Nov
2009
Articles from 20th Nov 2009
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Birmingham's Pantomime Horse Grand National under starter's orders
Nov 20 2009 | Birmingham News
Birmingham’s wackiest Christmas event, the annual Thomas Vale Pantomime Horse Grand National, will be taking place on Sunday in Centenary Square between 1pm-3pm. Read
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'No need' to keep troops in Germany
Nov 20 2009 | National News
British troops could be withdrawn from Germany for good, nearly 70 years after the end of the Second World War, if the Conservatives win the general election. Read
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Stars out for BBC Children in Need
Nov 20 2009 | National News
Children in Need burst into life in its usual blaze of colour as BBC big guns pulled out the stops in a bid to smash last year's fundraising total of £38 million. Read
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Kidnap couple's captors 'impatient'
Nov 20 2009 | National News
The British couple kidnapped by Somali pirates said their captors were "losing patience" and they could be killed within a week. Read
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Town holds 100th repatriation event
Nov 20 2009 | National News
The widow of a soldier killed in Afghanistan bravely clutched a teddy bear as she watched his coffin pass through a town hosting its 100th repatriation ceremony. Read
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Brown 'an optimist' over UK economy
Nov 20 2009 | National News
Gordon Brown has brushed aside gloomy economic news, insisting he remained an "optimist" over the future of the country's finances. Read
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Cut-off plan over illegal downloads
Nov 20 2009 | National News
The Government has unveiled legislation designed to make Britain a "global digital capital", including plans to cut off people who repeatedly download music and films illegally. Read
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Carjacker convicted of GBH on woman
Nov 20 2009 | National News
A carjacker has been convicted of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to a mother of four by running her over in her own vehicle. Read
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Policeman dies amid flooding chaos
Nov 20 2009 | National News
The body found in the search for a hero police constable swept away when a bridge collapsed in floods has been confirmed as Pc Bill Barker. Read
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Widow pays tribute to 'best friend'
Nov 20 2009 | National News
The widow of a hero police constable swept away when a bridge collapsed in floods has paid a moving tribute to her husband. Read
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Pc swept away by floods found dead
Nov 20 2009 | National News
The body found in the search for a hero police constable swept away when a bridge collapsed in floods has been confirmed as Pc Bill Barker. Read
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'Dream' man free after killing wife
Nov 20 2009 | National News
A man who strangled his wife during a nightmare in the belief he was attacking an intruder has walked free from court after the case against him was withdrawn. Read
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1,900 jobs go as off-licences close
Nov 20 2009 | National News
Administrators of Threshers owner First Quench have announced another swathe of store closures and more than 1,900 job losses. Read
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Body found in search for missing Pc
Nov 20 2009 | National News
A body has been found in the search for a hero police constable swept away when a bridge collapsed during the floods. Read
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'Gangbos' extended to 14-year-olds
Nov 20 2009 | National News
Powers aimed at tackling violent gangs are to be extended to children as young as 14. Read
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Man who gouged out eyeball jailed
Nov 20 2009 | National News
A man who gouged out his ex-girlfriend's eye and threw it away has been jailed for 12 years. Read
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Bank loses wheelchair access appeal
Nov 20 2009 | National News
The Royal Bank of Scotland has lost its appeal over a ruling that it failed to cater for the wheelchair access needs of a disabled teenager who was awarded £6,500 damages. Read
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Prison warning for cowboy clampers
Nov 20 2009 | National News
Cowboy wheelclampers could be jailed for up to five years under tough new Government regulations. Read
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Expenses-row MP denies 'house ban'
Nov 20 2009 | National News
The head of the Commons committee that deals with MPs' expenses abuse has dismissed an allegation that his wife banned him from the constituency home he claimed for as "akin to Harry Potter". Read
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Gang 'killed people for their fat'
Nov 20 2009 | National News
Police say a gang in the Peruvian jungle has been killing people and draining fat from the corpses to sell on the black market for use in cosmetics. Read
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Floods cause devastation in Cumbria
Nov 20 2009 | National News
Hundreds of people have been evacuated from their homes in Cumbria after flooding of 'biblical proportions'. Read
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Officer missing as bridge collapses
Nov 20 2009 | National News
A search has been launched for a police officer who went missing after a bridge collapsed during heavy flooding. Read
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Vicks nasal spray in health alert
Nov 20 2009 | National News
Thousands of Vicks nasal sprays are being recalled amid fears they could contain a dangerous bacteria. Read
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Police resign threat over Tory plan
Nov 20 2009 | National News
Chief constables could resign if a Tory government presses ahead with plans to put police forces under the control of directly-elected local commissioners Read
