September 2008
CASH CONSCIOUS COUNCILLORS FACE FURTHER PERSECUTION
30-09-2008
The persecution of 12 Tory councillors for daring to try and save taxpayers cash in Sandwell continues. We’ve discovered that a Labour rival is trying to press ahead with plans to bring them before the Local Government Standards Board – a move which could waste £36,000 and leave constituents unrepresented for six months. more
Mick Temple’s Blog
CAM CONFERENCE COMETH
30-09-2008
Two down, one to go. Not conferences – they’re largely irrelevant nowadays. It’s leaders’ speeches that matter, and with David Cameron due to deliver in Birmingham tomorrow, Mick Temple reads the runes (as well as shamelessly plugging his new book!) more
CAR SHARE SHAMBLES ANOTHER FLOP FOR "GRIDLOCK"
30-09-2008
Motorists are laughing at the law on Birmingham's A47 car sharing route. It's emerged that there hasn't been a single penalty ticket issued to those breaking the multi-occupancy rules in the last six months. The city's former Cabinet Member for Transport John Tyrrell asseses the impact of his successor, Len 'Gridlock' Gregory. more
Doc Dave's Blog
THE TORIES IN BRUM - ON PANORAMA
30-09-2008
Stirrer blogger Dr David Nicholl who works at City Hospital was one of the "chosen few" Brummies invited to quiz David Cameron for a Panorama special brodcast last night to co-incide with the Conserative conference in the city. Here's Doc Dave's inside assessment of his - and Cameron's - televised performance. more
HIGH SPEED TRAIN IN VAIN?
30-09-2008
The Tories have floated the idea of a high speed rail link between Birmingham and London – connecting with the Channel Tunnel to Paris and Brussels. Kevin Chapman ponders the cost. more
CENTRAL TONIGHT vs MIDLANDS TODAY – ROUND ONE
30-09-2008
ITV is expected to announce dozens of redundancies in Birmingham today as part of a money-saving plan to merge its West and East Midlands newsrooms. But how does the commercial offering compare to its BBC rival? For this week only, Howard Elston will deliver the nightly scores. more
TAX CUT PLEDGE HELPS WHITBY TO "HOLY GRAIL"
30-09-2008
Tory proposals to freeze Council Tax for two years if they’re elected have – not surprisingly – been welcomed by Birmingham’s Conservative leader Mike Whitby, who described good housekeeping as the “holy grail” of his administration. more
TORIES STIR UP BRUM - BUT MEMBERSHIP DOWN
29-09-2008
As the Conservatives arrive in Birmingham for their national conference, new figures show that despite their high poll rating, constituency membership is down. But are Labour’s attack dogs who released the figures missing the point? more
WOLVES CANDIDATE – “NOBODY INTERFERED TO HELP ME”
29-09-2008
Emma Reynolds, elected at the weekend as Labour’s prospective parliamentary candidate for Wolverhampton North East has insisted, “nobody interfered on my behalf”. more
LINES "PUBLIC DEBATE" CHALLENGE OVER SOCIAL HOUSING
29-09-2008
The campaigning housing group Justice Not Crisis is laying down a challenge today to Birmingham's Cabinet Member For Housing John Lines. They want him to come and out and discuss the key issues in public. Here's what the group sent us this morning. more
Crumbling Birmingham
HANDSWORTH RESOLUTION
29-09-2008
The Red Lion in Handsworth is among the top ten endangered Victorian buildings - but attacts very few column inches compared to other historic landmarks. Martin Mullaney corrects the balance with a passionate tribute to a fine old pub. more
SATURDAY NIGHT’S ALRIGHT FOR…
29-09-2008
....hanging around at the bus stop apparently. As my mate discovered when he tried a 4 mile bus journey that would have taken no more than 15 minutes in the car. more
Poet's Corner
THE BLUES ARE COMING TO TOWN
29-09-2008
The Conservative Party is hosting its annual conference in Birmingham this week, moving our poet laureate Brendan Hawthorne to get the blues. more
TORIES INVADE BIRMINGHAM - Part 1
28-09-2008
As the Tory Party Conference arrives in Birmingham today, Stirrer weekend editor, Brendan King, considers the political implications for Birmingham and the Black Country if the Conservatives win power at the next election. more
Kingy's weekend footie roundup
SUN SHINES ON WEST MIDS TEAMS
28-09-2008
With Aston Villa going 3rd in the Premiership and West Bromwich Albion rising to 10th; and with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Birmingham City heading the Championship; plus Walsall also winning again; our weekend editor, Brendan King, looks back on a sunny Saturday for our 5 top teams. more
STIRRER EXCLUSIVE
'NO' TO PHIL BATEMAN IN SELECTION CONTEST
27-09-2008
Breaking news is that, at this morning’s Low Hill Community Centre Labour Party hustings, local aspiring parliamentary candidates, Ian Brookfield and Phil Bateman, have been narrowly beaten to the post by the only woman candidate Emma Reynolds. more
TURKEYS VOTING FOR CHRISTMAS?
