News that matters, campaigns that count for Birmingham, the Black Country and beyond http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/thestirrer.xml news The Stirrer en-gb Mon, 8 Feb 2010 12:18:13 +0000 editor@thestirrer.com(Editor) Mon, 8 Feb 2010 12:16:12 +0000 general webmaster@thestirrer.co.uk(Webmaster) FeedForAll v2.0 (2.0.2.9) http://www.feedforall.com Union officials have hit out at Birmingham City Council’s “consultancy culture” following The Stirrer’s revelation that two retired local authority officials have been re-hired at top rates of pay by the department which is simultaneously planning hundreds of job losses. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/union-blast-at-council-080210.html 993251DE-4AEB-4122-ACC5-7E0FCD4FDEF2 Mon, 8 Feb 2010 12:16:12 +0000 Cadbury’s workers will judge their new owners by their actions, not their deeds, but in her first major interview since the takeover, Kraft CEO Irene Rosenfeld has re-asserted her belief in the company’s Birmingham base – at the same time as shying away from any pledge on jobs. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/cadbury-boss-avoids-pledge-080210.html BCC074F0-D746-44DD-979A-C10B9AA21A8F Mon, 8 Feb 2010 12:15:52 +0000 After the huge leap forward in digital and 3D technology over recent years, this is a “back to basics” Disney cartoon, boasting old school, hand-drawn animation. Yet for all that, Adrian Goldberg finds its lacking in the company’s traditional sparkle. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/princess-and-the-frog-080210.html DC45E457-19B6-431C-B870-0BDAE5F58FCF Mon, 8 Feb 2010 12:15:36 +0000 Rail passengers in the Black Country will have their fingers crossed today when the local transport authority debates a motion to re-instate the rail link between Wolverhampton to Walsall which was axed last year. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/wolves-walsall-train-due-080210.html 03B67879-9680-47C8-83AB-7DAEF28F2524 Mon, 8 Feb 2010 12:15:17 +0000 On TV these days, we are blessed with two (count ‘em,…two) brilliant dissections of our island. And, wow, are they different, says Richard Lutz. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/top-telly-080210.html 86326800-A0C7-4D65-AC94-02246C5394B9 Mon, 8 Feb 2010 12:15:00 +0000 Just when you thought that it was impossible to manage a full-on crawl in the Brummie ‘burbs, here’s a heartwarming tales of (mostly) busy boozers. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/pub-crawl-hall-green-080210.html 446B94D1-FEF0-48DE-BD68-7BC426315BE9 Mon, 8 Feb 2010 12:14:42 +0000 Birmingham Council’s spin department has moved into overdrive with a new publication delivered with local newspapers called Soul Of The City. Remarkably, it fails to document the local authority’s shameful role in trying to suck the soul from the city, and close down some of the region’s funkiest nightlife. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/can-you-dig-it-080210.html CA914225-E853-450E-8EBE-0F2499BBC65B Mon, 8 Feb 2010 12:14:23 +0000 Yesterday’s 2-1 win against Wolves leaves Blues in a comfortable mid-table berth, but what are their chances of pushing on? Andy Munro assesses the comings and going of the transfer window. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/gardener-leave-080210.html 5C30508C-593C-44A8-A59B-9AE9FCDDFD51 Mon, 8 Feb 2010 12:14:05 +0000 Sion Simon’s baffling decision to stand down as an MP has attracted a queue of admirers for his Erdington constituency including one, as yet unmentioned, big hitter – union boss and Labour party treasurer Jack Dromey a.k.a. Mr Harriet Harman. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/dromey-vies-for-erdington-seat-050210.html 457E24D1-3FFC-4FB5-A4E1-6A5351151262 Fri, 5 Feb 2010 09:45:29 +0000 The Stirrer can reveal that Birmingham Council has hired a controversial education officer accused to telling schools not to sack bullies – as more details emerge of the Gravy Train still rolling through the Children, Young People and Families department where 1300 jobs are threatened. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/controversial-bristol-schools-boss-050210.html A5B71755-C768-4712-BF3E-A9D1794E2E4E Fri, 5 Feb 2010 09:45:12 +0000 Done Dublin? Bored with Barcelona? ‘Ad it with Amsterdam? If you’re looking for a stag weekend with a difference it seems the next boom town is a bit closer to home. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/gone-paintballin-050210.html 2D02E5A1-DDD3-4284-8569-380DADBD1129 Fri, 5 Feb 2010 09:44:54 +0000 Richard Lutz gets ready for the Super Bowl despite hating the system that gave it birth. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/not-so-superbowl-050210.html 578E8DD0-7E37-412E-8296-7B667EABBD59 Fri, 5 Feb 2010 09:44:36 +0000 Could Birmingham Council’s parks reorganisation leave the city without the professional expertise needed to comply with the law? It certainly looks like it. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/feeling-parky-050210.html 108FD2BB-222C-4BA4-9C63-96FBFC659765 Fri, 5 Feb 2010 09:44:20 +0000 Not content with living large on expenses, our elected representatives have come up with another little ruse to piss off voters - automated email filters that prevent voters corresponding with them on the big issues of the day. Which is something of a problem if, like Audrey Miller, you want to engage them with something really important. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/youve-got-mail-050210.html B6809D21-F816-48B7-9960-F49C1844FE41 Fri, 5 Feb 2010 09:44:03 +0000 The region has definitely missed the Midlands Arts Centre since it closed for refurbishment in April 2008. Finally, the date for its re-opening has been announced. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/return-of-the-mac-050210.html 72AFF4CC-1581-45CE-9C51-907C55C10C40 Fri, 5 Feb 2010 09:43:45 +0000 Here’s our guide to the best shows in the region over the weekend. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/five-for-the-weekend-050210.html F0BC218C-85C8-44B4-99B3-2540823E67F9 Fri, 5 Feb 2010 09:43:28 +0000 Blackpool in February to is a trip to test the most foolhardy of souls. And that includes Terry Wills. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/oh-i-do-like-to-be-050210.html 9C6E236F-961F-411D-87D7-BF961EBC45CE Fri, 5 Feb 2010 09:43:04 +0000 Police in Wolverhampton are investigating a councillor’s threat that funding cuts to the city’s African-Caribbean Resource Centre would lead to riots. Sandra Samuels is also being reported to the local government standards board. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/police-probe-wolvo-riot-threat-040210.html 31C80072-E47A-4515-A7AE-830D83B317D8 Fri, 5 Feb 2010 09:42:29 +0000 Outspoken Yardley MP John Hemming has called on Gordon Brown to apologise for “taking the piss” out of Brummie bus users. Hemming was angry after being mocked for raising the issue of the Number 41 route at Prime Minister’s Questions yesterday. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/hemming-apology-call-040210.html 0A7C5727-8082-4296-BF3B-F02D6B51C13B Thu, 4 Feb 2010 10:50:14 +0000 Sparkhill residents last night unanimously rejected proposals for a privately funded swimming pool on the Moseley School site in Springfield Road. Steve Beauchampé reports on a highly charged meeting. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/pool-plan-hits-choppy-waters-040210.html B6FB3460-A304-4321-9354-C656B155CF0B Thu, 4 Feb 2010 10:49:56 +0000 Two vastly different bands tread the boards of the Robin 2 this week. Seventies rockers Nazareth will be followed by eighties fashion victims Sigue Sigue Sputnik, but thankfully not on the same night. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/rockin-robin-040210.html 0AE4B7D1-11D7-4BA5-AB59-52846D518645 Thu, 4 Feb 2010 10:49:39 +0000 Sion Simon’s surprise decision to stand down as Erdington MP opens up an intriguing race to replace him as Labour candidate at the next election. Runners and riders include a local councilor who previously missed out in controversial circumstances, a top union official and – surprise packet, this – a telly historian. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/after-sion-simon-040210.html 8CCCA6E0-7D25-48F0-8B08-14A29FD5E6DA Thu, 4 Feb 2010 10:49:22 +0000 The controversial “Bodies Revealed” exhibition may have left own at the end of the last week- but as Stirrer blogger Dr David Nicholl (who broke the story) reveals) the debate isn’t over. Last week, Dr Richard Taylor, MP raised the matter in the House of Commons and Doc Dave spoke to Premier Exhibitions about allegations made by a whistleblower. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/bodies-revealed-040210.html 70F23059-45F5-44E3-B36F-407695AFE71A Thu, 4 Feb 2010 10:48:58 +0000 The campaign to win an apology for the thousands of "home children" exported from Britain to lives of forced labour in Australia has enjoyed considerable success - but as we've noted before, the kids shipped off to Canada still remain largely ignored. Here's campaigner John Willoughby's passonate letter sent last month to Gordon Brown. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/oi-gordon-040210.html C8CAD533-AECD-426D-ACD1-44E16AADD229 Thu, 4 Feb 2010 10:48:47 +0000 West Bromwich residents have got the chance to make sure their town gets on the telly courtesy of fashion makeover icon Gok Wan. But be quick about it. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/make-gok-stop-040210.html 4C564600-F8F6-4C62-BD9E-F7668E05E76D Thu, 4 Feb 2010 10:48:19 +0000 Back to pessimism for our Wolves blogger Brendan King as a creditable draw against Liverpool was followed by two dropped points, FA Cup defeat and no more signings. He’s not best pleased. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/the-unhappy-wanderer-040210.html 5231F749-7D2D-4B46-984C-DFD6A4650AEE Thu, 4 Feb 2010 10:48:08 +0000 Birmingham’s new Central Library was going to be “15% bigger than originally planned” boasted Council leader Mike Whitby recently – but what, we wondered, did that mean? Campaigner Alan Clawley finds that size isn’t everything. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/bigger-library-shrinking-030210.html 2A00CAF1-5618-4847-B551-EBD5287E8BCC Wed, 3 Feb 2010 14:20:30 +0000 The legacy of outgoing Royal Mail boss Adam Crozier is ever lengthening queues in the nation’s shrinking collection of post offices – not to mention job insecurity for dozens of workers at a Black Country sorting office. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/black-country-post-jobs-fear-030210.html 59D0FA93-1AE1-45DE-B55D-E09D80E94899 Wed, 3 Feb 2010 14:20:13 +0000 Peter Sampson is currently living in China and he is perhaps able to look on the country he left behind from a better perspective than commentators back in England are able to. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/when-i-think-of-england-030210.html D07B0BFC-2769-4BB7-9946-B2495C6B04E1 Wed, 3 Feb 2010 14:19:54 +0000 Birmingham leisure supremo Martin Mullaney has agreed to enter the “lion’s den” tonight and attend a public meeting over the future of Sparkhill Swimming Baths – just days after withdrawing from the event. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/leisure-boss-enters-030210.html 843CB4D8-BCDA-4FE8-AEDB-1D5487C80F70 Wed, 3 Feb 2010 14:19:36 +0000 How can you tell if a politician is lying? His lips are moving. Who can blame the public for having such a cynical attitude to their elected representatives when the likes of Sion Simon insist they are staying in parliament – only to announce they are standing down little more than three weeks later. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/simon-has-a-mayor-over-resignation-030210.html B59B795D-8728-4163-B37D-8179DCE70C54 Wed, 3 Feb 2010 14:19:20 +0000 Curious news reaches the Stirrer’s ears about Birmingham Council’s Childrens, Young People and Families Department which is already reeling from 1300 potential job losses. It seems that more cuts are imminent – yet for senior officers, the gravy train rolls on. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/cuts-cuts-and-consultant-030210.html 512C5DCD-13AE-4742-8C85-0F489C799EB7 Wed, 3 Feb 2010 14:19:03 +0000 Ladywood MP Clare Short claims she was “misled” by Tony Blair in the run-up to the war in Iraq – but how come her colleague Robin Cook saw through the former PM a full two months earlier? more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/short-also-has-blood-on-her-hands-030210.html DB97C2F2-A60F-4A1F-A682-D21C618FDBF6 Wed, 3 Feb 2010 14:18:35 +0000 Proof that comedy comes in many forms comes with two very different shows that have been announced for the Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton. Slapstick humour from Circus Hilarious and award-winning comedian Sean Hughes both appear within a few days of each other. