From Susie Margitich T HE South Australians attending the rally and meeting up with our Victorian friends at Naracoorte were: Max and Rosemary Lane in their black and yellow Singer Gazelle, Deidre Solly in her black Singer 4AD Roadster, Stephen and Vida Schild in their red newly restored Singer 4AD and Ivan and Sue in our BR Green Singer 4AD. We enjoyed our trip from home to Naracoorte trailering the 4AD with no effort and fine weather, though cool. At Tailem Bend we spotted several VW Car Club members whom we know, also taking off on a bash in their campervans. They were headed for the Coorong and the Great Ocean Road. We were at least heading to motels and out of the wind and rain! Continued on page 5 If you would like to share this issue of Singergram with your friends and family, go to – http://issuu.com and search for Singergram. Then choose the issue you wish to review. SINGERGRAM Jul-Dec 2014 Vol. 27 No. 3-4 SINGER CAR CLUB OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA Bonza Border Bash The giant crayfish at Kingston stands guard over a lovely contingent of Singers. PLEASE NOTE – OUR MEETINGS HAVE REVERTED TO BEING HELD ON THE SECOND MONDAY OF EVERY MONTH
Transcript
From Susie Margitich
The South Australians attending the rally and meeting up with our Victorian friends at Naracoorte were: Max and Rosemary Lane in their black and yellow Singer Gazelle,
Deidre Solly in her black Singer 4AD Roadster, Stephen and Vida Schild in their red newly restored Singer 4AD and Ivan and Sue in our BR Green Singer 4AD.We enjoyed our trip from home to Naracoorte trailering the 4AD with no effort and fine weather, though cool. At Tailem Bend we spotted several VW Car Club members whom we know, also taking off on a bash in their campervans. They were headed for the Coorong and the Great Ocean Road. We were at least heading to motels and out of the wind and rain!
Continued on page 5
If you would like to share this issue of Singergram with your friends and family, go to – http://issuu.com and search for Singergram. Then choose the issue you wish to review.
SINGERGRAMJul-Dec 2014 Vol. 27 No. 3-4
SINGER CAR CLUB OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Bonza Border Bash
The giant crayfish at Kingston stands guard over a lovely contingent of Singers.
PLEASE NOTE – OUR MEETINGS HAVE REVERTED TO BEING HELD ON THE
SECOND MONDAY OF EVERY MONTH
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 2014President............................................ Stephen Schild (08) 8552 8646 (h) PO Box 1375 0419 848 512 (M) Victor harbor SA 5211 [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)
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)
Conditional Registration Officers... Rob Martin (08) 8284 7947 (h) Ivan Margitich (08) 8295 5692 (h)
Committee......................................... Vida Schild, Peter Oxley, Deidre Solly, Phil Keany, Sue Margitich, Sue Matthews, Arthur Ackland, Darhyl Walters.
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 Page 2 DECEMBER 2014
SINGERGRAM Page 3 DECEMBER 2014
hI everyone, I hope you are all fit and well and starting to get your Singers uncovered and checked over ready for the Summer.I have an apology to make, not realising it was Fathers Day I organised a run for the 7th September to a local waterfall, Military Museum and a BBQ at our place where there are two Singers under construction.I googled events happening around Adelaide and did not see any that conflicted with the date, but Fathers Day did not come up ... my fault and I apologise, but I will organise a similar run for next year, as our 2014 calendar is full and already into 2015, which is great. Our bi-monthly Club meetings have been well attended, even during the Winter months, which is encouraging.Deidre Solly organised a great run to the McLaren Vale area, which I will not say too much about as a story will appear in the Singergram. While on the subject of Club runs, it would be nice if a few of the members that have not organised a run, could help out by doing so. There must be something of interest you know of, or a place you have been, that you would like to share with other members.As said above, we have two more Singers in the shed, one a 1939 Singer Flood bodied styling ute, the other is a 4 AD twin carburettor roadster, which came from a former Club member. Both vehicles are undergoing major restoration and it will be some months if not years before they are on the road, but they are progressing steadily.Good luck all those going in the Bay to Birdwood, we are spectators this year and you will see us waving madly at every Singer that goes past us.Our next Club run is on the 19th October which is at Wellington and is a combined hillman Club run, so we will see you all there.After Wellington we have the Victorian mini rally at Naracoorte and Mt Gambier, and if you do not want to trailer your cars back home, Peter Wright has offered to look after them, so all you have to do is drive down, hook them on your tow car or drive them to Naracoorte.Regards, Stephen Schild
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – from Stephen Schild
Due to sudden and unforeseen circumstances, Stephen has had to resign from the position of President. Vice President Ivan Margitich will cover the position until the Annual General Meeting on 8th February. The club thanks Stephen for his immense input and wishes both he and Vida well for the coming year.
