Birmingham Mail (England) back issues from December 2008:
Three die in city car crashes.(News)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Byline: By Jane Tyler and Mike Bradley THREE people died and two others were left fighting for their lives after road accidents in Birmingham. Two women - one thought to be called Vikki, or Vicky - were killed in a crash in Druids Heath early yesterday. ...
Smith refuses to apologise; TORY ARREST: Pressure builds on Home Secretary.(News)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Byline: By Gary Marks EMBATTLED Home Secretary Jacqui Smith was under mounting pressure today after she refused to apologise for the controversial arrest of Tory frontbencher Damian Green. Politicians from all sides demanded answers about why police investigating the ...
Firefighters test their skills.(News)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Byline: By Jane Tyler A MOCK explosion was staged in a block of flats in Birmingham as firefighters tested their skills. Fifteen fire engines were at the dramatic event in Compton House, Meadway, Garretts Green, on Saturday for the exercise. The flats are empty and ...
Taking aim for hospital.(News)
Dec 01, 2008 ... A DARTS competition is being held in aid of Birmingham Children's Hospital. Funds raised by a pounds 3 entrance fee for all players will be added to proceeds from a ...
Future pain is price for small gain.(News)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Byline: David Bell HAROLD Wilson debased our currency and infamously promised the pound in our pocket would not be devalued. I suspect when the political epitaph of our latest Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown is written it will remember him as the man who boasted ...
Spectacular event goes with a bang; FAMILY: Birmingham's Tattoo with traditional and modern entertainment.(News)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Byline: By Jane Tyler A FEAST of entertainment was enjoyed by thousands of visitors to Birmingham when the city staged its annual Tattoo. It was the 20th anniversary of the Birmingham Tattoo and organisers had pulled out all the stops to mark the occasion. ...
REVIEWS: Out of sight, not of mind; Simple Minds NEC Arena.(Features)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Byline: ROB TANNER SIMPLE Minds were one of the iconic and important bands of the 1980s with such anthems as Alive and Kicking, Don't You (Forget About Me) and their only number one Belfast Child. But they struggled to recapture those heights during the 1990s and ...
REVIEWS: Zuton Fever hits Brum; The Zutons Birmingham Carling Academy.(Features)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Byline: CHRIS HENWOOD THE gushing compliments of the audience on their way out of The Zutons' gig on Saturday were predictable. Comments such as "amazing" and "best gig I've ever seen" were heard and a fair representation of the Scouse five-piece's night. ...
Honour for little heroine Donna; Award: Uncomplaining five-year-old braved gruelling cancer treatment.(News)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Byline: By Alison Dayani HEALTH CORRESPONDENT PLUCKY Donna Degg shows exactly why she is such a "Little Star" as her beaming smile covers up months of gruelling cancer treatment. The five-year-old, from Great Wyrley, near Cannock, was one of dozens of courageous ...
All white as Santa drops in.(News)
Dec 01, 2008 ... IT WILL be a case of snow ho ho! as Santa and Rudolph drop in to the West Midlands Safari Park. Visitors will be guaranteed a white Christmas when a snow cannon is used to blast snowflakes into the air while Father Christmas visits. Starting on December 1 families ...
Increased space on new trains.(News)
Dec 01, 2008 ... BIRMINGHAM shoppers travelling by train during the festive season are to enjoy more space on a new fleet of services - which will have more seats than a jumbo jet. CrossCountry's high speed trains now feature tables, toilets and enhanced lighting and power sockets. ...
Cup worth bowling for.(News)
Dec 01, 2008 ... IT'S all made up but it's got nowhere to go. This magnificent trophy, named the Butler Challenge Cup and modelled on the FA Cup, was originally made by jewellers Rex Johnson and Sons for Edgbaston Bowling Club based in Bournbrook and was first presented in 1904. But ...
Cocaine seized in swoop.(News)
Dec 01, 2008 ... NEARLY pounds 100,000 worth of cocaine was seized by Redditch Police when they raided a house in the town. Detectives stormed the property after receiving information that drugs were being stored there. Det Sgt Sharon Wallace, of Redditch CID, said: "A warrant was ...
