Window Cleaner Of Soi Dogs Tries For World Record

Izzy Van De Ven and Zat Lewis at Soi Dogs.

Sunderland window cleaners honoured for their work helping dogs in Thailand: A dedication to animals has shone through for a Wearside window-cleaning couple. Izzy Van De Ven and Zat Lewis, have been named volunteers of the year by international dog and cat charity, Soi Dogs. The Sunderland pair visited the charity’s kennels in Phuket, Thailand and were so moved by the plight of the animals they have since 
dedicated all their spare time to helping the charity.

The pair run the organisation’s merchandising site and recently organised a massive fun day at Ross on Wye, where 566 pooches helped break the UK record of the most dogs in one place wearing bandanas. Hundreds of people went along to the event, including many of the dogs who were rescued from horrific conditions in Thailand and are now living new and happy lives in the UK. Izzy, 42, said: “We didn’t beat the world record, but we were still proud to beat the UK record.”

Window cleaner, Zat Lewis at Soi Dogs.

Since joining the charity, Izzy and Zat, 49, who live in Millfield, have between them raised in the region of £150,000. They have also made nine trips to Thailand to act as flight volunteers, bringing a total of 54 dogs back to Britain to their new families. Izzy said: “When we visited the kennels, that was it we fell madly in love with the place and both felt this was where we were meant to be.”

Window cleaner, Zat Lewis, going for the Guinness World record.

She said the pair, who have two cats of their own, are well known in the city and everyone on their Roker window-cleaning rounds knows about their voluntary work. Izzy said: “I am always selling them calendars and things to support the charity.”

She said the dogs suffer heartbreaking cruelty and torture when they are stolen for the meat trade and the charity, which works across the world, is dedicated to fighting it. Pop singer Will Young and comedian Ricky Gervais are both celebrity ambassdors for Soi Dogs.

The charity is always in need to funding as the process of getting one rescue dog to a new home in Britain costs £700. Izzy said: “People who donate and who give these dogs new homes are saving a life.” Anyone interested in supporting Soi Dogs, such as volunteering at the shelter, fundraising, donating, sponsoring a dog, becoming a flight volunteer or adopting, visit the website here.

Izzy Van De Ven at Soi Dogs.

Window Cleaner, 71, Dies In Ladder Fall

Hindmarch Drive, Boldon.

Window cleaner, 71, dies in ladder fall: Tributes have been paid to a window cleaner who died while on his round. Robert Veater, 71, of Durham Road, Sunderland, was killed after falling from a ladder when working on a house in Hindmarch Drive, West Boldon. Mr Veater, a dad-of-three and grandad-of-five was taken to South Tyneside District Hospital after the fall but died of his injuries. Mr Veater’s family told the Echo they were too upset to speak about the tragedy. Stunned neighbours today told of their shock at his death. Mark Spinks, who lives just doors away from the house where the accident happened, said: “It was horrific.”

The 30-year-old, who lives with partner Sherry Alderson, 29, said: “We heard the ambulance and the police cars and went outside to see what had happened. “He was just lying on the ground. It was horrific. Mr Spinks, dad to Mark, eight, and Katie, two, added: “He was only trying to make an honest living and for that to happen is terrible.” Pat Saunders, of Hardie Drive, in West Boldon, said Mr Veater would be hugely missed by residents.

The 66-year-old, whose windows had been cleaned by Mr Veater for the past 30 years, said: “Bob’s death has got everybody round here really upset. “He was absolutely great. “He’d seen all of my kids grow up and me grandkids too. “He had been amazing over the years. “He was lovely to everyone and with there being a lot of older people where we live he was very pally with them.”

A spokeswoman for Northumbria Police said: “At 10.23am on November 8 police received a report from the Ambulance Service of an injured man at Hindmarch Drive, in Boldon. “Officers attended and a 71-year-old man was taken to South Tyneside Hospital where he subsequently died. “A report has been prepared for the coroner.” An inquest by South Tyneside coroner Terence Carney into Mr Veater’s death has been opened and adjourned. Mr Veater’s funeral takes place tomorrow at 11.30am at Sunderland Crematorium.

This is what the locals think of window cleaners.
Also see 72 Year Old Window Cleaner Falls To His Death.