27-09-2008
As traditional skilled jobs go in Birmingham and the Black Country, weekend editor, Brendan King, bewails the notion of workers flying out to teach the overseas workers how to do their own jobs. more
Get Out More........................Community Events
BLACK HISTORY MONTH - DUDLEY
27-09-2008
October is 'Black History' month and a graphic exhibition highlighting contributions of African and Caribbean migrants to the Black Country will launch in the Borough of Dudley. more
UNIONS SLATE CENTRAL MERGER "BETRAYAL"
26-09-2008
Broadcasting union BECTU has accused the regulator Ofcom of betraying viewers by supporting ITV’s plans to merge their West and East Midlands newsrooms. Following the announcement, dozens of job losses are expected to be announced by Central in Birmingham next Tuesday. more
Exclusive
BLIND DAVE - THE SINGLE
26-09-2008
The exploits of Black Country marathon runner Blind Dave Heeley have been celebrated in song by The Stirrer’s poet laureate Brendan Hawthorne – and we can give you an exclusive preview. more
Crumbling Birmingham 1
PLANNERS "WAVE WHITE FLAG" OVER HISTORIC BUILDINGS
26-09-2008
Birmingham councillor Martin Mullaney has worked tirelessly to expose the shortcomings of city officials charged with protecting an historic tram depot in Balsall Heath. But after a landmark decision yesterday, he argues the local authority has shamefully "waved the white flag" of surrender. more
Sammy's Music Blog
RONNIE SPECTOR (Tonight, The Robin, Bilston)
26-09-2008
The voice of teen queens The Ronettes has spent years fighting legal battles against ex-hubby Phil Spector, but after a long-awaited return to the recording studio, she's back on the road again. Paul Samuels recommends her show at The Robin tonight more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
HOODOO VOODOO
26-09-2008
Albion's failure to beat Villa for the first time in 23 years is nothing compared to their long-running win drought against this weekend's opponents Middlesbrough. Terry Wills considers how to find that winning groove against jinx teams. more
Crumbling Birmingham 2
BRUM’S THREATENED LANDMARKS
26-09-2008
Birmingham’s crumbling heritage has been highlighted by a national survey which includes two city landmarks in the Top Ten of endangered Victorian and Edwardian buildings. more
Kingy’s Wolves Blog
SEASON TICKET SUNSHINE
26-09-2008
These are great times to watch football at Molineux. Brendan King assesses the strengths and weakness of the Championship leaders more
MERGER, MYSTERY AND SUSPENSE AT ITV
25-09-2008
Ofcom is expected to signal the end of Central ITV’s dedicated West Midlands news service today. The broadcasting regulator will almost certainly approve a restructuring plan likely to cost dozens of jobs in Birmingham. more
FRIENDS NOT FRIENDS
25-09-2008
Respect councillor Salma Yaqoob who organised a petition to save Birmingham's Friends Institute is delighted it's been given a stay of execution. She's less happy with what she regards as further attempts to muddy the waters. more
Get Out More......................Comedy News
RUSSELL BRAND (NIA 23 Jan, 2009)
25-09-2008
He's offended the good folk of Northampton and he caused an uproar at the MTV awards. Oh, and he's a movie star too. Now's he scheduled to terrorise the NIA. Ladies and gentlemen, are your ready for Russell Brand? more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
WORDS OF ADVICE FOR GORDON BROWN
25-09-2008
He's resident compere at The Retort cabaret - first Sunday of the month at Kings Heath's Kitchen Garden café - and at the same venue he's hosting a Folk and comedy evening this Saturday. He's also found time to offer advice to the PM.more
Last Night’s Footy
VILLA CAN’T JUMP THRU HOOPS
25-09-2008
After three consecutive wins on the road, Villa finally returned home – and were promptly eliminated from the Carling Cup at the hands of Championship side QPR. more
Get Out More.....................Theatre Review
THE MIKADO (Alexandra, until Sat)
25-09-2008
Gilbert and Sullivan classic returns to Brum. Terry Wills tries to overcome his reservations about light opera. more
BROWN AND OUT KELLY QUITS CABINET
24-09-2008
Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly has punctured the triumphant afterglow of Gordon Brown’s Labour Conference speech by quitting as Transport Secretary to “spend more time with her family” more
FRIENDS INSTITUTE STAYS OPEN - FOR NOW
24-09-2008
Balsall Heath’s Friends Institute – earmarked for closure - has been given a stay of execution. But the Edwardian building donated to the city by the Cadbury family only has until 2010 to establish a viable future. more
CENTRAL BEATING
24-09-2008
In the next few days, Ofcom is likely to sanction the merger of West and East Midlands newsrooms at Central Tonight, ITV’s regional news programme. Howard Elston laments the decline of a once proud programme – then sticks the boot in. more
FARMER BUSH WHACKED
24-09-2008
Fair’s fair reckons farmer Michael Hart from St Just in Cornwall. He’s written to George Dubyah Bush demanding equal treatment with the bankers. more
