Obituary - Peter Silk

Mr Silk joined Ridgeons in 1937 and, with 72 years' service, he became the company's longest-serving employee. He worked full-time for 50 years, before retiring and assisting for a further 22 years through his support of the Ridgeons' Long Service Club and the Link Scheme.

When he joined the company at the age of 14 he was based at the company's Hobson Street Showroom in Cambridge, where he was responsible for keeping the showroom tidy.

After service in the second world war Mr Silk returned to the showroom and held a variety of positions.

In 1968 he was appointed general manager and later became an executive director, playing an integral part in transforming the way kitchens, and later bedrooms, were sold. His enthusiasm for new production processes led to the opening of a packaged kitchen and bedroom department in 1974.

In 1987, after 50 years' with Ridgeons, Mr Silk retired from full-time employment, however, he continued his service with the company as a committee member of the 25 Club, which recognises the service of employees who have been with the group for over 25 years.

e was also heavily involved with the Ridgeons' Link Scheme, a network of former employees who ensure that regular contact is made with retired staff and their widows and widowers