29-09-2007
Tut, tut, tut. The Culture Secretary James Purnell who led the ministerial onslaught against dishonest TV quizzes and documentaries is now at the centre of his own faking row. He missed a group photo opportunity outside one of his local hospitals near Manchester, but thanks to digital trickery, his image was slipped into the picture anyway. more
29-09-2007
The Stirrer has been uncharacteristically quiet on the issue of Burma/Myanmar - mainly because although (of course) we deplore the violence of the military junta, we just don't know enough about the situation to add anything useful. Here, though, are some blogs we've found useful as we've tried to keep up with unfolding events. more
29-09-2007
Proposals for a controversial one-way system highlighted in The Stirrer's Birmingham Mail column and featured on this website have been quietly withdrawn after local residents warned it would cause gridlock in surrounding roads. more
29-09-2007
The Stirrer is delighted to announce that we've become the official web partner of one of Birmingham's most acclaimed festivals - Gigbeth. We'll be counting down with a day by day preview of some of the highlights. more
29-09-2007
George Bush has shown signs that he's (ahem) thawing on climate change, announcing yesterday that leading nations ought to set targets for cutting greenhouse emissions. Yet at the UN the other day, the Czech president boldly challenged conventional wisdom. This report by Lost In Kate Winslet. more
29-09-2007
Opponents of Birmingham's plans for a new city centre library are asking searching questions about the rising cost of the project - now estimated at £200 million. That's double the "worst case scenario" projected in 1999 more
Martin Longley's New York Music Blog
20-09-2007
He's the quiet man of jazz. That's Brazilian guitarist Vinicius Cantuaria, not our intrepid musical explorer Martin Longley, who gets down to some hushed bossa nova in Noo Yawk. more
29-09-2007
Tributes have been paid to former Weoley Castle councillor Ray Holtom who passed away yesterday at 78. Ray had been a Labour activist for many years before winning election in 1995, but later defected to the Lib Dems. more
28-09-2007
"We welcome new developments in Digbeth - but not at the expense of its special character". That was the message to come out of last night's inaugural Stirrer Summit at the Spotted Dog pub. more
28-09-2007
Birmingham Council has been accused of "keeping people in the dark" over plans for a new Central Library. Campaigner Alan Clawley made the claim after learning that the local authority has moved to get an "immunity from listing" certificate for the existing building, which it wants to replace. more
28-09-2007
Was Birmingham's University Hospital Trust hard done by when it was criticised for its care of the elderly in a report by the Healthcare Commission? The Stirrer thinks they were. more
28-09-2007
Birmingham Council's Single Status pay and grading review - which could see some workers lose up to £20,000 - has been put on hold, following the decision by a Scrutiny committee to "call in" the latest proposals. more
Mick Temple's Blog
28-09-2007
Last year, local sports fans mourned the loss - at least in its traditional form - of the Sports Argus, which had been overtaken as a results service by radio, TV and the internet. Now Mick Temple reports on the death of another Midlands media institution. more
28-09-2007
The Stirrer has been forced to revise his prediction of the General Election date - but only by one day. Having forecast an October poll, we've now been tipped the wink by Labour insiders that voting will take place on November the 1st. more
27-09-2007
The Stirrer can reveal that Birmingham City Council has called on the government to issue an Immunity From Listing notice for the Central Library - a move aimed at killing off opposition to plans to demolish it and build a replacement in Centenary Square. more
27-09-2007
The sale of three of Birmingham's best loved institutions - the Blues and the Post and Mail newspapers - is mired in confusion today, albeit for very different reasons. more
27-09-2007
Tonight's the night for the Stirrer Summit into the future of Digbeth - so come and have your say about the direction of one of Birmingham's most distinctive quarters. more
27-09-2007
Birmingham's University Hospital Trust which runs Selly Oak and the QE has been criticised by the Healthcare Commission for failing to provide older patients with dignity and privacy on the ward. Walsall Hospitals Trust has also been given a ticked off. more
27-09-2007
Birmingham music critic Martin Longley is forever on the trail of a new musical thrill. "Guit" guitarist Junior Brown is his latest find. more
27-09-2007
