The Birmingham Post (England) back issues from January 2009:
Railway station plan for pounds 60m Olympic pool site.(News)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Byline: PAUL DALE Public Affairs Correspondent Birmingham's newpounds 60 million Olympic swimming complex could have its own train station, delivering a long-awaited public transport boost to the International Convention Centre, National Indoor Arena and Brindley place. ...
Adams store closures 'likely'.(News)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Administrators for children swear chain Adams have warned that store closures were likely following the collapse of the business earlier this week. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) will make a further announcement early next week, but in the current retail environment it said some ...
BIRMINGHAM POST COMMENT: Council thrashing about in the deep end.(Leaders)
Jan 01, 2009 ... This newspaper would like to believe in the feasibility of an pounds 85.5 million investment in Birmingham's swimming provision which, among other benefits, would deliver a 50 metre Olympic-size pool. Quite clearly the proposal, which includes replacing Harborne Pool and refurbishing ...
Home Secretary's new year security warning smacks of 1984.(News)
Jan 01, 2009 ... If a Home Secretary had suggested, even 20 years ago, that all telephone calls should be monitored by police and the security services, regardless of any evidence to suggest wrongdoing, the idea would have been strangled at birth. The mere thought that Britain should succumb to ...
FTSE closes 31pc down after a year to forget.(Business)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Byline: HOLLY WILLIAMS Press Association London's blue chip share index closed 2008 yesterday with the worst annual performance in its 24-year history. A last minute dose of post-Christmas cheer was not enough to prevent the FTSE 100 Index from notching up a record ...
Car industry an absolute priority for Mandelson, says Midland MP.(Business)
Jan 01, 2009 ... A leading Midland MP last night reassured Jaguar Land Rover workers that saving the country's automotive industry was the "absolute priority" of business secretary PeterMandelson. The company has called for a statesanctioned loan or credit guarantee at commercial rates to help ...
Clothing firm Morgan falls victim to downturn; UPDATE.(Business)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Paris-based French women's clothing store chain Morgan has become the latest High Street nameto fall victim of the credit squeeze after calling in the administrators. The company, which expects to report a nine per cent decline in 2008 sales, said it still hoped to be able to ...
Training cutbacks must be avoided at all costs; EDUCATION.(Business)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Byline: ALUN THORNE Head of Business Business leaders across the West Midlands have called on the government to postpone the abolition of the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) in the face of "turbulent economic conditions". The West Midlands Chambers of Commerce wants ...
Aberdeen parts deal provides Credit Suisse with a quarter-stake.(Business)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Byline: TAKEOVER Aberdeen Asset Management yesterday unveiled a deal to buy parts of Credit Suisse's fund management business in a move worth pounds 250 million. The takeover will create the UK's largest listed fund management group and enable investment banking ...
Ministers have snouts in the pension trough; city view.(Business)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Byline: JOHN CRANAGE Let me start 2009 with a shameful admission. Some days ago I received a statement from the financial adviser who is looking after the investments that will supplement my company pension when the time comes to retire. So far, so ...
Investment in training our greatest challenge; ECONOMY Geoff Percy, Chairman of the CBI West Midlands, calls for businesses to worry about the micro while the macro looks after itself.(Business)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Byline: Geoff Percy The economic outlook has offered few reasons to be cheerful this festive season. I'm well known for my optimistic outlook but even I'm struggling at the moment. After an economic roller coaster of a year, I'm not about to predict the ...
Struggling Swiss bank UBS sells Bank of China stake at a discount.(Business)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Chastened Swiss bank UBSAG has sold its stake in Bank of China at a discount to institutional investors. UBS is struggling to repair its balance sheet after massive investments into risky United States assets forced it to make nearly EUR49 billion of write downs, more than any ...
The ice maiden is flying high; pen portrait.(Business)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Name? Roula Samaha Job title? Human Resources & Training Manager, Radisson SAS Hotel, Birmingham; also chair of Birmingham Young Professional of the Year Awards Best thing about Birmingham/West Midlands? Its diversity, the fabulous country pubs and Lapworth: I love ...
