Singergram vol 24 no 1 mar 2011

By Sue Margitich

THE day could not have been better ordered. Not too hot and even cool prior to noon. Ivan and I journeyed via Cross Road and the freeway taking just 35 mins from home.

We had intended taking our Le Mans but on looking at our entry forms we had nominated the Roadster 4 AD. Shock horror! Ivan had to clean that car after meticulously cleaning the Le Mans.

It was great to see Steve Bitmead and his Singer Junior in the Singer Car Club’s designated spot on Uraidla oval.

It was a pleasure to make welcome Steve and Vida Schild, new members who, are restoring a Singer 4AD. Already assembled and intent on a good time were Sue Matthews and her sister Linda. They looked very glam

SINGERGRAMJan-Mar 2011 Vol. 24 No. 1

SINGER CAR CLUB OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA

All British Day 2011

Continued on pages 5 & 6

SINGER NATIONAL RALLY 2011

Steve Bitmead’s splendid Singer Junior decked appropriately for theAll British Day at Uraidla.

See back page for ordering your name badge!

STOP PRESS! Singergram is entering a new era!!! Go to this web link and let me know what you think – http://issuu.com/singergram/docs/singergram_march_2011

SINGER CAR CLUB OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA Inc(To preserve the marque and unite the owners)

Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at the Caledonian Hotel 219 O’Connell St, North Adelaide (cnr. Barton Tce).

Meet at 6.30 pm for a great meal or just attend the meeting which commences at 7.30 pm.

OFFICERS FOR 2011President............................................ Ivan Margitich (08) 8294 5253 (W) 17 Old Drive (08) 8294 5022 (W) Novar Gardens SA 5040 0419 800 799 (M)

Vice President................................... Kevin Keany (08) 8381 6578 (H) 4 Arafura Court (08) 8340 2833 (Office) Hallett Cove SA 5158 0408 893 824 (M) [email protected]

Secretary........................................... Peter Wright (08) 8598 7066 (H) PO Box 254 0419 800 917 (M) Tailem Bend SA 5260 [email protected]

Treasurer........................................... Rob Martin (08) 8284 7947 (H) 1 Thornton Street 0413 216 314 (M) Angle Vale SA 5117 [email protected]

Assistant Secretary........................... Pat Oxley (08) 8365 2820 (H)

Parts Officer .....................................Stephen Bitmead (08) 8254 2716 (H)

Conditional Registration Officers... Rob Martin (08) 8284 7947 (H) Ivan Margitich (08) 8295 5692 (H) Clive Hill (08) 8389 3177 (H)

Committee......................................... Sue Margitich, Arthur Ackland, Sue Matthews, Don Schmook, Drew & Joy Marshman, Denis Moreau, Diane Wright, Pat Oxley, Peter Oxley

Official Photographer.......................Sue Matthews

Auditor.............................................. Drew Marshman, CPA

Web Master....................................... Rob Martin www.singercars.com.au

Singergram Editor............................ Jeff Vale (08) 7509 0930 (H) PO Box 572 0427 152 029 (M) Greenock SA 5360 [email protected]

SCCA Secretary................................ Andrew Bull (03) 9499 6746 & Magazine Editor 9 Burton Crescent [email protected] East Ivanhoe VIC 3079

SINGERGRAM MARCH 2011

PRESIDENT’S REPORT TO THE AGM – by Ivan Margitich

I WELCOME you to the annual general meeting of our club this evening. Thanks for attending.