What is it about this website? Not content with Blind Dave Heeley's extraordinary marathon efforts, we've also got Stirrer blogger Dr David Nicholl taking part in the Great North Run. And now Laurence Inman is out of the closet too..... more
26-09-2007
Birmingham Airport has today confirmed what has long been suspected - that plans for a second runway are just a pipe dream. Far more important for the long-term strategic interests of the West Midlands is its renewed statement of intent to press ahead with an extension of the existing airstrip. There are also plans for a third terminal. more
26-09-2007
Families of British soldiers killed in Iraq are planning legal action over the Ministry of Defence's continued use of Solihull-made "Snatch" Land Rovers in the conflict. The case is being led by Stirrer blogger Carol Jones, whose son John was killed by a roadside bomb in Basra. more
26-09-2007
Birmingham councillor Nigel Dawkins who sits on the city's licensing committee has added his name to Thursday's Stirrer Summit on the future of Digbeth. more
26-09-2007
Stirrer blogger Dr David Nicholl is after your cash. He's doing the Great North Run this weekend, and once you've read why, we're sure you'll want to put your hand in your pocket. Blimey, even The Stirrer's pledged £20. more
26-09-2007
Most Birmingham teenagers don't think graffiti is "criminal damage" - even though they know it's illegal. That's the key finding of an online survey carried out among 11-24 year olds by Kerrang Radio. more
26-09-2007
He's off adventuring again, in pursuit of musical exotica. Last time it was Brazil, and now the boy Longley's off to the Big Apple. First stop more
Get out more …Gig Review
26-09-2007
Stirrer webmaster Andy Goff was allowed to unchain himself from the keyboard for a night - but only condition that he do some more work for us by reviewing a gig. No wonder he's singing the blues. more
25-09-2007
Paul Smith, hero of Warwickshire's treble winning side in 1994, looks forward to better times at Edgbaston with appointment of new coach Ashley Giles, and on the "shambles" which recently led to a double relegation. Meet Paul tomorrow (Wednesday) at 1pm at The Works on New Street in Birmingham signing copies of his book "Wasted". more
25-09-2007
Sir Richard Branson has earned himself a reputation as a consumer champion, fearlessly challenging powerful vested interests like British Airways. But when it comes to his West Midlands rail routes, it seems the Virgin boss isn't quite the free marketer we'd all been led to believe. more
Get Out More......................................Gig News
MAXI PRIEST, MILES HUNT
25-09-2007
Not exactly peas in a pod I know, but reggae legend Maxi Priest and ex-Wonderstuff frontman Miles Hunt are both in local gig action shortly - Priest supporting UB40, Hunt sharing a bill with Vinny Peculiar. more
25-09-2007
This month it became an offence, punishable by a £500 fine, to feed the pigeons in Trafalgar Square. Now there are reports the birds are starving. Yet as Lynn Hawthorne reports, Sandwell Council wants to follow Ken Livingstone's example. more
25-09-2007
Truck company owner Chris Kelly is the most high-profile name among a group of six Conservatives chosen to contest Parliamentary seats in the West Midlands at the next General Election. Kelly, a prolific letter writer to the local press, runs West Bromwich based Keltruck. more
25-09-2007
The British army's most senior general has called on the British public to show more support for British troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Stirrer webmaster Andy Goff is in no mood for a victory parade. more
24-09-2007
Controversial rapper 50 Cent should be banned from touring Britain according to one of the government's top advisors on inner city crime. Dr Derrick Campbell who runs Race Equality Sandwell and chairs the Independent Panel on Guns and Gangs says the hip hop star - who has just announced a date in Birmingham - "offers nothing but negativity." more
24-09-2007
The arrival of Bluetongue to Britain's cattle is a frightening development for our hard-pressed farmers - but it came as no surprise to Birmingham peer Lord Rooker, the Minister for Sustainable Farming, Food and Agriculture. more
Callum's Blues Blog
24-09-2007
The whingers were out in force on 6-0-6 over the weekend, blaming Liverpool's 0-0 draw with Blues on Rafa Benitez decision to leave £24 million striker Fernando Torres on the bench. Callum O' Connell gives credit where it's due - to Steve Bruce's battlers. more
24-09-2007
As Labour launches it's annual conference in Bournemouth, government circles are abuzz with rumours that Gordon Brown will call a snap election. The Stirrer reckons you can put your shirt on it (er, as long as it's not an expensive one). more
24-09-2007
Not content with attempting seven marathons in seven days on seven continents next summer, Black Country marathon Blind Dave Heeley is completing his back garden "penthouse" - leaks and all. more
