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October 2009
Exclusive
GERMAN MARKET COULD BE VERBOTEN
31-10-2009
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market which is due to start next month will be “verboten” if angry city centre publicans get their way. They’re planning to take advantage of a Council blunder to lodge objections to the event, in protest at it what they regard as its “special privileges”. more
AN UNFAIR COP
31-10-2009
A West Midlands Police officer has been “warning off” cinemas in Birmingham from showing the locally made gangster movie “One Day” which is released next week. more
Get Out More...............................Gig Review
COLIN BLUNSTONE/ROD ARGENT
31/10/2009
A pair of time-served rock legends returned to The Robin in Bilston this week – and Dave Woodhall was there to enjoy them. more
Get Out More............................Dance Review
MONTREAL DANSE
31-10-2009
Richard Lutz steps inside the Patrick Centre at the Hippo to enter a dark world. more
INQUIRY LAUNCHED AS HEMMING DEFENDS WNF
30-10-2009
Birmingham MP John Hemming has defended the controversial use of the city’s Working Neighbourhood Fund – even though reports today suggest the government has ordered an “urgent inquiry”. more
SORRY IS HARDEST WORD IN WATSON LIBEL
30-10-2009
West Brom MP Tom Watson is complaining that although The Sun has admitted libelling him, they haven’t printed an apology in today’s paper. more
RETHINK CALL ON BEATTIE'S UNDERHILL OFFER
30-10-2009
Opposition councillors in Wolverhampton are demanding a rethink of advertising guru Trevor Beattie’s offer to keep open Underhill House – home of 106-year old Louisa Watts and eight other elderly residents. more
WOLVES REBUKE OVER NEW RULES FOR DISABLED
30-10-2009
Wheelchair bound Wolves fan Brendan King who has been deprived of a parking space at Molineux this season has delivered a stinging rebuke to his own club after it tried to defend its changes to arrangements for disabled fans. more
NEWS FROM LONDON
30-10-2009
The decision on whether Birmingham's Central Library should be listed still hangs in the balance. Alan Clawley reports on the latest soundings from Culture Minister Margaret Hodge. more
GREENS BACK YAQOOB IN HALL GREEN
30-10-2009
Salma Yaqoob’s hopes of securing the Hall Green parliamentary constituency at the next election have received a boost with the news that the Green Party has agreed to stand aside and not field a candidate. more
Richard Lutz’s Blog
IT’S JUST NOT CRICKET
30-10-2009
Exiled Yank Richard Lutz is enjoying the climax of the laughably named World Series of baseball. The mad fool. more
Get Out More.......................Gig News
NEW TOWN HALL/SYMPHONY HALL DATES
30-10-2009
The Imagined Village, Tony Benn, Melody Gardot, Jamie Cullum, silent movies and ukeleles galore - yes, it's the latest Town Hall and Symphony Hall dates in Birmingham. Their PR mastermind Lyle Bignon takes us through the bookings. more
Martin Longley's Blog
JAZZ MIDDLEHEIM 2009 (Antwerp)
30-10-2009
It looks like Martin Longley is contemplating a permanent move to Belgium. He's back there again, this time attending the Jazz Middelheim festival in Antwerpen, but sadly not accompanied by his favourite photographer Anne Twerp... more
DISABLED FAN FORCED TO QUIT AFTER 60 YEARS
29-10-2009
A wheelchair-bound Wolves fan has been forced to stop going to Molineux this season after 60 years following the club’s decision to change its rules on disabled parking bays. 87-year old Thomas Jones says he is “bitter” about what's happened. more
IT WAS THE STIRRER WOT WON IT
29-10-2009
The libel victory of West Bromwich MP Tom Watson against The Sun newspaper in the High Court yesterday was secured courtesy of key evidence supplied by The Stirrer. more
EDGBASTON PLAN FACES JUDICIAL REVIEW
29-10-2009
Birmingham Council’s controversial £20million loan to Warwickshire Cricket Club is due to be rushed through at Monday’s Cabinet meeting – but residents are warning that they’re about to issue Judicial Review proceedings about the redevlopment of the ground. more
SALMA'S TV TIMES
29-10-2009
Respect Party leader and Birmingham councillor Salma Yaqoob has added another string to her bow – by becoming a TV presenter. more
POWERPOINT TO THE PEOPLE
29-10-2009
The future of Birmingham's historic Highbury Hall was under discussion at a public meeting last night - with the City Council offering to invest in maintenance of the grounds. Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Culture Martin Mullaney made a Powerpoint presentation, which we can share with Stirrer readers. more
Get Out More.......................................Gig News
LEAMINGTON ASSEMBLY ROOMS
29-10-2009
We're always keen to promote new live ventures on The Stirrer - so welcome to Leamington Assembly Rooms. Next month they'll be hosting Brummie prog rockers Magnum, plus the ever-reliable Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes. Here's the full listing. more
PAPER TIGER
29-10-2009
The green shoots of democracy are showing through in Birmingham again, after the city’s leadership announced a U-turn on its decision to withdraw the hard copy of agenda papers for Council meetings. more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
THE NET RESULT
29-10-2009
Just one goal in six games has left Albion outside the top two in the Championship – and fans like Terry Wills scratching their heads as to what’s gone wrong since the 5-0 demolition of Middlesbrough. more
JOBLESS CASH FILLS HOLE IN BUDGET
28-10-2009
Birmingham Council is diverting cash meant to combat unemployment to plug the hole in its budget. A scoop by Paul Dale in the Post today reveals that in the last 18 months just £2.5 million has been spent relieving joblessness – but £14million has gone on propping up the ailing Social Services department. more
A Stirrer Investigation
STUDENT FEAR AS COLLEGE AWAITS LICENCE
28-10-2009
A Birmingham college that teaches hundreds of overseas students every year has admitted it doesn’t currently have a licence from the UK Border Agency – despite claiming to do so on its website. Now there are fears that youngsters who’ve paid thousands of fees could lose their cash and be in breach of their visa requirements. more
LABOUR'S ATTACK ON DISABILITY BENEFITS
28-10-2009
Wheelchair-bound Stirrer Forum regular Brendan King highlights the government's shameful behaviour in threatening the benefits of disabled people - including him. more
Get Out More..........................Poetry News
FRED D’AGUIAR
28-10-2009
Poet Fred D’Aguiar, whose latest book has been shortlisted for poetry’s top gong - the £15,000 TS Eliot Prize - is dropping into Wolverhampton Central Library for a free reading tomorrow as part of Black History Month. more
EU WANT SOME?