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Policeman missing in flooding drama
Nov 20 2009 | National News
A search has been launched for a police officer who went missing after a bridge collapsed during heavy flooding. Read
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Council chiefs want cut in red tape
Nov 20 2009 | National News
Needless centrally-imposed red tape is costing councils £4.5 billion a year which they need to fund vital services, town hall chiefs have said. Read
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Extend scrappage scheme, urges CBI
Nov 20 2009 | National News
The leader of Britain's biggest business group has urged the Government to extend the car scrappage scheme until the general election to help the recovery from recession and boost employment. Read
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Ex-NHS chief backs greater freedom
Nov 20 2009 | National News
A former head of the NHS under Labour has shown support for a Tory policy to free the health service from tight Government control. Read
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Critics rap EU's unknown double act
Nov 20 2009 | National News
Europe's new political double act are facing a baptism of fire over their credentials for two of the most important EU posts ever created. Read
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GCSE exam grades 'are too generous'
Nov 20 2009 | National News
Two of England's biggest exams boards are still being too generous when awarding grades for GCSE science, Ofqual has said. Read
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Call for greater NHS freedom
Nov 20 2009 | National News
A former head of the NHS under Labour has shown support for a Tory policy to free the health service from tight Government control. Read
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Dead due home in 100th repatriation
Nov 20 2009 | National News
Two soldiers killed in Afghanistan are due to be returned to Britain in the 100th repatriation ceremony to pass through the market town of Wootton Bassett in Wiltshire. Read
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£10m blitz on anti-social behaviour
Nov 20 2009 | National News
The Government is to spend £10 million ensuring measures to tackle anti-social behaviour are properly used. Read
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Wogan hosts Children in Need night
Nov 20 2009 | National News
Doctor Who, Strictly Come Dancing and Casualty are due to be part of the spectacular party for BBC Children in Need, hosted by Sir Terry Wogan, Tess Daly and Alesha Dixon. Read
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Oprah Winfrey to end her talk show
Nov 20 2009 | National News
US TV star Oprah Winfrey is due to announce that her talk show will end in 2011 after its 25th season on the air. Read
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Burnley v Aston Villa: Double boost for Villa ahead of away trip
Nov 20 2009 | Aston Villa FC news
Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov and full-back Habib Beye will return after suspension for the Barclays Premier League clash with Burnley at Turf Moor tomorrow. Read
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Aston Villa: Late decision due on Richard Dunne after Thierry Henry heartbreak
Nov 20 2009 | Aston Villa FC news
Martin O'Neill has revealed the "devastation" felt by Aston Villa defender Richard Dunne after seeing the Republic of Ireland's World Cup dreams shattered by Thierry Henry's handball. Read
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Burnley v Aston Villa: Burnley team news
Nov 20 2009 | Aston Villa FC news
Burnley manager Owen Coyle has no new injury worries as he prepares for the visit of Aston Villa tomorrow. Read
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Aston Villa: Join us live at Burnley!
Nov 20 2009 | Aston Villa FC news
Our Aston Villa experts Mat Kendrick and Lisa Smith will be online from Burnley at 2.30pm. Read
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Cuellar: Aston Villa would be a big scalp for fearless Burnley
Nov 20 2009 | Aston Villa FC news
CARLOS Cuellar believes Villa must cope with Burnley’s “no pressure” approach now they have become a Premier League scalp. Read
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Aston Villa: Burnley will be tough - Gabby Agbonlahor
Nov 20 2009 | Aston Villa FC news
VILLA will not be taking anything for granted as they travel to Turf Moor to take on Burnley tomorrow with Gabby Agbonlahor insisting his side are very much aware of this season’s “surprise package” in the Premier League. Read
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Battling Burnley remind Aston Villa’s Luke Young of his Charlton days
Nov 20 2009 | Aston Villa FC news
VILLA defender Luke Young reckons bustling Burnley remind him of former club Charlton during their early days in the Premier League. Read
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Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill faces a selection dilemma before tough trip to Burnley
Nov 20 2009 | Aston Villa FC news
MARTIN O’Neill admits he faces a dilemma over whether to change a winning team at Burnley tomorrow as Villa attempt to stay ahead of last season’s Premier League points tally. Read
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Moseley testing fresh ground in British and Irish Cup
Nov 20 2009 | Moseley RFC
IAN Smith has welcomed the advent of the first British and Irish Cup and insists the new format will provide a valuable learning experience for his squad. Read
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Moseley to give a first season appearance to Mark Evans
Nov 20 2009 | Moseley RFC
MOSELEY will hand a first appearance of the season to veteran back row Mark Evans this evening as they kick off their British & Irish cup campaign. Read
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Birmingham City: David Murphy suffers injury setback
Nov 20 2009 | Birmingham City News
Birmingham defender David Murphy may require further surgery after suffering a setback to his recovery from a broken knee-cap. Read
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Birmingham City: We are live against Fulham - join us!
