It’s snowing and oh so cold, so cold! But WGC Rotarians are undaunted - at least the most hardy!

They’re out at Stanborough School involved in a combined project warmed by the enthusiasm and commitment of 30 students from Stanborough School who, despite icy winds, sleet and rain, planted over 400 trees of different varieties, together with 4,000 crocus corms to bless the vista for people entering Welwyn Garden City via Stanborough Road, the A6129.

At least it’s a tiny gesture towards saving the planet too!

Special teams of students from Years 7, 8 and 9, worked hard in difficult climatic conditions to ensure that there will be an added natural spectacle to see across the south-facing slope opposite police HQ and in front of their school's sports field.

They were sustained by refreshments of water, branded fruit drinks, chocolate and blueberry muffins!

The trees and crocuses were sourced by the Rotary Club of Welwyn Garden City as part of the club's support for its community and to mark the holding of World Polio Day.

Trees were supplied by the national charity, the Woodland Trust, best known locally for its creation of Heartland Forest at Sandridge.

Purple4Polio is Rotary's global polio campaign and the Rotary website proudly shows the progress made by immunisation against this awful disease across the world.

The planting was supervised by James Hare, tree officer at Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and his staff under the watchful eyes of Mayor Frank Marsh, Stanborough School headteacher Merry John, deputy head Tim Braybrook, and head of science Dr Sharon Jolly.

A commemorative plaque was installed at the school's boundary on Lemsford Lane.

Passersby were told about the Rotary 'Santa Paws' event which will take place at Stanborough Park on December 1, the first of many Santa-themed Christmas Sleigh appearances over the coming month.

This year's Rotary charities include: Admiral Nurses, Herts Young Homeless, Jubilee House and Home-Start Herts.

Well done to all the students of Stanborough School and their environmental awareness successes! Rotary wishes you all well for the future.

Santa Claus is visiting Welwyn Garden City again this year and the Rotary Club will be hosting him on his sleigh during the run-up to the big day. You can visit him and have a photo at the following venues:

Sunday, December 1 - Stanborough WGC ( Santa Paws), Saturday, December 7 - Morrisons WGC, Sunday, December 8 - Howard Centre WGC, Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15 - Waitrose WGC.

Santa will be about on weekday evenings too from December 2 to 13. Check our website for location details.

We hope many of you will take the opportunity to say hello and maybe offer your support not only with a donation but by considering joining us in the new year.

There’s so much Rotarians get out of being part of the community. www.welwyngcrotary.org.uk.

Enjoy the festive season!