The spirit of Rotary shone brightly on a crisp autumn morning as members of the Rotary Club of New Mills, Marple & District, together with their families, gathered at Marple Memorial Park for a joyful and purposeful bulb planting event between 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
This community initiative, led by the Friends of Marple Memorial Park, brought together volunteers of all ages who shared one simple yet powerful goal — to add colour, life, and cheer to the park for all to enjoy in the coming spring.
The Rotary team, wearing their familiar yellow high-visibility jackets and Rotary-branded shirts, worked hand in hand with local volunteers, digging, planting, and chatting amid the autumn leaves. The event was not only about gardening but also about nurturing community spirit and leaving a visible mark of Rotary’s ongoing commitment to local environmental and civic projects.
A special guest on the day was Rotary District 1285 Assistant Governor, Mr. Mark Bailey, who joined in the planting and warmly engaged with members and park volunteers. His presence symbolised the close cooperation between local clubs and the District leadership in promoting projects that enhance both people’s lives and public spaces.
The Friends of Marple Memorial Park, a local volunteer group dedicated to maintaining and improving the park, initiated this year’s bulb planting programme to ensure that the park continues to flourish as a green haven for residents and visitors alike. Rotary members were proud to lend their time, hands, and enthusiasm to this wonderful community cause.
As hundreds of bulbs were carefully tucked into the soil, there was a shared sense of satisfaction and anticipation. When spring arrives, the park will be transformed into a vibrant sea of colour — a living symbol of Rotary’s dedication to service above self. The blooms will not only brighten the park but will also, as one member poetically remarked, “speak of Rotary when they dance in the spring breeze.”
The event concluded with warm smiles, muddy gloves, and the comforting thought that every bulb planted was a small act of hope — one that will continue to bring joy to the community for years to come.