Nov 20 2009 | Birmingham City News
Our Birmingham City experts Colin Tattum and Andy Walker will live online tomorrow at 2.30pm. Read
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Birmingham City: Alex McLeish has Scot worries over Barry Ferguson's possible international return
Nov 20 2009 | Birmingham City News
BARRY Ferguson has to think very carefully should he decide to return to the international arena for Scotland. Read
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Birmingham City: Alex McLeish is ready to start transfer window shopping spree
Nov 20 2009 | Birmingham City News
ALEX McLeish has admitted he will soon start trying to persuade players to join Blues in January. Read
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Birmingham City: Teemu Tainio's knee problems rule him out of Fulham clash
Nov 20 2009 | Birmingham City News
TEEMU Tainio will be sidelined when Fulham visit St Andrew’s tomorrow. Read
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Alex McLeish says Keith Fahey is ready for Ireland place
Nov 20 2009 | Birmingham City News
IF GIOVANNI Trapattoni is looking to inject fresh blood into his heartbroken Irish squad he should look no further than Keith Fahey. Read
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Birmingham City: David Sullivan offers to meet Chinese over a cup of tea to settle dispute
Nov 20 2009 | Birmingham City News
David Sullivan has offered to meet Carson Yeung and his Blues regime over a cup of tea at his mansion to settle their increasing bitter dispute. Read
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Birmingham City: The best time of my career - Barry Ferguson
Nov 20 2009 | Birmingham City News
BARRY Ferguson has revealed that he has never been as content in his career as he currently is with Blues. Read
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West Brom: It's a tough league - Di Matteo
Nov 20 2009 | West Brom News
ROBERTO Di Matteo claims that only once this season will West Brom not be bogged down by the weight of expectation - when they play Newcastle. Read
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West Brom boss defends shamed Frenchman Thierry Henry
Nov 20 2009 | West Brom News
ROBERTO Di Matteo has defended shamed Frenchman Thierry Henry by claiming that '99.9 per cent' of footballers would have done the same in his position.. Read
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West Brom's Scott Carson still hopes for England spot
Nov 20 2009 | West Brom News
SCOTT Carson has not given up hope of becoming Albion’s sixth World Cup representative in South Africa next summer. Read
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Stourbridge look to end London Scottish's unbeaten home record
Nov 20 2009 | Stourbridge RFC
FIVE wins in six games enable Stourbridge to visit second placed London Scottish without any pressure, insists director of rugby Neil Mitchell. Read
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Lambs field same line-up after injury-free session
Nov 20 2009 | Non-League
TAMWORTH find themselves in the rare position of being able to name the same side for their trip to struggling Ebbsfleet in the Blue Square Premier tomorrow. Read
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Keane won't give up on World Cup dream
Nov 20 2009 | National Sport
Robbie Keane is refusing to accept that his World Cup dream is over despite FIFA rejecting the Republic of Ireland's call for a replay of their play-off with France. Read
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Moody: England out to answer critics
Nov 20 2009 | National Sport
Lewis Moody insists England's wounded players are "chomping at the bit" to prove their army of critics wrong in Saturday's final autumn showdown against New Zealand. Read
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Kidney - We'll be ready, rain or shine
Nov 20 2009 | National Sport
Ireland rugby coach Declan Kidney continues to take an upbeat view of Saturday's international against Fiji at the RDS in Dublin despite an horrific weather forecast of wind and rain. Read
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Jordan expects Schumacher comeback
Nov 20 2009 | National Sport
Former Formula One team owner Eddie Jordan believes Michael Schumacher will replace Jenson Button at the newly-named Mercedes team for next season. Read
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UEFA investigate match-fixing allegations
Nov 20 2009 | National Sport
UEFA are looking into 12 matches in the Europa League and three in the Champions League as part of their investigation into alleged match-fixing. Read
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South Africa-England ODI abandoned
Nov 20 2009 | National Sport
England's first one-day international against South Africa was washed out at the Wanderers on Friday. Read
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Westwood capitalises on duo's errors
Nov 20 2009 | National Sport
Lee Westwood is back on course for a £1.6million jackpot on Sunday following a day of amazing twists and turns at the Dubai World Championship. Read
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Replay would be fair - Henry
Nov 20 2009 | National Sport
France captain Thierry Henry has admitted replaying the World Cup qualification play-off against the Republic of Ireland would be "the fairest solution". Read
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Top bosses back video assistance
Nov 20 2009 | National Sport
Sir Alex Ferguson believes the row over video technology will be futile until the game's powerbrokers change their own stance on the issue. Read
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England one-dayer in doubt
Nov 20 2009 | National Sport
England's opening MTN one-day international against South Africa was in danger of being washed out as rain continued to fall at The Wanderers. Read
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Blair ruled out
Nov 20 2009 | National Sport
Scotland co-captain Mike Blair was ruled out of Saturday's international with Australia. Read
