He's had a college named after him and now Matthew Boulton will become the first brummie to appear on a banknote. more
Today's edition of The Stirrer edited by Steve Beauchampé
MANY HAPPY RETURN JOURNEYS
29-05-2009
Ten years old on Sunday yet no bigger than the day it was born, Steve Beauchampé considers Midland Metro’s future growth prospects. more
Get Out More..............................Band Preview
EMOTIONAL REUNION
29-05-2009
When Spandau Ballet reformed, Paul Samuels seethed with anger and resentment. Not so when Undertones-offshoots That Petrol Emotion recently announced a reunion tour. Don't remember them? Here's all you need to know...more
"GOLDEN SQUARE" FOR JEWELLERY QUARTER
29-05-2009
Birmingham's historic Jewellery Quarter is in line for a £1.5 million makeover with the creation of a "Golden Square" chosen by the public. more
EMAILS FROM THE EDGE - PART 2
29-05-2009
Richard Lutz continues a warped journey to the heart of the Parliamentary expenses scandal as he writes to more MPs who have legitimately claimed for everything under the sun. more
WAS THE DIGBETH NOISE CONSULTATION KEPT QUIET?
29-05-2009
A "public consultation" by regeneration quango AWM about the future of Digbeth has been slated as a sham by the creators of a local website dedicated to maintaining the traditional nightlife of the area. more
Get Out More - Things To Do
A DAY AT THE RACES
29-05-2009
Birmingham writer and horseracing aficionado Chris Pitt extols the virtues of the Sport of Kings, available (almost) on your doorstep. more
WHO REGULATES THE REGULATORS
29-05-2009
As the MPs expenses controversy continues, David Parker questions the independence of those charged with drawing up the new rules under which those who survive the current cull will work. more
Get Out More.........................Film News
ELECTRIC CINEMA LISTINGS
29-05-2009
There are some great offerings at Birmingham's top indie cinema... In The Loop, Star Trek and Charlie Kaufman's great directorial debut Synechdoche New York. Here are their latest listings. more
ASHES TO ASH'S IDEA
29-05-2009
Irish indie band Ash have backtracked on plans to abandon releasing albums. Steve Beauchampé, who reckons reports of the demise of the LP album are somewhat premature, isn’t at all surprised. more
"BRITAIN TO BLAME" AS PAKISTAN FEARS GROW
29-05-2009
Stop The War coalition is holding a meeting in Birmingham on Sunday to discuss the deepening crisis in Pakistan - and all Stirrer readers are welcome to attend. The organisation blames the problem on the occupation of Afghanistan by Britain and the US. more
Today's edition of The Stirrer edit by Richard Lutz
MPs' expenses - Part 1
MP JULIE KIRKBRIDE FACES WRATH OF BROMSGROVE
28-05-2009
Julie Kirkbride faces the toughest weekend of her political life this Sunday as constituents call for her resignation over expenses. Richard Lutz has the latest. more
MP's expenses - Part 2
EMAILS FROM THE EDGE: QUESTION TIME FOR MPS
28-05-2009
Ever felt like asking sharp questions to the greedy MPs? Richard Lutz has emailed a handful to see what they have to say. more
Get Out More..................Gig Review
JOHNNY WINTER (the Robin, Bilston)
28-05-2009
Johnny Winter has been playing heavy duty blues on stage for forty years. Who says a skinny albino who’s too weak to even stand up isn’t a good musician? Richard Lutz heard him in Bilston. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
POETRY IN EMOTION
28-05-2009
Laurence Inman recommends the best poetry night in Birmingham. And he’s having a bit of wimmins’ trouble too. more
Get Out More...........................Gig Review
GEORGE THOROGOOD AND THE DESTROYERS
28-05-2009
Symphony Hall was an odd venue for the definitive rockaboogie act, and Michael Crowe finds them is slightly underwhelming form. more
AWM MAKES A NOISE ABOUT DIGBETH
28-05-2009
The Stirrer's long running campaign to preserve the vibrancy of Digbeth has come to the attention of regeneration quango Advantage West Midlands who've ordered research into the conflict between new residents and existing businesses. Details will be published later today. more
Today's The Stirrer edited by Andy Munro
JUMPING ON THE GRAVY TRAIN
27-05-2009
Andy Munro ponders the rights and wrongs of being a serial expenses claimer following the recent revelation that our Euro MEPs are also hard ‘at it’.... more
DON’T DRINK OR SKIVE
27-05-2009
In a world exclusive the Stirrer can reveal that our friends at the Highways Agency aka Dept of Transport have embarked on another nationwide campaign but this time aimed at their own staff. more
THE BNP'S SECRET LEAFLET
27-05-2009
Is this the BNP's secret election leaflet? Er, probably not as it was forwarded to us by a mate in the Green Party. Sometimes, though, it's just so hard to tell the truth from the lies... more
TRANSFER MUMBLINGS,TRANSFER HUMBLINGS?