A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
We all know how frustrating it can be when working with computers.
They seem to have the uncanny ability to crash at the most inopportune times.
This has been the case with my own “FRED” – Flamin’ Ridiculous Electronic Device!
Some of you will already know that I had a major loss of data a couple of months ago – even though I have a back-up system in place!
This included many emails, photos and articles which had been submitted for the September edition of Singergram.
Consequently, there was no September edition so those articles have been incorporated into this July-December issue.
I can only apologise to those who have not had their articles or photos published but this really was out of my hands.
I will take steps to ensure this won’t happen again – but no guarantees!
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.
FOR SALE & 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.
QUICK WIT• The wife has been missing a week now. Police said to prepare for the worst. So I have been to the
charity shop to get all her clothes back.
• A mate of mine admitted to being addicted to brake fluid. When I quizzed him on it he reckoned he could stop any time.
• My daughter asked me for a pet spider for her birthday, so I went to our local pet shop and they were $70. “Blow this,” I thought, “I can get one cheaper off the web.”
SINGERGRAM Page 5 DECEMBER 2014
BONZA BORDER BASH – continued
Continued on page 7
The William Macintosh Motel kindly allowed the SA people to leave their trailers and tow cars on a disused tennis court area, relying on our Singers to safely tootle around the South east until we came back through Naracoorte homeward bound.The Victorians had already been away for three days before meeting us in Naracoorte. We had dinner in the motel and had fun doing Trevor’s quiz and trying to guess his jokes. It was sad not to share our time with Laurette Jardel and Ted O’Connor. her father passed away just a day before she was to enjoy this trip. Our sympathy to her and all her family. Peter and Diana Bilston were also cancellations as he seriously put his back out and therefore was unable to drive his feisty 4AD. Sorry we missed a catch up with you fine Singer people.Our day trip in Naracoorte saw us visiting caves and looking at fossils. Some were exceptional which lets your imagination run wild. I admit I didn’t go into every cave but had a good meander round. We enjoyed lunch at the Caves Café and we were accommodated very well. Stephen and Wendy Bitmead also overnighted in Naracoorte and enjoyed the convivial atmosphere of our ‘Bash’. We were most fortunate in the afternoon to be invited to the Naracoorte historic Vehicle Club to see their fine display of vehicles and partake of an excellent afternoon tea the Queen would have been happy to provide at one of her garden parties. Stephen and Vida, along with Andrew Bull and Faye were featured with photographs and stories about their vehicle and gave Singers of all sorts a good wrap.We travelled the next very windy and cold day to Kingston and Robe via Lucindale. It was a rough but sealed road. I think we lost something on this journey, not to mention Shh! taking the wrong turn and therefore the wrong road. Ivan dropped the SatNav in Robe and thought the SD lost so the device would be useless. We went back to Robe and he looked around the gutter where we had parked, no luck. We stopped to fill the petrol tank and he starts filling, then yells at me to put the hand brake on!
I had to look for it – finding its location over the far side. I was ready for a melt down and as I went through the SatNav bag there at the bottom was its uSB. “Such is Life” when travelling in vintage cars. We really liked the township of Naracoorte, but unfortunately a lot of the businesses were closed for the weekend.Andy Bull was not well. Fortunately a group of Paramedics were at the next
Visiting the Robe Obelisk.
SINGERGRAM Page 6 DECEMBER 2014
RECIPE OF THE WEEKMaureen Vale recommends this
recipe for a
Yummy Savoury Dip
Ingredients• 1 Avocado – mashed with a little lemon
juice• 2 Dilled Cucumbers – finely chopped• 1 Tomato (2 if small) – finely chopped• ½ cup Sour Cream• ¼ cup Mayonnaise• 125g Philadelphia Cream Cheese• 2-3 Spring Onions – finely chopped• Grated Cheese
Method1. Spread the mashed avocado into a
shallow glass dish. 2. Sprinkle the chopped cucumber evenly
over the avocado, followed by the tomato.3. Mix the sour cream, mayonnaise and
Philly cheese together thoroughly and put spoonfuls of the mixture on top of the tomato. Carefully spread the mixture out to cover the other ingredients.