28-10-2009
Remember how we were promised a referendum over the creation of a new European constitution? The Taxpayers Alliance do, and their Chief Exexcutive Matthew Elliot is urging you to do something about it. more
NEWTOWN BATHS TO RE-OPEN
28-10-2009
Swimmers in inner city Birmingham can celebrate today after it was announced that Newtown Baths will re-open early next year. more
Barbara's Blog
A CALL TO ARMS
28-10-2009
Britain's arms firms receive enormous government aid, but all too often fail to provide troops with the equipment they need. Barbara Panvel calls for a new approach. more
Get Out More..........................................Gig News
COLIN BLUNSTONE/ROD ARGENT
28-10-2009
A pair of oldies but goodies crop up at The Robin in Bilston on Thursday night, and Leamington's Assembly Rooms on Friday. Dave Woodhall can't wait. more
EVER BEEN AD?
27-10-2009
Hard up Birmingham Council bosses so desperate to raise cash they are considering putting ads in parks, on their fleet of vans and even workers’ uniforms. more
AT YOUR SERVICE?
27-10-2009
Service Birmingham, the Capita controlled partnership with the City Council hasn’t only been dragging its feet getting the local authority’s website to work efficiently – they’ve also been having problems with their own. more
WIN…WIN…WIN…WIN…WIN…WIN…WIN…
MATTHEW BOURNE’S DORIAN GRAY
27-10-2009
Acclaimed choreographer Matthew Bourne is back in town next month at the Hippordrome with an adaptation of the classic story Dorian Gray – and The Stirrer has two pairs of tickets to offer as prizes. more
WOLVES OFFERED WAY FORWARD
27-10-2009
Wolves supporter Brendan King and another disabled fan, 87-year old Thomas Jones have both been squeezed out of their regular parking spaces at Molineux this season - forcing Thomas to stop attending matches. Now Brendan updates the story, and although he's shying away from legal action, he offers what looks like a sensible way forward. more
PLANT JOINS THE Q FOR GLASTO
27-10-2009
Black Country music legend Robert Plant has been honoured at the Q Music Awards – and is now being touted for a Glastonbury spot. more
THE STIRRER FINDS OUT FIRST
27-10-2009
Hacked off Labour councillor has discovered something he didn’t know about Birmingham’s proposed new 50metre swimming pool – courtesy of The Stirrer. more
Andy’s Blues Blog
A TASTE OF PRAWN SANDWICHES
27-10-2009
Our Blues blogger Andy Munro goes hobnobbing with the match sponsors and meets up with new members of the Blues board. There’s even a pre-match chat with Big Eck. more
DOC DAVE HITS THE AIRWAVES
27-10-2009
Stirrer blogger Dr David Nicholl, hits the airwaves next Sunday on local radio station, Bridge FM, to drum up support for his local hustings idea, Best4bromsgrove. more
800 JOB CUTS "TIP OF THE ICEBERG"
26-10-2009
Unions representing thousands of local authority workers have called an emergency meeting today to discuss Birmingham Council’s plans to axe 800 jobs – news announced yesterday by city leader Mike Whitby on BBC1’s Politics Show. One official warned it could be “the tip of the iceberg”. more
Alan Clawley’s Library Blog
STUNNING
26-10-2009
News that Birmingham Rep will go dark for two years while the city’s new Central Library is built is a sign of things to come reckons Alan Clawley. But do we really know what we are letting ourselves in for? more
WOLVES “NO COMMENT” OVER AXON
26-10-2009
The leaders of Wolverhampton Council are refusing to comment on demands for an external audit of their relationship with management consultants Axon – who still haven’t been paid off despite being sacked from their job of overseeing Business Transformation last year. more
Richard Lutz's Blog
ANSWER TIME
26-10-2009
BNP leader Nick Griffin’s appearance on Question Time continues to divide opinion, with some commentators suggesting that the style of the show may have won new converts for the far-right party. Richard Lutz suggests the only answer is an outright ban. more
MULLANEY BACKS MIDLANDS MOVIE MOVE
26-10-2009
The bold plan to attract a major new movie development to the West Midlands – first aired on The Stirrer - has secured the backing of Birmingham Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Culture Martin Mullaney. more
GODIVA RIDES AGAIN
26-10-2009
Watch out for a ten feet high model of Lady Godivia heading from the Coventry to London as the West Midlands contribution to the 2012 Cultural Olympiad. Pete Millington interviews Jane Hytch, Kathi Leahy, Claire Maddocks and Andrea Simpson from Imagineer Productions who secured the £500,000 commission. more
COUNCIL BOSS QUITS IN "THEFT" SHOCK
23-10-2009
Sandwell council leader Bill Thomas is standing down following theft allegations. He's being replaced by Steve Eling. Here's the Counci's official statement: more
NICK GRIFFIN ON QUESTION TIME
23-10-2009
How did Nick Griffin’s Question Time debut go down with the great British public? Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg reports on five hours of phone-in on Talksport. more
WOLVES PROBE CALL OVER AXON DEAL
23-10-2009
Wolverhampton’s Labour councillors are calling for an enquiry into the local authority’s links to management consultants Axon solutions – the company charged with overseeing Business Transformation, but then sacked when the Conservatives were elected to run the Council last year. more
Get Out More..............................Theatre Review
SCROOGE
23-10-2009
It’s back again, this time starring the old maestro Tommy Steele. Terry Wills enjoys… more
ASBESTOS CONFIRMED ON ESTATE
23-10-2009
Hundreds of homes on a Wolverhampton housing estate are being investigated for suspected asbestos contamination. Nine cases have already been confirmed. more
MPS CALL FOR POST AND MAIL SHOWDOWN
23-10-2009
Planned changes at the Birmingham Post and Mail have run into parliamentary opposition, with Northfield MP Richard Burden demanding a meeting with owners Trinity Mirror. more
Get Out More.................................Event News
FRIENDS TAKE THE PLUNGE - AGAIN
23-10-2009