Fresh threat to gas supplies; Daniel Fineren looks at the implications of the potentially disastrous gas crisis in the Ukraine.(Business)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Byline: Daniel Fineren Europe remains vulnerable to the annual threat of disruption to gas supplies from Russia caused by Moscow's regular rows with Ukraine, but circumstances this winter mean it should get through a brief supply cut unscathed. Russia said it would ...
AWM's pounds 14m boost for All Saints scheme; REGENERATION.(Business)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Byline: ALUN THORNE Head of Business Advantage West Midlands has agreed to contribute pounds 14million towards a commercial scheme set to transform the heart of West Bromwich. The All Saints scheme - being delivered by developer Stoford - is a brownfield development ...
Always look on the bright side of life in these troubled times.(Business)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Byline: jon cooper I've been isolating myself from pessimists for as long as I can remember. As soon as I feel a negative "vibe" from someone, I always make a mental note to be in a different room next time they're around. That particular skill is one I'm ...
Kevin's perfect end to 2008; john bright's 2008 review.(Business)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Byline: john bright BRMB's Kevin Pashby was voted Rear of the Year by his colleagues. However, sadly, asked by the female catering staff to ...how shall we put this ...show it off for the girls, he failed to oblige. Still, nice to hear he's got a good arse ...
Database plan crucial to fight crime - Smith.(News)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Byline: MARK COWAN Crime Correspondent The Home Secretary last night defended plans for a super database of everyone's telephone calls, emails and internet use as a necessary weapon to tackle organised crime and terrorism. A consultation paper into the communications ...
Murder hunt after man's burnt body found by M45 embankment.(News)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Byline: EDWARD CHADWICK Staff Reporter A murder investigation is under way after the discovery of a burnt body in shrubland on a motorway embankment in Warwickshire. Police said the victim - a man aged between about 45 and 75 - had suffered substantial head injuries. ...
Factory blaze: pair rescued.(News)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Two night workers were rescued from a burning meat factory in Birmingham after fire swept through the premises. The men were led away from Raphael Meat and Poultry in Wright Street, Small Heath, by firefighters from High gate and Hay Mills before paramedics treated them at the ...
Machete death - son charged.(News)
Jan 01, 2009 ... A man appeared in court charged with murdering his own father who died after he was attacked with a machete. Zahid Mohammed (20), of Bordesley Green Road, Bordesley Green, was remanded in custody yesterday by Birmingham Magistrates' Court. The victim, named locally as ...
Top hotel set for weddings.(News)
Jan 01, 2009 ... One of Birmingham's most luxurious hotels has been granted permission to use its premises for weddings. Couples can now tie the knot in civil weddings and partnerships at Malmaison Hotel at the city's ...
Tories slam use of Lottery funds for 2012 Olympics instead of good causes.(News)
Jan 01, 2009 ... A quarter of the National Lottery money set aside for good causes is being used to fund the 2012 Olympics and meet lottery distributors' administration costs, the Conservative Party said. Research carried out by the party showed Camelot gave pounds 1.2billion to the Good Causes ...
Dozen hurt after 20-car pile-up in fog.(News)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Byline: EMMA MCKINNEY Staff Reporter Paramedics said it was a miracle no one was killed after three serious road crashes struck within minutes of each other on a Worcestershire road leaving dozens injured. While police blamed the crashes on heavy fog and plummeting ...
Medieval sword fights could be just the thing for 'difficult' pupils.(News)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Tamworth youngsters are to learn the art of jousting, sword fighting and circus skills in their school time as part of an innovative project funded by a Heritage Lottery grant. Pupils at Kettlebrook Referral Unit in Tamworth will be taking a step back in time to get a snapshot ...
Fewer tourists are now visiting Britain; LEISURE.(News)
Jan 01, 2009 ... The number of visits to the UK by overseas tourists is likely to have dipped by three per cent in 2008. National tourism agency Visit Britain said visits were expected to total 31.9 million - a ...