UK Window Cleaner Beaten While Out Collecting Payments

Beaten man left ‘like a rag doll’ - A window cleaner was left lying in the street like a “rag doll” after being beaten unconscious while out collecting payments from his customers. Ryan Wilson punched John White and then kicked him on the ground during a confrontation at Cairo Street, Hendon, Sunderland. Newcastle Crown Court heard the 20-year-old attacker fled the scene, leaving his victim unconscious on the road but returned shortly after to rummage through his pockets.

The shocking attack was captured on CCTV and shows Mr White lying helpless while Wilson helps himself to his mobile phone. Mr White suffered three serious wounds to his forehead and face in the assault. He was taken to hospital for treatment after a passer-by saw him lying in the road and called an ambulance.

Prosecutor Jacqueline Wilkinson told the court: “The last thing he remembers is riding his bike along Cairo Street and the next thing he knew he was in Sunderland Royal Hospital. “He has no recollection in relation to the incident itself.” Wilson, of Percy Gladstone Street, Durham, admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent and theft. Mr Recorder Wilby sentenced Wilson to three years behind bars.

The judge said: “He is like a rag doll when he goes through his pockets. The defendant is lucky he is only charged with GBH, he could have killed him. “It must have been an extremely frightening experience.” The court heard Wilson has a record of offending.

But the judge told him: “This is serious violence. This is in a different league to any other previous offences you have committed. “You came back and you rifled through his pockets as if he was a sort of rag doll and took his phone. “Despicable is the only word someone can use to describe something like that.”

The court heard Wilson had been out drinking with his mother that night and it was her who pulled him away and stopped the violence on Mr White. Jamie Adams, defending, said Wilson had a difficult childhood and was brought up in care. Mr Adams said the attack had started with a verbal altercation between the two men. He added: “He is disgusted with himself.”

UK Window Cleaners: Please take the time to read this..

Work-related violence case studies: This case study focuses on Bryan Dolby (pictured below), a self-employed window cleaner. Bryan works in the Grimsby area and carries out domestic and commercial work. He has a regular customer base. Generally, he collects payment from domestic customers by visiting their houses after completing the work.

This case study also includes information from members of the National Federation of Master Window and General Cleaners (NFMWGC) (special note - now called FWC), who are either self-employed or work in micro or small businesses. The Federation represents both window cleaners and general cleaners in the UK and has approximately 2500 members. Bryan Dolby is Chair of the NFMWGC.

Key risks
Grievances from customers: These include, for example, access problems to a customer’s house, ladder marks on a customer’s lawn and accidental scratching of windows and sills.

Customer attitude: some customers do not value the window cleaner’s work and have the attitude ‘You’re only a window cleaner’. Such customers are more likely to be aggressive or impolite.

Business rivalry: window cleaning is a competitive business and some cleaners try to undercut one another, especially the ‘cowboys’. This can lead to violence and abuse.

Collecting money: sometimes there are disputes over payment, or customers refuse to pay.

Location: the risk of violence or abuse is higher in some areas than others.

Aggressive customers: this can be caused by alcohol, drugs, having a ‘bad day’, shift workers who are woken up, etc.

Weather: working in bad weather sometimes puts the window cleaner in a bad mood, and therefore less likely to be polite and helpful to customers.

Animals: animals may panic or unnerve window cleaners, who may be attacked or bitten.

Personal characteristics: many window cleaners are young men who by their nature are prone to taking unnecessary risks.

Examples of incidents
A window cleaner had been doing a particular job for a while and had priced it at £10. Another cleaner, later discovered to be on the dole, quoted £8 for the job. They started to argue and fight.
A window cleaner’s van was smashed up while parked outside a job.
A lot of verbal abuse from customers is experienced.
A window cleaner was followed one evening while collecting money, causing him some anxiety.

Successful measures
Training and information
Competent workers: small business members of NFMWGC try to ensure, where possible, that only experienced and trained individuals are considered for working alone.

Key training messages:

• Be polite and helpful: always try to be polite with customers. Apologise if something goes wrong, and put it right straightaway, for example offer a free clean. This helps to defuse a situation and is probably the most successful measure.
• Walk away: leave an aggressive or potentially violent situation. If a customer will not pay, just accept it and terminate your service.
• Build a good reputation: this is worthwhile and will earn you respect and trust from within the community.
• A ‘resilient’ personality/attitude: window cleaners, especially if self-employed, need to deal calmly and tactfully with verbal abuse or customers refusing to pay, without letting the experience adversely affect the rest of their working day or week.