The Friends of Moseley Road Baths (FofMRB) group is staging its second Memories and Memorabilia day to celebrate the 102nd birthday of Moseley Road Baths, one of Britain’s most historic and architecturally significant swimming baths. more
BRUM'S CHANCE FOR MOVIE MOVE
22-10-2009
Birmingham as the centre of the British movie industry? “Let’s go for it” says Edgbaston MP Gisela Stuart following South Bucks Council’s decision last night to block a proposed expansion of Pinewood Studios. more
POST AND MAIL TO BALLOT FOR STRIKE
22-10-2009
Angry journalists at the Birmingham Post and Mail have announced they’ll ballot for industrial action on Monday following the loss of 40 newsroom jobs. more
Barbara’s Blog
HOME WORK
22-10-2009
This week Barbara has a tale of local enterprise, discretion and far more. more
ATHLETICS DEAL FINALLY CROSSES THE LINE
22-10-2009
The cream of the world’s athletes will be heading to Birmingham in the run-up to the 2012 Olympics with the United States' decision today to (finally) sign a deal to train in the city. more
Get Out More.........................Play Review
TWELFTH NIGHT (RSC)
22-10-2009
Actor Richard Wilson, he of the hangdog face, puts one foot on the Shakespearean stage in Stratford. Our critic Richard Lutz was in the audience. more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
TOP DOGS LOOKING RUFF
22-10-2009
So Albion are top of the Championship - but that's about the only good news coming out of The Hawthorns reckons Terry Wills. more
PUNCH AND JUDY RETURNS TO BRUM
21-10-2009
Good old fashioned Punch n’ Judy politics returns to Birmingham today, with a stinging attack on the city’s leadership by Labour’s Sir Albert Bore. He asks whether the Council is falling apart, and accuses Tory counterpart Mike Whity of “wasting millions on vanity projects.” more
"BETRAYAL" CLAIM AS POST AND MAIL JOBS AXED
21-10-2009
Birmingham Post and Mail staff are still reeling from yesterday’s news that 40 jobs are to go in the newsroom – along with 40 more in sales and distribution. The NUJ has accused owners Trinity Mirror of a “betrayal”, and members will meet today to discuss a ballot for industrial action. more
Get Out More.....................................Gig Review
FRANZ FERDINAND (Wolves Civic)
21-10-2009
Scottish quartet Franz Ferdinand brought their joyous, footstomping indie rock to Wolverhampton Civic Hall on Monday. Steve Beauchampé reports more
MOORPOOL RESIDENTS LAUNCH LEGAL BID
21-10-2009
Angry residents of Birmingham’s historic Moorpool Estate have launched a legal bid to overturn the planning permission granted to a developer for 16 new houses – in apparent defiance of the city’s own planning guidelines. more
Get Out More..............................Event News
FRIGHT NIGHT AT TOWN HALL BIRMINGHAM
21-10-2009
Here's a nice Halloween touch...the original 1925 movie Phantom of the Opera, plus a spinetingling live organ accompaniment by Radio 2's Nigel Ogden. more
Kingy's Wolves Blog
BRING ON THE VILLA
21-10-2009
The weekend's draw at Everton has lifted spirits among Wolves fans - with our blogger Brendan King looking forward to Saturday's renewal of derby rivalry against the Villa. more
SWINE FLU VACCINATION STARTS
21-10-2009
NHS Hospitals will begin vaccinating frontline healthcare workers and their patients who fall into “at risk” categories against swine flu from today (Wednesday). The vaccination programme will be rolled out over the next few weeks with GP surgeries receiving deliveries from Monday. more
Get Out More .............................Film News
REEL NEWS BENEFIT NIGHT (Oct 31)
21-10-2009
A special film gig at the Wagon and Horses, Adderley Street, Digbeth to raise cash for Reel News, an "activist video collective" who bear witness to campaigns and political struggles both in Britain and abroad. more
EDITORS AND 80 STAFF GO AT POST AND MAIL
20-10-2009
Birmingham Mail editor Steve Dyson and his Birmingham Post counterpart Marc Reeves are set to quit at the end of the year - and around 80 staff will be made redundant as owner Trinity Mirror bids to stem multi million pound losses. The Post will go weekly on November 12, and the Mail will become a morning publication. more
LIBRARY SHRINKS SQUARE – AND TAKES OUT FOUNTAIN
20-10-2009
Birmingham Council has been accused of starting work on the new Central Library – even though the scheme hasn’t received planning permission. The Stirrer has also discovered that the project will involve the relocation of a popular fountain, as the scheme expands its boundaries further into Centenary Square than was originally envisaged. more
COUNCIL CONFIRMS PLANNING PRIVATISATION REVIEW
20-10-2009
Birmingham Council has confirmed The Stirrer’s claim that it’s actively considering the privatisation of some or all of its planning department. The news is unlikely to be popular with trade unions, given that dozens of staff could face redeployment or even redundancy. more
HOUSE DISAPPEARS IN A PUFF OF SMOKE
20-10-2009
Oldbury man Dennis Coffey has been given a double punishment after being found guilty of growing cannabis plants. The courts issued him with a community order in March – and now Sandwell Homes are planning to evict him. more
BBC "ROLLING OUT RED CARPET TO FASCISTS"
20-10-2009
Birmingham MP John Hemming and Respect Party leader Salma Yaqoob are among senior politicians and trade unionists calling on the BBC to pull the plug on Nick Griffin's Question Time appearance this week. Unite Against Fascism, who've accused the Beeb of "rolling out the red carpet to racism and fascism" by inviting the BNP leader, are also planning a peacful protest at the Corporation's Mailbox HQ. more
CHURCH LEADERS CONDEMN “UNCHRISTIAN” BNP
20-10-2009
The Bishop of Birmingham is among more than a dozen church leaders in the city joining forces to condemn the British National Party ahead of this week’s “Question Time” appearance by party leader Nick Griffin. more
LONDON BIRMINGHAM "TRUMPS BORIS ISLAND"
20-10-2009
Birmingham International Airport has stepped up its campaign to place itself as a replacement for Heathrow’s controversial Terminal Three – which the Tories have pledged to axe if they are elected. more
COUNCIL PLANNING TO OUTSOURCE?
