Q&A With Terry "Turbo" Burrows - The Fastest Window Cleaner In The World

On the 9th of October 2009, Terry "Turbo" Burrows, 54, left three windows gleaming in just 9.14 seconds at the 2009 window cleaning competition in Blackpool, Lancashire (see above) beating his own World record. Terry said his success was due "to moving the body in sequence". Terry Burrows first appeared on television back in 1993. The programme, on London Weekend Television, was called "You Bet". With presenter Mathew Kelly and friend John McLean it just started as a bit of a laugh. But, as Terry's feet first walked on the TV set, he knew that this was the start of something much bigger. This was the opportunity for Terry to realise his dream: to become the fastest and most famous window cleaner in the world! By late 1993 Terry and John were appearing on TV every day, popping up between programmes and commercial breaks washing the inside of everybody's TV screens! This was shown, on Carlton TV, for 18 months and made them easily recognised characters in their distinctive white T-shirts and blue dungarees.

Terry then made contact with the BBC "Record Breakers" programme. This was to be a turning point in Terry's media career. After this television appearance, Terry went on to take no less than 9 world records to become the fastest window cleaner in the world. Terry has twice competed in America as well as traveling to France and many other destinations carrying the flag as the Great British window cleaner in world window cleaning events. Terry is also a black belt in karate (Koodokan). He claims that the karate has made him faster and more determined with his window cleaning competitions and record attempts. Other hobbies include scuba diving (since 15 years of age), fishing, snooker (highest break 85 so far) and playing guitar. And, yes, he even performs "When I'm Cleaning Windows"!

So how long have you been window cleaning? How did you start?

I have been window cleaning for some 33 years! I started out with my late uncle who was a window cleaning perfectionist.

Carpet cleaning is also a job you do – how did you get into that?

Carpet cleaning we have done for a long time but it is now taking over the main part of our work - we use a “power flite” machine, it’s great!

Why & how did you get into speed window cleaning?

I was on a TV program called “You Bet,” and said to my mate John this is just the start, I will be the most famous window cleaner in the World, but he knows me well. What I say, I mostly do! I then started looking into the world record for window cleaning, it was then the BBC filmed my very first world Record.

What’s your preferred squeegee in competitions? And everyday use?

Squeegee’s - I use a mix of all types!

In what area do most competitors fail? Any advice?

Window cleaners just don’t put in the days, years, or time that I did. I was always fast, but I was a boxer at the age of 11yrs to 15yrs which helped. Then I went into karate. I can’t give away to many secrets!

Three windows at 45” square – wish they were smaller/bigger?

45 inches by 45, perfect!

How many techniques have you tried before to get to the one you are using today?

I have tried loads of different techniques. The way I do it now, this is the only one way to go!

What happened in the USA ? Why don’t you go there any more?

The speed cleaning organizers in the USA were unfriendly - not the competitors. The organisers fixed it so that I did not win. They let a compatriot with a slower time win. I felt I wasn’t wanted there & felt stabbed in the back by the whole experience.

I see your sidekick John everywhere you go – do you work together?

John did work with me many moons a go, his back is bad, so we don’t work together anymore.

They won’t let you compete any more at the Federation of Window Cleaners (FWC), is there no competition any more?

It was my own idea to drop out of competitions and let others have a go & have a chance to win the money.

You used to serve on the board of the FWC, why did you leave?

The one and only reason I left the Federation was location. I live 250 miles away and I was getting very worn out with the drive each time. I would still be with them if they were a lot closer, I miss them dearly!

How about Stefan Tinkler?

Stefan Tinkler will always be a player, but his bottle goes, he is not as good as he thinks he is!

I was there to see you beat your last world record – have the TV contracts been steady since?

TV is a very funny thing, they want you, they don’t want you? I appeared on “This morning” program with Holly Willouby, it’s now on you-tube!

Do people know you are the world’s fastest when you clean their windows?

Some people know who I am yes, but crossing over to carpet cleaning I tend to go under cover! LOL.

When do you think you’ll retire from the speed window cleaning?

I will never retire from speed window cleaning, as the years have gone on, I have got faster!

Has anyone else in your family become a window cleaner or are they doing other jobs?

My son is a great guitarist he is going to be a session guitarist, probably the best to come out of Britain. He has not been seen yet - I took him on “Britain’s Got Talent,” although he did not get on the show, the producer of the show recognized me! Damm, that was the last thing I wanted - he thought I was his manager!

