Birmingham news and blogs Saturday 18 May 2013
| Bedroom tax | St Patrick’s Day | Sainsbury’s | Horse meat | HS2 | EU | Obituaries
Solihull news »
Bingo caller from Brierley Hill saved grandmother’s life
Express & Star 17 MayAs it was ‘eyes down look in’, little did grandmother Shirley Gardener know that the young bingo hall assistant she had only ever waved at before was about to become her ‘guardian angel’ and save her life.
Pupils take part in science week.
Solihull News 17 MaySPARKS flew at Balsall Common Primary recently when pupils took part in an Eco Science and Technology Week.
Taxi driver praised for helping police catch robber.
Solihull News 17 MayA COURAGEOUS cabbie who confronted robbers as they fled a Kingshurst BP garage following a raid has been praised by police for his quick-thinking actions.
Shirley Marks and Spencer – ‘Use it or lose it’ plea.
Solihull News 17 MayCUSTOMERS of the Marks & Spencer (M&S) Simply Food outlet in Shirley have been urged to ‘use it or lose it’ following the news that the store will remain on Stratford Road for the time being.
Writer Paul Torr goes in search of a second Solihull…..
Solihull News 17 MayA funny thing happened to me on the way to Solihull recently.
Arden pupils get serious about games
Solihull News 17 MayYEAR 10 students from Arden School in Knowle had a lesson in the future when they took part in a visit to Serious Games International (SGIL).
Zara Phillips launches Range Rover Evoque scholarship
Solihull News 17 MayZARA Phillips visited the Royal Windsor Horse Show to announce a new engineering scholarship programme.
New engineering training on offer at Solihull College
Solihull News 17 MayFROM September Solihull College is to offer an ‘Advanced Apprenticeship in Technical Professional Civil Engineering’ and ‘Advanced Apprenticeship in Building Service Engineering, Technology and Project Management’, at its …
Shirley stall offer to celebrate Independents Day
Solihull News 17 MaySMALL businesses are being asked to take up the offer of a stall on Shirley High Street, as part of an initiative to encourage people to shop local.
Chelmsley Wood brother of murdered Big Issue vendor to do sky dive in his memory
Solihull News 17 MayTHE Chelmsley Wood brother of a Big Issue vendor, who was killed on the streets of Birmingham, is doing a charity sky dive in his memory.
Ger connected with Solihull Chamber
Solihull News 17 MayONE of the main reasons businesses join Solihull Chamber is because they want to connect to new business opportunities.
Contract boost thanks to JLP’s new F-Type
Solihull News 17 MayTHE first Jaguar F-Type customer cars left Jaguar Land Rover’s Castle Bromwich manufacturing facility last week.
Raise a glass to Shirley Beer Festival
Solihull News 17 MayTHE third Shirley Beer Festival takes place this Friday and Saturday at Camp Hill Rugby Club.
Woman racially abuses security guard following frustrations over illiteracy
Solihull News 17 MayAN ‘illiterate’ woman has been given a community order after she hurled a string of racial abuse at a Solihull security guard.
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Sport »
Mac’s cash boosts Solihull Moors juniors
Solihull News 17 MaySOLIHULL Moors Youth & Junior FC, above, has received a welcome helping hand from McDonald’s who has provided a grant of 1,000 to buy new portable football goals which will help the club to expand through setting up more teams as part…
Solihull’s Coldland Colts do the double
Solihull News 17 MayIT’S a double ‘double’ for Coldlands Colts Under 9s and Under 10s who, in the space of two weeks, won their respective league and cup finals.
Solihull U14s crowned West Mids champions
Solihull News 17 MaySOLIHULL’S U14 district representative side have been crowned West Midlands champions after winning all but one of their league matches.
Visually impaired football tournament comes to Birmingham
Solihull News 17 MaySIR Bobby Charlton will be guest of honour at the annual National Visually Impaired Five-a-Side Football Tournament at the @Futsal arena, Birmingham this Saturday, May 18.
Solihull Moors brings 32 youth clubs under its banner
Solihull News 17 MaySOLIHULL Moors have announced a joint partnership with Hampton FC that will see the Hampton boys Youth, Junior and community Open Age football join the existing structure at Damson Park.
Knowle Village given severe test
Solihull News 17 MayLOOKING to build on last weekend’s encouraging performance against Aston Unity, Knowle Village travelled the short distance to Solihull Municipal who themselves had a strong start to the season.
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Blogs »
Public exhibition of development proposals for Braggs Farm Lane land
Dickens Heath.net 16 MayDavid Wilson Homes is in the process of designing proposals for the redevelopment of land next to Braggs Farm Lane/Rumbush Lane.
Unemployment Update May 2013
Cllr Peter Doyle: Conservative - Shirley South 16 MayLets start with some good news, I would like to bring your attention to the sharp fall in youth unemployment across the borough.
