singergram vol 28 no 4 dec 2015

From Deidre Solly

IT WAS quite a warm day as members of the Hillman, Humber, Singer and Sunbeam Clubs began arriving at the Oaklands Park Reserve. Soon everybody was set up under the

shady trees. A variety of interesting vehicles were in the car park and the feather banners from each club were on display.

While everyone enjoyed talking and relaxing the Rotary Club of Brownhill Creek was busy cooking the BBQ. Then it was time to enjoy lunch which consisted of a variety of sausages and patties together with salad. Everyone had been asked to bring cakes for judging and

so next the winners were announced and we all enjoyed the cakes for dessert.

One of the judges was quite taken with the taste of Derek’s boiled fruit cake and asked to purchase it.

Continued on page 5

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SINGERGRAMDecember 2015 Vol. 28 No. 4

SINGER CAR CLUB OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Rootes Group Run

Three lovely Singers – owned by Ivan and Sue Margitich, Derek Stephens, and Stephen and Vida Schild.

Have you filled in your Expression of Interest Form for the 2017 Singer National

Rally to be held in SA’s Barossa Valley?

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 2015President............................................ Jeff Vale (08) 8562 8229 (H) PO Box 572 0427 152 029 (M) Greenock SA 5360 [email protected]

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

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

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

Minutes Secretary............................ Max Lane (08) 8552 3387 (H)

Treasurer........................................... Rob Martin (08) 8284 7947 (H) 1 Thornton Street 0419 188 944 (M) Angle Vale SA 5117 [email protected]

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

Events Coordinator ..........................Stephen Bitmead (08) 8254 2716 (H)

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

Committee......................................... Stephen Schild, Vida Schild, Diane Wright, Peter Oxley, Deidre Solly, Phil Keany, Sue Margitich, Sue Matthews, Arthur Ackland, Darhyl Walters.

Librarian/Official Photographer ....Sue Matthews (08) 8284 7947 (H)

Auditor.............................................. To be advised

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 DECEMBER2015


ANOTHER year has skipped by – I’m sure they’re getting shorter! Or is it an age thing? It doesn’t really matter . . . it’s what we

pack into the years we have that counts. And I think our club has packed quite a lot into the past twelve months.While the Christmas and New Year season is a time for celebration, it is also a time to reflect on the year just gone. It’s hard to pick a club highlight for 2015. I think everyone who attended our various outings has their own favourite.I must thank all those who have organised functions throughout the year. I don’t think anyone has been disappointed with any of our Singer runs. Once again our thanks go to Ivan and Sue Margitich for hosting a terrific Christmas lunch. It’s a lot of work for the hosts and the 2015 function was particularly well attended. Your efforts are really appreciated.It is great that we are now more involved in other club runs organised by the Hillman, Humber and Sunbeam clubs. This interaction is very important and the reciprocal arrangement with outings should be embraced by us all. It gives us an excellent opportunity to get our Singers out of the garage as well as catch up with like-minded car enthusiasts.Our monthly meetings have been generally well attended. It is vital that members attend as often as they can to keep our club vibrant and to keep themselves up to date with events.The biggest event coming up for our club is the Singer National Rally 2017. A lot of entries have been received already and most are “definites” rather than “probables”. Please get your Expressions of Interest form in as soon as you can, if you haven’t already done so.Some members voiced concern over the sale of the venue we have booked as our headquarters for the rally. I have been assured by the functions manager of the Weintal Motel that there will be no changes to our arrangements.While we still have a lot of work to do in getting the rally program put together, I don’t want this event to preclude our usual monthly outings. The 2016 calendar is a little light-on for events at present, so it’s up to us all to at least put forward suggestions or indeed organise an event. Our next event is the All British Day at Echunga on February 14. Hopefully we will have a strong contingent of Singers on display.As always, it’s sometimes like pulling teeth to get articles for the Singergram, but thanks to a loyal few, I have managed to get our quarterly magazine published.Finally, Maureen and I wish you all an extremely happy and healthy 2016. We look forward to catching up with you all soon.