19-10-2009
Would Birmingham City Council ever consider outsourcing its planning department and handing the job to a private company like Capita? The rumours continue to buzz. more
POST GOES WEEKLY - ON BONFIRE NIGHT
19-10-2009
Expect fireworks from newspaper publisher Trinity Mirror in the next 24 hours, with confirmation that the Birmingham Post is going weekly – possibly as early as November 5. more
Get Out More....................................Play Review
THE IDIOT COLONY
19-10-2009
The Idiot Colony impressed an audience well-used to quality, thought-provoking drama. Paula Elenor was in the crowd on Friday night. more
Andy's Blues Blog
TAKING IT UP THE ARSENAL
19-10-2009
For all the hype about Carson Yeung's revolution, it was business as usual for Blues at The Emirates - a seemingly inevitable 3-1 defeat. But as Andy Munro reports, there was no lack of heart. more
Get Out More............................Music Review
CBSO/MARINSKY THEATRE (Symphony Hall)
19-10-2009
Two orchestras and two choruses working in tandem performing two large-scale works; so naturally The Stirrer sent two reviewers. Steve Beauchampé and Gary Whitehouse report on the CBSO/Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra collaboration at Symphony Hall. more
Trevor's Villa Blog
VILLA BEAT THE BLUES...
19-10-2009
...and in its way, defeating the Blues of Stamford Bridge is rather more significant for Martin O'Neill's side than defeating the other lot from St Andrews. Trevor Fisher reports. more
Get Out More..........................Theatre Review
DEEPCUT (Warwick Arts Centre)
19-10-2009
Richard Lutz spends 90 minutes of intense theatre as the Deepcut shambles is put under the microscope at Warwick Arts Centre. more
M&S PROTEST FOR SACKED WORKERS
17-10-2009
Union and community leaders will gather outside Birmingham’s main M&S store today (Saturday) to show their support for dozens of workers sacked by a local chicken processing firm. more
Underhill 1
"ACCEPT BEATTIE OFFER" PLEA
17-10-2009
Campaigning Wolverhampton councillor Steve Evans is calling on the local authority to think again about its decision to reject ad guru Trevor Beattie's offer to keep open Underhill House - an old people's home threatened with closure. The Council insists the home must close. more
CONFESSIONS OF A BRUMMIE MUMMY - CHAPTER 42
17-10-2009
Is she more Jane Austen heroine – or Bridget Jones? Brummie Mummy has some deciding to do. more
Underhill 2
"NO GUARANTEE" ON CARE STANDARDS
17-10-2009
106 year old Louisa Watts is among nine elderly residents of Wolverhampton care home Underhill House who face eviction because the City Council claims the property doesn't meet modern standards. But what quality will the facilities be like wherever they move to? more
LATE POST ARRIVES FROM THE 80'S
16-10-2009
80s music and clothes are fashionable again - and now the era’s industrial relations seem to be making a comeback too. How else do you explain the government’s attempts to browbeat Royal Mail workers into backing down from next week’s strike. more
BROUGHT TO BOOK
16-10-2009
Book borrowers are regularly being denied the chance to, er borrow books at Birmingham's Central Library. Disappointed Stirrer reader David Parker writes an open letter to Libraries supremo Martin Mullaney and his senior officials. more
SCREEN STAYS BLANK
16-10-2009
Another Birmingham Council Planning Committee – another month without the future of the city’s £1m Big Screen being discussed. And one insider says it’s “not on the horizon”. more
Get Out More................................Film News
BIFS PUNCHES ITS WEIGHT
16-02-2009
Respect due to Birmingham International Film Society which continues to fly the flag for European movies in the city. Their latest programme goes big on Hungary and some recent Scandinvian releases. more
Dave’s Villa Blog
GRUMPY OLD FAN
16-10-2009
The Premier League resumes after the international break, and Dave Woodhall is looking forward to Villa's big showdown against the Russian billionaire's glamour boys from Chelsea. Well, sort of... more
TWO MORE DIE FROM SWINE FLU
16-10-2009
Two more people have died of swine flu in the West Midlands this week bringing the total number of fatalities in the region to 11. The NHS is preparing to launch a mass vaccination programme – with priority given to “at risk” groups including front line staff. more
Martin Longley's Music Blog
THE GENT JAZZ FESTIVAL 2009: PART TWO (JAZZ PERIPHERALS)
16-10-2009
The enigmatic Melody Gardot plays at the London Jazz Festival next month. Martin Longley recently saw her wear beige at the Gent Jazz Festival in Belgium (amongst many others clad mostly in duller-hued garb)... more
Exclusive
SNEAK PREVIEW - BRUM GANGSTER MOVIE "ONE DAY"
15-10-2009
"One Day", a movie about guns and gangs set in Birmingham, was attracting acres of negative coverage, months before its release. Which goes to show you should never judge a book by its cover – or a move by its pre publicity. more
"JULIE MUST GO" - BUT HELP ME FIRST
15-10-2009
How this for a dilemma – the civil servant who was sacked after founding the “Julie Must Go” campaign is in the curious position of seeking help from the MP he’s trying to remove from office. more
FEMINISTS RECLAIM THE NIGHT - AGAIN
15-10-2009
This Saturday sees Birmingham's first "Reclaim The Night" demo in two decades, as feminists fightback against sexual assault. more
BRAMU – KNOCKING AT THE GATE
15-10-2009
Birmingham’s Racial Attacks Monitoring Unit is battling for survival in the face of numerous bureaucratic hurdles laid down by the City Council. John Tyrrell updates the situation. more
LEAVING BLUES "LIKE BEING DUMPED BY A GIRLFRIEND"
15-10-2009
Former Blues chairman David Gold said being asked to leave St Andrews following this week's takeover by Carson Yeung was like being ‘dumped by a girlfriend’. more
IS STAN THE MAN TO TOPPLE JULIE?