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Smith rules out Scotland return
Nov 20 2009 | National Sport
Rangers manager Walter Smith has ruled himself out of the running to become boss of Scotland for a second time. Read
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United figure out Ferdinand injury
Nov 20 2009 | National Sport
Sir Alex Ferguson is confident Rio Ferdinand will not be consigned to a lengthy period on the sidelines after identifying the root of his current injury problems. Read
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McIlroy leads the way
Nov 20 2009 | National Sport
Rory McIlroy roared into the lead with a dazzling front nine of 31 at the Dubai World Championship today - and was on course for a £1.6million bonanza on Sunday. Read
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FIFA rule out Irish replay
Nov 20 2009 | National Sport
FIFA have dashed the Republic of Ireland's hopes replaying their World Cup qualifying play-off with France. Read
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Setback for Murphy
Nov 20 2009 | National Sport
Birmingham defender David Murphy may require further surgery after suffering a setback to his recovery from a broken knee-cap. Read
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FIFA rule our Irish replay
Nov 20 2009 | National Sport
FIFA have dashed the Republic of Ireland's hopes replaying their World Cup qualifying play-off with France. Read
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Strauss staying out of Twenty20 format
Nov 20 2009 | National Sport
Andrew Strauss has confirmed he has no plans to go back on his decision to stop playing Twenty20 cricket. Read
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Fisher fails to fire
Nov 20 2009 | National Sport
Ross Fisher failed to make the move he was looking for when the Dubai World Championship resumed on Friday. Read
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Wilkinson warning for England
Nov 20 2009 | National Sport
Jonny Wilkinson has warned England will have to toughen up if they are to stand any chance of overturning the odds and beating New Zealand at Twickenham on Saturday. Read
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Wenger positive despite Van Persie blow
Nov 20 2009 | National Sport
Arsene Wenger maintains Arsenal have the strength to cope without injured frontman Robin van Persie. Read
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Bouma suffers new setback
Nov 20 2009 | National Sport
Aston Villa defender Wilfred Bouma has suffered another injury blow which has delayed his comeback after 16 months out of action. Read
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Scholes enjoys a break away
Nov 20 2009 | National Sport
Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes enjoys the international breaks now he is no longer involved with England. Read
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Duff: I would have handled the ball
Nov 20 2009 | National Sport
Republic of Ireland winger Damien Duff has admitted he probably would have replicated Thierry Henry's now infamous handball if the opportunity had arisen at the other end of the field. Read
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Chelsea v Wolves: Wolves boosted by team news
Nov 20 2009 | Wolves FC News
Wolves are boosted by the return of right-back Kevin Foley for tomorrow's trip to Chelsea. Read
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Karl Henry says Wolves can upset title favourites Chelsea
Nov 20 2009 | Wolves FC News
KARL Henry says Wolves can flourish at Stamford Bridge with all the pressure on Chelsea. Read
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Wolverhampton Wanderers: Mick McCarthy to check on Kevin Doyle on eve of Chelsea trip
Nov 20 2009 | Wolves FC News
MICK McCarthy admits Kevin Doyle will have had a couple of sleepless nights since Ireland’s unfortunate exit from the World Cup. Read
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Wolverhampton Wanderers: Mick McCarthy has no special plan to take to Stamford Bridge
Nov 20 2009 | Wolves FC News
MICK McCarthy admits stopping the Chelsea mean machine is one of the hardest jobs in football but says he will not be devising any special plans. Read
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Matt Murray will not need further surgery following his latest injury setback
Nov 20 2009 | Wolves FC News
MATT Murray will not require further surgery to his injured knee. Read
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Birmingham & Solihull in cup trip to Rotherham
Nov 20 2009 | Bees RFC
CONDITIONS at Birmingham & Solihull this week have fallen some way short of cup fever. Indeed, the inaugural British & Irish Cup appears to have barely raised Russell Earnshaw’s temperature. Read
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The Informant! (15) ***
Nov 20 2009 | Film Reviews
DIRECTOR Steven Soderbergh is an acquired taste at the best of times – but now he wants you to swallow an ambitious but rather dry account of corruption inside America’s all-powerful corn industry. Read
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A Serious Man (15) ***
Nov 20 2009 | Film Reviews
THE trailer is great... but this film will either grab you or it won’t. Read
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Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani (12A) ****
Nov 20 2009 | Film Reviews
Director: Rajkumar Santoshi Read
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Robert Pattinson on new film The Twilight Saga: New Moon
Nov 20 2009 | Film Reviews
“There’s a high nipple count in this movie,” laughs Robert Pattinson. Read
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Film Review: The Twilight Saga - New Moon ***
Nov 20 2009 | Film Reviews
A YEAR after Twilight launched Hollywood’s lucrative journey through Stephenie Meyer’s bestselling books, along comes the eagerly-anticipated sequel. Read
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All this success is thanks to Parky!
