On Saturday 7 October, 125 people gathered at St Stephen's church and St Peter's school in Oliver's Battery, Winchester for a Conference designed to explore how we can make our communities ever more welcoming and hospitable.

Elizabeth Davies, National Co-ordinator of the Bishops' Conference Listening 2004 and the projects inspired by that, gave a keynote speech.

Participants were also enthralled by a talk by Margaret Taylor who spoke of her experiences of bringing her autistic daughter to church.

The day closed with Mass - and the long, animated conversations over tea and home-made cakes suggested that it had been a great success.

The fact that our welcome goes beyond the church door was highlighted by the workshops on offer during the day:

	Involving people with disabilities in the life of the Church
	Welcoming migrants into our communities
	Welcoming young people - young people welcoming
	Including people with learning difficulties
	Keeping in Touch
	Making our communities more welcoming