When is your next event to beat your record?

In March at the “NEC” will be the next! Better, stronger, faster than ever!

Who do you most admire in the window cleaning world?

The Federation (FWC) have been here for many years, that takes some doing! Craig Mowlem of Ionics has done good for himself. I also admire Bruce Lee.

Are you still active with the Karate?

I was teaching karate 3 times a week both adults and children. I no longer teach, I just don’t have time. My son is a Black belt, my daughter got to her last brown – so her mother gets beat up all the time! LOL.

Any other passions we should know about?

I love my carp fishing, snooker, scuba diving & playing electric guitar.

Have you ever tried a Wagtail squeegee. What did you think?

Wagtails are funny, there OK.

Water fed poles – are you a fan?

Water fed poles are great, all have there place of work.

Where do you see window cleaning in ten years time?

In ten years time I’ll be relaxing!

 

What’s been happening for you lately?

This year I had a bet on 4 horses its called a “lucky 15 bet,” they all won! £41,439 changed my life! On the other hand. I walked into an ESSO petrol station, I went to pay & went flying into the air & landed hard on my back. The floor was wet, there were no signs on the floor. Luckily, cctv was filming the whole thing - I am now in the process of suing them for total negligence, my back is hurting big time.

Do you believe in UFO’s?

I love UFO sightings, I believe "they" do visit us!

If you weren’t a window cleaner what do you think you would have been?

If not a window cleaner, maybe a singer, TV presenter, or perhaps an under-cover agent or police (CID) work.

UK Window Cleaners Save The Economy + Related Window Cleaning News

Child benefit cuts for better off ‘justified’ - “The average person in Peterborough will not be affected by the change because the average wage is below the people who will lose their benefits. “These are unparalleled times and it is good that the Government is doing what it can to save money. “With that being said, there are obviously a lot of questions over what is being done and if there are any problems caused by the changes we will be swift to step in. “If any families can show they are struggling because of the changes we will, of course, be there to represent them.”

City window cleaners were surprised to hear Prime Minister David Cameron say that they, and not bankers, would be the people to get the country out of its current economic crisis. He praised their work ethic at the Conservative Party Conference on Tuesday. He said: “When you think of a wealth creator, don’t think of the tycoon in a glass tower. Think of the man who gets up and leaves the house before dawn to clean the windows. “It will be the doers and grafters, the inventors and entrepreneurs who get this economy going. They will be the wealth creators and, no, those aren’t dirty words.” The news was greeted with a combination of surprise, humour and a feeling of long-overdue respect from local window cleaners.

Stefan Tinkler (pictured), from Allclear Without A Smear cleaning services in Stanground, said: “I have been a window cleaner for 26 years and this is the first time I remember a prime minister praising us. “It is a job that requires a lot of discipline – days can start as early as 5.30am and it’s definitely physical work.”

Gerry Morpeth, owner of Woodston Cleaning Services, added: “I think it is great that the prime minister has praised cleaners’ work rates. Sometimes they are frowned on as if they were third class citizens but it takes hard work to be a good cleaner. “I agree if everyone had our work ethic it would be healthier. The problem is it’s those in ivory towers that make work for the rest of us, so it’s hard for us to bail them out.”

Cam will say: "It will be the doers and grafters, the inventors and the entrepreneurs who get this economy going." Cam should say: "My spending cuts risk choking the economic recovery and I want back £2,500 child benefit for any doer and grafter with three kids who gets to £44k." Cam will say: "Think of the man who gets up and leaves the house before dawn to go out and clean windows. Think of the woman who sits up late into the night trying to make the figures add up to make sure she can pay her staff." Cam should say: "And I want their child benefit too unless the window cleaner and late night lady are together and cap their aspirations at £43k each." Cam will say: "So we are acting to build a more entrepreneurial economy. Tens of thousands of university and apprenticeship places and a new generation of technical schools."

Police hunt St Albans window cleaner conman: A fraudster conned a woman out of money after he pretended to be her window cleaner. Police are appealing for information about the incident which happened in Ramsbury Road, St Albans, on Wednesday, September 22, at around 12.30pm. The conman knocked on the resident’s door and said he was collecting money for the window cleaning that he said had been carried out, so she gave him the money and he left. But about two hours later the real window cleaner, who had no knowledge of the other man, arrived and asked if the resident wanted her windows cleaned. The culprit was dressed casually and described as a white man, aged 20 to 26, of slim build and about 5ft 7ins to 5ft 9ins tall with short brown hair. Investigating officer PC Ben Kirby, from St Albans Neighbourhood Team, said: “We believe this man may be operating in the area, pretending to have cleaned other residents’ windows. If you think you have been a victim of this conman and have any information about this incident, ring the non emergency number 0845 33 00 222 to report it.” Alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. Police have also issued a warning to residents to ensure any window cleaners can prove they work for the company you employ and to always confirm when they will attend your address. Also here.

