Ipswich: Motorbikes gather in funeral escort of Tostock man

Around 50 bikers took part in the procession for Maurice Brame - described by his family as having "a heart of gold" - who died in a collision on the A14 in September while driving to work at GMA Haulage, where he had worked for 27 years.

He was 61. 

Around 50 bikers gathered in Ipswich on Friday for the funeral of fellow biker Maurice Brame from Tostock. (Image: Charlotte Bond)

According to his devastated family, Maurice, from Tostock, was “a funny chap” and very loving. He and his brother Glyn use to run a disco together called “Masterblaster" and his CB Radio call name was “Woodchopper".

His fiancée, Jenny, said Maurice was a “biker guy through and through".

Speaking at the time of his death, Maurice’s family said: “The great loves of his life were his fiancée Jenny of eight years, his motorbike, his football team Leeds United and his music. 

Maurice Brame (Image: Suffolk Constabulary)

“Maurice was a funny chap and always said he should have been a comedian with all the little sayings he would come out with. 

“Anyone that knew or met Maurice, he would leave a lasting impression on them. Maurice had a heart of gold, he was very loving and would do anything for anyone if he could.”  

The bikers gave Maurice Brame's coffin a guard of honour as he made his way to his final resting place. (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Organiser Jay Lorenz said that bikers were all part of a community. (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Not every biker would have known Maurice Brame personally, but took part in the escort to pay tribute to a fellow biker. (Image: Charlotte Bond)

The procession was organised by Jay Lorenz from Felixstowe, who has organised many funeral escorts over the years for people in Suffolk. 

He explained that not every biker in attendance on Friday would have known Maurice, but that paying their respects to a fellow biker was important in the biking community. 

“We’re a community,” said Mr Lorenz. “The biking community doesn’t ask anything in return. We do this because we’re all part of a community.” 

Maurice Brame, who died in an accident on the A14 in September 2022 (Image: Suffolk Constabulary)

He said he hoped that these processions could offer families some comfort on a very difficult day. 

“It gives people a lasting memory. It shows that, even though some people arriving didn’t know the person being put to rest, they would still like to show their respects,” he said. 

He said that some of the bikers taking part on Friday had been inspired to do so after motorbikes escorts were present for the funerals of their own loved ones. 

Maurice Brame was laid to rest at Seven Hills Crematorium in Nacton, Ipswich on November 4.