A SPLASH OF PURPLE FOR A POLIO-FREE WORLD IN VICTORIA PARK
Despite a rainy Saturday morning, community spirit shone brightly in Victoria Park as volunteers gathered to support the Newbury Rotary Club’s ‘Purple for Polio’ initiative. Around 3,000 purple crocus corms were planted around the Lime Tree Avenues—creating what will become a vibrant splash of purple when they bloom in spring.
This year’s planting was carried out in partnership with Newbury in Bloom and Newbury Town Council, with additional support from Newbury Friends of the Earth. The crocuses were funded by the Newbury Rotary Club, whose volunteers worked alongside councillors and council staff to bring the project to life.
Cllr Ian Jee, Chair of the Council’s Green Spaces Working Group, attended the event and helped plant the bulbs. He praised the collaboration and its impact on the community saying, “It was great to be part of such a positive and meaningful project. Not only will these crocuses bring vibrant colour to Victoria Park in the spring, but they also carry an important message about global health and the power of community action. We’re proud to support initiatives like this that enhance our green spaces while raising awareness for such an important cause.”
Organiser Dr John Philip, Newbury Rotarian, thanked the team for braving the weather and highlighted the deeper meaning behind the display saying, “In the spring, we will have here a splash of purple. This is part of a nation-wide initiative by Rotary members who each autumn plant millions of purple crocuses in public parks and other places.
He continued, “The colour purple is deeply significant to Rotary’s mission. It represents the global fight to eradicate polio—a paralyzing disease that, thanks to childhood vaccinations, has been eliminated from every country except Afghanistan and Pakistan. Polio is easily transferred and until the last case is eradicated, there could be an outbreak anywhere. It is only a plane ride away.
“When children under five receive the polio vaccine, their little finger is marked with indelible purple ink—a small mark with a powerful message. The purple crocuses in Victoria Park are more than just flowers; they are a promise to the world’s children.”
The Newbury Rotary Club hopes residents will enjoy the crocus display in spring and take a moment to reflect on the powerful message behind it. To learn how you can get involved in Rotary’s efforts or volunteer locally, please contact:
Dr John Philip by email: jp_rotary@btinternet.com
Contact:
James Heasman, Parks & Open Spaces Supervisor, james.heasman@newbury.gov.uk 07775 434475
Cllr Ian Jee, Chair Green Spaces Working Group, ian.jee@newbury.gov.uk
Cllr Gary Norman, Leader of the Council gary.norman@newbury.gov.uk 07801 046115