Our club remains strong with the support of its members. Although our membership has remained static we have a core group which has carried on the tradition of our club. Once more I acknowledge the hard work the late Alan Day did for the club. Recently we learnt of the death of our member Tord Edmunds who was a great support of our club especially in the Riverland area. I extend my sympathy on behalf of the club to his family. I welcome our new members to the club especially those who have attended their first Annual General Meeting tonight. I feel proud in belonging to a club which has a long history in the appreciation of the Singer car and the valued friendships that we have had over the years.I especially want to thank all members of our hard working committee and without naming them all I want to especially thank Jeff Vale for his efforts in transforming our club magazine after taking on the editorial role after Alan Day passed away. We have entered a new era without Alan and it is pleasing to see the accomplishments of our committee in the new directions taken on by it.Whilst we have not had as many motor vehicle runs as we would have liked we have certainly enjoyed the events especially the overnight stay in the Barossa with the run having been organized by Jeff Vale and I thank him again especially for the program of events that he arranged.Apart from that we had the Peter and Pat Oxley breakfast event at the beginning of this year which is always well attended and I thank them once again for putting that on. The Christmas dinner was held at our home and was also a successful event and what about the annual dinner at the House of Chow Pat Oxley organized in the city.On the restoration front Kevin Keany has been progressing with the Singer 10 and should have it ready for this years National rally. Personally I had the LeMans motor rebuilt and after a slight set back with a blown head gasket have got the car going quite nicely. Peter and Diane Wright have been progressing slowly but their car should be a treat to see when finished. Peter brought to one of our meetings the chromed radiator surround which had been professionally hand made. I know we have recently had further enquiries from interested persons in joining our club and we hope that when your applications are processed you will take an active part and we


Continued on page 6

SINGERGRAM is happy to place your For Sale or Wanted ads in this space.

Please email any items suitable for this column to [email protected] but remember to notify the editor when the ad is no longer required.

FOR SALE & WANTED

FOR SALE – I am clearing all my Singer parts, mainly for 9/4AD roadsters, SM1500 and Hunters. Ask – I may have it. Sedan parts include radiators, SM1500 rear glass plus a Zenith Carburettor taken off an SM1500. VW Solex carby – may suit 9 motor. Roadster parts include front axle, side curtain glass and track, back shockers, chromed indicators, electrical and body bits, etc.

Drew Marshman, 08 8356 6010, e-mail [email protected].

THE SINGER BANTAM

In 1935 the Singer Nine became the Singer Bantam, which had a similar appearance to the Morris Eight.

The Bantam had its debut at the London Motor Show with four models being made available.

These were the Bantam Popular in two and four door models and four-door Bantam DeLuxe.

The DeLuxe featured a sunroof while the Popular had a fixed panel over the roof opening. The DeLuxe also featured a rear luggage rack, leather seats and chrome bumpers.

Early model Bantams were also fitted with spoke wire wheels. The 1937 Bantams featured optional `easyclene’ wheels.

The bonnet mascot also has a story to tell. It was banned in 1937 by new legislation in Britain.

One can only surmise this was to protect pedestrians – or possibly even then the idea of having a chicken emblem on the radiator was as strange as it is now and this was the reason for the ban.

The bantam bonnet emblem adds to the car’s exclusivity.


If you can start the day without caffeine,

If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,

If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,

If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it,

If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,

If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,

If you can conquer tension without medical help,

If you can relax without liquor,

If you can sleep without the aid of drugs . . .

Then you are probably the family dog!

with their fur stoles enjoying champers. Unfortunately Sue’s partner, Rob Martin was unable to bring his car onto the oval as both he and also Jeff Vale did not send their entry forms in by the cut off date. Rob and Sue were overseas and Jeff was ill with pneumonia when entry forms were delivered back in early October.

The ABD committee are strict about their rules and even though we had room for their cars we were unable to do anything about it. However Rob, Sue and their relatives and Jeff Vale still joined in the fun. Pat and Peter Oxley arrived shortly after us, joined by two friends in their Singer 4AD. Arthur Ackland looked schmik in his Singer 4AB, soon joined by his children and grand children who made for a very merry gathering, especially after Ivan’s nephew, Tim and his wife Pam arrived with their friend Ian (Pottsy), who just happens to be a son of the late Bill Potts who was a former Singer member. He still has his Dad’s HRG’s. Bill Potts also had the Le Mans that Mark Leech in Victoria owned. It has recently returned to SA and the current owner is Rory Hope.

