MEMBERS of the Rotary Clubs of Northallerton and Northallerton Mowbray have been busy creating a Rotary garden to the left of the main entrance to the headquarters of Hambleton District Council.

The garden at Stone Cross, Northallerton, is a bed of ornamental rocks and plants surrounded by daffodils and crocuses, and has a central feature stone with the Rotary rondel and a plaque. The large feature stone was installed with the help of local builder George Harland and the heavy lifting gear of farmer Phil Sanderson.

Chris Johnson, president of the Rotary Club of Northallerton, said: “Purple crocus bulbs have been planted in a large circle to reflect the Rotary symbol. A major achievement of Rotary International has been its work with the World Health Organisation to eradicate Polio by inoculating children worldwide. The purple crocuses represent the purple dye used to paint the finger of an inoculated child anywhere in the world. In 1985 most countries were afflicted by this terrible disease, but now only Pakistan and Afghanistan have a very small incidence.”

Malcolm Warne, president of Northallerton Mowbray Rotary Club, added: “We are extremely grateful to Hambleton District Council for permitting this prominent display to mark the strong bond between the council and Rotary. We hope that the new garden will give pleasure to everyone visiting the council offices.”

Mark Robson, leader of Hambleton District Council, said: “Our district council is delighted to recognise the strong contribution of the Northallerton Rotary Clubs to the community, by encouraging the creation of this garden and naming the road around our headquarters ‘Rotary Way’.”