— Jeff Vale, President [please note change of home phone number – (08) 8562 8229]

PRESIDENT’SREPORT– from Jeff Vale

A NOTE FROM THE EDITORIt seems quite a few of our members have been away on holidays overseas.Perhaps those lucky travellers could write a couple of paragraphs and supply a photo or two that may be of interest for publication in our magazine.It doesn’t have to be a travelogue – just a highlight or point of interest that you would like to share.

Jeff Vale, Editor

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 CONTENT OF THE AD IS CHANGED OR NO LONGER REQuIRED.

FORSALE&WANTED

FOR SALE – Framed Hunter promotional colour poster about A3 size. I am also clearing all my Singer parts, mainly for 9/4AD roadsters, SM1500 and Hunters. Ask – I may have it. Sedan parts include radiators and a Zenith Carburettor taken off an SM1500. VW Solex carby – may suit 9 motor. Roadster parts include front axle, side curtain glass, back shockers, electrical and body bits.Drew Marshman, 08 8356 6010, e-mail [email protected]–

Rear axle for 1952 4AD Singer Roadster. Phone 08 85528646 / 0419848512. email: [email protected] – Hood bows for Singer Nine 4AB.Please phone (08) 8331 8695. WANTED – Set of hubcaps to suit SM1500.Please phone Mostyn Upton (08) 8331 8695. WANTED – Pin for side curtain to fit front screen of 4A. Please phone Darhyl on 08 8386 2394 or 0401465030.


Rememberthisemailaddressfor

YOURnextarticle...

tobereceivednolaterthan

31stMarch2016

[email protected]’thavetobeaclubevent,

justanythingyouthinkmaybeof

interesttoclubmembers.

WILL YOU BE AT OUR NEXT MEETING ON THE SECOND MONDAY OF THE MONTH?

AWISEMANONCESAID...

1. We all love to spend money buying new clothes but we never realize that the best moments in life are enjoyed without clothes.

2. Having a cold drink on hot day with a few friends is nice, but having a hot friend on a cold night after a few drinks - PRICELESS.

3. Arguing over a girl’s bust size is like choosing between Fosters, Victoria Bitter, XXXX & Crown Lager. Men may state their preferences, but will grab whatever is available.

AND...

4. I haven’t verified this on Google but it sounds legit. A recent study found that women who carry a little extra weight live longer than the men who mention it.


ROOTESGROUPRUN–continued

A stunning line-up of Sunbeams, Humbers, Hillmans and Singers were on display

Above left: A small part of the large number of Rootes Group members gather in the shade.Above right: Vida and Stephen Schild relax

with Deidre Solly.Left: Stephen Schild will have to eat his prize before

it melts!Right: Sue Margitich bends over backwards in her

attempt at the “ball in a cup”.Below: Maureen Vale nearly gets a rat into

the bucket.

Continued on page 7


RECIPEOFTHEWEEKYou’ll love this

SummerRisoni

Ingredients• 400g risoni or orzo pasta• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed, cut into 2cm

lengths• 200g sugar snap peas• 200g Persian feta, or other marinated

feta, drained, 1/3 cup (80ml) marinating oil mixture reserved

• 1/2 bunch parsley, leaves chopped• Finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon• 2 (x 150g) hot-smoked salmon fillets

Method1. Boil the kettle. Place a saucepan over

high heat and add boiling water and 1 tsp salt. Add risoni, reduce heat to medium, then simmer for 7 minutes or until al dente, adding asparagus and sugar snap peas for the final 2 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup (125ml) cooking liquid. Return reserved liquid to pan with risoni mixture.

2. Add reserved oil mixture to pan with parsley and zest. Season. Break up the salmon and feta into bite-sized pieces, add to the risoni mixture and toss to combine. Squeeze over lemon juice to serve.

THE BUFFALO THEORY . . .

It’s like this – A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo.

And when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first.

This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members.

In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells.

Excessive intake of alcohol, as we know, kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first.

In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine.

That why you always feel smarter after a few beers!WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may make you think you are whispering when you are not . . .

ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY AND ELECT A DESIGNATED DRIVER!

Then it was competition time.

The games included bocce, quoits, get the ball in the cup and throw the rats in the bucket (the rats were not real, just soft toys). And this was where the talent from our club presided.

