Ref. 71965-17OLD Town's Bath Road Methodist Church begins a new era today with the arrival of its first Indian minister.

The Rev Ajay Singh, 40 has taken over the running of the church from the Rev Tony Barnes, who left this month to take up a new role in Ciren-cester. It is the first time that the Rev Singh has been to England and although he was expecting English people to be reserved, he said he has already been struck by their warmth and friendliness.

But he admits working in Swindon is going to be quite a challenge and he needs to boost numbers at the church.

He said that when he first arrived in Swindon he surprised the congregations were not larger.

"One of my aims while here will be to increase the size of the congregation not to just fill the church but for them to accept God."

The Rev Singh arrived in the UK on July 13 and for several weeks had to undertake a series of orientation courses to allow him to serve in a Methodist church.

He has brought his family wife Latika, and daughters, five-year-old Shekinah and one-year-old Sharon with him.

On August 26 he was given a special welcome service at the church where he met fellow ministers and Swindon Mayor Coun Peter Stoddart.

"I have never been to England before, or even Europe," he said.

"I had always been led to believe that the English were very reserved and not particularly open, but after my welcome service that whole idea was turned upside down, and it was wonderful to see the church packed full. This was very important for me."

The Rev Singh will serve in the town for five years following an invitation to the Church of North India to send a minister to work in Swindon.

He was previously head priest at All Saints Cathedral in the North Indian city of Allahabad, which has been described as the finest Anglican cathedral in Asia.

It is located in the diocese of Lucknow, one of 27 dioceses in the Church of North India.

The Rev Singh's work would often take him to the 74 churches, 52 institutions and one church hospital in the region.

"My work in India was a large task, but my assignment here in Swindon is an even larger task in the eyes of the Lord."

He said it was difficult being so far away from home.

"We are missing our family in India. I have six brothers and sisters back home."

He added: "England is a very beautiful and neat country, and I am looking forward to travelling around.

"I am also keen on football and I plan to try and see a few matches."

Anthony Osborne