NEWPORT’S toastmaster to the Queen and the stars, Harry Poloway is appealing for Gwent people’s memories of the events he has officiated at.

The 99-year-old, who has hosted ceremonies for Nelson Mandela, the Aga Khan, and The Dalai Lama, also acted as the master of ceremonies at many people’s weddings and charity events. Now he wants people to share their memories on his Facebook page.

Harry, who was awarded the MBE in 2005, has also been the official Toastmaster for most of the British Royal family. He was present when the Queen Mother opened a new extension for the Royal Gwent Hospital and when Princess Margaret opened the Newport Museum.

He also worked on numerous occasions with the Queen and Prince Phillip – most recently when Newport became a city in 2002. Harry presided over the banquet at the age of 87.

As well as working with a huge number of celebrities as Anthony Hopkins, Roger Moore and Shirley Bassey, Harry also acted as the Master of Ceremonies at weddings across South Wales, a job he said was “just as important” to him. He says he hopes people will send any pictures and stories of their big day to his Facebook page or via e-mail.

He is also keen to find stories telling of the part he played in Gwent boxing. A member of the British Boxing Board of Control, he became a well-known ring announcer and presided over fights involving the legendary Tommy Farr, Eddie Thomas and local stars such as Noel Trigg (who later became Mayor of Newport).

He has also been involved with many local events and charities and began his career by running charity dances in Newport just after the war.

Harry says it may not be possible to include all of the stories in his book, but he would like to include some local people’s stories in his work. As Harry says “I am a Newport boy, and local people are very important to me”.

You can find Harry’s Facebook page or via polo.thomas@outlook.com