Work equipment - Mobile phones: window cleaners have phones for emergency use and to let friends or family know where they are. For example, Bryan calls his wife throughout the day to let her know where he is and when he expects to be back. If he works in premises where mobile phones are not allowed, he will call his wife before he starts and after he finishes. He also gives his wife the telephone number of the premises where he is working.

Buddy system: this is useful in small businesses. If two people are working on the same job in a large office building, they may still be working ‘alone’ at opposite ends of a building. Employees keep in regular contact with each other throughout the day. There is also a radio in the company van.

Double up: if asked to do a job in an area where you feel unsafe, take a colleague along. In Bryan’s experience, customers usually understand if you tell them why you need an extra pair of hands. If it is not possible to take a colleague, do not do the job.

Vary the routine: vary routes and times when collecting money and be aware of suspicious characters or behaviour.

Cheque payment: ask for payment by cheque, if possible, reducing the need to carry cash.

Good physical fitness: window cleaners are generally fit and active people. This helps if they need to get away quickly from potential trouble.

Less successful measures
Some measures are sometimes less effective than others, or have disadvantages:

Being polite to customers: there may be less motivation for a window cleaner who is not self-employed to be polite and helpful to customers, because it is not their business that suffers as a result of aggressive incidents.

Not arguing with customers: with the best will in the world, it is sometimes difficult not arguing with customers if they are in the wrong.

Avoiding involvement: Sometimes it is not easy to avoid violent incidents. For example, if a window cleaner witnesses an abusive incident in a neighbouring house, they may feel it is their duty to help or to defuse the situation, even if they are putting themselves at risk.

Training problems: self-employed window cleaners tend not to have any formal violence training. While some formal training might be useful (for example, dealing with difficult customers), there are practical barriers:

• Lack of existing formal training courses.
• Location: the industry is spread across the whole of the UK making it difficult to find one location which is suitable for everybody.
• Cost: every day off work is the loss of a day’s income for a self-employed cleaner.

The benefits and the costs

Bryan

• Very few violence problems are reported in the industry.
• Bryan has experienced few incidents of violence in his 19-year career.
• Bryan has run a successful business and maintained his livelihood for this time.
• Mobile phones are cost-effective, offering a safety and a business function, and are therefore assets to the business.
• Having a positive and sensible attitude does not cost anything.
• Accepting the loss of payment for the odd job can be ultimately cost-effective if it prevents an assault which leads to injury and time off work. Experience shows that many customers who complain and refuse to pay, sometimes relent when offered a free clean.

Bryan Dolby is Chairman for the Federation of Window Cleaners (FWC).

Window Cleaner Relives Impaling With Latest Accident

Norman Johnson of Greenwood Road in Sunderland shows how he has recovered after being seriously impaled by a pole ten years ago. Hospital pictures from the time of the accident.

Girl’s harrowing ordeal revives memories for window cleaner impaled through his neck: Miracle man Norman Johnson is amazed that the horrific accident which nearly killed him has been repeated – just yards from his home. It is 10 years this month since window cleaner Norman cheated death, when he fell from his ladder and was impaled on a 4ft metal bar hidden inside a bush.

The bar went in under one arm, through his chest and neck and came out through his jaw – missing his vital organs by millimetres. Firefighters took more than an hour to release the 45-year-old, with two of his friends taking the weight as rescue crews worked to cut him free. He was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital with the bar still in place – but within a couple of days was sitting up and looking forward to getting home.

The horror of his ordeal was brought vividly back at the weekend, when he heard how 10-year-old schoolgirl Caitlyn Brown had fallen on to a seven-inch metal spike, while climbing over a fence near Norman’s home in Gravesend Road, Grindon. The Broadway Junior School pupil is recovering at home after receiving treatment in Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary, following her terrifying ordeal on Saturday night. “I’m really pleased she survived and just hope she doesn’t have nightmares about it later on,” said Norman. “I know the pain I went through and how she must have felt, and I’m a lot older.”

The bar went in under one arm, through his chest and neck and came out through his jaw – missing his vital organs by millimetres.

The park where the young girl fell is less than 500 yards from Norman’s home. “I’d forgotten about my accident until I read about Caitlyn,” he said. “I know I’m lucky to still be here and it could have been a lot worse, but I’m not dwelling on something that happened in the past.” Norman was out of hospital in time to go ahead with his planned wedding to fiancee Joan Lay, in September 2001.