Stephen Schild managed six out of 10 ‘balls in the cup’ and Ivan managed four. Stephen also did well with the rat toss.

There was also a ‘guess the number of smarties in the jar’ and ‘guess the number of nuts in the jar’ competition. Maureen Vale guessed the nearest number for the nuts in the jar.

Prizes were awarded for individual events and then a basket of goodies was awarded to the Club with the most points overall – the Singer Car Club were the victors. We had the least number of members, so this was a good effort.

Once the prizes were awarded people began to pack up and gradually one by one all began the drive home.

An enjoyable, relaxing day with good company and good cars.


Winners are grinners!

ROOTESGROUPRUN–continued

A LITTLE RISQUÈ . . .

• My wife suggested we play “Doctors and Nurses” last night. I was hoping for something sexier than just being left to wait around for six hours!

• A man boarded a plane with six kids. After they got settled in their seats a woman sitting across the aisle from him leaned over to him and asked, “Are all of those kids yours?” He replied, “No Ma’am, I work for a condom company. These are customer complaints!”

I NOTED in your latest ‘gram you called for any member travelling overseas to send you a photo. Perhaps you’ll have some space for this little piece.

This one is of a Roman aqueduct in Segovia, Spain. I have a deep fascination for Latin and the ancient Roman civilisation, because despite their horrific barbarities, the Romans produced some of the finest sculptures, floor mosaics and engineering masterpieces that have lasted until the present day, as well as a rich heritage within the English language.

The Segovia aqueduct was built around 100 BC, that’s well over 2000 years ago. Originally it was 17km long and, like many of their aqueducts, constructed by shaping stone blocks so that they fitted together without any cement.

The stretch shown in the picture has obviously lasted until now, which is all the more remarkable given that a major earthquake struck western Europe in 1755, collapsing many more recent buildings throughout Spain and Portugal.

What I also find amazing is that over its original 17km length, the Romans knew just how much gradient to build into the top water-carrying channel. Too much slope and the water would rush along, spilling over the edge. Too little slope and the water flow would be sluggish and allow stagnation.

The Romans were masters at constructing arches generally. They employed a harsh, but very effective quality control procedure.

The work group that constructed any arch, from slaves to the supervisor, and sometimes the designer, were made to stand under the arch until the temporary wooden support for the arch during construction was finally removed.

In most cases the work group lived to construct another arch. If not......


Thanks Trevor for this fascinating glimpse into Roman ingenuity. I wonder if any of our modern constructions will last as long!Hopefully this article will encourage other travellers to share their experiences. – Ed.

ROMANAQUEDUCT– from Trevor Bailey

OuR 1960 Singer Gazelle had been advertised in the Singer Wheels approximately 12 months ago. It was living at Andrews Farm, about a 2 1/2 hour drive from Victor

Harbor and after the initial inspection and bartering we purchased it as a project car.

On our arriving at home and after unloading the Gazelle, we took stock of the parts that came with the car.

The motor had been taken out to paint the engine bay, and various parts were missing – clutch assembly, flywheel, and a few other minor things like all of the stainless trim and lots of nuts and bolts! Luckily all the trim and dashboard were intact, but all disassembled.

It took about six months to source all of the parts, and assemble the car to the stage that we could drive it up and down the driveway, as with all car projects, not all went to plan and there were a few hiccups, but glad to say nothing major.

Our Gazelle is now at the painting stage and it will be the same colour as it came from the factory, but probably not as good a finish – Windsor Blue with Moonstone side flash.

Currently it is in undercoat, and by the weekend it should be ready for the topcoat.

Here are a few pictures of our Gazelle in primer in our makeshift paint booth.


GAZELLEPROGRESSREPORT–from Stephen & Vida Schild

Continued on page 10



Above left: Singers line up outside the Goolwa Motor Museum.

Above right: Peter and Pat Oxley with their daughter Christine, enjoyed the stunning display of cars.

Left: Darhyl and Leonora Walters wanted to take this lovely Jaguar home!