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/laughs-with-wolves-030210.html 3AF7C553-42BE-4DE1-AE0D-ABAA0870EFEF Wed, 3 Feb 2010 14:18:16 +0000 It seems likely that Pope Benedict will be visiting the West Midlands during his UK visit this year. Dave Woodhall wonders whether this will be such a good idea. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/papal-fallability-030210.html FA038945-C05C-431A-BBCB-CBF334FE7062 Wed, 3 Feb 2010 14:17:59 +0000 Cadbury workers are heading to London today seeking reassurances over jobs and investment from new owners Kraft - but local councillor Nigel Dawkins warns that the only way to protect British companies in future will be to change the law. He says we have to backtrack on the “everything’s for sale” culture. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/cadbury-councillor-calls-for-end-020210.html AA4B2B93-7785-4915-B6B1-042B4862C18C Tue, 2 Feb 2010 12:24:49 +0000 Are Birmingham pupils being held back by social deprivation and the lack of English as a first language? “Yes,” says a leading city education official - but one Stirrer reader disagrees, and they’ve got the figures to prove it. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/the-language-of-success-020210.html 3CDF327E-1AC6-493C-B722-A5503F4E25F6 Tue, 2 Feb 2010 12:24:30 +0000 Dave Woodhall harks back to a golden age when the summers were warmer, beer was thruppence a pint and a new breakthrough in aural pleasure was going to last forever. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/an-old-world-record-020210.html 0BC11323-7970-4E90-AA47-8F3DEA06BAEC Tue, 2 Feb 2010 12:24:11 +0000 After a terrific show last year at Birmingham Town Hall, soul legend Candi Staton returns to the West Midlands in April for a gig at The Robin in Bilston. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/candi-staton-020210.html 8123D1B7-6399-47F5-AACC-0018B2EAF982 Tue, 2 Feb 2010 12:23:54 +0000 Residents in two Birmingham suburbs last night turned up by the bus-load to a public meeting to protest against the withdrawal of a bus route, only to find the meeting abandoned as the venue as too small. Kevin Chapman reports. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/bus-stopped-brassed-off-020210.html 63BC5B83-54C2-4568-A0AF-93D8CA321400 Tue, 2 Feb 2010 12:23:34 +0000 The Stirrer wouldn’t normally trouble you with a “cat up tree” story, but in this instance we’ll make an exception – because it calls into question the responsiveness of the Fire Service and the RSPCA. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/cat-stuck-up-tree-020210.html ADE0BC95-273F-469B-B6EA-164656A6FB24 Tue, 2 Feb 2010 12:23:18 +0000 The campaign to get a fair deal for disabled Wolves supporters who lost their parking spaces this season jumped from The Stirrer to Radio Five Live – and finally secured a promise of consultation from the club’s Communications Officer Matt Grayson. Now, as Brendan King reports, the club has been as good as its word. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/wolves-push-wheelchairs-020210.html 4A3779D2-BEA6-4575-9360-1221F5F4F819 Tue, 2 Feb 2010 12:23:01 +0000 It may still be winter but in our hearts we’re looking ahead to the festival season, and one intriguing new prospect has already caught our eye. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/in-the-festive-season-020210.html 167FB756-0067-466C-B73B-33AE867CC528 Tue, 2 Feb 2010 12:22:44 +0000 A second show by Crowded House, a fancy dress salsa ball and a chance to go bear hunting are the latest attractions explained away by the venues’ PR man Lyle Bignon. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/town-hall-and-symphony-hall-020210.html C5EA4F74-21D9-413E-96D0-02D498290224 Tue, 2 Feb 2010 12:22:17 +0000 Amnesty International have released details of a crackdown on anti-government protestors in Iran. Here’s what you can do to help their situation. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/because-we-can-020210.html 8B324B3C-3158-42E5-AFF1-CBD6F7A8A4B2 Tue, 2 Feb 2010 12:21:59 +0000 “This ain’t no back bedroom pop-up operation. It’s a serious business with serious revenues” promises former Birmingham Post editor Marc Reeves commenting on his new role running the West Midlands operation of thebusinessdesk.com - a dedicated business website for the region. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/reeves-does-the-business-020210.html BA7CB403-F977-40C2-8581-0E685B176119 Tue, 2 Feb 2010 12:21:47 +0000 There are few things more comical than the sight of the English tabloid media in full moralistic hue and cry – but if the News of the World gets it’s way and forces the resignation of England football captain John Terry, there’s a real danger the country will be unable to field anything more than a five a side team in this year’s World Cup Finals. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/a-wayne-bridge-too-far-010210.html 4F3EAE83-A822-4A8B-8DD2-21F1BC0A1269 Mon, 1 Feb 2010 20:06:32 +0000 Campaigners fighting for the reopening of Sparkhill Baths in Birmingham are calling on the Cabinet Member for Sport Martin Mullaney to explain himself at a public meeting on Wednesday after it emerged on The Stirrer that the Council is considering a private finance initiative for the scheme. Mullaney has withdrawn after apparently promising to attend. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/explain-yourself-mullaney-010210.html DFC305A7-4949-42EB-A887-793B361E498E Mon, 1 Feb 2010 20:06:13 +0000 Blues bounced back from defeat at Chelsea with a well-earned late equaliser at home to Spurs on Saturday. Andy Munro was at St Andrews to witness it. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/not-harrys-game-010210.html 65C82602-6C40-4637-8C83-DCBE1881BA0E Mon, 1 Feb 2010 20:05:55 +0000 Birmingham Councillor Reg Corns has revealed how he narrowly avoided being shipped off to a far flung part of the British Empire when he was placed in a city children’s home at the age of 9. The “near miss” inspired his campaign on behalf of the thousands of Canadian Home Children sent from the UK without their family’s knowledge – and he’s now demanding a government apology on their behalf. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/exporting-children-010210.html FBD9C26D-ED6B-42A4-8C4E-417BDB43C6F4 Mon, 1 Feb 2010 20:05:37 +0000 Park users in Birmingham have responded angrily to plans to cut costs by reducing the number of wardens and rangers. They warn that it “undermines one of the city’s premiere resources”. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/parks-trimmed-too-far-010210.html BFF8E519-70A0-43EF-B618-F3A032C52AFD Mon, 1 Feb 2010 20:05:20 +0000 Dave Woodhall is watching the Villa make steady progress and wondering about renewing his passport. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/opening-a-second-front-010210.html 38B524CE-72A0-4EC0-AD39-28BCB5A09B83 Mon, 1 Feb 2010 20:04:57 +0000 Before he found world-wide fame as a Stirrer blogger, Andy Munro was best known for being the leading authority on Birmingham’s balti restaurants. Not before time, he’s now turning his hand to promoting them once more. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/red-hot-and-brummie-010210.html 503EBBD8-2606-47A3-9925-8F1252E80F5A Mon, 1 Feb 2010 20:04:37 +0000 Mark Gunton recently went along to see some of the twentieth century’s greatest social commentators. He didn’t wear oven gloves, or a football shirt. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/february10/half-man-half-biscuit-010210.html A639DAD3-9177-4BF2-9FA8-BAEAD3AE2FBE Mon, 1 Feb 2010 20:04:20 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/mp-hemming-gives-aid-300110.html 73FB8E3A-E7CB-472F-9247-997D08D80C15 Mon, 1 Feb 2010 20:04:02 +0000 Stirrer blogger Dr David Nicholl gets a ringside seat for Tony Blair's grilling at the Chilcot Inquiry. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/blair-on-the-iraq-300110.html 1065847D-32D1-4956-8CE0-B0EABB50E1D2 Mon, 1 Feb 2010 20:03:42 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/pfi-makes-waves-300110.html 0F49DE88-6661-474A-B35D-836EE17A986C Mon, 1 Feb 2010 20:03:12 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/unknown-pleasures-300110.html E680BF9A-4116-439E-854F-E88B9E84A9D7 Mon, 1 Feb 2010 20:02:56 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/cbso-and-brmb-have-something-to-bragg-about-300110.html 56316423-9DE7-4152-8C95-9CA11CE6D2F9 Mon, 1 Feb 2010 20:02:38 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/a-glimpse-of-paradise-300110.html BA616B05-CD0F-4D86-B47C-7C09914D26A4 Mon, 1 Feb 2010 20:02:17 +0000 Sam Rose asks the eternal question. Lecturers – why? more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/university-challenged-300110.html 55CA7268-2BF2-4892-93BB-EB33EDBAD258 Mon, 1 Feb 2010 20:01:59 +0000 South Birmingham Community Radio are moving to new premises in King’s Hearth. Go along and join in the opening day fun. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/radio-radio-300110.html 858CC6D6-78EC-4D8D-94A1-45F7AF8AA256 Mon, 1 Feb 2010 20:01:41 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/new-york-sounds-part-244-300110.html DA9C9B2F-2F88-42F2-B43E-3DC76941F61B Mon, 1 Feb 2010 19:57:55 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/the-stirrerthon-290110.html 82676216-66B8-4952-8D2D-E440FBFC2B6E Fri, 29 Jan 2010 09:40:07 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/brum-campaigner-backs-mmr-medic-290110.html 4A5F5E6A-A066-4878-8A0B-1341979B1BB9 Fri, 29 Jan 2010 09:39:51 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/independent-kingmaker-could-topple-wolves-torries-280110.html 225B4AAF-4F57-4383-8625-289F39EEC718 Fri, 29 Jan 2010 09:39:32 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/doc-and-mps-call-for-bodies-of-evidence-280110.html 4F38A33B-8836-415F-B9FE-901286B46467 Fri, 29 Jan 2010 09:39:15 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/dear-s-t-vaughan-290110.html 63C17D08-878C-431B-B6F4-0485CD8C42B0 Fri, 29 Jan 2010 09:38:57 +0000 Dave Woodhall pays tribute to a recently-departed and often overlooked musical genius. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/mick-green-290110.html 3FC71674-2DDA-4106-99A6-E6F02A744027 Fri, 29 Jan 2010 09:38:41 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/ive-got-the-blues-again-280110.html 8E6FED32-12C7-4104-9377-000FA551EB04 Fri, 29 Jan 2010 09:38:22 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/what-a-difference-a-day-makes-290110.html B7645E20-5D0E-490B-85D5-D7ACF1AC486B Fri, 29 Jan 2010 09:38:02 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/stuart-vow-to-keep-focus-on-movies-280110.html 6D89ACF4-3EA6-4B43-97AD-F3C4D96CAC99 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:48:47 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/late-night-line-up-280110.html B99B89E9-E965-491D-B896-EA4EFB324ABE Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:48:28 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/blues-get-the-blues-280110.html CF4C1B67-A067-4C1B-9172-1E90FEF9A3D6 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:48:13 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/family-reasons-force-tory-to-quit-280110.html E07CA564-553B-4F4C-A012-2F1495CB6A91 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:47:55 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/infomation-280110.html 16141E29-51F9-408D-98F7-7D00DE855A08 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:47:35 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/in-a-different-league-280110.html 5763259F-3A25-4474-A794-06D131B4FAE4 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:47:15 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/bodies-to-the-commons-280110.html BA4A6F6E-7157-49D7-B14B-75F1FCB967B4 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:46:57 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/keeping-music-live-280110.html 4434FD04-F3EA-4644-B14C-682AF840C527 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:46:41 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/gaunt-takes-on-ofcom-280110.html A08B20CB-356B-44AC-85AB-198656C1C609 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:46:15 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/justice-seen-to-be-done-280110.html 142F0960-2766-4D4D-814F-1111E92E432D Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:45:52 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/nine-day-sickie-target-270110.html A46409EC-994E-4F59-9E30-B4D8A6DA6755 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:08:31 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/homeopath-and-away-270110.html BA770A49-302C-4CD6-A3A1-794A1B6D0703 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:08:12 +0000 Growing tired of the usual round of pub, cinema, theatre? Sarah Bartlett offers us the opportunity to get out and broaden our horizons. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/the-birmingham-salon-270110.html CD7E3F8A-69DA-4BD6-BA35-0357C2CAE5D6 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:07:54 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/symphony-hall-news-270110.html 9F655831-834D-4CA4-B849-665B5668FABC Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:07:23 +0000 The campaign to keep open a city centre tourist information kiosk in Wolverhampton has moved online, as organiser Dave Lavelle seeks to build on the hundreds of signatures he has already gathered. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/tourist-information-270110.html 640381B3-68AA-4D6A-B3A5-282773C6159C Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:07:01 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/loan-signings-270110.html F4376BB0-33A4-4840-AB44-F398C3446685 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:06:43 +0000 Here’s the latest list of events organised by West Midlands Atheists and associated groups. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/dont-believe-a-word-270110.html 14A82A75-FF36-48E9-BEA9-23B66F87889D Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:06:26 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/tory-hughes-pulls-out-270110.html E01A2997-01F4-441A-B2C3-9FE963D5C0F7 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:06:07 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/council-workers-sick-260110.html 667ACA49-BC4F-4D76-B257-DA3D5B8BEDEF Tue, 26 Jan 2010 09:56:35 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/20s-plenty-for-brum-260110.html D680063F-BF78-4CF7-A126-8C3DC4A87773 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 09:56:18 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/norman-lovett-hattie-hayridge-260110.html 1AF5B5BE-0884-4130-AD26-BCD10C8934E0 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 09:56:00 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/rich-pickings-for-poor-260110.html 9086ADAD-3079-449C-ACD1-FB5AAF57BD09 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 09:55:34 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/john-mayer-260110.html 6470E3BD-C92C-47BB-BCA8-27440F433CE6 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 09:55:14 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/test-tickets-now-on-sale-260110.html 7EC7B0C2-B99B-4F0B-9E08-0FF2A91A460C Tue, 26 Jan 2010 09:54:17 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/million-plus-cuts-stay-secret-250110.html 155686DC-7166-41C2-89C0-2845A6B729EC Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:24:08 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/thousands-face-extra-charges-250110.html 9FEC55CD-BDBF-42FE-BADB-730540B9C742 Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:23:50 +0000 George Clooney’s latest film has been drawing good reviews. Dave Woodhall goes along to see what the fuss is alla bout. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/up-in-the-air-250110.html BD6D0666-800D-4455-A07B-CCDDBA0E8AFC Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:23:33 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/hill-top-u-turn-250110.html F965C170-31DB-4F0D-9FBD-B61092609558 Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:23:16 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/rubbed-up-the-wrong-way-250110.html 3EE37E05-8D56-4F1F-AEB5-CFF51CAB19F5 Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:22:58 +0000 Birmingham City Council’s green credentials are to be congratulated. But is their latest proposal aimed at the wrong people? more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/going-green-into-the-red-250110.html 553B47D5-3BB7-4EBD-B655-2E1FC045CAC1 Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:22:40 +0000 Blues’ season is getting better and better. Andy Munro’s thoughts are turning towards Wembley. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/a-bluenoses-cup-overfloweth-250110.html 20222C05-3911-4450-9553-6123CBBAE8FE Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:22:09 +0000 Workers at West Midlands motor firm Jaguar Land Rover have been denied a £1,000 payout following the breakdown of talks with unions. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/jlr-workers-denied-sweetner-220110.html B34602FC-8E5E-40BF-ADDC-066F970284E1 Fri, 22 Jan 2010 10:44:03 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/unions-on-the-warpath-220110.html 1D24600B-6075-4D67-A100-5A7A537CA565 Fri, 22 Jan 2010 10:43:29 +0000 Here’s our guide to what’s best in local entertainment over the next few days. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/five-for-the-weekend-220110.html 6CDC6D41-3F36-49C6-9AE1-01DDF62EDC46 Fri, 22 Jan 2010 10:43:15 +0000 A man jailed for beating up an intruder has been freed from prison. Richard Lutz has a bit more on the story. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/free-220110.html 8D7B4EDD-4344-4454-A08A-A2B2D63E08CB Fri, 22 Jan 2010 10:42:58 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/deals-of-of-the-day-220110.html E3EB29D6-02F3-4E9D-9B89-8DB49D127964 Fri, 22 Jan 2010 10:42:34 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/popi-harvest-220110.html 4FF7C13D-7EB0-4198-9586-4E380E323C8F Fri, 22 Jan 2010 10:42:13 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/rbs-aid-kraft-as-council-fights-cadbury-bid-210110.html 4A370013-FC55-487A-B8B5-0E21C88AC73C Thu, 21 Jan 2010 10:38:09 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/que-sera-sera-210110.html 8D4842B7-F390-4071-A385-49D747DA19BC Thu, 21 Jan 2010 10:37:53 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/haiti-do-i-donate0210110.html F2207244-1E44-4D66-B86B-F18EB0C8C2E1 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 10:37:37 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/deals-on-meals-still-hard-to-follow-210110.html DC4DD4E0-1518-441C-9B1D-EDB595EB2B7C Thu, 21 Jan 2010 10:37:20 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/sandwell-leaders-jobs-and-tax-vow-210110.html 8BA770D9-AC5E-47AA-9662-EAB5FC7E9474 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 10:37:04 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/local-history-goes-interactive-210110.html D9A4352D-2E9B-4DE1-B708-4DED9837DD42 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 10:36:39 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/taylors-turn-210110.html 0B8091D9-C077-45B2-86F0-E377EAD9ABE0 