Nov 20 2009 | Classical - Folk - Jazz
He’s the UK’s biggest jazz artist and he’s just released his fifth album, The Pursuit. But if it wasn’t for an appearance on Parkinson, life could be very different for Jamie Cullum. Read
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Patsy's made for the blues
Nov 20 2009 | Classical - Folk - Jazz
OLD, new and blue is the theme for this week’s packed jazz programme which kicks off this evening with a welcome performance by Patsy Fuller and her band at Symphony Hall Foyer. Read
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Jaguar workers’ towpath cycle to Wales raises £6,500 for Cancer Research
Nov 20 2009 | Top Stories
STAFF at Jaguar Land Rover have raised thousands of pounds for charity – trebling their original fundraising target. Read
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Birmingham lap dancing clubs to face tighter controls
Nov 20 2009 | Top Stories
LICENSING bosses have moved closer to toughening regulations on lap dancing clubs in the city. Read
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Military life remains an attractive option to the young - even in wartime
Nov 20 2009 | Top Stories
DEEP in the Wiltshire countryside a violent and bloody war is being fought. Read
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Tenants urged to use vote in board elections
Nov 20 2009 | Top Stories
THOUSANDS of Midland housing tenants are being urged to vote in board elections. Read
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Mount Everest here I come - Pete's ultimate fundraiser
Nov 20 2009 | Top Stories
AN ENGINEERING graduate from Birmingham is taking on his biggest assignment when he attempts to conquer Mount Everest in aid of a charity for wounded British servicemen. Read
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Three arrests over £40,00 of cannabis found in Tipton raids
Nov 20 2009 | Top Stories
Police have made three arrests after seizing cannabis thought to be worth around £40,000 during two simultaneous raids in Tipton. Read
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Body found in hunt for policeman swept away on bridge in Cumbria
Nov 20 2009 | Top Stories
An body has been found by police searching for missing Pc Bill Barker who was swept away in the river Derwent when a bridge collapsed, Assistant Chief Constable Jerry Graham said today. Read
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Woman jailed for Birmingham transvestite murder bid
Nov 20 2009 | Top Stories
A woman who used a bucket of petrol to cause horrific life-threatening burns to a transvestite was jailed for 20 years today. Read
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Man jailed for life for Warwickshire burning body murder
Nov 20 2009 | Top Stories
The mystery surrounding an unidentified burning body on a motorway hard shoulder was ended today when the man's killer was jailed for life. Read
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BRMB announces Elliott Webb's replacement as breakfast show host
Nov 20 2009 | Top Stories
BRMB today announced the award-winning Jo Russell as host of its breakfast show, as the station continues its reconstruction. Read
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Birmingham pair quizzed over £300,000 cash in the attic probe
Nov 20 2009 | Top Stories
POLICE probing a money laundering operation have seized more than £200,000 in cash that was found in the attic of a house in Birmingham, it was revealed today. Read
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Fighting climate change
Nov 20 2009 | Top Stories
A 50 metre-high image of people highlighting the issues of global poverty and climate change was beamed onto buildings at Birmingham Cathedral. Read
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Stab threat followed beggar's sob story, Birmingham court told
Nov 20 2009 | Top Stories
A BEGGAR tried to con a marketing executive in Birmingham out of cash by spinning him a sob story about being a serving soldier and needing cash to rejoin his unit fighting abroad, a court heard. Read
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Police cell death linked to sickle cell trait
Nov 20 2009 | Top Stories
A BIRMINGHAM man’s sudden death in police custody could possibly have been triggered by officers who restrained him during arrest, an inquest heard. Read
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Cumbrian flood chaos: 11 missing as storm batters Britain
Nov 20 2009 | Top Stories
ELEVEN people, including a police officer, were reported missing today as a massive storm battered parts of Britain. Read
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Former Birmingham Lord Mayor, Mike Nangle, is battling cancer
Nov 20 2009 | Top Stories
FORMER Lord Mayor Mike Nangle, one of the city’s most popular politicians, today revealed he is battling pancreatic cancer. Read
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Couple sue a South African safari park
Nov 20 2009 | Top Stories
A SOLIHULL businessman and his wife are suing a South African safari park after they claim they were left at the mercy of a pride of lions when their jeep overturned in a holiday drama. Read
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Great Barr School boosts new fund for pancreatic cancer research
Nov 20 2009 | Top Stories
A NEW charity appeal has been launched in Birmingham aimed at trying to find a cure for the cancer that killed Hollywood actor Patrick Swayze. Read
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Student from Birmingham cleared of possessing flagellator as offensive weapon
Nov 20 2009 | Top Stories
A MUSLIM student from Birmingham who was caught with a bladed flagellator used by Shias to ritually scourge themselves has been cleared of possessing it as an offensive weapon. Read
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New hotel chain to build 16-storey flagship in Birmingham’s Eastside
Nov 20 2009 | Top Stories
PLANNING chiefs have approved plans to build a multi-million-pound flagship four-star hotel in Birmingham’s Eastside district. Read
