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December 2009 JEWELLERY QUARTER CLOSURES A "BODY BLOW"31-12-2009Plans to close Birmingham Council’s regeneration offices in the historic Jewellery Quarter and shut the Tourist Information kiosk – revealed exclusively on The Stirrer yesterday – appear to be confirmed by a leaked letter sent by the Chair of the Jewellery Quarter Association. He describes news as a “body blow”. moreThe Stirrer Review of the YearDIGBETH - THE BATTLE CONTINUES31-12-2009We continue our look back on the events of 2009 by recalling the ongoing debate over the future of Digbeth. As Dave Woodhall ponders, should it be the symbol of a bright new city or a reflection of our past? moreKingy’s Wolves BlogTHE JANUARY SALES31-12-2009Brendan King casts his eye over recent games and works out who Wolves should be signing. Of course they’ll want to come to Molineux. moreAudrey’s New Year Blog31-12-2009This time last year, Audrey Miller pledged to eat home grown food every day in 2009 – and she succeeded. Now she’s taking up the cudgels on behalf of public transport. moreJEWELLERY QUARTER DEMANDS WHITBY MEETING OVER CUTS30-12-2009Businesses in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter are demanding an urgent meeting with Council leader Mike Whitby to discuss planned cuts which, it’s claimed, could stall the regeneration of the area. moreCAFE OWNER'S HOT STUFF FORCES COUNCIL U-TURN30-12-2009A café owner’s offer to provide hot breakfasts to the eight remaining residents of Underhill House in Wolverhampton has forced the local Council into an embarrassing u-turn. moreDave’s Villa Blog£50 MILLION IS ALL IT NEEDS30-12-2009Christmas hasn’t been too merry for Villa, with defeats against fellow Champions league contenders. Dave Woodhall wonders how the gap can be bridged. moreGet Out More............................Panto ReviewCINDERELLA30-12-2009Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre is packing them in for this hardy perennial, starring The Krankies, Stefan Dennis, and local X Factor lass Niki Evans. Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg gets festive with his five year old. moreTerry’s Baggies BlogPOSH ALBION IRON OUT THE FLAWS30-12-2009It’s a very merry Terry Wills who pontificates on the last few days at the Hawthorns and wonders where exactly it all went right. Having two of the opposition sent off might be an clue. moreMULLANEY – WHY HILL TOP HAS RUN ITS COURSE29-12-2009Golfers angry at the proposed closure of Handsworth’s Hill Top course have been sent a detailed justification by Birmingham councillor who made the decision – the Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Culture Martin Mullaney. He explains that the number of rounds played there has almost halved in five years, and that it’s biggest loss-maker among the city’s municipal courses. moreTOO LITTLE TOO LATE29-12-2009The Stirrer’s exclusive story about Labour’s failed – and hugely controversial – attempt to “call in” Birmingham’s new Central Library continues to reverberate around the corridors of power. But for campaigner Alan Clawley it’s all part of wearisome lack of accountability. moreGet out more............................panto reviewSLEEPING BEAUTY29-12-2009It’s that time of year again when men dress as old women, women dress as young men and Terry Wills is at the Birmingham Hippodrome to witness it all. moreThe Stirrer ReviewBIRMINGHAM LIBRARIES29-12-2009As the New Year approaches we’re looking back at some of the biggest stories to have occupied Stirrer minds during 2009. Kicking off is the long-running saga of the new central library development moreRichard Lutz’s Blog‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY29-12-2009You may wonder what those Crazy Yanks do for Christmas. Richard Lutz offers you one on a plate. moreAndy’s Blues BlogLAMPS IN THE SHADE29-12-2009Blues maintained their impressive recent run with a 1-0 win at Stoke yesterday – but Andy Munro is still purring with pleasure after their Boxing Day shut out of Chelsea, which even saw England star Frank Lampard subbed off. moreTHE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS28-12-2009Dave Woodhall was at the Emirates where Villa were beaten by Arsenal yesterday. But he saw one incident to gladden the heart. moreMERRY XMAS25-12-2009The Stirrer wishes all contributors and readers a very Merry Christmas. Enjoy yourselves, one and all.."CALL IN" FALL OUT24-12-2009Birmingham councillors voted amid ill-tempered scenes yesterday not to “call in” the city’s new Central Library. Allegations of arm-twisting and backdoor chicanery surfaced after one senior Tory refused to support his own leadership – while a Labour councillor blew the chance to embarrass the ruling coalition by failing to show up. moreVOLUNTEERS SICK OVER HOSPITAL TREATMENT24-12-2009Angry hospital volunteers who’ve been told their services are no longer required have hit out at callous managers who they say have failed to recognise their lengthy service. The WRVS, which has traditionally run a shop and canteen at Selly Oak, is being replaced after declining to tender for a “commercial retail space” at the new privately financed QE. moreGet Out More.............................Gig NewsCAPSULE LISTINGS24-12-2009The good a folk at Capsule have been bringing some of the finest left-field musical entertainment to Birmingham for a decade now - and there's no let up in sight. Lisa Meyer leads us by the hand through next year's early highlights. more"MACHO" MULLANEY SLATED OVER CUTS24-12-2009Festive spirit is in short supply among Birmingham councillors with Labour’s deputy leader Ian Ward accusing Lib Dem Cabinet Member Martin Mullaney of “macho posturing” over proposed cuts in Hall Green – the constituency at the front line of massive savings due to be rolled across the city in the New Year. moreStay In More.................Book ReviewWEST BROM’S GREATEST GAMES24-12-2009Terry Wills reviews the latest tome about the Albion, which is bound to start a few arguments. moreFAREWELL BASH FOR UNDERHILL RESIDENTS24-12-2009There was plenty of Christmas spirit at Underhill House yesterday as elderly residents enjoyed their last Christmas party in the home - which is due to close next month. moreANOTHER STABBING IN LOZELLS24-12-2009A man was stabbed in an unprovoked attack in Lozells last night – the seventh assault in which a knife has been seen or used in the area in the last six months. West Midlands police believe the incidents may be linked. moreKingy’s Wolves BlogMID-TABLE SAFETY AHOY24-12-2009It’s been a long time since all out top clubs were doing so well. As Brendan King points out, even Wolves can face the Christmas period with optimism. moreYO HO HO24-12-2009In which Dave Woodhall is finally overcome by the compliments of the season. It won’t last. more“BLACKMAIL” ROW AS XMAS LIGHTS GO OUT24-12-2009A furious row has erupted over the lack of Christmas lights in Balsall Heath amid claims of “blackmail” by a senior council officer. There are fears the issue could be used to whip up grievances and racial hatred. moreVIRGIN PEAKS EARLY23-12-2009Virgin Trains aren't only increasing fares by up to 6% in the New Year - they are also cutting back the availability of off-peak travel. Passengers returning to the West Midlands from London will have to head home before 3pm in the afternoon, or wait until the evening rush hour is over. moreCOSTING THE EARTH?23-12-2009Birmingham taxpayers had to cough up almost £3,000 in hotel fees for deputy Council leader Paul Tilsley and a senior officer to attend a recent Mayoral summit in Copenhagen, which ran alongside the failed intergovernmental conference on climate change. moreMEALS ON WHEELS PROTEST SERVES UP 10,000 NAMES23-12-2009More than 10,000 Wolverhampton residents have now signed up to save Meals on Wheels – a service which opposition Labour councillors claim is under threat following proposals to more than double the cost. moreTHE GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST23-12-2009The Stirrer has received an anonymous contribution about this “special” time of year. Let’s hope your December 25th isn’t as memorable. moreGet Out More............................Gig NewsWHAT’S ON AT THE ROBIN23-12-2009The Robin2 in Bilston have announced their listings for the early part of 2010. Here are some of the highlights. moreTerry’s Baggies Blog‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE ...WORRYING23-12-2009Terry Wills is starting to feel a bit apprehensive as Christmas approaches. And it’s nothing to do with having to buy loads of presents. more“EYE WATERINGLY” EXPENSIVE LIBRARY FACES NEW HURDLE22-12-2009Birmingham’s proposed new Central Library in Centenary Square could be unexpectedly “called in” this week following revelations about the true cost of the building. Opposition Labour councillors say the real price is “eye wateringly high”, and substantially exceeds the £193million regularly quoted by city leader Mike Whitby. moreWALLS COME TUMBLING DOWN AS REP GETS GRAFFITI22-12-2009Plans for a poetry performance cum graffiti exhibition which will leave the hallowed walls of The Rep sprayed with aerosol for a week have drawn stinging “Disgusted of Acocks Green” style criticism from some of the theatre’s regular patrons. moreRichard Lutz’s BlogYOU’RE ALL A LOAD OF BANKERS22-12-2009Richard