Snap helped nab burglar.(News)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Byline: By Ron Warrillow DETECTIVES had no trouble tracking down a 31-year-old burglar after a witness took his photograph. Carl Ansell, of Gifford Road, Wolverhampton, was snapped as he came out of a house carrying pounds 600 worth of property, Wolverhampton Crown ...
New picnic area for nature reserve.(News)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Byline: By Mike Bradley VISITORS to Barr Beacon nature reserve in Walsall can now enjoy new picnic facilities thanks to grant funding. Walsall Council's countryside services have been working in partnership with The Rotary Club of Aldridge and The Barr Beacon Trust, ...
pounds 600 bill for man who dumped soil.(News)
Dec 01, 2008 ... A BRIERLEY HILL man has been left counting the cost of fly-tipping after landing a court bill of more than pounds 600 for his actions. Paul Blunt, 30, of Landsdowne Road, Brierley Hill, was seen dumping soil on land at the rear of his property, known locally as Mears Coppice, ...
Night-out for care staff.(News)
Dec 01, 2008 ... ABOUT 50 staff from the Lickey Hills nursing home in Worcestershire are looking forward to a well-earned festive dinner and dance at the Tower Ballroom in Edgbaston, Birmingham, on Saturday. ...
Duo in town to turn on lights.(News)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Byline: By Catherine Lillington CHILDREN'S TV favourite SpongeBob Square Pants was among the guests invited to switch on Solihull's Christmas lights this year. Crowds of people turned up for the annual event which included a procession by Santa and real reindeer ...
MP's plea over youth crimes; COURTS: Schools urged to teach 'wrong-doing does not pay'.(News)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Byline: By Jonathan Walker Political Editor SCHOOLS have been urged to teach children that crime does not pay, after it emerged 1,000 youngsters aged 14 or younger were convicted in the West Midlands last year. Khalid Mahmood (Lab, Perry Barr) warned that young people ...
Class act helps to mark end of era; CAMPAIGN: Children film last customers before post office shuts its doors.(News)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Byline: By Jonny Greatrex NEWSHOUNDS from a Birmingham primary school used cameras to document the last day of their community's well used post office. And they had an map of the area on hand to direct anyone sending early Christmas parcels to their new nearest post ...
Environment service to be showcased.(News)
Dec 01, 2008 ... SERVICES ranging from street cleansing and waste collections to recycling and winter gritting will be showcased at a roadshow event in Stourbridge this month. Staff from Dudley Council's environmental management team ...
Denise beats sister to school chef title.(News)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Byline: By Mike Bradley A CATERING manager has been cooking up a storm to scoop the prestigious honour of Dudley's School Chef Of The Year. And Denise Locke won the award after serving up a treat in a cooking contest - beating her own sister. Denise, ...
Pick of the day.(Features)
Dec 01, 2008 ... BBC1 EastEnders (8.00pm) Max is convinced Tanya is covering for Jack and is hopeful for a reconciliation, but she is not interested in either of the brothers any more. Tony throws away Whitney's passport to scupper her plans for their holiday in Spain. ...
Shopping: Cold comfort; Sick of paying through the nose for medication to cure a cold? Birmingham Mail Consumer Editor EMMA McKINNEY speaks to a Midland pharmacist who is helping to save shoppers much-needed cash.(Features)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Byline: EMMA McKINNEY AT a time when many businesses are buckling under the recession, being forced to close their doors or lay off staff, one midland firm claims it is well and truly booming. And proprietor Mitesh Soma says his chemist's success has nothing to do ...
FREE photos of your kids with Santa.(News)
Dec 01, 2008 ... THE Pallasades Grotto is now open and we've teamed up with the shopping centre to offer every Birmingham Mail reader a FREE photo with Santa (worth pounds 3.50 each). Readers are also being invited to join our search for Santa's little helper. Simply complete and cut ...
