Macclesfield negotiates with UN
UK end of Silk Road to join UNWTO project
The British market town of Macclesfield is negotiating to join the UNWTO Silk Road programme.
Following a visit by a UNWTO delegation to the town, which was the centre of the British silk industry some 250 years ago, an agreement was reached to progress discussions.
Alla Peressolova, Manager of the UNWTO Silk Road programme said “The strong Silk Road brand offers tremendous opportunities for local community projects to both Macclesfield and the other members of the Silk Road programme. We were all impressed with the exceptional silk heritage in Macclesfield and the hospitality of all the people we met."
The Silk Road Media Mart, held at the World Travel Market in London last week was packed out with journalists and tour operators queuing to meet representatives of some of the 26 Silk Road countries.
Macclesfield, which celebrates the 750th anniversary of its first Royal Charter in 2011, is home to the Silk Heritage Foundation which conserves and interprets the long British tradition of working with this luxurious natural fibre and the UNWTO delegation inspected each of their four museums, shops and watched silk fabrics being woven in the conserved Paradise Mill.
Macclesfield MP David Rutley with Alla Peresslova of UNWTO
In meetings with local community representatives, the British Member of Parliament for Macclesfield, David Rutley M.P. and the Mayor of Macclesfield, Councillor David Nielson the delegation presented the new Silk Road Action Plan and it was apparent that there was strong support for the town to become involved in the UNWTO Silk Road programme. Further talks will be held shortly.
Macclesfield Town FC Chairman Mike Rance, Alla Peresslova, Mayor of Macclesfield David Nielson and heritage consultant Graham Barrow with a younger generation of Silkman
As if to celebrate this new relationship the delegation were entertained by Mike Rance, Chairman of the local Macclesfield Town football team (founded in 1874) at a British Division 2 football match which the local team – known as The Silkmen- won by two goals to nil.
Valere Tjolle
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