Mayors – New Labour/Con Trick

Elected Mayors – a New Labour/Cameron fix, with precious little support from Birmingham councillors, reckons Steve Beauchampé

Birmingham mayor: …And Further Down the Slippery Slope?

Birmingham currently has 120 directly elected councillors. But for how long, asks Steve Beauchampé.

Are the cameras here yet?

Steve Beauchampé explores the ‘interests’ involved with the mayoral referendum.

Mayors – Serious Problems Need Serious Solutions

… it is not the gimmicks and political beauty contests that surround an elected mayor that Birmingham needs.

Why The Mayoral Referendum Matters

Steve Beauchampé takes a critical look at the ramifications of Birmingham electing a Mayor.

Gig Review: Florence and the Machine

Steve Beauchampé writes an unexpected concert review. No press ticket involved, just decided to go a few hours before the show,

Elected Mayors: A Constitutional farce

Steve Beauchampé is appalled that the electorate will be asked to vote next May without knowing what for.

All Together Now

Here’s something for Beatles fans everywhere. But can Ringo keep up?

Oh, Give It A Rest!

Next Saturday members of the far right English Defence League and their supporters will descend upon Birmingham

Birmingham’s Grand Hotel to reopen

Preparatory work has commenced to refurbish and restore Birmingham’s Grand Hotel, with the popular landmark building set to reopen as a hotel once again

Talk commemorates re-opening of historic Woodcock Street Swimming Baths

To mark the re-opening of Woodcock Sports Centre following a £5m refurbishment and renovation, the University of Aston is presenting an illustrated talk

Bournville String Orchestra

Good music for a good cause is on offer at the local Barber this coming Saturday says Steve Beauchampé.

Match Report – Manchester United 8 Arsenal 2

Steve Beauchampé reports on the latest outing for Arsenal and their loveable manager Arsene Whinger.

Every Little Helps

In light of a recent comment, Steve Beauchampé wonders if the Prime Minister has double standards

Birmingham University To Build 50m Swimming Pool

Birmingham’s long quest for a 50-metre swimming pool appears to have taken a major step forward

Remembering Botham’s Ashes

Thirty years ago this week, Ian Botham’s talismanic performance won England a memorable Ashes victory at Edgbaston.

Sparkhill Baths redevelopment: Public meeting

A public meeting to detail progress and gauge opinion on the redevelopment of Sparkhill Baths takes place next Tuesday

It’s almost £3m

Fans of Birmingham City and Aston Villa might have been wondering how much compensation Villa would have to pay Blues

Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band, Symphony Hall

Steve Beauchampé reports on the former Beatle’s first Birmingham performance in almost 46 years.

New Street, New Start?

Steve Beauchampé looks at aspects of the Birmingham Gateway/New Street station redevelopment, and takes issue with some of Alan Clawley’s recent arguments