Tried And Tested; RED LIPSTICKS.(Features)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Bourjois So Rouge in Trendy Rouge (pounds 7.50) An orange tone with lots of shimmer, this is red but not too flashy. A little drying on the lips but good longevity and price. Urban Decay lipstick in 5150 (pounds 12) Packed with gloss and sparkle this is party lipstick. ...
You'll Love.(Features)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Paint the town red with Boots No7 Stay Perfect Nail Colour (pounds ...
We Love.(Features)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Relax from all the hustle and bustle with Champneys new Skin Comforting Gentle Body Wash ...
He'll love.(Features)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Designer Tommy Hilfiger's latest scent for guys, Hilfiger is a dash of fruity mandarin ...
Budget v BlowIt; HIGH GLAMOUR MASCARA.(Features)
Dec 01, 2008 ... BUDGET BLOWIT Curl and define lashes with the new funky shaped brush of Rimmel's Sexy Curves Mascara for pounds 7.99. ...
Golden girls; Be a golden girl this party season.(Features)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Be precious with Estee Lauder's limited edition Shimmer Powder in compact mirror for pounds 28. BIt is all shimmer from Ruby & Millie whose Metallic Gift Set (pounds 18) features body powder, lip gloss and two face and body metals all in a gold purse. All that ...
Honours even; Blues, Villa and Wolves have to settle for a point apiece.(Sport)
Dec 01, 2008 ... SYLVAN Ebanks-Blake was on target to secure a draw in an enthralling clash between Championship highfliers Wolves and Blues. The second tier's top two played out an entertaining match in foggy conditions at Molineux but both sides had to settle for a point. Cameron ...
Posh nosh to melted Twix; PREMIER LEAGUE: VILLA 0 FULHAM 0 Tasty service desserting Villa at the final serving.(Sport)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Byline: By Bill Howell TYPICAL Villa. They can seemingly cook up a starter of pate de foie gras, presented on a bed of seasonal leaves with rustic bread. They follow it with a main course of fillet mignon with pink peppercorn sauce and pont neuf, washed down with a ...
O'Neill denies side 'choked.(Sport)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Byline: By Mat Kendrick MARTIN O'Neill has slammed suggestions Villa choked at the chance to go third during the frustrating Fulham stalemate. The boss firmly denied accusations that his Champions League chasers had cracked under the pressure in failing to beat the ...
Roy: I like what I've seen.(Sport)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Byline: By Mat Kendrick ROY Hodgson became the latest manager to talk up Villa's Champions League credentials with the Fulham boss insisting they have the pace and power to gatecrash the top four. Hodgson followed in the footsteps of Manchester United supremo Sir ...
How They RATED; ALBION (4-1-4-1).(Sport)
Dec 01, 2008 ... CARSON ...7 Some decent saves from long range. ZUIVERLOON ...7 Played well. Strong and athletic but one defensive lapse ruined his afternoon. MEITE ...7 Had the better of Heskey for long periods. OLSSON ...7 Like ...
High praise is not the point; PREMIER LEAGUE: WIGAN 2 ALBION 1 Albion need wins, not plaudits, for survival.(Sport)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Byline: By Chris Lepkowski THEY were queuing up on Saturday night. Steve Bruce was first up, claiming Albion were entitled to feel 'mugged'. Next up was the press steward outside the JJB Stadium media room. As I waited for Albion players to ...
Luckless Morrison 'felt like crying'.(Sport)
Dec 01, 2008 ... JAMES Morrison admitted he 'felt like crying' following Albion's defeat at Wigan. The midfielder was one of the best performers on the field but it was not enough to help Albion's cause. Morrison was devastated after the final whistle, not least as both of Wigan's ...
We mugged you - Bruce.(Sport)
Dec 01, 2008 ... STEVE Bruce thanked goalkeeper Chris Kirkland after admitting his Wigan side had 'mugged' Albion. The Latics boss claimed Albion were one of the better sides to have visited the JJB Stadium. And he claimed Kirkland's 'fantastic' performance against his former club ...