15-10-2009
The Stirrer’s revelation that Julie Kirkbride is reconsidering her decision to quit as Bromsgrove MP brought an instant response from one of the two independents hoping to replace her – Stan Francis. more
Barbara's Blog
BMI LECTURES
15-10-2009
Expert analysis of English Literature is on offer in a weekly series of lectures at the Birmingham and Midlands Institute. Let Barbara Panvel be your guide. more
PUBLIC WILL STAY OPEN INSISTS DEFIANT BADHAM
14-10-2009
Sandwell’s regeneration boss has insisted West Brom’s controversial £72million Public Arts Centre won’t be closed – despite an auditor’s report suggesting it might have to be mothballed or even demolished. more
SO WHO ARE THE FASCISTS?
14-10-2009
Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg reflects on efforts by Unite Against Fascism to blockade Television Centre on Thursday in an attempt to prevent BNP leader Nick Griffin appearing on Question Time. more
JULIE DOES WANT BROMSGROVE COMEBACK
14-10-2009
The Stirrer can confirm that Julie Kirkbride is thinking again about her decision to stand down as Bromsgrove MP at the next election. more
CLOSE OF PLAY - PART TWO
14-10-2009
Plans to close a unique recycling centre in Birmingham have been defended by the City Council – who say it’s an essential cost cutting measure in these recessionary times. more
Get Out More................................Gig News
ROCK FOR RIGHTS
14-10-2009
Top Italian punky hardcore types band Devocka are flying into Birmingham next week for an Amnesty International fundraiser and to promote the the Rock For Rights campaign. more
WOLVERHAMPTON – NO PLACE TO BE OLD?
14-10-2009
Are older people and other vulnerable groups bearing the brunt of Wolverhampton Council’s £40million cuts? The local authority insists not, but an exhaustive list compiled by the opposition Labour group is persuasive. more
POPE WANTS TO SEE SAXON HOARD
14-10-2009
The Stirrer understands that the Vatican has made enquiries about the Saxon Hoard which was on display at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery until yesterday. They hope the Pope can get an eyeful when he visits the city next year. more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
CLUB V COUNTRY
14-10-2009
The international break leaves Terry Wills musing on club v country - and whether Albion are serious contenders for Sol Campbell's signature. more
ROOTSY UB40 PLAY DIGBETH PUB GIG
13-10-2009
Reggae superstars UB40 get back to their Birmingham pub gig roots by playing next month at The Rainbow in Digbeth – a venue which has been threatened with a noise abatement order. more
CLOSE OF PLAY
13-10-2009
Birmingham Council makes much of its green credentials – but The Stirrer has discovered that the city’s only centre teaching young people how to recycle is being closed as a cost cutting measure. more
Get Out More.......................Gig News
THE SLITS
13-10-2009
Punk pioneers who crossed over into dub reggae make a long awaited - and entirely unexpected - comeback at Birmingham's Rainbow pub tomorrow night. more
Doc Dave’s Blog
FLIPPIN’ HECK? WOULD JULIE STAND AGAIN?
13-10-2009
Could Bromsgrove MP Julie Kirkbride be reconsidering her decision to stand down after being embroiled in the expenses scandal? David Nicholl receives some strange intelligence. more
Get Out More.............................Gig News
THE BIG PINK
13-10-2009
Hailed as the re-incarnation of those early 90s shoegazing bands, The Big Pink have plenty more to offer, as Mark Gunton discovers at the Kasbah in Coventry. more
50 METRE POOL NOT SUNK YET
13-10-2009
Agreement on financing a new swimming pool complex for Harborne, a row over the location of the delayed Olympic-standard swimming pool and a first step towards transferring the management of Birmingham’s leisure facilities to a Trust. Steve Beauchampé reports on eventful goings on at yesterday’s Birmingham City Council Cabinet meeting. more
Stay In More................................Book Review
SCARY BONES AND THE PIRATES OF BROWNSEA ISLAND
13-10-2009
Stirrer blogger and exiled Brumme Ron Dawson's latest book has passed the kiddie's bedtime reading test. Now Andy Goff (not to mention his 6-year old) can't wait for the next installment. more
Get Out More.........................Film and Events
7” LISTINGS
13-10-2009
7” Cinema, home of the wonderful Flatpack Film Festival, have sent us their latest eclectic list of stuff to do in the West Midlands and beyond. Let curator Ian Francis guide you through some artistic delights. more
COUNCIL REJECTS UNDERHILL RESCUE
12-10-2009
Wolverhampton Council has rejected an offer by advertsing guru Trevor Beattie which would have allowed one of the city's threatened old people's homes to stay open for a year. The local authority has repeated its assertion that it would need £2million to upgrade Underhill House - a claim described as "disingenuous" by one opponent of the plan. more
THE "CATTLE CLASS" MP
12-10-2009
As dozens of MPs await with dread today’s publication of a Commons’ audit into their expenses, at least one of their number has nothing to fear – John Hemming who can be spotted on most Friday afternoons travelling back to his Yardley constituency in Virgin’s standard class carriage. more
AD GURU OFFERS TO SAVE UNDERHILL
12-10-2009
Birmingham-born advertising guru Trevor Beattie has offered a last minute donation to save Wolverhampton’s Underhill House – home of 106-year old Louisa Watts and eight other elderly residents. more
BOLLYWOOD STEPS INTO BIRMINGHAM
12-10-2009
There are some weekends when Birmingham punches its weight as the capital city of a vibrant region. This was one of them. more
STIRRER EDITOR GETS DECENT SLEEP
12-10-2009
Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg can be heard this week on the UK's Commercial Station of the Year Talksport at the earlier time of 10pm - for one week only. A rare chance for the overnight presenter to get a decent night's sleep. Tune in between Monday-Thursday on 1053 or 1089 AM, DAB radio, or online at www.talksport.net
GOBBLEDEGOOK SPAWNS GOBBLEDEGOOK
12-10-2009
Northfield MP Richard Burden recently complained that Birmingham Council’s constituency budgets were full of “gobbledegook”, designed to confuse rather than enlighten. The Council’s response? Er, more gobbledegook. more
THE BEST LAID PLANS…
12-10-2009