27-05-2009
Bluenose Andy Munro dreams of what could be possible with a Premier war chest but worries that it will turn into a nightmare. more
A SIZZLING EXPERIENCE
PUNJAB PARADISE
(377 Ladypool Road,Tel.0121-449-4110)
27-05-2009
Andy Munro continues his tour of the Balti Triangle and it goes with a sizzle at the Punjab Paradise. more
Get Out More..........................Gig News
TORI AMOS COMES TO SYMPHONY HALL
27-05-2009
Here's a biggie - US singer-songwriter Tori Amos comes to Symphony Hall in September as one of only four UK dates. Tickets go on sale this Friday. more
THE RIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE
27-05-2009
The Levellers weren’t just the ultimate crusty band. They took their name form a political movement which John Lish reckons still has lessons for us today - especially in light of the row over MPs expenses. more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
SHOULD HE STAY OR SHOULD HE GO?
27-05-2009
Albion fans turned out en mass in Mowbray masks at the weekend to show their support for the manager - despite relegation. But with clouds gathering over The Hawthorns, can they be sure he'll still be in the dugout next season. more
Today's The Stirrer edited by Sibyl Ruth
ER, SALMA DOESN'T SUPPORT THE TORIES
26-05-2009
Mischievous claims surfaced that Birmingham Respect councillor Salma Yaqoob is supporting the conservative candidate in Handsworth. Here she rubbishes the allegations. more
OUT OF CONTROL - MUSIC, MADNESS, MANCHESTER?
26-05-2009
Holidays should be about going out to have fun – right? Wrong.Today’s Stirrer editor stays in to watch a disturbing film. more
TEN YEAR SUCCESS FOR BIRMINGHAM PRESS
26-05-2009
Tindal Street Press is having an important birthday. Its director, Alan Mahar, talks to Sibyl Ruth about starting up in publishing…and survival! more
UGLY BEAUTY?
26-05-2009
Over the last couple of days 40 wannabes for the Miss Birmingham title got whittled down to twenty. But today’s Stirrer Editor is unimpressed… more
SLURS, LIES AND DISTORTION - PART TWO
26-05-2009
Campaigner Alan Clawley was accused on of "slurs, lies and distortion" by Birmingham Libraries boss Brian Gambles in the ongoing discussion about the city's new Central Library on this website. Here's Clawley's no less uncompromising response. more
KING ARTHUR'S RETURN?
26-05-2009
Ever wondered what happened to former miners' union leader Arthur Scargill? Right now he's leading the Socialist Labour Party into Euro election battle, as one of West Midlands candidates John Tyrrell reports. more
Poet's Corner
GIVE US A BREAK
26-05-2009
MPs are off on their holidays - but when will they give the electorate a break asks Brendan Hawthorne? more
Today's The Stirrer edited by Dominic 'Praguetory' Fisher
FOOTBALLING SCHADENFREUDE
25-05-2009
Why do we enjoy others' misfortune? Bank Holiday editor, Praguetory, watches his team send Newcastle out of the Premiership. more
NEWS IS NEWS ON THE VALE
25-05-2009
Clive Edwards is the editor of Vale Mail - a very local heart in the global media. Here he writes candidly for The Stirrer about the challenges of local journalism. more
The Stirrer’s Talk-In Radio Blog (10)
CELIBACY AND AUTHORITY – A RECIPE FOR ABUSE
23-05-2009
Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg takes us behind the scenes at his Talksport show to reveal this week’s big phone-in subjects. The abuse of children in Ireland’s childrens’ homes was – perhaps surprisingly – the biggie. more
EVER BEEN AD?
23-05-2009
Anti-racist campaigners are calling on publisher Newsquest to withdraw BNP adverts from their Black Country titles…and Stirrer readers can make their voices heard in the dispute. more
NOT ALLOT OF WATER
23-05-2009
Birmingham’s allotment holders aren’t just being warned about the prospect of huge rent increases - they could be facing water shortages too. more
Get Out More..................................Film Review
STAR TREK
23-05-2009
Until now if anyone invited me to “Live Long and Prosper” I’d have been inclined to tell them to “Go Forth and Multiply”. Not any more – this marvellous movie has turned me into a confirmed Trekkie. more
THE BIG LUNCH
23-05-2009
It's one giant picnic for the UK aimed at fostering community spirit...and everyone is welcome to take part. Audrey Miller summons the spirit of the Blitz. more
SLURS, LIES AND DISTORTION
23-05-2009
Birmingham Central Library boss Brian Gamble takes umbrage at a couple of recent postings by campaigner Alan Clawley. Here's Brian's reply, in which he accuses Clawley of "slurs", "lies" and "distortion". more
HOLE IN ONE
23-05-2009
Birmingham Council’s dutiful maintenance workers have been busy applying white lines to the city’s roads – including this beauty right outside the Highways Department in Lancaster Circus. more
Sammy's Music Blog
DAG FOR DAG
23-05-2009
The Stirrer's music maestro Paul Samuels delves into an intriguing Scandinavian duo under the influence of Manchester heavyweights Joy Division. more
Dave's Boxing Blog
DUDLEY DARREN AIMS FOR THE BIG TIME
23-05-2009
Black Country boxer Darren McDermott aims to step back into the big time on Saturday when he challenges for the Commonwealth middleweight title, topping a televised Hennessey Sports bill at Watford Colesseum. Dave Woodhall eyes up his prospects. more
POOL FLOATS AGAIN
22-05-2009
Swimming clubs and community groups have been given a three week deadline to comment on proposals for Birmingham’s new 50 metre swimming pool – even though funding isn’t yet in place. A planning application will apparently be made “in the summer”. more
HR: WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR...
