MemorialsKnitting Circle Memorial Flagpole, East Seaham
About
This memorial is a ten metre high flagpole accompanied by a low concrete wall featuring a marble dedication plaque. The memorial is situated on a slight rise on the eastern side of the road, approximately 1km east of Seaham across the Williams River. The memorial is located 100m south of the intersection with East Seaham Road. Knitting Circles were created in many communities throughout New South Wales during the Great War to raise funds to support serving soldiers, to provide knitwear for soldiers during the overseas winters and to raise funds for welcome home events. The Seaham Knitting Circle was formed by August 1916. On the 16th January 1920 The Raymond Examiner reported that the Seaham Knitting Circle was granted permission to erect a memorial flag pole in one of the streets near the School of Arts. The Maitland Weekly Mercury reported that on the 16th April 1921 a flag was raised on the soldiers' flagstaff which the Knitting Circle had erected. Major Windeyer of Raymond Terrace performed the ceremony while Mr R.S. Adams unveiled the marble tablet at the base of the flagstaff. Speakers included the mayor, Reverends McAuley (late Chaplain A.I.F.), J.S. Rapkins and W.A. Holmes. Mr J.W. Boag, Master of Ceremonies and Mr Robert Hain (late A.I.F.) spoke on behalf of the Seaham soldiers. Mrs Boag spoke on behalf of the Knitting Circle. She thanked the public for their voluntary aid in erecting the flagstaff under the supervision of Mr. W. King of Morpeth. The ceremony concluded with the singing of the National Anthem and three cheers for the flag followed by refreshments.