A STONE is generally not the most exciting thing to find on a morning walk but what about one painted to look like a beetle, superhero or cartoon character?
Over recent weeks, people have been finding colourfully painted rocks around the borough, along with instructions to pick them up and hide them elsewhere.
The national phenomenon a form of treasure hunt is powered by social media, where people drop hints as to where the rocks are hidden.
Debbie Moore, of Roebuck Street, Wombwell, set up a Barnsley group in April. It now has more than 2,000 members.
Debbie, 33, said: “I used to live in Rotherham and saw there was a Rotherham group, but not one for Barnsley. My little boy wanted to do it when we moved here, so we set the group up just to see what happened really.
“I added people and shared it around, but it’s got really popular over the last couple of weeks. I don’t know how far it’s going to go really. It’s given kids something to do rather than being sat in the house or on their phones, and anything that gets kids out and about is good.
“But I think parents and adults are enjoying it as well. It’s bringing the community together and it’s been really positive, and it’s nice to hear about good things rather than hearing bad news all the time.”
The idea is to pick up a found rock and drop it somewhere else, replacing it with one of your own but some people can’t resist keeping them.
“Some of the rocks are pieces of art,” Debbie said.
“Kids are really excited when they see a rock that’s been done really well, and it’s nice that people can showcase their work and other people can keep them.
“The rule, if you can call it a rule, is that if you find one then you replace it, but kids can get very attached when they find one that looks nice.”
Local artist Andy Barton, of Worsbrough Common, moderates the group and is one of the most active members.
Andy, 35, said: “In the last five weeks I must have painted about 200 rocks. It’s absolutely insane. Every single day we’re walking the dog in the park and dropping rocks for people to pick up.
“I personally love anything arty and different, but it’s great for the kids as well, and putting these about and seeing their happy faces when they find them is such a nice feeling. It’s also good therapy for people with illnesses, and exercise for people who can’t get around as well as others.”
Andy set up a Barnsley Rocks stall at the Locke Park Gala earlier this month, which caused a rise in interest. Rocks originally placed in Barnsley are now ending up much further afield.
“You will find a Sheffield rock here and post it in the Sheffield group on Facebook for someone on there to find, who might then take it somewhere completely different,” Andy said. “I saw one from here get taken to Wales the other day, and they’ve turned up in Scotland. Seeing your work turn up all over the world is amazing.”