Death counter starts tolling; ART.(News)
Jan 01, 2009 ... A giant LED counter which will show the number of people who die around the world this year has been unveiled in London. The work, called Death Counter, by Spanish artist Santiago Sierra, has been lent to insurer Hiscox. In return it has given him an insurance policy ...
Man rescued from burning taxi office; FIRE SERVICE.(News)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Firefighters rescued a man after he became trapped in a burning office at BR Taxis in Entertainment Road, Evesham. The man was trapped inside for about 30 minutes as firefighters ...
Extra 75p a week for elderly in care; SOCIAL SERVICES.(News)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Elderly people who live in care homes will receive an extra 75p a week next year. Care home residents whose accommodation, food and nursing fees are paid by the state will have ...
Why the Wye is set for a good year.(News)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Byline: WILL OLIPHANT Staff reporter Anglers on the River Wye in Herefordshire could be in for a bumper fishing season next year as salmon stocks have almost returned to normal after an all-time low. More than 1,000 fish were caught on the river in the last year ...
Credit crunch befalls Birmingham's dogs and cats.(News)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Animal shelters are reporting high levels of abandoned pets during Christmas as the credit crunch hits pet owners. Almost 300 dogs have been recovered from Birmingham's streets and dozens more animals reported abandoned. Last month 288 strays were brought in to the ...
New-look church is proving attractive.(News)
Jan 01, 2009 ... A night church set up in a former bank in Staffordshire has proved the key to pulling in troubled souls. It started out as the Church Without Walls, set up in a town centre as part of an attempt to help the Lichfield Diocese to better engage with the community. But ...
Archbishop - focus on others, not just woes of the economy.(News)
Jan 01, 2009 ... The Archbishop of Canterbury has warned against focusing solely on economic woes as he described children and the most vulnerable as the "real treasure" and wealth of society. Dr Rowan Williams acknowledged anxiety and insecurity prompted by fears about job losses, disappearing ...
Money! Money! Money! ENTERTAINMENT.(News)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Mamma Mia! The Movie is the biggest-selling DVD in the UK, the Official Charts Company has announced. The release, which was issued five weeks ago, racked up enough sales during the Christmas break to become the first disc to sell more than five million DVDs. It has ...
Prince was busier than Anne in 2008; ROYALTY.(News)
Jan 01, 2009 ... The Prince of Wales' busy year on official visits has earned him top place in a survey of engagements carried out by the royal family. Charles has eclipsed his sister the Princess ...
Outcry over police massage spending; POLICE.(News)
Jan 01, 2009 ... A police force has come under fire for its decision to spend thousands of pounds of taxpayers' money providing staff with Indian head massages. Sussex Police have invited tenders ...
Passengers 'shudder' at 6pc rise in rail fares.(News)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Byline: EMMA MCKINNEY Consumer Editor Midland rail passengers will be hit with inflation-busting fare increases coming into effect today. Consumer watchdogs have warned commuters they will "shudder and shiver" at the hike, which affects both regulated fares, such as ...
Farm lands role in TV documentary.(News)
Jan 01, 2009 ... An historic Midlands farm is set to be put firmly on the tourist map after landing a starring role in a new TV series. Acton Scott farm in Church Stretton, Shropshire, will be the setting for aBBC2 documentary which starts next week. The 20-acre working farm museum, ...
Israeli air strikes on Gaza continue; FOREIGN.(News)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Israeli leaders rejected an immediate 48-hour pause in fighting yesterday and pushed ahead with the devastating air offensive against Hamas, pounding targets through pouring rain as the Gaza Strip entered its fifth day of battle. Israel is facing growing international pressure ...
ETA bomb TV station in Spain; FOREIGN.(News)
Jan 01, 2009 ... A Basque separatist car bomb has wrecked a television station in the northern Spanish city of Bilbao. No injuries were reported in the explosion which came after a warning from the terrorist group ETA. The bomb went off outside the offices of the EITB regional television station ...
