The Birmingham Post has revealed that no one likes the new library design! 100% of the five letters published were against it!
Also in our uber-scientific poll 0% of our readers voted for the library to get redeveloped! Scandal!
Archive for the ‘Birmingham’ Category
New library design unveiled
In Birmingham, Brigid Jones's Diary on 4 April, 2009 at 12:15 amHonestly, why? It looks like any other modern building, bland. The current one is loved by architects and the new one is just a nice modern structure that barely stands out. Improve the old one. I like it.
It’s a shame that it’s had to lose its apostrophe…
In Birmingham, Birmingham politics, Brigid Jones's Diary, Conservative Party on 8 February, 2009 at 2:32 amHow wonderfully amused I was to learn today of the existence of the Apostrophe Protection Society!
Tory commentators love to pull us up on our grammar on this here blog, in fact after Thatcher I’ll wager its their second favourite thing to comment on. How aghast they must have been to note that their own Tory council leaders here in Brum are ditching that beloved bastion of the educated!
I know you guys aren’t that well acquainted with the Guild but if you want to start up a uni branch of the APS you only need twenty members, I can help with the forms if you like: just get in touch.
Speaking of education, I was most interested in the new Tory ad that informs us the UK is now 24th in the world at maths, (not sure what kind or level of maths as it didn’t specify), behind both Canada and Korea. Last time I checked Korea was in fact two separate political entities, North and South Korea; where pray does the UK come in the world geography championships? I personally am wondering why I ought to be surprised that both these places have reasonable education systems, but would like to congratulate them both all the same.
The dark side of snow
In Birmingham, Brigid Jones's Diary on 5 February, 2009 at 10:12 amThe snow on my street has turned into sheet ice. Thick, solid ice. Half the neighbourhood is covered it. Half the neighbourhood is also on an incline, making walking frankly terrifying. I have taken to wearing wellies in the vain hope it will make walking easier. So far I have narrowly avoided falling flat on my arse/face, but I know some of my friends have not been so fortunate. If I’m slipping and sliding all over the place it must be hell for those slightly less physically able.
So as my housemate pointed out the other night, where on Earth is the grit? Why haven’t our roads been gritted and why is there nothing to grit our pavements with? Who exactly is in charge of all this? I guess that’s a council issue…
Students more likely to be the victim of crime
In Birmingham, Law and Order, National Politics on 13 July, 2008 at 2:07 pmTo any student living in Selly Oak this is not an outrageous statement, it is however news for the Observer. In particular students are prey to gang initiations. For all the debt students are often seen as far more affluent then the ‘locals’ who they share the community with.
Lost the election?
In BULSInside, Birmingham, Labour Party, National Politics on 5 June, 2008 at 2:12 pmOne of our esteemed colleagues in BULS recently said to me that there was little point in going campaigning for an election we’ve already lost.
Tomorrow BULS will be heading to Erdington, where we face significant challenges over the next two years, it is a seat the Tories will find ever more attractive now that they hold 4 of the 12 council seats, one being Lib Dem. A little over 3 years ago the Labour Party could boast holding all council represenatives and ofcourse its Member of Parliament. The Tories have also, effectively made Kingstanding and Tyburn three-horse races, these were previously thought of as safe-labour wards. Erdington constituency has clearly moved into the marginal, and that is a prospect that has put fear into the minds of CLP members. That fear though, thankfully, has been transformed into determination and it is promising to see that the general election campaign and the local election campaign has already begun in earnest.
BULS will be getting to know Erdington very well, as we will in other key seats. So the attitude expressed by one of our colleagues was bitterly dissapointing, but it’s by no means their fault. There is a distinct lack of morale in the party, it’s quite blatant. Yet, it is that attitude that hands the Tories a victory, I don’t know any conservatives who believe it is in their hands just not. So surely it is ours to lose.
The party has large national problems, but that’s not for us to theorise and gossip about. Locally we members need to be on the ground, in communities talking to people about their concerns because it’s what we do best, not navel-gazing. Let’s get off our backsides and get out and spread our positive message about social justice and economic prosperity. The best way we serve our party is by delivering on the ground, not by wallowing in self-pity and anguishing over defeat.
BULS will be meeting outside the Guild tomorrow at 10.30am for anyone I’ve managed to guilt into attendance.
Chess, anyone?
In Birmingham, Birmingham politics, Conservative Party, Race on 5 May, 2008 at 8:41 pm
Congratulations to all newly-elected Birmingham City Councillors. I happened to be browsing through the Birmingham Conservatives website, and found a page containing lovely pictures of all Conservative Birmingham City Councillors, sorted by ward. I would encourage everyone to go and take a look – it appears not to have been updated with the new councillors yet, but please check back once it has been updated. Notice anything?
I wonder if any of the Conservative Group plays chess. Hmmm.