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Top Midland poker player faces US extradition over wife's death
Nov 20 2009 | Top Stories
A CHAMPION Midland poker player is facing extradition from Britain after he allegedly killed his wife in America. Read
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Man threw himself under lorry after stabbing ex-girlfriend
Nov 20 2009 | Top Stories
A JILTED man hurled himself under a lorry on the M6 after stabbing his ex-girlfriend, an inquest heard. Read
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Tribunal hears grave diggers bonuses were ‘wrong’
Nov 20 2009 | Top Stories
AN EMPLOYMENT tribunal heard how grave diggers employed by the city council earned consistent bonuses even when they were not in work. Read
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Thousands attend funeral of two killed in Moseley car crash
Nov 20 2009 | Top Stories
THOUSANDS of people have attended the funerals of two of four boys who died city car crash at the weekend. Read
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Woman to be sentenced for attempting to murder Birmingham transvestite
Nov 20 2009 | Top Stories
A woman will be sentenced for attempting to murder a Birmingham transvestite who suffered horrific burns when he was set on fire following a row over a missing handbag. Read
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Man held on suspicion of rape in Redditch
Nov 20 2009 | Top Stories
A man is being questioned on suspicion of rape in connection with an alleged incident in Redditch town centre earlier this month. Read
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Scores rescued from floods in Cockermouth in Cumbria
Nov 20 2009 | Top Stories
Scores of people trapped in their homes by rising flood waters were helped to safety by the emergency services today after torrential rain caused rivers to burst their banks. Read
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Four more people die from swine flu in West Midlands
Nov 20 2009 | Top Stories
Four more people have died from swine flu in the West Midlands, according to the latest figures. Read
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£4.8 million boost for local history at Birmingham Museum and Gallery
Nov 20 2009 | Top Stories
Birmingham Museum and Gallery has been granted £4.8 million to create a new wing dedicated to the history of Birmingham. Read
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Birmingham's new library in Centenary Square is set to be taller than planned
Nov 20 2009 | Top Stories
Birmingham’s new £193 million library in Centenary Square is set to be slightly taller than first proposed, in a move likely to reignite claims that the striking modern design risks overshadowing nearby 1930s Baskerville House and the Hall of Memory. Read
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Magistrates gather in Birmingham to sample city's historic courts
Nov 20 2009 | Top Stories
HUNDREDS of legal eagles gathered at one of Birmingham’s architectural gems for their annual meeting. Read
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Birmingham cabbies' safety a priority, say council bosses after driver's killing
Nov 20 2009 | Top Stories
COUNCIL bosses in charge of licensing said the safety of the city’s taxi drivers was a priority. Read
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Plans for a Brum 'Fifth Avenue' in Digbeth
Nov 20 2009 | Top Stories
DIGBETH High Street could be turned into a permanent events area capable of staging concerts attended by 50,000 people, according to a senior Birmingham City Council member. Read
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Digbeth could become a permanent events area
Nov 20 2009 | Colin Whittock Cartoons
“When he’s famous and won the X Factor and played to a 50,000 crowd in Digbeth, we’ll show him the picture and tell him this is where it all began . . . !” Read
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Sordid story of vice does not ring a Belle
Nov 20 2009 | Maureen Messent
THE most brilliant are often naive. Hence the bemusing news that an academically soaring research scientist is the woman who wrote the diary of prostitute Belle Du Jour. Read
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Bunch of airhead grab-alls
Nov 20 2009 | Maureen Messent
IN BIRMINGHAM, as in other cities across the country, young women queued overnight last weekend to be among the first to buy half-price Jimmy Choo designer shoes and handbags. Read
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Values are all wrong
Nov 20 2009 | Maureen Messent
I MENTIONED earlier our sexual liberalisation. Read
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Alan McInally discusses Birmingham City, Aston Villa, Wolves and West Brom
Nov 20 2009 | Walsall FC News
WHATEVER you think about Thierry Henry’s actions, we wouldn’t even be having this conversation if the powers-that-be did the right thing and used the technology available in situations like this. Read
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Saddlers firepower is their strength
Nov 20 2009 | Walsall FC News
CAPTAIN Mark Hughes reckons quickfire wins for Walsall at Brentford tomorrow and at home to Oldham on Tuesday would leave them “seriously” well placed in League One. Read
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Chris Hutchings urges Saddlers to make a play-off statement at Brentford
Nov 20 2009 | Walsall FC News
WALSALL travel to Brentford tomorrow knowing that a third successive league victory might just make one or two people around the division start taking them seriously as play-offs contenders. Read
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Birmingham 2009 GCSE results: School by school figures
Nov 20 2009 | West Midlands GCSE results
