Today, Wednesday 1st November, we all got to work planting crocus bulbs at the Wetlands. Why I hear you ask?
Well, this was in collaboration with the Rotary Club who are working hard to raise awareness about the continued fight against polio. Neville Wright, chairman of Stranraer Rotary, came to speak to us all about the latest drive to ensure polio is eradicated throughout the world. Huge strides ahead have been made over the last 23 years with polio cases falling from 300,000 in 1985 to just 37 in 2016! But without continued understanding and immunisation programmes, this devastating disease threatens to multiply once again. The ‘purple for polio’ crocuses are to remind people to give what they can to help the continued fight – just 20p is enough to immunise a child. That’s nothing!
The boys and girls were all up for the challenge so, donning their wellies and waterproofs, they headed for the Wetlands and met up with other Rotary members to plant the 4000 bulbs (yes – 4000!) Surprisingly quickly, these purple crocus bulbs were planted quickly by the children in the soil trenches prepared by the Rotary members. With grubby hands, very mucky boots but much bigger smiles, the children headed back to school. We are all looking forward to seeing the crocuses bloom next Spring – and don’t forget the importance of supporting polio immunisation around the world!
