Methodists in Oxford will be joining in countrywide celebrations next month to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the birth of John Wesley, the church's founder.

The Rev David Cooper with composer Penelope Thwaites

He travelled on horseback throughout Britain, covering thousands of miles each year, and preached to huge crowds, often in the open air.

On Sunday at the Wesley Memorial Church in New In Hall Street, composer Penelope Thwaites, pictured with the Rev David Cooper, Superintendent Minister for the Oxford Circuit, will present a special performance of her work, Ride! Ride! , with the Wesley Memorial Choir. The drama is based on the true story of Martha Thompson, a woman incarcerated in a lunatic asylum for her religious beliefs, and rescued by Wesley.

Groups from the church have been reflecting on Wesley's views on slavery, relationships with other churches, and Christian life in general, and will produce a window exhibition at the church, called Windows on Wesley from Wednesday to Friday next week. People are also invited for a free slice of birthday cake at the church's regular coffee morning on June 18.