Dec
2009
Articles from 18th Dec 2009
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Birmingham charity creates remembrance garden for bereaved families
Dec 18 2009 | West Midlands News
A remembrance garden for bereaved families has been set up by Edward’s Trust. Diane Parkes meets some of those who have been helped by the Birmingham-based charity. Read
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Tesco jobs boost in Birmingham
Dec 18 2009 | West Midlands News
A total of 90 unemployed people in Birmingham have landed new jobs at Tesco, providing a boost to the region’s flagging employment sector. Read
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Woman drops lawsuit against Worcester gynaecologist
Dec 18 2009 | West Midlands News
A woman who accused a gynaecologist from Worcester of sexual assault and harassment - claiming he gave her two orgasms on the examination table - has dropped her case against him. Read
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Birmingham solicitors among six charged over £50m mortgage fraud
Dec 18 2009 | West Midlands News
Six people, including two Birmingham-based solicitors, have been charged over a £50 million commercial mortgage fraud. Read
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Men who murdered sub-postmaster Craig Hodson-Walker jailed for life
Dec 18 2009 | West Midlands News
Three men who murdered a sub-postmaster in Worcestershire have been jailed for life with a minimum of 34 years by a judge who branded them "parasitic criminals". Read
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Darren Day on drink-driving charge
Dec 18 2009 | UK News
Entertainer Darren Day has appeared in court charged with drink-driving following an alleged accident in the early hours. Read
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Teacher admits attacking pupil
Dec 18 2009 | UK News
A science teacher has admitted that he assaulted a pupil at his school. Read
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US, China take 'step towards deal'
Dec 18 2009 | UK News
Bilateral talks between US President Barack Obama and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao have moved a "step forward" toward a possible climate deal, a US official said. Read
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Afghan victim`s tragic last message
Dec 18 2009 | UK News
A teenage British soldier sent a poignant Christmas message home before he was killed in a suicide attack in Afghanistan, it has emerged. Read
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Bus thief went on 30-mile rampage
Dec 18 2009 | UK News
A man who stole a bus and took it on a 30-mile joyride has been handed an indeterminate jail sentence. Read
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Fraudster gave £1.5m to prostitute
Dec 18 2009 | UK News
A Toys 'R' Us accountant who defrauded the firm of £3.6m which he spent on a "fantasy" life of prostitutes and expensive cars has been jailed for seven years. Read
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More work needed at eco-summit - PM
Dec 18 2009 | UK News
There is still "a lot of work to be done" to secure any international deal on climate change, Gordon Brown has said. Read
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Obama hails deal on climate change
Dec 18 2009 | UK News
US President Barack Obama has reached a "meaningful agreement" with the leaders of China, India and South Africa at the UN climate change conference. Read
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Tearful Wogan says a last goodbye
Dec 18 2009 | UK News
Sir Terry Wogan woke up his devoted listeners for the final time and joked: "There's a part of you that's glad to see the back of me." Read
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Teacher on attempted murder charge
Dec 18 2009 | UK News
A science teacher is due to appear in court charged with the attempted murder of one of his pupils. Read
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UK border scheme could be illegal
Dec 18 2009 | UK News
A flagship Government scheme aimed at tracking all passenger movements into and out of the UK is likely to be ruled illegal, a committee of MPs has warned. Read
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Immigration centre 'unacceptable'
Dec 18 2009 | UK News
Conditions for women and children at an immigration removal centre are "wholly unacceptable", a report has said. Read
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2.5 million council houses sold off
Dec 18 2009 | UK News
Around 2.5 million council houses have been sold since the Right-to-Buy scheme was first created 30 years ago, research has shown. Read
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Councils treble number of cameras
Dec 18 2009 | UK News
The number of council-controlled CCTV cameras has nearly trebled in a decade, figures have revealed. Read
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Bank cuts could have saved £75bn
Dec 18 2009 | UK News
A 20% cut in pay and dividends from UK banks in the boom years would have raised more than the money pumped in by taxpayers during the financial crisis, the Bank of England has said. Read
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Obama joins push for climate deal
Dec 18 2009 | UK News
US President Barack Obama is joining world leaders in Copenhagen in a final push to secure a new deal on climate change amid growing optimism that an agreement can be reached. Read
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Six accused of £50m mortgage fraud
Dec 18 2009 | UK News
Six people, including four solicitors, a surveyor and a property developer, have been charged over a £50 million commercial mortgage fraud. Read
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Snow disrupts Christmas getaway
Dec 18 2009 | UK News
Heavy snow has derailed the great Christmas getaway as swathes of Britain were brought to a halt by the big freeze. Read
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Sir Terry signs off for last time
Dec 18 2009 | UK News
Tearful Sir Terry Wogan signed off his breakfast show for the final time and told his eight million listeners: "I'm going to miss you." Read
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Postmaster's killers get 34 years
