Community Spirit in Bloom: Crocus Planting on Doveleat Green

On Sunday, 19 October 2025, Doveleat Green on High Street, Chinnor, became a hive of activity as members of Chinnor Rotary joined enthusiastic Doveleat residents to plant 4,000 vibrant crocus corms. This colourful initiative, was not just about beautifying one of the village’s greens—it was a heartfelt contribution to the global Purple4Polio campaign, a movement dedicated to eradicating polio worldwide.

The Purple4Polio Campaign: Colour with a Cause

The Purple4Polio campaign is a flagship project of Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland, designed to raise awareness and funds for the fight against polio. Each spring, purple crocuses bloom across communities, serving as living reminders of the ongoing battle against this debilitating disease. The choice of the purple crocus is deeply symbolic: in many countries, children’s little fingers are marked with purple dye after they receive their polio vaccination, signifying both protection and hope.

By planting thousands of these corms, Chinnor residents are not only brightening their community but also showing solidarity with children and families around the world who are still at risk of polio.

Rotary International: Champions of a Polio-Free World

Since launching the PolioPlus programme in 1985, Rotary International has been at the forefront of global polio eradication efforts. Working alongside partners such as the World Health Organization and UNICEF, Rotary has helped immunise over 2.5 billion children in 122 countries, dramatically reducing polio cases by more than 99%. The dedication and fundraising efforts of Rotary clubs, including Chinnor Rotary, have played a vital role in bringing the world closer than ever to ending polio.

Powerful Partnerships: Fundraising and the Gates Foundation Match

Every £1 donated to the Purple4Polio campaign is tripled by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, transforming local efforts into global impact. This generous match means that every pound raised in Chinnor helps provide three times as many vaccines, bringing protection and hope to children in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. Fundraising events like the crocus planting are crucial in sustaining the momentum needed to finish the fight against polio.

Polio Facts: Why Eradication Still Matters

Polio is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects young children and can cause lifelong paralysis or even death. While the number of cases has fallen dramatically, polio remains endemic in a few countries. If eradication efforts falter, the disease could quickly resurge, putting millions of children at risk. Continued vigilance, vaccination, and funding are essential until polio is wiped out everywhere.

Get Involved: Join Chinnor Rotary in Making a Difference

The success of the crocus planting on Doveleat Green is a testament to the power of community action. Chinnor Rotary warmly welcomes new members, supporters, and volunteers of all ages who want to contribute to both local projects and global causes. Whether you’re interested in hands-on volunteering, fundraising, or simply learning more about Rotary’s work, there are many ways to get involved.

• Visit the Chinnor Rotary website: www.chinnorrotary.org.uk and its social media www.facebook.com/chinnor.rotary
• Contact Chinnor Rotary by email: chinnor.rotary@gmail.com
• Attend an upcoming meeting or event to meet members and learn more

Conclusion: Growing Hope for a Polio-Free Future

The sight of purple crocuses blooming on Doveleat Green each spring will serve as a beautiful reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together with purpose. Through continued support and awareness, Chinnor is playing its part in a remarkable global effort to consign polio to history. Together, we can ensure that no child anywhere in the world will ever again have to suffer from this preventable disease.

Aerial Photo credit: Richard Naylor