STANDING UP AGAINST POVERTY
24-09-2008
Audrey Miller with the latest developments in the war against global poverty. more
Martin Longley's Music Blog
GHENT JAZZ FESTIVAL (Part 2, Jazz Peripherals)
24-09-2008
Top Cuban performers, Erykah Badu anf forthcoming Town Hall visitor Omara Portuondo all starred at Belgian's top left-field festival. Martin Longley quaffs strong beer and tucks into chocolate and chips. more
WHY RECYCLING IS RUBBISH (Part 374)
23-09-2008
Birmingham mum Dawn Fearne thought she was doing the right thing when she gathered cuttings from the gardens in her Druids Heath neighbourhood. What she hadn’t reckoned on was the bizarre rules that allow for the collection of some kinds of garden rubbish – but not others. more
ELLIE’S SUCCESS SWIMS AGAINST WALSALL TIDE
23-09-2008
Double gold medal winning swimmer Ellie Simmons has been asked by Walsall Council to switch on the town’s Christmas lights – she might well ask what have they ever done for her? more
LINES – £85 MILLION HOUSING CLAIM IS “SPURIOUS”
23-09-2008
Claims that Birmingham Council is sitting on £85 million allocated by the government for social housing have been dismissed as “spurious” by Cabinet Member John Lines. more
SONS OF REST LAID TO REST
23-09-2008
Sandwell Council has confirmed a decision to close three historic Sons Of Rest social centres, frequented by retired workers – a decision branded “disgraceful” by former Mayor Bill Archer. more
Get Out More........................................Gig News
TINA TURNER (NIA, April 7-8 2009)
23-09-2008
Tina's first shows in Birmingham since 1996 were announced earlier this year - and due to the phenomenal demand two extra dates have now been added. more
Doc Dave’s Blog
GORILLA TACTICS
23-09-2008
Not content with grilling Conservative leader David Cameron, Dr David Nicholl has been preparing for a long distance run in a gorilla suit. All in aid of charity, of course. more
Get Out More...............Comedy and Gig Listings
THE CURATE'S EGG
23-09-2008
Top local promoters The Curate's Egg have a couple of terrific shows lined up as part of the Birmingham Comedy Festival, with John Cooper Clarke and Ted Chippington. They've also helpfully sent us details of a few other shows as well. more
Get Out More................................Gig Review
HOT CLUB OF COWTOWN (Glee Club, Arcadian Centre)
23-09-2008
The Glee is Birmingham's most consistently eclectic city centre venue and regularly delivers top quality touring acts. Paul Samuels appreciates the Hot Club of Cowtown. more
BRUM RISES AGAIN AFTER BREWERS DROOP
22-09-2008
While the Black Country has a proud and enduring brewing tradition, Birmingham hasn’t had a true “home brew” for years. But as The Stirrer has discovered, that’s all about to change. more
DESTROYED - BY OFFICIALDOM
22-09-2008
The sad tale of 582 Moseley Road, Balsall Heath - a former tram depot and a listed building - takes another twist this week. Birminham councillor Martin Mullaney, who exposed the neglect of its owner and the failure of city officials, charts the latest chapter in its officially sanctioned decline. more
Barbara’s Blog
CONSULTED? OR INSULTED?
22-09-2008
The Stirrer recently drew attention to a “consultation process” for new housing in Birmingham, which amounted to “50,000 homes or 65,000 homes – which is it to be?” Now Barbara Panvel uncovers another example of citizens wasting their time by getting involved more
CONFESSIONS OF A BRUMMIE MUMMY (Part 8)
22-09-2008
Two of the brood are heading off to Uni, so the Brummie Mummy has to deal with the daughter left behind. Not to mention her husband's dotty ex-wife... more
Poet's Corner
ANOTHER REPORT
22-09-2008
Amid news that the police are being forced off the beat to keep up with their paperwork, The Stirrer's poet laureate Brendan Hawthorne files, er, another report... more
Kingy's weekend footie roundup
VILLA TAKE SPOILS AGAINST BAGGIES - WOLVES GO CLEAR
21-09-2008
The midday encounter, between two Premier clubs almost within chanting distance of each other, West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa, ended in a rather predictable 1-2 win for the more established and assured Villains more
THE UGLY FACE OF POLITICS
20-09-2008
George Howarth reckons we have the most unpopular PM since Neville Chamberlain. Stirrer weekend editor Brendan King considers the art of loyalty. more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
CHIM CHIMINEY, CHIM CHIMINEY
20-09-2008
Their first Premiership win behind them, Albion can now look forward to their big home derby of the season. Terry Wills looks backwards and forwards at the same time. more
A GREAT NIGHT OUT IN QUARRY BANK
20-09-2008
Brendan King, earlier in the week, experienced impromptu music, real ale and a succulent curry in the Quarry Bank area of the Black Country. more
Dave’s Villa Blog
BRING ON THE “BARCELONA” BAGGIES
20-09-2008
After a hectic spell of two games in four days, Villa are back in action again on Sunday at The Hawthorns. Dave Woodhall sets the scene for the “oldest derby in the world”. more
PARALYMPICS: AIDING THE DISABLED?