4. Sprinkle with the chopped spring onions, keeping a little in reserve for decoration.
5. Scatter the whole thing with your favourite grated cheese, then top with the remaining spring onions.
6. Refrigerate for an hour.7. Serve with Jatz or similar crackers.(Quantity of avocado will determine the dish size. I usually double the recipe – it’s so good!)
MEMORY . . . WHAT’S THAT?An elderly couple had dinner at another couple’s house, and after eating, the wives left the table and went into the kitchen.
The two gentlemen were talking, and one said, ‘Last night we went out to a new restaurant and it was really great. I would recommend it very highly.’
The other man said, ‘What is the name of the restaurant?’
The first man thought and thought and finally said, ‘What’s the name of that flower you give to someone you love? you know, the one that’s red and has thorns.’
‘Do you mean a rose?’
‘yes, that’s the one,’ replied the man.
he then turned towards the kitchen and yelled, ‘Rose, what’s the name of that restaurant we went to last night?’
SINGERGRAM Page 7 DECEMBER 2014
BONZA BORDER BASH – continued
Continued on page 8
table and suggested he get to the hospital in Naracoorte. his eye was suffering as the lens was attempting to detach itself. I do not have the full facts, but Andy and Faye had to high-tail it to a specialist in Mt Gambier early the next morning. Faye had to drive and was not confidant to drive Andy’s manual Gazelle convertible, so Trevor Leech offered his automatic Gazelle so they could journey back to Melbourne with less stress. Trevor looked after your car very well Andy and travelled around mostly in Gavin and Jenny Bowers most distinguished Daimler. Andy was on the operating table as we were gallivanting around the South east. have since heard Andy is recovering well. hope Faye is also and now a competent Singer driver. It is more than I can say. I must try and give it a go – in the Roadster anyway.We left Naracoorte for Mt. Gambier, stopping in Penola for lunch and a wander around the shops. A good homewares shop resides there. We lunched at Coonawarra Station Bistro in the main street and were treated to a fine menu. I can testify their Caesar Salad was delicious and just the right quantity, properly made. The journey from Penola to Mt Gambier is only an hour or so.We all arrived safely and whilst booking in at reception, I looked around and their was Pat Oxley, Peter was in the car. It was great for them to spend the night with us at the Grand Central Motel. We strolled down the street to the Mt. Gambier RSL for dinner and social interaction until around 8.30 when we all said it was time to have some shut-eye as we were driving to Port McDonnell the next day via the Tantanoola Caves Conservation Park.
SINGERGRAM Page 8 DECEMBER 2014
BONZA BORDER BASH – continued
Continued on page 9
Singers await their owners at the Tantanoola Caves.
Enjoying lunch at the Caves Cafe.
We set off for the Tantanoola Caves which most of us enjoyed while others walked up a circular track that could look over the pine trees opposite the car park to take in the scenic view and enormous wind turbines in the distance. Quickly we drove by the sleepy town of Tantanoola looking for the “tiger”. he was not very awesome – just a poor metal cut-out tiger atop the hotel roof. he may have given the odd drunk a fright but certainly not the Singer group. Quickly we headed towards Port McDonnell via Kongorong. The wind was brisk and on arrival in Port McDonnell we picnicked in shelters on the esplanade. Most of us had prepared our lunch or bought it in Mt. Gambier. Leaving Port McDonnell after lunch we were informed there was a car museum worth looking at. It was not too far off the road home and although it was mainly moderns of the Valiant variety, they were in good condition. There were other cars and all sorts of vehicular transport. It is definitely worth looking through if you are ever visiting that area. Ivan was offered a Silver Cloud Rolls Royce for $20,000. I thought it in excellent condition.
There were collections of many things and some of them rather risqué. The sheds housing these things are enormous. That night we enjoyed dinner at Flannagan’s hotel in the Mount and were asleep early, after watching the Cave Gardens spectacular lighting display at 9.00pm.Thursday was our time to investigate Mt Gambier.