Lutz grits his teeth over the weight of buying Christmas presents. And while he’s at it, what about those bankers…. moreStirrer CommentHIGHBURY NEGLECT SHAMES CITY22-12-2009Highbury Hall in Kings Heath is one of Birmingham’s architectural treasures – and a precious gift to the people of the city by the Chamberlain family. Its long-term neglect represents a stain on the Council’s reputation. moreDoc Dave’s BlogCAM ON DAVE22-12-2009Now that all three party leaders have agreed to participate in Britain’s first televised hustings at next year’s general election, there’s no good reason why voters shouldn’t get to quiz candidates at local level either. And where better to start, asks Dr David Nicholl in this open letter to David Cameron, than scandal hit Bromsgrove? moreAndy’s Blues BlogBLUES SHOW STICKABILITY IN TOFFEELAND22-12-2009Blues failed to equal their club record run of six top flight wins in a row, but Andy Munro wasn’t complaining after a hard fought draw at Goodison. moreRATIONAL DEBATE22-12-2009Fancy a night out that really is with a difference? Skeptics in the Pub qualify on just about every ground you can imagine, plus a few you might not have thought about. more“NO NEW CHARGES” – SO HAS MIKEY HAD JUSTICE?21-12-2009The Stirrer understands that a six-year campaign to discover the truth about the death of a Birmingham man in police custody is unlikely to lead to any new charges. An inquest concluded on Friday that Mikey Powell died from “positional asphyxia” after being restrained by officers. moreKITCHENS CLOSE AT UNDERHILL - TWO WEEKS EARLY21-12-2009Catering staff at Wolverhampton’s Underhill House have been told the kitchens will shut in early January - two weeks before the old people’s home is due to close. The Stirrer has also discovered that once existing residents have been moved out of their allegedly unacceptable accommodation, other old folk will continue to use the building. moreDave’s Villa BlogIT’S LOOKING GOOD21-12-2009Villa’s win on Saturday cements them into the top four. Dave Woodhall wonders what the management are playing at. moreTROUBLE BREWS FOR WHITBY21-12-2009Reports that the real cost of Birmingham’s new flagship £193 million library could be as high as £590million are intriguing enough – but what’s truly revealing is the identity of the tail-gunner firing the bullets at Council leader Mike Whitby who has made this his pet project. moreEBENEEZER IS INNOCENT21-12-2009If you were in Birmingham city centre yesterday afternoon you might have some sympathy with Dave Woodhall. But probably not. moreGISELA'S PINEWOOD MOVIE PLEDGE21-12-2009Edgbaston MP Gisela Stuart has pledged to write to Lord Mandelson in a bid to protect the British film industry after it emerged that movie powerhouse Pinewood Shepperton has signed a major studio deal with Malaysia. Stuart has been attempting to persuade the company to expand into the West Midlands. moreEAST PARK RESTORATION PLANS PASS FIRST HURDLE21-12-2009Good news for Wolverhampton residents as East Park’s bid for lottery cash moves a step closer. moreBIRMINGHAM'S TRUE GRIT21-12-2009Motorists in Birmingham have been assured the City Council has done all it can to prevent Monday morning traffic chaos by gritting the entire road network four times in as many days - and at double the normal density. moreONE LAST CONFESSION21-12-2009From the author of Brummie Mummy....... moreSORRY SIMON REPAYS 21K18-12-2009Erdington MP Sion Simon has become the latest MP to get caught up in the expenses scandal, after it emerged that he claimed rent on a flat owned by his sister – in breach of House of Commons rules. Simon has apologised and repaid £21,000. moreDOING THE TIME – FOR ALL TIME18-12-2009An author convicted for child abuse has had his books removed from stores. Dave Woodhall wonders why some criminals are damned forever, while others are more easily rehabilitated. moreGet Out More......................................Film ReviewAVATAR18-12-2009At a cost in excess of $200million, James Cameron’s 3D sci fi epic which opens this weekend is one of the most expensive movies of all time. Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg checks out the film. more"GOBBLEDEGOOK" ROW REACHES PARLIAMENT18-12-2009The “gobbledegook” of Birmingham Council’s accounts – previously exposed on The Stirrer – was raised in parliament yesterday by Northfield MP Richard Burden. moreFIVE STAR LINE UP18-12-2009Bringing you the Stirrer guide to the best live events in the region this weekend. moreAndy’s Blues BlogWE’RE GONNA WIN THE LEAGUE!18-12-2009Well, he can dream can’t he? Andy Munro is in seventh heaven after Blues latest win. moreSWINE FLU UPDATE18-12-2009The number of cases in the region continues to fall but NHS West Midlands says there’s no room for complacency. moreCOUNCIL DENIES LEGAL THREAT OVER AXON17-12-2009Wolverhampton Council has denied issuing legal threats to councillors who sought to make last night's vote on the Axon contract open to public debate. Here's the full text of a joint statement between Council leader Neville Patten and Steve Cardell, President of Axon Solutions. moreBLOODY NOSE FOR GRANPA IN AXON FIASCO17-12-2009Councillors in Wolverhampton delivered a bloody nose to the local authority leader Neville ‘Granpa’ Patten last night when they voted in secret session for an independent enquiry into the Axon fiasco – which has resulted in a £7.1 million pay out. Four Lib Dem councillors showed up splits in the ruling coalition by opposing the ruling Tory party. moreRESIDENTS HIT FOR SIX BY CRICKET DECISION17-12-2009The redevelopment of Edgbaston cricket ground moved a step closer yesterday with a legal adjudication in favour of Birmingham City Council who supported the proposal and gave it planning permission. Campaigner Vijay Sarathy said he was “bitterly disappointed” by the decision. moreGet Out More...........................Gig NewsPUBLIC IMAGE LIMITED17-12-2009Ex-Pistol's "what happened next...?" band re-emerge after a lengthy hiatus, apparently funded by the Country Life butter ad. Phil Calcutt gets out of his (metal) box... moreRAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE17-12-2009The perfect exercise in brainwashing? A middle-aged man without a scintilla of street credibility, but considerable control of the means of production and distribution tells young people what music they should like and hundreds of thousands dutifully do precisely what he tells them. Time, says Steve Beauchampé (a middle aged man without a scintilla of street credibility himself) to Rage Against The Machine.moreGet Out More...............................Theatre ReviewARABIAN NIGHTS - ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY17-12-2009Richard Lutz is impressed by the Christmas offering from the RSC. moreFOOTBALL’S COMING HOME17-12-2009Hopes of World Cup football coming to Birmingham have moved a step nearer. But is England really up to staging the tournament in 2018? moreGet Out More....................................Gig ReviewRAY DAVIES17-12-2009Her name’s spelt L-O-L-A Lola! But where is she wonders Andy Munro after seeing her creator Ray Davies at Symphony Hall. moreBeijing BlogCHINESE CRACKERS17-12-2009Our man in China, Peter Sampson reflects on the difference between a Beijing and a Brummie Christmas. moreNEW SHOWS AT TOWN HALL/SYMPHONY HALL17-12-2009A rare solo show from Status Quo frontman Francis Rossi is amongst the latest events scheduled for Birmingham Town Hall and Symphony Hall. Over to the venues’ PR man Lyle Bignon for more details..... moreTerry’s Baggies BlogJUMPING THROUGH HOOPS17-12-2009At long last Terry Wills has found the Albion have something in common with Manchester United – a vital last-second goal. moreCouncil Secrecy 1SECRET TREES BILL COULD BE 500k16-12-2009Its not only Wolverhampton Council which enjoys secrecy – their counterparts in Birmingham are also keeping stumm about progress in the long running legal drama surrounding the city’s disastrous trees maintenance contract. Some estimates suggest the row has already cost taxpayers £500,000. moreCouncil Secrecy 2PAY OFF REVEALED - BUT COUNCIL MEETING STILL SECRET16-12-2009Wolverhampton Council is still planning to hold tonight’s discussion about a pay off to business consultants Axon in secret – even though MP Ken Purchase has used parliamentary privilege to disclose the full amount. moreDAYS LIKE THESE16-12-2009Has there ever been a brighter morning for Birmingham football fans, with both Blues and Villa in the top six of the top division of English football? But Wolves fans are still musing on Mick McCarthy’s curious decisions to field a weakened team against Manchester United. moreST MARY, ST MARY...QUITE CONTRARY16-12-2009Sybil Ruth wrote on The Stirrer yesterday about the battle for the future of St Mary's Church in Moseley which centres on a row about solar panels. She argued that they would do little to harm its visual appeal, but architect and urban designer Joe Holyoak begs to differ. moreHOW I CAME TO LOVE THE SOUND OF MUSIC16-12-2009Birmingham's Electric Cinema is Britain's oldest working cinema and it is about to celebrate it's centenary. Walsall journalist George Makin recalls a job there in the mid-1970s when the celebrated cinema in Station Street was known by the racier name, the Jacey... moreTICKET TO RIDE?16-12-2009The long awaited