Aquatech Under the Weather

Peter Fogwill of Aquatech systems & the Window Tools forum has been a little quiet lately. It was a sharp eyed forum member that spotted the following text in the paper. We all hope that Peter makes a recovery from this set back.

DOZENS of people will be left homeless for six months or more after severe floods swept through a West Lothian town. Fire crews had to rescue families from their homes using a dinghy after torrential rain ripped through Broxburn. Around 17 houses were wrecked after the Brox Burn burst its banks late on Tuesday night. Though most of the water has been cleared from the streets, today a major clean-up operation is continuing. The devastation was such that residents have been told by insurance companies to secure rented accommodation for at least six months during the clean-up. At its worst, ferocious torrents of water, almost a metre high, swept through the area, taking with them parked cars and an 18ft cabin cruiser boat. The burn burst its banks at three different points at around 11pm on Tuesday evening and the water surrounded the homes on Newhouses Road and Burnvale near the Hall's meat factory and Keyline builders' yard at the east end of the town. Parts of the road on Burnvale were also washed away, leaving large craters.

The Fogwill family, who live at the bottom of Burnvale, managed to escape through their back window and into a neighbour's house. They have lived in their cottage for 16 years and said they had never seen anything like it, even though the area is prone to flooding. Father-of-three Peter Fogwill said: "We never had a chance to save anything as there was no warning."The woman who lives next door to us suffers from multiple sclerosis and is bed-ridden. The firefighters just made it to her in time. The water was reaching the top of her bed when they got to her."We've been trying to find accommodation, but can't get anything yet because of the time of year with festivals, so we're staying with family."The lady with MS and an elderly couple were taken to St John's Hospital for treatment. No-one else was injured.

Broxburn councillor Graeme Morrice said that West Lothian Council was in the process of finalising a new £5 million flood prevention system for the region.

Window Cleaning Water Fed Pole Brushes

Window cleaning brushes & which water fed pole brush to use has often received lively debate on window cleaning forums the world over. Peter Fogwill of "Window Tools" & the forum of the same name published this paper a couple of year a go & is still well worth a read even in today's market. Reproduced here in it's entirety, courtesy of Peter Fogwill. If you are also interested, Peter has designed & built the first water fed pole "Hot Wash" mobile trolley system, click here to see. And also the very popular "auto-brush."

What window cleaning brush? There has been a lot of talk lately about window cleaning brushes, and what ones are best. Let me start by clarifying one thing, the most popularly used is not necessarily the best. Awhile ago there was a certain brush manufacturer that caught on to the fact that the reach and wash system and water fed poles in general were gaining popularity among window cleaners, and quite rightly got in on the act. They realised their was big business in window cleaning brushes and started promoting their car washing brushes at trade shows etc, and offering good deals to water fed pole suppliers. They even made some changes to the brush to make them more window cleaning friendly, trouble is they forgot about two main factors that overwhelmingly effected the cleaning power of the brush. Firstly the density of the bristles, their brush is far too dense and this restricts the flow of dirty water passing through the bristles, and working its way down and off the glass. Secondly the bristles were splayed at the ends to make them softer for car paintwork, as glass is a hard surface this was not necessary for a window cleaning brush, it had a negative effect and trapped dirt particles, again restricting the easy passage of dirty water through the brush and down to the bottom of the glass. These two factors although not the only disadvantages makes the most widely used window cleaning brush a nightmare to use.

How did the average window cleaner not notice this? They were supplied with the brush from their supplier, they didn't know any better, after all if you pay good money for a window cleaning system you would expect to be supplied with the best equipment to do the job it was designed to do. Trouble is most of the window cleaning suppliers have never cleaned a window in their life, they picked up on a brush that was being heavily promoted, got a good deal and the rest is history. The window cleaner got round the defects on the brush by brushing the window and then lifting the brush off the glass to give it a final rinse, which is both time consuming and a much higher water consumption over the course of the day.

There are another couple of disadvantages with the brush I am talking about. The weight of the brush, and the shape of the bristles. Again the clever window cleaner has compensated for the weight by using a much smaller brush, the size of the brush brings the weight down considerably, only problem with that is again more time wasted covering the glass with the smaller brush, and again more water wasted as you are on the glass longer. Next there is the shape of the bristles, they are straight. If they were slightly crinkled it would serve as a more aggressive cleaner, as there is a more abrasive contact on any dirt sticking to the glass. Slightly elongated bristles servers the same purpose allowing the bristles to splay more and would allow the non splayed tips of the bristles to come in contact with the dirt. This would also allow for faster cleaning, which in turn reduces water usage.

