Ian Blackburn of The Nine Workshop has passed away...

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Phillip
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Joined: Mon Nov 28, 2005 12:19 am
Location: Quebec, Canada

Ian Blackburn of The Nine Workshop has passed away...

Post by Phillip »

This sad news was recently sent to me from the SOC in the UK...

It is with great regret that the Singer Owners' Club announces that it has been informed of the death of Ian Blackburn. Ian was a stalwart of the Club and restored, maintained and serviced many of the 1930's cars owned by members.
Over the past few years Ian had been seriously ill and despite the Club's best efforts it had lost contact with Ian who had been in care homes in Manchester and latterly in Hastings.
Ian died on Sunday 23rd June, (appropriately Singer National Day) and his funeral will take place at Maidstone Crematorium on Friday 5th July at 3.30pm.

If you wish to attend please let his brother Andy Blackburn know on07721 938072 <andy@tyebarn.com>
and also please inform the secretary Martyn Wray 01780 762740 <martyn@singeroc.idps.co.uk>


I had personally known and corresponded with Ian for many years and I doubt that there are many 'pre-warriors' who had not contacted Ian for advice via his famous "Nine Workshop'.

"Buttercup", his '36 Nine 4 seater, was a fixture at events across Britain and probably the most actively campaigned Singer in the Marque's History. Ian often took a lot of ribbing over the 'rough and ready' condition of his car, which he had owned since he was a teenager, but it was probably one of the best running pre-war Nines on the road, in spite of the fact that it looked like it might leave pieces of its bodywork in its wake! I remember at a National Day Ian pointing out to me the obvious 'lump' where the fan had come off and hit the inside of the bonnet when he first got the car!

As his health deteriorated and when he could no longer drive, Ian sold the Singer but it is still in competition at the hands of the next generation. Great of Ian to give younger people the chance to enjoy and appreciate our favourite Marque.

Our thoughts go out to his friends and family at this time of loss, but Ian's passing is a loss to all of us who appreciated his contribution over many years to help keep our cars on the road.

Motor on, Ian!
Your Friendly Canadian Pre-War Singer Specialist, Collector & Historian,
Editor & Pre-War Registrar & Canadian Contact -NASOC
Singer Enthusiast for over 40 Years.
'28 Senior, '33 & '34 Sports, '36 Le Mans SS & Bantam
BRG
Posts: 310
Joined: Sun Nov 27, 2005 4:33 am
First Name: Dave
Location: Tucson, Arizona

Re: Ian Blackburn of The Nine Workshop has passed away...

Post by BRG »

Though I did not know Ian personally this is a great loss to the whole Singer Community! My condolences.

BRG
NASOC Treasurer
NASOC 4AD Registrar
NASOC Parts Guy
Owner of a 1952 4AD, 1959 Singer Gazelle Estate, & 1959 Gazelle Convertible
User avatar
Phillip
Posts: 996
Joined: Mon Nov 28, 2005 12:19 am
Location: Quebec, Canada

Re: Ian Blackburn of The Nine Workshop has passed away...

Post by Phillip »

Here are a couple of shots of the venerable 'Buttercup'...
Ian Blackburn's Buttercup in Action.jpg
Ian Blackburn's Buttercup in Action.jpg (8.67 KiB) Viewed 6223 times
ABOVE: Ian in action some years ago.
Ian Blackburn's Buttercup_Cadwell Park_2011.jpg
ABOVE: Buttercup more recently at at VSCC event in Cadwell Park, 2011.

Ian's legacy lives on!
Your Friendly Canadian Pre-War Singer Specialist, Collector & Historian,
Editor & Pre-War Registrar & Canadian Contact -NASOC
Singer Enthusiast for over 40 Years.
'28 Senior, '33 & '34 Sports, '36 Le Mans SS & Bantam
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