AUSSIE Peter Marsh is seeking out a real 'pommie' ancestor.

Writing from Macleod in Victoria Peter tells us: "I am a descendant of Samuel Marsh of Locking Stoops/Stumps Farm in Kenyon and am trying to trace my family background in general.

"But more specifically at the moment I am keen to establish the history of a silver tray which was presented to Samuel Marsh in 1858."

And it seems Sam was a green-fingered pillar of rural society -- a real "pomme de terre".

Peter tells us the salver is inscribed: "Presented to Samuel Marsh by a few friends as an acknowledgement of the benefit he has rendered his neighbourhood on raising from seed the potato called Marsh's Seedlings, 5th November, 1858."

Below this dedication are inscribed two names: Thomas Hampson, Chairman, and Henry Southern, Treasurer. But he says there is nothing to indicate what organisation they were officers of.

Peter believes that despite the reference to "a few friends" on the platter, this must have been some legally constituted group.

"Can anyone shed any light on this for me?" he asks. Samuel has a headstone in Newchurch Parish Church which indicates that he is interred at Winwick. I would be most grateful for any assistance anyone could give me."

If you can help contact Peter Marsh at 32A, Braidhill Road, Macleod, Victoria, 3085, Australia.