Newspaper article about Harry Poloway's funeral, Newport, May 2016

Description

A newspaper article from South Wales Argus, published on the 31st of May 2016, titled 'Final farewell for Newport's well-respected toastmaster', reporting on Harry Poloway's funeral.

The funeral took place in Newport's Jewish cemetery, which the newspaper described as being 'packed to capacity'. The article mentions that Rabbi Michoel Rose of Cardiff United Synagogue led the service and paid tribute to Poloway's kind nature as well as his dedication to Judaism. Tributes were paid to Harry by his friends and his daughter Linda.

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.