Terry's Baggies Blog
24-09-2007
Five days, two away games, four points - a decent haul for the Baggies, although as Terry Wills reports, it could have been even more impressive. more
Poet's Corner
24-09-2007
Sentimentality Alert! Well, sort of. Brendan Hawthorne marks his 22nd wedding anniversary with a can of own brand supermarket sauce. Lovely. more
22-09-2007
The good news that a Foot and Mouth Scare in Solihull was a false alarm means the cows of the West Midlands are safe for now - but it won't stop the wipeout of our farmers. In the dairy sector alone 11,000 have disappeared nationally in the last five years. more
22-09-2007
There are many reasons why Ming Campbell could be considered a poor leader of the Liberal Democrats, but age isn't one of them. In fact the obsession with his advancing years - largely a product of the media - glosses over his lack of a convincing political direction. more
22-09-2007
Don't switch on your TV or radio this Sunday morning - if you do, your hangover will be made just that little bit worse by the presence of Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg. more
22-09-2007
The current World Cup might give you the impression that Rugby is a game played by finely honed athletes capable of throwing a ball around with great speed and skill (at least when England aren't playing). That's not how Laurence Inman remembers it. more
22-09-2007
The Stirrer has finally confirmed the identity of two Council funded street wardens in Birmingham who daubed a "Stop Tagging" message on graffiti sprayed in a pub car park - without realising that the art had been commissioned by the landlady. more
22-09-2007
Shareholders of West Bromwich Albion are scratching their heads at the latest offer by chairman Jeremy Peace for their shares. He's willing to buy them for just £80 each - which values the club at a miserly £7.2 million. more
22-09-2007
Even if you've never heard of Alabama 3, you'll almost certainly know what they sound like. Their mean and dirty classic "Woke Up This Morning" is the theme tune of the wonderful Sopranos - Paul Samuels writes... more
21-09-2007
London Mayoral candidate Boris Johnson and Sandwell Councillor Bob Piper have both been gagged in an internet row triggered by the Russian billionaire who has just bought a large stake in Arsenal Football Club. more
Brandwood 1
21-09-2007
Birmingham's Labour leader Albert Bore heralded his party's victory in last night's Brandwood by-election victory saying "the fightback starts". The seat was previously held by Conservative cabinet member Ken Hardeman who died in July. more
Brandwood 2
21-09-2007
Former Birmingham Cabinet Member Ken Hardeman is a hard act to follow after 41 years as a councillor - not that it prompted much interest in the battle to replace him. The Stirrer's man on the ground assesses a convincing Labour by-election victory. more
Mick Temple's Blog
21-09-2007
As a Politics Professor at Staffordshire University, Mick Temple has heard all the clichés about modern students. And he knows the reality too .... more
20-09-2007
Selly Oak MP Lynne Jones has used decidedly unparliamentary langauge after being sent on a recycling wild goose chase by Birmingham City Council. more
20-09-2007
The Stirrer isn't always kind to West Midlands Police - those robbery warning notices they put up around the place terrify me - but here's one excellent initiative; online neighbourhood crime maps. more
Get Out More.....................................Theatre Review
20-09-2007
Caryl Phillips has comes a long way since his days as a Kings Norton schoolboy. All the way to Rep, in fact, with this dramatic interpretation of Simon Schama's book of the same name dealing with the abolition of slavery. Paula Elenor gushes. more
20-09-2007
Unlikely as it might sound, Kings Heath is rapidly establishing itself as a foodie paradise - Poplar Road is a cafe and restaurant quarter in its own right. On the other side of the tracks - oh, alright then, the High Street - Barbara Panvel discovers the delights of The Kitchen Garden. more
20-09-2007
Nice to see Birmingham's Muslims showing a sense of humour...a community group in Small Heath has just declared Jihad on the area's litter-strewn streets. more
19-09-2007
One of Birmingham's leading black activists has called on the community to "take to the streets" to protect the city's Carnival. The Stirrer reported on Monday that it's future was in jeopardy following noise complaints. more
19-09-2007
Lynn Hawthorne on the trials and tribulations of shopping at a well known electrical superstore. more
19-09-2007
A family funeral sees Dave Woodhall in reflective mood about ordinary people who did extraordinary things. more
19-09-2007
