Photographs of Harry Poloway and his wife Vicky, 1941-2015

Disgrifiad

Three photographs of Harry Poloway and his wife Vicky. The first photograph is from their wedding day which took place on the 15th March 1941. Harry and Vicky were to be happily married for nearly 60 years. The second one is an image of an older Harry Poloway and Vicky at an event which is unknown. The third photograph is of Harry Poloway achieving the honour of recognition for his years of service to the Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women (AJEX). Poloway had been a member and a strong supporter of AJEX since its beginning in 1947. He earned this award on his 100th Birthday on the 19th of December 2015.

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.