Margate legend Maurice Morris has passed away at the age of 91.
Instantly recognisable as a Margate fixture, Maurice lived his entire life in the town and was a familiar figure to many.
From the 1950s to 1990s Maurice worked in various roles at Dreamland, including as an usher at the cinema. He was also known to many of the big bands, including The Who and The Yardbirds, which came to Dreamland in the 60s and 70s as he would bring in their equipment.
Maurice could also lay claim to being the man who once flooded Dreamland!
Mick and Shirley Tomlinson have been looking out for Maurice for more than 20 years since he underwent chemo treatment for cancer and then went into remission. Mick had known Maurice since their days at Dreamland in the 60s.
Mick said: “Maurice was well-known when I worked at Dreamland as a DJ from the mid-60s. He would lug in the heavy gear for all the big name groups like The Who and The Yardbirds.
“One time all the water had to be turned off overnight and Maurice was there cleaning that night and couldn’t understand why there was no water. He turned all the taps on so when the water came back on the whole Dreamland complex was flooded with so much water in the cellars and flowing into the main entrance!”
Photo Carl Hudson
A regular at the Margate carnival, often on his bike and in a pearly king outfit, and known for delivering local papers in recent years, Maurice was a much loved resident of Dane Valley.
In 2017 he was presented a Dane Valley citizen award in a scheme launched by the then-ward councillors including Gary Taylor.
He celebrated his 90th in October 2022 when Shirley and Mick arranged a party at the Greek Taverna in Westgate to mark the milestone.
Maurice had lived a full and independent life on his own terms and passed away at his home.
Mick said: “So many people thought the world of him, we have lost another Margate person but he’s at peace now.”
Funeral details have not yet been confirmed. However, Shirley and Kay Eastoe, who also looked after Maurice, said a fundraiser will be launched to help pay for the funeral, headstone, a bench and something permanent in the town as a memorial to Maurice.
Rip Maurice. A true legend.
They don’t make ’em like that anymore !
There are no more true characters left – and certainly not one to fill Maurice’s boots.
Saddened to hear about the passing of Maurice Morris (Mr Margate) He has graced the streets of Margate for 90+ years and it will feel odd not seeing him about anymore. R.I.P Maurice you will be missed by many x
Good bless maurice, have seen this lovely warm man all my life walking around Margate infact drove passed him last he was in Cecil Square pushing his bike as always
I know he will be missed in Margate bless you maurice
One of Margate’s great characters.
RIP Maurice.
I hope details of his funeral will be released as well as the route, I think many would take the time to line the route to say farewell to such a Margate icon.
R.I.P. Maurice a wonderful man who was always keen to help others. Xxx
RIP MR MARGATE. It was an honour to have known & met you. So so many stories you held in your memory, you could’ve & should’ve written a book. May you get the send off you so deserve. Mr Maurice Morris
Really sad to hear this. Everyone loved Maurice!
rip maurice , i can remember you so well in the good times in the 70,s and mick tee and all the great bands , you must have seen them all .
The Mayor of Margate should have awarded Maurice Freedom of the town years ago so he could have enjoyed it. He has done more for Margate in different ways than many others could and really deserved some sort of recognition.
So sad to read today that he has passed, bless him.
Rest now Maurice, you did your bit!
So sad to hear of Maurice’s passing.
I remember him from the 60s when he would be selling evening newspapers from the Marine Terrace steps of Dreamland cinema. “Paperrrrrr, Paperrrrrrr”, and yes, EVENING newspapers!
I never knew him personally but always knew who he was, we all did.
Mr Margate, rest in peace, you will always be remembered locally with great affection.
A long association with Dreamland – thats where I first knew him. Long carnival association and raising money for charities. Always rode his bike – 🚲 I hope there’s a bike for you in heaven. RIP
I was miss gogo girl 1969, Maurice was always part of Margate. Mick T use to dj in the Bali Hi and Maurice would pop in for a drink. 91 is an impressive age but I’m not surprised because he was always out and about keeping healthy
R.I.P Mr Margate 💙
RIP, MM 🌹