20-09-2008
With the Beijing Paralympic Games now finished our weekend editor, a wheelchair user himself, muses on them and disability issues. more
FREE THE KIDS TO SWIM SAYS WARD
19-09-2008
The councillor responsible for introducing Birmingham’s “Free Swimming For Kids” policy says it should apply to every youngster in the city – even those in swimming clubs. Last night’s Stirrer column in the Birmingham Mail revealed that enthusiastic youngsters were being kept out of the pool by high membership fees. more
FRIENDS SELL-OFF "NOT CONFIRMED" INSISTS MULLANEY
19-09-2008
The future of Balsall Heath's Friends Institute has not been finalised says Birmingham councillor Martin Mullaney, who takes issue with The Stirrer's reporting of the issue. more
Get Out More..................................Music Review
CBSO CONDUCTED BY ANDRIS NELSONS (Symphony Hall, Wednesday)
19-09-2008
Andris Nelsons made his hugely anticipated debut as the CBSO’s Musical Director on Wednesday in front of a packed Symphony Hall. Steve Beauchampé cocks his ear. more
EVEN NEWER NEW STREET STATION UNVEILED
19-09-2008
City planners and bosses have launched a design for Birmingham’s New Street Station. And as Kevin Chapman reports, they hope it will draw architecture students and tourists as well as rail passengers. more
Footy Round Up
SLUGGISH VILLA SET FOR ROUND TWO
19-09-2008
Villa overcame the shock of conceding an early goal to rack up a comfortable 3-1 win against Bulgaria’s Cup winners Litex Lovich, who had two players red-carded. The second leg of this UEFA Cup first-round tie at Villa Park now seems a formality. more
FRIENDS SELL OFF PLAN CONFIRMED
18-09-2008
Birmingham’s historic Friends Institute is being closed and sold off – as exclusively revealed in The Stirrer last month. more
LIB DEMS SOLIHULL CAR CRASH
18-09-2008
Whoops! Solihull’s Liberal Democrat MP Lorely Burt has just been severely embarrassed by her own party’s approval of punitive taxes for drivers with “gas guzzling” 4 x 4s. Can’t wait to hear the lovely Lorely explain this to her constituents who work at Land Rover. more
HARD LINES FOR HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS
18-09-2008
Birmingham housing associations are being deprived of £85 million according to campaigners who claim the Council would sooner sell off land for private development. more
Get Out More.................................Gig News
MOSELEY ROAD BATHS FUNDRAISER (Medicine Bar, 27 Sep)
18-09-2008
Here’s your chance to contribute to the campaign to keep alive Birmingham’s Moseley Road baths – and have a great family afternoon as well with an all ages daytime gig. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
A CAPITAL IDEA
18-09-2008
Wonder how the world got into it’s current global money mess. Laurence Inman explains in words of not more than three syllables. Of course, he’s alright Jack. more
BANKING ON UNCERTAINTY
18-09-2008
The government is nodding through the merger of HBOS and Lloyds TSB but Kevin Chapman wonders if Gordon Brown has really examined the alternatives. more
Kingy’s Wolves Blog
SECONDS OUT
18-09-2008
Brendan King was at the Molineux on Tuesday evening. He sees a record-breaking strike by Ebanks Blake and notes the hotting up of the campaign. more
BRUM'S ANTI-EXTREMISM SPENDING PROBE
17-09-2008
Birmingham Council’s Audit Committee is to launch an investigation into the city’s controversial multi-million pound Preventing Violent Extremism programme – weeks after concerns were first raised on The Stirrer. We also understand a major media probe is underway. more
Get Out More............................Gig News
TING TINGS (Wolves Civic, 2 March 2009)
17-09-2008
Tickets go on sale on Friday for this perky duo who soared to the top of the charts in May with That’s Not My Name. An instant sell-out is guaranteed. more
BOURNE QUITS WEST MIDS TORY JOB
17-09-2008
The Stirrer can reveal that disgraced Wolverhampton councillor David Bourne has quit his paid role with the West Midlands Conservative party. more
WOLVES, BLUES MARCH ON
17-09-2008
Wolves and Birmingham City continue to set the pace in the Championship – both remain unbeaten after winning 2-1 last night. more
CONFESSIONS OF A BRUMMIE MUMMY (Part 7)
17-09-2008
After tussling with the chickens, Brummie Mummy finally makes it to the Book Club…and finds herself on the sofa with an amorous admirer. more
MANC HOLIDAY
17-09-2008
Five years after winning the BBC’s inaugural Restoration series, Manchester’s Victoria Baths has just completed Phase 1 of it’s reconstruction and refurbishment programme. Steve Beauchampé takes a look around a venue that might hold lessons for Birmingham’s Moseley Road baths. more
Martin Longley's Music Blog
ODDROC SOUNDS: NEW YORK [PART 4279]
17-09-2008
A Captain Beefheart tribute nite and a return for one of the key figures from the Violent Femmes are the highlights of Longley's season ticket at the Knitting Factory. more
WOLVES COUNCIL BOURNE FREE
16-09-2008
Two Wolverhampton councillors have quit after being exposed in a sex scandal. more
MOHAMMED ALI KNOCKDOWN
16-09-2008
The Stirrer can reveal that after years of neglect, Birmingham Council is planning to demolish the Mohammed Ali Centre in Hockley –just days after we aired calls for its return to the African Caribbean community. more
CHOICE WORDS FOR BRUM’S HOUSING FUTURE
16-09-2008
Birmingham residents are being offered the chance to have their say on the city’s future – but the options make a mockery of local democracy. more
Doc Dave’s Blog
JOB INTERVIEW FOR CAMERON
16-09-2008
Dr David Nicholl gives an exclusive insight into his interview with David Cameron, due to be featured on a BBC1 Panorama special later this month. more
Get Out More.............................Event News
BOOGIE SHOES (Hare and Hounds, October 18)
16-09-2008
In case you missed the news, Birmingham’s original retro night is back and better than ever. more
Sammy's Music Blog
ISAAC HAYES AND SAM AND DAVE
16-09-2008
Thought you'd heard the last word on Isaac Hayes following the recent spat of obituaries? Forget it. You don't know nuthin' till you've read Paul Samuels assessment of his work for a famous soul duo. more
