Birmingham Central Library: The latest ‘last ditch’ attempt to save it
Alan Clawley claims that reports of the imminent destruction of John Madin’s library are way off the mark and that the campaign to save it goes on.
Laurence Inman is full of wrath… Cape Wrath
There are interesting connections between WH Auden, Iceland and Bournville. Laurence Inman explains…..
Birmingham gears up for MIPIM 2013
Leading businesses across Birmingham are joining forces once again to attend the world’s leading real estate show next year.
Sonia Audhali – Little Yemen at mac Birmingham
A new exhibition capturing rare images of the Yemeni community in the West Midlands is to go on display at mac birmingham next year.
The Arctic Star
The Arctic Star medal and why Andy Goff will be applying for one even though the recipient isn’t bothered.
Share your memories of historic Black Country venues
The Public in West Bromwich are calling for people to share their memories and photographs of old cinemas and dance halls in the Black Country as part of a Heritage Lottery Funded Project.
Passionate about conservation
Alan Clawley believes history shows that the Council just can’t cope with anyone who displays too much passion for the past.
Selling Birmingham to investors
Ten influential advisers to global investors toured Birmingham last week to see the city’s increasingly compelling offer for themselves.
That pregnancy, this curmudgeon
As the nation revels in the premature news that a young, newly married, couple are expecting a child, Laurence Inman has been pondering on likely names.
South Africa War Memorial rededication ceremony
The somewhat controversial South Africa War Memorial in Cannon Hill Park is to be rededicated at a ceremony on Saturday, 8th December.
Leonard Lord: The biography of a Brummie tycoon
Quite apart from being the man who really made the Mini, Birmingham tycoon, Leonard Lord, was, arguably, the most important British industrialist of the latter half of the twentieth century.
Local stories and memories needed for centenary celebrations
Birmingham Repertory Theatre will celebrate its 100th birthday in February 2013 and as part of the plans to mark the landmark anniversary are asking for local people’s treasured memories of the theatre.
There are historic cities and then there’s ‘Birmingham, its people, its history’
Alan Clawley believes Birmingham doesn’t capitalise on its historic assets and suggests a better way to make more of them.
Justice Tonight
Today marks the 38th anniversary of one of the saddest days in the city’s history, the Pub Bombings of 1974. Here the campaigning group Justice for the 21 talk about their quest to uncover the truth behind this atrocity.
Trip down memory lane for graduates
A group of language graduates from Wolverhampton who have gone on to work all over the world have been reunited 44 years after completing their course.
The future of Walsall’s Green Spaces and Countryside Services
A new Facebook Group has been set up in response to local concerns for the future of Walsall’s Green Spaces and Countryside Services.
Laurence Inman reflects on ‘a pleasant Autumn day at Bournville Boys’ Technical School’
Experiences at school can be formative in many ways. Laurence Inman shares one of his.
Lee Longlands celebrates 110 years in business
One of the West Midlands’ best-known retailers is celebrating a special birthday in style, with the launch of exclusive new ranges and plans to roll out a new e-commerce facility.
Ground breaking film to be shown at leading art gallery
The revolutionary, documentary style film, Cathy Come Home, directed by one of Britain’s most critically acclaimed film-makers, Ken Loach, is showing at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts on Saturday 10 November 2012.
From the Bunny ‘ill t’ Puddin’ Rock
An evening of Black Country story and song celebrating the experiences of ordinary people with extraordinary stories will be taking place at The Public in West Bromwich on Saturday 20 October.
Half-Term Adventures II
Further ways to prevent boredom. Part two of our guide to events at local places of interest during half-term.
Local lad(s) Done Good
We’re pretty sure that this has never happened before, so well worth highlighting
Museum partnership announced
Two of the region’s major museum groups have announced plans for greater co-operation.
Birmingham Library: Built in obsolescence
Alan Clawley takes issue with Birmingham City Council’s inability to find the wherewithal to carry out repairs in Birmingham’s Central Library.
Thirty trees have been taken, ‘none of them of any real historical importance’
Laurence Inman went to Birmingham and discovered that something was missing.
Besmirching the memory
According to its website the British National Party (BNP) is to pay Birmingham a visit on Sunday, October 7th, in its guise as the “British Veterans’ Group”.
Gazebo Theatre presents Jamaica 50
The island of Jamaica has had many influences on Great Britain – 2012 marks the 50th anniversary of Jamaican Independence
Model helpers required
The Royal Air Force Museum has launched an appeal aimed at fans of smaller aircraft than they usually deal with.
World-Class Ironbridge
There’s a packed programme of events coming up at the birthplace of industry.
Death of Louis Carus
Alan Clawley laments the passing Louis Carus and wonders what will replace the Conservatoire’s Adrian Boult Hall.