PUPILS in Birmingham are improving virtually across the board, according to the city’s latest results tables. School Name End of KS4 Roll Achieving 5 or more A*-C Achieving 5 or more A*-G Achieving 5 or more A*-C inc. GCSE Eng & Maths. Total Point score per pupil Al-Hijrah School 58 81% 100% 72% 405.6 Archbishop Ilsley Catholic Technology College 208 75% 99% 55% 413.2 Aston Manor School 141 72% 98% 49% 421.7 Bartley Green School 174 90% 99% 51% 550.6 Baverstock Foundation School and Specialist Sports College 201 45% 94% 27% 346.2 Bishop Challoner Catholic School 172 81% 96% 69% 390.4 Bishop Vesey's Grammar School 123 99% 100% 98% 487 Bishop Walsh Catholic School 149 92% 99% 73% 514.7 Bordesley Green Girls' Specialist Business & Enterprise School 125 71% 98% 43% 484.9 Bournville School and Sixth Form Centre 203 82% 94% 46% 459.4 Broadway School 205 63% 90% 37% 400.9 Cardinal Wiseman Catholic Technology College 115 65% 92% 43% 377.3 Castle Vale School & Specialist Performing Arts College 152 62% 96% 22% 409 Cockshut Hill Technology College 244 58% 89% 30% 373.5 Colmers School & Sports College 197 78% 95% 54% 456.5 Dame Elizabeth Cadbury Technology College 108 53% 89% 35% 356.3 Fairfax School 216 69% 96% 56% 439.8 Frankley Community High School 66 76% 92% 21% 394.2 George Dixon International School & Sixth Form Centre 189 61% 93% 40% 348.9 Golden Hillock School 163 74% 94% 38% 417.7 Great Barr School 417 67% 94% 40% 372 Hall Green Secondary School 180 72% 97% 57% 406.2 Hamstead Hall Community Learning Centre 185 76% 96% 62% 429 Handsworth Grammar School 140 93% 99% 93% 501.7 Handsworth Wood Girls' School 119 81% 97% 44% 480 Harborne Hill School 91 85% 93% 34% 466.6 Hillcrest School A Specialist Mathematics & Computing College 122 78% 96% 41% 527.7 Hodge Hill Girls' School 135 75% 100% 54% 467.7 Hodge Hill Sports and Enterprise College 204 83% 91% 30% 460.8 Holte Visual and Performing Arts College 164 74% 99% 40% 450.5 Holy Trinity Catholic Media Arts College 119 66% 92% 49% 357.8 Holyhead School 194 75% 98% 48% 418.1 John Willmott School 184 70% 96% 48% 425.6 King Edward VI Aston School 104 100% 100% 100% 637 King Edward VI Camp Hill Girls 128 100% 100% 100% 672.7 King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys 93 100% 100% 100% 597.6 King Edward VI Five Ways School 157 99% 100% 99% 697.6 King Edward VI Handsworth School 151 99% 99% 99% 570 King's Heath Boys' Mathematics and Computing College 103 76% 93% 33% 383.9 King's Norton Boys' School 121 71% 98% 55% 463.8 Kings Norton Girls' School 149 78% 92% 73% 418.9 Kings Norton High School 93 71% 91% 23% 433.8 Kingsbury School & Sports College 170 55% 90% 22% 369.3 Lordswood Boys School 120 63% 90% 31% 382.6 Lordswood Girls' School and Specialist Centre for Media Arts 127 87% 100% 50% 628.9 Moseley School 241 47% 93% 33% 318.5 Ninestiles School a Technology College 251 72% 87% 51% 372 Park View Business and Enterprise School 119 61% 92% 48% 351 Perry Beeches School 165 92% 95% 64% 548.2 Plantsbrook School 204 80% 98% 61% 438.7 Queensbridge School 127 69% 97% 31% 463.5 Saltley School and Specialist Science College 186 75% 97% 37% 472.5 Selly Park Tech College for Girls 140 91% 99% 66% 544.9 Sheldon Heath Community Arts College 194 72% 96% 41% 426.5 Shenley Court School and Sixth Form Centre 182 51% 94% 25% 362.6 Small Heath School 214 63% 97% 42% 410.6 St Alban's CE Specialist Engineering College 79 75% 96% 30% 427.1 St Edmund Campion Catholic School 141 59% 93% 43% 366.9 St John Wall Catholic School 125 62% 95% 33% 405.2 St Paul’s School for Girls 148 84% 100% 68% 427.9 St Thomas Aquinas Catholic School 194 66% 98% 51% 404.2 Stockland Green Technology College 116 84% 91% 30% 473.7 Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls 151 100% 100% 100% 612.8 Swanshurst School 286 86% 99% 49% 480 The Arthur Terry School 242 85% 100% 67% 471.8 The College High Specialist Arts School 178 69% 95% 27% 367.5 The Four Dwellings High School (Specialist Science College) 122 57% 89% 29% 374.8 The Heartlands High School 116 61% 100% 41% 404 The International School & Community College (East B'ham) 153 59% 88% 24% 382.4 Turves Green Boys Technology and Humanities College 123 55% 93% 46% 329.3 Turves Green Girls Sch/Tech Coll. 142 76% 99% 30% 500.2 Washwood Heath Technology College 255 80% 94% 33% 424.7 Waverley School 142 91% 99% 42% 487.9 Wheelers Lane Technology College 120 82% 98% 48% 576.3 Yardleys Secondary School 176 87% 95% 43% 531 Read
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A bit extra with Ford £99 service
Nov 20 2009 | Motoring News
HEARTLANDS Ford is offering a service for just £99, with the added bonus of a year’s free roadside assistance. Read
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Citroen riding high
Nov 20 2009 | Motoring News
CITROEN Birmingham is celebrating Citroen’s 90 years at the forefront of automotive design with an “open weekend” which starts today. Read
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Liverpool FC boss delighted by "miracle" cure
Nov 20 2009 | Premier League
Rafael Benitez has defended Liverpool's use of a controversial Serbian clinic to get four of his top players fit for a crucial week that will shape the troubled Anfield club's season. Read
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Liverpool FC: Why Manchester City clash is make or break
Nov 20 2009 | Premier League
Rafael Benitez acknowledges that Liverpool's clash with Manchester City tomorrow is "make or break" to their hopes of ensuring Champions League football next season. Read
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Tottenham: Good news follows bad for Spurs on the injury front
Nov 20 2009 | Premier League
Tottenham centre-back Ledley King has a hamstring problem and will miss the Barclays Premier League clash against Wigan at White Hart Lane. Read
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Why Tottenham star believes in a cautious approach
Nov 20 2009 | Premier League
Peter Crouch believes England should adopt a cautious approach in the build-up to the World Cup finals in South Africa after failing to meet expectations at previous showpiece tournaments. Read
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Liverpool FC's "placenta four" players all give Rafa a boost
Nov 20 2009 | Premier League
All four of the Liverpool players sent to Belgrade this week for treatment for their injuries are in the squad to face Manchester City at Anfield tomorrow. Read