22-05-2009
...Absolutely nothing? Lynn Hawthorne contemplates job opportunities in an unstable economy. more
Get Out More..................................Gig News
ALICE COOPER/SKUNK ANANSIE/SAW DOCTORS
22-05-2009
Tickets go on sale next Friday for a rare small hall appearance by seminal panto rocker Alice Cooper at Wolves Civic. The same venue hosts he reformed Skunk Anansie and Irish party starters Saw Doctors too – these shows are available for today. more
Get Out More................................Musical Review
QUADROPHENIA (B'ham Hippodrome)
22-05-2009
Here's our second take on Pete Townshend's rock opera, currently premiering at Birmingham Hippodrome - this time courtesy of Spaghetti Gazetti blogger Pete Millington. more
OUR NEW LIBRARY: A RHAPSODY
22-05-2009
After it emerged that Birmingham Council spent £135,000 on a PR launch for the city’s new library, The Stirrer received this anonymous poem about the controversial £193million project. more
SUE YOU, SIR
21-05-2009
Birmingham Council’s new Cabinet Member for Leisure Martin Mullaney has called on Lib Dem colleague Gultasab Khan to sue for wrongful arrest after he was cleared of rigging postal votes days before the 2006 local elections. more
HOT SOURCE
21-05-2009
A Belfast journalist is fighting for the right to protect her sources from the police – and after interviewing her on Talksport last night, Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg says this is a fight she has to win. more
BOUNCY HAS A MAYOR
21-05-2009
It’s more than a week now since Wolverhampton Council decided to allow Malcolm “Bouncy Castle” Gwinnett to remain Chair of Planning at the same time as becoming Deputy Mayor… and it still doesn’t smell right. more
Get Out More................................Gig Review
SETH LAKEMAN (Symphony Hall)
21-05-2009
Rising folkie gets his first run out at Symphony Hall. Michael Crowe likes what he hears. more
WATSON’S LIBEL VICTORY
21-05-2009
West Bromwich East MP Tom Watson has won “substantial damages” after being libelled by the Mail On Sunday and Daily Mail. Blogger Iain Dale who wrote the offending story previously admitted to The Stirrer that he’d got it wrong. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
NO EXPENSE SPARED
21-05-2009
Nick Drake and MP's expenses. And Laurence Inman’s usual incomparable wit. You lucky people. more
UNIONS WELCOME FLAT BREW
21-05-2009
Trade Unions have welcomed Randal Brew's defeat in Birmingham Council's leadership battle earlier this week. The Tory challenger to Mike Whitby had promised a cull of 3,000 jobs if he's been successful. more
Get Out More...................................Gig Review
WAY TO BLUE (Birmingham Town Hall)
21-05-2009
Birmingham Town Hall’s annual English Originals festival is fast becoming an indispensable feature of the local gig calendar – and this one-off in honour of local folk hero Nick Drake was one of the highlights of the year. more
Get Out More...............................Theatre Review
QUADROPHENIA (Hippodrome)
21-05-2009
The musical of the movie of the album. Terry Wills gets on his Vespa to check out a premiere at the Hippodrome. more
ROUND THE TRACK, ROUND THE CLOCK
21-05-2009
Ever enterprising Birmingham theatre company Stans Café are branching out to motor racing – with a 24 hour Scalextric race at their Jewellery Quarter HQ. more
Stirrer TV
MUSIC IS NOT POLLUTION
20-05-2009
The campaign to Keep Digbeth Vibrant - which grew out of a series of articles on The Stirrer - has now sparked an excellent documentary by the local Project X Co-Op called "Music Is Not Pollution. Check out Spotted Dog landlord John Tighe, Keith Marsden of Moseley's Prince of Wales as they try to preserve Birmingham's nightlife.