We had 15 seconds to find cover before rocket landed; FOREIGN As the conflict in Gaza continues, Birmingham Post reporter Paul Bradley reflects on his recent visit to the region and the terrifying moment he came under fire from Hamas.(News)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Byline: Paul Bradley The body of a small Palestinian girl being carried through the streets by her father is one of the most disturbing images of violence I have ever seen. For millions of Britons watching the killings unfold on their televisions screens, it is far ...
Pinter makes his final bow; FUNERAL.(News)
Jan 01, 2009 ... A farewell was being said to Nobel prize-winning playwright Harold Pinter yesterday in his final production, a funeral service in accordance with his wishes. The influential writer died on Christmas Eve aged 78 after a long battle with cancer. His agent JudyDaishsaid ...
Police name men found dead in sea; BODIES.(News)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Two men whose bodies were found in the sea by rescuers two days after they went missing in a dinghy, have been named by police. Bernard Faulkner, 55, and Jamie Beecham, 32, were last seen in a ...
Black and white twin girls . . . again; BIRTHS.(News)
Jan 01, 2009 ... A mixed-race couple who had one black and one white twin daughter seven years ago have defied the odds and done it again. Dean Durrant, aged 33, and Alison Spooner, aged 27, of Fleet, ...
Brown calls on British spirit to get through global crisis.(News)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Gordon Brown has warned the country that 2009 "won't be easy" as it faces up to the economic crisis. In the Prime Minister's traditional New Year message, he insisted that Britain would pull through - but admitted the challenge was "enormous". "This coming year won't ...
Edexcel clinches pounds 25m Sats deal.(News)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Byline: ALISON KERSHAW Exam board Edexcel has been awarded the one-year contract to deliver next year's Sats tests, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority confirmed. The contract will be worth pounds 25 million, and covers the national curriculum tests for 11 ...
Leukaemia cells killed by grape seed extract.(News)
Jan 01, 2009 ... A supplement made from grape seeds can destroy leukaemia cells, say scientists. In laboratory experiments, commercially-available grape seed extract forced the cancer cells to commit suicide. Within 24 hours, 76 per cent of leukaemia cells exposed to the extract died ...
Comic Lee on phone charge.(News)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Stand-up comic Lee Hurst yesterday pleaded not guilty to smashing an audience member'smobile phone at one of his gigs. The comedian, from Limehouse, south east London, is alleged to have grabbed the phone during a performance at the Stoke Pub in Guildford, Surrey. ...
Exorcise the ghost; AGENDA Bishop of Birmingham David Urquhart sets out a vision for saving Congo from more suffering.(Features)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Byline: David Urquhart For more than 120 years an area the size of Europe has been known as the African Free State, the Belgian Congo, Zaire, and today the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Stretching from the Atlantic coast to the borders of Uganda and Rwanda and ...
Looking on the bright side ... AGENDA.(Features)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Byline: andeep mangal As we wake up today with an economic hangover from 2008, the outlook for 2009 is gloomy. With woeful tidings about the state of businesses large and small, from Jaguar-Land Rover to corner shops, times are hard. You may well think there's not ...
Letter: Time is running out to secure future of JLR.(Letters)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Byline: ST Vaughan Dear Editor, The frightening scenario of the closure of Jaguar Land Rover would bring house prices crashing and a catastrophic economic Armageddon for the West Midlands. This isn't about a fewthousand jobs and a Government producing the sticking ...
Letter: Support for a National Defence Medal drive.(Letters)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Byline: Charles Lovelace Dear Editor, With regard to the New Year Honours, Successive governments have sedulously ignored loyal and steadfast service by many Armed Forces personnel. The unofficial Veterans Badge is barely visible and is no substitute for a medal. ...
Letter: M6 Toll owners have a cash cow.(Letters)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Byline: J E S Bradshaw Dear Editor, Your correspondent Colin Leighfield (Birmingham Post, 15th December) sneers at those who question the value of the M6 Toll road, and tries to explain away its failure to attract more than a third of its target usage by telling us that as he ...
