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NEWS THAT MATTERS, CAMPAIGNS THAT COUNTfor Birmingham, the Black Country and beyond
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Birmingham Dance Festival 2008 click
The Stirrer interview with Sgt John Jones' mother click
Nigel Hastilow interview click
Stirrer TV interview with Robin Valk click
Michael Richardson reads an extract from his new book - Careless Talk click
and see The Stirrer interview click
The presentation for the VTP 200 - the most eye-catching building in Birmingham for years. click
Dave Heeley's mammoth marathon fund-raiser next year click
Manchester Disunited And Other Football Feuds click
"Little Moscow" is a dark collection of short stories by local lad Mick Scully. click
Paul Martin's debut animation - Cyst click
Labour deputy leadership contender John Cruddas launches his campaign at the Millennium Centre in Wednesbury. Click
Former Warwickshire all-rounder Paul Smith talks candidly to Stirrer TV about his book "Wasted" click
Keen as ever to give a leg up to local talent, The Stirrer is delighted to give you the chance to sample a couple of tracks recorded last October at the Alexandra Theatre by Caraway. click
Medal winning athlete Tanni Grey Thompson introduced a new line for wheelchair users and other disabled people. click
The Stirrer talks to the deputy chairman of the broadcasting regulator Ofcom click
The Stirrer at the Hope Not Hate event click for Tom Watson and Billy Bragg interview
Sylvia King is best known as the inspiration behind the controversial Public Arts Centre in West Bromwich. click
Bearwood writer Will Buckingham's debut novel "Cargo Fever" was launched recently - and you can see an interview and watch him reading it here. click
Vincent Hickey who spent 19 years in jail was talking in an exclusive interview with Stirrer TV. click
Watch the Stirrer's interviews with Gary Taylor click here and John Madin click here
Rageh Omaar explains why Bush and Blair were good for Bin Laden click
MALLON - WHY BRUM NEEDS A MAYOR click
See Francis Maude and Birmingham Council leader Mike Whitby talking about the deal now on Stirrer TV. click
Fred Grove talks to The Stirrer about his battle to keep his house in the face of redevelopment. click
Watch Paul Martin's excellent animated film - William The Cog click
The Stirrer Interview with Selly Oak MP, Lynne Jones click
Personal Best - The story of Blind Dave click
The Stirrer interview with Cath O'Flynn click
The Stirrer talks to Ron Watts about starting The 100 Club in London 30 years ago click
The referee who was denied the chance to officiate in the Premier League by racism at the highest levels of the game. click
TUTU’S DEBT MESSAGE TO BRUM
10-05-2008
Nobel Peace winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu has sent a message of support to campaigners fighting global poverty in Birmingham. Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg will be hosting one of the key events at next week’s Journey to Justice celebration, marking the tenth anniversary of the Jubilee Debt Campaign. more
Dr Mansfield’s Blog
SHARP WORDS ABOUT VACCINES
10-05-2008
As one of the few doctors in the country willing to offer seperate measles, mumps and rubella vaccines, Dr Peter Mansfield is a controversial figure in the medical world. In his first monthly update for The Stirrer he re-opens the debate on MMR, wonders why the French live longer, and chews over the vitamin debate. more
Dave’s Villa Blog
CRUISERWEIGHTS AIM TO MOVE UP IN CLASS
10-05-2008
Villa enter the final game of the season with European football a tantalising possibility. Who knows, success might just persuade Gareth Barry to stay, but either way, Dave Woodhall isn’t losing any sleep. more
PEER STOKES EXTREMISM ROW
10-05-2008
The government says that it wants to prevent violent extremism by “winning hearts and minds” – er, except when those hearts and minds belong to democratically elected members of the BNP, apparently. Professor Mick Temple reports on a curious retreat. more
NEW ARTY FACTS DISCOVERED AT WOLVES CIVIC
10-05-2008
Gig goers in the Black Country have a new website to enjoy…Arts Wolverhampton which will showcase some of the less raucous acts at the city’s hugely successful Civic Hall complex. more
GRUNDY: WHY I HAVE TO STAND
09-05-2008
Birmingham councillor Cath Grundy has told The Stirrer she’s decided to stand for election as Sir Albert Bore’s deputy to encourage a “more inclusive” style of leadership. more
HEMMING “UNREPENTANT” OVER FAMILY COURT ROW
09-05-2008