SINGERGRAM Page 9 DECEMBER 2014
BONZA BORDER BASH – continued
Above is the cutting from the Naracoorte “Herald”.
how it has grown since last we travelled there. We tootled around the Blue Lake, Leg of Mutton Lake and the many sights available within the city limits. Several Singerites were on the hunt for vintage car parts and antiques of all sorts. Some were very successful. Christine Cole purchased a sterling silver ladies’ set for her manicures and hair styling in its original box. The initials inscribed were hRh. I said to Christine it could have belonged to royalty. Stephen and Vida also scored some good car parts etc.On our last night we decided not to go to another pub but were recommended to try a Thai restaurant in the main street. All seemed to enjoy the meal we chose from an extensive choice of Thai cuisine. Farewells were exchanged to those not journeying to hamilton with the Vic and NSW folk as we SA’s were departing at 7.00 am. It was a full-on tour which we enjoyed and look forward to our time with good Singer friends next easter when once again we traverse the country roads of Australia, this time to Caloundra in Queensland.Thank you Laurette and Trevor for all your research, time and efforts to enable our Club to participate in a very worthwhile Bash.
iStuffGot my son an iPhone for his birthday the other week, and recently got my daughter an iPod for hers, and was dead chuffed when the family clubbed together and bought me an iPad for father’s day.
Got my wife an iRon for her birthday. It was around then the fight started......
SINGERGRAM Page 10 DECEMBER 2014
heRe are a few photos of Max Lane and myself working on the ute – my latest project. Max came across to help me make
the floor bearers and fit the cab back on after sandblasting.
ANOTHER PROJECT UNDER WAY– from Stephen Schild
[Thanks Stephen – there is always room in our Singergram for photos like this. I look forward to publishing more details and photos as the restoration progresses. Good luck! – Ed.]
ON a lovely mid winter day (August 10), 12 Singer Club members and Pat Oxley’s friend ventured to McLaren Vale. Included in the group were Stephen & Vida Schild,
Peter & Diane Wright, Ivan & Sue Margitich, Pat & her friend, Stephen & Wendy Bitmead, Diedre Solly, and Max & Rosemary Lane.
On this lovely cool day suited to the older cars only 2 made the trip, Stephen & Vida drove their holden and Diedre drove her faithful Singer. I was planning to drive the Gazelle but I had no clutch as the old seals in the clutch hydraulics had given up the ghost!
We met at the McLaren Vale Visitors Centre for a chat and a coffee and then went along the main street to the Fruchocs Shop for some more caffeine, where we were able to taste their various chocolate confectionaries and given a very informative talk about the history of the business. We of course were also given the chance to purchase any of their goodies. We of course obliged!
Right next door to the Fruchocs shop is a BIG Man’s Shop the “big” referring to the size of the shop! If I remember correctly some of us left some money there too!
By the time we had finished with retailing it was time to head off to Cafe Britannia where we were greeted by our hosts in their interesting little “British” cafe in an area of vineyards and gumtrees! After a hearty lunch it was time for us all to go on our separate ways and to try out some of the local wineries!
We would like to thank Diedre for finding the Cafe Britannia and organising the Day.
McLAREN VALE RUN – from Max Lane
SINGERGRAM Page 11 DECEMBER 2014
SuNDAy July 27, seemed like a nice day for a spin in the Gazelle to Port Adelaide. For a 10am start at Port Adelaide we had to set off from Victor harbor by 8.30. The drive
was pleasant although the Southern expressway was still in a state of chaos!
There was quite a group of Singerites milling around when the Museum opened at 10am and apart from congregating in the entrance area for a while, we were soon swallowed up by the displays in the very large buildings.
At times we may not see another person for quite a while as we all seemed to go our own ways within the Museum.
There were many well restored locomotives and carriages (whether the locos could be fired up or not I don’t know!)
Alongside local rolling stock and locos there were several from interstate and of course all the exhibits had many explanatory notes for the uninitiated (like us) to read.
After a couple of hours or so we decided it was time to go around the corner to a local hotel for lunch. Surprise! The pub was fully booked out, especially for a group of our size.
After discussions among our crowd about somewhere local to eat, we noticed that here were several tables out on the footpath (for smokers I suppose). Anyway, we were able to drag all the vacant 4-seater tables together and find enough chairs for our group.
