In contrast to harsh winter spells a year prior, Spring 2019 has sprung much earlier than usual.
Rotary Day shied gloom away and allowed an early bloom for crocus corms across Great Britain and Ireland.
The warmer weather woke the plants premature from their winter snooze, transforming communities with a sea of vibrant purple.
Purple is a symbolic colour as it is the dye used to mark a child’s little finger when they have received their polio immunisation.
Over the years, club members have planted corms with the help of local schools and youth groups.
By planting a crocus, both funds and awareness are raised within the community.
Rotary has helped immunise billions of children overseas against polio since 1985 and now there are just three endemic countries – Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nigeria.
Amersham Rotary
Amersham Rotary have planted over 10,000 crocuses in the community over the years, with the support of many keen helpers.
Banbury Rotary
Banbury Rotary planted many crocuses at a local church.
We just love these! St Mary's churchyard… pic.twitter.com/oHKXm7NUME
— StMarysChurchBanbury (@StMarysBanbury) February 26, 2019
Harrogate Rotary
The results of volunteers last October on World Polio Day were celebrated with sunshine this February.
Very fitting on World Rotary Day #rotaryday #purple4polio @HarrogateRotary #harrogate #spring #crocus @RotaryGBI pic.twitter.com/ahxzjfpgmk
— Yorkshire in Bloom (@YorkshireBloom) February 23, 2019
Lunesdale Rotary
Lunesdale Rotary planted these crocuses back in 2016. Three years later, they bloom again.
Crocuses bloom again
Mendip Rotary
Mendip members have been keen to support the cause from the beginning, and signposted their efforts on a local patch of grass for all to see.
The Club planted crocus as part of RI "End Polio Now initiative" In 2018 there were only 31 cases of polio worldwide. The Club has been involved from the beginning when Rotarian John Lane was the Polio Plus treasurer for Rotary International Britain & Ireland @RotaryGBI pic.twitter.com/0WJF39UUQ1
— Mendip Rotary (@RotaryMendip) February 26, 2019
Purley Rotary
Members in Purley spelt out ‘Rotary’ in various locations of the South London town last year.
Purley Rotary members in the community
Smiles stretched across their faces as the plants flourished as hoped, continuing to raise awareness of the campaign to end polio.
Reepham Rotary
Reepham Rotary continue to raise awareness of Rotary’s campaign with a plaque in the midst of the blossom.
Warm weather brings up the Reepham crocuses to remind us of work done to eliminate polio by Rotary worldwide. @EndPolioNow @Rotary pic.twitter.com/Rn8eFjuNsa
— Reepham Rotary (@ReephamRotary) February 28, 2019
Runcorn Rotary
The public has appreciated the views Rotary clubs have created in their towns and villages also.
The bees are loving the 5000 purple crocus planted by @Runcorn_Rotary at @NortonPriory pic.twitter.com/pNVFG749kE
— Paul Quigley (@iggyquiggy2) February 22, 2019
Stratford-upon-Avon Rotary
In Shakespeare’s town, crocuses flower creating a flood of purple in fields.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BuQ3hFlleau/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
All details on purchasing crocus this year will be available soon.
