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January 2010
MP HEMMING GIVES AID TO FUGITIVE SENATOR
30-01-2010
Channel Islands politician Stuart Syvret who is on the run from police in Jersey is currently staying with Birmingham MP John Hemming – who broke the news on The Stirrer Forum. more
Doc Dave's Blog
BLAIR ON THE IRAQ
30-01-2010
Stirrer blogger Dr David Nicholl gets a ringside seat for Tony Blair's grilling at the Chilcot Inquiry. more
PFI MAKES WAVES OVER BRUM POOLS
30-01-2010
Birmingham swimmers are being tantalised by the prospect of a new baths in Sparkhill and the re-opening of the gala pool at Moseley Road – but only if they accept that private funding is part of the solution. The proposal is already proving hugely controversial. more
Get Out More............Gig Preview
UNKNOWN PLEASURES WITH PETER HOOK
PLUS COMPERE HOWARD MARKS
30-01-2010
Peter Hook, seminal influence on the music scene. Howard Marks, seminal influence on, er, drug taking. Put them together and the Glee Club audience is in for a treat. more
CBSO AND BRB HAVE SOMETHING TO BRAGG ABOUT
30-01-2010
The CBSO has scooped the prestigious Classical Music Award at the South Bank Show’s annual gongfest – the last before ITV takes the axe to Melvyn Bragg’s highbrow arts series. Birmingham Royal Ballet also bagged something for the mantlepiece. more
A GLIMPSE OF PARADISE
30-01-2010
Plans for the future redevelopment of Paradise Circus when Birmingham Central Library has been knocked down are being unveiled next month – but as Alan Clawley reports, the news would have eluded all but the most eagle eyed property developer. more
UNIVERSITY CHALLENGED
30-01-2010
Sam Rose asks the eternal question. Lecturers – why? more
RADIO RADIO
30-01-2010
South Birmingham Community Radio are moving to new premises in King’s Hearth. Go along and join in the opening day fun. more
Martin Longley's music blog
NEW YORK SOUNDS: PART 244
30-01-2010
American axeman Chris Brokaw is coming to the Hare & Hounds on 24th March. Martin Longley recently caught him in New York City. There were other guitarists in town too... more
THE STIRRERTHON
29-01-2010
Never let it be said that we’re not willing to help those less fortunate than ourselves. Today we launch a new appeal aimed at bringing some comfort to those worst hit by the recession. more
BRUM CAMPAIGNER BACKS MMR MEDIC
29-01-2010
Birmingham MMR jab campaigner Jonathan Harris is continuing to throw his weight behind discredited medic Dr Andrew Wakefield whose research methods were condemned yesterday by the General Medical Council. more
INDEPENDENT "KINGMAKER" COULD TOPPLE WOLVES TORIES
29-01-2010
The son of 106-year old Louisa Watts could be the “kingmaker” of Wolverhampton Council after declaring his intention to stand as an independent – and he’s told The Stirrer that, given the chance, he’ll depose the current Tory leadership. more
DOCS AND MPS CALL FOR BODIES OF EVIDENCE
29-01-2010
MPs and medics have backed calls for a change in the Human Tissue Act following the controversy about the Bodies Revealed exhibition at Birmingham's Custard Factory. Stirrer blogger Dr David Nicholl, who is concerned about where the specimens come from, has penned this letter, which is published in the Daily Telegraph today. more
Kingy’s Wolves Blog
WHAT A DIFFERENCE THREE DAYS MAKES
29-01-2010
Wolves have been at home twice this week, an FA Cup tie with Crystal Palace followed by a league game against Liverpool. It’s been a contrast in many ways, as Brendan King explains. more
DEAR S.T. VAUGHAN
29-01-2010
Mail readers will have learned that one of the city’s, if not the world’s, most productive literary figures, S T Vaughan, Yardley Wood, has decided to call it a day. We feel this is a waste of talent and offer him an alternative. more
MICK GREEN – 1945-2010
29-01-2010
Dave Woodhall pays tribute to a recently-departed and often overlooked musical genius. more
Andy’s Blues
I’VE GOT THE BLUES AGAIN…THANK GOODNESS!
