Red dress coat and gavel of Harry Poloway, Newport, 2016

Disgrifiad

Red dress coat and gavel of Harry Poloway, Newport, dated 2016. The coat is adorned with brightly coloured medals and pins. A few featured include: the Institute of Toastmasters of Great Britain, the Kidney Wales Foundation, the Newport Coat of Arms, a World War II commemoration. The wooden gavel was presented to recognise 50 years of service. 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].