Birmingham Post

Perspective: A Not so Fitting Memorial to King ; Few People in Birmingham Will Know of the Statue to Edward Vii That Stands Hidden in High-Gate Park.

Edward VII had been a popular king. Wise, approachable, an affable bon viveur, a superb diplomat and statesman, and a king deeply concerned for his people's well-being (as Prince of Wales he had served on the Royal Commission on the Housing of the Poor), he had by his sheer warmth and attractive personal qualities brought the monarchy into people's lives and people's hearts in a new and more intimate way after the somewhat awe-inspiring rule of Queen Victoria. A modern, forward-looking sovere...

Perspective: Eyes Right, Gisela, and Quick March to Election ; Iron Angle Local Government with a Slant

Much attention at the next General Election will be focused on Edgbaston, where Birmingham city councillor Deirdre Alden is hoping it will be a case of second time lucky for the Tories. Plucky Deirdre failed to get elected in 2005, but she knows she simply has to win next time if the Conservatives are to have any chance of forming a Government. Edgbaston, you see, is one of those barometer constituencies that signify the mood of Middle England.

Quiz of the Day

1. Which two US businessmen in 1852 set up the first express mail and carrier service to the newly developed West? 2. What is the medical term for a clot obstructing a blood vessel?

Make a Date

In which year did all three of these significant historical events take place? 1. Lord Archer is selected as the Conservative candidate for Mayor of London.

Archive

25 years ago A cracked support column was discovered on the Midland Links motorway network, further increasing the roadway's pounds 22 million repair bill. The cracked pillar was supporting the M5 viaduct at Oldbury. Engineers surrounded the column with metal bands "to stop bits falling off" and were considering encasing it in a reinforced concrete shell.

Theme

Although Peter was honoured to be a disciple of Jesus, he felt even more privileged to be Christ's apostle. After receiving the power of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, his life was transformed. Thousands became "born again" Christians through his long ministry, even though for many it meant certain martyrdom. Still in the 21st century, many Christians are still receiving the same "Baptism of the Holy Spirit" that Peter received. This experience of spiritual power has revolutionised ...

They Said

I don't know the rules. Isn't it to put the ball through the hoop and beat the other bugger? John Prescott on croquet

For the Love of Sport or Just Cash? ; Book Review On the Corinthian Spirit: The Decline of Amateurism in Sport by D J Taylor Yellow Jersey Press 4sportsbooks.Co.Uk Price: Pounds 6.60, Saving 34% On Rrp

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes and himself a keen cricketer, maintained that the principal reason for playing cricket, or any other sport, was to keep men fit "for the serious duties of life." Sir Henry Newbolt, the Victorian poet, went further, arguing that the spirit in which any game was played was vital for moral salvation. He took a staunch anti-professional stance and believed that playing any form of sport should not be undertaken for actual or symbolic reward.

Hold Your Horses ; There's No Reining in Brummie Demolition Man Chris Rawlins When It Comes to His Other Life at Weekends As Richard Mccomb Discovers

You'll never guess who Chris Rawlins has had in the back of his cab. That Mr Rochester, that's who. Didn't say much, but lord, he had a face like thunder. Can't understand what that Jane Eyre sees in him. It'll end in tears . . .

Green Credentials of the Baby Blue ; the Saturday Interview with Robert Alden

Robert Alden was barely home from the maternity ward when he first hit the Conservative campaign trial. By the time he got to primary school, he was a veteran Euro-sceptic. The Tory Boy label was inevitable but that didn't bother Alden. You've got to have a thick skin if you want to get on in politics, he tells me. And besides, he was a Tory Boy.

Antiques & Collecting: Cashing in On Hollywood ; Adoring Fans Are Prepared to Pay Serious Money for Objects Once Owned or Signed by Their Idols. You Too Could Get in On the Act, Says Sally Hoban

The cult of celebrity is far from new in the world of antiques and collecting. Memorabilia from film, television and music has always been of interest to collectors and should continue to remain popular. The market for celebrity memorabilia and autographs is very strong, particularly for established Hollywood film stars such as Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Charlie Chaplin and even Shirley Temple (original Shirley Temple dolls from the 1930s are now highly sought after).