The funny thing about all this is I have had customers of mine changing from the brush I supply which has none of the disadvantages of the above brush, to one of the disadvantaged brushes. Why? Simply because they have been told by other window cleaners that the brush they use is not a window cleaning brush, and that they have to change over to the disadvantage brush that they use. Its not all bad though, these helpful chaps sometimes show them some new exciting ways to get a spot free finish on the glass, they show them how to take the brush off the glass and give it a final rinse, and how to waste time and water into the bargain.

Also as a bonus, one of the members of Peters forum also added this video on his guide to reduce spotting using various water fed pole techniques.

Aquatec & Peter Fogwill

Peter has been making his own systems now for a few years. This is the first system I bought & its still going strong. I've changed a few things round, but I still use the major parts of Peters original system to carry out my work. Peter originally was in partnership with Mike at Cleantech before they decided to go there own ways. Peter also has his own forum , where many of you will recognise my username of "karlosdaze" & where I do a little moderating. Peter has realised a number of inventions over the last couple of years. The main booster to the company was his trolley system which is still going strong. He also features in Mark Hendersons window cleaning resources DVD on wfp's.
Over the last couple of years, Peter has patented the new autobrush & its a favourite among window cleaners. Here are a couple of videos of it in action. The time saving & water saving elements of this unique gadget, make it a must for any wfp'er.

AquaTap - A New WFP Controller

The AquaTap - will probably replace all existing methods of water control you have at the moment.

Peter Fogwill of AquaTec is on the verge of releasing a new AutoBrush (original AutoBrush here) to be named the AquaTap. An update on the new Aquatap: - The tooling has started and the Aquatap will be in full production & on sale by the end of July at the latest. It will be be available to buy widely in the UK & at WCR in the States. The buzz is on Peters forum here & will probably replace all existing methods of water control you have at the moment. Peter explains..

In a nutshell: "It's a simple device on top of the waterfed pole (before the angle joint) for water control weighing in at 2.5 ounces or 75 grams (75 grams feels like the same as a black plastic angle joint.)" "It fits on any pole in seconds, makes no difference if the hose is internal or external, makes no difference if the pole is telescopic, modular, or whatever." "It makes use of your own hose, your own brush, your own gooseneck or angle joint." "Controls water from a trickle to full blast as well as off and on." "A simple quarter turn on the bottom of the pole operates it." "No need to remove your hands from the pole, or even reposition a hand on the pole, or take your eyes off the brush." "It only takes seconds to fit." "Works as good with hot water as it does with cold." "Only one moving part, so very reliable." "You work the way you have always worked, with the equipment you have always worked with." "And for the unscrupulous among us Patent applied for."

Peter says, "there's been a delay due to me wondering which direction to take with it, however its full steam ahead now. Peter goes on to explain "it fits on any pole, with any brush." "1/4 turn to start the water, 1/4 turn to stop the water, and like a tap you may want anything in between." "This means no adapters are necessary & fits on to any pole in about the same time it takes to fit an angle joint," Peter says "it really is just plug and play." "The cost is another significant factor, and at around £35, it is priced to sell."

Peter explains how it works.. "The water passes in the top connector and when the valve is open passes down the tool and out the bottom connector." "When the valve is closed the water is held in the top part of the tool and not allowed to move down and out the bottom part." "The valve is opened and closed with a quarter turn, the brush being held against the window, and the bottom of the pole being turned" "The hose connections you see in the picture is for 4mm inside diameter hose, but they can be changed for any size of hose."

"Maybe this will help."  "Imagine just now you are holding the pole with your brush on the glass, you try and turn your pole a quarter turn and it won't move." " Now imagine putting the AquaTap on the top of the pole, it can turn a quarter turn, so now when you turn the pole the bottom of your pole will make a quarter turn, and when it does it turns the water on.""And when you turn it back a quarter turn it goes off again."  "If you hold the bottom and the top of the Aquatap it will turn and stop one way, then you can turn it back." "That turning back and forth is moving something inside the Aquatap that allows the water to pass through, or its stopped by passing through depending if its open or shut."

So it's pretty maintenance free?

"Yes there is only one moving part." "If you think of your household tap and how that works, it's much the same, and should be that reliable." "You turn the tap on water flows, you turn the tap off water stops." "You are doing the exact same thing with this except instead of turning a lever on the tap, you are turning the bottom of the pole." 

• Takes seconds to fit
• Variable flow control
• Water control on/off by 1/4 turn of WFP
• Lightweight, 2.5 ounces or 75 grams
• No need to remove your hands from the pole
• Only one moving part, so very reliable
• Fits any pole
• Any hose configuration (outside or in)
• Can take hot/cold water
• Safe operation, no need to take your hands off the WFP

Original video of the prototype below..

