On the 5th of October staff past and present gathered at the manufacturing facility in Didcot to honour Dr Andrew Kearsley, co-founder of Oxford Lasers as he bids a fond farewell to the company after 45 years. The date was poignant as it was on this day 45 years ago, that the company was founded.
The event was an afternoon tea, set under marquees with a reception area; complete with a ‘walk down memory lane’, filled with images, awards, and literature from the past four decades on display. It was held inside the company’s new building, which they took over last year at Moorbrook Park.
Guests were welcomed by Alan Ferguson, Business Development Director who kindly stood in for CEO Martyn Knowles, who unfortunately had to attend virtually due to testing positive for Covid in the run up to the event.
The guests were treated to stories of old from Colin Webb (co-founder) who regaled the audience with tales of the early days from both the Laser Group at Oxford University as well as the founding of the Company. Alan, who stood in for Martyn, delivered Martyn’s speech on his behalf and covered details of the company from the 90’s to present day as well as anecdotes of the early days of working for, and with Andrew.
The event was rounded off with a gift from the staff to Andrew and a thank you speech from Andrew to the attendees.