Birmingham MP John Hemming declared himself “unrepentant” and vowed to continue his battle to open up the Family Courts – despite fierce condemnation by a judge yesterday. more
Get Out More........................................Theatre Review
DR DOOLITTLE (Birmingham Hippodrome, until May 17)
09-05-2008
Tommy Steele stars in the stage adaptation of this famous movie. Terry Wills hears him talk to the amazing, lifelike animals. more
Stirrer Comment
MORE CHAMPAGNE FOR ROVER…LESS WHINE
09-08-2008
Confirmation that car making is to resume at Longbridge in August is a cause for celebration …but while we pop open the champagne, can we do away with that well-matured Brummie whine? more
ALBERT BACKS WARD AS GRUNDY LAUNCHES CHALLENGE
09-05-2008
Birmingham’s Labour leader Sir Albert Bore is calling on colleagues to back his current deputy Ian Ward in the face of a challenge from Catherine Grundy. Her decision to fight for Ward’s position comes just weeks after she threatened to stand down from her role as a Kingstanding councillor, citing a heavy workload. more
Kingy’s Wolves Blog
ONE MORE SEASON FOR MAD MICK
09-05-2008
In the end, Wolves missed out on a play off-place by just one goal, but our Molineux blogger Brendan King reckons it was a lucky escape. He names the three players his team must keep to launch a successful promotion bid next season. more
MODERN NURSERY RHYMES
09-05-2008
Bit of a laugh for Friday. Here are a few nursery rhymes - updated for 2008. more
Get Out More.....................................................Gig Review
NICK CAVE (Academy, Birmingham)
09-05-2008
The Gothfather returned to Brum this week for a sell-out show at The Academy, and against all the odds, he sent the crowd home smiling. Paul Samuels appreciates one of Rock's true curiousities. more
Get Out More................................................Film News
7 INCH CINEMA LISTINGS
09-05-2008
The grooviest left-field movie (and music) listings in the West Midlands. Don't go out until you've checked out what's on here. more
BRUM WELCOMES LIE DETECTORS FOR BENEFIT CHEATS
08-05-2008
Birmingham City Council has welcomed the extension of so-called “lie detectors” to identify housing benefit cheats after piloting the technology last year. The government has announced that funds will made available to extend the scheme nationwide. more
Exclusive
RED ROUTE SCRAPPED AS TORIES SEAL WOLVES ALLIANCE
08-05-2008
Wolverhampton’s Conservative party will lead the City Council in alliance with the Liberal Democrats following last Thursday’s election breakthrough – but they insist it’s not a coalition. One of their first actions will be to scrap a controversial, jambusting Red Route. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
JESSIE MAE BANNER HEADLINE
08-05-2008
Read to the bottom and it will all make sense. Blimey, it’s frightening what a touch of sunshine can do to a man. Especially that bit about the underwear. more
Get Out More..................................Theatre Review
TESTING THE ECHO (Birmingham Rep, until Sat)
08-05-2007
Brummie David Edgar's play about nationhood and identity enjoys a (very) short run at The Rep. Catch it while you can, advises Paula Elenor. more
Get Out More................................Concert News
CBSO WITH ANDRIS NELSONS
08-05-2007
The CBSO's new music director Andris Nelsons has just announced details of his first season, starting in September - and variety is to the fore. more
MULLANEY CLEARED AFTER HAT-TRICK OF COMPLAINTS
08-05-2008
Martin Mullaney is innocent – OK? The Birmingham councillor has been cleared by the local government Standards Board after being on the receiving end of his third complaint in as many months. Once again, your favourite website was implicated. more
McCLAREN "RESPECTED COACH" SHOCKER
08-05-2008
Reader Glyn Berrington launched his campaign to have former England boss Steve McClaren withdrawn from the BBC’s summarising squad for this year’s Euro Championship. In response the Beeb have come up with an astonishing claim – they reckon Macca is “respected”. Oh really? more
Get Out More.................................Theatre Review
SHOUT (Birmingham Alexandra, until Sat)
08-05-2008
Blimey, this one’s proving popular. Here’s our second review in two days of this swinging 60’s singalong starring Clare Sweeney, and Vicki Pollard’s older sister, Su. Terry Wills dances in the aisles. more
Barbara's Blog
FREE MONEY
08-05-2008
Does the supply of money have to rely on interest rates set by the Bank Of England? Not according to Austin Mitchell who - in the tradition of great Birmingham MP Thomas Attwood - wants to see more cash issued, interest free, for public works. more