Labour- the Women’s Champion
In Birmingham, Women on 4 May, 2008 at 2:48 pmKathryn Woodroof of BULS reports back from the event “Labour, The Women’s Champion” in Washwood Heath
A few Sundays ago a contingent of us BULS women went over to Washwood Heath to show our support for the local Labour candidate Mohammed Rasib. Birmingham’s Labour Party had originally intended to put forward an all-women shortlist for this ward, but following a shortage i.e. complete lack of female candidates, was forced to put forward Mr Rasib, a worthy candidate for the position nonetheless. Some of those present expressed disappointment that no woman had come forward and others anger that it was still proving difficult for women, especially Black & Minority Ethnic women, to get into politics, local or otherwise. We listened sympathetically to the thoughts and frustrations of those present, and the “women need help to get into politics” line of thought was starting to grate a little, when suddenly a young woman stood up and said that if women wanted to get into politics they should quit moaning about it and just do it. Hear hear! Councillor Anita Ward of Hodge Heath ward admitted she too disagreed with all-women shortlists and that women should be put forward as a candidate based on their ability and not their sex. Furthermore, why should a good male candidate such as Mr Rasib be rejected in favour of a woman who might not do the job as well? Sadly it is not quite as easy as all that, but it was refreshing to hear women speak out against the all-women shortlists, which are frankly insulting and ignorant of our strengths and abilities. To foster higher female and BME representation, we must firstly provide more information about how you go about standing as a local councillor, or supporting your preferred party. Young people in particular know very little about local politics and this is a barrier to participation. Following that, women need to hold more meetings like this in order to meet female MPs and councillors who have succeeded in the political arena, hear their stories and gain inspiration from them.
Weather hots up
In Birmingham, Brigid Jones's Diary, Campaigns on 23 April, 2008 at 2:26 pm… and do does campaigning season!
Opportunities abound in Selly Oak, Bartley Green and Quinton. Drop me a shout to labour@guild.bham.ac.uk if you’d like a leafleting round, locally or further afield 
Anyone up for a curry?
In Birmingham, Labour Affiliated Organistions, Labour Party on 1 April, 2008 at 4:12 pmEvery once in a while an announcement is made by the Government that raises a smile. It’s a gesture of self-satisfaction, encouraging you that you did indeed do the right thing when you joined the Labour Party, it truly speaks for your issues. Curry has a special place in Birmingham and a special place in BULS. That is why I am so pleased to see Gordon Brown working hard to make sure that curry houses don’t need to shut-down if they’re hit hard by a new EU points-system for employment.
My faith in the movement has been slightly bruised in the last couple of weeks but I truly want to thank the PM for keeping an industry going, and ensuring that BULS will never be without venues for endless Curry-nights.
Rod Dungate – Labour Candidate in Edgbaston Ward
In Birmingham, Birmingham politics, Labour Party on 4 March, 2008 at 10:00 amRod Dungate our candidate in Edgbaston for this May’s local elections has started his own blog which I thought I’d share with you.
Edgbaston Ward is held by the Conservatives but I really think we can give them a run for their money this May and we wish Rod the best of luck. Happy reading!
BULSinside: Marley recieves boost
In BULSInside, Birmingham on 1 March, 2008 at 11:10 amTom Marley, chair of BULS has recieved a positive boost from the visitor numbers for last month. BULS’ blog attracted 4515 visitors during one of the busiest periods in Guild politics. Marley will be cheered by the figures which will be a clear sign that, despite further allegations of sleaze, he has full control over the club and its members.
One senior committee member has spoken to BULSinside accusing Mr. Marley of assault and forcing them to write more posts. Mr. Marley’s top aides deny such claims and suggest that Marley has a very diplomatic and consensual style. In response to the numbers Mr. Marley said; “In what will be my final month as chair I intend to make sure that we recieve over 5000 visitors.”
The statement of resignation will send a lightning bolt through the BULS committee who have been positioning themselves for the top job. It is still expected that John Ritchie, former chair, will be returning at the annual general meeting to take over the club. After Fidel Castro’s resignation letter it has also been muted that the former Cuban dictator will be spreading his brand of socialism to the West Midlands, Jim Murphy MP has also expressed an interest.
Eek
In Birmingham, Brigid Jones's Diary on 27 February, 2008 at 1:25 amI don’t care what they say, that was not a tremor it was an earthquake and it was freaky!
What does ten quid buy you?
In Birmingham, Brigid Jones's Diary on 26 February, 2008 at 10:51 pmI have never had to pay council tax, and recently had to investigate it for some friends. I don’t think the way that the amount to pay is decided is fair, and I’ve read tons of letters to papers and tabloid front pages moaning about how it was going up and up. So I figured out how much a couple living in an mid rate Birmingham house would pay, expecting it to be shocked and appauled…
It came to about £10 a week each.
