Polio Crocus Bulb Planting in York Cemetery

A joint initiative with local organisations and
schools to plant crocuses, the purple crocus blooms reminding all of the on-going threat of poliomyelitis to the world's children.

Purple for Polio planting in York Cemetery

More than 10,000 purple crocuses are blooming in York Cemetery, recognising Rotary International’s 35-year campaign to rid the world of poliomyelitis. The bulbs bring a colourful reminder of the on-going threat of the killer disease.

The crocuses were planted on the front Baby Lawn in previous years to heighten the awareness of the polio threat each year in the Spring. The Friends of York Cemetery and the Rotary York Ainsty joined to deliver this project.

Local school children from St Lawrence’s Primary School, St Georges Primary School and Fishergate Primary School assisted in the planting. In total, 200 pupils came to help, including 40 from Fishergate’s reception class.

The planting was open to the public with cemetery friends, volunteers assisting and providing refreshments. Rotarians, Geocache group, LifeStyle girls’ group and local people – aged from three-years-old to grandparents. The Lord Mayor and Civic Party also helped with the planting and the event was televised by York TV.

Rotarians seen above at the planting are (left to right) Christine True, Alan Stow, Clive Dawson and RYA club president Martin Simpson. Clive is chairman of the Friends of York Cemetery.

The purple colour of the crocuses has come to represent the Rotary polio eradication campaign… Purple dye is used on a child’s left finger in developing countries across the world to indicate they have been immunised against polio.

In 1985, Rotary launched its PolioPlus programme, the first initiative to tackle global polio eradication through the mass vaccination of children. In 1985 more than 1,000 children a day were inflicted with polio. Today, the ‘wild’ version of the disease is restricted to just two countries – Pakistan and Afganistan – totalling only 140 cases a year.

Geographical isolation, poor public infrastructure, armed conflict and cultural barriers are the main factors stopping the total eradication ambitions of Rotary, the World Health Organisation, US centre for disease prevention and others. Until polio is eradicated, all countries remain at risk of new outbreaks. The UK Government - together with other nations – has donated millions to fund the on-going initiative, recognising the dangers the disease posed to the globe’s children.

More than one million Rotary members have donated their time and personal resources to end polio. Every year, hundreds of Rotary members work side-by-side with health workers to vaccinate children in polio-affected countries. Rotary members work with UNICEF and other partners to prepare and distribute mass communication tools to reach people in areas isolated by conflict, geography, or poverty. Rotary members also recruit fellow volunteers, assist with transporting the vaccine, and provide other logistical support.

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Rotary York Ainsty is developing a project to bring medical aid to a remote region in Albania - in partnership with two other Rotary Clubs

The remote and difficult to get to area of Fushë Arrëz in Albania

Rotary York Ainsty, working in cooperation with two other Rotary Clubs in different countries, is developing a project which will bring medical aid to a remote region of Albania - Fushë Arrëz.

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Annie Arkwright hands over another batch of SpecSort glasses to the Navajeevana Centre, Sri Lanka.

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Hard at work at the York Minster Yorkits workshop 2023

Yorkits - making and supplying washable feminine hygiene kits for girls in developing countries

Rotary York Ainsty Rotarians embark on a purple crocus planting campaign to mark World Polio Day on October 24 at the Folk Hall, New Earswick, York.

Rotary York Ainsty Rotarians embark on a massive purple crocus planting campaign to mark World Polio Day on October 24 at the Folk Hall, New Earswick, York.

A 'Signature' project for Rotary York Ainsty. Members collect glasses from opticians then sort and grade them, before taking to Africa. RUTH PEROTT awarded an MBE in the Queen's New Year's honours. Link: https://tinyurl.com/MBESpecSort

The main projects supported by Rotary York Ainsty as at March 2024...

York optometrist Ruth Perrott was honoured with the award of an MBE in the Queen's New Year's 2021 list for her work in supporting visually impaired patients in Africa. She recently attended a ceremony where she received her award from Prince William.

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A varied series of meetings with guest speakers, activities and projects.

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Rotary York Ainsty membership opportunities are listed and detailed here - click on the image to advance to the detail.

A joint initiative with local organisations and schools to plant crocuses, the purple crocus blooms reminding all of the on-going threat of poliomyelitis to the world's children.

Team players wanted to join us in our many York community-based projects - with local, national and international benefits. Find out more below.

Team players wanted to join us to assist us in our many community initiatives - with INTERNATIONAL benefits... Find out more here.

The main photograph (above), supplied by Tanzanian aid worker Alice Kostrzewa shows a group of schoolchildren in Arusha, the United Republic of Tanzania, proudy displaying their personal hygiene kits, locally made from templates provided by Yorkits.

Yorkits - making and supplying washable feminine hygiene kits for girls in developing countries

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Rotary York Ainsty Associate Membership - What is involved - What is expected.

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Three examples of how you can assist those less fortunate via Rotary membership

How to show an interest in joining Rotary York Ainsty - A selection of membership application forms

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WOZA RYA - A Charter Night with a Difference - Rotary York Ainsty Charter Night 2018

Rotary York Ainsty Friends form a vital part of its community structure

Social Activities 2023-24

RYA have an active social program, usually held during the first week of the month in place of the traditional club meeting. This is open to relatives, friends and anyone interested in Rotary.

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