Hi Allan, the rubber strip cushions the glass, allowing it to expand without breaking, and allows it to grip easier with the w clips, as it pushes them up a little, so I'd advise using it, we did!

We got some from ebay, relatively inexpensive, but it can be got from NAKAYS http://www.kaysdiscountgarden.co.uk/1.html

Hope thats of some help!

__________________
Blessings
Suzanne (aka Mrs Dobby)

'Garden naked - get some colour in your cheeks'!

The Dobby's Pumpkin Patch - a blogspot work in progress!
Last updated 12th September 2008 - updated balance sheet!