An Evening with Harry, Booklet, Cardiff, 06 December 1995

Disgrifiad

An Evening with Harry' booklet, celebrating Harry Poloway's 80th Birthday. The event took place at Cardiff City Hall on the 6th of December 1995. The booklet includes personal letters to Harry from people he had worked with throughout the years, an example being the Prime Minister James Callaghan; a dedication to Harry's work with Variety Club of Great Britain for children in need; a selection of photographs; a page full of signatures from past Lord Mayors of Cardiff who were faithfully served by Harry; lastly, it lists organisations and individuals who supported the event.

Harry Poloway, master of ceremonies and toastmaster, was born in Newport in 1915. He was a trained electrical engineer and spent time in the Second World War volunteering for the RAF. He is best known as Newport’s legendary Jewish toastmaster, who hosted ceremonies for Nelson Mandela, the Aga Khan, and the Dalai Lama. He was also the official toastmaster for the British Royal Family.

Harry was known for his passionate work in fundraising for charities (he was a prominent member of the Newport's Rotarians club) and his immense support for the local Jewish communities. For his amazing work he received several honours such as an MBE in 2005. Harry died in 2016.

Sources:
Doreen Jacobs, 'Obituary for Bimah Magazine'; http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/14523483.Newport_s_legendary_toastmaster_Harry_Poloway_dies_aged_100/ [Accessed 5th July 2018].

Depository: Gwent Archives.