Moshe Feiglin was born in Haifa 48 years ago to a family that has in its ranks, according to him, Haredim and leftists, Meretz voters, supporters of right wing parties and dedicated followers of United Torah Judaism. His mother is religious and his father secular, and one of his sisters works in the State prosecutor’s office. He has, he says, a good and close relationship with all of them. “Despite the differences of opinion, we are a warm family.” He grew up in Rehovot, where he also met his wife Tzipi, then a new immigrant from the United States. He studied in the Or Etzion Yeshiva High School, served in the Israel Defense Forces as a combat engineer, and was discharged with the rank of Captain. After his release, he founded the first rappelling window washing company in Israel, and as he cleaned the windows of the diamond exchange building in Ramat Gan hanging from a rope, he became familiar with the security procedures at the building and decided to found a start-up high tech company that would “streamline and optimize security.” But his business ventures were nipped in the bud. When Feiglin was 30, the Oslo Accords were signed and he stood at the head of their detractors. Together with Shmuel Sackett and Rabbi Benny Elon, he founded and led the Zo Artzeinu movement, and in August 1995 he brought out 100,000 demonstrators that blocked traffic at 80 intersections throughout the country. “A Stopped-Up State” read the next day’s front headline in Yediot Acharonot.

A massive three-day weekend sale slated for Oct. 22-24 by Philip Weiss Auctions will feature hundreds of fresh-to-the-market lots. The action will kick off on Friday evening, Oct. 22, with a full session packed with Hollywood memorabilia. Offered will be approximately 300 lots of movie stills, film negatives, posters, celebrity autographs and more. Two major consignments will share top billing. Also scheduled before the turn of the year is a major Disneyland and Animation Sale, which will include a Donald Duck “Window Washer” cel set up on master production background.

BOSTON,  UGL Unicco, a subsidiary of UGL Limited, today announced that it has signed a contract with Marshall Retail Group (MRG) to provide cleaning services to 70 MRG retail locations in Florida, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.  MRG is America's largest independent specialty retailer in the casino-resort marketplace. It has a portfolio of stores catering to hotel guests, visitors and local residents. The company operates fashion and apparel, shoe and accessory, logo and souvenir, and sundry stores under nearly 20 brands. Under the three-year contract UGL Unicco provides overnight deep cleaning services, including floor strip and wax, carpet care, high dusting, window washing and other janitorial services using a network of service vendor partners.

Homeowner reduces water consumption by half: One homeowner has managed to reduce his water consumption by half through simple changes in habit. Speaking to the Independent, Neil McNiven from Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire, says that he uses a few gadgets that allow him to catch water from showers and baths that can then be used for car washing and window cleaning.

Eco-friendly cleaning service thrives in tough economy: Yes, we are in an economic downturn. Yes, hiring a housecleaner is a luxury, not a need. And, yes, most homeowners can do this themselves. But despite all the reasons Greg Wheaton's cleaning service should fail, it is growing faster than a toddler can paint a kitchen with peanut butter. Wheaton's Schaumburg-based company, Green Lady Cleaning, uses Shaklee Corp.'s plant-based, toxin-free cleaning products. This, he said, sets it apart from its competitors. "Pregnant women, new moms and families with allergies appreciate this especially," said Wheaton, a resident of Downers Grove. "They've done their research and know the effects of chemicals on kids and pets. After we finish, the baby can crawl on the floor, and you don't have to worry. And it smells clean, not like ammonia or bleach." Wheaton and his crew bring their own supplies and equipment.

Wheaton co-owns the company with Theresa Serritella, a former colleague at a food service company. He was the food and beverages director, while she was the human resources manager for their previous employer. On the side, each had become a Shaklee distributor. The duo formed Green Lady (greenladycleaning.com) in 2008, after the stock market's meltdown. "My friends said, 'What, are you crazy?'" said Wheaton, who has degrees in culinary arts, finance and business administration. "But we knew how many people were unhappy with their cleaning services and didn't like coming home to chemical fumes." Wheaton is the left brain to Serritella's right brain, he said. While their personalities are yin-yang, they share a work ethic. "We tell our employees upfront that this is hard, sweaty work," he said. "And you must show up on time." Read more.