PUBLISH OR BE DAMNED
20-05-2009
The Stirrer is urging Birmingham’s Conservative group to clear the air and publish the results of this week’s leadership challenge between Mike Whitby and Randal Brew. more
PAY PEANUTS...GET MPS
20-05-2009
There’s a campaign to oust Bromsgrove MP Julie Kirkbride following revelations about her expenses claim, but one of her constituents Dr David Nicholl, wouldn’t be queuing up to replace her. He can't afford the pay cut. more
Get Out More...............................Food Review
PULAU PINANG
20-05-2009
Here’s a rarity – Malaysian restaurant in Birmingham. Sibyl Ruth tucks in. more
Barbara's Blog
WHISTLE WHILE YOU WORK
20-05-2009
Barbara Panvel salutes the brave whistleblowers who risk all to let the public know what's really going on. more
Audrey's Grow Yer Own Blog
NOW IS THE TIME
20-05-2009
With a Bank Holiday weekend approaching, now is the time to get out there and start planting your seed reckons Audrey Miller. more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
DOWN….BUT NOT OUT
20-05-2009
Terry Wills reflects on The Baggies relegation … and Sunday’s now meaningless game at Blackburn where fans will don Mowbray masks. more
Exclusive
WELCOME TO SWINGING ERDINGTON
19-05-2009
Maybe it’s time to change the marketing spin for Erdington which recently sported posters promoting its “traditional shopping centre”. Following the opening of a new sex club, how about “Erdington – Home of the Swingers”? more
BEATEN BREW SAYS IT’S GOOD TO TALK
19-05-2009
Beaten Birmingham Councilleadership challenger Randal Brew believes his failed bid to replace Mike Whitby will have one positive outcome – better communication with the “grunts”on the backbenches. more
EDGBASTON "TWOFER" TESTS EXPANSION CASE
19-05-2009
Edgbaston bosses persuaded councillors last week that there was such a pent-up demand for cricket in Birmingham they had to expand capacity and allow the erection of floodlights. So how come they’re flogging “two for one” tickets for next week’s one day international? more
Andy’s Balti Blog
SALEEM’S (Ladypool Rd)
19-05-2009
This balti belt classic has been around for yonks. Andy Munro sees if it stands the test of time. more
CONFESSIONS OF A BRUMMIE MUMMY (PART 29)
19-05-2009
Ooh-er! She’s left the husband at home and now she’s at the boyfriends house. And they’re all alone. So now she’s taking advice from Cathy and Clare. more
CAN BRUM BUCK THE TREND?
19-05-2009
In his latest blog, Alan Clawley argues that there is a precendent from withdrawing from a major scheme like Birmingham's Central Library. more
UP FOR THE CUP?
19-05-2009
As the Football Association launches it’s latest bid to host the World Cup, Steve Beauchampé assesses their chances. more
MARCH IN MAY
19-05-2009
Thousands of Trade Unionists marched through the streets of Birmingham on Saturday to send a message to the government to protect jobs and to not leave a legacy of unemployment & broken communities. They followed a route from Five Ways to Broad Street and on to Centenary Square. more
BREW'S "MORE INCLUSIVE" LEADERSHIP PLEDGE
18-05-2009
Randal Brew has renewed his pledge to create a more inclusive style of leadership if he successfully challenges Mike Whitby for the control of Birmingham Council tonight. more
THE WEST BROM – "NOT GOING DOWN"
18-05-2009
Anxious staff and savers with West Bromwich Building Society have been told the company has “no knowledge” of moves by the Financial Services Authority to force into a merger with the Coventry or Yorkshire Building Societies. more
Get Out More.............................Gig News
NICK LOWE (Symphony Hall, Birmingham)
18-05-2009
Producer, songwriter, performer….Nick Lowe is one of the finest all-rounders in British rock. Michael Crowe catches him during a rare visit to the West Midlands. more
A PUBLIC LIBRARY?
18-05-2009
After we pointed out that the Scrutiny Committee for the new Birmingham Library hadn’t met for a year, a meeting was finally arranged last Friday. Alan Clawley discovers taxpayers and councillors are still being kept in the dark though, prompting fears that it could emulate the disastrous Public venture in West Brom. more
LDV SAVED - BUT REDUNDANCIES EXPECTED
18-05-2009
Birmingham van maker LDV has been saved by Malaysian company Weststar – but employees are still expecting redundancies at the Washwood Heath factory, as the new owners seek to expand production overseas. more
DAY CARE "CALL IN" WON'T HALT CLOSURE
18-05-2009
Controversial plans to close two day care centres in Birmingham have been “called in” for Scrutiny – even though the chair of the backbench committee which is supposed to examine Council initiatives has already spoken in favour of the plan. more
TERROR ERROR STUDENTS FIGHT DEPORTATION
18-05-2009
Twelve Pakistani students mistakenly arrested for terror offences last month are still facing deportation – but campaigners are gathering in Birmingham on Wednesday night to ensure they aren’t forced to leave. more
ASSAULTIN' BATTERIES
18-05-2009
With recycling high on the political agenda, the shopkeepers of Kings Heath have got together and started a domestic battery recycling scheme for their customers. Councillor Martin Mullaney explains further. more
Poet's Corner
MORNING AFTER
18-05-2009
A weekend of Eurovision has Brendan Hawthorne musing on the vagaries of musical taste - and dodgy cross-cultural collaborations. more
