BUSINESS chiefs are seeking ways to capitalise on the memory of a Christian missionary, whose work is claimed to have resulted in more than 70 million Chinese thinking of Barnsley as their spiritual home.
Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce and the James Hudson Taylor Trust have teamed up to explore ways of creating tourism and economic opportunities based on James Hudson Taylor’s links with China – almost 170 years after the missionary left Barnsley. The organisations are hosting a meeting at The Civic, Barnsley, between 2pm and 4pm on Monday.
The chamber says 70 million modern day Chinese Christians and 30 million elsewhere in the world trace the seeds of their faith back to Taylor’s missionary work and many want to visit his home town.
Andrew Denniff, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, said: “Monday’s event will consider issues such as what an influx of overseas visitors would create for Barnsley and how the town and its businesses can trade with China.
“The event is free and there is no need to book in advance, so we look forward to discussing the exciting possibilities which James Hudson Taylor’s association with Barnsley could create for the town and its economy with as many businesses as possible.”
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