Not long after Pam, Tim and Pottsy left to cycle back to Magill, Tim’s Mother Pauline arrived with her husband David, and so our circle did take up a fair bit of the spare car space.

ALL BRITISH DAY 2011 – continued


The line-up of Singers at the All British Day 2011.

Singer enthusiasts enjoying the perfect sunny day at Uraidla.

ALL BRITISH DAY 2011 – continued


This year Deidre Solly was in her Austin and Kevin Keany was in his Riley, so both enjoyed the day with those car clubs, although we caught up with them during the afternoon. There was a wonderful array of cars displayed. The crowds were well behaved and everyone enjoyed meandering around the various cars or surveying the many stalls for purchases. Ivan found a brand new voltage regulator for the Roadster. Thank you Linda for the cash loan on the day.

A small criticism I will note concerns our members inability to erect a shade because we could not use tent pegs, due to the underground watering system now installed over the oval. Hopefully we will be able to have something to shade ourselves with next year because if the temperature is higher than 29 Celsius I will not be a contender. As I earlier said the weather was kind to us this year.

By 3.30 pm after collecting my cloth badge, we all called it a day and set off for the journey home. Another grand time spent with good friends. The day was really one of the best All British Days I have attended.

Another view of Steve Bitmead’s Singer Junior. Congratulations on a job well done!

[Hopefully Steve will supply an article for Singergram on this restoration project. – Ed.]

look forward to the pleasure of your company at meetings and other social occasions.The National Rally is being held at Shepparton Victoria this Easter and I for one look forward to taking part. Sue and I will have our LeMans there and we look forward to meeting up with fellow entrants both from here and interstate. Once more I want to thank our very hard working committee with the running of our club and the support they have shown me over the last year.Hopefully the tradition of our club will continue long into the future and I personally look forward to the completion of those cars currently under restoration.

IVAN MARGITICH, President

PRESIDENT’S REPORT – continued


SECRETARY’S REPORT TO THE AGM – by Peter Wright

WHAT an interesting year and doesn’t time fly! After one year in the job as Secretary, I thought

that I was on top of it – only to be reminded at the All British Day (13th February) that our next meeting on 14th February was an AGM! So here is my rather swift report.

I am still working on the electronic distribution of magazines from other clubs so that our club members have full access to the wealth of information that is available from clubs all over the world.

Memberships:

We continue to miss Alan Day, but the club has regrouped and continues to flourish. Alan’s family have taken out membership and we hope to see “SING-49” on club runs once again in the near future.

I must also sadly acknowledge the passing of another club member. Tord Edmunds passed away on 17th December 2010 and his Singer is now in Victoria.

Members Alan O’Donnell, Trevor Burns and Alan Martin have not renewed their memberships.

It is a pleasure to welcome Stephen and Vida Schild and Tony McBride to the club. A number of membership application forms have been sent out recently in response to inquiries from Singer owners who are looking to join the club.

Communications:

The quality of the “Singergram” is first class and Jeff Vale is to be congratulated on a superb production. This publication is our main avenue to share tit-bits of Singer knowledge and record club events.

The “Singergram” includes the club events program for members, additional to the listing of event dates in the monthly minutes.

Members’ contribution of articles for the magazine are encouraged and may be sent to Jeff throughout the year.

I look forward to another successful year.

PETER WRIGHT, Secretary

CHRISTMAS BARBECUE – December 2010 by Pat & Peter Oxley

THE South Australian Singer Car Club Christmas B.B.Q. was held at the hone of Ivan and Sue

Margitich – the same as last year. Ivan & Sue opened up their home and garden to Sue & Rob. Deidre, Kevin, Don & Wendy and Peter & Pat, a few absences this year due to other commitments.

It was a really fine day, just the right temperature and level of sun. Bubbly popped and eventually the B.B.Q. fired up. All the usual healthy salads were there to choose from and later on we tucked into the yummy desserts.