The Who's rock opera, written in 1973, finally reaches the stage at Birmingham Hippodrome on Tuesday - and we've got three pairs of tickets for the world premiere. more
Get Out More.......................Theatre Review
SERIOUS MONEY
16-05-2009
Caryl Churchill’s Thatcher-era classic gets a makeover for modern times at The Rep. Paula Elenor, who saw the original production, takes the long view. more
Dave’s Villa Blog
ON THE BEACH
16-05-2009
Dave Woodhall offers something short and sour to reflect on Villa’s recent performances, as they head north to the Riverside. more
SHORT SHRIFT ON EXPENSES
15-05-2009
As Midlands MPs Clare Short and Julie Kirkbride are drawn into the MP’s expenses row, it’s time for parliament to be dissolved to restore its authority argues Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg. more
TRAIN IN VAIN
15-05-2009
According to Transport Minister Lord Adonis the necessity for a new main line station in Birmingham is being investigated. A little late, says Steve Beauchampé, who fears that train maybe about to leave the station as it were, if it hasn’t gone already. more
FORWARD INTO BATTLE
15-05-2009
Birmingham Council’s latest edition of the Forward freesheet features no fewer than seven photos of senior Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors – but none of the Labour opposition Nice timing for the Euro elections, eh? more
RESIDENTS IN A SPIN OVER EDGBASTON APPROVAL
14-05-2009
Warwickshire Cricket Club’s controversial redevelopment of Edgbaston has been given the go ahead by Birmingham Council – subject to final approval by the government. Bears bosses promised to deliver “world class sporting facilities” but local councillor Salma Yaqoob accused them of “arrogance”. more
SECOND COMPLAINT OVER "IRON CURTAIN" POLL
14-05-2009
The Stirrer understands that a second complaint has been made over the conduct of Labour’s "Iron Curtain-style" selection ballot for the Lozells and East Handsworth – this time by the deputy chair of the local constituency party Camille Ade John. more
AN OPEN LETTER TO MARTIN MULLANEY
14-05-2009
Stirrer blogger Martin Mullaney's promotion to the position of Cabinet Member for Leisure Sport and Culture prompts an open letter from Jon Bounds, editor of the excellent Birmingham It's Not Shit website. more
Get Out More.................................Music News
MUSITUALITY (St Phillips Cathedral)
14-05-2009
The rather wonderful pianist and all-round good egg Rich Batsford is organising a unique and life affirming evening of spiritual music in the stunning surroundings of Birmingham Cathedral on Saturday 30th May. more
NO CON, IT’S CONRAN
14-05-2009
Top London dining chain D&D (formerly known as Conran Restaurants) is opening its first English establishments outside the capital – and Birmingham is the lucky receipient. more
CONSULTING NOT INSULTING
14-05-2009
Consultations with members of the public about Birmingham’s new central library are genuine insists the man in charge, Brian Gambles. And he promises “stimulating ideas, innovation and imagination” in the new building. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
A NOVEL SUGGESTION
14-05-2009
Never mind the serious heavyweights of literature. Whatever happened to reading for pleasure asks Laurence Inman? more
CONFESSIONS OF A BRUMMIE MUMMY (28)
14-05-2009
There’s a party in the offing – which is just as well as Brummie Mummy and Awful Wedded Husband still aren’t seeing eye to eye. more
Get Out More...............................Gig News
SUNDAY XPRESS OPEN MIC
14-05-2009
Possibly the West Midlands finest open mic collective have their latest bash on Sunday at the Adam and Eve in Digbeth – and even if the quality of the performers can’t tempt you, the free roasters should do it. more
Get Out More..............................Theatre Review
NEVER FORGET
14-05-2009
The musical based on the songs of Take That rocks up at the Alexandra Theatre. Terry Wills surprises himself by enjoying it. more
Exclusive
IN CONTROL
13-05-2009
The dictionary defines a prison as “a state of imprisonment or captivity” - so can someone’s home be a prison? Dr David Nicholl thinks so after being the first person to interview two people held under control orders in Birmingham. more
HASSALL "STITCH UP" CLAIM
13-05-2009
Friends of Ray Hassall are suggesting that he lost his place in Birmingham’s Cabinet because he was “stitched up” by senior Liberal Democrat colleagues. more
Andy’s Balti Blog
SHABAB (163, Ladypool Road)
13-05-2009
For naan breads as voluptuous as Kelly Brook, you should look no further than Shabab. This is balti like it used to be reckons Andy Munro. more
Barbara’s Blog
MONEY FOR SOMETHING
13-05-2009
Worried about the MP’s expenses row? That’s bad enough says Barbara Panvel – but nowhere as near as bad as the corruption of the democratic system by big business interests. more
Get Out More...........................Film/Events
7 INCH LISTINGS
13-05-2009
The purveyors of the excellent Flatpack Festival with a round-up of their latest events happenings and a selection of the finest left-field happenings in the region. more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
BAGGIES HOPING TO SINK POOL
13-05-2009
With hawks circling, Premiership bailiffs hammering at the door, the Hawthorns ‘odd job man’ waiting to change every reference from Premiership to Championship, plus the Club shop ordering a fresh supply of Coca Cola shirt badges, it’s to Albion’s credit that all predators have been repelled…. for one more week at least! more
SCRUTINY? WOT SCRUTINY?