Is Birmingham’s new Central Library being built in the wrong place? Campaigner Alan Clawley checks out the planning history of the site, and wonders why the City Council chose the site between The Rep and Baskerville House. more
DRESS TO IMPRESS – PART ONE
12-10-2009
Should lecturers at a Birmingham college be forced to stick to strict dress standards? Absolutely, says Andy Munro. more
DRESS TO IMPRESS – PART TWO
12-10-2009
Should lecturers at a Birmingham college be forced to stick to strict dress standards? Absolutely not, says Sam Ross. more
MIDLANDS MOVIE FANTASY WINS SUPPORT
12-10-2009
Moves to shift the UK movie industry from Pinewood to the West Midlands – first aired on The Stirrer – are gathering momentum, with MPs Richard Burden and Gisela Stuart both offering their support. more
EDL FOLLOW UP BRUM RIOT WITH MC/R DEMO
10-10-2009
The English Defence League are staging their first demo since last month’s mini-riot in Birmingham when they take to the streets of Manchester this weekend. Unlike their counterparts in Brum, council bosses in the north-west tried to have the gathering banned. more
NEC “SELL OFF” MYSTERY
10-10-2009
Birmingham Chamber of Commerce has dismissed claims that it stands to gain £500,00 from the sale of its shares in the NEC group to Birmingham City Council – insisting that it has “no financial interest whatsoever” in the organisation. more
WIN......WIN.....WIN.....WIN......WIN........WIN
SCROOGE TICKETS
10-10-2009
Here's a half term treat for you..the chance to see the legendary Tommy Steele in the record-breaking London Palladium version of Scrooge. We've got three pairs of tickets to win for the show on Wednesday October 21. more
JOHN RUSSELL R.I.P.
10-10-2009
The first programme controller at BRMB, John Russell, recently passed away. Robin Valk, who presented the rock show in the station's 70s heyday, remembers him with affection. more
THE STIRRER’S SELLY OAK PUB CRAWL
10-10-2009
Two decades ago, Selly Oak was an authentic blue collar suburb with a university on its doorstep – and at least ten pubs. Now it’s become Studentville, how do the boozers compare? more
"MORE SOCIAL WORKERS NEEDED" FOR AT RISK KIDS
09-10-2009
Standards of care for vulnerable children in Birmingham won’t improve until the Council hires more social workers and invests in improved IT according to one insider. Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg has also called for heads to roll in senior positions following this week’s report which said the department was “unfit for purpose.” more
Exclusive
£2 MILLION UNDERHILL UPGRADE "NOT NEEDED"
09-10-2009
Claims that a Wolverhampton old peoples’ home is having to close because it needs a £2million upgrade have been undermined by an admission obtained by The Stirrer confirming that it doesn’t, in fact, have to meet costly new standards. The revelation prompted one angry councillor to accuse the local authority of being “disingenuous”. more
Andy’s Blues Blog
TURFED OUT
09-10-2009
Carson Yeung’s arrival in the St Andrews boardroom can’t hide Blues plight in the Premiership. Andy Munro sees Blues lose at Burnley and calls for urgently needed investment. more
DIRECTORS TURNS TO ATHLETICS
09-10-2009
Midlands movie director Mark Locke has just finished his new video with Artsfest headliners Athlete and he can’t wait to share it with Stirrer readers – especially as the proceeds go to the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. more
TV TIMES AGAIN – PART FIVE
09-10-2009
Howard Elston holds his head in his hands and crouches behind the sofa as he endures a fifth and final day of unmitigated local news. The poor man can stand no more. more
Martin Longley's Music Blog
The Gent Jazz Festival 2009 [Part One: Hardcore Jazz]
09-10-2009
Guitarist Bill Frisell and trumpeter Christian Scott are lined up to play the London Jazz Festival next month. Martin Longley caught this hot pair of Stateside cats at the recent Gent Jazz Festival [amongst many other hot cats]... more
Barbara's Blog
THROWING AWAY THE KEY
08-10-2009
In a week when the Prison Governers' Association called for the scrapping of jail terms under 12 months, Barbara Panvel considers the alternatives - including farm work for those incarcerated. more
BIG SCREEN, BIG DREAM
08-10-2009
We are 14 days from a once in a generation opportunity for the West Midlands to dramatically transform its image both nationally and internationally. Jonathan Stuart-Brown updates us on his plan to make this region the movie capital of Britain. more
Get Out More.............................Gig Review
RICHARD HAWLEY (Birmingham Town Hall)
08-10-2009
It says everything about Hawley’s ascent that he could leave out arguably his finest song– and still deliver an awesome performance that brought the Town Hall audience to its feet last night. more
RESIDENTS FORCED OUT AS UNDERHILL BATTLE LOST
08-10-2009
106-year old Louisa Watts and eight other pensioners will be forced to leave their homes at Wolverhampton's Underhill House following defeat in their latest legal hearing yesterday. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
SUNLIGHT – THE BEST DISINFECTANT
08-10-2009
How much are we entitled to know about the crimes punished in our courts? More than our friends in the media currently allow us reckons Laurence Inman. more
Get Out More................................Theatre Review
EVITA (Birmingham Hippodrome)
08-10-2009
Another stunning production of the Lloyd Webber musical about the Argentinian political idol, lapped up Terry Wills. more
THE JOURNALIST’S JOURNALIST
08-10-2009
A journalist from Dudley is taking part in an eight-cornered fight to win one of the most scrutinised jobs in the media industry. Miles Barter reckons the region’s hacks should support him. more
TV TIMES AGAIN (Part 4)
08-10-2009
It’s Beeb versus Central in our week log dust up over who is king of regional news. Howard Elston has his calculator out to look at what the insiders call ‘story count.’ more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
STOPPING THE ROT
08-10-2009
With virtually a quarter of the season gone, Albion are clinging to the second promotion spot in the Championship - but only just. Terry Wills takes limited comfort from a goalless draw at Preston. more
Exclusive
PLUG PULLED ON 50 METRE POOL
07-10-2009
Plans for Birmingham Council's flagship 50 metre swimming pool will shortly be scrapped– as predicted a fortnight ago on The Stirrer. more
IS BIA LONDON’S NEW AIRPORT?