3. Official: no idea how Shirley Park deeds lodged with the council were ‘lost or destroyed’
Our Solihull 15 MayThe council officer responsible states: “I am not aware of any specific events such as flooding or fire that would have caused these documents to be unavailable.
Julian Knight says “Solihull needs a Referendum”
Solihull Conservatives 15 MayThe controversy over an in out referendum on the EU has been dominating the national headlines.
More money for childcare in Solihull says MP Lorely Burt
Lorely Burt MP: LibDem - Solihull 15 MayA new £2m scheme has been launched by the coalition government to help boost childcare businesses and help women back into work.
Stratford Road M&S safe for now – Burt
Lorely Burt MP: LibDem - Solihull 14 MaySolihull Liberal Democrat MP Lorely Burt has welcomed news that the Marks Spencer Simply Food Store on Stratford Road has been saved – for now.
Dickens Heath Mums moonwalk for Breast Cancer
Dickens Heath.net 14 MayCongratulations to Dickens Heath mums Sam Bloxham, Nicki Brown, Clare Forrest, Rachel Herriott, Susette Orgill, Helene Wilson Amanda Withington who walked through London at the weekend in their bras in the annual “moonwalk” for Breast …
Police to attend Annual Parish Meeting to discuss Speedwatch – 21st May
Dickens Heath.net 13 MayThe Police are attending the Dickens Heath Annual Parish Meeting on May 21st to explain how speedwatch works and how residents can be trained to use speed cameras.
Mayor bows out with a bang(er) and bacon butty!
Dickens Heath.net 13 MayAt the DH Jubilee bash – soaked through but still smiling! The Mayor of Solihull, our ward councillor Ken Hawkins, completed his year in office today.
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Features »
66104 at Solihull in Summer 1999
Transport in Pictures 17 MayI’m panning back through the years once again to the late 1990s delivery phase for the EWS Class 66s, and it has to be said that this one looks a treat with its fresh paintwork at Solihull.
150103 Leamington Spa in Spring 2000
Transport in Pictures 17 MayBack in spring 2000, this service from Leamington Spa to Stratford-upon-Avon was still scheduled for Central Trains / Centro Class 150 power.
Rock & Pop: The Mavericks set to get Symphony Hall rocking
Solihull News: What's on 17 MayGRAMMY award winning band, The Mavericks play Symphony Hall in Birmingham this Saturday, May 18.
National Vegetarian Week 2013 – The Birmingham Press
Word In Veg Ways 14 MayI’ve written an article for The Birmingham Press outlining how National Vegetarian Week should be used as a way of trying vegetarian food either via your weekly supermarket food shopping spree or when dining out.
Rock & Pop: Tex Mex fusion stars The Mavericks play Symphony Hall
Solihull News: What's on 14 MayGrammy award winning band, The Mavericks play Symphony Hall in Birmingham this Saturday, May 18.
Edge Magazine Feature – May 2013
Word In Veg Ways 9 May‘ Edge Magazine ‘ is a food, drink, culture, business, fashion and lifestyle magazine focusing on all the latest news from the Warwickshire, Worcestershire and West Midlands areas.
Here’s my set list from last night’s Flux Vortex
The Industrial Revolution 4 MayThanks to everyone for coming along to the night, it certainly made mine to see so many of you going mental to my mashup! ChimeraX – The Box Razed In Black – Oh My Goth (DjrIB Trance Remix) Torul – In Whole (Tenek Remix) Assemblage 23 – Crush Live DJ…
Al Fresco Dining & Table Talk with Leading Chef at Piccolino’s Birmingham
Word In Veg Ways 2 May DJ entertaining the guests at theAl Fresco Terrace Launch Al fresco dining is often only really feasible in warmer climes and apart from a few sun speckled days in summer, England doesn’t lend itself well to such experiences.
DJing live at Eddies on the 3rd of May!
The Industrial Revolution 30 AprI’ll be DJing an hour set of EBM/Synth/Electronic music at Flux Vortex following the William Control gig this Friday! Come along and say hi if you’re in the area…
Theatre: Sons Without Fathers, Belgrade Theatre review
Solihull News: What's on 26 AprSons Without Fathers.
Last Minute Weddings
Nuthurst Grange Hotel 26 AprTradition has Gretna Green as the destination for young couples to elope and get hitched in a hurry.
Solihull French Market
Word In Veg Ways 25 AprStrolling around Solihull centre today I came across ‘Solihull French Market’ which is running until Saturday 27th April.
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Business »
The Solihull building boss still going strong at 94 years old
Birmingham Post 17 MayClassic car fan Ken Smith is still firmly in the driving seat at Solihull’s 100 million turnover builders merchants EH Smith – at the astonishing age of 94.
HS2 tunnel planned under M6 motorway
TheBusinessDesk 15 MayThe HS2 train line is likely to run through a tunnel under the M6 in Castle Bromwich.
EH Smith invests £400,000 in Solihull base
TheBusinessDesk 14 MaySOLIHULL builders merchant EH Smith has re-launched following a £400,000 redevelopment of its site.