It was a fairly chilly day sitting out on the footpath, so a few rugs, parkas, etc. were dragged out of cars and we had a lovely social lunch. Singer ingenuity is still alive and well!
Thanks must go to Phil Keany for the idea.
VISIT TO SA RAILWAY MUSEUM – from Max Lane
One of the many locos on display at the SA Railway Museum, Port Adelaide.
A cosy lunch was enjoyed by the enthusiastic participants.
SINGERGRAM Page 12 DECEMBER 2014
WeLL, good Ol’ George Bush took a big risk when he announced “Mission Accomplished”. But for Wendy and I we can safely say we have finally achieved
what we aimed to do in the early 90’s when we bought our Singer Junior (the one that isn’t running – yet). We have finally completed a Bay to Birdwood!!
For those who have struggled through my previous tomes you may remember that we first tackled the big event in “Junior” back in 2010. That day, despite a flawless run to the start, we only made it half way, breaking down on North east Road, near O.G. Road – ignition and fuel trouble.
The car looked roaring to go for 2012, but in January that year on the way to the All British Day, Junior threw his toys out the pram, sending a rod through the block, so the 2012 event was missed while replacement parts were sought and repairs undertaken. All that was completed last year just after the 2013 National Meet. Junior has been running well ever since, so it was with much confidence we entered the 2014 event.
As reported previously, I have fitted a new camshaft with “more modern” valve timings and I toyed with an Su carbie, with no luck. I had various running problems attributable to the carbie and electric fuel pump. I decided to remove the fuel pump, revert to gravity feed (as designed) and did a “bodge” on the original Solex 26Fh, using generous amounts of epoxy putty and wire to re-join the broken casting, and adjusting the float to suit modern fuel better – getting the handbook level in the bowl. All seemed perfect.
I had a quick run the day before the B2B and all looked fine, a slight miss at times but really pretty good.
Wendy and I set off at 6.30am for the start, hoping to catch John and Vanessa eason at harbourtown at 7:30am. unfortunately a slightly late arrival meant we missed them so we headed into the start line. Being a Vintage means we get to start second, straight after the Veterans, so an arrival anytime gives a prime start position. 8:30 am and after chatting to work colleagues and other starters we were off!
All ran perfectly. After last year’s “B2B Classic” debacle of a new route up the freeway we were fortunately back on nearly
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! – from Stephen & Wendy Bitmead
Continued on page 13Stephen and Wendy Bitmead always look the part when competing
in their Junior.
SINGERGRAM Page 13 DECEMBER 2014
Continued on page 14
the traditional route with one major detour up Lower North east Road and Anstey’s hill rather than the parallel section of Ne Road. We cheered to ourselves as we passed the O.G. Road corner saying “well we’ve made it further than last time”, and had brief chats to other cars as they cruised past including one or two interlopers.
We had arranged to pick up my mum at the half-way mark for her first B2B as none of the kids could ride with us. She had a ball, asking me a million questions while I was trying to
concentrate on driving as you see, the gremlins had caught up with us. The miss returned mildly before Anstey’s hill but when we turned onto that, we had a noticeable loss of power, initially put down to the steep climb.
We only stopped once briefly on The hill unlike many others who had heavily overheating engines. We were certainly boiling but we kept going with an occasional loss in power then a surge as it came back. I put this down to the Gravity Feed and vowed to reconnect the pump when I got home.
Back onto Ne Road things got better but The Singer was hardly flying, we did “cruise” past the 1904 Speedwell with the 18yO “P Plater” driving it – well done Julie. At that time the high winds hit and we watched in surprise as a large bough dropped onto the road next to us.!!
Still we arrived in Birdwood, pretty early, not too many cars passed us and the fact that not many arrived in the next 20 minutes indicated that there were major hold-ups on the road.
We had a good look around, and while wandering through the Concourse area Wendy was approached by numerous judges asking which was her car! A good sign that her costume was just right – mine was significantly poorer. I was unable to
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED – continued
John and Vanessa Eason’s Special looks diminutive against the U.S. goliaths!
Why is it always the girls who have to organise the picnic?
SINGERGRAM Page 14 DECEMBER 2014
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED – continued
wear my new straw boater owing to the wind.
We caught up with John and Vanessa in the field (they were perfectly costumed as ever) and spotted Trevor Bailey’s and Pat and Pete Oxley’s cars. One other Singer from Port Augusta was also there.
