Launceston Rotary Club, working with Launceston in Bloom, planted 2,000 crocus bulbs in the grounds of Launceston Hospital on Saturday, October 2.

This is part of a nationwide event to publicise the Rotary 'Thanks for Life' — Polio eradication initiative. Rotary worldwide have been working for 20 years to eradicate polio and the end is now in sight.

Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI) is working with The Eden Project, the International Flower Bulb Centre (IBC), the National Trust and Learning through Landscapes to plant purple crocus bulbs from the beginning of October so they will be in flower for Rotary Day, February 23, 2011.

These purple flowers represent the colour of ink dabbed on a child's little finger to indicate they have been immunised against polio. The blooming of the crocuses will coincide with the period when Rotary clubs across the country will be fundraising for the final push to eradicate polio worldwide.

Launceston Rotary president, Bill Maddock said: "Rotary clubs across the UK are planting these crocus bulbs as a reminder of the essential need to continue the fight to eradicate polio from our world. I am grateful for the help and advice we have received from Launceston in Bloom and we agreed that the grounds of Launceston Hospital would be a wonderful spot to plant these bulbs so that the patients, staff and visitors can enjoy them when they bloom."

Last February through the generosity of the people of Launceston, especially the children who organised special events at their schools, they raised in excess of £1,500. At 20 pence per inoculation, Launceston, last year, raised enough to inoculate 7,500 people.

Bill continued: "Last year we had a tremendous response and we would like to repeat that next February as we are very close to the total eradication of polio, this final push is so important. If anyone would like to make a donation towards this or organise an event next February, please contact Rotarian Peter Casey at Launceston College."