LOCAL historian Brian Johns is intrigued by the discovery of a bunch of carnations beneath an ancient Forest beech tree carved with a series of initials and the date 1941.
Mr Johns, of Millend, Blakeney, says that it is obvious the tree is of great significance to someone. He believes that if the true story became known it would be possible to have the tree preserved.
"I accept that it may be thought that I am intruding into a family affair, but I would greatly appreciate it if someone would tell me the story surrounding the initials and the bunch of flowers," he said.
Mr Johns has been carrying out research on the route of the Dean Road – better known as the Roman Road – and was walking above Soudley when he found the bunch of carnations at the foot of a large beech tree.
"I examined the trunk and saw that, at some time in the past, someone had carved a series of initials representing a name into the bark. These initials have become distorted by the natural tree growth but a date can be seen. It appears to be 1941," he said.
Mr Johns made the discovery on November 12 and wonders if the flowers had been placed at the foot of the tree on the previous day – Remembrance Day.
"Perhaps they are all connected with the initials?" he says.
MrJohns can be contacted on Dean 516050.