly criticised on this website. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
FEUD FOR THOUGHT
01-05-2008
Hyenas and donkeys on the loose in a Birmingham restaurant? Laurence Inman was there. more
SIX WORDS FOR SANDWELL
01-05-2008
Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg is backing a project run by West Brom-based community arts organisation Multistory to find ways of spinning a yarn about Sandwell - in just six words. more
VULTURES SWOOP ON WORLD’S POOREST
01-05-2008
Later this month, hundreds of campaigners from around the world will descend upon Birmingham to mark the tenth anniversary of the Human Chain protesting against Third World Debt. Barbara Panvel examines what’s happened in the last decade. more
Get Out More.........................................Theatre Review
HOW TO TELL THE MONSTERS FROM THE MISFITS
(B’ham Rep, until May 17)
01-05-2008
The Rep premieres Paul Lucas’ quirky detective comedy in their studio theatre The Door. We put Paula Elenor on the case. more
AMNESTY SHINE LIGHT ON OLYMPIC TORCHURE
01-05-2008
Following the success of their CIA torture video, Amnesty International has now turned its attention to China’s human rights abuses with a witty new animation. more |
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