29-01-2010
After a record breaking 15-match unbeaten run, Blues are officially rubbish again following Wednesday's 3-0 drubbing by Chelsea. Phew! Andy Munro can relax again. more
STUART VOW TO KEEP FOCUS ON MIDLANDS MOVIES
28-01-2010
Birmingham MP Gisela Stuart has vowed to keep up the battle to develop a booming film industry in the West Midlands after yesterday’s meeting with Pinewood PLC – the company looking to develop new studios north of London in face of local opposition. more
LATE NIGHT LINE-UP
28-01-2010
News that a landmark Birmingham cafe has been forced to curtail its opening hours following disorder last year has Dave Woodhall wondering about the city’s lack of late night eating establishments. Is it too much to expect to eat well after dark? more
The Stirrer’s Blues Blog
BLUES GET THE BLUES
28-01-2010
Birmingham City’s record breaking run came to an end at Stamford Bridge last night under the gimlet eye of Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg – who paid a whopping £43 for the privilege. more
“FAMILY REASONS” FORCE LADYWOOD TORY TO QUIT
28-01-2010
The Tories prospective general election candidate for Ladywood has confirmed that he’s standing down – as revealed yesterday on The Stirrer. Billesley councillor Colin Hughes cites “family reasons” for his decision. more
Get Out More ...................................Gig Update
CAPSULE LISTINGS
28-01-2010
As always, the list of forthcoming Capusle shows is likely to generate excitement and intrigue in equal measure. Their latest left-field delights include punky veterans The Ex, and Krautrock pioneers Cluster. more
INFOMATION
28-01-2010
Opposition is growing to the proposed closure of Wolverhampton’s Visitor Centre in Queen Square – with Labour councillors hoping that their Liberal Democrat counterparts might break ranks when the decision is debated next week. more
Dave’s Villa Blog
IN A DIFFERENT LEAGUE
28-01-2010
It’s back to league action for the Villa, which means they’ve forgotten how to score again. Dave Woodhall comments on the lack of goals re-works a very old joke and becomes the millionth football supporter to breath in sharply when having to pay for a cup final ticket. more
BODIES GO TO THE COMMONS
28-01-2010
The controversial Bodies Revealed exhibition in Birmingham – which has come to national attention after being highlighted on The Stirrer – is being raised in the House of Commons today. more
Get Out More........................Gig Preview Plus
KEEPING MUSIC LIVE
28-01-2010
Dave Woodhall praises local legend Steve Gibbons, performing tonight at the Robin 2, as well as some of the unknown heroes of the local music scene. more
GAUNT TAKES ON OFCOM IN “FREE SPEECH” ROW
28-01-2010
Former BBC WM shock jock Jon Gaunt has won the first round of a “free speech” battle against broadcasting watchdog Ofcom, which ruled that he’d breached regulations by calling a local councillor a “health Nazi” and an “ignorant pig”. more
Terry’s Baggie Blog
JUSTICE SEEN TO BE DONE
28-01-2010
It’s been a decent few days for the Albion, with progress in the FA Cup and a hard-won point away from home in the promotion battle. Terry Wills brings us up to date. more
NINE DAY SICKIE TARGET FOR COUNCIL WORKERS
27-01-2010
Birmingham Council’s HR boss has set a 9-day a year sickness target for employees – and insisted a new computerised monitoring system will make it easier to detect slackers. more
HOMEOPATH AND AWAY
27-01-2010
Campaigners in Birmingham will be “overdosing” outside Boots in the city centre on Saturday, as part of a nationwide campaign against homeopathic medicines – which critics claim are no more effective than sugar pills. more
THE BIRMINGHAM SALON
27-01-2010
Growing tired of the usual round of pub, cinema, theatre? Sarah Bartlett offers us the opportunity to get out and broaden our horizons. more
Get Out More....................Gig Previews
SYMPHONY HALL NEWS
27-01-2010
Two of the most popular acts to play Symphony Hall in recent years have announced return shows. The venue’s PR man Lyle Bignon gives us the news. more
TOURIST INFO CAMPAIGN GOES ONLINE
27-01-2010
The campaign to keep open a city centre tourist information kiosk in Wolverhampton has moved online, as organiser Dave Povall seeks to build on the hundreds of signatures he has already gathered. more
LOAN SIGNINGS
27-01-2010
Birmingham’s cultural reputation is improving yet further with news that the city’s acclaimed Museum & Art Gallery will be loaning some of its prized stocks to exhibitions around the world over the coming year. more
Get Out More.....................Meetings
DON’T BELIEVE A WORD
27-01-2010
Here’s the latest list of events organised by West Midlands Atheists and associated groups. more
TORY HUGHES PULLS OUT OF LADYWOOD
27-01-2010
The Stirrer understands that Colin Hughes has stood down as prospective parliamentary candidate for the Ladywood constituency – a seat which is sure to be hotly contested in the wake of Clare Short’s departure. more
COUNCIL WORKERS SICK – AND GETTING SICKER
26-01-2010
Sickness levels at Birmingham City Council are getting worse, despite the leadership’s pledge to beat the problem. The average worker is now signed off ill for a fortnight every year – with stress accounting for one in five days lost. more
“20’S PLENTY” FOR BRUM STREETS
26-01-2010
Around 500 Birmingham residents have signed a letter calling for a 20mph speed limit on residential streets across the city in a bid to reduce accidents and tackle climate change. more
Get Out More..............................Gig Review
NORMAN LOVETT & HATTIE HAYRIDGE – ROBIN 2
26-01-2010
If you’re a fan of Red Dwarf, or you fancy a night out where you’ll be laughing a lot, the Robin on Wednesday night might be just the place. more
RICH PICKINGS FOR POOR IN GREEN NEW DEAL
26-01-2010
Plans for an energy saving Green New Deal targeting inner city Birmingham were welcomed on The Stirrer yesterday – but we questioned whether it made sense to encourage people in some of the poorest wards to take out loans to get involved. Karen Leach, who was a consultant on the project, insists the question hasn’t been ignored. more
Get Out More.............................Gig Preview
JOHN MAYER - LG ARENA, MONDAY 24 MAY
26-01-2010
While we like to think we specialise in plugging local talent in smaller venues we also like pointing you in the direction of the best of the big gigs. And this promises to be one of the best of the year. more
Get Out More...........................Cricket News
TEST TICKETS NOW ON SALE
26-01-2010
Those lazy, hazy days of summer might seem a long way off, but the first international action of the summer at Edgbaston is only 20 weeks away, with a rare chance to see the likes of Pakistan taking on Australia, as well as enjoying England in Test action. more
MILLION PLUS CUTS STAY SECRET
25-01-2010
Details of cuts worth more than £1.2million in are being withheld from Birmingham taxpayers and Council staff whose jobs are in jeopardy in an amazing game of political cat and mouse. more
THOUSANDS OF WOLVO TENANTS FACE EXTRA CHARGES
25-01-2010
Thousands of Council tenants in Wolverhampton are facing massive increases in charges over the coming months – even though basic rents are rising below the rate of inflation. Some residents are facing a 20% uplift in heating bills, while others will pay an extra £2 per week in concierge charges. more
Get Out More...............................Film Review
UP IN THE AIR
25-01-2010
George Clooney’s latest film has been drawing good reviews. Dave Woodhall goes along to see what the fuss is alla bout. more
U-TURN PUTTS COURSES IN NEW LIGHT
25-01-2010
Golfers celebrating Birmingham Council’s astonishing U-turn over plans to close the Hill Top course in Handsworth could soon be looking forward to more good news – the reopening of the city’s once celebrated pitch and putt facilities. more
Pete’s Beijing Blog
RUBBED UP THE WRONG WAY
25-01-2010
Holte Ender in exile Peter Sampson reflects on Villa’s recent success, Google’s threat to the withdraw from China, and Beijing’s massage parlours. Maybe that’s what’s making him feel queasy. more
GOING GREEN INTO THE RED?
