Crocus display shows success for campaign against polio

The bulbs were planted in the 16th-century gardens by volunteers in October last year, as part of the Bolsover Rotary Club’s “End Polio Now” campaign.

The club organised the crocus planting to boost funds and raise awareness of the disease and, due to the campaign’s success, more new bulbs will again be planted later this year.

Club spokesman Geoff Davis said: “Rotary International is now within sight of eradicating this dreadful disease worldwide. The purple crocuses signify the spot of purple dye used to mark the fingers of the millions of children who have been inoculated.”

Marie Purdy, senior gardener at the Hardwick estate, added: “The crocuses at Hardwick are a welcome sight after one of the hardest winters on record and they are a perfect reminder of a very good cause.

“They provide a lot of colour in the garden and it’s a great time for families to get together, experience the garden at the start of the season and enjoy a breath of fresh air.”

Numerous family activities are also being arranged at the hall, one of the country’s foremost Elizabethan houses, this spring.

These include a new exhibition of Bess of Hardwick’s letters which is set to open next month.