Author books in at end of Silk Road trek
AN AUTHOR who has travelled the length of the Silk Road made it to Macclesfield - its western end and his former home town.
Paul Wilson, who is originally from the town but now lives in Australia, visited Sparrow Park - where a sculpture gifted from China will be placed.
He has written a guide to the network of trade routes that link the Far East to Europe and are known as the Silk Road.
And in the latest edition he has explored the impact of Chinese President Xi’s adoption of the Silk Road idea for his ‘One Belt, One Road’ project.
It has led to increased interest in Macclesfield from the people of Xi’an - the eastern end of the route and home to the famous Terracotta Warriors.
Paul had also planned to watch his beloved Macclesfield Town - but the game at the Moss Rose against Bradford was called off.
The ex-King’s School pupil regularly spreads his love for the Silkmen down under by handing out club shirts to people in Macclesfield, near Adelaide. He also does this in the town of Macclesfield, near Melbourne.
During his visit Paul also learned about the Silk Road initiatives in Macclesfield.
Paul said: “A couple of years ago I was cutting the ribbon on a key heritage project in Xi’an with the British ambassador, and it feels special that we’re soon to have our own landmark here in Macc.
“Let’s hope it will generate more Chinese interest in the town and will inspire a few more young Maxonians to go out there and explore.”