Lots of laughter and tales and Christmas cheer. It was a lovely day, we left as night drew on, many thanks to Ivan & Sue for their hospitality.


Looks like Santa didn’t get his stocking filled this year! Who’s been a naughty boy then?

Enjoying the Christmas festivities are, clockwise from above left: Peter and Pat Oxley; Diane Wright; Deidre Solly and Rob Martin; Ivan Margitich

[The following email was received from Stephen Schild, one of our newest members. Hopefully someone can help him out with his mystery objects. Please email Stephen with any (appropriate) suggestions. Good luck!! – Ed.]

Hi Jeff

I am forwarding some photos of two mystery items that came with the parts of my 1951 Singer 4AD Roadster.

They are two right angle plates – one side is approx. 7 inches high with countersunk screws on the bottom ??? edge; the other side is approx. 6 inches in length with a 21/2 right angle, also with counter sunk holes.

The only place that I can find that they may fit, are where the back seat goes, but if they go there the seat will not fit??

Maybe someone out there can recognise them and let me know where they go.

Regards Stephen Schild

email: [email protected]

?SINGERGRAM MARCH 2011

MYSTERY OBJECTS – from Stephen Schild

[Remember the collection of old photographs printed in the December issue of “Singergram”? The supplier of the photos, Darhyl Walters from Port Noarlunga, has kindly written with an explanation. Thank you Darhyl for your enlightening letter. Perhaps it will prompt other members on non-members to send in some old photographs for publication. – Ed]

OLD PHOTOGRAPHS EXPLAINED –


Hi Jeff

Thank you for printing my old singer photos in your magazine Oct-Dec 2010. These were taken between 1955-1960.

Myself and three other friends all had Singer Sports. We all at that time belonged to the Motor Manual Car Club and had our Gymkhanas mostly at Pt. Gawler Beach.

I will give you a brief description of the photos in question, as I can remember.

Top left: On Moana Beach with friend Rhonda.

Top right: A picnic somewhere with two friends Anne and Betty and me (with hair) aged about 20.

Middle right: At Mallala Race Track. In those days a club could hire the track for the day for your own events.

Bottom left: A short timed sprint event on private property near Mt Compass.

Bottom right: No idea!

I hope this is of some interest. I know the interest in Singer cars has always stayed with me and my friend Ian and I still talk about our travels to various places in days gone by.

Kind regards, Darhyl.

MEMBER’S PROFILES – Kevin Keany & Deidre Solly

HERE are another two members’ profiles. Many thanks for your participation. This information is purely to introduce yourself to other members and perhaps provide some

light entertainment! All questions are optional. More profiles will appear in the next issue of Singergram. Email the Editor if you require a form.

NAME: Kevin Brian Keany.

BORN: 14 March 1934.

BRIEF HISTORY: Lived in Adelaide all my life. Only had 1 girlfriend – married on 16 June 1958. I should say I courted my future wife in a 1948 Singer 10 Tourer but that’s another story!

WHAT DO YOU COLLECT: Used to collect stamps (anyone interested in buying, please respond). 1948 Singer 10; 1953 RMF Riley 2.5L Saloon; 1961 Sunbeam Rapier.

FAVOURITE FOOD: Roast dinner.

IDEAL HOLIDAY SPOT: Edithburgh for fishing!

TOP TWO GUESTS YOU WOULD INVITE FOR DINNER: Winston Churchill and Groucho Marx.

FAVOURITE MUSIC: Classical and Jazz.

FAVOURITE AUTHOR: I guess Dan Brown, but I’m not a big reader.

CLAIM TO FAME: Nothing so far!

CLAIM TO SHAME: Perish the thought!

QUOTE TO LIVE BY: The poor always have to work.

FAVOURITE CAR: 1948 Singer 10 Tourer – my first car.

CAR MOST HATED: Zeta.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE: Don’t forget hobbies. Have been an amateur radio operator since 1977 and have contacted most countries in the world.