12-05-2009
Birmingham’s Cabinet yesterday rubber-stamped a decision to close two of the city’s day care centres for adults with learning difficulties. Nothing surprising there - what was remarkable was the performance of Len Clark, chair of the Scrutiny Committee. more
BRUM LEADERSHIP: “THREE VOTES IN IT”
12-05-2009
Supporters of Birmingham Council’s leadership contender Randal Brew reckon there are “three votes in it” as next Monday’s ballot looms. more
RICKY GERVAIS/LEWIS BLACK
12-05-2009
A fine pair of comedy gigs for you… sitcom favourite cum Hollywood star Ricky Gervais at the NIA (tickets on sale this Friday) and US Daily Show legend Lewis Black at the Glee Club. more
Doc Dave’s Blog
OPEN LETTER
12-05-2009
Sometimes the post lets you down, but it took over three and a half years for Dr David Nicholl to get his letter delivered to former Guantanamo Bay detainee Omar Deghayes. This time he did it personally, just to make sure. more
READ BRAWL ABOUT IT
12-05-2009
Word reaches The Stirrer about an astonishing street brawl between members of the Labour party caught up in the dispute about the forthcoming Lozells and East Handsworth by-election. more
Reader Offer
AN EVENING WITH PADDY ASHDOWN
12-05-2009
The Stirrer has teamed up with Town Hall Birmingham to offer readers a special 2-4-1 ticket offer for An Evening with Paddy Ashdown at Birmingham Town Hall next Monday. more
INSULTING CONSULTING
12-05-2009
A public consultation session on the proposed new Library of Birmingham last week at times verged on farce. Steve Beauchampé hopes this is not indicative of the overall project. more
Poet's Corner
SWINE LINE
12-05-2009
The Stirrer's poet laureate Brendan Hawthorne has been waiting for the government's swine flu leaflet to land on his doormat. And now, at last, it has. more
BYE BYE BILL
11-05-2009
Sandwell Council leader Bill Thomas has announced he’s stepping down next year …as exclusively forecast by The Stirrer last month. more
CARE CUTS PROTEST AT BRUM COUNCIL HOUSE
11-05-2009
Dozens of protestors are expected to descend on Birmingham Council House today to protest at cuts in care for the elderly and adults with learning difficulties. more
Richard Lutz’s Blog
THE EXPENSE ACCOUNT
11-05-2009
With the latest row about MP’s expenses continuing to hog the headlines, Richard Lutz delves into the murky world of who claimed what – and why. more
Get Out More...........................Film Review
CORALINE (PG)
11-05-2009
A 3D animation ostensibly aimed at for kids, but with plenty to offer grown ups too, reckons Paula Elenor. more
BNP WELSH ON THE DEAL
11-05-2009
The full list of West Midlands’ candidates for next month’s European elections has been announced – and it includes more than a few notes of interest. Not least that the BNP’s top man for the region apparently lives in, er, Wales. more
Andy’s Blues Blog
AN OPEN LETTER TO THE BLUES BOARD
11-05-2009
Just before they jet off to warmer climes, our Blues blogger Andy Munro tries to doorstep the “powers that be” at St Andrews. more
Exclusive
LESS HASSALL FOR CABINET AS MULLANEY VOTED IN
09-05-2009
Birmingham Council's Cabinet Member for Leisure Ray Hassall was deposed on Friday at the Liberal Democrat AGM. He'll be replaced by Martin Mullaney, who is still serving a month's suspension from his role as councillor.more
The Stirrer’s Talk-In Radio Blog
HIGH TIMES
09-05-2009
In a week of footballer’s tantrums, serial mistresses, and threatened executions, Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg finds the biggest joy is finding out something he doesn’t know. more
GROUND DOWN BY BEARS
09-05-2009
Warwickshire County Cricket Club claim they'd have to leave Birmingham if their redevelopment of Edgbaston isn't approved next week - but the chair of Sparkbrook Ward Committee Salma Yaqoob isn't bowed. Here's her letter to the city's planning committee, in which she claims The Bears still aren't consulting with residents. more
FANCY PACKETS ARE A FAG
09-05-2009
The “cigarette Tsar” behind a stomach churning poster campaign in the West Midlands has revealed the next phase of his anti-smoking campaign – a ban on colourful packets and distinctive branding. more
DAY CARE - OR COULDN'T CARE LESS?