GOOLWAGETAWAY– from Max Lane

CLUB RUN TO GOOLWA MOTOR MUSEUM & BOMBORA CAFE

ON A fine South Coast morning in October a group of Club Members and their family members visited Rainsford’s Motor Museum at Goolwa, (it was great to have Pat &

Peter’s daughter Christine join us for the day).

The vehicle collection is spread over two floors of an industrial building on the outskirts of the town and operated by Mike Finniss.

There is a wide range of vehicles ranging from a Goggomobil Dart, MGs, Jaguars, Fords, Valiants, Holdens, a WW2 Jeep some American cars right up to a Singer Nine Saloon! Most of the cars belong to the Rainsford family.

After a good look around the cars and hearing some of the history from the owner we went for a cruise in our cars across the bridge to Hindmarsh Island for a look at Lake Alexandrina.

Then it was back over the bridge and around some of the holiday homes etc., to the Bombora Cafe, nestled at the base of the sand hills at Goolwa Beach.


GOOLWAGETAWAY–continued

The Goolwa Motor Museum boasts a fine range of rare and unusual collectable cars.

Lunch was great but we had to go without sweets at the Cafe because Wendy and Stephen Bitmead had prepared afternoon tea at their beach house in Goolwa for us.

Coffee, cake and scones at Stephen & Wendy’s place was a great way to finish of a “lovely day at the seaside”.

Above left: Stephen Bitmead manoeuvres his Singer Junior down the driveway of his holiday home.

Above right: The lovely view from the Bombara Cafe.

Left: Stephen and Wendy Bitmead’s holiday home. What a great place to relax!


CHRISTMASLUNCH– from Jeff Vale and Sue Margitich

Firstly, from Jeff . . .

THANKS to Ivan and Sue Margitich for kindly providing their home as the venue, our Christmas function for 2015 proved an outstanding success.

Although the weather was quite hot, an ingenious arrangement of shade umbrellas made sure that we were not roasted during the festivities.

The event was extremely well attended with all members bringing a fine array of salads and desserts to share. Several members brought their Singers out for the day and it was good to see them lined up outside.

Because most of our members attend this particular function, the occasion is also used as our registration day. Ivan Margitich and Rob Martin were kept busy under a special marquee while members paid their dues and received the appropriate acknowledgements on their registration certificates and log books.

During the afternoon, a box of Singer books was presented to the club. These books were a legacy from the late Alan Day. The items included technical manuals, handbooks and some interesting books on Singers in general, as well as some that were more specific to particular model of Singer.

It was decided to auction the individual items to club members, with the proceeds going to the club. This proved very popular with a lot of members wanting to add a particular volume to their collection. Any books that were not sold are to be kept in the club library.

Stephen Bitmead also brought a collection of interesting and varied car related magazines to distribute to members. Thanks Stephen, a lot of interesting reading for members over the holiday season.

Once again the Kris Kringle proved popular and everyone had a lot of fun. Members seemed delighted with the randomly selected gifts.

Some members chose to barbecue for lunch, but Maureen and I opted for the easy way out and brought a cold collation of meats to accompany the shared salads. The variety of sweets afterwards was something to behold. No-one was counting calories that day!

And now, from Sue . . .

ON Sunday 13 December the weather forecast said it would be warm and

sunny around 30 degrees. Ivan and I decided Continued on page 13

Members eagerly sift through the box of technical manuals, handbooks and other Singer-related volumes.


CHRISTMASLUNCH–continued

Rosemary Lane, Maureen Vale and Pat Oxley relax in the shade.

(or he did) that we would locate the dining area from the backyard to the side of the house and keep the backyard for the cooking and registering of historic vehicles. The reasoning for this being that the afternoon sunshine is stronger in the backyard than along our side patio, but it was a tight squeeze accommodating 30-plus persons along the side of our home. I hope everyone did enjoy themselves and were comfortable.

It was a full-on day, with me not knowing the time had changed to people arriving at 11.30 and not 12 noon. That aside, all seemed to run smoothly and everyone had fun with the Christmas quiz and lucky dips.

I must say by the time 4.00 pm came I sat on the lounge and immediately went to sleep. I don’t remember saying goodbye to the last of our guests! Hope I didn’t offend anyone.