Blackpool Tower's new boss today pledged to help drive the resort forward with a unique and reinvented collection of seafront attractions. Iain Hawkins has risen from work experience window cleaner at the Sea Life Centre to the head of global attractions at Merlin Entertainments. He sees a bright future ahead for The Tower, and Merlin's other new attractions Madame Tussauds and the Sea Life venue, when the entertainment giant takes over in November. And not just for visitors. "Locals need to discover Blackpool too," said Mr Hawkins, who heads up the new 'Blackpool Cluster' operated by Merlin on behalf of Tower owners Blackpool Council. The Tower boss, who started his career on fish farms in Scotland and spent a spell in Blackpool washing windows and feeding fish at the Sea Life Centre, is full of praise for the council which secured the Tower and other attractions in a £40m Government-backed deal earlier this year. "In all my experience of dealing with local authorities across Britain I've never come across a council as far sighted and visionary as Blackpool. I've worked with 14 resorts and cities and none of them come close to the level of commitment here.

JAMES THOMAS PENNY: November 30, 1924 - October 4, 2010, Middletown, NY. James Thomas Penny, 85, of Middletown died unexpectedly Monday, October 4th, 2010 at his residence.James was born in Middletown, NY on November 30, 1924. He served in the U.S. Marines as a PFC in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He was a retired window cleaner with M Window Cleaning Service, Middletown, NY.

J. Racenstein Acquires Colker Company’s Window Cleaning Division: Two of the oldest names in the window cleaning supply business are now housed under the same roof after J. Racenstein recently completed its acquisition of the assets of L.M. Colker Company’s window cleaning division. L.M. Colker Company will remain in the janitorial supply business in Pittsburgh, PA., and will still supply local window cleaners with walk-in orders. Under the terms of the transaction, J. Racenstein has already begun filling orders from existing Colker window cleaning customers. Colker’s toll free phone number, website and email addresses are being routed to J. Racenstein for easy access to our helpful staff and order placement.

“We are excited and honored to take over this great company,” said Cameron Riddell, president of J. Racenstein. “The Colker Company has a great reputation and has been serving window cleaning customers for more than twenty years. We look forward to getting to know the Colker customers and providing the tools and equipment they need succeed. Greg Colker has been a mainstay of the industry and we are proud to continue his legacy.”

“This was a difficult decision for us,” said Greg Colker, the company’s president. “We have been a part of this industry for so long, but ultimately we are a janitorial supply house and felt it was best to focus on our core business, and let the biggest and best, J. Racenstein, serve our customers as they deserve to be served.” He went on to say; “We have enjoyed working with thousands of great window cleaners and will truly miss the industry.” But, he promised, he will attend the IWCA Convention in Tampa at the J. Racenstein booth.

Steve Blyth, Vice President of J. Racenstein is overseeing the transition and promises a seamless transition. “Customer information is being been transferred to J. Racenstein’s system allowing customers address information, past orders, pricing etc. to be immediately available to the customer service reps” he said. There are a few products carried by Colker that will now be available from J.Racenstein.

“We will to continue to provide Colker’s customers with the excellent customer service they are accustomed to” Mr. Blyth continued. “Many customers will benefit from J.Racenstein’s order management system that improves communication with the customer regarding their order status. For instance a customer can go online and gain access to their profile screen to review current orders and past invoices and print receipts at anytime. They get emails notifying them of their order status, and they can even receive their invoice electronically if they request it that way.” Having a New Jersey and California office supports all J. Racenstein and Colker customers better because a live person is available to discuss customer needs from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern standard time. Have your say.

"Squeegees At Dawn" For Window Cleaners

It's squeegees at dawn for two warring window cleaners who are vying for the title of being the fastest in the world. Peterborough cleaning wonder Stefan Tinkler has won the UK’s Fastest Window Cleaner contest for the fourth year running – but the accolade he really wants is to beat his bitter rival from Romford, 54-year-old Terry “Turbo” Burrows.