Sylvan praises comeback.(Sport)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Byline: By Nick Pullen GOALSCORER Sylvan Ebanks-Blake believes Wolves showed great character in coming back to equalise against Blues. The in-form striker admits Wolves didn't make the best of starts and said: "We were slow to come out of the blocks. ...
Big two serve up a treat; Great ad for the Championship CHAMPIONSHIP: WOLVES 1 BLUES 1.(Sport)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Byline: By Colin Tattum IT MAY not be considered a classic derby of a Blues v Villa or Wolves v Abion, but it's fast becoming a local spat not to miss. Wolves and Blues served up another enthralling treat at a misty Molineux, and showed a wider watching public on live ...
McLeish praises Blues' spirit.(Sport)
Dec 01, 2008 ... ALEX McLEISH felt Blues deserved more than a share of the spoils at Wolves. And he praised his side for coping with a couple of setbacks, which started when Sebastian Larsson withdrew from the side on the morning of the match for personal reasons. "The first half was ...
Mac's even response.(Sport)
Dec 01, 2008 ... WOLVES boss Mick McCarthy felt a draw was a fair result overall and was happy to have taken four points from two tough games following last Tuesday's 3-1 win at Sheffield United. "First half it was fairly even with lots of chances, but maybe they just shaded it," he said. ...
Danks' double sinks Corby rivals; BGB PREMIER REVIEW.(Sport)
Dec 01, 2008 ... MARK Danks grabbed two goals as Halesowen Town proved their promotion credentials by defeating fellow contenders Corby Town. Danks' double secured a 2-1 win at Rockingham Triangle to push the Yeltz above the Steelmen into second place in the table and within four points of ...
Creighton joy at 'good job' FA CUP: Skipper praises Harriers' showing against minnows KIDDERMINSTER 2 CURZON ASHTON 0.(Sport)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Byline: By Colin Stoner SKIPPER Mark Creighton described Kidderminster Harriers' progress to the FA Cup third round as a "good, professional job" - and he was spot on. Minnows Curzon Ashton gave every ounce of energy but Harriers simply had too much quality and goals ...
Pitmen stay top, despite defeat; UNIBOND LEAGUE REVIEW.(Sport)
Dec 01, 2008 ... HEDNESFORD TOWN suffered their fourth league defeat of the season but remain top of the UniBond Premier table. Despite a promising early start at Gigg Lane, the Pitmen lost 3-0 at FC United of Manchester. Kyle Wilson hit the first for United on 13 minutes and added ...
Basketball: Tigers roar to third.(Sport)
Dec 01, 2008 ... BASKETBALL: Everton Tigers claimed an 83-74 win over Chester Jets at the Northgate Arena with ...
Athletics: Steph steps up.(Sport)
Dec 01, 2008 ... ATHLETICS: World junior 1500 metres champion Steph Twell dominated her older and more experienced rivals to win the senior race at the McCain Cross Challenge meeting in Liverpool. The ...
Missed opportunities in difficult tie.(Sport)
Dec 01, 2008 ... TYNEDALE 24 STOURBRIDGE 15 STOURBRIDGE met an insurmountable hurdle in Tynedale, undefeated champions of National Three North last season and still unbeaten at home, whose cause was greatly aided by on-loan centre Tim Visser. The Newcastle Falcons player's ...
Rugby Union: Bees cut fog for clear win; RUGBY: Bottom side overwhelmed after slow start.(Sport)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Byline: By Andy North WATERLOO 16 B'HAM & SOLIHULL 52 BIRMINGHAM and Solihull battled through the fog to chalk up an eighttry win at bottom-of-thetable Waterloo. The Bees sealed a crucial victory in only 70 minutes after the referee adjudged ...
Golf: Cup lesson leads to Swede victory.(Sport)
Dec 01, 2008 ... HENRIK Stenson believes playing with Robert Karlsson at the Ryder Cup this year gave Sweden the edge as they combined to secure the Omega Mission Hills World Cup yesterday. Sweden overturned a four-stroke deficit in final round foursomes to capture only their second World Cup ...