07-10-2009
The Conservatives decision to abandon the third runway at Heathrow if they’re elected has left the way open for Birmingham Airport to pitch itself as an alternative – especially if a High Speed Rail Link is installed to the capital. more
REPORT AUTHOR "NOT CONSULTED" ABOUT LAUNCH
07-10-2009
The Chair of the Inquiry probing Birmingham’s woeful safeguarding childrens’ services has written to fellow members of the committee explaining that he wasn’t consulted about the details of Monday’s press launch – from which they were excluded. more
TV TIMES AGAIN (Part 3)
07-10-2009
Howard Elston digests another lump of regional news and sees how the BBC and ITV handle local matters when not much is happening. more
WOLVES WALKOUT OVER LATEST CUTS
07-10-2009
Labour councillors in Wolverhampton staged a walkout last night after their Conservative and Lib Dem rivals rejected proposals to subject the latest round of cutbacks to a full Scrutiny investigation. more
TORIES BACK CALL TO SCRAP POSTAL VOTING
07-10-2009
Two Tory backbenchers in Birmingham are lobbying Council boss Mike Whitby in an attempt to get postal voting banned, following the recent allegations of fraud in the Sparkbrook by-election. more
A SITE FOR SORE EYES
07-10-2009
Birmingham Council's revamped website has been named as the 20th best in the UK – but an alternative site created by local bloggers continues to go from strength to strength. more
Get Out More................................Film News
BIFS LISTING
07-10-2009
In the absence of a dedicated arts cinema for the city, Birmingham International Film Society is doing a damn fine job on a limited budget of screening movies from around the world at their Library Theatre base. Next week's double bill is from Denmark. more
MPS, COUNCILLORS BARRED FROM BRIEFING
06-10-2009
Two Birmingham MPs were shut out of yesterday’s press briefing about the Council’s failure to safeguard vulnerable children – while opposition Labour leader Sir Albert Bore said the first he knew of it was when he read a media briefing in the morning. more
COUNCIL HIRES SUN HACK TO PLAY HARDBALL
06-10-2009
The tabloid hack hired by Birmingham City Council to oversee media coverage of their troubled Social Services department has boasted playing “hardball” with awkward journalists – and even withdrawing advertising from newspapers who don’t toe the party line. more
TV TIMES AGAIN (Part 2)
06-10-2009
Howard Elston is our man with the remote as he continues his week long comparison of Midlands Today and Central Tonight. Which has the upper hand? Which one is better for the viewers? more
Doc Dave’s Half Marathon Blog
RUNNING ON EMPTY
06-10-2009
As Birmingham prepares for the World Half Marathon championships later this week, David Nicholl reports how the real winners will not be the athletes at the front but the charity runners slogging it at the back- himself amongst them. more
TWO SISTERS DENY "VICTORIAN" FLASHBACK
06-10-2009
The Black Country firm which sacked dozens of workers for walking off the production line in support of their suspended union reps has hit back at claims that its industrial relations “hark back to the Victorian age”. more
”REGGIE PERRIN” WALSALL MP WAS SPY
06-10-2009
Former Walsall MP and government minister John Stonehouse who famously faked his own death has been named as a Communist spy in a new history of MI5. more
INDIAN SIGN
06-10-2009
The daughter of Stirrer Forum regular “Barnard Hobbit” has set up an online petition to get justice for a British woman who was sexually assaulted in India – and we’d urge all readers to sign it. more
BIRMINGHAM CHILD PROTECTION "NOT FIT FOR PURPOSE"
05-10-2009
Child protection in Birmingham is “not fit for purpose” according to a devastating report published today by backbencher Len Clark. The inquiry highlights how vulnerable children are often screened by the most inexperienced staff. more
“HARD HITTING” REPORT INTO CHILDRENS’ SERVICES
05-10-2009
A hard-hitting report into Birmingham’s care of vulnerable youngsters will be unveiled today – as the local authority seeks to head off further government intervention by improving on its current “inadequate” rating. more
FIFTY FIVE SACKED AS "VICTORIAN TIMES" RETURN
05-10-2009
Fifty five workers have been sacked by Black Country chicken processor Two Sisters for leaving their production line in support of five suspended shop stewards. Perry Barr MP Khalid Mahmood has accused the company of “living in the Victorian age”. more
Andy Munro’s “Not A Balti” Blog
OPUS (Cornwall St, Birmingham)
05-10-2009
He’s normally a connoisseur of the best baltis in town, but just this once Andy Munro opts for some “fine dining”. His choice? The highly rated Opus in Birmingham’s business district. more
TV TIMES – AGAIN (Part 1)
05-10-2009
A year ago The Stirrer took a week-long look at regional news and compared Central Tonight on ITV with Midlands Today on the BBC. Today, we’ve hauled our critic Howard Elston out of cold storage to see if things have improved or deteriorated in the past 12 months. more
HOT AIR?