UBC announces strong first quarter figures
TheBusinessDesk 14 MaySOLIHULL serviced office provider United Business Centres (UBC) has announced first quarter sales figures, revealing a strong start to the year.
Challenging trading conditions result in Enterprise Inns profit slump
TheBusinessDesk 14 MaySOLIHULL pub company Enterprise Inns has seen a marked dip in its profits in the six months ending March 31.
Law firms Wilkes and Williamson & Soden set to merge
Birmingham Post 14 MayBirmingham law firm The Wilkes Partnership is set to merge with Solihull-based Williamson & Soden solicitors as the region’s legal sector continues to consolidate.
Law firm The Wilkes Partnership to merge with Solihull rival
TheBusinessDesk 13 MayBIRMINGHAM law firm The Wilkes Partnership has merged with Solihull-based rival Williamson & Soden solicitors.
Tender is the site for C&W businesses
TheBusinessDesk 13 MayA NEW website has been launched to promote tendering opportunities from six local authorities to businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire.
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999 »
Question time for top cop
WM Police Solihull 17 MayTABLES will be turned as a top cop is interrogated by the public next week under the social media spotlight.
Force backs national bid to tackle hate crime
WM Police Solihull 17 MayWEST Midlands Police is backing a national campaign to raise awareness of…
Pup Idol II – the search for a Spaniel star
WM Police Solihull 16 MayPUP Idol is back?hellip;and this time we?rsquo;re searching for West Midlands Police?rsquo;s star Spaniel! Three…
Top of the cops: Surjeet honoured by Queen
WM Police Solihull 16 MayONE of the Midlands’most senior police officers has been to Buckingham Palace to collect an award for his distinguished public…
Public ’hangout’ with police during speeding operation
WM Police Solihull 15 MayMEMBERS of the public saw first-hand how West Midlands Police is responding to speeding in their local community last night as part of a ‘Google…
Solihull Police praise role of crime-fighting volunteers
WM Police Solihull 15 MaySOLIHULL police has paid tribute to the role played by neighbourhood watch in helping officers to reduce crime across the borough.
Public invited to ‘hangout’ with police during speeding operation
WM Police Solihull 14 MayMEMBERS of the public are being invited to see first-hand how West Midlands Police is responding to speeding in their local community.
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LocalGov »
Structure and names of managers for children / adult social services
FOI request: Solihull MBC 17 MayResponse by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council to Adam Salter on 17 May 2013.
correspondance with caroline spelman MP re HS2
FOI request: Solihull MBC 17 MayRequest sent to Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council by Graham Lock on 17 May 2013.
NHS111
NHS Newsroom 16 MayThe NHS111 service is now available for all non-urgent health queries when your Doctor’s surgery is closed.
Have you got your entry in for Solihull Neighbourhoods in Bloom yet? FInd out more here: http://t.co/50MZEpkbuq
Solihull MBC: PR (via Twitter) 16 MayHave you got your entry in for Solihull Neighbourhoods in Bloom yet? FInd out more here: http://t.
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Solihull on flickr
- Widney Manor Station – sign
19 Feb 13
At Widney Manor Station in Solihull. I got the no 5 bus from New Road in Solihull Town Centre. Then got the train one way from here towards Moor Street.Station sign on the station building plus CCTV
UK news
- Woman found alive after disappearing while swimming in sea off the Lincolnshire coast
- Woman who disappeared while swimming in sea after drinking found alive following search operation
- Widow of former KGB spy Alexander Litvinenko says coroner 'abandoned search for truth' and calls for public inquiry into his death
- Widow of former KGB spy Alexander Litvinenko calls for public inquiry into his death
- Murder hunt launched after man's body found in Coventry grassland
- Explosive device removed by Northern Ireland police investigating attempted murders
- Revealed: Devastating impact of 'bedroom tax' sees huge leap in demand for emergency hardship handouts for tenants
- Revealed: Devastating impact of 'bedroom tax' which forces huge leap in hardship handouts for tenants
- Philip Hammond breaks ranks on gay marriage
- Notes from a small island: Is Sealand an independent 'micronation' or an illegal fortress?
International news
- Deadly Iraq violence spills into fourth day
- Somaliland waits for worldwide recognition
- North Korea launches short-range missiles
- US scolds Russia for sending arms to Syria
- Tunisia bans Salafist group's meeting
- Nigerian warplanes strike 'Boko Haram camps'
- France legalises same-sex marriage
- Guantanamo hunger strike enters 100th day
- Does LinkedIn have a prostitution problem?
- Russia's grand football designs
- Several killed in China rainstorms
- UK's Litvinenko inquest suffers setback
- Nightclub dancer tells of Berlusconi parties
Concessions on HS2
Solihull Conservatives 17 MayThe Department for Transport has published the Environmental Statement (ES) for Phase One of the High Speed Railway project from London to Birmingham.