Hallam (Cr) Lawrence (Lawrie) William
| Type of person | Individual |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 1908 |
| Place of birth | St Peters SA |
| Date of death | 1973 |
HALLAM, LAWRENCE (LAWRIE) WILLIAM Born 07/05/1908 died 23/02/1973.
My father was born at St Peters SA, son of William Kerr and Winifred Alice (nee Badman) Hallam. He later lived at his parents property “Kerrwin” Sandy Creek SA , his occupation was Poultry and Dairy Farmer. On 9th July 1932 he married my mother Sylvia Madge Hissey. They had a property at Wards Belt (out from Willaston) and lived there for several years, until the Government acquired part of their farm during World War 2 to build two aerodromes. They sold the remaining acreage and bought a farming property at Concordia and a house at 21 First Street, Gawler. We moved to Gawler in 1943. As well as farming he was a Boring Contractor.
Dad became a Councillor for Gawler South Ward in 1952 and continued until 1963. He then continued as Gawler Councillor for Barossa Ward from 1964 to 1966.
I recall him becoming Deputy Mayor when Elliott Goodger was Mayor. Dad was a very active Councillor. First street was a real quagmire in winter and the road was a disgraceful mess with water flowing along it and banking up in large puddles right through to the junction with the Adelaide road, Dad kept on about it and eventually a large fenced dam was constructed and the water diverted into this dam. It was known as “Hallam’s Hole” at that time. He was very involved in the community and received many accolades for his contributions.
The new sporting area was underway and; On April 25 1964 he received a plaque from the Gawler & District Women’s Basketball Association in recognition of his contribution. I believe he constructed goal posts for the new courts.
Dad continued to support the Basketball association and on 01/09/1966 his efforts in rattling and successfully collecting money from spectators was acknowledged. The previous season the collection tin raised $406.56.
On March 20th 1972 the Gawler & District Women’s Netball acknowledged his continued time and energy spent in establishing the fine basketball (netball) centre. The reconditioning of the main arena of the Gawler Oval was another public-spirited action taken by Dad at his own expense.
On 10/01/1965 the Gawler Amateur Swimming Club acknowledged his construction and fitting of the three metre diving stand at the Swimming pool. Dad had spent his entire holiday period working on this project.
We attended the Gawler West Methodist Church and Dad ,despite his asthma was a keen tennis player for Gawler West. He also enjoyed swimming and we spent many Sundays at Semaphore Beach during the summer months.
Dad always supported and followed my sister and me in our chosen sports. On 5th May 1969 The Corporation of the Town of Gawler resolved that the roadway between Victoria Terrace and the basketball courts be named “Hallam Drive” in honour and in respect of the excellent service Dad had given to the Women’s basketball association and other clubs and organisations in Gawler. I was in Gawler recently and noted that Hallam Drive now abuts the Bowling Green.
On 15th March 1972 the Gawler and Barossa Jockey Club Inc., acknowledged his assistance and willingness to help in restoring the bore at the Gawler Racecourse to a satisfactory operating condition .
Dad had been battling cancer since May 1968 and his fight was lost on 23/02/1973. I am enclosing a copy of a photo of Dad and his dog, Toby, which was the latest photo I had of him.
Compiled by Rosemary Howard (nee Hallam)
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