Exclusive
WHITBY LIVES THE HIGH LIFE ON PRIVATE JET
07-05-2008
The Stirrer can reveal that Birmingham council leader Mike Whitby lived the high life by flying to the MIPIM property exhibition in Cannes on a private jet – while his colleagues travelled “cattle class”. more
A Stirrer Investigation
LANGUAGE PROBLEMS CONTINUE FOR WALSALL STUDENTS
07-05-2008
The Walsall language school which has kept hundreds of students waiting months for their exam certificates has broken a promise to reopen at the end of April. We’ve also discovered that one of the key figures behind the school has been in similar difficulties before. more
"BACK BORIS" SHOCKJOCK SACKED
07-05-2008
Former Central TV presenter James Whale has been sacked from his show on national radio station Talksport for urging listeners to vote for Boris Johnson in the London mayoral election. He had his contract terminated on Friday after 12 years. more
OH NO! McLAREN'S BACK FOR ENGLAND
07-05-2008
Former England boss Steve McLaren is back – but thankfully only as a BBC summariser for this summer’s Euro championships. You know, the tournament we failed to qualify for when he was manager. Glyn Berrington is so outraged he’s getting up a petition calling for Mac to get the sack - again! more
Get Out More…………………………….Theatre Review
SHOUT (Alexandra Theatre, until Saturday)
07-05-2008
Dubbed “the ultimate '60s feelgood musical” and starring former Brookie star Clare Sweeney, Shout is in town this week. Theresa and Joe Millington deliver the verdict. more
A Stirrer Campaign
CERYS GETS £800,000 - BUT THE FIGHT GOES ON
06-05-2008
The Stirrer is proud to offer its support to the family of Cerys Edwards – the Sutton Coldfield toddler today awarded £800,000 after being left brain damaged and paralysed by a speeding motorist. Cerys’ parent are appealing for a change in the law after Antonio Singh Boparan was given a sentence of just 21 months for dangerous driving. more
BAGGIES OWN GOAL OVER PREMIER CELEBRATION
06-05-2008
West Bromwich Albion chairman Jeremy Peace has scored a PR own goal by turning down a celebration of the club’s first silverware for 40 years. Sandwell Council wanted to mark the achievement with an open top bus tour of the borough, but the Baggies are refusing to play ball. more
FLYING PIGS IN WOLVERHAMPTON?
06-05-2008
Following their success in the local elections, Wolverhampton's Conservatives are meeting tonight to discuss a possible coalition with the Liberal Democrats. But as Matthew Revell reports, that's not the only option. Could Labour and the Tories come together in a "flying pig" scenario? more
Exclusive
JUG OF ALE TURNS FLAT AS LANDLADY QUITS
06-05-2008
The landlady of Moseley’s legendary pub rock venue the Jug of Ale has admitted she’s in the dark about the future of the landmark building when it closes at the weekend – but fears it will be demolished to make way for flats. In an exclusive Stirrer interview, Anne Garside also revealed she’s been given less than a fortnight to leave her home of 20 years. more
ALBERT WARNS "BRUM KHAN APPOINT AYOUB AGAIN"
06-05-2008
Birmingham’s Labour leader Sir Albert Bore is warning that the city’s credibility is at risk if Liberal Democrat councillor Ayoub Khan is re-appointed to the city’s cabinet. Khan claims he’s the victim of a smear campaign after being implicated by the Mirror newspaper in a postal voting scandal. more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS
06-05-2008
Imagine the tedium of being a Manchester United or Chelsea fan. You will never experience the exquisite joy of seeing your team achieve its first Championship for 88 years – but Baggies fan Terry Wills has. more
Exclusive
KHAN DEMANDS POLICE PROBE INTO POSTAL VOTE CLAIMS
05-05-2008
The councillor at the centre of the latest allegations of postal voting fraud in Birmingham has asked the police to investigate. Ayoub Khan, a Liberal Democrat member of the city's ruling coalition, claims he's the victim of a smear campaign and says he he'd welcome a re-run of Thursday's local election poll. more
JUG EMPTIES FOR THE FINAL TIME
05-05-2008
One of Birmingham’s most famous rock venues, the Jug of Ale in Moseley, is closing next week, following months of rumours about its future. The final gig will be on Sunday. more
Weekend Footy Round Up
BAGGIES JUST CHAMPION, BLUES SLIP AGAIN
05-05-2008