The First Water Fed Pole "Hot Wash" Mobile Trolley System

Well, it's about time - the race has been on for the first heated water mobile system to come on the market & window cleaners have been waiting patiently. And the winner is.......Peter Fogwill of Window Tools based in West Lothian, Scotland. Peter (pictured) has been making substantially cheaper robust systems for a long time now, in fact even I own his original system & it's still all working fine! Peter was the first to come up with mobile trolley systems & although other window cleaning supply companies laughed at the time - it wasn't long before they followed suit. The water fed pole trolley system is now ready to be ordered on a first come, first served basis. The trolley can be ordered through this site by emailing me or go directly through the Window Tools Website.




The "Water Fed Pole Hot Wash" runs on LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) & has a self igniting pilot light, which means gas is only used when you are using your system. Hot water is provided instantaneously, with the controls near at hand, featuring simple ease of use & single or dual operator design. The system can easily fit in the boot/trunk of a car, like all Peters systems, most of them can be broken down quite easily & used in different ways. The trolley system is available now & the hot wash will be available in around a month. The introductory price is £1195 before VAT, this is a special offer on the first one hundred sold. Prices will rise after the initial one hundred units.

Features:

• Fully automatic.
• Safety devices.
• Economical (the gas lights when the water flows, and goes out instantly when the water stops). Variable heat settings from 30 degree to 60 degree.
• Dual pole operation off one unit.
• Faster cleaning action with heat.
• Removes stubborn marks easier.
• Winter working.
• Easily adaptable for direct water feed.
• Fantastic Price for a heated system.
• Includes full reverse osmosis system
• Includes water fed pole
  

Peter can be reached on info@window-tools.com Other contact details can be found at the base of his Window Tools website.

Water Fed New Poles

Three reasons why window cleaners need a newly designed pole, is written by Peter Fogwill (pictured) of Aquatec Systems. Peter brought out a rapidly extending pole last year - it is being improved on as we speak & the new version will hopefully be announced soon. The article on water fed poles can be read here. The video shown is of the pole in action. Peter also featured before in this article with his auto-brush & the videos.

If you like the article, you may be interested in: - (click on links).

Brush types

Poles for window cleaning

Window Cleaning water shortages

Water fed pole equipment

Dorset Window Cleaning Trade Show - May 9th

Click to enlarge. Hey, that's me with my back to you (on the right).

WCP Trade Show in Dorset - May 9th 2015. Freshwater Beach Holiday Park, Burton Bradstock, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 4PT. Mark Munro says "I'd like to let you know about the WCP Tradeshow being held on 9th May 2015, this will be the biggest window cleaning show ever in the UK."

This show is going to be like no other that you have been to before and it will be full of the most amazing suppliers as you can see from the list below. During the day (10.00 am - 4 pm) there will be lots of window cleaning demonstrations and a few competitions, there will also be a licensed bar and food available as well.

Then if you would like to stay on longer, in the evening there will be a licensed bar available with music, auctions and raffles in aid of Cancer Research where we can all meet up for a chat. As the venue is a holiday camp, there is plenty to do (indoor/outdoor pools, bowling) so you could stay for more than the day if you wanted.

Event plan & layout - click to enlarge. It's still not to late to book for the show if you are interested in showing your business off!

There are special events & a competition timetable. When you've finished playing with all of those great window cleaning tools and maybe bought a few of them, enjoyed all of the demonstrations and introduced yourself to everyone you've been chatting to online why not stay on as there is a licensed bar which will be serving alcoholic drinks from 6pm until the early hours of Sunday morning along with a Dj playing lots of great music.

There will also be competitions in the evening with some fantastic prizes so don't rush off home, the show isn't all business we're here to have fun too and get to know each other.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT ORGANISER markmunro009@btinternet.com

Click to go to site.

The prizes so far donated to the raffle & charity auction (it's not too late to add your own!):

Unger have kindly offered a nLite® HydroPower DI Starter Kit (DIK12), including everything you need to start cleaning with pure water at heights of up to 6 m (20 ft).

Window Cleaning Warehouse have donated a Facelift BackPack, Ren mini pole,Facelift brush and all the fittings to go with the package.

Darren Ansbro donates a digital controller.

Daniel Churchouse has donated a ProGutter box set of all 4 attachments.

Mark Blundell from Aquafed for donates a Wireless Camera and Monitor.

Peter Rutherford from Safe Reach donates a controller.