Ten quid? For police, fire service, street lighting, rubbish collection, roads, pest control, schools, parks, libraries, sports centers… two hours of minimum wage?
I realise that figure is subsidised etc etc, but that sounds like a bargain to me.
Proud Past
In Birmingham, Brigid Jones's Diary, LGBT on 23 February, 2008 at 5:45 pmWhile I should have been working I came across gaybirminghamremembered. This project fascinatingly chronicles a the often unspoken history of Birmingham’s gay scene since the 1940s and how life has changed for the city’s lgbt community over the decades, really interesting, and at times sad stuff.
Dick Knowles
In Birmingham, Birmingham politics, Labour Party, Local news on 18 February, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Sir Dick Knowles, former Labour leader of Birmingham City Council, died yesterday at the age of 90.
Dick was leader of the Labour Group from 1984 to 1993, and brought in many of the changes which saw Birmingham get back on its feet and feel the sense of pride in itself that many regarded as lacking throughout the country but especially in Birmingham during the mid 1980s. Dick took over the leadership of the council at a time when much of the country and especially areas like Birmingham were on their knees, with average unemployment throughout the city of 25%, rising to 50% in some wards. Despite a lack of support from the Thatcher government, the Labour administration, under Dick’s leadership, pushed forward plans for the ICC, undoubtedly planting the seed for the vast regeneration that Birmingham City Centre has enjoyed over the last 10-15 years.
Dick lived with his wife, Anne, in Bartley Green, the Birmingham City Council ward for which I was candidate last year. Even at the age of 90, Dick’s drive and enthusiasm never ceased to amaze me. He and Anne embodied what it means to me to be a member of the Labour Party – the true spirit of comradeship, and the tremendous will to fight against the nasty side of politics that we see all too often in Birmingham. Even at the age of 90, Dick could still stuff envelopes faster than I could deliver them.
As a true comrade (who would address you as such, and never flinch when you returned the compliment, as so many of today’s Labour Party members might), Dick will be sadly missed, and Birmingham University Labour Students conveys its most deepest sympathies to Anne and the family.
What makes three thousand people take to the streets?
In Birmingham, Brigid Jones's Diary on 6 February, 2008 at 12:59 am Because I am not at all bitter about being st
uck in my house with an exam in the morning and no one to watch Super Tuesday coverage with, I am going to blog about something entirely un-Super Tuesday related.
So, yeah, three thousand people. That’s how many council staff flooded Birmingham’s Victoria Square today in protest over the new pay scheme being introduced by Birmingham city council. The issue seems to be a tricky one; while the pay shake-up is designed to bring balance to the gender pay gap by valuing male and female jobs equally (hurrah) allegations abound that it will not in fact achieve that. Also, and highly significantly, many staff are set to lose life-changing amounts (up to twelve grand in some cases).
The issue has been dogged with controversy, not least the binmen pay deal, which was accepted against union advice. It has also been alleged that the council has long since spent the money set aside to neutralise the pay cuts on other things.
What has really interested me here is the position of the unions. As the Birmingham Post points out, less than 1/4 of members voted in the strike ballot and the binmen rejected union advice… Still, three thousand people took to the streets today.
Which is the number needed for a quorate referendum in my own union this week, the Guild of Students. I wonder how this union will fare? Since there is no money at stake here I fear far less well… but I hope I’m wrong.
Bin men get raw deal?
In Birmingham, Brigid Jones's Diary on 2 February, 2008 at 9:47 pm The bin-men of Birmingham have dismayed unions by voting to accept a £8000 a year pay rise
, which coupled with the cancellation of bonusses means in real terms a £2000 a year cut.
The Labour group on the Council had accused the Tory administration of “holding a gun to their heads” over the pay deal, and it has been suggested that the bin-men had voted to “cut their losses”. The Tory administration meanwhile believes the workers have “seen sense” in accepting reformed working practices, which come with the deal.
There have been anonymous (and entirely unconfirmed) suggestions that the pay ballot was somewhat dodgey… we’ll have to wait and see if anything comes of that or if it’s just disgruntled rumour.
This is all part of the ongoing row over the council workers pay shake up, which will see thousands of council staff walk out on Tuesday in protest over pay cuts…
Possibly the most misleading picture of New Street Station ever
In Birmingham, Brigid Jones's Diary on 31 January, 2008 at 5:20 pmApparently New Street is… old! and pleasent! 
Shamelessly nicked from the front page of the Birmingham Post (picture actually taken by Iain Findlay, before I get sued)
Community Spirit- Chavved up?