Dec 18 2009 | UK News
Three men who murdered a sub-postmaster have been jailed for life with a minimum of 34 years by a judge who branded them "parasitic criminals". Read
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Wogan set for final breakfast show
Dec 18 2009 | UK News
Millions of listeners are waking up with Wogan for the last time as national treasure Sir Terry hosted his final BBC Radio 2 breakfast show. Read
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'48,000 sell homes to pay for care'
Dec 18 2009 | UK News
Almost 50,000 people living in residential homes this year have been forced to sell their homes to pay for care, figures have suggested. Read
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Travel chaos follows heavy snowfall
Dec 18 2009 | UK News
Britain is bracing itself for transport chaos after a blanket of snow fell in many areas. Read
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Climate deal 'hangs in balance'
Dec 18 2009 | UK News
US president Barack Obama has warned that the chance of a global climate change deal "hangs in the balance" as he joined other world leaders at deadlocked talks in Copenhagen. Read
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Expenses row MP set to step down
Dec 18 2009 | UK News
Tory MP Julie Kirkbride has finally decided to stand down at the next general election after heavy criticism of her expenses claims, she announced. Read
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BA union set for new strike ballot
Dec 18 2009 | UK News
The union representing British Airways cabin crew is set to move "swiftly" towards a fresh ballot after its planned 12-day Christmas strike was ruled unlawful, officials announced. Read
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Blair accused over WMD evidence
Dec 18 2009 | UK News
Tony Blair faced fresh accusations that he covered up evidence that Saddam Hussein had no weapons of mass destruction before invading Iraq. Read
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Seasonal mortgage lending slowdown
Dec 18 2009 | UK News
Mortgage lending fell by 10% during November as the market suffered its traditional seasonal slowdown, figures show. Read
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Minister to repay £21,000 expenses
Dec 18 2009 | UK News
A Government minister has agreed to pay back about £21,000 he claimed in expenses to cover rent that he paid to his sister. Read
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Brown and Obama lead climate talks
Dec 18 2009 | UK News
Prime Minister Gordon Brown and US president Barack Obama are among world leaders engaged in frantic negotiations, amid chaotic scenes as the deadline for a new climate change deal loomed. Read
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New McCann appeal to find Madeleine
Dec 18 2009 | UK News
Kate and Gerry McCann have issued a fresh appeal for help in finding their missing daughter Madeleine as they face spending a third Christmas without her. Read
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Joe 'doesn't deserve chart fight'
Dec 18 2009 | UK News
X Factor winner Joe McElderry does not deserve to be "stuck in the middle" of a fight for the Christmas number one single, Simon Cowell has said. Read
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Heroin user is tested for anthrax
Dec 18 2009 | UK News
A woman who injected heroin is being treated for the effects of anthrax following the death of another drug user. Read
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Briton missing after ship sinks
Dec 18 2009 | UK News
A least one Briton is believed to be among dozens of crew members who are still missing after a cattle ship sank off the coast of Lebanon. Read
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Expenses row Tory MP will step down
Dec 18 2009 | UK News
Tory MP Julie Kirkbride has finally decided to stand down at the next general election after heavy criticism of her expenses claims. Read
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Dutch arrest 'most wanted' Briton
Dec 18 2009 | UK News
A suspected drug lord accused of smuggling heroin worth tens of millions of pounds into Britain has been arrested in Holland. Read
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Obama in call over climate deal
Dec 18 2009 | UK News
A clearly frustrated President Barack Obama displayed impatience with world leaders' failure to reach a new climate accord, urging them to accept a less-than-perfect pact while offering no new US concessions. Read
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Australia collapse as Windies hit back
Dec 18 2009 | National Sport
It was a third day of dramatic collapses in the third Test at the WACA with Australia slumping to 137 for eight in their second innings after bowling West Indies out for 312. Read
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Ancelotti keen to avoid trio
Dec 18 2009 | National Sport
Carlo Ancelotti wants to avoid both Milan teams and Bayern Munich in Friday's Champions League draw. Read
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England facing uphill battle
Dec 18 2009 | National Sport
England knew they were in for an unequal battle after Andrew Strauss' ominous early departure to an unstoppable shooter from Makhaya Ntini on the third morning of the first Test. Read
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Tricky pitch leaves England vulnerable
Dec 18 2009 | National Sport
England had to scrap for every run and hope to avoid the pitfalls of an increasingly unpredictable pitch on their way to a mid-afternoon 211 for six in reply to South Africa's 418. Read
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Ferguson defends McCarthy
Dec 18 2009 | National Sport
Sir Alex Ferguson has defended Mick McCarthy's controversial team selection at Old Trafford on Tuesday. Read
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Liverpool to face Unirea
Dec 18 2009 | National Sport
Liverpool will face another side knocked out of the Champions League after being drawn against Unirea Urziceni in the last 32 of the Europa League. Read
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Aguero - I'm right for Chelsea
Dec 18 2009 | National Sport
Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero thinks he would be a good fit for Chelsea. Read
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Carragher reveals England approach
Dec 18 2009 | National Sport
Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has revealed he turned down an invitation from Fabio Capello to return to the England set-up. Read
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Hiddink agent claims City approach
Dec 18 2009 | National Sport
Guus Hiddink has been approached by Manchester City, according to the Russia manager's agent. Read
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Strauss dismissal ominous for England
Dec 18 2009 | National Sport
Andrew Strauss' early departure to an unstoppable shooter from Makhaya Ntini was ominous for England on the third morning of the first Test. Read
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Redknapp to read riot act
Dec 18 2009 | National Sport
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is set to punish players involved in a Christmas party organised behind his back last week and Robbie Keane's role as skipper could be under scrutiny. Read
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Donovan completes Everton switch
Dec 18 2009 | National Sport
Everton have confirmed the signing of United States striker Landon Donovan on a short-term loan deal. Read
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Broad feels hard done by
Dec 18 2009 | National Sport
The first decision review system controversy of England's four-Test series against South Africa struck with the tourists facing a first-innings deficit at Centurion. Read
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Martin in hunt for back-to-back wins
Dec 18 2009 | National Sport
Pablo Martin has his sights set on claiming a second victory in seven days after taking the clubhouse lead at the South African Open. Read
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Swann shines in England fightback
Dec 18 2009 | National Sport
Graeme Swann's uncomplicated counter-attack hauled England thrillingly back into a see-saw first Test against South Africa at Centurion. Read
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Familiar foes for United and Chelsea
Dec 18 2009 | National Sport
Manchester United and Chelsea will both be reunited with old flames in the Champions League last 16 after being drawn against David Beckham's AC Milan and Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan respectively. Read
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Australia surge ahead
Dec 18 2009 | National Sport
Australia moved to 52 for one - a lead of 260 - at tea on day three of the third Test with the West Indies after the tourists collapsed dramatically at the WACA. Read
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Mowbray salutes Celtic spirit
Dec 18 2009 | National Sport
Tony Mowbray claimed his side's dramatic Europa League comeback to draw 3-3 against Rapid Vienna in the Ernst Happel Stadium epitomised the spirit of the Parkhead club. Read
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Rodwell awaiting scan
Dec 18 2009 | National Sport
Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell will have a scan on Friday amid fears he may face a spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury. Read
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Redknapp plays down secret Spurs soiree
Dec 18 2009 | National Sport
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has played down the effects of his players' secret Christmas party on their performance in the defeat to Wolves at White Hart Lane last weekend. Read
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Benitez still focused onc Europe
Dec 18 2009 | National Sport
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has vowed to take the Europa League seriously after being handed a tough draw against Romanian champions Unirea Urziceni in the last 32. Read
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Moyes welcomes Donovan deal
Dec 18 2009 | National Sport
Everton boss David Moyes believes the arrival of Landon Donovan in January will give his side a much-needed shot in the arm. Read
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Zabaleta happy to sign new deal
Dec 18 2009 | National Sport
Pablo Zabaleta has signed a new four-and-a-half year contract with Manchester City. Read
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McCarthy stands ground over changes
Dec 18 2009 | National Sport
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy has hit back at his critics after the firestorm that has followed his controversial team selection against Manchester United on Tuesday. Read
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Booth hopes for clean contest
Dec 18 2009 | National Sport
London Irish boss Toby Booth has called for a trouble-free Heineken Cup clash against French club Brive at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday. Read
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Harris puts England in trouble
Dec 18 2009 | National Sport
England faltered principally against Paul Harris as they reached 238 for seven at tea on an increasingly unpredictable pitch. Read
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Giggs extends United stay
Dec 18 2009 | National Sport
Ryan Giggs has signed a one-year contract extension with Manchester United. Read
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Beckham to make United return
Dec 18 2009 | National Sport
David Beckham is in line to make a return to Old Trafford after Manchester United were drawn with AC Milan in the last 16 of the Champions League on Friday. Read
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Ferrari chief - Schumacher return close
Dec 18 2009 | National Sport
Michael Schumacher has informed Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo there is a "strong possibility" he will return to grand prix racing with the new Mercedes-Benz team next season. Read
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Benitez still focused on Europe
Dec 18 2009 | National Sport
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has vowed to take the Europa League seriously after being handed a tough draw against Romanian champions Unirea Urziceni in the last 32. Read