Antiques & Collecting: Mcalpine Blanket Coverage of Tribal Art ; Harry Hawkes Previews a Forthcoming Sale of Textiles Belonging to Lord Alistair Mcalpine

There can be no truer saying than name anything and you can be sure someone, somewhere will be collecting it. And, sometimes, it can be quite surprising. Take, for example, the valuable collection which is being auctioned at Sotheby's Olympia salerooms in Hammersmith Road, London, on Wednesday. It is being sold on behalf of Lord Alistair McAlpine, former Treasurer of Britain's Conservative Party and a member of the construction and development company which carries the family name.

Archive: Dudley's Civil War Dramas ; Chris Upton Continues the Story of Dudonius Dudley, One of the West Midlands' Most Remarkable, and Least Heralded Characters

Last week I introduced you to Dud Dudley. He may sound like a stand-up comedian from the 1940s, but he was actually a 17th-century industrialist, endeavouring (against all odds) to smelt iron with coal, almost a century before the technique became fashionable.

Family: Time to Talk Rubbish and Save the Planet ; Emma Pomfret On Why It Is so Important We Should Waste Not, Want Not the Big Recycle

In less than two hours the UK produces enough waste to fill the Albert Hall and on average each person in the UK throws away their own body weight in rubbish every seven weeks. Luckily, from bottles and paper to steel cans and garden refuse, recycling is fast becoming a big part of everyday life, and the launches of European Green Week and The BIG Recycle are only set to raise its profile even further.

Family: Are Your Children Suckers for the Sweet-Talk Marketing?

Children's food guru and best-selling author Annabel Karmel has joined forces with Which? to give parents some top tips on how to deal with the effects of unhealthy marketing tricks on children. The advice comes as a result of new Which? research that reveals almost three quarters (73 per cent) of parents agree that the way unhealthy foods are marketed to children makes it more difficult to get them to eat healthily.

Health: Pete Puts Tourette's in the Public Eye ; Gabrielle Fagan Looks at the Symptoms, Causes and Treatment of Tourette's Syndrome, Now That a Big Brother Contestant and Sufferer has Brought the Condition Firmly Into the Spotlight

While swearing fits, hitting yourself, or repeatedly twitching might normally trigger a negative reaction in onlookers, that could be about to change thanks to a contestant in TV's reality show, Big Brother. These behaviours are a few of the possible distressing symptoms of Tourette's Syndrome - and with millions watching the Channel 4 show, the appearance of sufferer Pete Stephenson should help to educate people about this genetic condition.

Health: Don't Leave Holiday Health at Bottom of Travel List

Many people risk the success of a long-awaited break by neglecting one vital ingredient - their health. Contracting an illness abroad or suffering if a preexisting condition worsens not only wrecks a trip but may continue to affect you on your return.

Golden Glow Surrounding Award-Winning Ferns

Think of the Chelsea Flower Show and images of horticultural flamboyance spring to mind. Huge spikes of delphiniums, bowls of flawless sweet peas, old roses billowing from arbours all jostle for our attention as we weave our way round the Great Pavilion. Exhibits from large nurseries and local authorities are joined by displays from the Caribbean and Sri Lanka to create a spectacular global view which nearly takes our breath away.

Urban Treasure Trove ; Bbc Gardeners' World Live Expert Joe Swift Offers Design Advice for Urban Gardens

City life offers many benefits, but is often synonymous with little time and modest space, two elements that have traditionally been considered key to creating and maintaining a garden. BBC Gardeners' World Live, the show for keen gardeners and novices, provides inspiration for those seeking to create an attractive urban garden.

Your Chance to Put On a Home-Grown Flower Show ; Chose the Best of the Bunch, Says Hannah Stephenson

It's flower show season - a time when many gardeners will be taking away inspiring ideas from major events to try to recreate a similar look in their own back garden. But it's not always as easy as it looks to create beautiful beds and borders as depicted at major shows such as Chelsea, Tatton Park and Hampton Court, says Andrew Duff, director of part-time garden design courses at the Inchbald School of Design in London.