In Birmingham, Brigid Jones's Diary on 16 January, 2008 at 5:03 pmThinking back to Tom Geese’s blog on community spirit, I came across this when I should have been doing something more productive. The original article is a pile of shite, but the comments below give an interesting if depressing glimpse of the two Selly Oaks- the permanent comunity and the student bubble…
Take the words “University” and “Birmingham”…
In Birmingham, Brigid Jones's Diary on 13 January, 2008 at 5:29 pmI see that Birmingham College of Food and Tourism has re-branded, as the imaginatively titled University College Birmingham.
This means our great city is now graced with Birmingham City University, the University of Birmingham and University College Birmingham.
…Anyone else think people are going to find this ever so slightly confusing?
The importance of community…
In Birmingham on 12 January, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Whilst phone canvassing today I spoke to a lovely lady who told me that the biggest problem living in Selly Oak were all the students. This rant lasted for about 10 minutes and, without telling her my educational status, I was happy to give her a sounding board for her concerns. One thing she mentioned to me was the feeling of a lack of community, she pointed out that there were no christmas lights in Selly Oak over the holiday season.
I thought little of this at the time, until this evening, when I went into every pub on the Bristol Road attempting to watch the West Brom Vs Hull match on Sky Sports. I was convinced I would find it but I was mistaken, every pub was showing Newcastle Vs Man United. It struck me that this could be further evidence of the lack of community within Selly Oak, that none of the pubs were showing the only local team on TV. I am of course completely turn off by Kerron Cross now, who I discover is a Watford fan. I would encourage all Birmingham students to adopt a local team whilst at Uni, West Brom’s antics will never fail to entertain.
P.S. I double checked the picture was Selly Oak, for fear of making a similar mistake to the Tory MEPs, commented on brilliantly by Tom Watson and our very own Ingrid Jones.
New Year Push
In Birmingham, Birmingham politics, Campaigns on 12 January, 2008 at 6:04 pmOne of the essential parts of BULS is campaigning throughout Birmingham. We’ve got some very important local elections coming up this May so what better time to start grinding the campaign gears than at the start of the New Year. Today, comrades travelled to Kings Heath to help Labour candidates Nathan Matthew and David Williams in their respective seats of Bournville and Selly Oak. We primarily did telephone canvassing making over 80 brand new contacts. Afterwards we were invited back to Steve McCabe’s house for some bloody nice food and a few beers.
We had a great chat with Steve and his wife, Fiona (who incidentally is the Director of the Political Office at Number 10), talking about a number of issues like neighbourhood regeneration, the race for the White House in America and how to get students involved with the political process in Selly Oak. Due to boundary changes Steve will become the new MP for Selly Oak, at the next General Election.
Stay tuned for more news from the campaign trail across Birmingham and in other key areas in the country.
Beautiful Birmingham
In Birmingham, Brigid Jones's Diary on 10 January, 2008 at 1:16 pm Am loving this story from Tom Watson, who spotted that instead
of their own city, Tory MEPs had displayed their wealth of local knowledge by illustrating their website with pictures of Birmingham, Alabama.
(Ironically my dear parents made the same mistake at Christmas, when they gave me a book entitled A Photographic History of Birmingham.)
Poking around the Indi
In Birmingham, Labour Party, Liberal Democrats on 18 December, 2007 at 12:26 pmIt looks like Clegg scrapped in, just. With 20,988 votes to 20,477 Nick Clegg won with a margin of 511 votes which is 1.2% of the vote. To be honest I didn’t follow this contest as I always presumed it was a foregone conclusion; Clegg was surely always going to win. If I had to give him on piece of advice it would be put Huhne in charge of elections.
Furthing poking around the indi led me to find another good piece by Johan Hari. Its good to be able to feel proud of Labour again.
Also for those Birmingham Uni students the Indi have rated our uni. Apparently nightlife is jumping?? and the average cost of private accomodation is £55 a week…
Not a quiet week for Birmingham
In Birmingham, Birmingham politics, Brigid Jones's Diary, Women on 9 November, 2007 at 4:48 pmThe Birmingham Post has carried two headlines this week that prompted me to shell out 70p for it. The first, on Monday, was in the fall out of the Enoch Powell Tory row… like the Post correspondant, I had already googled the speech, only to be led straight to the National Front website which carried it in its entirety. Reading it left me feeling cold and unsettled, particuarly the anecdote about the “only white woman left in a street”. Yesterday it was suggested Hastilow could still be asked to return by local party activists…
Later in the week it was reported that the pay cuts for Birmingham Council workers could disproportionately affect women. While many female workers will indeed recieve rises, an awful lot of traditionally feminine jobs will be devalued… as if the pay gap wasn’t bad enough. The council has defended itself, saying that the new pay system was meant to make things more fair and equal. I’d be very interested to see who is right- did the council get it badly wrong or is the headline misleading?
On the equal pay front, it was also reported this week that women with degrees earn less than men right from their first jobs after graduation. What a bright hopeful future I have ahead of me.