The couple have two children – Peter, 15, and Joseph, five. Norman is still cleaning windows – though he admits he takes it a bit more steady these days. He said: “It is a job that I love and I’m happy to do it. I’m a lot more careful than I used to be – you never really think its going to happen to you. “And, of course, I’m still eating kebabs for fun.” Caitlyn’s mum, Jan Brown, said her daughter is now planning to write a thank you letter to those involved in her rescue.

Window Cleaning News

Window washer rescued from outside skyscraper: DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO — A window washer stuck in a basket between the ninth and 10th floors of the Omni Hotel in downtown San Diego was lowered to safety yesterday afternoon with the help of firefighters. Jimmy Zapien, 27, was washing windows outside the skyscraper about 1:50 p.m. when the basket's cable became jammed in the pulley system, preventing the basket from moving up or down, said Maurice Luque, a spokesman for the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. A firefighter rappelled from the roof of the building to the basket and strapped the window washer into a harness. Zapien was then safely lowered. Zapien's co-workers from Southland Exterior Building Services, as well as hotel employees and passers-by, craned their necks to watch the rescue unfold. Applause broke out as soon as he touched ground. The ordeal lasted less than an hour.

Westlake Boys take top honours, NZ: An ingenious mathematics based computer game and a user-friendly magnetic window washer saw Westlake Boys High School take out the two top honours at the annual Smales Farm North Shore Regional Awards as part of the Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme (YES). The student companies, made up of year 12 and 13 students, were presented with awards at a ceremony at North Harbour Stadium last night in front of an audience of dignitaries, sponsors, mentors, parents and fellow students who participated in this year’s Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme. Fellow Westlake student company ProDG won the Smales Farm North Shore YES Company of the Year Runner Up with their pragmatic magnetic window washer.

Have you seen stolen window cleaner's van? A window cleaner’s van was stolen from a driveway in Crowthorne overnight between Monday and Tuesday. The white, LA53 plate Ford Transit van has the words ‘Town and Country window cleaning services’ written on the side and was taken from the owner’s drive in New Wokingham Road sometime between 9pm on Monday and 8am the following morning. Anyone with information can call police on 08458 505 505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

MANAMA: The Labour Ministry launched an investigation into two worksite accidents yesterday that killed one worker and left another seriously injured, reports ANIQA HAIDER. Indian Pokkillatha Ali Sulaiman, 51, fell to his death from the second floor of a building in Isa Town. The accident took place at 10am when he was cleaning a window at the Traffic Directorate. Mr Su-laiman worked for a cleaning company and leaves behind wife and two children.

Dust haze blankets coast: The Coffs Coast again held its breath again yesterday as another dust haze blanketed much of the east coast. While it wasn't of the same magnitude as the dust storm a couple of weeks ago, paramedics again treated people for breathing difficulties and local air traffic was again affected. By mid morning, the visibility was reduced to 5000 metres adding to the difficulty of pilots and the tower at Coffs Harbour Regional Airport. “The dust that's blowing over from South Australia and western NSW is being lifted by strong winds caused by the combination of a cold front and a low pressure system moving across Bass Strait,” said Mr Crow.
“Here in Coffs Harbour, there's been a layer of dust sitting at about 2300 feet. The bureau has forecast the likelihood of further hazes or storms in coming weeks, but it's hoped the inland dust will finally be settled by rains forecast around Christmas. The dust is proving a boon for some at least. Local house-washers and automatic carwashes are predictably flat out - and then there are the window washers! “I just can't keep up,” said Bayden Hogan of Coffs Window Cleaning. “While the dust isn't as noticeable on vertical surfaces like windows, there's a fine film on the windows so when it rains it turns to mud. We are very, very busy.”

Dougherty County School System; The board also approved the recommendation from its Buildings & Grounds Committee to award the Administration Building pressure washing/window cleaning project to Albany's Akridge Interiors, the lowest qualified bidder at $22,000. Minority businesses Robie Thompson and Tandem Contracting turned in bids of $7,990 and $8,400, respectively. Akridge is a women-owned business. The board voted 5-2 for the bid. Board members Velvet Riggins of District 3 and Anita Williams-Brown, at-large, voted against it. "I would like to talk to the (Building & Grounds) Committee about the process in which these people were selected," Riggins said. "There's still people being eliminated, but we're pleased with what the (Building & Grounds) committee has done with including more minority businesses. But, there's still more work to be done." Maschke said the pressure washing/window cleaning project received seven bids, which he said, "was good participation on a small project." He said the large participation follows the Building & Grounds Committee directing school system staff to solicit proposals from local, small and minority firms.

