Rotary’s polio campaign reaches the younger generation

FOLLOWING their mass planting of crocus bulbs last month to raise awareness about the fight to end polio, Westbury Rotary Club have been busy handing out thousands of other bulbs to local schools and groups.

The club wants to continue the splashes of purple throughout the town and beyond with the free crocus bulbs. 

On behalf of Westbury Rotary, Julian Sandoe said, “The Rotary Club of Westbury is involved in Rotary International’s Purple4Polio project, which involves the mass planting of crocus bulbs by Rotary clubs throughout Great Britain and Ireland, as a reminder of the Polio Plus plan to eradicate this crippling disease.

“In planting these ruby giant crocus bulbs, which will bloom in a vibrant purple in early spring each year, the display will both help to raise awareness of the Polio Plus project to eradicate polio throughout the world, and also we hope provide a great display which will be appreciated annually from here on by the people of Westbury and beyond.”

Julian Sandoe and Westbury Rotary president Sue Ezra visited Dilton Marsh Primary School, Cygnets Pre-School in Westbury Leigh and Busy Bees Pre-School in Chapmanslade to hand over thousands of crocus corms for them to use in their own displays, as well as teaching children about polio. 

Dilton Marsh Primary School headteacher, Jill Hibbs said, “I contacted the Rotary Club after seeing the article in the White Horse News on their Facebook feed.  We are lucky at Dilton Marsh C of E Primary School to have a green area in our car park which has always looked beautiful in the spring as the bulbs come out.  

“Unfortunately someone accidentally drove over them last spring, so I was worried that they might not survive.  When I saw that the Rotary Club was offering the bulbs to local schools, I jumped at the opportunity.  

“It will be amazing next year when we have a carpet of purple crocuses as we enter the school.  It will be a great opportunity to teach the children about polio at the same time as reflecting on their beauty. Huge thank you to the Rotary club for their generosity.”

Cygnets’ pre-school manager Emma Osmond said, “When we heard that the Rotary Club had some left over crocus corms, we thought it would be a great idea to get involved. We plan to get all the staff and children helping to plant them out in pots and around our field, and look forward to enjoying their bright colours in the spring. 

“The planting of any bulbs presents an excellent learning activity for young children, and the splash of colour provided by these particular bulbs will act as an annual reminder of the campaign to eradicate polio across the world – Cygnets is delighted to be involved.”

Picture: Rotary president, Sue Ezra ,handing over crocus corms to Jill Hibbs and pupils at Dilton Marsh Primary School.