Those passing through Crickhowell last month may have noticed an historic hotel was bathed in a purple hue.

Monday, October 24 was World Polio Day and The Bear in Crickhowell helped raised awareness of this by lighting the front of the 500-year-old hotel in an eye-catching purple.

The annual day, which shares and celebrates progress on the road to polio eradication, fell within a week of 40th anniversary of the founding of Crickhowell Rotary Club. The cause is highly significant in the history of the Club and its association with matters of local national and international significance.

Crickhowell Rotary Club has regarded the Bear Hotel as its home throughout the club’s 40-year history. Owners Stephen and Samantha Hindmarsh have been enthusiastic supporters of the club since its inception in 1982, when Mrs Judy Hindmarsh was the proprietor.

World Polio Week was to be no exception and their decision to support the promotion of this important milestone in the life of Rotary in general and for the club in particular, is indicative of the strength of the relationship between The Bear Hotel and Crickhowell Rotary.

Mr Hindmarsh said: “Illuminating The Bear in purple to mark National Polio Week and the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Rotary Club in Crickhowell was a great pleasure.”

Due to the efforts of Rotary and partners, nearly 19 million people who would otherwise have been paralysed by polio are walking, and more than 1.5 million people are alive who would otherwise have died.

Rotary members in Great Britain and Ireland have been huge supporters of End Polio Now and continue to work towards 100 per cent eradication in places like Pakistan and Afghanistan

Those interested in making a positive difference are invited to consider joining the club.

Contact membership secretary, David Treasure on 01873 810209 or email [email protected] for more information.