THOUSANDS of crocus bulbs planted by volunteers last year are now sprouting purple flowers as spring grows nearer.
In October 2016, a team of volunteers helped plant 5,000 crocus corms at St Michael’s churchyard, organised by Mayor of Melksham, Terri Welch. The crocuses have started to emerge and the display forms a cross down either side of the path away from the church.
Melksham Rotary Club’s Sarah Hiscocks said, “The crocuses are to celebrate Purple4Polio, a Rotary charity that immunizes against Polio. Each child receives a purple dot on their little finger so that they don’t get a second dose.
“For over 30 years, Rotary and its members have been committed to fighting to eradicate polio across the world. The amount of polio-endemic countries has dropped from 125 to just three, with over 2.5 billion children receiving vaccinations thanks to the help of Rotary.
“With eradication now closer than ever, Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland’s latest campaign, Purple4Polio, is designed to unite communities to engage in activities as part of the final push to eradicate polio for good.
“The campaign ties in with the 100 year anniversary of The Rotary Foundation, Rotary’s own and only charity, which has played a key role in making polio eradication become close to a reality, along with hundreds of other projects both in Great Britain and Ireland and overseas.”