Stephen Scargill from Aquaeous has kindly donated a 400llt Tank

Ian Sheppard Spring Europe donates one voucher for a V11 Digital + Pump & one voucher for a V11 analogue + Pump

Ionics Systems donate a 25ft Glyder Pole.

Becci Swan donates 4 hours of calling with data.

Be in for a chance to win!

Terry Burrows has offered for our Auction for Cancer research; A copy of his Guinness World Record Certificate, the 9.14 seconds World record set in BlackPool 2009. He will get it photocopied, framed and will Autograph this copy for the winner.

SpaceVac donate a SpaceVac 900 240v Wet and Dry High System – RRP £2295.00 this includes Nilfisk Vacuum, 12 metres of 50mm Poles, Flexi Hose, Cleaning heads and Remote Camera.

X-Line: James Daykin donates a pole, brush and a 'new to market' carbon fibre gooseneck.

Peter Fogwill donates 2 aqua Taps.

Karl Robinson donates 6 blogs for any window cleaners who want exposure by a Q&A session or would like to tell their story.

9 Bottles of Vision.

Alex Gardiner donates a six pack bundle of Supreme™ brushes.

Grippa tank give a 10% off a GrippaMAX System Voucher, also 2 reels of 8mm minibore hose, 2 reels of 6mm microbore hose.

Pure freedom donate voucher for a total of £250.00 to spend on anything they supply.

Just Janitorial for donate 4 x 5lts of traffic film remover.

plus more prizes to be announced on the day!

Wagtail reveal it's newest creation, this will change the way we window clean!

Eat Your Heart Out ISSA - Here's A Real Window Cleaners Show

Window Cleaning Tradeshpw & Van festival - 17th May, Burton Bradstock Bridport Dorset.

The Dorset Window Cleaning Show & Window Cleaning Van Festival is taking place on the 17th May. Gates Open 10.00 am till 17.00pm Tickets £2.00 (Kids Free). All profits to entry fee go to local Charity. Competitions & Demonstrations + Food and drink available at the Freshwater Beach Holiday Park, Burton Bradstock, Bridport, Dorset DT6 4PT. It will be a day to remember, as UK window cleaners & some from further a field, gather to celebrate all things window cleaning. It is expected that many more suppliers & window cleaning companies will show on the day - more news to come.

Wagtail take the lead with a thorough program.

Willie Erken (all the way from Australia) of Wagtail Cleaning Tools, manufacturers of multi award winning cleaning tools. See the Wagtail line of new waterfed tools at the show! Established by a professional window cleaner Willie Erken with 20 years of experience in abseiling, shopfront and residential work. After all employees developed muscle problems due to the constant arm movement, he developed his own brand of unique tools. Faster, easier window cleaning & 30% faster. Faster accurate cleaning with an ergonomic design to reduce arm & shoulder strain. Invented, designed and manufactured in Australia and exported throughout the world. The new Wagtail Pivot Control (PC) delivers faster, more accurate and a controlled pivoting action. As Wagtail is my go-to tool of choice you'll also find me there if you have any questions!

The Window Cleaning Warehouse is the one stop shop for all professional window cleaners. They have the UK’s largest selection of traditional and pure water window cleaning equipment bar none. From scrim to rope access you will find it all here under one roof and at the lowest prices in the UK. Established in March 2004 they have gone from strength to strength and now supply over 17,000 window cleaning companies across the UK, Europe and the rest of the world with professional window cleaning tools. Located in Barry, near Cardiff in South Wales you can take a visit to their warehouse to see the biggest choice of window cleaning equipment in the UK. Personal demonstrations are also given at a place convenient to you!

Unger are planning to attend the WCP Tradeshow / Van Festival in Dorset on 17th May. If so, make sure to go along and see Matt and Bal at the Unger stand! They will be giving away 50th Anniversary Limited Edition ErgoTec® Sets, as well as other freebies, to celebrate the company’s 50th Anniversary this year. Always a firm favorite with window cleaners around the World, check out Ungers stand & see demonstrations at the waterfed tower.

Peter Erken of Window Cleaning World in Australia will be at the Wagtail stand to give you advise & tips from waterfed poles to traditional equipment. To stay ahead of your competition you need to have the latest and most innovative tools in the industry. Wagtail Cleaning Tools are the fastest, most versatile window cleaning tools in world. At WCW you will find the best advice and prices for the entire Wagtail range.

Peter Fogwill with the AquaTap: you are only pumping water when the brush is on the glass. When your brush is off your pump stops, and you have all the time you need to adjust your pole, move obstacles, or talk to customers, without worrying about wasting you precious water. How much is it costing you per day not to have one? How many times in the year could you have done another couple of window cleaning jobs in the day, if you had never run out of water? Water fed pole Window cleaning with the AquaTap you are guaranteed to save at least 10% water over the day. An average window cleaner with a 400L tank, and working 240 days per year, and earning £20.00 per hour will be loosing approx £3840.00 per year, now seriously can you afford NOT to buy one? The AquaTap will cost you £30 and will last you at least a year, so it will be a total saving of £3771.00 per year.