I had already said adieu to several groups and thought I would just sit down for a minute

Darhyl Walters and Stephen Schild in deep

discussion.

New member Barry Foster with Rob Martin andMax Lane.

Pat Oxley and Sue Matthews share a

joke.

and that was my downfall.

Sorry Jeff and Maureen, I did not say farewell to you. Hope everyone was blessed with an enjoyable festive season.

[Sue – I’m sure I speak for all those in attendance when I say you have nothing to apologize for. It was a very hot and exhausting day. You did a marvellous job.Thank you! – Ed.] Phil and Michelle Keany enjoyed the festivities.


ROADSTERS1939-1955–

These clippings appeared inClassic and Sports Car

January 1983.


THEMORALOFTHESTORY– from Stephen Schild

WHEN I received an email from a HMVC club member mentioning that someone had a barn find Sunbeam Rapier for sale at Goolwa, I immediately – and I mean

immediately – made a phone call to the owner and made arrangements to inspect it, which was a couple of days later.

As the owner did not say much about it, I had visions of a Sunbeam that I could restore, and add to the Schilds’ Rootes Group stable.

Well, what a disappointment when I saw what was parked under a flimsy lean-to, covered in shade cloth.

Poor thing was well and truly beyond restoration. We could not even get the bonnet open to see if the motor turned, or if it even had a motor, as it was sitting on the ground!

I bought it anyway, hoping I could use some parts for our Hillman Minx and Singer Gazelle.

Arrangements were made to pick the Sunbeam up, and it was trailered back to my place for closer inspection. There a decision had to be made whether to strip it and keep what parts

we could use, or push it into a corner of the paddock and call it Paddock Art.

It took a while, but when we opened the bonnet, we found a twin carburettor motor, that actually turned over and looked to be in good condition .. and on further inspection of the ID plate, it stated it had an overdrive gearbox .. what a bonus ..

The gearbox has been earmarked for the Gazelle and the motor, diff and any other parts will go into our parts shed .. best $200 I have spent for a while.

The moral of the story is never to judge a book by its cover, as inside there may be some hidden gems ..


They say a picture is worth a thousand words . . . good luck with this one Stephen! – Ed.


CALENDAR OF EVENTSStephen Bitmead has been appointed Events Coordinator and will be relying on ALL members

to advise of any changes or additions to our Calendar of Events.Please contact Stephen on (08) 8254 2716 (H).

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

2016JANUARY

NomeetingoreventshavebeenorganisedforJanuary.FEBRUARY

8 MonthlyMeeting.14 AllBritishDay – Echunga Oval. Entries are well and truly closed, but if you want a good day out this is

the place to be. A fantastic collection of British marques on display.MARCH

14 MonthlyMeeting.20 HistoricVehicleGathering – 20th Historic Vehicle Gathering – South Park Lands. While this is for pre

1931 cars, you can take your “more modern” car and park it in the display area as well. It’s all FREE and a chance to catch up on a load of other cars.

APRIL11 MonthlyMeeting.TBA RockerCoverChallenge – Between the Singer Car Club and the All Makes Car Club of Willunga. Deidre

will let us know full detail. Derek noticed that his Singer cover is ½ inch longer than the rules indicate. So we will allow ANY Genuine Singer Rocker Cover no matter what length. If you don’t use a Singer one, stick within the rules!!. So start making your covers, we can have an early practice for the National Rally!!

MAY9 MonthlyMeeting.20 BritishClassicTour – Keep your eyes open for details. http://britishclassicstour.com.au/

JUNE13 MonthlyMeeting.

JULY11 MonthlyMeeting.TBA AnnualDinner – We need a volunteer to source a location and a suitable date.

AUGUST8 MonthlyMeeting.

SEPTEMBER12 MonthlyMeeting.TBA BaytoBirdwood – For pre-1956 cars. Watch for details.

OCTOBER10 MonthlyMeeting.

NOVEMBER14 MonthlyMeeting.TBA CombinedRootesGroupDay

DECEMBERTBA ChristmasGatheringandVehicleRegistrationDay–We need a volunteer to arrange the location

with room to carry out registration duties.

singergram vol 28 no 4 dec 2015

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