A certificate thanking Harry Poloway for his amazing work with the Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women (AJEX). Poloway was very dedicated to charity work and also a very dedicated Jew. This certificate is signed by Brian Bloom, the National AJEX Chairman. It was presented to him by Doreen Jacobs on his 100th Birthday, on 20 December 2015 (the date on the certificate is incorrectly noted as 2016).

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_toas… [Accessed 5th July 2018].

Depository: Gwent Archives.