Planting for Polio
A tree and 2000 crocuses have been planted to draw attention to the Rotary Polio Eradication Campaign
In each of the past 10 years members of the Rotary Club of King’s Lynn have planted some 4000 purple crocus bulbs in various parts of the town: along the main path in the Walks; at the South Gates roundabout; on the NORA roundabouts and along the main road; outside the nursery school at St James Park; along Boal Quay; on the verge outside the Hardwick Cemetery; and on Edward Benefer Way opposite the Fire Station. The year the Club decided to plant a tree as well as some crocuses. A Cotinus tree and 300 crocuses have been planted at the Bus Station and some 1700 crocuses on the grass between the Railway Station and St John’s Church.
The bulbs are planted to draw attention to Rotary International’s support for the world-wide eradication of polio which has been a major aim of the organisation since 1985. Over the years Rotary has contributed more than $1.6 billion to ensure the immunisation of more than 2.5 billion children in 122 countries. Every child who is immunised has his or her finger dipped in purple dye. Hence the planting of purple crocuses which come out in the spring in many parts of King’s Lynn. The new tree also has purple leaves.
As a result of the work of Rotary International and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which since 2013 has matched Rotary funding 2-1 up to $35 million per year, polio has been eradicated from all countries except Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Photograph 1. Steve Roberts, Derek Harvey, Pip Rippengill, Helen Rippengill, Elaine Roberts, Paul Robson and Ian Mason.
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A tree and 2000 crocuses have been planted to draw attention to the Rotary Polio Eradication Campaign
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The local round of this Rotary competition told place on 8 November 2023 at Springwood High School
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The Town Hall and Corn Exchange in King's Lynn were lit up in purple to celebrate World Polio Day on 24 October
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The Rotary Youth Speaks Competition is designed to support & encourage the development of effective communication skills.
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Following this planting session, The Rotary Club of King's Lynn will have (over a period of 6 years) planted 45,000 purple crocus corms on the verges and roundabouts of King's Lynn.
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A public speaking competition organised by Rotary. There are local, district, regional and national rounds,
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