A BARKHAM mother-of-two has said she is stunned that a local art project she launched two years ago has now spread across the world.
Nicki Payton started Wokingham Rocks to give bored children something to do during the Easter holidays.
She got the idea to paint small rocks then hide them around Dinton Pastures from a friend in America.
Since then, nearly 6,000 people have joined the Wokingham Rocks Facebook group with rocks being found as far away as Germany, Paris and even on top of Wales’ highest mountain, Snowdonia.
Members including Nicki’s mum, Margaret, have raised thousands of pounds for charities by designing specially commissioned pieces.
“We get an average of 40 people a week asking to join the group and other groups have been set up in towns and villages across the country,” said Nicki.
“I had no idea how it would catch on. I started it as just something to keep the kids entertained during the holidays, but we receive photos of rocks being found all over Europe.
“We even had an Australian couple on their honeymoon sending pictures of rocks at a beer festival in Germany. It’s amazing where they end up.”
Anyone finding a rock is asked to photograph it and send photos to the Facebook group. As well as drawings, members might leave a short message or motto.
“The designs are very seasonal with lots of love hearts appearing for Valentine’s Day and people are very creative at Easter and Christmas too. All you need is a rock which can be bought at a garden centre, and some acrylic paint or pens,” Nicki said.
“It’s a good way to raise money for charity. My mum, Margaret, has raised over £1,100 for the Ollie Young Foundation. People look out for her rocks and are delighted if they find a ‘Margaret rock’.”
To celebrate the group’s second anniversary, Nicki plans to decorate a special birthday message rock with a special prize of pens and a bag of rocks going to the person who finds it.
“Painting rocks is such a simple thing to do and above all, the hope is it brightens someone’s day when they come across a lovely image or message.
“If we can achieve that, then we have done something really nice.”
