The Pensioner's Lament', a poem by Harry Poloway, March 2002

Description

A poem written by Harry Poloway in 2002, at the age of 87, for Bimah magazine, no. 30, March 2002, page 15. He describes the struggles of old age with particular focus on memory loss: he misses the way his mind used to be, and how he often finds himself at the bottom of the stairs wondering if he's come downstairs for something, or if he intended to go upstairs instead.

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.