08-05-2009
Plans to close two day care centres affecting dozens of families in Birmingham could still be averted claims the city’s opposition Labour party – and to prove it they’ve even put forward a series of proposals to prove that there is alternative. more
Doc Dave’s Blog
ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS
08-05-2009
Joanna Lumley is the nation's favourite pin-up pensioner - but as David Nicholl explains, she's more than a pretty face. more
SQUAT’S UP NOW
08-05-2009
Social housing campaigners Justice Not Crisis have moved to a new squat following yesterday’s eviction from a house close to Edgbaston cricket ground. They're now occupying a property owned by housing association Optima, where JNC spokesman Lee Moore used to be a director. more
SO, GRAHAM NORTON…
08-05-2009
The BBC is apparently negotiating with Graham Norton and other top stars to reduce their salaries. Too right. The market for TV “talent” has just collapsed. more
GREENS AIM TO DIVERT PROTEST VOTE FROM BNP
08-05-2009
The Green Party is fielding a record number of candidates in this year's local council elections in the West Midlands - and they're hoping to cash-in on the the "protest vote" by attracting punters who might otherwise support the BNP. more
Get Out More...............................Film Review
SHIFTY
08-05-2009
This is a well-acted British thriller, offering an insight into the less than glamorous world of suburban drug dealing. more
PLAYING FARE WITH BLUNKETT
08-05-2009
David Blunkett’s connections with the First Bus group have attracted criticism on The Stirrer and prompted Anne Haydock to write to the Birmingham Post. That drew a response from the MP, but as Anne’s reply hasn’t been published in the paper, we’re giving it space here. more
Kingy’s Wolves Blog
THAT SUMMER FEELING
08-05-2009
A timely review of a season of triumph for the Wanderers. Brendan King basks in the reflected glory. more
BRUM PARK GO AHEAD AFTER LOTTERY BID FAILS
07-05-2009
Details of Birmingham's own "Central Park" in Eastside - reckoned to be the first project of its kind in the city for 125 years - have been released after Council bosses promised to find £11 million to fund it. more
JNC TAKE TO ROOFTOPS TO FIGHT EVICTION
07-05-2009
Squatters from Justice Not Crisis took to the rooftops yesterday as they fended off the latest attempt to evict them from their last redoubt – a six bedroom house on Pershore Road next to the Edgbaston stadium. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
SNOT FUNNY
07-05-2009
A new career beckons for Laurance Inman. He suddenly fancies himself as the Max Clifford of the Midlands. more
Get Out More....................................Play Review
AS YOU LIKE IT (RSC, Stratford)
07-05-2009
Just because it’s by Shakespeare, it doesn’t mean it has to be good, right? Richard Lutz ponders Bard-lite. more
THE VULTURE CULTURE
07-05-2009
MPs are proposing legislation to stop fund managers in the City profiteering from the misery of Third World Debt. Stephen Rand can’t wait until it becomes law. more
Get Out More...........................Theatre Review
FAME – THE MUSICAL
07-05-2009
From silver screen to stage, this 80’s musical has now arrived at Birmingham Hippodrome. “I Want To Live Forever” says Terry Wills. more
SANDWELL SWINE FLU OUTBREAK CONFIRMED
06-05-2009
Sandwell's first outbreak of Swine flu has been confirmed ...bringing the number of officially recognised cases in the West Midlands to three. As we've observed before the true figure could be much higher. more
LDV 1
MINISTER PLEDGES VAN JOBS WILL STAY IN BRUM
06-05-2009
Birmingham MP and Cabinet Office Minister Liam Byrne has been blogging about the background to the deal to save LDV Vans – and he reveals that the company has been given breating space on its tax debts as well as a £5 million government loan. There’s also a commitment that jobs will stay in Brum. more
LDV 2
GOVERNMENT LOAN OFFERS HOPE FOR LDV
06-05-2009
Birmingham van maker LDV appears to have been saved this morning following the government’s agreement to a four week, £5 million bridging loan. Business minister Ian Pearson described it as the company’s “only credible chance” of survival. more
WHITBY LOST FOR WORDS
06-05-2009
Now here’s a rarity – Birmingham Council leader Mike Whitby is lost for words. He’s officially saying nowt about Randal Brews challenge to his leadership. more
Andy’s Blues Blog
READING WIN TAKES THE BISCUIT!
06-05-2009
Did anyone seriously doubt that Birmingham City would make it to the Prem? Certainly not our Blues blogger Andy Munro (yeah right!) mine
Get Out More...............................Event News
XHIBITION
06-05-2009
Those ever resourceful folk at Project X have got a great day in Moseley on Saturday featuring a stack of local artists – and most of it’s free to boot. more
Get Out More.........Gig News
THE ROBIN (Bilston)
06-05-2009
This fabulous Black Country venue features A Night Without To Kelly Grocutt in celebration of the late ELO bassist. Other highlights include a couple of shows starring ex-Deep Purple vocalist Glenn Hughes, singer songwriter Dean Friedman and, er, the original Kajagoogoo. more
Dave Woodhall’s Boxing Blog
EASY AS ABC
06-05-2009
The hunt is on for the oldest surviving member of one of Brum’s most distinguished boxing clubs, who’ll be celebrated at a forthcoming dinner. Dave Wodhall checks out the history. more
Martin Longley's Music Blog
GLOBAL SOUNDS: NEW YORK (Part 735)
06-05-2009
Ten-gallon hats, pointy slippers, thimbled rubboards, a suitcase and a bejewelled cap sprouting incense. Martin Longley finds that these are what's needed on the NYC ethno-sonic stage. Meanwhile, the Malian singer Rokia Traoré is set to be a highlight of the WOMAD festival in Malmesbury, 23-26th July... more
LDV DEAL SEEMS CLOSE
05-05-2009
Reports tonight suggest that Birmingham van maker LDV could be saved just hours before tomorrow's deadline for going into administration. The key to the deal is a £5 million government bridging loan. more
NUMBERS STACKING UP FOR "STYLISH" RANDAL
05-05-2009
Randal Brew has said his challenge to Birmingham Council supremo Mike Whitby is “a question of style” – and The Stirrer’s soundings suggest his campaign stands every chance of success. more
Get Out More.............................Exhibition Review
WALKING WITH DINOSAURS
05-05-2009
For once there are queues at Thinktank, as the BBC’s Walking With Dinosaurs exhibition hits town. Stirrer editor Adrain Goldberg takes the kids. more
SECONDS OUT, RADIO ON
05-05-2009
Can’t afford the satellite dish? Don’t worry says Richard Nevin, following sport on the radio can be the next best thing to being there. more
Alan Clawley’s Library Blog
MAKING IT UP?