05-10-2009
Like other local authorities, Birmingham Council has targets for cutting its CO2 emissions as part of the government’s plan to combat climate change. But as Happy Head reports, the figures don’t tell the whole story. more
UNIVERSITIES FAIL CHALLENGE
05-10-2009
None of the universities in Birmingham or the Black Country makes the Top 20 in the latest edition of The Times authoritative Good University Guide – but Warwick is ranked sixth. more
GATE GATE
05-10-2009
It’s emerged on The Stirrer forum that Birmingham taxpayers fork out £310,000 a year to a private firm just to lock and unlock gates in the city’s parks. Now the Cabinet Member Leisure Martin Mullaney is promising an enquiry. more
TOILET SHAMBLES IN WEDNESBURY
03-10-2009
Cottaging has forced the closure of Wednesbury’s town centre toilets in The Shambles. Not so much public conveniences as inconvenient for the public. more
Get Out More.................................Event Preview
JAMES RANDI
03-10-2009
Want to do something more challenging on a Saturday night than compare Strictly Ballroom with X Factor? Why not catch up with one of the world's foremost free thinkers as he makes his British debut at the Old Joint Stock in Birmingham. more
CONFESSIONS OF A BRUMMIE MUMMY (Part 41)
03-10-2009
The aftermath of that disastrous job interview. And, as the clocks go forward another meeting with Ian - including a shock admission. more
BONFIRE SETTLED FOR, ER, BONFIRE NIGHT
03-10-2009
Wolverhampton's city bonfire in West Park has been confirmed for Thursday, 5 November after the original Saturday date had to be cancelled. As The Stirrer reported yesterday, plans to move the event to the Friday also had to be scrapped. more
‘The City Sings’ Blog
BLOWING THEIR OWN TRUMPET
03-10-2009
The first in a series of regular updates by composer Helen Ottaway about her City Sings project, commissioned to mark the re-opening of MAC next year. more
Audrey's "Grow Yer Own" Blog
HARVEST TIME
03-10-2009
Thinking of growing your own food? Audrey Miller offers some timely pointers. more
Get out More...........................................Gig News
WORLD UNLIMITED LISTINGS
03-10-2009
In their 20th year, World Unlimited continue to offer some of the most enterprising gigs in the West Midlands, including Japanese folk punkers Asakusa Jinta who'll perform at the Hare and Hounds this month with a marching band. Here's the latest W.U. listings for October and November compiled by Graham Radley. more
Stirrer Investigation
THAT EDL DEMO: SOME UNANSWERED QUESTIONS
02-10-2009
Following last month’s disturbances in Birmingham during an English Defence League demo, when more than 90 people were arrested, The Stirrer reckons there are still some unanswered questions for West Midlands Police. more
LABOUR SCRAPE HOME IN WEDNESBURY
02-10-2009
Labour have held on to the Wednesbury South seat on Sandwell Council - but Olwen Jones scraped home by just 60 votes. The result will be a blow to the Tories who failed to capitalise on anti government sentiment and a local row about parking charges. more
Get Out More...........................Gig Review
JOAN BAEZ
02-10-2009
Original folk revivalist checks in at Symphony Hall, and promptly sells out. Richard Lutz admires the voice – but no without reservations. more
BNP BELL PLEADS FOR SECOND CHANCE
02-10-2009
BNP activist Mike Bell has made a plea to be re-admitted to The Stirrer Forum days after making an astonishing threat to "unleash the wrath of the -gods". Bell has apologised for his comments, which he insists were "tongue in cheek". more
Get Out More...............................Play Review
EAST IS EAST
02-10-2009
From stage to screen to back again, Ayoub Khan-Din's Rep original has come back home after more than a decade of globetrotting glory. Paula Elenor susses out if it's stood the test of time. more
BONFIRE BUNGLE FIRES UP RACECOURSE
02-10-2009
Bungling Wolverhampton Council has been forced to change the date of its annual Bonfire Night display – for the second time in a week. Cue fireworks behind the scenes, not least at the city's Dunstall Park racecourse. more
Get Out More....................................Gig News
DAVID GRAY, GERVAISE PHINN, CHRIS REA, ANDY HAMILTON
02-10-2009
These are the headline names from the latest batch of new dates at Birmingham's ever enterprising Town Hall and Symphony Hall Arenas - along with an an Xmas comedy show and a Sergeant Pepper tribute. Let their PR mastermind Lyle Bignon mark your card. more
Get Out More.....................................Film News
ELECTRIC CINEMA LISTINGS
02-10-2009
Birmingham's independent cinema has the remastered Godfather, a Q&A with Shane Meadows about his latest movie and a load of funny stuff to mark the Comedy Festival. Here's their latest release. more
GODSIFF CALLS FOR EDGBASTON LIGHTS DEAL
01-10-2009
Birmingham MP Roger Godsiff is calling on the City Council to withold its £20 million loan for the redevelopment of Edgbaston unless retractable floodlights are installed. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
READ ALL ABOUT IT
01-10-2009
Not content with reading one book at the time, Laurence Inman has four on the go. more
Richard Lutz’s Blog
GOLD
01-10-2009
The Staffordshire Saxon hoard is pulling in the punters at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery – but what do they find after joining the queue. Richard Lutz investigates. more
Stay In More.......................................Telly Preview
GENERATION KILL
01-10-2009
So what did the creators of The Wire, David Simon and Ed Burns, do next. Generation Kill, an Iraq war mini series based on the book by journalist Evan Wright, that's what. Paul Samuels goes goggle for a show starting on Channel 4 on Monday. more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
THE SUPERIORITY COMPLEX
01-10-2009
Two league defeats in a row have derailed Albion’s promotion push, leaving Terry Wills to wonder if they’re suffering a superiority complex. more
Martin Longley's Music Blog
STEVE MARTIN & THE STEEP CANYON RANGERS
01-10-2009
Steve Martin (yes, that Steve Martin) is set to make his UK banjo-ing debut, booked in at London's Royal Festival Hall on the 9th November. Martin Longley recently witnessed him fast-pickin' in New York City at the Rubin Museum of Art. more
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