Stefan (38), from Barber Close, Stanground, wiped away the competition last weekend, spending just 9.83 seconds washing the three 45ins by 45ins windows – though this went up to 13.83 seconds after a four-second time penalty for leaving a smear on the window. Despite the win, he could not hide his “pane” at failing to beat his Essex-based rival’s Guinness World Record time – a Usain Bolt-like 9.14 seconds – set at an October 2009 contest in Blackpool.

Terry no longer competes in the UK competition and instead appears as a special attraction. He says Stefan has no chance of beating his time, claiming his own training as a karate black belt has helped hone his technique to perfection. Terry bragged: “My feet move faster than his hands do – that record is going nowhere. Just like Elvis died as the king, I will go out on top. “Stefan is a player, but he’s not on my level. He chokes on the big stage and he doesn’t worry me at all.

“I have played at the top level, in contests in Las Vegas, France, everywhere. If he struggles in front of an audience here, he should try playing in France, where they get 400 people watching. “Not only that but his technique is all wrong, he moves his head and it’s all just so unco-ordinated. As long as that is the case, he can do all the training he wants but he will never beat me.”

However, Stefan claims his rival is running scared. He said: “The last three times we have been at the same competitions he has not been as quick as me and I think he knows that. Maybe that’s why he doesn’t compete against the other cleaners. “I have done it in record times before, but at contests it is so difficult with the pressure of people watching. It’s just the audience that slows me down.”

There was a crowd of about 100 window cleaning fanatics packed into a conference room at Coventry City’s Ricoh Arena last Saturday to enjoy the show. Stefan will continue his training with his day job at Allclear Cleaning Services, in preparation for his next chance to break the record at next year’s contest.

World's fastest window cleaner retains record in contest at Ricoh Arena: The world’s fastest window cleaner showed off his lightning quick skills at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena. Terry “Turbo” Burrows holds the world record for cleaning three 45inch windows in the super-quick time of just 9.14secs. He first began attempting records in 1993 when he appeared on television programme You Bet with a friend. This led to many more television appearances, including BBC’s Record Breakers. He took on competition from about 60 other window cleaners at the Carpex and Windex show which was held in the Ricoh Arena last Thursday and Friday. Terry, aged 54 and from Essex, said: “It went really well. They were a good lot of competitors, but no-one came close to my record, not even me! “The speed was there with me, but not the quality. “It’s the second time I’ve been to the show in the Ricoh and it was more successful this time.”



At the same event, Deborah Morris (pictured) broke the women’s record after completing her window cleaning challenge in 17.77secs.

Day one:

1st - Steffan Tinkler - All Clear Peterborough - raw time 9.82 plus 4 penalties = 13.82. Seconds

2nd -Trevor Perry - CCS Ltd Preston - raw time 13.02 plus 4 penalties = total time of:17.02 seconds.

Day two:

1st - Andrew Wharton M & S Window Clng - Rugeley - Raw time: 11.37 plus 6 penalties = 17.37 seconds.

2nd - David Morris -David Morris Window Clng - Cornwall: Raw time: 13.70 plus 5 penalties = 18.70 seconds.

See below - For overall times of other contestants:

¨ John McClean - BCS - Essex - 18.40 seconds

¨ Matthew Poole - Astound Cleaning Ltd - Sussex - 18.95 seconds

¨ Lucian Ivan - Supreme - London - 19.18

¨ Adam Brookes - Clear Sight - Plymouth - 19.50 seconds

¨ Allan Cummings - Cummings WC. - Coventry - 19.90 seconds

¨ Dean Corrigan - Taylor-Made-Cleaning -Hertfordshire - 20.40 seconds

¨ Darren Whelen - Taylor-Made-Cleaning - Weymoth - 20.90 seconds

¨ Andrew Jones - Cyrystal Cleaning - Newport - 21.00 seconds

¨ Rob Winstanley - Pure Window Cleaning - Southampton - 20.73

¨ Peter Rootham - All Clear - Peterborough - 21.70 seconds

¨ Nicolae Rusu - Pro Window Cleaning Ltd - London - 22.75 seconds

¨ Charlie Price - J.V. Price - Hertfordshire - 23.36

¨ Micah Alford - Heritage Cleaning - Hartlepool 24.50 seconds

¨ Superman - Newlife - Stockport - 24.70 seconds

¨ Mark Henderson - Window Cleaning Resources - 26.72 seconds

¨ Dan Potter - Shine on - Southampton - 26.84 seconds

¨ Judith Dyson - Glass Revival Ltd - Edinburgh - 28.16 seconds

¨ Stephen Hendry - SCS Group - Glasgow - 28.80 seconds

¨ Craig Duncan - Glass Revival Ltd - Edinburgh - 31.92 seconds

¨ Matthew Buchan - MB Window Cleaning - Essex - 32.10 seconds

¨ Dave Jones - M & S Window Cleaning - Cannock - 35.70 seconds

¨ Steven - Ladders Warehouse - Wales - 37.24 seconds

¨ Kieren Andrews - Shine on Window Cleaning - Scotland - 44.31 seconds

Guy Greco, the Fastest Squeegee & Dustmasks

A window washer at the 63 Building in Yeouido wears a mask and a towel to protect his lungs from the yellow dust that hits Korea every year. The yellow dust originates in the Gobi Desert, which covers Mongolia and parts of northern China. South Korea regularly plants trees in these areas to slow the dust’s drift into South Korean skies.

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Stefan is UK's Fastest Window Cleaner: SPEEDY window cleaner Stefan Tinkler (pictured right) outshone all his rivals when he cleaned up in a national competition. Mr Tinkler (37), whose business is based in Woodston, Peterborough, has just won the title of UK's Fastest Window Cleaner after a tough battle against 60 other window cleaners from across the country. The city man, who has been putting the shine on windows at hundreds of homes and businesses across Peterborough for 25 years, has won the title for the second year running. During a tough contest at the NEC, in Birmingham, Mr Tinkler cleaned up three panes of glass measuring 45ins by 45ins in a stunning time of 15 seconds and so knocking two seconds of his winning time last year. And Mr Tinkler, who runs Allclear Without a Smear and has even built his own training window to practise for competitions, says the secret of his success is to use two hands. He said: "The trick is to apply the wash with one hand and then quickly take it off with the 'blade' with the other hand." He added: "It give me a good buzz to win the title again. "And I always mention it when I am out calling for new business." And it was a double celebration for Mr Tinkler's firm, as his business partner, Peter Rootham (pictured left), came second in the contest. But Mr Tinkler is not content with simply being UK champion, as he is aiming to break the world record. In 2008, he was disappointed when an international event, due to be held in Amsterdam, was cancelled. This year, he has his sights set on attempting to break the world's best time at a Window Federation show in Blackpool in October. "It gives me six months to practise on my practice windows," said Mr Tinkler.
The current world record is held by Terry "Turbo" Burrows, who set his impressive time of 9.24 seconds in England in 2005. Time penalties are deducted for any water marks left on the glass, and contestants are limited to a maximum squeegee size of 12ins. Mr Tinkler, who cleans the windows of 400 homes and businesses in Peterborough, says he has washed windows all over the city, since he started at the tender age of 13 helping his grandad on his round. You may remember Stefan from previous blogs.
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Rising to the challenge after a life-changing fall: Levittown - Coming home is a happy, albeit challenging, phase for a Hilltown man who was paralyzed following a 28-foot plunge from a ladder. Guy Greco returned home about a month and a half ago, but in many ways it's like he entered a new world. The Hilltown man survived a 28-foot fall late last year, but the accident left him permanently paralyzed from the chest down. Greco crushed several vertebrae and severed his spinal cord after tumbling from an extension ladder where he was power washing a window. He spent months in hospitals and rehabilitation centers, where doctors fused several of his vertebrae and inserted titanium rods into his back for stability. Physical therapists taught him how to maneuver in a wheelchair and worked with him to strengthen his arm and shoulder muscles.
On Jan. 28, the former UPS driver was released from Magee Rehabilitation in Center City Philadelphia. "You're going into the unknown," Greco said of his homecoming. He must relearn the most basic of tasks: getting out of bed in the morning, getting dressed, going to the bathroom, taking a shower. He goes to outpatient therapy three times a week to help him improve his balance, conditioning and strength. "Things that took you five minutes before, take you 40 minutes," said Greco, adding that his daily routine is comparable to "a work day." "You really take for granted a lot of stuff, just normal, everyday stuff," he said. Before the accident, "I was pretty handy around the house. It's very frustrating." His goal, however, is to regain his independence, a goal that he and his family see as difficult, but attainable. "I know him. I know he's going to drive. I know he'll get himself some kind of job," said his wife, Sue. "He's not one to sit and be waited on." But the past few weeks have been more about making the transition from hospital to home.
"At the hospital, if you need something, there's always someone there," Guy said. Though his wife and three daughters are around to help in the mornings and evenings, during the day he is on his own. At night, he has to set an alarm to go off at regular intervals and shift his body to keep from getting bedsores. He also has to be careful not to fall when he's getting into or out of his chair. That happened once at Magee, and Guy was rushed back to the hospital to make sure the titanium rods in his back hadn't been bent. There are a lot of things to worry about, not the least of which are the medical bills that will continue to pile up. The Grecos have a $1 million lifetime cap on their health insurance, but says Guy: "We hit that cap pretty fast."
One thing they didn't have to worry about was where Guy would sleep when he came home.
A $30,000 renovation transformed the Grecos' living room into a bedroom and handicapped-accessible bathroom for Guy. Contractors also have been installing a wheelchair ramp and path leading from their front door. The Grecos will be paying a portion of those costs, but much of the work was donated by the builders."This whole thing is a godsend," Sue said.
And the community support that started after Guy was flown to Temple University Hospital last year has not yet abated. People call every day asking how they can help, the Grecos said. Others have left warm messages of encouragement on the guestbook of a Web site set up for Guy. Friends still bring the family dinner twice a week. Fundraisers are still being planned and organized. "It gives you a good feeling," Sue said. "That's what helped us get through a lot of it, friends and family." Recent decisions on a national scale have also brought the family hope: President Obama lifted restrictions on stem cell research last week. "I'm looking forward to all the stem cell research that's going to happen," Guy said. Theresa Hegel can be reached on the web & at 215-538-6381 or thegel@phillyBurbs.com.
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Window Cleaning News Round Up UK