Last Night’s Footy
VILLA GO FORTH…INTO FOURTH
16-09-2008
Villa romped into fourth place in the Premiership beating Spurs 2-1 at White Hart Lane last night – their first victory in the capital for four years. more
Poet's Corner
PARA-LYMPIC GOLD
16-09-2008
Eleanor Simmons from Walsall has bagged double gold at the Paralympics in Beijing - but as The Stirrer's poet laureate Brendan Hawthorne observes, the latest twist on the five ring circus has attracted nothing like the coverage of its able-bodied counterpart. more
ELLIE GRABS GOLD - AS TEAM-MATES DO THE SPLITS
15-09-2008
World record-breaking Walsall swimmer Ellie Saunders is celebrating her double gold medal at the Beijing Paralympics – but her team-mates at Boldmere swimming club are still having to split training between eight different pools in the West Midlands. more
RECORD ARTSFEST JUSTIFIES REPRIEVE
15-09-2008
Birmingham’s Artsfest drew a record crowd of 250,000 this weekend – just months after the city’s Cabinet Member for Culture threatened to scrap it. more
GRANPA'S RED ROUTE RED FLAG
15-09-2008
Commuters in Wolverhampton will notice a difference this morning - the Red Route which bans parking along the busy A449 will no longer be in force. Kevin Chapman assesses the impact on the city and the wider West Midlands - and makes a grim a prediction. more
Dave’s Villa Blog
CAPITAL OFFENCE
15-09-2008
Villa head to north London tonight for a televised fixture against Tottingham – a place Dave Woodhall reckons is “a nasty place to visit”. Our claret and blue blogger assesses the season so far, and hopes for a first win the capital for four years. more
Weekend Footy Round-up
BAGGIES OFF THE MARK AS WOLVES STAY TOP
15-09-2008
On a cracking weekend for West Midlands football, The Baggies registered their first Premiership win on the season while Blues and Wolves and kept up the pace at the top of the Championship. Walsall won too. more
STIRRER POET ADDED TO BLIND DAVE BILL
13-09-2008
The Stirrer’s poet laureate Brendan Hawthorne has been added to the bill for Sunday’s “must see” appearance of Blind Dave Heeley at The Robin in Bilston – compered by the editor of this website Adrian Goldberg. more
EACH ONE TEACH ONE
13-09-2008
Former Warwickshire cricketer Paul Smith has spent time in Los Angles working with gang members in some of the world's toughest ghettos. He offers a few thoughts on the development of a similar gun culture in the UK. more
STAN’S RETURN AN ARTSFEST HIGHLIGHT
13-09-2008
This weekend’s Artsfest extravaganza in Birmingham features the long overdue homecoming of one of the city’s most successful exports. Stan’s Café have toured their show Of All The People in The World to great acclaim across the globe. more
LABOUR MP CALLS FOR LEADERSHIP ELECTION
12-09-2008
Siobhain McDonagh, MP for Mitcham & Morden, Party Assistant Whip in the Brown Labour Government, Calls for a Leadership Election. more
DUDLEY COUNCIL - MOSQUE FIGHT GOES ON
12-09-2008
Following Dudley Council’s confirmation that it will continue to fight the scheme for a Mosque and Training-Community Centre, Brendan King, a local resident, gives his own views. more
BOURNE BROTHEL ALLEGATION UPDATE 2
12-09-2008
Sensational news has been revealed by Wolverhampton Council that Cllr David Bourne, who quit the Council Cabinet this week, and resigned from the Tory Party amid allegations that he offered his wife Carol for paid sex, has been given a key seat of trust on Wolverhampton City Council’s ‘Safer Communities Scrutiny Panel’. more
Friends Institute 1
FRIENDS ROW - MULLANEY ACCUSES "BANDWAGON JUMPER" YAQOOB
12-09-2008
The increasingly bitter row between Birmingham councillors Martin Mullaney and Salma Yaqoob over the future of Balsall Heath's Friends Institute takes another twist today. Liberal Democrat Mullaney accuses his Respect rival of "paranoia, hypocrisy an plain dishonesty." more
Friends Institute 2
FRIENDS ROW – YAQOOB ACCUSES “NEGLIGENT MULLANEY
12-09-2008
Here’s Salma Yaqoob’s response to Martin Mullaney’s latest onslaught against her in the row over the future over Balsall Heath’s Friends Institute. more
CONFESSIONS OF A BRUMMIE MUMMY (Part 6)
12-09-2008
It’s Book Club night – and there’s just one complication. Brummie Mummy’s Awful Wedded Husband who promised to muck out next door’s chickens is running late. more
SETANTA SPORTS - GREAT FOR SOCIABILITY?
12-09-2008
With the lack of availability of terrestrial, or even Sky, screening of the England international football qualifiers, Brendan King asks, if this is what the 'free market' has come to, should we just ‘get out’ more? more
Kingy’s Wolves Blog
INTO THE VALLEY
12-09-208
As Welsh Internationals, Wayne Hennessy and Sam Vokes, return from their Millennium Stadium and Russian heroics, and Michael Kightly, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Richard Stearman return from England U21 Wembley exploits, Brendan King looks forward to resumed success for the Wolves. more
MUHAMMED ALI FIGHT GOES ON
11-09-2008
One of Birmingham’s most prominent black voices has called for the derelict Muhammed Ali Centre in Hockley to be “returned” to the African Caribbean community. more
SALMA FIGHTS BACK IN FRIENDS ROW
11-09-2008
Birmingham councillor Salma Yaqoob hits back after claims posted on The Stirrer yesterday that she was a “hypocrite” to oppose the closure of Friends Institute. She accuses Liberal Democrat rival Martin Mullaney of “dishonesty”. more
ENGLAND SHOCKER - GREAT WIN AWAY!
11-09-2008
Villa’s Gareth Barry played a solid part in England’s thrilling 4-1 destruction of Croatia in last night’s World Cup qualifier – with ex-Blues striker Emile Heskey also playing a valuable role. The star turn, though, was Arsenal’s Theo Walcott who bagged hat-trick hero. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
READING THE BANS
11-09-2008
News that a poetry book is being banned from an exam syllabus because it contains a verse about a violent teenager has Laurence Inman reaching for his scissors. But not in a violent way, you understand. more
WHAT'S IN A NAME?