Just a few weeks after announcing his retirement, Warwickshire spinner Ashley Giles returns to Edgbaston in place of the hapless Mark Greatbatch. Steve Beauchampé welcomes the move. more
18-09-2007
Warwickshire cricket coach Mark Greatbach is expected to lose his job any time now, after leading The Bears to a unique double relegation. Steve Beauchampé sums up a desperate season. more
18-09-2007
Was it all a dream? Or did the Governor of the Bank of England say only a few days ago that financial institutions who had over-stretched themselves and invited risk would have to face the consequences. I must have imagined it, because now taxpayers are guaranteeing Northern Rock deposits. more
18-09-2007
The traditional white doctors coat is on its way out…the latest victim of hospital bugs like MRSA. Health Secretary Alan Johnson has issued a new dress code for medics, who are being advised to avoid sleeves below the elbow and even ties. Dr David Nicholl reports on what to wear on the ward. more
18-09-2007
Now that Murdoch, Watt and Boulton are back in all their splendour on Broad Street, is it time for another local icon to be restored? Birmingham councillor Martin Mullaney makes the case for putting John Bright back into John Bright Street. more
Dave Woodhall's Blog
18-09-2007
After that amazing win against Chelsea, Villa came back to reality on Sunday, losing to Man. City. Never mind, says Dave Woodhall, there's Everton to look forward to....a club who haven't (yet) given in to the McStadium syndrome. more
Get Out More.................................Gig News
18-09-2007
Big Beat duo still going strong a decade after Block Rockin Beats and Setting Sun topped the charts - head into town for a pre-Christmas blowout. more
18-09-2007
Age defying author John C Bird has just written his first novel - at 74. The Birmingham writer explains the genesis of his acclaimed book "Alby And Me." more
17-09-2007
Birmingham's Artsfest has been saved after an extraordinary Council U-turn - but the city's Carnival faces an uncertain future after competing sound systems repeatedly broke noise limits. more
17-09-2007
Never mind the politics, what about the culture? Pete Millington experiences an walk-through sensory sculpture as part of Artsfest. more
Terry's Baggies Blog
17-09-2007
Albion ran riot on Saturday, giving a glorious stuffing to the Tractor Boys of Ipswich. That's what the 4-0 scoreline suggests anyway. Don't believe it warns Terry Wills. more
Poet's Corner
17-09-2007
Elsewhere on this site, we reveal that Birmingham's popular Artsfest has been reprieved. The Stirrer's poet laureate Brendan Hawthorne who performed this weekend reckoned there were plenty of "arts" in evidence - but not much "fest". more
Callum's Blues Blog
17-09-2007
Blues have moved up to 13th in the Prem - lucky for them - but although Oliver Kapo scored the winner against Bolton, it's Seb Larson who's been catching Callum O' Connell's eye. more
Blind Dave's Blog
17-09-2007
West Brom runner Dave Heeley updates us on his latest news as he prepares for next year's mind-boggling 7/7/7 marathon attempt to raise funds for Guide Dogs. He can get on with some serious training now the summer holidays are out of the way and the kids are back at school. more
15-09-2007
Here's The Stirrer's advice to investors in troubled financial institution Northern Rock - go ahead, panic! Of course, that goes against the grain of what the government and all the "experts" are saying. But then it's not their money. more
15-09-2007
It opened last night to mark the start of Artsfest, and it closes tonight (Saturday). So don't hang about because Blast is an amazing amalgam of sound, light, fire and projections celebrating the region's industrial heritage. More
15-09-2007
Ever on the lookout for promising new musical artists, The Stirrer is proud to present an exciting new duo rehearsing their latest single. It's already a direct hit in downtown Baghdad. more
15-09-2007
The British Legion claimed this week that the government is failing to live up to its duty of care to British troops. When it comes to their accommodation, Carol Jones can't fail to agree. more
Mick Temple's Blog
15-09-2007
With free newspapers undercutting their paid-for counterparts and the internet offering an alternative source of news, what price the British press? Mick Temple is surprisingly upbeat about its future. more
15-09-2007
It's the dinner party music it's OK to like. Paul Samuels on a Mercury nominated band who are more than just an accompaniment to the After Eights. more
15-09-2007
Birmingham Airport has blasted the "Londoncentric" view of David Cameron's policy advisors who want to combat climate change by calling a halt to airport expansion and levying VAT on domestic flights. West Midlands Friends of the Earth welcomes the proposals though. more
Get Out More.....................................Gig Listing