25-01-2010
Birmingham city council’s green credentials are to be congratulated. But is their latest proposal aimed at the wrong people? more
ON YOUR RADIO
24-01-2010
Regular Stirrer blogger Sibyl Ruth gets an outing on Radio 4 today, marking Holocaust Memorial Day with an emotionally charged and poetical search for a long lost relative. more
NEVER AGAIN
24-01-2010
Today, 24th January, sees Birmingham city council staging an event to mark Holocaust Memorial Day. more
Get Out More..............................Athletics
RIGHT ON TRACK
23-01-2010
Top-class indoor athletics returns to Birmingham next month at the NIA. Here’s a run-down of what we can look forward to. more
Get Out More.................Gig Preview
DEBORAH HODGSON
23-01-2010
We’re always pleased to publicise the region’s musical talents, especially when they’re this good. more
Get Out More....................Gig Review
DELPHIC: SLADE ROOM, LITTLE CIVIC
22-01-2010
Mark Gunton has a good time in Wolverhampton, even if most of the audience didn’t seem to share his enthusiasm. more
JLR WORKERS DENIED £1,000 SWEETENER
22-01-2010
Workers at West Midlands motor firm Jaguar Land Rover have been denied a £1,000 payout following the breakdown of talks with unions. more
UNIONS ON WARPATH OVER COUNCIL JOB CUTS
22-01-2010
With almost 1400 Council workers in Birmingham facing redundancy, trade unions are on the warpath – not least about the local authority’s cost cutting Business Transformation tie-up with Capita. As we warned earlier this week they are “angry” and industrial action is on the cards. more
THE STIRRER’S FIVE FOR THE WEEKEND
22-01-2010
Here’s our guide to what’s best in local entertainment over the next few days. more
FREE
22-01-2010
A man jailed for beating up an intruder has been freed from prison. Richard Lutz has a bit more on the story. more
DEALS OF THE DAY
22-01-2010
Another in our irregular series of guides towards being able to eat, drink and generally enjoy yourself without paying full price or anything like it. more
POPI HARVEST
22-01-2010
Claims that a new £1.5million hand held computer system for Birmingham parks’ staff is nine months behind schedule have recently been aired on The Stirrer Forum. Now we’ve had an official response. more
RBS AID KRAFT AS COUNCIL FIGHTS CADBURY BID
21-01-2010
Birmingham Council has joined the hue and cry against Kraft’s proposed takeover of Cadbury’s – as it emerged that the government owned bank RBS is partly funding the deal. more
Dave’s Villa Blog
QUE SERA SERA
21-01-2010
Villa Park is almost 113 years old but it’s witnessed few nights like Wednesday’s League Cup semi final win over Blackburn Rovers. Dave Woodhall is just starting to get over it. more
HAITI - DO I DONATE?
21-01-2010
Given the scale of the human tragedy unfolding in Haiti, it may seem an almost blasphemous question,but Audrey Miller is forced to ask herself, "Should I Donate?" more
DEALS ON MEALS STILL HARD TO SWALLOW
21-01-2010
Older people in Wolverhampton are being offered an olive branch by the City Council which is now proposing to stagger a £2 price increase in Meals on Wheels provision – but adults with learning difficulties could be charged £80 per week to attend a Day Care Centre. more
SANDWELL LEADER’S JOBS AND TAX VOW
21-01-2010
While jobs are slashed and services cut at Tory run Birmingham and Wolverhampton Councils, the Labour leader of Sandwell has vowed there’ll be no compulsory redundancies or reduction in front line activity – and he’s pledged that Council tax rises will be kept at the level of inflation or below. more
LOCAL HISTORY GOES INTERACTIVE
21-01-2010
Cadbury’s may be about to be taken over, but remembering the heritage of the company – and much more of our region – will be a lot easier thanks to a new initiative designed to take history to the people. more
TAYLOR’S TURN
21-01-2010
What future for Birmingham’s prestigious Paradise Circus, due to be transformed by developer Gary Taylor when the existing Central Library is demolished? Alan Clawley finds hard information hard to come by. more
Get Out More..................................Event News
AFTER BROKENHAGEN – WHAT NEXT?
21-01-2010
Barbara Panvel explains why she’ll be braving the winter chill next week to hear Friend of the Earth Chris Crean explore the post-Copenhagen options for tackling climate change. more
GONNA MAKE YOU A STAR
21-01-2010
Fancy yourself as an actor? Here’s your chance to get your name in lights - just remember when you’re famous where you got your first break. more
Kingy's Wolves Blog
END OF THE WIGAN PIER SHOW
21-01-2010
Brendan King reckons this weekend's FA Cup diversion for Wolves is a "must win" - if only to relieve the gloom of last Saturday's dispiriting defeat by Wigan. more
Cadbury's Takeover 1
LESS JAW JAW...MORE LAW LAW
20-01-2010
So now the question for our MPs who are complaining about the sale of Cadbury’s to Kraft is this – if you think what’s happened is wrong, what are you going to do to prevent the departure of other iconic firms overseas? more
Cadbury’s Takeover 2
JOBS FOR LIFE?