Tip Top Cleaning Supplies - "Everything we sell has been road tested by our own staff at our sister company, Steve Dingle Cleaning Ltd, and has passed our very high standards." "As we opened in August 2013, we are relatively new & are still gaining experience in this field, and are open to all suggestions about stock, cleaning lines and what you as consumers would like.""If we don't have it, I will get it for you- if you don't like a range- we will stop running it - we run a line of second hand equipment in store and are happy to sell working, HS compliant equipment on your behalf." "With over 30 years within the Commercial cleaning trade, we are not just shop keepers but also hands on cleaning staff- we are here for you." Mandie Dingle.

Blade Right Cleaning Supplies now build their own Pole Wash systems to the specification you require. Building hard and soft water systems ranging from 250 litres to 1000 litres with a range of high quality extras like poles and hoses. A window cleaning store for all traditional window cleaning gear, waterfed equipment & industrial janitorial equipment.

X-Line Systems: Window cleaning equipment manufacturer & supplier. Whether you’re a traditional window cleaner looking to take the next step in your career or looking to ease up the workload with age or even looking to change career completely and delve into the window cleaning industry for the first time, X-Line are able to offer complete system packages for every customers requirements. All of X-Line Systems are custom made and individually designed to suit your business needs and workload. X-Line Systems offer the operator full training with every system that is installed, on the installation day & you are given the opportunity to accompany one of X-Line Systems City and Guilds qualified staff on his daily business within X-Line Systems own window cleaning business, where you will be able to learn more about how the system works and the different cleaning techniques used with a water fed pole. 

Facelifts Mini Mike Howard will be turning up with Van Mount systems, the full range of Phoenix poles & trolleys & also demonstrations to boot. Ask Mike anything about waterfed poles & his considerable amount of experience in this area. Facelift poles are gaining traction in the waterfed pole market & will no doubt blow you away with the new OKGO van system for window cleaners.

GrippaTank will be showing their low cost crash tested products to window cleaners who want security of transporting liquids with the safety that is needed. Everything from trolleys, to welded frames to quick release systems & of course tanks.

The Streamline® brand has gained a reputation for having a wide variety of products from 'turn-key' packages for the professional contract cleaner to starter kits for the domestic window cleaner. Products are sourced from leading manufacturers worldwide and brought together under the Streamline® name which has become recognised as a trusted and reliable brand. As in any market, price is important, but the Streamline® equipment is not only competitively priced, but also backed by a full technical support and spare parts availability across the range, thus providing excellent value for money every time. The Streamline® range is ever expanding and this overview includes some new and exciting products, designed to help make the cleaning task on hand safer and easier.

Aqua-dapter is an innovative water fed pole tap, developed by window cleaners, for window cleaners. Using Aqua-dapter you can switch the flow of water on or off just by pulling on the hose at the bottom of your pole. It comes with 10m of specially sourced hose that stays consistent in hot and cold weather, and won't stretch when you pull it! It is easier and faster to use than many other types of flow controllers, and eliminates many of the problems associated with triggers, holsters, remote controls, hose tail connector taps or manually kinking/folding the hose and leaving the water running while you extend or collapse your water fed pole. Aqua-dapter works with any type of window. Aquadapter also supply waterfed poles, connectors & hoses + much more.

Gutter vacuums are the ideal add-on for any cleaning/roofing business, a gutter cleaning system allows you to clean gutters faster than using ladders & it is also safer and portrays a much more professional image for your company. The gutter vacuum pole sets are light with a 20ft set weighing under 5kg. Each additional pole only weighs 600g and is only 1.2m in length so very easy to store in any vehicle. Ranges of vac's are available in 3000 watt and 3600 watt (not offering any units under 3000 watts). Gutters get clogged with leaves twigs and general dirt it all sits in there over a long period of time and becomes wet and compacted and sticks to the guttering. Anything less than a 3000 watt vacuum is a waste of time.

The Pro Gutter System has been developed to help you clean your gutters in a safer way. The extendable pole and interchangeable tools allow you to clean gutters easily. The Professional gutter cleaning equipment range has been designed to be the best yet and is moulded in a high performance plastic composite; keeping their unique design, light weight, strong and durable to give the ultimate performance. The Pro Gutter System has been designed to make cleaning gutters above conservatories, porches and hard to access areas easy. The unique gutter cleaning equipment has been designed to miss the gutter securing clips when in use.

