Paddington joined us for the adventure, carrying a little suitcase filled with photos and objects connected to the Cooper’s Marmalade exhibit. After sitting beautifully on the steps to the large hall to explore the pictures, the children delighted in seeing real ceramic marmalade jars, a giant stirring stick, and even a tin of marmalade once taken to Antarctica by Robert Scott.

There was great excitement when one child spotted a poster of Tom Tower and proudly announced, “That’s where Daddy works!” The group was also captivated by a special display featuring Charles Dodgson’s (Lewis Carroll’s) watch, a set of intricately illustrated playing cards, and scissors that once belonged to Alice Liddell.

It was a magical morning of discovery, history, and wide-eyed wonder for all.