20-01-2010
What was all the fuss about, asks Dave Woodhall. Why should one company be exempt from market forces? more
SICKIES GO AWOL
20-01-2010
Sickness figures for Birmingham Council staff have gone absent without leave – maybe they’re ill? more
Get Out More..........................Gig Preview
KOSMISCHE MUZIK
20-01-2010
Uber-influential Krautrock legends Cluster will perform a one-off live audio-visual show at Birmingham Town Hall on Thursday 11th February, offering avant garde fans a rare chance to experience two of the world’s most important musical minds of the last fity years in concert. more
FOOT NOTE
20-01-2010
With the election looming Jonathan Stuart Brown pays tribute to a true political visonary - the once reviled Labour leader Michael Foot. Is it time for a re-assessment of the man responsible for "the longest suicide note in history". more
FURTHER STEPS
20-01-2010
Credit where it’s due. Here’s another story of how the public sector is making life easier for local entrepreneurs with financial aid aimed at boosting the region’s economy. more
PROTESTS OVER LATEST WOLVES CUTS
20-01-2010
Wolverhampton Council's propensity to piss off taxpayers was in evidence last night when around 100 members of the city's African-Caribbean community gathered to lobby councillors over plans to axe a £64,000 grant. more
MONDAY NIGHT FEVER
20-01-2010
Here’s the shock of the season so far - Terry Wills has missed an Albion game. Rupert Murdoch has a lot to answer for. more
SHAREHOLDERS' "BIG RESPONSIBILITY" TO CADBURY'S WORKERS
19-01-2010
Four Birmingham Labour MPs are warning jobs could be at risk if Kraft's takeover of Cadbury's goes ahead - and they're urging shareholders to be aware of their "big responsibility" if they get the chance to vote on the company's future. Here's a statement, issued from parliament by Richard Burden, Lynne Jones, Steve McCabe and Gisela Stuart. more
CADBURY'S BOARD WAVES WHITE FLAG
19-01-2010
Birmingham chocolate maker Cadbury looks set to fly the white flag of surrender and recommend acceptance of a takeover bid by US food firm Kraft. The news will call shock waves throughout the West Midlands, with fears that thousands of jobs are at stake. more
STEPPING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
19-01-2010
Birmingham City Council has come under fire for its use of the Working Neighbourhood Fund. However, they might now be using the money for its intended purpose. more
“HUNDREDS FACE COMPULSORY AXE IN BRUM”
19-01-2010
Hundreds of Birmingham Council staff are facing compulsory redundancy according to opposition Labour leader Sir Albert Bore. He warned that staff morale is “rock bottom and has never been lower”. more
NOT FOR PROFIT?
19-01-2010
The perennial subject of bus travel is in the news again. Dave Woodhall argues that here’s a case where the old ways might have been the best. more
TAKING THE MICHAEL
19-01-2010
Birmingham Council leader Mike Whitby is the latest victim of a spoof on the recent David Cameron publicity poster - and here's the rub. This one is being circulated by local Tories. more
DAVID CAMERON SPOTTED IN STOURBRIDGE
19-01-2010
David Cameron's new poster campaign isn't going down awfully well in Stourbridge... more
Get Out More................................Gig Previews
WORLD UNLIMITED UPCOMING DATES
19-01-2010
Forthcoming shows from one of the region’s most innovative promoters. Graham Radley tells us what to expect. more
Get Out More...........................Charity Gigs
UK MUSIC SCENE UNITES FOR HAITI
19-01-2010
In response to the humanitarian disaster in Haiti, artists, promoters and fans from across the UK's music scene have mobilised and coordinated two fund-raising events this week, with more to be announced. Lyle Bignon reports. more
COUNCIL FACES WINTER AND SPRING OF DISCONTENT
18-01-2010
The expected loss of almost 1400 Birmingham Council jobs will lead to a “winter and spring of discontent” according to union officials. They plan to ballot workers for industrial action. more
LEGACY QUESTION OF NEW BRUM KIDS BOSS
18-01-2010
Charismatic Colin Tucker was recently drafted in to turn around Birmingham’s ailing Childrens’ Services after performing a similar job in Sandwell – but in the wake of a damning Ofsted report, opinion is split on his legacy in the Black Country. more
Get Out More..........................Film Reviews
THE STIRRER’S MOVIE ROUND-UP
18-01-2010
Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg gets stuck into a stack of recent releases, including Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll, Sherlock Holmes, Nowhere Boy and, er, Alvin and the Chipmunks. more
VEILED THREATS
18-01-2010
United Kingdom Independence Party MEP Nigel Farrage has echoed calls made in 2006 by Labour’s Jack Straw for a ban on the Burka - or full face veil - as worn by thousands of Muslim women in Britain. Frankly, says Steve Beauchampé, what the hell has it got to do with either of them! more
Dave’s Villa Blog
NO REST FOR THE WICKED
18-01-2010
After a good result at Blackburn last Thursday left Villa supporters dreaming of Wembley, it was back to the Premier League yesterday afternoon. Maybe the team hadn’t woken up in time. more
Richard Lutz's Blog
ONLY CONNECT
18-01-2010
Richard Lutz has a lot on his tiny mind these days: wanker-bankers, Haiti , pensions and The One Show. Just join the dots... more
EDL SPLITS AHEAD OF DUDLEY DEMO
18-01-2010
Splits have emerged in the far-right English Defence League which is due to return to the West Midlands in April, with a demo against “Islamic extremism” in Dudley. more
AND THE WINNER IS...