Warriors left out in the cold.(Sport)
Dec 01, 2008 ... SARACENS 23 WORCESTER 6 WORCESTER'S bid to win three consecutive Premiership matches for the first time under Mike Ruddock failed at a freezing and sodden Vicarage Road yesterday. All they could manage was two penalties from Chris Pennell for their ...
Summer Lions aim for Byrne.(Sport)
Dec 01, 2008 ... IN-FORM Wales full-back Lee Byrne has ambitions of making the British Lions squad for next summer's Test series in South Africa. The Ospreys star was named man of the match in Wales' 21-18 victory over Australia on Saturday and was arguably their best player during the autumn ...
Rugby Union: Learning from brutal lessons; RUGBY: Armitage looks set to be an England fixture 33.(Sport)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Byline: By Alex Lowe ENGLAND 6 NEW ZEALAND 32 ENGLAND may have been taught "brutal lessons" by the southern hemisphere superpowers but they also discovered something positive this autumn - that Delon Armitage has a future in Test rugby. The ...
Hockey: Clinical James puts Olton on trail of leaders.(Sport)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Byline: By Nick Pullen NAOMI James netted two well-taken goals as Olton and West Warwicks clinched a 2-1 win over Poynton to go second in the Slazenger England Women's Premier Division. James struck either side of a Helen Armishaw reply to seal the victory, but Olton ...
Cricket: Giles backs Clarke to justify Bears' gamble; RAW TALENT: Hard work is the key to Rikki's future, says director of cricket.(Sport)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Byline: By Brian Halford RIKKI CLARKE will soon be back to the international-standard cricketer he should be - assuming that he puts in plenty of hours of hard graft this winter, Ashley Giles asserted today. Giles, Warwickshire's director of cricket, caused a few ...
Cricket: England 'pressed' to return.(Sport)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Byline: By Eleanor Crooks ENGLAND have been left in little doubt about the wishes of cricket's global administrators as they grapple with the dilemma of whether to return to India for their scheduled two-match Test series. The England and Wales Cricket Board appear to ...
Boost for gloomy Walsall followers.(Sport)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Byline: Stud Marks WALSALL gave their home fans a much needed boost by beating Swindon on Saturday but it has been mostly a struggle for the Saddlers at The Banks's Stadium this season. That much was indicated by the programme for the Swindon match, rearranged after ...
Loki feels the Tonga touch.(Sport)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Byline: Stud Marks SIXWAYS team-mates they may be but Tevita Taumoepeau and Loki Crichton still have that 'island thing' going on. Tongan Taumoepeua and Samoan Crichton played out their South Sea rivalry during the victory over Newcastle a couple of weeks ago. ...
Question over the Blues Qs.(Sport)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Byline: Stud Marks HERE'S a question for all you quiz fans. This little query from Blues' media department had Stud Marks in a quandary the other day. With Queudrue, ...
A no-win situation.(Sport)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Byline: Stud Marks CHILDREN don't spare people's feelings in hard times. During a visit to a school in Brierley Hill last week, one of the questions ...
Wolves fans ready for revenge.(Sport)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Byline: Stud Marks WOLVERHAMPTON Wanderers' supporters with particularly long memories will have revenge on their minds when they visit Queens Park Rangers next Saturday. Championship points will be the target of Mick McCarthy and his team but it was FA Cup progress ...
Lee lording it over Sheldon.(Sport)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Byline: Stud Marks LEE Carsley revealed an interesting choice of ideal dinner guests in a Blues' match programme Q&A. They were Mike Tyson, Muhammad Ali and ... James McFadden. Carsley was also asked the best thing about ...
Style File: Gem of deal.(Features)
Dec 01, 2008 ... BIRMINGHAM'S Marks and Spencer store is running a host of promotions in the run-up to Christmas. Top of the list is its mix and match three for ...
Style File: Chill out.(Features)
Dec 01, 2008 ... SHOPPERS at Birmingham's Pavilions are being offered the chance to put their feet up in a chill out zone. Sessions take place on December 4-8, 11-14 and 18-21, ...