Round Partner is the smart way to organise your window cleaning business. Using your laptop, tablet and your mobile you can access your customers, your work schedule and find out who owes you money. Round Partner has been designed to be simple, portable and save you time. Save time and money with the following features designed to help run your window cleaning business. Schedule jobs - Payment tracking - Record expenses - Nothing to install - Optimised for desktops, tablets and mobiles.

Canvassers ForWindow Cleaners. Our experienced team are fully trained in canvassing for water fed pole and traditional methods of window cleaning. Using a very simple process to acquire newly canvassed customers on your behalf, making the experience as stress free as possible for our window cleaners. Newly canvassed customers are actually filtered 4 times before they are considered a quality job and allowing overstock for any drop outs and cancellations. Whizzbizz actually care about window cleaners, and listen to what they have to say. With a positive, relaxed approach and non-pushy sales techniques all contribute to reasonable cancellation rates. Whizz-Bizz uses professional work ethics to obtain new business.

GetBookedUp helps the services industries to: Market more efficiently to your target market. Manage contacts more effectively. Quote your clients quicker. Instantly book work in for your entire team. Finding and converting new clients, and keeping existing clients, is more important than ever in the current business climate. You can have the UK’s Leading software designed specifically for the soft furnishing & floor care industry. You’ll convert more of your quotes for new customers, at a higher average job value, and ensure your existing clients never forget you, plus much more.

HydraMaster Ltd have dedicated the past 20 years to bringing the best carpet, upholstery & hard surface cleaning products, equipment, accessories and sundries to the UK. HydraMaster manufacture and supply Truck mount carpet cleaning machines that lead the industry and set new standards in both build-quality and performance and reliability. HydraMaster hot water extraction truck mount carpet cleaning machines are designed for professional domestic and commercial carpet, upholstery, curtain, rug, mattress and hard floor cleaning as well as flood removal and restoration. You won’t find better after sales service either. We have 2 service and repair centres in the UK, and are always just a phone call away to offer help and support, so whether you need parts or just an answer to a question relating to all aspects of carpet, upholstery and hard floor cleaning, were always here to help. That’s because our goal isn't just to sell you the best machine money can buy, but to help you succeed in your business and offer on-going support and advice.

Alltec Network, the home of Professional Carpet Cleaning Equipment. As well as building and servicing ALLTEC Portables, Alltec Network has a comprehensive range of Carpet Cleaning Chemicals including Spotters and Protectors, Hard Floor Cleaners and Protectors & a range of speciality Rug Cleaning products. Offering a wide range of accessories including; safety equipment, spraying equipment, hard floor cleaning accessories and hoses. Also stocking the Nu-Life Stone Care range of Hard Floor Chemicals and the LTT Leather Care range.

Questions & Answers From Mark Munro, organiser of the festival:

Do you have a window cleaning business that you operate locally? 
I operate a small window cleaning round based in Burton Bradstock and covering The Bride Valley area.

So what prompted you start your own window cleaning show?
I must be mad, I wanted to buy a new WFP and wasn't too sure which one to get. I asked a few suppliers if they would come to Dorset to do a little road show. I was going to ask a few people to come along to make it worth while and it all started from there.

Why did you think it would work in Dorset of all places? 
The venue is in a beautiful area with countryside and coastal views and is part of the Jurassic coast. As the venue is set in a holiday park, this is the latest date that the roadshow could be held before the holiday season really begins.

How did you manage suppliers & equipment manufacturers to come down or even take you seriously?
My Facebook page helped a lot in respect of equipment suppliers and manufacturers. Once a few had expressed an interest I spent a lot of time on the phone (over ten months) talking to other exhibitors and fortunately now have some great ones on board. I've got great suppliers and by the sounds of it great people turning up too.

What part of the organisation of the whole caboodle has given you the most nightmares? 
Getting past the first stage of contact has probably been the most difficult. Making calls to find the right person has sometimes been difficult.

A show, a beach & live sounds – do you think it could be any better? 
If the weather is good then it could be amazing. There is a lot to do for the weekend and I wanted to make it more than just a standard walk around show.

How are you getting round the problem of raising & trying out wfp’s? 
There will be a tower for WFP's.

What’s the accommodation nearby? How are people getting there? 
There is plenty of accommodation locally as Burton Bradstock is a holiday resort. There is an alcohol, food and music licence. Hopefully Dorset is perfectly positioned for Devon, Hampshire and Somerset and is only a couple of hours away from London.