05-05-2009
The case for a new Central Library has been boosted by the argument that the old one would be too expensive to repair. Alan Clawley reckons the sums just don’t add up. more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
ON A DOWNER
05-05-2009
Albion’s defeat at Tottenham on Saturday was all too predictable reckons Terry Wills. They outplayed their hosts, but still ended up pointless. more
PIG SICK OVER SWINE FLU
04-05-2009
How many swine flu sufferers are there be in the West Midlands who haven’t had their condition diagnosed because the NHS is refusing to test and treat them? If Philip Rolle’s disturbing experience is any guide there could be hundreds. more
MRS THATCHER – DOWN TO A “T”
04-05-2009
It’s 30 years to the day since Britain elected its first Prime Minister – the “Iron Lady” Margaret Thatcher. So what’s her legacy? more
HELLO EVERYBODY, IT’S US AGAIN
04-05-2009
Birmingham City supporters spent much of the last week worrying whether the club would clinch promotion at Reading. Steve Beauchampé applied some lateral thinking and was never in much doubt. more
Poet's Corner
EDUCATE, CELEBRATE, GENERATE
04-05-2009
Here are three poems Brendan Hawthorne used recently at a charity night organised by Sandwell Young Carers. more
Exclusive
RANDAL BREWS UP CHALLENGE FOR WHITBY
03-05-2009
Word reaches The Stirrer that former Lord Mayor Randal Brew is planning to challenge to Mike Whitby for the leadership of Birmingham City Council at the Conservative AGM later this month. more
The Stirrer’s Talk-In Radio Blog (10)
MILITARY MADNESS
02-05-2009
Two military topics dominated Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg’s Talksport show this week – Britain’s departure from Iraq and The Gurkhas. Worryingly for Gordon Brown, callers reckoned the government got it wrong on both counts. more
Get Out More...............................Film News
STATE OF PLAY
02-05-2009
Looking to shelter from the sun on this roasting Bank Holiday weekend? You could do a lot worse than check out this classy political thriller. more
Get Out More.............................Gig Review
BOB DYLAN/TOY HEARTS
02-05-2009
Richard and Jane Lutz went out twice this week: one a mega concert, the other a bluegrass night at a birthday party in a half empty club. Both were great, they say. more
SIKH...AND YOU SHALL FIND
02-05-2009
Anger among the Sikh community about the Express and Star’s poor coverage of the the recent Vaishakhi festival has led to calls for a boycott and the resignation of its editor Adrian Faber. Now a local MEP is sending him an invitation. more
NEW CHALLENGE TO TWITTER
01-05-2009
The Stirrer has been sent details of an amazing new social networking site that could challenge Twitter - but beware, strong language language is used. more
LABOUR RALLIES ROUND MAHMOOD
01-05-2009
Senior Labour councillors in Birmingham are circulating a statement of support for their beleagured colleague Mahmood Hussain – currently under investigation by the Local Government Standards Board. more
SIKHS CALL FOR E&S BOYCOTT
01-05-2009
Sikhs across the West Midlands are being urged to boycott the Express and Star newspaper for ignoring the recent Vaisakhi celebrations. There have also been calls for the resignation of the paper’s editor Adrian Faber. more
A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME
01-05-2009
How important are your roots and heritage? Amateur genealogist Paul Gebhard assess his own lineage. more
CONFESSIONS OF A BRUMMIE MUMMY – Part 27
01-05-2009
The domestic turmoil grows as Brummie Mummy considers a return to teaching - and enjoys a chance encounter with her potential paramour Ian.more
Dave Woodhall’s Villa Blog
HULL, HELL AND HAPPINESS
01-05-2009
Imagine you’re a Villa fan based in Hull. Tough enough you might think. But as Dave Woodhall observes, it’s even tougher when kick-off times are being constantly mucked around. more
CHAOS COVERS UP THE HOWLERS
01-05-2009
The chaotic scenes at Woverhampton Council on Wednesday night when the Tories briefly walked out of the chamber should not be allowed to mask two more howlers from the city’s ruling coalition. more
Martin Longley's Music Blog
JAZZ SOUNDS: NEW YORK [Part 2528]
01-05-2009
Is New York the new Chicago wonders our Big Apple blogger Martin Longley? Over one long weekend, this appeared to be the case. And now, the Chicagoan-born drummer Jack DeJohnette is one of the highlights at this holiday weekend's Cheltenham Jazz Festival... more
