An intrepid group of Rotary members brave the inclement weather to plant thousands of crocus corms to highlight the on-going fight against polio.
The Purple4Polio crocus initiative is a highly visible way for Rotary clubs across Great Britain and Ireland to support the global effort to eradicate polio.
Each autumn, Banbury Rotary members plant purple crocus corms in parks, schools, village greens and public spaces.
This year (2026) the planting was at Banbury Crematorium and Banbury Cemetery.
The flowers are purple because this is the colour of the dye used to mark a child's finger after they have received the life-saving oral polio vaccine.
After years of worldwide effort polio has gone from a (literally) crippling worldwide disease to something confined to a few cases in two countries: Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Sadly, the challenges of working in these countries means Rotary's work to totally eradicate the disease is not yet finished.
When the crocuses bloom in spring, they create a striking reminder of Rotary's long-standing commitment to ending polio worldwide.
The displays help raise public awareness, celebrate the millions of children who have been immunised, and reinforce the importance of completely eradicating polio everywhere!