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Law Society warns of a legal aid crisis
Dec 18 2009 | Legal
The Law Society has warned that the criminal justice system will be pushed to breaking point by Alistair Darling’s plans to cut £360m from the budget. Read
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Tory MPs Andrew Mitchell and Caroline Spelman given expenses demand
Dec 18 2009 | Politics News
Two West Midlands Conservative MPs have been asked to pay back more expenses after Sir Thomas Legg's audit of past claims. Read
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Bromsgrove MP Julie Kirkbride decides to stand down at general election
Dec 18 2009 | Politics News
Bromsgrove MP Julie Kirkbride has finally decided to stand down at the next general election after heavy criticism of her expenses claims, she has announced. Read
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Highways Agency slammed over treatment of residents near M6 in Walsall
Dec 18 2009 | Transport News
An MP has condemned the Highways Agency as “despicable” over its treatments of residents affected by work on the M6. Read
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Iron Angle: Birmingham library saga riddled with unknowns
Dec 18 2009 | Iron Angle
There are too many unknown unknowns for us to be certain about the future, Birmingham adults and communities director Peter Hay told the city council cabinet in a passable imitation of former US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. Read
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Review: London Symphony Orchestra/Gergiev at Warwick Arts Centre
Dec 18 2009 | Music
Valery Gergiev is a mystery. How do his idiosyncratic gestures lead to such beautiful and detailed results? Time and again his fluttering hands produced miracles of balance and ensemble that seemed to bear no relation to his signals. Read
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Review: Strauss, Heldenleben, Rosenkavalier Suite (CD) - CBSO/Nelsons
Dec 18 2009 | Music
The CBSO’s new CD of music by Richard Strauss is spectacular, writes Christopher Morley. Read
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Review: Ex Cathedra at Birmingham Town Hall
Dec 18 2009 | Music
This Latin American Christmas concert was a welcome change from the traditional fare served up at this time of year – the musical equivalent of endless turkey dinners. Read
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Review: CBSO/Jonathan Biss/Roberto Spano at Symphony Hall, Birmingham
Dec 18 2009 | Music
CBSO/Jonathan Biss/Roberto Spano at Symphony Hall, Birmingham Read
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Review: Birmingham Schools' Symphony Orchestra at Adrian Boult Hall
Dec 18 2009 | Music
Last Saturday night’s packed house enjoyed an all-Russian programme, beginning with a fizzing Glinka Ruslan and Ludmilla Overture, full-throated cellos gloriously to the fore, under Michael Seal’s baton. Read
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Review: Cinderella, at the Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton
Dec 18 2009 | Stage
This is just what the Cinderella at Warwick Arts Centre isn’t – a traditional panto version of the familiar story with a glitzy, anachronistic collision of 18th century costumes and X Factor-style vocals and dance routines. Read
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RSC's Arabian Nights at The Courtyard, Stratford-upon-Avon
Dec 18 2009 | Stage
It’s ironic, as the West prepares to square up to Iran over its latest nuclear ambitions, to be reminded of a part of our heritage which originated there nearly 2,000 years ago. Read
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An extra dimension at the Birmingham Hippodrome panto
Dec 18 2009 | Stage
Pantomime audiences are set to jump in their seats, says Diane Parkes after a sneak preview of a 3-D film. Read
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Clues to finding any illegitimate kin in your past
Dec 18 2009 | Genealogy
Our family historian Paul Wilkins examines the challenges of tracing your family tree when you have an illegitimate ancestor. Read
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Pre-Christmas jobs boost from Warwickshire games firm Codemasters
Dec 18 2009 | Latest Business News
Warwickshire-based video games firm Codemasters brought a bit of pre-Christmas cheer to the West Midland job market after it announced it was taking on more than 30 new customer support staff. Read
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Mortgage lending falls
Dec 18 2009 | Latest Business News
New data shows mortgage lending fell by 10% during November as the market suffered its traditional seasonal slowdown. Read
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Developers committed to all change in Wolverhampton
Dec 18 2009 | Latest Business News
The team behind plans to transform the heart of Wolverhampton have come out fighting amid claims that key elements of the project have no prospect of being delivered in the near future. Read
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Sir Peter Rigby expands aviation empire
Dec 18 2009 | Latest Business News
One of the region’s most successful businessmen has expanded his aviation business with a new acquisition. Read
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New office buildings will seek the top green rating
Dec 18 2009 | Latest Business News
Developers have been given permission to construct a new office development in Walsall which could create up to 900 new jobs for the area. Read
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Birmingham's Majestic-12 nipping at Google's heels
Dec 18 2009 | Latest Business News
A Birmingham-based company is nipping at the heels of Google after it became only the second search engine in the world to join the “webmap trillionaires club”. Read
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Wind of change a step closer to reality
Dec 18 2009 | Latest Business News
The Midland company planning to build a £1.3 billion offshore wind farm which could provide more than one per cent of the nation’s energy is poised to submit planning permission for a key part of its site in Norfolk. Read