Letter: Council's pay policy is not 'in tatters' - it's a roaring success.(Letters)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Byline: Coun Alan M Rudge Dear Editor, The Birmingham Post should be congratulated in conjuring news out of the blue where no news exists with regards to the recent sensationalist and grossly inaccurate article about the pay and grading appeals process currently under way. ...
Minding your Ps and Qs; Manners maketh the man, says Sam Wylie-Harris, despairing that modern etiquette leaves a lot to be desired LIFESTYLE.(Features)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Byline: Sam Wylie-Harris They say manners maketh the man - or at least they used to. According to latest research, minding your Ps and Qs is fast becoming a thing of the past. As our lives become ever more stressful and hectic, millions of us are forgetting to say and ...
Eclectic dreams; CULTURE Ahead of Semyon Bychkov's visit, Terry Grimley talks to the Russian conductor.(Features)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Byline: Terry Grimley Russian conductor Semyon Bychkov gets 2009 off to a flying start next week, directing the National Youth Orchestra in concerts in Birmingham, Manchester and London. His last professional task before Christmas was to call me from the south of ...
Fond farewells and rapturous welcomes; CULTURE With a new year here, Christopher Morley recounts the highlights of 2008.(Features)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Byline: Christopher Morley The last 12 months were the year in which the CBSO bade a fond farewell to one music director and gave a rapturous welcome to another. Sakari Oramo relinquished the baton after ten extraordinary years - which included, among countless ...
Farm land expected to buck property trend; COMM PROP.(News)
Jan 01, 2009 ... Byline: ALUN THORNE Head of Business Agricultural land looks to be one of the safest asset classes for investors in the coming year after bucking the trend in 2008. As the property market continues its decline and residential development land values plummet, ...
Record year for farm sales as investors turn to land; COMM PROP.(News)
Jan 01, 2009 ... A leading Midlands-based firm of auctioneers, estate agents and valuers has reported a record year for farm and agricultural land sales. Sales valued in excess of pounds 25million were completed by Halls and the Shrewsbury-based company is predicting demand for farm and ...
Agricultural rent reviews are used by landlords to reap their own harvest; COMM PROP.(News)
Jan 01, 2009 ... A Midland agricultural lawyer expects to see a rise in agricultural rent reviews over the coming years as landlords reap their own harvest on the back of increasing agricultural profits volatile commodity prices and diversification Sarah Denney-Richards, an associate in the agriculture and ...
DTZ post clean sweep success; COMM PROP.(News)
Jan 01, 2009 ... DTZ in Birmingham is celebrating the achievement of a 100 per cent pass rate for team members studying the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) to become qualified Chartered Surveyors. Geoff Thomas, DTZ's Birmingham-based regional chairman, said: "The APC is a rigorous, ...
A baker's dozen of young people; THRIVE.(Features)
Jan 01, 2009 ... A baker's dozen of young people are celebrating the news that they have successfully graduated from the Young Bakers Academy run by the University College Birmingham. The course takes place over three months and allows 14 to 16 year olds to learn practical skills, helping to ...
Inquiry shows need to create a greener skilled workforce; THRIVE.(Features)
Jan 01, 2009 ... The All Party Parliamentary Group on Corporate Responsibility (APPGCR) has published the results of its inquiry into the UK's 'talent challenge'. The inquiry, launched in February 2008, has found that there is a pressing need to raise awareness of the scope and urgency of the ...
Hotel will back hospice; THRIVE.(Features)
Jan 01, 2009 ... The Holiday Inn Birmingham-Bromsgrove has adopted the Primrose Hospice as their chosen charity for 2009. The hospice celebrated 21 years of providing care and support in 2008 and the hotel staff are equally excited about supporting the hospice in 2009. Primrose ...
Unwanted gifts can help hospice; THRIVE.(Features)
Jan 01, 2009 ... The League of Friends of the John Taylor Hospice has launched a seasonal appeal for unwanted gifts. Ray Woods, a spokes man for the charity, said: "Good quality gifts are always useful for fundraising. The money that we raise will go towards the care and comfort of patients." ...