18-01-2010
Someone is going to get a very big film making career break today...and it is a nice story about Pinewood, too, reports our movie correspondent Jonathan Stuart-Brown more
Get Out More...........................Presentation
IN PURSUIT OF JUSTICE: REMEMBER GAZA
18-01-2010
It’s almost a year since Israel began its highly-controversial military campaign into Gaza. Students in Birmingham will be marking the anniversary and remembering the loss of civilian life that ensured. more
NORTON HOLDS ON
17-01-2010
Local hero Rob Norton defended his British & Commonwealth crowns against David Dolan in Altrincham. Dave Woodhall reports on how he fared. more
BORE “STAGGERED” BY 1300 JOB CUTS
16-01-2010
Birmingham Council’s opposition Labour leader Sir Albert Bore said he was “absolutely staggered” by news that the local authority is planning to axe 1380 jobs – but he warned there could be worse to come as spending pressures increase on the Tory-led administration. more
2010 - REMEMBERING THE BRUMMIE HOME CHILDREN
16-01-2010
Earlier this year, the Australian government apologised to thousands of British children who were poorly treated after being forcibly shipped Down Under. But as Spaghetti Gazetti's Pete Millington points out many more - including a large number from Birmingham - were also shipped off to Canada. more
STICKY FINGERS
16-01-2010
Chocolate lovers are being asked to stand up for Cadbury’s today (Saturday) by chomping their favourite bar in Birmingham’s Victoria Square. more
Get Out More..........................Special Offer
PRICE CUTS FOR CBSO
16-01-2010
It’s not just shops who hold January sales. The region’s finest orchestra are cutting their ticket prices this month as well. more
ARMY DREAMERS
16-01-2010
With many parts of Haiti in ruins, getting aid to survivors is no easy feat. Barbara Panvel argues that the Armed Forces have the skills and the manpower - but, sadly, not the time. more
Get Out More.................................Gig Preview
LANE ON THE ROAD
16-01-2010
We always try to encourage local new talent and smaller venues that deserve your support. Here’s the latest news of both. more
COUNCIL CUTS MORE THAN 1300 JOBS
15-01-2010
More than 1300 workers could lose their jobs at Birmingham City Council, as it tries to claw back an anticipated budget deficit – with Children, Young People and Families bearing the brunt. But officials insist the beleaguered Childrens’ Social Care department won’t be hit. more
A SENSE OF PROPORTION
15-01-2010
The recent weather has meant we’ve been feeling sorry for ourselves as we trudge to work and back. Dave Woodhall looks at it from another angle. more
UKIP MEP KO
15-01-2010
West Midlands MEP Nikki Sinclaire faces being booted out of UKIP after a youtube row with former party leader Nigel Farage – who recently stepped down only to fight the Westminster seat of Buckingham (held by Speaker John Bercow) at the General Election. more
Dave’s Villa Blog
DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT
15-01-2010
In which Dave Woodhall is most definitely not even contemplating the possibility of having to queue for League Cup final tickets. more
HEMMING WINS ROUND ONE IN “GAG” ROW
15-01-2010
Birmingham MP John Hemming has won the first round of his Commons battle against a legal firm who he claims were trying to “gag” him over the redevelopment of The Swan Shopping Centre site in Yardley. more
Richard Lutz’s Blog
THE CHILCOT CHILL
15-01-2010
It’s been a big week for uncovering more skulduggery over the Iraq invasion. And it all makes for an interesting run up to Blair’s appearance at the Chilcot Inquiry. Richard Lutz explains. more
Andy’s Blues Blog
FOREST CUT DOWN
15-01-2010
While Villa advance on Wembley in the Carling Cup, Blues are showing promising form in the FA’s knockout tournament – despite a disjointed midweek display. Andy Munro counts his blessings. more
OLD PEOPLE, NEW SOLUTIONS
15-01-2010
The reverberations continue over the closure of Underhill House in Wolverhampton. Rob Gready, Managing Director of Eclipse Home Care Service, based in Worcestershire, argues that old people's homes should not be the only option for the elderly. more
HUMAN TISSUE INACT
15-01-2010
The Human Tissue Authority admitted yestersday that it doesn’t have the power to intervene in the controversial Bodies Revealed exhibition in Birmingham – despite fears about how the specimens have been obtained. That’s just not good enough says Dr David Nicholl. more
THE BEST PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON...EVER?
15-01-2010
With Liverpool and Manchester United looking like empires in decline, and Manchester City threatening to break the Champions League cartel of the Big Four, Jonathan Stuart-Brown wonders if this is this the most exciting Premier League? Especially as Villa and Blues are in the running for Europe. more
Get Out More.........................Community Activity
A SENSE OF PLACE
15-01-2010
News of an interesting day of free activities in Handsworth next week, including a call for budding young journalists. Maybe they’d like to write for us as well? more
LAW CHANGE CALL AFTER UNDERHILL CLOSURE
14-01-2010
Campaigning councillor Steve Evans is calling for a change in the law after the remaining residents of Underhill House in Wolverhampton – including 106-year old Louisa Watts - were evicted yesterday. Evans says local authorities shouldn’t be allowed to close homes unless they are deemed to be failing. more
HEMMING "GAG" CLAIM TO BE HEARD IN COMMONS
14-01-2010
Birmingham MP John Hemming has secured an emergency debate in the Commons today to discuss claims that a firm of solicitors is trying to “gag” him. Hemming insists: “MPs have to be able to fight for their constituents”. more
LEADER SAYS “SORRY” FOR FAILING AT RISK CHILDREN
14-01-2010
Sandwell Council’s new leader Darren Cooper has issued an unprecedented apology after a government watchdog slammed its arrangements for safeguarding “at risk” children. more