We've heard it all before............

The window cleaner’s days are numbered. A self-cleaning glass developed by Saint-Gobain Glass UK means chemical-laden cleaning products may soon be a thing of the past. An invisible coating on the glass works with rainwater and the sun’s UV light to break down grime so windows, as well as the atmosphere, stay cleaner for longer. Employees say the environment is an everyday consideration at the Yorkshire glass manufacturer, giving a 90% green score, and it has a bearing on their job (89%). The firm’s environment management system reaches the international ISO 14001 standard, and recycling is a particular strength.

PEOPLE are being warned about a bogus window cleaner who has targeted homes in Huddersfield. A series of houses in Newsome, Paddock and Crosland Moor have been targeted by the man, who is described as in his mid-30s, 5ft 10ins tall, of slim build with short dark hair and an unshaven face. He carries a rucksack and has been seen using a bicycle. He has particularly focused on elderly homeowners. Police believe he poses as a window cleaner as a distraction tactic to steal items from the homes. Sgt Jim Carter, of Huddersfield Police, said: “No items have been stolen so far. Fortunately the complainants have had the presence of mind to send him on his way, “We would say if anybody does come to the house who isn’t a regular window cleaner, then challenge their legitimacy and contact the police on 0845 6060606 if you are concerned.” He also appealed for anyone with information about the man to contact him on 01484 436675 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Machete Thug Jailed.
A THUG who left a bouncer scarred for life in a machete attack was jailed for seven years.
Married dad-of-three Stephen McDonald, 45, of Cumbernauld, was convicted of attempting to murder Ronald Fraser, 37, on February 25 last year. The High Court in Glasgow heard the window cleaner became violent after being told to leave the Condorrat Arms pub.

Last month, Stefan Tinkler was aiming to become the fastest window cleaner on the planet at an international competition. Mr Tinkler made his way to Amsterdam to take part in the ISSA Windowclean 2008 championship, but was disappointed to find out it had been cancelled. The current world record is held by Terry “Turbo” Burrows, as he is known within the trade.Set in England in 2005, his record stands at an impressive 9.24 seconds. Also see here.

Epidemic of debt spreads to Britain's middle class. Debt advice agencies are being swamped by demands for help from a new type of customer - the cash-strapped middle income family. As the cost of credit rises and fixed-rate mortgage deals end, middle-class people who borrowed when money was cheap are turning to agencies that normally help social housing tenants and benefit claimants. Window cleaning is usually the first service to be be cancelled.

Members of The Bradford Catholic Players have added their own twist to rock opera Godspell by setting it in Saltaire in the 1800s. John the Baptist is a window cleaner in this production of the Biblical musical, starting tonight, and the cast are dressed as 19th century villagers. In the Catholic Players' show, devised by director Helen Clarke, John the Baptist appears as a window cleaner & "In the Crucifixion scene at the end his ladders are made into a cross, it's very poignant," said Debbie.