Cleaning up on windows is just the start for Everest chief: At 1,732ft above sea level, it is the UK’s highest pub. But the cosy hostelry is well-known for another reason. It was the setting of a memorable television ad in the 1980s for the Everest double glazing firm. In the ad Ted Moult, the farmer-cum-TV personality, dropped a feather in front of a window and watched the feather fall vertically onto the sill. “Fit the best. Everest,” said Moult. It was one of those ad slogans that stuck in the public’s consciousness. Although Moult shot himself in 1986 after a period of depression, the ad lives on. Everest recently remade the promo with TV presenter Craig Doyle in the Moult role. As well showing the double-glazing, the ad revealed that the pub’s roof was fitted with solar panels.
It is a neat snapshot of where Everest is today; solar panels are a growing part of Everest’s business as consumers look to “green up” their lifestyles. Simon Jarman, Everest’s managing director, believes that there is a “big opportunity” in energy efficiency as some 20pc of a house’s heat is lost through its windows. And he says that the TV ads still resonate. “There is not one person who doesn’t remember that ad campaign. Most companies would do anything to have that brand awareness,” he says. Business is going well, despite the downturn. The doors and windows market fell by 12pc last year and is down 14pc this year. Everest’s sales of doors and windows, however, have grown by 13pc this year. Overall it is seeing 2.5pc sales growth. This is due to what Mr Jarman describes as a “flight to brand”. Everest pitches itself at the top of the market, which has attracted customers. Everest’s average customer is 55 years old. Eighty per cent of its clientele do not have a mortgage. Most are in the A and B demographics. “We don’t compete on price and we haven’t reduced our prices at all. Our customers are savers rather than borrowers, which has made them more resilient in a downturn,” he says.

A company that has revolutionised the window business with it’s custom designed safety windows has just scooped an international award. Britplas, based on Winstanley Industrial Estate off Long Lane, Orford, clinched the top award for Product Design for Healthcare at the Design & Health International Academy Awards. The business won the accolade for it’s Safevent windows, which have taken to the medical industry by storm with safety features that has seen it fitted in secure units across the country. The judges praised the company’s design saying: “The Safevent window allows patients and staff to fully open a window in complete safety with no restrictions, permitting maximum natural ventilation. Due to its unique design, it has no locks or hinges and has self-cleaning glass. Its installation in over one hundred acute locations is testimony to its operational success.” The window has a fine mesh over the openable side that allows the window to be open and let in air, but nothing else can get through. It also offers extra safety as they are designed to be anti ligature fittings. Already it has become a massive success and the windows have been installed at hospitals across the country.

Class under glass help Blue Peter star: Sunderland students are on a high after using their singing skills to help Blue Peter presenter Joel Defries through a hard day's work. The popular BBC kids' show's latest presenter had his work cut out when he stopped off in the region to film part of the TV programme. And pupils from Highfield Community Primary School, Ford, Sunderland, were on hand to help him get through his gruelling day. A team of abseilers responsible for cleaning The Sage Gateshead, IS-IS Property Service, had set Joel the task of helping them get the iconic regional landmark spotless. Joel was given extensive training to learn how to abseil, and how to clean windows, before being put to test on the roof alongside the experienced team. And to help him with his work, a team of youngsters from the school sang George Formby's When I'm Cleaning Windows as they waved him on from the building's concourse. When he got back down to earth, Joel said: "I knew it sounded good but The Sage Gateshead has never looked so good." Anthony Wintle, an experienced abseiling window cleaner from IS-IS, added: "I think my job's safe – for now."

