Focus on the Crocus

As we look to celebrate Rotary Day on 23rd February, Focus on the Crocus is a healthy, fun, community based, environmental friendly way to plant in everyone's mind, the opportunity of being part of a historic worldwide campaign, spearheaded by Rotary International, to finally eradicate Polio across the world ... and an excuse to have a party afterwards, get a certificate of participation and generally enjoy the life we are giving others.

The Ruby Giant 'purple' crocus represents the dye colour dabbed on children's little 'pinkie' finger to indicate they have been immunised against polio in the few remaining parts of the globe since Rotary International commenced its campaign in 1985.

Working in partnership with The Eden Project, the International Flower Bulb Centre (IBC),The National Trust, Learning Through Landscape and others we plan to engage thousands of volunteers to join in the Big Bulb Plant by planting millions of purple crocus bulbs in the autumn: With a headline publicity event in Trafalgar Square and the opportunity for all sites around Great Britain and Ireland to break the Guinness World Record during October, Focus on the Crocus is building communities, bridging continents.

So whether you are a pupil, young adult, a mum or dad, own or work for a business or public authority, belong to an environmental or other club with civic pride or just a Rotarian, why not join in the fun and help Rotary End Polio Now by supporting our Focus on the Crocus initiative?

With the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation challenging Rotary to finally eradicate polio by adding nearly twice what Rotary raises it costs just 20p to sponsor or buy a bulb to bring a young life into bloom.

Check out the planting activity near you! Visit www.focusonthecrocus.org

Pupils from Galashiels Academy planted 3000 crocus bulbs in remembrance of Keir Rafferty, 15, who lost his life on the A72 near Galashiels along with his father Colin in early September.  Academy Headteacher, Kenny MacKay spoke with the family about the event and they thought it was a wonderful gesture by the pupils.  Headboy Gregor Purves worked with President Peter Croan to organise the event and pupils from the charities committee assisted in designing a planting layout on the slope of the sports field.

Peter gave a talk to the pupils on the significance of the purple crocus flowers and the Thanks for Life campaign.  He stated that it seemed fitting to plant the bulbs in memory of Keir whose favourite colour was purple and that The Rotary Club of Galashiels was proud to be of assistance to the school and the family in remembering the life of Keir and his father Colin.

The Club also worked with pupils from St Peter's School and the Burgh School to plant another 3000 purple crocuses in front of St Peter's Church where they will make a splash of colour in the spring.

President Peter Croan and other members went along to the Assembly at St Peter's School to thank the P1 pupils for their efforts and to present pictures of the planting. He also gave the school a calendar and asked the pupils to mark on it when they see crocuses flowering in the church grounds