AN EXPLORER from Hampshire will be hosting a talk about his travels in Patagonia in aid of Whitchurch Silk Mill.

John Pilkington was one of the first modern travellers to retrace almost all of the 4000 miles along the Silk Road.

One of Britain’s most experienced travellers, John’s friendship with the Mill began in the 1980s as he took his first steps on this route.

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With him, he carried a piece of Whitchurch Silk to present to a Silk Mill in China and brought back a Chinese silk cocoon to the Mill.

John is now a patron of the Friends of Whitchurch Silk Mill, which helps to support the unique skill of traditional silk weaving in the UK.

The mill, a working museum, is now one of only three silk mills in the UK, and the only place where visitors can see silk woven.

John, who is originally from Winchester, will bring his talk “An Englishman in Patagonia” to the Silk Mill on January 26, where he will discuss the time he spent three seasons exploring this southernmost part of South America, including Tierra del Fuego.

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John made a mini-series for BBC Radio 4, broadcast to tie in with the publication of his book ‘An Englishman in Patagonia’.

He’ll explain Patagonia’s latest battles with climate change and volcanic fallout.

And you may be surprised to hear what happened to two of its most notorious early settlers – Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid!

Tickets for the talk cost £15, including refreshments, and can be purchased from the mill’s website or by calling 01256 892065.