Planting Purple Crocus Corms

For a number of years, Rotary Club of Sittingbourne Invicta members have planted purple crocus corms within our local community.

Why Purple?

The purple crocus is a symbol of Rotary’s worldwide campaign to eradicate polio, with its colour representing the purple dye used to mark the finger of a child who has been immunised.

Purple4Polio

Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland has introduced a campaign to support and encourage Rotarians to play a real part in the making of history; Purple4Polio.

With the chance to eradicate polio now closer than ever before thanks to the efforts of Rotarians across the world, it is important we keep fighting and finish the job. This means continuing our support now and for at least three years after the last case of polio is reported, in order for the world to officially be declared polio free. 

Planting purple crocus corms is just one Purple4Polio idea for Rotarians to help to raise awareness for polio eradication.

Planting in 2015

In November 2015 we planted 5000 purple crocus corms in the Sittingbourne area. With the help of pupils, half the corms were planted at Murston Junior School. A visit was made to the school  in the following Spring to see a fine display of purple crocuses.

The remaining purple crocus corms were planted at The Orchard Centre in Milton Regis.

Planting in 2016

On World Polio Day, club members joined others from the Rotary Club of Sittingbourne & Milton, and planted another 5000 purple crocus corms in the grassy bank in Panteny Lane, Bapchild - outside Hempstead House Hotel where we meet.

Planting in 2017

We planted 5000 more purple crocus corms on World Polio Day (24th Oct 2017) on Rodmersham Green.

Planting in 2018

On World Polio Day 2018, we planted 5000 more purple crocus corms in the village of Wormshill. 

Planting 2019

On World Polio Day 2019 we planted 5000 purple crocus corms in the shape of a Rotary emblem in the lawn outside Phoenix House in Central Avenue, Sittingbourne.