arrival of London-style Oystercards could be just around the corner for bus passengers in the West Midlands following a £20million government handout to regulator Centro. But as Kevin Chapman suggests the slow delivery of an established system, begs questions about how public transport is run. moreFIRST THINGS FIRST16-12-2009Yesterday we reported on how Birmingham city council deputy leader Paul Tilsley was off to Copenhagen for the climate change summit. Dave Woodhall would like to remind him that a problem closer to home needs sorting first. moreBLUE IS THE COLOUR16-12-2009After The stirrer kicked off a campaign to have Phil Lynott’s birthplace commemorated, Dave Woodhall wonders who should be next. moreTILSLEY JETS OFF - TO SAVE THE WORLD (AGAIN!)15-12-2009Don’t bother hassling Birmingham Council’s deputy leader Paul Tilsley about problems with your bins or street lighting just now – he’s jetted off to Copenhagen for the Climate Summit for Mayors. This no doubt essential trip will generate more than a fifth of a tonne of Co2 - all in the name of combatting global warming. moreIF IT AIN’T BROKE......15-12-2009Dave Woodhall’s been doing a spot of travelling. And he’s come up with an obvious solution to a fiercely-debated problem. moreOPERA'S AB FAB15-12-2009Who was that at Birmingham Opera Company's performance of Othello in Digbeth at the weekend? None other than Absolutely Fabulous star and all round national treasure Joanna Lumley. moreTHE NIMBY CITY15-12-2009Birmingham's new bus station will be officially opened on Friday by England footy manager Fabio Capello. The city's former Cabinet member for Transport John Tyrrell reckons it's a rare achievement in a city blighted by nimbyism. moreKingy’s Wolves BlogLIGHT HEART LANE15-12-2009Villa’s win may have grabbed the headlines but Wolves’ result at Spurs was the real shock of the weekend. Brendan King peers down a tunnel and can definitely see some light. moreA DEVELOPING NATION15-12-2009Everywhere you look there are proposed building developments. Barbara Panvel wonders how many of them will ever be finished. moreVISION OFF15-12-2009A much-loved friend will soon disappear from our telly screens. Richard Nevin laments its departure. moreNO RELIEF FOR SELLY OAK AS PETITION NEAR 5,00015-12-2009The petition to upgrade the Selly Oak Relief Road – which hasn’t even opened yet – has now attracted almost 5,000 signatures. more“SYCOPHANT” BLAIR “TRICKED US INTO WAR”14-12-2009Tony Blair’s former Director of Public Prosecution’s Sir Ken McDonald, has launched a withering attack on the former PM, accusing him of a “foreign policy disgrace of epic proportions” by entering the Iraq war. He said Blair showed “sycophancy” towards US president Blair, and deceived the British public. moreCADBURY - DON'T LET KRAFT BUY US ON THE CHEAP14-12-2009Birmingham chocolate maker Cadbury has launched a robust defence against American predator Kraft by warning – “you can’t buy us on the cheap” moreRAISING THE ROOF14-12-2009Moseley’s iconic St Mary’s church could soon be graced by an energy saving solar roof – but they’re facing opposition from conservation groups who want a precious slice of Victoriana maintained in its traditional style. Sibyl Ruth reports on an unholy row. moreDave’s Villa BlogMUCH WANTS MORE14-12-2009Dave Woodhall looks back at a memorable win and forward to a time when it won’t be quite so memorable. moreGANG CULTURE "MAY TAKE YEARS TO REMOVE"14-12-2009An offer by a senior Birmingham councillor to broker a peace deal among warring gangs has been given a cautious welcome by one of the leaders of the African-Caribbean community in the city – but he warns that eradicating the culture which created the likes of the Johnson Crew and the Burger Bar boys may take years. moreA LOAD OF BULL14-12-2009Fed up with the re-invention of Birmingham's famous Bull Ring as "bullring"? So is Spaghetti Gazetti blogger Pete Millington who's launching a campaign for the restoration of the proper name. moreAndy’s Blues Blog‘AMMERED14-12-2009Media darling West Ham came to St Andrews hovering close to the relgation zone, while Blues fans can get excited about the prospect of European football. Andy Munro reports on strange times at St Andrews. moreCULTURE BID II14-12-2009Birmingham’s bid to become 2013 UK City of Culture has been launched . But libraries campaigner Alan Clawley wonders just how culturally aware city leaders are. moreNOT JUST HOT AIR14-12-2009Switching to green technology isn’t just about climate change. Barbara Panvel offers more reasons why we have to think about our energy sources. moreWEST MIDLANDS LAUNCHES UK’S LARGEST
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