Open Day and 150th birthday of Alice in Wonderland

“Alice“ is 150 !
Last Weekend we celebrated Alice in Wonderlands 150th Birthday with a Mad Hatters Tea Party and an Open Day.

The world famous fantasy story “Alice in Wonderland” was first published in 1865. The author of the book was Lewis Carroll, the pen name of Reverend Charles Dodgson.

This highly talented Victorian gentleman enjoyed Eastbourne so much that he spent 22 summer holidays staying at 7 Lushington Road, where he rented rooms from a Mrs Dyer who owned the property and ran it as a guesthouse. The house is currently a dental practice run by Mark Fellows and his wife Catherine and has been granted a Blue Plaque to commemorate the connection with Lewis Carroll.

Lewis Carroll’s imaginative mind first created the story of “Alice in Wonderland” to entertain the three children of an Oxford colleague. Alice Liddell and her two sisters enjoyed boating and taking a picnic during the summer at Oxford where Carroll was a Don at the University. He taught Mathematics, Theology and Philosophy and wrote many papers and books on a wide variety of topics.

It was Alice who persuaded Lewis Carroll to write down his story of “Alice in Wonderland”. From that beginning it developed into the book that we know today with all its imaginative adventures and captivating images.

An intriguing dental link occurs when one reads that the fastidious Lewis Carroll, who enjoyed the Eastbourne theatres and Downland walks, also enjoyed his visits to his dentist on Seaside Road. He would visit his dentist to have his teeth cleaned almost daily during his stays. He also encouraged others to do likewise if they wanted to keep their teeth free of problems. A great example to us all even if it was a little over the top!

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of “Alice in Wonderland” Mark Fellows, his wife Catherine, their enthusiastic colleagues and staff dressed up in colourful costumes of characters encountered in “Alice in Wonderland” and served up a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at the dental practice.

There were tempting cakes, jam tarts of course, and freshly brewed tea, all from Victorian style china. Games for children – Pin the Grin on the Cheshire Cat! And a fantastic Hat and Teapot cake creation to admire. Prizes, balloons and themed bunting all added to the celebratory atmosphere.

Patients, friends and passers-by had the opportunity to find out about Lewis Carroll, the famous author of “Alice in Wonderland”, and his historic connection with 7, Lushington Road, Eastbourne in the surprising setting of Fellows Dental Practice! Please do feel free to pop in and view some of our memorabilia on display.