Photograph of the Newport Library, Museum and Art Gallery reopening by Princess Margaret, Newport, 1968

Description

A photograph of the Newport Library, Museum and Art Gallery reopening by Princess Margaret, Newport, dated 5 April 1968. Harry Poloway, the celebrated Welsh Toastmaster announced the arrival of Princess Margaret - she is pictured in the photograph with Mayor Cecil Stone. The new building was constructed to house the growing collections and meet public demand. The large scale development began in 1963 and cost £440, 000 (£7 million today).

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].