End Polio Campaign

Have you noticed the growing carpets of purple crocuses brightening Harrogate each spring? Over recent years, these striking blooms have appeared in more and more places across the town — but do you know who planted them, and why Rotary chose the colour purple?

For more than 30 years, Rotary International has been dedicated to eradicating polio, a life‑altering disease with no cure. Immunisation is the only effective protection, and when Rotary began its global campaign, polio was still endemic in 125 countries. Today, after decades of determined effort, just two countries remain where the virus has never been stopped: Pakistan and Afghanistan. Every pound raised towards this life‑saving work is also matched by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, multiplying the impact of local fundraising.

So why purple crocuses? The colour was chosen because, in countries such as India, children receiving the oral polio vaccine have their little finger marked with purple dye. It’s a simple way for health workers to confirm that a child has been immunised — and the colour is a perfect match for the crocuses that now bloom across Harrogate.

Many of these flowers have been planted by local schoolchildren, who can watch their efforts come to life each spring. This year, pupils from Rossett Acre Primary School will plant 2,000 crocuses at the top of the Valley Gardens, while children from New Park Primary School will add another 2,000 to their outdoor area alongside Skipton Road.

Rotarian Ann Percival — seen carefully counting out crocus bulbs in preparation for planting — spoke to pupils from Rossett Acre School about Rotary’s global fight to eradicate polio. In less than an hour, all of the bulbs were planted by just 12 enthusiastic students — an impressive achievement!

New Park Primary School in Harrogate is developing a Forest School area designed to help children thrive through outdoor learning, teamwork, and hands‑on experiences.

As part of this initiative, Rotary volunteers worked alongside around 80 pupils of mixed ages to plant purple crocuses around the perimeter of the field. Tree planting will follow soon, helping the new Forest School take root and grow into a vibrant learning space.