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.
Head and shoulders under Kennedy
Martin Mullaney, is shocked to discover additions are to be made to the Kennedy Memorial Mural
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.
UKIP chooses Birmingham for 2012 Annual Conference
The UK Independence Party (UKIP) is to stage its 2012 Annual Conference in Birmingham from 20 – 22 September.
Now that’s what I call an athlete
Usain Bolt may be in town, but we’ve seen better before. John Russell tells the forgotten tale of the greatest runner Birmingham has ever known.
The Birmingham Rep at 100
A new website will bring to life a unique archive of rare photographs, letters, newspaper articles and other items celebrating Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s centenary.
Birmingham Royal Navy warship to act as Flame escort
One of the Royal Navy’s P2000 patrol vessels, HMS Exploit, has been honoured with an invitation to act as ceremonial escort for the Olympic Flame.
New life for Old Library
Fazeley Events have announced a new venue in Birmingham’s trendy Digbeth district.
Conservation group in search of new trustees
Birmingham Conservation Trust, the building preservation trust that saved the Back to Backs and is now working on Newman Brothers Coffin Works, is looking for new volunteer trustees. Could this be you or someone you know?
When Birmingham Staged the Olympic Games
Did you know in June 1867, Edgbaston hosted Britain’s second National Olympic Games?
Friends of the Central Library petition
The Friends of the Central Library are gathering signatures for their petition to save the John Madin designed Central Library in Birmingham
Andy Hamilton – A Celebration of His Life
A celebration of the life and work of legendary Jamaican-British jazz musician and community figurehead Andy Hamilton MBE is to take place at Symphony Hall on Tuesday 26th June at 2.30pm.
New Award for Ironbridge
Museum’s volunteering programme has been recognised as a leader in its field.
Free Stuff: English Heritage’s Conservation Bulletin special sports edition
To coincide with the 2012 Olympics, English Heritage has dedicated the latest issue of its Conservation Bulletin (No. 68) to sport.
Free Cannon Hill Open House & Garden Day
This weekend is the Edwardian Open House and Garden Day at Cannon Hill House – the Grade 2 Listed Home of Louisa Ryland who gifted Cannon Hill and Small Heath Parks to the people of Birmingham.
An appeal for a re-presentation of Sir Barry Jackson’s favourite Shakespeare play
Steve Holbrook forwarded a letter of appeal which we are happy to distribute….
Birmingham Lives Local History Fair 2012
The sixth annual Birmingham Lives Local History Fair takes place this coming Sunday, June 10th between 11:00-16:00.
Heritage – Who knows best?
The current concerns as to whether Culture Minister Jeremy Hunt was influenced by those with a financial interest in the outcome of his decision on BSkyB reminds Alan Clawley of the arguments used by Friends of the Central Library to challenge the decision that Hunt made not to list the Central Library.
Take tea with the Queen and see her Coronation in Bloxwich!
With national Diamond Jubilee celebrations imminent, Bloxwich Library Forum is doing its loyal duty by joining forces with Bloxwich Library and Walsall Council to mark the historic event in style.