Rotary and volunteers unite to plant carpet of purple bulbs

PICTURE BY IAN HYDON

The Rotary Club of Wokingham would like to say a massive thank you to all the volunteers who braved some pretty awful weather at the end of last month to help plant around 2,500 crocuses in Elm’s Field.

This united effort was part of a campaign to raise awareness for the global End Polio Now campaign. It is hoped that they will flower in the spring, providing a carpet of purple raising awareness for the initiative.

Organisers would like to give a special thanks to the Holt Copse Conservation Volunteers who supported the event. They played a vital role in supporting this effort by providing their expertise and assistance in planting the crocuses. Their dedication to environmental conservation and community involvement aligned perfectly with the Rotary Club’s mission.

End Polio Now is an initiative led by Rotary International, a global service organisation dedicated to eradicating polio from the face of the Earth. Polio, a paralysing and potentially fatal disease, was once endemic in over 125 countries, but has seen a dramatic reduction, thanks to the persistent

Baking up a storm to raise dough for a great cause

efforts of organisations like Rotary. Rotary International, in partnership with other organisations, has been at the forefront of this battle, working tirelessly to immunise children and promote awareness of the importance of vaccination. The Rotary Club of Wokingham, a dynamic club within Rotary International, has been an active contributor to the End Polio Now campaign. By planting 2,500 purple crocuses, which symbolise hope for a polio-free world, the club aimed to spread awareness within the community about the ongoing fight against this debilitating disease. The vibrant purple flowers served as a visible reminder of the progress made and the work still to be done. Despite the rainy weather, members of the Rotary Club of Wokingham, along with the Holt Copse Volunteers Group, demonstrated unwavering commitment to the cause by planting these purple crocuses. Local residents and supporters were encouraged to join in, learn more about the initiative, and contribute to this worthy cause. A spokesman said: “Many hands do indeed make light work - albeit very wet work.”

Who knew that indulging in sweet treats could also be a powerful way to fight for a cause? Last month, Energie Fitness hosted a bake sale bonanza to raise funds for Breast Cancer Now. The gym was buzzing with excitement as folks nibbled on cupcakes, brownies, and cookies galore. It was a feast for the senses, and people were lining up to grab their tasty treasures.

But wait, there’s more! The gym also organized some fun and funky classes to help folks work off their calories before diving into dessert. It was a winwin situation - getting fit and indulging in treats while supporting a worthy cause.

Breast cancer is a battle that affects countless women every year, and every penny counts in the fight to find a cure.

Energie Fitness was thrilled with the turnout and the amount of money raised. They thanked everyone who attended and played a part in the bake sale’s success.

The funds raised will go towards funding research and supporting those affected by the disease.

The gym is grateful for the community’s support and is committed to making a difference in the war against breast cancer.