The question of how to transmit good values through the everyday events of family life was examined by a variety of speakers. The conference was opened and the keynote address given by the well-known writer and expert on children's literature, Oxford graduate and mother of four children, Sarah Johnson, whose book Daring to be Different has just been published by Darton, Longman and Todd. She challenged the perceived notion that Faith was an obstacle which made normal life difficult for Christians, and dealt with some of the awkward questions and situations which Christian parents meet from their children on matters of faith and morals.

Louise Kirk, also an Oxford graduate and mother of four children, examined specifically the place of love in the transmission of values. Her talk – Love, the first Principle – looked at how love is, and should be, expressed in secular and sacred things. She spoke on food, dress, education, leisure as well as upbringing in the Faith.

Philip and Teresa Crabtree (a management consultant with Central Government, and a doctor of Law, respectively, and parents of eleven children) gave an interactive presentation on dialogue between parents and teenage children. They addressed considerate behaviour in the family, entertainment, dating, parental authority and moral values. This presentation was based on two highly entertaining scenarios, one bad, one good, and the questions which arose were open for discussion with the participants.

The talks were followed by an hour of questions and discussion. The wisdom, experience and great sense of humour of the speakers as well as the participants wound up the conference on a most positive note.

A delicious and beautifully served buffet lunch gave participants the opportunity to meet in a festive atmosphere. Two short presentations, one on schools and the other on Family Development were given during the lunch break.