NAME: Deidre Solly.

BORN: Victor Harbor. 22 Nov. 1958

BRIEF HISTORY: Left school and lived in Adelaide while doing teacher training. Then lived in Strathalbyn, Seaford and now Encounter Bay while working at various kindergartens.

WHAT DO YOU COLLECT: Dairy memorabilia, model cars, Coca-Cola products, antique style pencil sharpeners, Australian stamps.

FAVOURITE FOOD: Chicken.

IDEAL HOLIDAY SPOT: Camping in outback areas of Australia; the Flinders Ranges.

TOP THREE GUESTS YOU WOULD INVITE FOR DINNER: Lleyton Hewitt, Lee Kernaghan, James Blundell.

FAVOURITE MUSIC: Country.

FAVOURITE AUTHORS: Judy Nunn, Di Morrissey.

CLAIM TO FAME: Won 1 gold and 2 silver medals at the 2007 Australian Masters Games for table tennis.

CLAIM TO SHAME: Tearing my dress climbing a tree (aged approx. 11) and too scared to go home.

QUOTE TO LIVE BY: Go for it!

FAVOURITE CAR: Singer Roadster.

CAR MOST HATED: None especially.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE: I also own an Austin A35 van and part own (with my brother) an Austin A70 ute.


10/26 RESTORATION (Part 2) – by Rob Martin

THE ‘10/26’ has an overhead valve 4 cylinder long stroke engine of approximately 1300 cc. The engine in the background is the original one and needed little work , whilst the

sad case in the front has two holes in the block and is only useful for parts. So much for the play on words “piston broke”, this is reality. Note the gravity feed fuel tank just in front of where the passengers sit.

The mudguards are straight and solid, except both front and back have some rust (x) where the running boards are joined on.

The two fluted panels behind the tyre are the lift out bonnet side panels and whilst rust free, one has a crease which will require extensive panel beating.

The silver panel in the back is the aluminium rear tub of my 1953

Singer “4AD” roadster, but that’s another story.

Storage room became a premium at my old house and I had even resorted to commandeering my daughter, Jessica’s, old cubby house to store this assortment of brake rods, steering boxes, springs and of course the weber. What you can’t see behind the door is the “4AD”


10/26 RESTORATION (Part 2) – continued by Rob Martin

panels piled about four foot high. I have since added two gearboxes, fly wheels etcetera ad infinitum………...

With the car I received two sets of wheels, eight in total. One set (two at back) were in good condition and the other set (front) were rusty but in sound condition.

They are sitting by the car awaiting a trip to the sandblasters.

The original Chassis is straight and rust free and found a very temporary home next to my

shed, it too awaits a trip to the sandblasters. The spare chassis rails ended up in the rafters of the shed out of the way.

There is a collection of parts which were waiting to be squeezed into some spare nook or cranny.

In the back corner, you can see the three gearboxes, hopefully I will make one good one out of the three..

[Rob has apologised for the quality of these pictures, but the original digital images were lost due to a computer crash some time ago. Thanks Rob, we still get the picture of what headaches were in store! – Ed.]


BREAKFAST AT THE OXLEYS – January 16 by Sue Matthews

IT was a gorgeous Sunny Sunday morning on the 16th of January. Rob & I set off in the LeMans to Peter & Pat Oxley’s house for a delicious English breakfast.

We had a very nice drive and very happy to say no motoring challenges!!!There was also a fundraiser for Cancer supported by our SA Police, “Ride Like Crazy” so we passed many cyclists along the way, waving & honking the horn giving them support. Topping it off we arrived early, which really doesn’t really happen that often with Rob & myself.Peter & Pat graciously welcomed us into their home and boy had they been busy, their area out the back has had a wonderful make over, new pergola & outside kitchen. The artwork as you can see it the photos had been done by one of their daughters and looks sensational. Jeff Vale, Peter & Diane Wright arrived, followed by Ivan & Sue Margitich. Peter gave the men a pre breckie drink, which was a beer that had been made by the Regency Park T.A.F.E. They all had to be very quick to take the first mouthful as the beer would froth to the top & spill out.

