Bowling club baffled by mysterious boulders on the green

9:57am Thursday 11th December 2003

SPECULATION as to the origin of giant rocks which keep mysteriously appearing on a popular bowling green has resulted in a flurry of wild theories.

Mystery surrounds Loudwater Bowls Club, as year after year boulders of all manner of size and shape suddenly materialise overnight.

Doreen Styles, president of the Derehams Lane club, said: "Some people think it's kids fooling around. There are others who think the rocks come rolling down the hill."

The 67-year-old added: "It's been happening for several years now. If I didn't laugh I'd probably cry. I think the only way to find out for sure is to hide and watch all night."

Although not quite on a par with Stonehenge, members are nevertheless curious to establish the cause, and put a stop to it once and for all.

Cynthia Hunt, fixtures secretary, told the Free Press: "Every time a boulder appears it causes us problems. They're too heavy just to pick up so we have to get someone in to move them. There's also the damage caused to the green. The rocks can cut up the turf and that makes bowls very difficult. There are a few theories but most of us are inclined to think it's kids."

But with a nine-foot chain-link fence bordering the green, and some stones weighing upwards of five kilogrammes, the moonlit prank would demand strong jokers.

Jenny Laws, of London Road, said: "I can see how people may think kids are to blame, but these are big rocks and most grown-ups would have trouble lifting them."

Established in 1989, the club has suffered vandalism to changing rooms and over the years thieves have broken into padlocked sheds.

Wycombe district councillor Julia Wassell, said: "The likely answer is someone is doing it on purpose. But until they're caught we won't know who."

Do you know the secret of the mystery rocks? Contact reporter Kris Hall with your theories on 01494 755086

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