Is it true this is UFO country? Have you seen any strange lights yourself?
There are some strange sightings in Burton Bradstock, I've heard Adrian Vincent will be turning up (see below).

Dorset has some strange goings on in the Bride Valley.

Window Cleaning News

New water fed pole from Aquatec - Peter Fogwill releases his new 20 foot pole for domestic window cleaners. A clampless pole although the picture may lead people to believe there are clamps. Details from Peter on his website, the pole is hot off the press, so the first few are in short supply. Order now for a 10% discount on the normal retail price.

Clamped: Window cleaner Allan Dixon

Skipton window cleaner's dismay as clampers strike in Devonshire Place: Window cleaner Allan Dixon has been left dismayed and disappointed at his treatment by wheel clampers who struck as he finished work. Mr Dixon, 64, of Sharphaw Avenue, Skipton, had just parked his car in the town’s Devonshire Place car park to pick up his ladders when he turned round to find the device being fitted. Despite his explanation that he had been away only seconds to retrieve his ladders, he was told he must pay £100 to free the clamp. Mr Dixon, a window cleaner in Skipton for the past 30 years, said:”I tried to explain that I was a local trader going about my business and not somebody trying to avoid a parking fee for hours, but they said they couldn’t take the clamp off because it was now in the system. “I wasn’t angry, just so disappointed to be treated like that without any understanding of what I was doing. And I thought they were very aggressive in their approach, but not threatening.”
Mr Dixon said he was well aware that Carstoppers operated in Devonshire Place because of the signs. “What I did that day was park my car in Brookside and carry my ladders. On completion of the work I walked back for my car, drove it round to Devonshire Place and left the ignition running and hazard lights on. “I walked for my ladders and as I returned I saw them putting on the clamp. I couldn’t believe it – I had been away hardly any time.” He had to pay out £100 in cash and was told if he was unable to find the money within the hour, the release charge would go up by £150. Mr Dixon has written a formal letter to Carstoppers outlining his side of the incident and hoping for a refund. A spokesman for Carstoppers said the car was parked when the men arrived and Mr Dixon appeared several minutes later. The spokesman said the engine was not ticking over. The company said it had received calls from Superdrug about people parking in the area and leaving vehicles for some time.

Stage Two Water Conservation Implemented In Houston: Houston's mayor has followed through on last week's notice that she would be ordering mandatory water conservation measures. Mayor Annise Parker says because of persistent drought conditions and continuously decreasing water levels in Lake Houston, Stage Two water conservation measures are being implemented. That means water customers are to limit lawn watering to after 8 in the evening and before 10 in the morning — and no more than two days per week. Watering for even-numbered addresses is limited to Sundays and Thursdays, and odd-numbered addresses can water only on Saturdays and Wednesdays. Mayor Parker says the city is beginning with warnings and an informational campaign, but citations will follow for those who fail to comply. Parker says the city will suspend window-washing or power-washing, and the cleaning of city vehicles will be discontinued, except for health, safety or critical maintenance. The city is also recommending people limit showers to five minutes or less, wash only full loads of dishes or clothes and refrain from filling, refilling or adding more water to any indoor or outdoor swimming pool, spa or whirlpool.

Window cleaners steal jewellery box: Detectives are hunting two window cleaners who plundered a jewellery box from a country home. The men - believed to be in their late 20s - tricked their way into a house in Songbird Close, Shinfield, between 11-11.30am on Tuesday [9] when one of the men claimed he wanted to use the toilet after cleaning windows there. Both are white and of average height and build and one of the men spoke with an eastern European accent. Witnesses should contact Detective Constable Emma Wright on 0845 850 5505 or call Crimstoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Window Cleaning Hero receives award (Blast from the past): At a ceremony in Police Headquarters, Dingwall, Mrs Elizabeth Fairrie, wife of Lt Col Angus Fairrie, Queen's Own Highlanders (retired), Craighill, North Kessock, was presented with the Royal, Humane Society's Testimonial on Parchment for the Saving of Life, and Mr Alexander Hendry, a self-employed window cleaner, High Street, Fortrose, received the Society's Commendation on Vellum. The citation reads: On 5th September, 1988, Alexander Hendry hearing cries for help summoned assistance from Elizabeth Fairrie, who was nearby. Together they searched the shore of the Beauly Firth and spotted a person in the water 50 yards from the shore. They called the emergency services and then entered the water wading out until Mrs Fairie, who was up to her neck in water managed to grasp the victim and tow him towards the shore, where Mr Hendry, a non-swimmer, was up to his waist in water. Both brought the man to the shore and he was taken to Raigmore Hospital. As there was a strong flowing current at this point, and the victim was injured and unable to reach safety on his own, it is without doubt the action taken by Elizabeth Fairrie and Alexander Hendry which saved his life." In congratulating the recipients, Superintendent Neil Drummond, Northern Constabulary, explained that the awards were not made lightly. This was a case where life was undoubtedly saved by two people who acted in the correct manner and without thought of their personal safety.