11-09-2008
Suggestions that the West Midlands should be rebranded as Greater Birmingham got our message board humming yesterday. Kevin Chapman adds his two penn'orth. more
Get Out More....................................Theatre Review
CABARET (Birmingham Rep, until Sat Sept 13)
11-09-2008
The West End hit has already had a favourable review from Paula Elenor. Now Terry Wills throws in a few more plaudits. more
SALMA, FRIENDS AND "THE STENCH OF HYPOCRISY"
10-09-2008
Claims on The Stirrer by Birmingham Respect councillor Salma Yaqoob that she was "kept in the dark" over the proposed closure of Friends Institute in Balsall Heath have brought a stinging rebuke from Liberal Democrat councillor Martin Mullaney. He accuses her of hypocrisy. more
BALSALL HEATH LIBRARY CLOSURE THREAT CONFIRMED
10-09-2008
Birmingham’s Balsall Heath library could close because of structural problems – confirming fears first raised on The Stirrer Forum. more
BLIND DAVE AND THE STIRRER AT THE ROBIN
10-09-2008
Don’t forget that Black Country marathon hero Blind Dave Heeley will be starring at The Robin in Bilston on Sunday in an evening of film and conversation compered by Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg more
HALL OF MEMORY
10-09-2008
As the NEC prepares for its rebranding at the LG Arena, Richard Nevin reminisces about a “glorified shed” with many happy memories. more
SPARE SOME CHANGE MATE
10-09-2008
In these credit crunched times, Bob Randall observes how the homeless are faring in Birmingham. And it’s not happy reading. more
Terry’s Footy Blog
FOOTBALL’S BLACK HOLE
10-09-2008
With Albion enjoying the international break, Terry Wills has time to reflect on the takeover of Manchester City by Middle Eastern billionaires – and what it means for the rest of us. more
STIRRER BLOGGER CAUGHT ON CAMERON CAM
09-09-2008
While Gordon Brown was hosting the first Cabinet meeting outside of London or Chequers since the 1920s at the ICC yesterday, elsewhere in Birmingham Stirrer blogger Dr David Nicholl was meeting the man most likely to replace him. more
SUGARHILL SWEET ON GIGBETH
09-09-2008
Birmingham’s Gigbeth Festival has pulled off an amazing coup, attracting American hip hop pioneers the Sugarhill Gang to this year’s event in November. more
FRIENDS USERS LOBBY COUNCIL – AS LIBRARY RUMOURS GROW
09-09-2008
Users of Friends Institute will present a petition to Birmingham Council today in a bid to keep the building open – amid allegations that the nearby Balsall Heath library is also threatened with closure. more
THE ROAD TO DAMASCUS
09-09-2008
Former Birmingham journalist Nick Roberts-Alatti has spent his life telling other people’s stories – but now at the age of 44, he’s decided to tell his own. A year ago he had a phone call from Syria, and the father he never knew ... more
Get Out More..............................Theatre News
PORNOGRAPHY (Birmingham Rep Door, until 20/9)
09-09-2008
Simon Stephens’ play dealing with the events of 7/7 hot foots it to Birmingham from the Edinburgh Fringe. Paula Elenor is impressed. more
Barbara's Blog
FOOD HUB HUBBUB
09-09-2008
Could the West Midlands develop a network of food hubs where locally sourced seasonal produce is available? Barbara Panvel thinks so. more
Get Out More..............................Gig News
GLASVEGAS (Wolves Civic, 4th December)
09-09-2008
Tickets go one sale on Wednesday morning for Alan McGhee’s latest ‘find’ – a band who share the same fuzz n’ feedback ethos as the Jesus and Mary Chain, but with a rather better songwriting edge. more
BOURNE BROTHEL ALLEGATION UPDATE
08-09-2008
Brendan King as been active today on this sensational story and which has sent Wolves Tories reeling. Here’s his latest news, but nothing, sadly, forthcoming from the Bourne’s or the Wolves Tories. more
FRIENDS FRIENDS "KEPT IN THE DARK" OVER CLOSURE
08-09-2008
Sparkbrook councillor Salma Yaqoob has entered the ongoing row about the planned closure of Friends Institute - claiming that she and her colleagues, as well as tenants of the building, have been “kept in the dark” about plans to close it. more
THE UNINFORMATION STATION
08-09-2008
The flash flooding in Birmingham on Saturday was unquestionably a local emergency. But as Kevin Chapman reports, the crisis wasn't matched by a swift response from the BBC's local "information station" more
Poet's Corner
TIME IS A CHANGING
08-09-2008
Brendan Hawthorne ponders on the possible Armageddon that may emanate from Swiss border particle acceleration. Have the boffins got their theories and calculations sorted, or are they as hole strewn as their cheeses? Is the end of the world nigh on Sept. 10th? 4 days to live? more
WOLVES COUNCILLORS IN ALLEGED BROTHEL SHOCK
07-09-2008
As The Stirrer message boarder’s have already been revealing, the Sunday Mirror is alleging that prominent Wolverhampton Tory Councillors, David and Carol Bourne have been supplementing their civic duties by selling themselves for sex from their own home. more
England - Stuttering 2 v Andorra - Negative 0
07-09-2008
This weekend’s guest editor, Brendan King, muses on the England v Andorra game; he’s not a happy chappie! He reckons Dudley Town F C has nearly 3 times more chance of beating England than the Andorran minnows!” And the score should have been 20 - 0 more
WILL 'MUCH IMPROVED' SCHOOLS LOSE OUT DUE TO SUCCESS?
