Wisbech Rotary has planted crocuses across the town to mark eradication of Polio in Africa

What is the connection between the recent announcement by the World Health Organisation that polio has been eliminated in Africa and the purple crocuses that have been planted in Wisbech along the North Brink, on Churchill Road and in Wisbech Park?

The answer is Rotary. Worldwide, Rotary has worked to vaccinate children against polio, and the purple crocus is the symbol of the campaign because children have their finger stained purple to show that they have been vaccinated.

Wisbech Rotary has been planting the crocuses in prominent parts of the town to commemorate the programme.

Richard Barnwell, president of Wisbech Rotary, said “Although most of our work is undertaken in the local community, we are proud to be associated with the global efforts to eliminate polio. Unfortunately it is still endemic in two areas, Northern Afghanistan and Pakistan, due to the Taliban refusing access to Rotary to immunise the children."