Basil Gabbidon, the inspiration behind Birmingham's legendary Steel Pulse takes the stage in what looks like the highlight of the October gig listings at the Jam House in the Jewellery Quarter. more
14-09-2007
Stirrer reader and government minister Lord Jeff Rooker is in charge of supervising the government's response to calls by farmers for a badger cull. Today he responds to an open letter from Sandra Dudley of Staffordshire Badger Conservation Trust who insists that Brock isn't responsible for spreading bovine TB. more
Get Out More.....................................7" Listings
14-09-2007
Behold The Stirrer's favourite listings compiled by the folk behind Birmingham's innovative 7" Film club....albeit containing the sad news that their Flatpack Film Festival has been cancelled next year. On a brighter note, the 7" folk have now got a regular gig at the Hare and Hounds in Kings Heath, there's details on how you can watch the singer R Kelly's truly weird "Trapped In The Closet" soap, and a new screening of "Handsworth Songs." Let Ian Francis be your guide. more
13-09-2007
Excuse our breathless enthusiasm, but we've just seen the presentation for the VTP 200 - the most eye-catching building in Birmingham for years. And yes, it's got us excited. See for yourself why it's got us all aquiver .... more
13-09-2007
ITV's request to merge it's local East and West Midlands news operation confirms Birmingham's relegation to a media backwater. The BBC took away our studios when it moved to the Mailbox, and now the Second City will be squeezed between the competing needs of Lincolnshire, Notts and Herefordshire. more
13-09-2007
190 workers at the Midlands Arts Centre in Edgbaston face the prospect of redundancy when it closes for a multi-million pound refurb next year - but the Chief Executive has dismissed speculation that it's future could be in jeopardy. more
13-09-2007
So Led Zeppelin are reforming for a one-off charity gig at London's O2 Arena. Excuse me, while I go back to sleep. Their Neanderthal brand of cock rock should stay where it belongs - firmly in the past. more
13-09-2007
Two pretty little girls, two tragic stories. Laurence Inman ruminates on our hunger for celebrity in any form…and the desire for a surprise ending. more
12-09-2007
Birmingham Respect Councillor Salma Yaqoob has revealed that Labour officials tried to poach her to stand in Ladywood following Clare Short's decision to quit the party. more
12-09-2007
An extra £43 billion spent on the NHS over the last five years has failed to improve "productivity" according to the Sir Derek Wanless who's just completed a study for the King's Fund. True.....but it has led to better care for patients. more
12-09-2007
While the debate about the MMR rages on, and parents are put off giving their youngsters the triple vaccine, other children are being put at risk of catching serious diseases. Measles, mumps and rubella in case you hadn't guessed. Dr David Nicholl is needled. more
Get Out More..............................Event News
12-09-2007
They boast that it's the most diverse show in the UK's most diverse music festival - Gigbeth. And a quick glance through the Project X cast list suggests they might be right. more
12-09-2007
With Britain drowning in a sea of credit, Lynn Hawthorne muses on plans to bring financial education into the classroom. Is it time to just bring back the old-fashioned piggy bank? more
Damien Doran's Baseball Blog
12-09-2007
Safely back from the States, Birmingham baseball fan Damien Doran updates us on the fate of his favourite team, the Boston Red Sox more
Exclusive
11-09-2007
Stand aside Glastonbury. Reading - move aside. The Stirrer has discovered that Birmingham is considering hosting a major music festival. more
11-09-2007
Body Shop founder Anita Roddick who died yesterday was the epitome of "caring capitalist" - an entrepreneur who tried to make her millions without exploiting the earth's natural resources or the people who provided them. more
11-09-2007
Birmingham Council's Equalities boss has launched a savage attack on the government for failing to help the city deal with the multi-million pound implications of introducing equal pay for men and women. more
11-09-2007
Lord (Jeff) Rooker isn't only a member of our Message Board - he's also Minister for Sustainable Food, Farming and Animal Health. That's why badger lover Sandra Dudley is posting a plea, amid rumours that he's about to approve a new badger cull. more
11-09-2007
The work of Birmingham architect John Madin- whose work includes the city's threatened Central Library- is being celebrated in a unique film show on Friday night as part of Artsfest. more
Exclusive
10-09-2007
Birmingham's PR chief has hit back at criticism over her involvement in the Downloadgate fiasco - which saw tracks by local bands put on the Council website without permission. Speaking exclusively to The Stirrer, she vowed to press ahead with the project. more