We headed off at 3:00 thinking best leave plenty of time for the journey back to One Tree hill. Well that was fortuitous as from the time we left, the amount of power available gradually got less and less. Many climbs were 1st gear only and low revs.
The climb out of Kersbrook was excruciating – and not just because my mum aksed me “how many miles to the gallon does it get?” I did top the tank up with more fuel but alas nothing, we soldiered on.
We eventually got home and while Wendy drove my mum home, I went to move the car to the shed from our carport, the car was revving so poorly it wouldn’t even drive on a flat!!
After pushing it back into the carport, I checked spark - no probs, compression by pulling plugs – also all good! So I took the plunge and refitted my old 1920s bronze Solex
carbie I keep under the seat for emergencies – started perfectly and ran like a dream! Straight up the hill to our shed! unbelievable! I should have fitted it in Birdwood, it’s a 10 minute job!
I have asked Wendy to remind me every time I get a stupid notion to replace that Bronze Solex with something more modern to tell me to simply forget it. I may reconnect the fuel pump though.
Continued on page 15
Trevor and Jane Bailey’s lovely roadster received a lot of attention.
Another Singer roadster stands out in the crowd!
SINGERGRAM Page 15 DECEMBER 2014
Anyway it was a great day, aside from the high winds it was perfect weather for Vintage Car driving in a tourer – if that makes sense. And we can finally say we’ve done the Bay to Birdwood – mission accomplished!An amazing sequel was that in 2010 we made the evening news when pictures of me with my head under the bonnet were used.This year we made it again!Luckily someone at work recorded the end of the news when the footage was used again, its on the Singer Car Club Facebook Page - but don’t blink we appear just at the end.
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED – continued
Memories of the 2010 event!
Left: Taken in 1949 in front of Coventry’s garage on Gorge Road at Athelstone. Car belonged to Max Taylor.
Below left: This car belonged to Ron Taylor and was taken in front of the Taylor home on Gorge Road at Athelstone.
Below right: This is also a photo of Ron Taylor and his car. He was 21. Photo taken at the Port Vincent Caravan Park in 1949.
OLD SINGER PHOTOS – from Pat Oxley
TheSe photos were supplied by Carol Dapper (nee Thompson) with the following information:
My Mum, Gwen Thompson, was a Taylor. Ron and Max were two of her brothers. My grandparents, photographed below left (Arthur and Beatrice Taylor) owned the market garden which later became the Agon Berry Farm. The had five children (Gwen, Tom, Max, Reg and Ron).
SINGERGRAM Page 16 DECEMBER 2014
ROOTES GROUP RUN – from Deidre Solly
IT was a perfect Singer driving day with the temperature in the low 20’s. There was a good turn up from all four clubs at the Oaklands Reserve with approx 35 Vehicles.
Attending from the Singer Club were Jeff and Maureen Vale, Ivan and Sue Margitich with Sienna, Rob Martin and Sue Matthews with Georgia, Trevor and Jane Bailey, Deidre Solly and new member Derek Stevens.
Chairs were set up amongst the shady trees and we all chatted over drinks and a few nibbles. Then a BBQ lunch was provided by the edwardstown Lions Club with some cakes for dessert.
After lunch was the challenge of the day – The Rootes Olympics. The Singer team comprised Rob Martin, Jeff Vale, Sue Margitich and Deidre Solly.
The first event was “swing the spark plug” to knock over the valves. The event was abandoned due to the string breaking.
We moved onto drop the push rods into the different sized holes, with the harder ones gaining more points. We all had some success with the funnel – the lowest scoring hole.
Next was the connecting rod shot put. Rob was great at this (not bad for an office worker with a coffee cup being the heaviest thing he lifts each day). Jeff was close behind Rob.
Care needed to be taken in this event as one competitor was injured gaining a blood blister on her finger.
Above: There was a great line-up of Rootes Group cars on display.
Right: The well attended event saw enthusiastic participants jocky for positions in the shade.
Below: Susie Margitich concentrates on getting the pushrod into one of the holes – not an easy task.
Continued on page 17
SINGERGRAM Page 17 DECEMBER 2014
Then it was back to the spark plug event which had the string replaced with someone’s shoelaces. The Singer team unfortunately scored zero on this event.Finally we all lined up and had to walk a distance of 24½ metres, then stop. The distance was then measured to see who was the closest. Jeff did well in being second closest in estimating the distance. (I can’t believe my big steps were more than a metre).