H.A.W.C. (Hawaiian Association of Window Cleaners) - Non-profit organisation · Honolulu, Hawaii - HAWC Hawaiian Association of Window Cleaners is a non profit organization were local window cleaners come together and either share, demostrate, learn or teach the latest innovations, techniques and safety issues in window cleaning abroad. Membership is free.Local window cleaners are welcome to join. Meetings are once a month.

John Surtees may well shine in the rain - The heavens forbid, but should it pour down with rain on James Surtees’ debut in The Journal Champion of Champions it can only be a good thing for the 2011 Tyneside club champion. The 19-year-old son of a top-flight amateur golfer, John Surtees, James has won the Tyneside title twice in his teens, the first time when he was a 16-year-old. “Each time it poured down with rain,” said James, “In fact the first time it was so bad, they only kept on playing because they couldn’t find the klaxon! “It was not a lot better this year, but the greenkeeping staff kept working wonders with their squeegies on the greens and somehow they kept play going.” James, who works for the family business of Ryton Window Cleaning, has pedigree in the sport. Dad John, seven times club champion, was a beaten finalist in the Portuguese Amateur in the late 1980s, landing a semi-final triumph over Holland’s Rolf Muntz, who went on to turn pro and become a European Tour winner.

Union bill would help working families - With California's unemployment rate hovering near 12 percent, The Bee's defense of cutthroat contractors – whose business practices put hard-working janitors, security guards and window washers in a constant state of job insecurity – is unfathomable. Everyone who works hard deserves to live in dignity. But property service contractors imagine the only way to make profits is to create poverty. Racing to undercut competitors means contracts can change hands almost overnight. Workers are often the last to find out they've lost their jobs. Contractors didn't cause the recession, but their employment practices have aggravated it. These contractors have created a new model of temporary work that puts working families on the knife's edge of imminent catastrophe. If our leaders do not act, contractors will continue to hurt working families, undermine the embattled middle class and be an obstacle for renewed prosperity for all. California's Legislature has a chance to bring a modicum of economic security to property service workers like Nadira Mambuki by passing Assembly Bill 350.

AB 350 does not give the union or anyone else the right to decide whom the businesses employ; the final say remains with employers, as it should. In fact, the California Supreme Court has ruled that bills like this do not interfere with businesses and workers' legal rights. Rather, AB 350 provides a stable transition period that protects these hard-working people and their families. The same transition protections have been in place for a decade for janitors, and employers cannot produce a single example of a real problem. Instead, AB 350 provides notice to property service workers and gives them 60 days to prove themselves to the new boss or to seek a new job. This is a modest but important step toward an economy that works for working families, and legislators should embrace it.

Mischa Kuball, public preposition No. 3/swing stage, showing in Toronto, Canada.

Conceptual Light Installation, Performance Art: Known for his light installations that take on a social hue, Kuball transforms the Eberhard Zeidler skyscraper into a light-activated performance work utilizing a swing stage operated by professional trades-people. The façade, which by day dons an outer skin of endless window squares on its rectangular frame, is reconfigured at night into gleaming and blinking vertical stripes of light in keeping with the rhythm of the simple act of cleaning a window. The activation strengthens the connection between the outside of the building, the body of space located inside, the people who keep our cities running in the dark of the night and resembles cinematographic shutter movements in the urban environment. Public preposition No. 3/swing stage is part of an ongoing series of projects. Mischa Kuball is the Chair of Media Art at the Academy of Design in Cologne.  His explorations of architectural and spatial structures began in 1980 and have expanded into public art projects. Kuball works conceptually with light and in unique ways links it to social and political statements.  Artificial light is a preferred technological medium and he works with its physical properties within the context of the urban night in city streets and the darkness of interiors to make connections visible by means of illumination.

Windoodles: Plenty of creative minds around the world began taking up their markers and creating their own doodles once Miller created a Tumblr page dedicated to these cool scenes. The drawings are not simple vandalism, but work that really takes into consideration perspective, scenery, and creative use of the environment. Window plants become jungles, skyscrapers become stomping grounds for giant beasts, and rainy days can become melancholy scenes for fictional doodle characters. The project is a great excuse for adults to exercise creativity and find the fantastic in everyday life--while of course, washing off the evidence. This project, rather than collecting doodles from adult imaginations and environments, brings the doodles of children to life.