Cooke Optics Factory Tour

Would you like to come along to the historic Cooke Optics factory, near Leicester, to see the lens making process for yourself? See where craft meets science, where man meets machine and how Cooke mixes tradition with the best of modern technology.

Your tour host will be either CEO Robert Howard or COO Alan Merrills, who will ask you to don a Cooke white coat and share with you their wealth of knowledge and experience.

You'll get to see all the processes that makes a Cooke lens: from glass acquisition to final assembly and inspection. Including: moulding, grinding, polishing, metrology, coating, cementing, edging, blacking, cleaning, assembly and engraving with a slice of insight into the engineering and R & D departments.

Will the 1915 original polishing machine be your favourite?

Will you discover Cooke's "secret sauce"?

Book yourself in for this tour. We have 20 places available.

You are welcome to take photos & share them on social media. The only area that is out of bounds is the coating room. (Share on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #cookefactory)

We will be running a waiting list so if YOU CAN'T make it for whatever reason, please let us know so we can rebook you and offer your place to someone on the waiting list. We understand that forward plans can be scuppered when a last minute call comes in for work.

If you are travelling by car, there is ample car parking space. If you are travelling by train go to Leicester train station. You will need to arrive by 10am latest. Cathy is able to pick up 4 people from the station in her car. If you need a lift email cathy.c@cookeoptics.com or text 07930 390111.

Timing:

10.15am Register

10.30am Tour starts promptly

12.30 Factory tour ends

12.30/45-1.45 Q & A and networking either at the factory or at The Star Inn (depending on numbers)

The next Cooke Factory tour will be on Wednesday 15th May . If you are interested please email lenses@cookeoptics.com. Please note these are professional tours, you must work in the industry. We run separate tours for college & university groups.

Local places to eat if you are feeling peckish

The Star Inn, Thrussington http://www.thestarinn1744.co.uk *

Miller & Carter, Rothley http://www.millerandcarter.co.uk/restaurants/east-and-west-midlands/millerandcarterrothley

Rothley Court Hotel, Rothley www.oldenglishinns.co.uk/our-locations/the-rothley-court-hotel-rothley *

Wheatsheaf Inn, Woodhouse Eaves http://www.wheatsheafinn.net

The Manor House, Quorn http://www.themanorhouseatquorn.co.uk *

Leicester has some good italian restaurants & some cracking curry houses, if you fancy a bit of spice

Those with an * also have rooms if you are looking for somewhere to stay.