Memories of Stoke-on-Trent people - Ken
Green
Ken Green
A
Life in the Ceramic Tile Industry
section 10
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Summary of 1948/58
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Geoff Corn, usually referred to as “Mr. Geoff” or “The Chairman”, was a man with his employees’ interests at heart.
This sometimes led to policies, as with shift work, with which some of us did not agree but his paternal policies usually prevailed. Under his direction in the pre-war period, Richards Tiles had been the first company in the Potteries to introduce “Holidays with Pay”. In the immediate post war period, a profit sharing scheme was introduced for all employees.
He enjoyed his cricket, country walking and knew Staffordshire and Derbyshire like the back of his hand. Three or four times each year a “Chairman’s Ramble” would take place with him as leader. Several dozens of people would turn up and be bussed to the starting point. There were good walkers and there were stragglers to be collected. No matter what, we ended up in a pub for food and drinks on the Chairman. He knew the names of most employees who had been with the firm for more than a few years. He regularly visited retirees and the surviving spouses of retirees.
He instituted the “Ricardia Medal” which was awarded for outstanding service to the company. The medal was actually an in house produced 20cm ceramic plate, suitably embossed and decorated. I remember Bill Cooke, head of Pinnox Engineering, receiving his RM in 1952 for long and dedicated services. I also remember the award to George Snape, Pinnox factory foreman fitter, who, during the deep freeze of 62/63, worked through the night to ensure that steam would be available for heating and power. Recipients had the suffix RM appended to their names when mentioned in the works magazine. All nonsense really, but it was much enjoyed by all and engendered good morale!
Geoff Corn was very active in societies concerned with the deaf and the dumb and also with the Anglican Church. Saint Mary and all Saints Church, Trentham was, some said, run from his home, Meriden, Barlaston Old Road, Trentham. Many of our agents around the world were connected with the Anglican and Episcopalian Churches and, as a company, we were often referred to us as “Richards and All Saints”.
previous:
Summary of 1948/58
next: manufacturers & research associations