06-09-2008
A bizarre, unintended, consequence of promised additional funding to boost so called ‘failing’ schools has occurred. Schools such as Birminghams ‘Perry Beeches’ could lose out on its promised share of a much needed cash handout as result of significant, improved, success. more
RATIONING ON THE NHS
06-09-2008
The Stirrer, in his recent column in the Birmingham Mail, raised the question of rationing in the NHS. Brendan King, this weekend’s editor, raises the issue of hidden rationing of pressure sore treatment. more
BRING BACK A DENIS HOWELL - AKA 'MINISTER FOR RAIN'
06-09-2008
Just over 30 years ago we had our famous local MP, Denis Howell, doing rain-dances and sharing his bath with his wife to save water during a drought. Should we now appoint a similar minister with a reverse policy? more
SIMPLE SEALANT FIXES "£25,000" BOILER REPAIR
06-09-2008
Unconfirmed reports reaching The Stirrer suggest that the boiler at Balsall Heath's Friends Institute - reputed to be a £25,000 repair job - was fixed on Friday afternoon by the simple application of sealant. The old boiler was given as the immediate cause for evicting dozens of tenants running community and social enterprises. more
DUDLEY COUNCIL FORCES MOSQUE DECISION TO THE HIGH COURT
06-09-2008
Stirrer contributor, Brendan King has previously written on this story and now he's disappointed, as a local resident, at the Council’s hostile delaying tactics. more
WEATHER IMBALANCE IN THE MEDIA?
06-09-2008
The UK media neglect significant reporting of a flood disaster in India, in contrast to wide coverage of a near disaster in the US. A ‘near miss’ Hurricane and non-disaster in the US gets huge press and media coverage in the UK. more
RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY, AND NEVER COME BACK FOR A LONG, LONG, TIME
06-09-2008
As I sit here typing on my laptop, composing the weekend’s editorials, the rain is hammering on my window. I’m glad to be an indoors Nerd. more
WILL DUDLEY TOWN CENTRE SUFFER THE FATE OF THE DINOSUAR?
06-09-2008
Dudley Councillor David Sparkes has hit out at fresh proposals for the development of Dudley Zoo and wasteland adjoining the Black Country Museum (including a Dinosaur Exhibition Centre). more
TRAMS AND TRAINS, COULD THEY SHARE THE SAME LINE?
06-09-2008
Plans by Network Rail and Centro to cut costs for the (stalled) Metro planned extension, utilising a disused freight line. more
DUDLEY'S ST JOHN'S CHURCH FOR THE 'DOZER?
06-09-2008
Welcome news has been heralded by Dudley campaigners, trying to save their ‘redundant’ St John’s Church, Kates Hill. Burial place of the famed bare knuckle prizefighter – William ‘Tipton Slasher’ Perry (1819-1880) more
Mike Temple’s Blog
THE SILLY (CONFERENCE) SEASON APPROACHES
06-09-2008
Mike Temple muses on the replacement of the summer-break ‘silly season’ with the just as silly autumn political party conference season. more
Barbara’s Blog
'CUTTING' FUEL EMMISSIONS - USE THE CUT?
06-09-2008
Barbara Panvel advocates a return to commercial narrow boats and canals, for a greener environment and efficient movement of heavy freight. If only British Waterways keeps the system navigable. more
CONFESSIONS OF A BRUMMIE MUMMY (5)
06-09-2008
Brummie Mummy prepares for her daughters 11th Birthday. And realises she doesn’t enjoy them, bringing back unwanted memories………… more
TRADING STANDARDS WARN OF HAJJ RIP OFF
06-09-2008
Every year, on what should be a journey of a lifetime joining 2 million Mecca bound pilgrims on the Hajj; Brum’s Muslims get “ripped off” by certain rogue travel agents, some based in Brum. Here’s what to watch for. more
FRIENDS INSTITUTE CLOSURE PLANNED TWO YEARS AGO
05-09-2008
Evidence has emerged that Birmingham City Council was planning to sell Friends Institute in Balsall Heath a full two years before the current controversy over a broken boiler. more
BOURNVILLE VOTES FOR WORLD HERITAGE STATUS
05-09-2008
Bournville residents have voted overwhelmingly in favour of proposals to grant their suburb World Heritage Status – a plan first revealed on The Stirrer. more
LIBRARY BOOKED FOR THE RADIO
05-09-2008
The campaign to preserve Birmingham’s Central Library reaches national radio next month – and it’s all thanks to The Stirrer. more
Birmingham Pride Community Trust Blog
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
05-09-2008
The gay community has made tremendous progress towards wider acceptance over the last two decades - but as Steve Ball reports, there is still plenty more to be done. more
Get Out More................................Event News
THE PUBLIC (September Listings)
05-09-2008
We're all still waiting for the centrepiece Gallery to open, but in the meantime The Public in West Browmich is hosting loads of gigs and screenings - many of them free. more
Martin Longley's Music Blog
MODERNE SOUNDS: NEW YORK [PART 37]
05-09-2008
In which The Stirrer's Phileas Fogg of world music enjoys a mental orgasm checking out Philip Glass and the Metropolitan Opera. There's also avant action with the Christian Wolff Sextet; and Frederic Rzewski. more
MICHAELANGELO'S DAVID RETURNS TO ITALY
05-09-2008
Art lovers will be delighted at this news... more
Dave's Rant
CAN YOU MANAGE?
05-09-2008
It does what it says on the tin. It's a rant. By a bloke called Dave - Dave Price to be precise. This week he's got football's managerial merry-go-round in his sights. more
WAS THIS ELEPHANT IN TRAINING FOR THE OLYMPIC GAMES?