Top right: Rob Martin, Peter Wright and Jeff Vale get into the spirit of things!

Middle right: Ivan Margitich finds the ale rather lively.

Bottom right: Diane Wright and Sue Margitich relax in perfect surroundings.

Below: Singers duck for cover as the sun comes up.


BREAKFAST AT THE OXLEYS – continued

Peter & Pat got stuck into the cooking, and you could see that they had done this before they worked in unison & the food tasted so scrumptious. My Kitchen Rules – eat your heart out!!!!We did have a small group this year but needless to say we all had a great time.We sat around enjoying each other’s company and had many laughs, we didn’t do a run in the cars after breakfast, for one reason or another but that didn’t matter, this was our first event for 2011 and I am sure there will be many run’s set in place for the year. To Peter & Pat – Thank you for a wonderful day.

Top right: Mine host Peter Oxley toasts another fabulous breakfast.

Right: What more could one ask for? We were assured that all the calories leaked out

once the food hit the plate!

Left: Pat Oxley takes a well earned break with Sue Matthews after cooking

another splendid morning feast.


CALENDAR OF EVENTSPlease advise the Editor at your earliest if any event is not listed.

Discuss these coming events with fellow members and help make each event truly worthwhile.

Monthly meetings are held at the Caledonian Hotel, O’Connell Street, North Adelaide – 6.30 pm for meals and 7.30 pm for meeting –

201111 Apr Monthly Meeting – Caledonian Hotel, O’Connell Street, North Adelaide

22-25 Apr Easter – Singer National Rally – Shepparton. This is a ‘must-go’ event for all Singer enthusiasts. A fabulous and fun-filled weekend for everyone. Email [email protected] for further details.

9 May Monthly Meeting – Caledonian Hotel, O’Connell Street, North Adelaide

15 May Kenewek Lowender – RAA/Rosewarnes Classic Cavalcade of Cars and Motor Cycles. Time: Departs Wallaroo 10am. Car registration forms available on the website, or by contacting the KL Office or Rosewarnes of Kadina. A well known event attracting more than 700 entries from around Australia.

13 Jun Monthly Meeting – Caledonian Hotel, O’Connell Street, North Adelaide

25 Jun Annual Dinner – Venue to be announced

11 Jul Monthly Meeting – Caledonian Hotel, O’Connell Street, North Adelaide

17 Jul Garage Crawl and BBQ – Venue to be announced

8 Aug Monthly Meeting – Caledonian Hotel, O’Connell Street, North Adelaide

21 Aug McLaren Vale Run – Details to be announced

12 Sep Monthly Meeting – Caledonian Hotel, O’Connell Street, North Adelaide

10 Oct Monthly Meeting – Caledonian Hotel, O’Connell Street, North Adelaide

CLUB NAME BADGES . . . by Jeff Vale

IT has been proposed that club name badges be acquired. These badges would be quite advantageous at events such as the Bay to Birdwood Rally or the All British Day in

Uraidla and particularly the National Rally in Shepparton. A badge introduces you to fellow car enthusiasts and also advertises that there is a Singer Car Club in South Australia.

So far, I have 16 names and I need to place the order by March 31, to have our badges ready for the National Rally at Easter.

Badges will have a white background with coloured logo and black text. The front will be a raised clear finish and look very smart. The clasp will be magnetic, rather than the pin type, to avoid damage to clothing. The club has agreed to cover the cost of badges so if you don’t want to miss out – GET YOUR NAMES IN IMMEDIATELY.

Please email me at [email protected] with the correct spelling of your name(s) before March 31 (if you haven’t already given me your name) or phone 0427 152 029.

SINGER CAR CLUB OF SA INC.

Your Name

Singergram vol 24 no 1 mar 2011

Documents

Transcript of Singergram vol 24 no 1 mar 2011