The winners were then announced and the Sunbeam Club won for the second time in a row with 85 points. The Singer Club came 3rd. Perhaps we need some more practice or maybe Sue and I could build up our arm muscles for next year.The day then came to an end with a few more drinks, a bit more of a chat, then everyone headed for home.
ROOTES GROUP RUN – continued
Top left: The winning team – Sunbeam again!
Middle left: Maureen Vale, Sue Matthews, Georgia Forbes and Sue Margitich look altogether far too relaxed!
Bottom left: Derek Stevens, Deidre Solly and Rob Martin engrossed in conversation.
Below: Jane and Trevor Bailey were sun-smart on the day.
Bottom: Also protected from the sun was Deidre Solly’s 4AD roadster
SINGERGRAM Page 18 DECEMBER 2014
Continued on page 19
ThANKS must go to Sue Matthews and Rob Martin, who opened their home as the venue for our Christmas lunch in December. As the previous meeting had been cancelled at
short notice, there was a short business session before the festivities began.
everyone contributed nibbles, salads and sweets to compliment the ByO barbecue. Spirits were high throughout the day and the weather was just perfect. Jokes were abundant and there were also quite a few laughs when the Kris Kringle gifts were distributed.
Derek Stevens brought a carton of “teddy bear” money boxes to distribute between members who gratefully accepted them as an extra gift for their grandchildren.
Another excellent and unexpected gift was supplied by Sue Margitich who had wrapped a number of books of all types. The ladies were then asked to take one at random which proved very popular.
As can be seen by this selection of photographs, a good time was had by all.
CHRISTMAS LUNCH – from Jeff Vale
SINGERGRAM Page 19 DECEMBER 2014
Singer owners really know
how to ham it up!
CHRISTMAS LUNCH – continued
Madonna
eat your
heart out!Should I get my
spirit level?
ZZZZZZ
Was that
you or
the dog?
Pucker up Sweetheart!
I wonder if she knows I charge $30/hr?Ooh goodie! Imagine
what I can do with
this!
I thought he said that joke was going to be funny
SINGERGRAM Page 20 DECEMBER 2014
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 –
2015JANUARY
TBA Volunteer Required to organise an event.FEBRUARY
8 All British Day. Entries are well and truly closed but vehicles will be on display at Echunga Recreation Grounds from 11am until 3pm if you want to attend as a spectator.
9 Annual General Meeting.22 Paech Farm, Mt Barker. Meet at 11am. Old engines and rusty farm memorabilia for
the men and women will be able to view vintage clothing and other girly things. We will meet somewhere for morning tea, possibly Mt Lofty Lookout or someone else may have a suggestion and then wander off to Mt Barker preferably through a scenic route. If the weather is over 32 degrees then we will not go as it will be too hot. We will take our own picnic lunch as they have a picnic area available.
MARCH9 Monthly Meeting.15 Historic Vehicle Gathering at South Parklands. For pre-1931 vehicles. Organised by the
Vintage Sports Car Club of SA.29 Picnic at Mt Lofty Botanical Gardens. (i.e. off the Crafers – Piccadilly Rd). The location is
the shady lawn adjacent to the overflow car park for the lower level. Not everyone knows about this car park but you get to it by driving into the Gardens lower level and doing a clockwise circuit involving the two main car parks and just before the exit gate is a turn to the left, which goes down to the overflow park. The beauty of this location is that you can park right alongside the picnic area to keep an eye on the cars. Trevor will organise a quiz which will involve a nearby walk in the gardens looking for answers to the questions (with a small prize for the first correct completion). Of course, people can go for longer walks too if they wish.
APRIL4-7 19th National Rally. This event is hosted by the singer Car Club of Queensland and will be
held at Caloundra. It promises to be an outstanding event with entrants attending from many different Singer Car Clubs. Information has already been distributed with venues, etc.
13 Monthly Meeting.MAY
11 Monthly Meeting.JUNE
8 Monthly Meeting.
Two old guys were talking.
One said to the other: “My 71st birthday yesterday. Wife gave me an SUV”.
Other guy: “Wow, that’s amazing! Imagine, an SUV! What a great gift!”
