Hob,

Many thanks for the quick reply.

I have re-read your original post, and you say that the ( supposedly )original stone is in the beer garden.

If it is larger than the one outsid eof the pub then it is certainly outside of my capabilities to lift.

The one outside the pub was lifted a few years back ( after being chipped out of the concrete by the council ) , but it was a struggle even for this guy with world class grip strength http://www.davidhorne-gripmaster.com/aboutme.html

The main issue with stone lifting is not nesessarily the weight , but the surface and the shape of the stone.

Even though I am relatively light (80kg ) I can lift a 150kg stone that has a good grip and a flat bottom.
I am currently training up for one of the most famous stones ( The Inver stone ) that is lighter at 125kg but is smooth granite and shaped like an egg, this is much harder to lift as the hands just open up when you try to lift it.

I will be sure to let you know if I have an attempt at the blue stone of old hartley, but if your weight/size description is correct I will probably just have a good look at it and then do the more sensible thing of going inside and getting a beer or two.

All the very best, and once again many thanks for the info.

Please remember me if you come across any more stones that you think may fall into the " lifting stone " catagory. ( roger.davis'whitbread.com )

I am currently also pursueing information on the " Havelock stone " that is situated in the grounds of the Welholme galleries in Grimsby.

This stone was supposedly thrown by " Havelock " , it looks a good shape, but I am not sure about the weight.

regards

Roger