Stay In More...........................Album Review
NEW YORK DOLLS - CAUSE I SEZ SO
14-01-2010
Dave Woodhall’s been playing the New York Dolls latest album for a few weeks and he’s finally come to the conclusion that you should listen to it, too. It’s definitely a grower. more
CASH SQUEEZE WARNING AFTER SCHOOL TRIPS AXE
14-01-2010
Birmingham schools can expect a further budget squeeze next year after free trips to the city's Museum and Art Gallery were axed. Cabinet Member Les Lawrence said the £1million cut was essential to save cash. more
TISSUES ISSUES
14-01-2010
Stirrer blogger Dr David Nicholl recently complained to the Human Tissue Authority about the Bodies Revealed exhibition at the Custard Factory, arguing that the bodies may have come from torture victims and executed prisoners in China. Their reply, which we print below in full, suggests the HTA doesn’t have the power to intervene anyway. more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
FOREST ON FIRE
14-01-2010
Terry Wills is one of the most placid, even-tempered men in Birmingham. The Albion must have done something awful to get him angry. more
RETURN OF THE LEAGUE
13-01-2010
One of the more depressing aspects of 2009 was the return of violence surrounding political demonstrations in the area. The problem may be about to start all over again. more
BRUISING ROW OVER DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
13-01-2010
Victims of domestic violence and their families are at the centre of a bruising political row in Walsall, following a vote at Monday’s Council meeting against restoring last year’s 50% funding cut. more
NEW BIRMINGHAM LIBRARY IS UPSIDE DOWN
13-01-2010
Although building has started on Birmingham’s new Central Library, details of the interior remain a mystery – despite claims that it had been designed “from the inside out”. Are the plans just upside down wonders Alan Clawley. more
SCREEN TEST
13-01-2010
Budding film-makers are being given plenty of opportunities to improve these skills with not one but two courses aimed at helping local talent. If you fancy yourself as the next Tarantino, read on.... more
TWO CHEERS FOR SANDWELL SCHOOLS
13-01-2010
It all depends on how you look at it really. The days when pupils in Sandwell got the worst education in the country have been left way behind after the local council leapt 19 places in the GCSE league table – but they are still among the bottom 20% in the country. more
A WOMAN’S PLACE
13-01-2010
Dave Woodhall fails to pick up a new television. He succeeds in making a not-so-remarkable discovery. more
Get Out More..............................Gig Previews
BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL/SYMPHONY HALL LISTINGS
13-01-2010
Courtney Pine, Fairport Convention and Beth Nielsen Chapman are some of the big names lined up for these Birmingham venues. Their PR man Lyle Bignon gives us the run-down. more
CHARLIE IS MY DARLIN'
13-01-2010
With the election less than five months away, the Liberal Democrats are seen as potential makeweights in a coalition with either Labour or the Tories. But Jonathan Stuart-Brown wonders if the traditional third party could find a way of raising their game. more
UNDERHILL EVICTIONS START
12-01-2010
The eight remaining residents of Wolverhampton’s Underhill House are being evicted this week. Four left today, and the remaining quartet – including 106-year old Louisa Watts – will go on Wednesday morning. more
ELECTION STARTS - IN BRUM COUNCIL CHAMBER
12-01-2010
Birmingham Council is meeting today, but any citizen who pops into the Chamber expecting to hear members discussing how best to deal with the issues affecting the city could be sorely disappointed. Instead, they are more likely to faced with a barrage of general election propaganda. more
GRIDLOCK RIDES INTO THE SUNSET
12-01-2010
The departure of Birmingham Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Len Gregory to the Mayor’s office isn’t before time reckons John Tyrrell – a former councillor who used to hold the Transport portfolio himself. more
Richard Lutz’s Blog
BOOKS
12-01-2010
Richard Lutz is proudly waving his Little Red Book of Books at us as the New Year begins. more
Get Out More...........................Film Previews
YOU SAY YOU WANT A CHEVOLUTION?
12-01-2010
We got one for you. At least, the Birmingham International Film Society have, as part of their new season of cult and rare cinema classics at the Birmingham Library Theatre. more
A RIGHT ROYAL ROW
12-01-2010
Prince Charles has been speaking up again recently for organic farming, much to the consternation of the traditional agribusiness lobby – represented by government advisor and former Northern Foods boss Lord Haskins. Barbara Panvel wonders which one is more unrepresentative. more
SANDWELL BUSES - HAVE YOUR SAY
12-01-2010
Do you use buses in or near Sandwell? Do you have an opinion about the service? If so, an event taking place next week may be just your thing. more
GRIDLOCK DIVERTS TO MAYOR
11-01-2010
Major changes are afoot in Birmingham’s ruling Cabinet with the news – revealed yesterday on The Stirrer Forum - that the Cabinet Member for Transport Len “Gridlock” Gregory is being lined up to take a year out from active politics by becoming Lord Mayor. more
GRIT STORY SLAMMED AS "IRRESPONSIBLE"
11-01-2010
Birmingham Council has denounced claims that it’s about to run out of grit as “irresponsible”. The Sunday Mercury reported yesterday that the local authority’s stocks would only last for 48 hours. more
JONATHAN ROSS, OVER AND OUT
11-01-2010
Jonathan Ross's departure from the BBC leaves one question still unanswered - how did a presenter with relatively low TV audiences attract such a huge salary? Jonathan Stuart-Brown offers a few clues. more
Andy’s Blues Blog
MAN UNITED SEE RED
11-01-2010
Andy Munro brings us up to date on happenings at St Andrews with an account of the 1-1 draw on Saturday. more