10-09-2007
One of the most respected figures on the Birmingham music scene has launched a savage personal attack on the city's Director of Communications Debra Davies in the wake of "Downloadgate" fiasco, which saw tracks being offered free via the Council website without the permission of the bands who recorded them. more
10-09-2007
Judging by radio phone ins, Terry Wills reckons that football fans are deciding to put club before country, and have lost interest in the national team. Not him though. more
10-09-2007
Rebel Labour MP Gisela Stuart has vowed to keep up the pressure for a referendum on the new EU treaty, warning that this is the final chance for the Westminster parliament to defend its integrity. more
10-09-2007
One the West Midlands best loved and most successful sports clubs - Cradley Heathen speedway team - could be on the brink of a return. Bob Edwards tells us why this famous name should be given another chance. more
10-09-2007
Birmingham's legendary Jug Of Ale music pub has fought off the threat of closure - but landlady Anne Garside admits it's only a temporary stay of execution. more
Poet's Corner
10-09-2007
News that the government is thinking of back-tracking on its commitment to higher environmental standards for the 3 million new homes it says we need to coincides with claims on this website that many of the new properties going up aren't wanted or needed. Brendan Hawthorne finds rhyme but no reason. more
09-09-2007
Birmingham Council has struck a bum note in its efforts to promote local music, with claims that it offered free downloads on its official website without seeking permission from the bands involved. more
08-09-2007
Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg has been in Poland researching a BBC radio documentary this week. Here are a few random observations from the Baltic port of Gdansk - once the German city of Danzig. more
08-09-2007
"More than 250 medical experts from across the world - led by Stirrer blogger Dr David Nicholl - yesterday called for independent examinations of prisoners at Guantánamo Bay more
Military Families Blog
08-09-2007
The retreat of British troops from Basra Palace heralds their eventual withdrawal from Iraq. In the meantime, parents like Carol Jones who've lost loved ones there are waiting for the Prime Minister to honour a pledge. more
Get Out More..............................Comedy Review
08-09-2007
There was a time when Frank Skinner's appearances at the Hare were the cause of a weekly pilgrimage for The Stirrer. This week Black Country gagmeister went back to his roots as he warmed up for a national tour. more
08-09-2007
The leader of a "parent power" movement has called on Birmingham Council to stop benchmarking itself against other local authorities - and instead focus on what children need when they leave school. more
Mick Temple's Blog
08-09-2007
The polls are suddenly suggesting that the Conservatives aren't dead and buried after all and might even have a chance of forming the next government. Professor Mick Temple ponders on the fickle world of politics - and those who report it. more
08-09-2007
What's happened to BRMB - traditionally Birmingham's favourite radio station. More than 100,000 listeners have deserted in the last 12 months and its figures are the lowest for seven years. more
Get Out More..................................Gig Review
08-09-2007
Back together again after more than two decades and still able to charge silly prices for their gigs. The Stirrer's resident grouch Laurence Inman didn't shell out of course but still managed to be there. So were The Police any cop? more
05-09-2007
A senior Sandwell councillor has scoffed at suggestions that there's a housing shortage in the Black Country claiming that there are hundreds of properties standing empty. The catch is that no one can afford them. more
05-09-2007
Birmingham Council is powering full steam ahead with plans for the New Street Gateway project ....as the city's deputy leader says that the rival Grand Central scheme is "dead and buried". more
05-09-2007
Midas - the Stourbidge based band at the centre of a chart hyping row revealed on The Stirrer - feature in a free CD and download aimed at promoting the local music scene. more
Luke And Sarah's Nanjing Blog (2)
05-09-2007
Birmingham couple Luke and Sarah Pinney have just moved to work in Nanjing, China for a year - along with their daughters Hannah (9) and Chloe(6). Luke has the latest instalment of their great adventure. more
Get Out More..............................Gig List
05-09-2007
Hugh Cornwell of The Stranglers, Stiff Little Fingers with original frontman Jakes Burns and The Blockheads with Phil Jupitus. Just some of the forthcoming treats at this ace Black Country venue. click for listings
