GUINNESS WORLD RECORD 

Sunday 13th October, Arrow Valley Park!

A record crocus planting was set in Redditch when 100 local residents picked up a dibber to take part in a mass bulb planting at Arrow Valley Park.

As well as getting into the Guinness Book of Records, the aim was to highlight the ongoing battle spearheaded by Rotary to eradicate the crippling disease of Polio worldwide. 

On the day, despite the appauling weather conditions over 12,000 crocus corms were planting by 100 people in less than one hour!

The crocus planting is not a random activity but part of a nationwide awareness and fundraising project across the UK and Ireland. Each year, Rotary uses the purple crocus as a reminder of the ink placed on a child’s finger during the national immunisation days that take place as part of the campaign to eradicate the polio virus from our world. Here in Redditch, these community planted flowers will bloom in the springtime year after year to remind us all of over 30 years effort to eradicate polio.

There are people in Redditch who remember the time when Polio was feared and some are currently living with post-polio syndrome.  Having survived the childhood effects, which range from total paralysis to mild neurological dysfunction, the ongoing effects often lead to breathing difficulties in later years. 

We want to ensure no one has to experience this in future so knowing the effects and taking action to eradicate this disease is a key driver for all Rotary members here in Redditch and around the world.

Where are we now?

Our Guinness World Record has been confirmed and it's true to report that Redditch is now officially AMAZING!