Ken Green

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”.

Additional information on Geoffrey Corns....

"My father was one of two full time gardeners who lived in a pair of semi-detatched cottages next door to Mr Corns house 'Meriden' Barlaston Old Road Trentham. My father started to work for Mr Corn just before the war but was immediately called up and didn't return until 1945. Our houses were called Melton and Mowbray and as was Meriden they were kitted out to excess with tiles.

Although they were only tied cottages I remember the bathroom was as good if not better than many bathrooms built today completely tiled to the ceiling as was the kitchen which also had a tiled floor. The living room was tiled halfway to a dado rail.

Mr Corn was indeed a kind man who looked after his staff not just at the factory but at his home. When my father was taken ill he allowed us to stay in the cottage for several years although my father was unable to work.

Each summer the Corns would hold garden parties to raise money for charity and us children would gather the strawberries grown by my father. We would always be allowed a bowl full with delicious cream. This was in addition to those we scoffed while picking!

Ken mentions Mr Corns assistance to the deaf but my memory is that he also helped the blind. I was under the impression that he gave a house to the blind. I recall seeing a photo in the Sentinel's 'The way we were' when the house was handed over and Mr Corn is in the picture. This was the last house on Longton road before Trentham Railway station. Over the years the house was extended and a sensory garden path was created. Today there is a large nursing home on the site.

Mr Corn also liked his cars, He owned an AC Cobra.

In later years one of his sons opened the Regent Warehouse DIY store in
Hanley (On Regent Road)."

Mike Smith

Edmund Reginald Geoffrey Corn CBE, 1899/1987