04-09-2007
Birmingham will celebrate its enormous range of arts activity tonight at the launch of a new campaign by Marketing Birmingham. It comes just days after the 2008 European Capital of Culture Liverpool was forced to cancel one of its biggest music festivals on health and safety grounds. more
04-09-2007
The row over who should chair a public meeting to discuss the future of Birmingham's historic Moorpool estate intensified today, with residents complaining that its "an insult to the community" to give the job to a consultant in the pay of developers. more
04-09-2007
As thousands of pupils return to West Midlands schools today, you might have been encouraged by seeing newspapers headlines along the lines of "Record GCSE Exams Joy". Don't take them at face value warns The Stirrer. more
04-09-2007
With "Fahrenheit 9/11" and "Bowling For Columbine", Michael Moore turned politically conscious documentary into blockbuster material. Birmingham baseball fan Damien Doran, currently in the States following Boston Red Sox, takes time out to watch Moore's latest release. more
04-09-2007
Public tickets have now been made available for a public service commemorating the life of Birmingham's popular Cabinet Member For Regeneration Ken Hardeman who died in July. more
Get Out More.............................Film Listings
Here's the week's screening schedule at Cineworld, Five Ways Birmingham. Their big release at the mo is Atonement, but there's also a special screening of Withnail and I, while The Simpsons and the Bourne Ultimatum are still around. more
03-09-2007
Right wing pressure group the Taxpayers Alliance claims Britons are over-paying green taxes by more £10 billion a year - and a poll shows we think they are just a money-grabbing wheeze by government. more
03-09-2007
The mother of a Birmingham soldier killed in Iraq has welcomed the withdrawal of British troops from the centre of Basra. She says it's the beginning of the end of an adventure which "hasn't done any good." more
03-09-2007
Residents of an historic Birmingham housing estate are demanding the resignation of the chairman appointed to host a public meeting about its future this week. They point out that he's being paid by the company which wants to cover tennis courts and allotments with 36 new homes. more
03-09-2007
The Stirrer Summit into the future of Digbeth- planned for Thursday September 6 - has been postponed until later in the month. more
Terry Wills' Baggies Blog
03-09-2007
It's been a good few days for the Albion following last week's horror show at Bramall Lane. Since then there've been two wins, with no goals conceded. Terry Wills is smiling. more
03-09-2007
Continuing the adventures of Birmingham-based Boston Red Sox fan Damien Doran more
Callum O'Connell's Blues Blog
03-09-2007
The history books suggested Birmingham City would get turned over at Middlesbrough, and they were duly beaten. What couldn't be expected was the gutless performance. Callum O'Connell doesn't blame the players. more
03-09-2007
As if it wasn't enough that smoking is banned down the pub, Brendan Hawthorne has discovered another "bar" to enjoyment. He's just had a hard time in a boozer because his mate dared to swear. What will they be banning next? Alcohol? more
01-09-2007
Britain needs a "million man march" against gun crime and inequality, according to one of Birmingham's leading black activists. His comments come on the day of a peace rally in Aston. more
Dave Woodhall's Villa Blog
01-09-2007
Ahead of Sunday's visit of Chelsea, Villa have been busy in the transfer market, snapping up Zat Knight from Fulham and the Baggies centre-back Curtis Davies. It brings Martin O'Neill's tally of summer signings to five. Dave Woodhall assesses their potential. more
01-09-2007
Indian motor manufacturer Tata has confirmed its interesting in buying West Midland car firms Land Rover and Jaguar from Ford. Barbara Panvel is less than impressed. more
01-09-2007
Warwickshire's CCC's 125th anniversary celebrations on Friday night concluded with the naming of the best all-time Bears XI. more
01-09-2007
Here's an offer for you - a week at Pontins Holiday camp in Camber Sands in Kent, for just £63 per person. Where's the catch, I hear you say? more
Damien Doran's Baseball Blog
01-09-2007
Not content with supporting Oldham Athletic and Glasgow Celtic from his home in Birmingham, sports nut Damien Doran is currently following his other favourite team - Boston Redsox. more
Get Out More...................................Comedy News
01-09-2007
We all know that Birmingham is Britain's real Capital of Culture. More evidence comes in the shape of this year's Comedy Festival, which features Jimmy Carr, Sean Hughes, Marcus Brigstocke..... and Stirrer favourite Ted Chippington. more |
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