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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger talks placentas and van Persie
Nov 20 2009 | Premier League
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is not a fan of alternative medicine - but accepts whatever makes a player comfortable can only help the healing process. Read
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Hull boss tells players to forget Ireland farce
Nov 20 2009 | Premier League
Hull boss Phil Brown has no doubts his trio of Irish players will be fully focused on club matters this weekend. Read
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Robinho to travel for Liverpool FC game
Nov 20 2009 | Premier League
Record signing Robinho will travel to Liverpool with Manchester City tomorrow, even if the £32.5million striker is unlikely to play. Read
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Arsenal: Arsene Wenger backs Ireland
Nov 20 2009 | Premier League
Arsene Wenger has echoed Thierry Henry's calls for France's controversial World Cup play-off against the Republic of Ireland to be replayed. Read
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Calvin's X Factor fruit was lifted at chaotic Brum gig
Nov 20 2009 | Hancock
MILLIONS of TV viewers were stunned last week when The X Factor was interrupted by a man running on stage with a pineapple on his head. Read
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Gary's star raises eyebrows
Nov 20 2009 | Hancock
HIS star might shine bright in the world of sports broadcasting, but Hancock nearly fell off his bar stool when he found out TV presenter Gary Newbon was next in line for a spot on Broad Street’s ever-expanding Walk of Stars. Read
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Numbers game for MG's JT
Nov 20 2009 | Hancock
POLICE today renewed an appeal for witnesses to a fatal road accident in Walsall. Read
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Birmingham Mail archives from the time of the pub bombings
Nov 20 2009 | Birmingham pub bombings - 35 years on
Birmingham Pub Bombings anniversary: 35 years on. Read
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Birmingham pub bombings: Remembering the victims
Nov 20 2009 | Birmingham pub bombings - 35 years on
Victims of the IRA bombs which exploded in Birmingham on November 21, 1974. Read
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Birmingham Pub Bombings were a 'mistake' IRA bomber tells survivor
Nov 20 2009 | Birmingham pub bombings - 35 years on
A FORMER IRA bomber has told one of the survivors that the Birmingham Pub Bombings were “a mistake” that would never be publicly admitted by the IRA. Read
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1974 Lord Mayor of Birmingham: Bombings came out of the blue
Nov 20 2009 | Birmingham pub bombings - 35 years on
THE 1974 Lord Mayor of Birmingham said this week that the bombings came out of the blue. Jim Eames, now aged 93, launched a bomb fund within a few hours of the blasts and the fund handed out more than £400,000 to the victims. Read
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Relatives of pub bombings victim hope to catch killers
Nov 20 2009 | Birmingham pub bombings - 35 years on
MAXINE Hambleton was just 18 when she went to the Tavern in the Town to hand out tickets to friends for a house party. Read
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Maureen Messent: Living through a backlash
Nov 20 2009 | Birmingham pub bombings - 35 years on
WE STILL feel uncomfortable that the pub bombings atrocity is a chunk of Birmingham-Irish history. Read
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Maureen Messent: David Essex was No.1 and a 'superb meal' was under £2
Nov 20 2009 | Birmingham pub bombings - 35 years on
IT SHOULD have been a happy countdown to Christmas 1974 as we worked, shopped and enjoyed full employment in the then-prosperous Birmingham. Read
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Carl Chinn remembers 'scene of utter devastation'
Nov 20 2009 | Birmingham pub bombings - 35 years on
IN 1974, the trauma of the IRA pub bombings overwhelmed the people of Birmingham. Read
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Pub Bombings: Blasts that rocked Birmingham - 35 years on
Nov 20 2009 | Birmingham pub bombings - 35 years on
THIRTY five years may have passed, but the pain has not diminished for the survivors and the families who lost loved ones in Birmingham’s 1974 pub bombings. Read
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Image gallery: Scenes from the Birmingham Pub Bombings 1974
Nov 20 2009 | Birmingham pub bombings - 35 years on
On November 21, 1974, 21 people were killed when the IRA exploded two bombs in Birmingham. The bombs went off in the Mulberry Bush and the Tavern In The Town pubs, injuring a further 182 people. Read
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A Walk in the Park: Smethwick Hall Park
Nov 20 2009 | Things to do in Birmingham
VANESSA Kelly made national headlines last week – when she was fined £75 for taking her 17-month-old son Harry to this park ready to ‘feed the ducks’. Read
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Swings in sight are a sheer delight
Nov 20 2009 | Things to do in Birmingham
THIS week’s walk is a foray into Balsall Heath. Starting from The Women’s Academy I explored a small local park and nosed around people’s front gardens, many of which, despite their limited sizes, were delightful examples of local residents’ creativity and pride. As regular readers may remember, I am rather partial to swings. I always want a little ‘go’, which I did on this occasion. Nothing wrong with that, just don’t tell the boss! Read
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Left in the dark – with the Christmas lights ON
Nov 20 2009 | Things to do in Birmingham
WHEN our Christmas lights switch on made the national TV news last Saturday, you knew it wasn’t to congratulate Birmingham City Council for doing such a fine job. Read