HIGH NOON LOOMS FOR PINEWOOD
11-01-2010
Stirrer blogger Jonathan Stuart-Brown - the man determined to bring a chunk of the UK movie industry to the West Midlands, presents his latest update on the goings on at Pinewood PLC, owners of Britain's main film production centre. He reckons there might be a takeover, and more foreign outsourcing - but hopes John Hurt will ride to the rescue. more
TRUST QUITS BODIES EXHIBITION
11-01-2010
The British Liver Trust has withdrawn its support for the controversial Bodies Revealed exhibition at Birmingham’s Custard Factory, following a one-man protest by Stirrer blogger Dr David Nicholl. more
SINGLE STATUS GETS MESSY IN WOLVO
10-01-2010
The messy business of Single Status shows no signs of disappearing, with Wolverhampton the latest local authority to grapple with the government’s well-intentioned but poorly thought out attempt to end pay discrimination among local government staff. more
Get Out More..........................Exhibition
MACHINE ENVY
09-01-2010
A selection of work by one of Birmingham’s finest photographers is about to be exhibited. Jeremy Clarkson should be pleased. more
Magazine Review
SOCCER HISTORY
09-01-2010
Contrary to what Sky would have you believe, football didn’t begin in 1992. Dave Woodhall looks at a magazine that examines in detail the history of our national sport. more
BODIES OF PROTEST
08-01-2010
Stirrer blogger Dr David Nicholl (aka Doc Dave) is staging a protest outside the Custard Factory in Birmingham tomorrow outside the Bodies Revealed exhibition. Dr Nicholl, a human rights campaigner, isn’t satisfied by explanations about where the specimens come from. more
70S' RETURN AS POWER CUTS LOOM
08-01-2010
Could Britain be in line for 70s'-style power cuts? The truth is that no one knows for certain – but Birmingham MP John Hemming reckons a continued spell of extreme weather can only make it more likely. He points out that there’s a conflict between the national interest and the profit motive of the gas companies. more
BODIES EXPLAINED
08-10-2010
Stirrer blogger Dr David Nicholl posed some awkward questions earlier this week about the source of the bodies used at the Bodies Revealed exhibition at the Custard Factory in Birmingham - and later called on the Human Tissue Authority to investigate. Here's the full response from the organisers Premier Exhibitions. more
LASAN - IT'S THE F'ING BEST
08-01-2010
Top Birmingham curry house Lasan has brought more culinary glory to Birmingham by winning the Best Local Restaurant award on Gordon Ramsay’s F Word last night. more
Get Out More........................film review
DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE MORGANS?
08-01-2010
Dave Woodhall makes further use of his unlimited Cineworld pass to spend a quieter-than-expected afternoon in the cinema. Just shows, some good can come out of this weather. more
SIMON SAYS - "I STAY"
08-01-2010
Erdington MP Sion has squashed rumours that he’s planning to stand down at the next election, telling friends that the story is “untrue tittle tattle”. Great – maybe now as Minister for the Creative Industries he’ll pull his finger out and do something to bring the film industry to the West Midlands. more
Get Out More..................................Exhibition
SEEING BIRMINGHAM
08-01-2010
The Birmingham Seen exhibition has already been hailed a great success. Dave Woodhall pops along and finds the hype justified. more
CASTING THE FIRST SOD
08-01-2010
After months of argument, work has finally begun on the new Library of Birmingham. The Stirrer braved snow and ice to witness the start of what promises to be a lengthy job. more
GONNA MAKE YOU A STAR
08-01-2010
Birmingham’s highly-acclaimed, home-grown musical returns to the city next year and budding local actors have the opportunity to pay a starring role. Here’s how you can get involved. more
BROWN COUP ATTEMPT "TOO LITTLE TOO LATE"
07-01-2010
The attempted coup by two former ministers against Gordon Brown appear doomed to failure, with no member of the Cabinet willing to take an open stand against the PM. Birmingham MP Khalid Mahmood said the plot was “too little too late”. more
Exclusive
“EDUCATION TAX” AS BRUM CHARGES FOR SCHOOL TRIPS
07-01-2010
Birmingham Council has introduced a “tax on learning” by charging children to visit the city’s Museum and Art Gallery. The admission fees, which apply to official school trips, were introduced without any fanfare on January 1st. more
JANUARY SALES
07-01-2010
Skint after Christmas? Here’s the Stirrer’s handy guide to helping your money go further. more
SIMON SAYS – “I QUIT?”
07-01-2010
Mystery surrounds the future of Erdington MP and Creative Industries Minister Sion Simon – with speculation that he could quit at the next election. more
WHATEVER THE WEATHER
07-01-2010
Dave Woodhall, rapidly becoming the Stirrer’s resident Grumpy Old Man, wants to know what the hell’s going on and where did all this white stuff come from? more
FOOD FIGHT
07-01-2010
Food is one of the battlegrounds of the forthcoming election, with Labour calling for greater self sufficiency and the Tories demanding the creation of an Ombudsman to protect farmers. Not before time reckons Barbara Panvel. more
GOOD GIG NEWS
07-01-2010
Small concert venues may be given a minor helping hand thanks to recent proposals aimed at reducing the amount of performances which need to be licensed. Dave Woodhall explains. more
Get out More.....................Panto Review
SLEEPING BEAUTY
07-01-2010
Pete Millington adds to our previous review of the classic tale at Birmingham Hippodrome. more
STIRRER’S SNOW UPDATE
06-01-2010
Here’s the Stirrer’s guide to all the information links you need during the current bad weather. more
HOT AIR ABOUT GAS
06-01-2010
Claims that Britain’s gas reserves could run out within a week during the current cold snap have dismissed as “nonsense” by Birmingham MP and energy security expert John Hemming. more
READ ALL ABOUT IT?
