A LONG time friend and customer has paid tribute to local publican Margaret Orman of the Whitmore Arms, whose death from coronavirus was reported on Thurrock Nub News on Thursday evening.

Sue Yates, chair of Thurrock's Historical Society has known Margaret and husband Jim for more than two decades and says she was a remarkable woman, known for 'the Maggie effect'.

Margaret and Jim took over the Whitmore Arms, in Rectory Road, Orsett, in September 1994 before daughter Victoria Steadman joined the pub as a licensee in 2006.

Three weeks ago, Margaret was taken ill from the Covid-19 virus and was taken to Basildon Hospital for treatment. She spent two weeks receiving treatment, including one week in an intensive care unit, but passed away on Thursday.

Sue Yates is among many who have paid tribute, saying: "I first met Margaret when she and Jimmy took over the Marisco pub in Aveley.

"It had become a bit rundown but 'the Maggie effect' soon became evident.

"What had become dim and dingy was now bright and sparkling. Customers began returning as it was a friendly and welcoming pub once again.

"Maggie and Jim left Aveley to take over the Whitmore Arms.

"Whenever I visited the Whitmore, normally with John Livermore and Eddie Waterman who both worked with Jimmy Orman, the place was packed and the smell of gorgeous food permeated the place. Maggie was a very good cook and her liver, bacon and onions was the best I ever tasted.

"Any pub run by Maggie was warm, friendly, well run and spotlessly clean with fabulous home cooked food. The staff were always attentive and Maggie was always there to make sure everything was running like clockwork.

"She was remarkable and will be very much missed, not by her family but the whole Thurrock community."

Victoria has told how her mum died just as tribute was being paid to the NHS on Thursday evening at Basildon. She says: "We cannot thank Basildon Hospital enough for all they did for Mum. They are truly amazing and selfless people.

"My mum slipped away as the 8pm clap for key workers took place."