05-09-2008
Chinese state media report that an Asian elephant who became addicted to heroin at the hands of illegal traders will return home after a three-year rehab program. more
WOLVES MARKET MUST MOVE WITH TIMES
04-09-2008
Traders at Wolverhampton’s bedraggled city centre market face relocation after it emerged that losses are currently running at more than £200,000 per year. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
TESTING, TESTING
04-09-2008
On the news the other night I saw the Schools Secretary, Ed Balls, trying to look interested as he was being shown round a class of primary school age children. more
Get Out More...................................Theatre Review
CABARET
04-09-2008
A cracking start to the Rep’s new season, Cabaret offers fans of musical theatre a treat, although Paula Elenor has some reservations, too. more
SIR ALBERT MASONIC RUMOURS “GIBBERISH”
03-09-2008
Sir Albert Bore, leader of Birmingham’s Labour Group, has dismissed claims that he’d applied to join a Masonic Lodge as “complete gibberish”. He said, “I have never applied to become a Mason, nor been approached to do so. more
SONS OF REST GET BUSY TO FIGHT CLOSURE
03-09-2008
Plans to close Sandwell’s Sons Of Rest social centres will be challenged on Friday after being “called in” by the borough’s Scrutiny Committee. more
HIVE BUZZES FOR BEES
03-09-2008
It’s not yer average bar manager who lays on a special event for the humble bumblebee, even when it's threatened with extinction…but then Nicky Smith, who runs Wolverhampton’s Hive Bar is far from average. more
FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS........
03-09-2008
Nick Faldo might be one of the finest golfers of his generation - but a leader of men in the Ryder Cup team? Richard Nevin gasps his surprise. more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
TRANSFER WINDOW IS A PANE
03-09-2008
Like most Baggies fans, Terry Wills can't fathom how his team missed their target again. This time it was the chance to buy a striker they fluffed. more
YORK COMES TO BIRMINGHAM
02-09-2008
Oscar-nominated actress and Hollywood star Susannah York - best known as Superman's mum in the hit movie series - has been recruited by Birmingham Rep for this month's production of Wuthering Heights. more
BIRMINGHAM FOR PEOPLE - MARK II
02-09-2008
The Stirrer's recent posting of videos from the early 1990's highlighting the protests against the revamped Bullring have given Central Library campaigner Alan Clawley an idea. Birmingham For People Mark II, anyone? more
BRUM "MISSING OUT ON £100M FOR SOCIAL HOUSING"
02-09-2008
More details have emerged about yesterday’s rooftop demo at Birmingham Town Hall. It was held by a housing action campaign group called Justice Not Crisis who claim the City Council risk losing out on £100 million for social housing. more
AIR RIFLE TODDLER LOSES BATTLE FOR LIFE
02-09-2008
The Birmingham toddler shot in the head with an air rifle by his sister at their Washood Heath home last week has died. more
FRIENDS SELL-OFF PLAN BEFORE BOILER CRISIS
02-09-2008
Balsall Heath’s Friends Institute was earmarked for closure before the recent row over a £25,000 boiler repair according to Birmingham City Council. They claim Sparkbrook Constituency had already explored the possibility of transferring the building to a third party. more
FROM JAMAICA ROW - REBIRTH OF THE BULLRING
02-09-2008
As the new Bullring celebrates it's fifth anniversary, here's news of another exhibition by Birmingham's coolest snapper Pogus Caesar, charting the redevelopment of the city's premier shopping mall. more
SPORTS CENTRE “NOT STRIPPED” INSISTS COUNCIL
02-09-2008
Claims that thousands of pounds worth of sports and gym equipment went missing from a Birmingham Sports Centre when it was cleared of its contents have been dismissed by the City Council. more
Get Out More..............................Concert Preview
BOURNVILLE STRING ORCHESTRA (Edgbaston High School For Girls)
02-09-2008
Steve Beauchampé previews an evening of precocious local musical talent (and foresees a turgid struggle for England’s footballers in minnowland). more
COUNCIL TO PROBE SPORTS CENTRE CLAIMS
01-09-2008
Birmingham Council has pledged to investigate claims on The Stirrer Forum that thousands of pounds of sports and kitchen equipment have gone missing from a sports centre in on the borders of Highgate and Balsall Heath. more
Weekend Footy Round-Up
VILLA STALEMATE AS WOLVES GO TOP
01-09-2008
The Gareth Barry transfer saga and the sour relationship between Martin O’Neill and Rafa Benitez ensured that the sub-plots outshone the main event between Villa and Liverpool. Their dull goal-less draw was in sharp contrast to Wolves’ five goal thrashing of Forest which saw them go top of the Championship. more
Doc Dave’s Blog
TRAINING FOR THE FUTURE
01-09-2008
Climate change has Dr David Nicholl thinking about alternatives to flying. So how is the inter city service between Birmingham and Madrid. more
Get Out More.............................................................Music Review
NATIONAL CHILDREN'S ORCHESTRA (Symphony Hall)
01-09-2008
Pete Millington checks out what he reckons was the gig of the weekend. More
Kingy’s Wolves Blog
TOP O’ THE LEAGUE
01-09-2008
It’s a great start to the week for Brendan King, as his beloved Wolves sit atop the Championship following a sparkling display against Forest. more
CONFESSIONS OF A BRUMMIE MUMMY (4)
01-09-2008
Back from holiday in Aberwotsit, the Brummie Mummy checks out what’s left of her home. more
Poet's Corner
DISSING THE PROCESS OF AGEING
01-09-2008
Fresh from a conference in Chester called Zimmercon (honest!) Brendan Hawthorne explores stereotypes that abound around the process of ageing. more |
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