06-01-2010
Yesterday the Stirrer reported on the Express & Star’s bid to capture the Mail’s traditional territory. Dave Woodhall now reveals that winning the battle may be easier than they anticipated. more
Dave’s Villa Blog
THE MAGIC OF THE CUP (II)
06-01-2010
The league programme traditionally takes a back seat at this time of the year. As Dave Woodhall explains, this provides not one, but two, chances of glory for the Villa. more
FABBO GETS WIND UP OVER TURBINE PLAN
06-01-2010
Plans for a wind turbine close to Lichfield and taller than the city’s famous cathedral have been condemned by local MP Michael Fabricant as a “joke”. more
THE EAGLE’S FLYING HIGH
06-01-2010
It’s a tough job but someone’s ...etc. We asked Dave Woodhall to thoroughly research his favourite pub and tell us what makes it so special. more
LET HIM EAT CAKE
06-01-2010
During one of his most recent visits to Birmingham, Dudley MP and Minister for the West Midlands Ian Austin was scandalously duped by his ‘trusty’ civil servants at the Government Office West Midlands. “The Mole” reports. more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
THE MAGIC OF THE CUP (I)
06-01-2010
As our teams take time off from the league programme to begin the slippery path to FA Cup glory, Terry Wills seems familiar faces everywhere. more
"SICKENING" MARCH PLAN CONDEMNED BY YAQOOB
05-01-2010
Plans for a march by Islamic extremists through the streets of Wootton Bassett have been condemned as "sickening" by Birmingham councillor and Respect Party leader Salma Yaqoob. She described the leader of the protest Anjem Choudary as an "attention seeker". more
Doc Dave’s Blog
BODIES OF EVIDENCE
05-01-2010
The organisers of Bodies Revealed at Birmingham’s Custard Factory have so far failed to respond to our requests to identify the source of the specimens used in their exhibition – prompting fears that they may have been secured under duress. Now Dr David Nicholl, who raised the alarm, is demanding an investigation by the Human Tissue Authority. more
STAR SPOTTED OVER BIRMINGHAM
05-01-2010
The Express and Star has just relaunched its Birmingham edition. Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg welcomes the Black Country paper's re-emergence as a serious force in the Second City. more
LADYWOOD TO TURN BLACK AND BLUE?
05-01-2010
Unlikely as it may sound, Birmingham’s Tories are targeting the inner city ward of Ladywood for the next local elections in May. They just selected the Sharon Pennant to take on Labour veteran Carl Rice, with agent Dominic Fisher describing her as the Conservatives “first black woman candidate selected for a winnable seat in the city”. more
Kingy’s Wolves Blog
ONLINE MATCH IS NET LOSS FOR FANS
05-01-2010
Wolves’ thoughts will return to Premier League safety this weekend, after a fluky FA Cup at Tranmere. Like most fans, Brendan King missed the match as it was a late kick-off, screened on the FA website. more
SKIPPING THE SKIP
05-01-2010
Birmingham Council has just announced details of a new licensing regime for household skips. It can’t come a minute too soon for Stirrer reader David MacKenzie, who says his complaints about the issue have been ignored for far too long. more
A FIT OF PEAK
04-01-2010
Travellers using the region’s rail network may find themselves paying more than they expected from today. Dave Woodhall delivers a warning. more
WOOTTON BASSETT MARCH ECHOES EDL ROW
04-01-2010
The row over Islam4UK’s proposed march through WooTton Bassett has uncanny echoes of the English Defence League’s series of demonstrations in Birmingham last year. more
THE STIRRER'S STIRRER 2009
04-01-2010
The time has come to announce The Stirrer’s Stirrer of the Year 2009 – the individual or group which has done more than any other to hold officialdom to account. And the winner is… more
Andy’s Blues Blog
NOT OUT OF THE WOODS YET
04-01-2010
Blues narrowly avoided becoming the victim of an FA Cup upset at Nottingham Forest on Saturday, thanks to Robbie Earnshaw’s penalty miss. Andy Munro reflects on the gap between Premier League and Championship finishing. more
Stirrer Comment
ANSWERS NEEDED ON JEWELLERY QUARTER
04-01-2010
Now the festive period is out of the way, it’s time for Birmingham Council to clarify the future of the one of the city’s best loved and most historic districts – the Jewellery Quarter. more
Get Out More...............................Film Review
ST TRINIANS 2:
THE SEARCH FOR FRITTON’S GOLD
04-01-2010
Sequels rarely live up to the original so a sequel to an update of a 50 year-old series doesn’t hold much promise. Dave Woodhall spent an uncomfortable couple of hours at the cinema, in more ways than one. more
JEWELLERY QUARTER “TOP PRIORITY” – DESPITE CUTS
02-01-2010
Birmingham Council has vowed that promoting the city’s historic Jewellery Quarter remains a “top priority” – despite The Stirrer’s revelations that the Regeneration Partnership office and an Information Kiosk set up to promote the area are both primed for the axe. more
LIBRARY’S GROWING PAINS
02-01-2010
Has Birmingham Council leader Mike Whitby taken it upon himself to authorise a bigger library than the planning committee has authorised? It certainly sounds like it reckons campaigner Alan Clawley. more
MANUFACTURING SUICIDE SQUAD?
02-01-2010
Birmingham's Chamber of Commerce was condemned last year for advising firms on how to outsource to India. Now Andy Munro has spotted another own goal. more
Get Out More..........................Panto Review
GEORGE’S MARVELLOUS MEDICINE
02-01-2010
The Old Rep’s festive offering goes down in the most delightful way reckons Spaghetti Gazetti blogger Pete Millington. more
Andy's Blues Blog
HAPPY NEW YEAR
02-01-2010
Blues head into FA Cup action today, boasting a top eight league position. Andy Munro still can't quite believe it. more
ARISE LORD WHITBY?
01-01-2010
There was a notable omission from the New Year’s Honours List – Birmingham Council leader Mike Whitby. But for how much longer, one wonders – especially if the Tories win the next election. more
BODIES - NOT REVEALED?
01-01-2010
The Bodies Revealed exhibition at Birmingham's Custard Factory may expose the inner workings of human physiology. But Dr David Nicholl wonders if it hides darker secrets. more
THE GREAT LEAP FORWARD?
01-01-2010
An eleven match unbeaten run has brought to a close an excellent 2009 for Birmingham City. Steve Beauchampé reflects on a successful twelve months on and off the field. more
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