End Polio Now

The worldwide Rotary movement has made tremendous progress in its campaign to eradicate polio completely. World Polio Day each October is a significant part of Rotary's ongoing commitment to eradicate polio, a crippling disease that is nearly wiped out but still poses a threat to children worldwide.  The symbol of the project is a purple crocus and in order to draw attention to the need to finish the task and rid the world of the scourge, The Rotary Club of Taunton purchased 4,000 crocus corms (bulbs).

Our friends at Maidenbrook Country Park, Maidenbrook Lane, Taunton, TA2 8JT (maidenbrookcountrypark.org.uk) have kindly agreed that the crocuses can be planted among the expanding woodland. Rotary and the Country Park share a commitment to encouraging young people and we are therefore appealing to local schools and youth organisations to help plant some crocus corms on the morning of 28 October 2025.

We are aware that this day falls during half term but hope that this will enable many young people to come and join in, arriving from 9.30 am suitably dressed for the weather, armed with a trowel and gloves ready to be briefed at 10.00 am and spend a short time planting from 10.30 am onwards. Youngsters should be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Candy Sully is the Volunteer Coordinator at the Country Park and would be grateful for an email from any individuals or groups planning to attend. Her email address is  maidenbrookcountrypark@westmonktonparishcouncil.gov.uk

Thank you in anticipation of your help to make this activity known to any young people with whom you have contact.