West Brom celebrated their first Football League title for 88 years, winning 2-0 at QPR on their way to the Premiership. It looks as though they’ll swap places with Blues who lost a relegation cruncher against Fulham. Villa still harbour European hopes despite losing to Wigan, while Wolves narrowly missed out on the play-offs. more
WOLVO TORY REVELS IN “DECAPITATING” LABOUR
05-05-2008
The leader of Wolverhampton’s Conservatives has described his joy at “decapitating” Labour at Thursday’s Council elections when five Cabinet members lost their jobs. But he insists no deal has yet been done on a coalition with the Lib Dems and joked – “We might leave Labour to it.” more
CALLING LONDON
05-05-2008
Pete Millington sees a silver lining for the West Midlands in Boris Johnson’s election as Mayor of London. Are you ready to become the nation’s capital? more
CUBA UNHEELED
05-05-2008
Birmingham movie buffs will soon have the chance to see an expanded range of world cinema in the city with the launch on Thursday of a new international film club. They’re kicking off with a Cuban season boasting four titles which have never been seen here. more
GUANTANAMO JOURNO RELEASED
05-05-2008
BBC journalist gets taken hostage and it's front page news. Al Jazeera cameraman gets banged up in Guantanamo Bay, and the world looks the other way. Except that, as David Nicholl reports, he's finally been set free. more
Poet’s Corner
TURNING OVER A NEW LEAF
05-05-2007
Supermarkets are just sooooo last year. In 2008, with a global crops crisis upon us, we’re all turning to growing our own. Food for thought, reckons Brendan Hawthorne. more
THE STIRRER’S BLOG
03-05-2008
Local Council elections…a promotion party…a trip to Lasan…and 100,000 visits to this website. Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg sums up another hectic seven days. more
Exclusive
JOHN HEMMING, THE MUSICAL
03-05-2008
The Stirrer is delighted to bring readers an exclusive clip of Birmingham MP John Hemming, whose debut single is released as a download next week. The track, “Bring The Sunshine In”, is aimed at highlighting miscarriages of justice against mothers and fathers. more
DEVOLUTION FOR ENGLAND?
03-05-2008
Now that Scotland and Wales have progressive, devolved governments, should England have one too wonders Barbara Panvel. more
Callum’s Blues Blog
KEEP RIGHT ON?
02-05-2008
Blues have a six-pointer againt Fulham, then a home match against Blackburn to save their Premiership skins. Callum O' Connell isn't putting his house on it. more
Get Out More...............................Comedy News
RICH HALL (Wolves Civic, 9/11/08)
03-05-2008
Is there a top name comedian who isn’t at the Civic Hall this year? Steve Coogan, Jimmy Carr….and now US king of deadpan Rich Hall. more
FUJITSU WORKERS HEAD FOR JOB LOSS SHOWDOWN
03-05-2008
Workers at Solihull’s Fujitsu telecom factory where 140 jobs are threatened aren’t going down without a fight. Abigail Lawrence Jones of the Communications Workers Union explains why the plant - recently praised by Gordon Brown - must be saved. more
Dave’s Villa Blog
THE PRICE IS WRONG
03-05-2008
As Villa head into the final furlong with Europe on their minds, Dave Woodhall makes a surprising plea – for higher ticket prices! more
Gebby’s Top Tips
NEWMARKET JULY MEETING
03-05-2008
The Stirrer’s resident racing pundit Paul Gebhard – fresh from a double success at the Cheltenham Festival – tells us he’s “very, very confident” about this weekend’s Newmarket meeting, which features the first two classics of the Flat racing season. more
Election 08
LABOUR TOPPLED IN WOLVERHAMPTON
02-05-2008
Voters in Wolverhampton delivered a massive snub to Gordon Brown by voting out the city’s Labour administration. Four cabinet members and the Mayor all lost their seats. more
Election 08
GREEN JOY AS SOLIHULL TURNS BLUER
02-05-2008
Solihull’s Green Party proved unlikely allies to the Conservatives by picking up their first seat in the borough - unseating the Labour leader in the process. The Tories now have full control of the previously hung authority. more
Election 08 - Birmingham
LABOUR GETS THE BLUES AS BRUM TORIES TAKE SIX
02-05-2008
Mike Whitby hailed the dawn of “urban Conservatism” as the Conservatives snatched six seats from Labour in Birmingham – including traditional working class heartlands like Stockland Green and Weoley. more
Election 08
TORIES HOLD WALSALL, DUDLEY
02-05-2008
The Conservatives held on to both Dudley and Walsall Councils – which in the light of national trends is no surprise. In Dudley they gained four seats, while in Walsall there was no movement. more
Election 08 - Sandwell
HONOURS EVEN AS TORIES GAIN THREE IN SANDWELL
02-05-2008