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 10:36:24 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/after-brokenhagen-wgat-next-210110.html 35E642F4-7C58-4FE8-B4B3-CE48A00314B9 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 10:36:08 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/gonna-make-you-a-star-210110.html B8E4DE60-9D4B-4159-BD1D-695C62EE0940 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 10:35:21 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/end-of-the-wigan-pier-show-210110.html 7225C943-0AD6-4599-8FC8-CF98A201A297 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 10:34:06 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/less-jaw-jaw-200110.html 7355DFC4-5BFF-416E-B23E-0F945946EE51 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:29:48 +0000 What was all the fuss about, asks Dave Woodhall. Why should one company be exempt from market forces? more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/jobs-for-life-200110.html BB4A050F-2B43-4E83-A1E6-9B95765EA4DA Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:29:28 +0000 Sickness figures for Birmingham Council staff have gone absent without leave – maybe they’re ill? more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/sickies-go-awol-200110.html 4CA5DCFF-C5BE-4FCB-81A4-35A99FD6246B Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:29:12 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/kosmische-muzik-200110.html 3EACE491-4829-4194-8FAF-2DAB93F5ED49 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:28:56 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/foot-note-200110.html 00E3D32F-E5D0-4537-B450-650D99DC8CB4 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:28:37 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/further-steps-200110.html B28A8EF7-8025-4A19-AC9B-4117CD2D7D8A Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:28:13 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/protests-over-latest-wolves-cuts-200110.html 15F4190F-FD84-42BA-A975-1895C0AB06DC Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:27:59 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/monday-night-fever-200110.html F0212D61-9912-4C49-9898-B827022F19A4 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:27:33 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/cadbury-waves-white-flag-190110.html 03188619-4B9F-47A8-BB49-7ABA84975F9E Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:10:09 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/stepping-in-the-right-direction-190110.html 5786BFAD-68E1-4667-9551-383F6AA5D7C8 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:09:52 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/hundreds-face-axe-in-brum-190110.html CB24122F-07ED-4B18-8106-C724A248EA72 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:09:31 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/not-for-profit-190110.html B5E5E459-E60A-44D3-94CD-BB01420C53F5 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:09:15 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/taking-the%20michael-190110.html 9B625499-13DA-4555-AF57-AB7876243488 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:08:59 +0000 David Cameron's new poster campaign isn't going down awfully well in Stourbridge... more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/cameron-in-stourbridge-190110.html 3F94E707-5486-4A2C-84A3-30402AECB5E9 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:08:38 +0000 Forthcoming shows from one of the region’s most innovative promoters. Graham Radley tells us what to expect. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/world-unlimited-dates-190110.html E7C28C72-1943-4519-868B-8D91F43715BC Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:08:04 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/uk-music-scene-unites-for-haiti-190110.html 46BE9D00-FC2D-4FBF-B986-D4E587E8D54E Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:06:54 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/council-faces-winter-and-spring-of-discontent-180110.html 4FAB6A72-A798-4170-9DD6-3E3BB9BDB67E Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:35:41 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/legacy-question-180110.html BB1D1218-978A-4AEF-AD39-02DB8A719DAB Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:35:24 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/the-stirrers-movie-roundup-180110.html C636A924-EC01-4ABF-961A-D4169D72D667 Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:35:08 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/veiled-threats-180110.html DBF4B17D-109C-45FE-8B89-FDA1C3957931 Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:34:49 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/no-rest-for-the-wicked-180110.html 396DFB57-821D-4102-8415-13C3010A951F Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:34:31 +0000 Richard Lutz has a lot on his tiny mind these days: wanker-bankers, Haiti , pensions and The One Show. Just join the dots... more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/only-connect-180110.html 0E073F08-193C-47F4-8A64-3A5AD2DA3448 Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:34:14 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/edl-splits-ahead-of-demo-180110.html 330470AA-9942-4513-B7A4-620F0CFE87F8 Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:33:58 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/and-the-winner-is-180110.html 47AD4832-827D-436E-BB17-17097028AA39 Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:33:34 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/in-pursuit-of-justice-180110.html 5DB9C875-A21E-42B7-9F6C-960799667894 Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:33:10 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/bore-staggered-byjob-cuts-160110.html C7C77ED8-FD94-4649-A9ED-73D8198474A7 Sat, 16 Jan 2010 11:18:17 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/remember-the-brummie-home-children-160110.html 268042CD-9A60-4CB8-B229-34E744E9CCB1 Sat, 16 Jan 2010 11:18:00 +0000 Chocolate lovers are being asked to stand up for Cadbury’s today (Saturday) by chomping their favourite bar in Birmingham’s Victoria Square. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/sticky-fingers-160110.html 49103B2A-308E-45E8-A48B-4EFFDEE2DBE1 Sat, 16 Jan 2010 11:17:42 +0000 It’s not just shops who hold January sales. The region’s finest orchestra are cutting their ticket prices this month as well. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/price-cuts-for-cbso-160110.html B1D03549-D0A5-4965-8991-611A03A9BC0D Sat, 16 Jan 2010 11:17:24 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/army-dreamers-160110.html 5BC3C1FC-8E37-47C1-9C25-0FF59AE1814C Sat, 16 Jan 2010 11:17:06 +0000 We always try to encourage local new talent and smaller venues that deserve your support. Here’s the latest news of both. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/lane-on-the-road-160110.html BEDB0C71-A27E-483A-8574-9ACE1BDDA65D Sat, 16 Jan 2010 11:16:48 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/a-sense-of-proportion-150110.html DF862DC7-DC72-44E7-80C1-5FF0DBBA7E44 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 09:29:18 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/ukip-mep-ko-150110.html F726906F-DE36-4602-96DD-85744CDF98FD Fri, 15 Jan 2010 09:29:00 +0000 In which Dave Woodhall is most definitely not even contemplating the possibility of having to queue for League Cup final tickets. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/don%27t-even-think-about-it-150110.html 6C29895C-C9ED-4DB8-8210-F74802FF5C8B Fri, 15 Jan 2010 09:28:42 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/hemming-wins-round-one-150110.html CCB88052-9B89-43AA-A593-C861589D0BBD Fri, 15 Jan 2010 09:28:24 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/the-chilcot-chill-150110.html 0E0D8148-4F7D-495A-BFCC-6EC5D76256F3 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 09:28:07 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/forest-cut-down-to-size-150110.html 75621AE4-3919-4CAA-A0BE-F17BE7D7D88A Fri, 15 Jan 2010 09:27:51 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/old-people-new-solutions-150110.html BB1AA2D2-1615-4C8A-AF66-389A2FC5BB3F Fri, 15 Jan 2010 09:27:31 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/human-tissue-inact-150110.html 54AA6D9C-A212-4D7C-873D-B46445C3B1F5 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 09:27:14 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/best-premier-league-season-150110.html B0D130ED-5A4B-45DD-8CE5-1C637A691FDF Fri, 15 Jan 2010 09:26:58 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/a-sense-of-place-150110.html C0F2746B-FBF9-44D6-ACA0-817407A56488 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 09:26:27 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/law-change-call-after-underhill-closure-140110.html 87EC251E-4B30-4C8B-AD39-E249EA39253D Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:28:53 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/hemming-gag-claim-140110.html C935D1A3-6901-4819-8B9D-0F063F884E29 Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:28:36 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/leader-says-sorry-140110.html E38A27B2-30A0-41F6-BBD3-CD6E8F2C8FBE Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:28:19 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/new-york-dolls-140110.html 556C13C6-52A1-44CD-B513-566AEFD6904D Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:28:03 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/museum-charges-140110.html 86B9BCFA-06AD-4353-AE6C-9C08C8D3209A Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:27:45 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/tissues-issues-140110.html 5B1AC8E0-56BF-4DE0-A8F4-66DDBF5CA950 Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:27:21 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/forest-on-fire-140110.html 8368B458-7F75-4866-9399-999408DCE264 Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:26:55 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/retrun-of-the-league-130110.html 486E02D1-E486-484C-A46A-E0E99629655C Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:04:01 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/bruising-row-over-domestic-violence-130110.html 837CA104-E533-4F24-A2C6-C305FFA74F9C Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:03:44 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/new-birmingham-library-upside-down-130110.html 6FD74EF8-A6DE-43D1-A99A-540C4099FBE1 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:03:29 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/screen-test-130110.html 92F71059-83FB-4E53-8BB7-E090CCFF99DE Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:03:10 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/two-cheers-for-sandwell-schools-130110.html B15225B4-F697-4B78-A4FE-6386596B9277 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:02:53 +0000 Dave Woodhall fails to pick up a new television. He succeeds in making a not-so-remarkable discovery. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/a-womans-place-130110.html 8EC2C507-70DD-47A4-B78D-747F4E090EAC Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:02:37 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/town-hall-symphony-hall-gigs-130110.html 4CFCE969-198A-483B-81E3-34AEAD53FAD7 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:02:22 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/charlie-is-my-darlin-130110.html 17BA309C-C41E-4D2C-9475-803553347A0D Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:01:50 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/underhill-evictions-start-120110.html EAC6E89A-73BA-4CB4-B937-097A746B43BA Tue, 12 Jan 2010 11:35:57 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/election-starts-120110.html C072D7FF-78D3-4C18-9309-DB5995055673 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 11:35:40 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/gridlock-rides-into-the-sunset-120110.html 207E8C52-55C1-443F-A55E-D81F0BC6B723 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 11:35:25 +0000 Richard Lutz is proudly waving his Little Red Book of Books at us as the New Year begins. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/books-120110.html 3B0488EE-63C4-48FC-876F-F89608EF5064 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 11:35:06 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/you-say-you-want-a-chevolution-120110.html C9E325C3-6247-4E77-A8DC-0F0AD2EBE840 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 11:34:47 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/a-right-royal-row-120110.html 127BBCDF-ACFC-4E57-8FBE-2F1B617D3FF5 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 11:34:31 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/sandwell-buses-have-your-say-120110.html 7EF0DE4D-7CE4-4F17-A0E7-063E69039458 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 11:34:02 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/gridlock-diverts-to-mayor-110110.html 4AC67824-1610-457C-BA11-D9DFF9052374 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:33:29 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/grit-story-slammed-as-irresponsible-110110.html 2106C4A0-78CA-48C7-8F8D-AB1572DA030F Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:33:04 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/jonathon-ross-over-and-out-110110.html 912BDA7A-28F5-4D04-AF35-82199A5F1B95 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:32:45 +0000 Andy Munro brings us up to date on happenings at St Andrews with an account of the 1-1 draw on Saturday. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/man-united-see-red-110110.html 63A7629F-97E6-4179-8F13-FB9E76437396 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:32:24 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/high-noon-looms-for-pinewood-110110.html 0D888DD4-0E86-40FE-B78A-0D961F0E8AA7 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:32:05 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/trust-quits-bodies-exhibition-110110.html C2C5A117-ED24-4B8B-8E2A-9FA4A31F7426 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:31:26 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/bodies-of-protest-080110.html 61A9FB19-54B1-4D10-A350-7CEF95E9DE77 Fri, 8 Jan 2010 13:48:27 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/70s-return-as-power-cuts-loom-080110.html 0C670277-70D5-432E-B294-F024FD2A3D9C Fri, 8 Jan 2010 13:48:06 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/bodies-explained-080110.html 8872CB82-2FDB-496A-8E3B-C314B43DF8CC Fri, 8 Jan 2010 13:47:48 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/lasan-its-thef-ing-best-080110.html A97E4712-F708-434C-8AA8-BAD8E66E9FAA Fri, 8 Jan 2010 13:47:31 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/did-you-hear-about-the-morgans-080110.html DCF3C3C9-D220-47EF-94E6-DFBA1136747B Fri, 8 Jan 2010 13:47:07 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/simon-says-i-stay-080110.html 3B5AF07E-8B10-4156-9750-D97863C74AA8 Fri, 8 Jan 2010 13:46:54 +0000 The Birmingham Seen exhibition has already been hailed a great success. Dave Woodhall pops along and finds the hype justified. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/seeing-birmingham-080110.html 74D67764-8D70-4973-B5E0-B95C321831A5 Fri, 8 Jan 2010 13:46:37 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/casting-the-first-sod-080110.html D427366C-C370-45AA-83A6-7D73B7B81B48 Fri, 8 Jan 2010 13:46:16 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/gonna-make-you-star-080110.html E2D9167E-1884-462A-832B-7AF86B9051B1 Fri, 8 Jan 2010 13:45:45 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/brown-coup-attempt-070110.html 777190B6-C57E-4268-94CC-4CA57D550613 Thu, 7 Jan 2010 11:08:16 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/education-tax-070110.html 160F76B0-3046-4EA6-93C5-6C6FDF121562 Thu, 7 Jan 2010 11:07:57 +0000 Skint after Christmas? Here’s the Stirrer’s handy guide to helping your money go further. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/january-sales-070110.html 2E273386-F55A-4DA9-90D3-4D85590C1E0A Thu, 7 Jan 2010 11:07:40 +0000 Mystery surrounds the future of Erdington MP and Creative Industries Minister Sion Simon – with speculation that he could quit at the next election. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/simon-says-070110.html ED6B309F-2E7A-4F4A-A1B2-1EB614A604FB Thu, 7 Jan 2010 11:07:23 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/whatever-the-weather-070110.html 7001B71E-4950-44CC-8C6E-65DA7E4A8DD8 Thu, 7 Jan 2010 11:07:07 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/food-fight-070110.html 37D5BFD2-95B1-49B3-81E5-1A4F7FA3BCE4 Thu, 7 Jan 2010 11:06:50 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/good-gig-news-070110.html 4D83E634-92C9-4496-91EF-7EDA8E93C965 Thu, 7 Jan 2010 11:06:25 +0000 Pete Millington adds to our previous review of the classic tale. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/sleeping-beauty-070110.html 02AE8C9C-D492-487D-93C9-EE12A92C7AEB Thu, 7 Jan 2010 11:06:01 +0000 Here’s the Stirrer’s guide to all the information links you need during the current bad weather. more http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/stirrers-snow-update-060110.html F66A0980-9F05-440F-B3AB-C5526E33AF23 Wed, 6 Jan 2010 09:31:29 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/hot-air-about-gas-060110.html A99E7B7C-9F32-4CF3-9305-A8EB6CD1D04E Wed, 6 Jan 2010 09:31:09 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/read-all-about-it-060110.html FF7D2CDC-BAE7-433C-A812-F29DF9B072A0 Wed, 6 Jan 2010 09:30:50 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/the-magic-of-the-cup-0601102.html 54D59B57-7C12-4125-8094-1D7CCEC57303 Wed, 6 Jan 2010 09:30:32 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/fabbo-gets-wind-up-over-turbine-plan-060110.html 8D444BAB-4D36-454D-B2BA-5CE8EBE609C5 Wed, 6 Jan 2010 09:30:13 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/the-eagles-flying-high-060110.html 76079A66-2FC5-4E91-81AC-FFDDADFF4123 Wed, 6 Jan 2010 09:29:52 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/let-him-eat-cake-060110.html EF8AE17F-E5C4-4E7F-B00E-D817B9CC7B74 Wed, 6 Jan 2010 09:29:34 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/the-magic-of-the-cup-0601101.html 7BE09D77-9A20-410F-8747-D4C7FF13F211 Wed, 6 Jan 2010 09:28:57 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/sickening-march-plan-condemned-0501101.html EEB51298-A06D-411D-A12E-9BC89F6FF4CE Tue, 5 Jan 2010 09:55:19 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/bodies-of-evidence-050110.html ADE2C449-8D11-4FF4-A834-AE9599A0C03B Tue, 5 Jan 2010 09:54:59 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/star-spotted-over-birmingham-050110.html C476D44C-2CD3-44AD-A974-1A3F00CCD273 Tue, 5 Jan 2010 09:54:41 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/ladywood-turn-to-black-and-blue-050110.html 189C4577-FED6-40C1-8A51-F76296E2537C Tue, 5 Jan 2010 09:54:24 +0000 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 http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/january09/online-match-net-loss-for-fans-0501101.html ADE28730-D8E6-4EF1-A6C8-1D482C7E2AE2 Tue, 5 Jan 2010 09:54:07 +0000