Providing insights into strengthening your business: In celebration of Small Business Week, Campbell River Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Business and Professional Women’s Network, will present Together We Are Stronger – Insights and Ideas to Strengthen Your Business. The evening will kick-off with networking and an opportunity to learn more about the BPWN and the Chamber of Commerce. During dinner, Brent Hohlweg, co-founder and CEO of Men in Kilts, North America’s premier window and gutter cleaning company, will share his insights about the growth, success and unique marketing twist of his business. Over dessert and coffee, a panel of local entrepreneurs will discuss their business experiences and address questions from the floor.
Men in Kilts, with head offices based in Richmond, B. C. provides an industry first guaranteed five minute eco-friendly green estimate to more than 4,000 clients across the entire Lower Mainland. Hohlweg’s business partner and Men in Kilts president, Nic Brand, started Men in Kilts in 2002 with just $500 and a ladder strapped to the top of a rusty old Honda. Since then Hohlweg and Brand have taken the company from idea and sole proprietorship to an outstanding commercial success. Sales have doubled every year since incorporation and in 2009, Men in Kilts will surpass the one million mark. The corporation has been built with a long-term vision to franchising across North America. Hohlweg’s professional background includes many years in management with a Fortune 500 retail company and number of small start ups. Most recently Hohlweg was awarded the 2008 Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the Richmond Chamber of Commerce.

Police warn of window washer scammer making rounds: Don’t open your doors to strangers, warn Saanich police, as a man claiming to be a window washer has scammed a number of seniors out of money. Police know of at least five incidents around Greater Victoria – including Saanich, Central Saanich, and Oak Bay – since September, where a man calling himself John and claiming to be from a window washing company says he is in need of assistance. The man has told his victims that he’s at the building – most often apartment buildings for seniors – to wash windows and that his van broke down nearby. He asks residents for money to get his vehicle fixed. Most often he requests $20 or $40, but has also asked for $200.
The latest incident happened on Oct. 10 when the suspect entered a building in the 500 block of Marsett Place claiming to be in distress because his vehicle broke down. In this case, he showed his driver’s licence to the victim, presumably to prove his legitimacy. “I don’t know if it was fake or not,” said Sgt. Julie Fast. “My guess is that it was his actual driver’s licence, but (the victim) couldn’t recall the name on it.” The man also entered a business in the 4000 block of Quadra St. on Oct. 5 with the same story, asking for $80 to fix his vehicle. The man was very forceful and wouldn’t leave, so staff called police. He was gone before police arrived and some money was given to him before he left.
“This person is being allowed into (apartment) buildings, which means he’s being buzzed in ... Don’t let anybody into the building that you don’t know,” said Sgt. Julie Fast. “If you’ve got this individual asking for money, if your suspicions are raised, don’t hand over your money to anybody. Don’t give them money if you don’t know them. And if you do find yourself giving money to somebody and they leave, and you’re thinking, ‘Why did I do that?’ call police. Anything suspicious like that, report it to police right away.” The suspect involved is described as a caucasian man between 35 and 45 years of age. He is between 5’8” and 5’10” tall, 160 to 180 pounds. He has short dark brown hair. Police are asking anyone with information on this man to give call 250-475-4321 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

'Chilling' threats to get cash: A man who loaned his life savings to a friend who was later jailed for drug dealing made chilling threats to try to get the cash back. Antony Weegram gave £12,500 to friend Antony O'Connor to set up a window cleaning business. But he harassed O'Connor's mother Debra Dunn on several occasions after he was jailed for five years last year. Teesside Crown Court heard how Weegram, 25, inferred to her that O'Connor could be attacked in prison if they did not come up with the money. Weegram received a suspended prison sentence yesterday after admitting harassment. But he denied threatening violence. The court heard Weegram first approached Mrs Dunn in the street on January 4 and went with her to her daughter's house where they were expecting a call from O'Connor. But he left before the phone call after things got heated and Weegram said: "I'm not waiting five years to get the money back." On January 19, he contacted her again through a third party who warned the debt could rise to £16,000. Mrs Dunn then called Weegram to try and sort things out, but felt harassed again after another heated conversation. Sam Andrews, prosecuting, said: "The first time she met him he made her believe her son might come to harm in prison. "She was clearly harassed throughout this period and frightened by his behaviour." There was no suggestion the loan was used or intended for drugs. Paul Cleasby, mitigating for Weegram, who was of previous good character, said: "He is sorry for the upset that he has caused Mrs Dunn." Weegram, a welding inspector of Belmont Gardens, was sentenced to three months in prison suspended for two years. Judge Peter Fox said: "That to a mother obviously already in distress at her son's offending and sentence, it must have come as an additional burden to bear and it was a chilling thing for her to hear."

Finally: Tony Evans of "A New View window cleaning" gives us another episode in the weather or not summer edition..