Sandwell’s opposition Conservatives maintained their recent progress in the borough – but Labour were able to claim it was a successful night after losing only three seats overall. more
Get Out More...........................Boxing News
AMIR KHAN (NIA, June 21)
02-05-2008
Tickets for Olympic silver medallist Amir Khan’s first West Midlands bout go on sale at noon today…and as a bonus there’s a former Blues player on the undercard. more
Get Out More………………………………………..Dance Review
HAVANA RAKATAN (Birmingham Hippodrome, until Sat)
02-05-2008
Direct from Cuba, it’s one of the first big shows of Birmingham’s International Dance Festival, and a breathless Terry Wills just can’t get enough. more
BIRMINGHAM ELECTION COUNT 2008
The feed will go blank when the broadcast finishes but the conversations continue at The Stirrer forum - click here to join the live feed thread
SWIMWEAR POSTER GETS MATALAN IN HOT WATER
01-05-2008
Posters of women in bathing suits have been taken down in the last 24 hours after being defaced in Birmingham’s predominantly Muslim suburb of Sparkbrook. Now a city councillor wants to establish a committee with powers to censor advertising hoardings. more
A Stirrer Campaign
"JABS FOR ALL" CALL AS TB OUTBREAK HITS 30 SCHOOLKIDS
01-05-2008
The Black Country grandmother fighting for the reintroduction of TB jabs in schools has warned that there will be further outbreaks across the West Midlands unless urgent action is taken. It was revealed yesterday that 30 pupils in Aston have contracted the illness. more
SANDWELL TORIES SHRUG OFF POSTAL VOTING PROBE
01-05-2008
The leader of Sandwell’s Conservative party has dismissed allegations of postal voting fraud which are being investigated by police. more
Mullaney Malarkey 1
STIRRER CITED IN LATEST MULLANEY STANDARDS PROBE
01-05-2008
Controversial Birmingham councillor Martin Mullaney has been reported to the Local Government Standards Board – again! The latest complaint follows comments made on The Stirrer. more
Mullaney Malarkey 2
THE STIRRER AND MR SAFDAR ZAMAN
01-05-2008
The Stirrer has been named in a complaint to the local government Standards Board about Birmingham councillor Martin Mullaney. We’d like to put the record straight – and extend an invitation to Mr Safdar Zaman, who thinks he’s been unfairly criticised on this website. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
FEUD FOR THOUGHT
01-05-2008
Hyenas and donkeys on the loose in a Birmingham restaurant? Laurence Inman was there. more
SIX WORDS FOR SANDWELL
01-05-2008
Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg is backing a project run by West Brom-based community arts organisation Multistory to find ways of spinning a yarn about Sandwell - in just six words. more
VULTURES SWOOP ON WORLD’S POOREST
01-05-2008
Later this month, hundreds of campaigners from around the world will descend upon Birmingham to mark the tenth anniversary of the Human Chain protesting against Third World Debt. Barbara Panvel examines what’s happened in the last decade. more
Get Out More.........................................Theatre Review
HOW TO TELL THE MONSTERS FROM THE MISFITS
(B’ham Rep, until May 17)
01-05-2008
The Rep premieres Paul Lucas’ quirky detective comedy in their studio theatre The Door. We put Paula Elenor on the case. more
AMNESTY SHINE LIGHT ON OLYMPIC TORCHURE
01-05-2008
Following the success of their CIA torture video, Amnesty International has now turned its attention to China’s human rights abuses with a witty new animation. more
For earlier articles please see The Stirrer Archive - click here
THE STIRRER'S BLOG ROLL
Friends of Birmingham Library "Back To The Modern Exhibition" online exhibition click here
Get Out More - Gig Guide
THE ROBIN 2, BILSTON
Updated listings from now until September.
click for listing
Just what the West Midlands needs - another giant supermarket. Residents in Shirley are fighting back against plans for a new Asda which will see precious parkland gobbled up, and could threaten the local traders who have already survived the onslaught of more than half a dozen large stores. Here's their story. more
A TASTE OF SPAGHETTI - Pete Millington is a one-man writing factory. Not content withregularoutput for The Stirrer, he's found time to pull together the latest edition of his excellent magazine Spaghetti Gazetti, dedicated to local life and culture.
It's seriously good.
Birmingham City Council Chief Executive Stphen Hughes explains the council position on single status click here to watch the film
LOCAL ELECTION MANIFESTOS 2008
Available - click here