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The town of Broadstairs is mourning the loss of one of its most cherished figures, Michael Dicks, known to many as “Mr Crustie”, who has died at the age of 82.
Michael passed away peacefully on Thursday following a recent illness, leaving behind a legacy as one of Kent’s most respected bakers and community champions.
A Baking Legend in Thanet
Michael Dicks began baking on the Isle of Thanet in the 1980s, and quickly became a household name with his shop in Broadstairs. Alongside his business partner Chris Ridge, he expanded operations to Cliftonville and Ramsgate, and eventually to a production facility in Manston.
Perhaps most famously, he was known for perfecting and commercializing the Kentish Gypsy Tart, a traditional local dessert. His factory supplied the tart to Asda, Morrisons, and numerous independent retailers across Kent and the South of England.
“The tart was first made by a farmer’s wife who saw some hungry gypsy children playing outside her home,” Michael once said.
“She only had a few things in her pantry, so with what she had, she made the tart for the children—and the Gypsy Tart was born.”
Community Champion and Santa Claus Extraordinaire
Beyond baking, Michael was a proud President of the Rotary Club of Broadstairs, regularly taking part in community events and Christmas fundraising campaigns.
In a touching recollection, Robert Quade, a local journalist and friend, remembered how Michael saved the day during a frantic newspaper deadline in December:
“I had no photograph for the Christmas front page—until Michael appeared outside dressed as Father Christmas. That image became not just a perfect front page, but the start of a business friendship that lasted until his passing.”
Michael was well known for braving freezing December temperatures dressed as Santa, bringing joy to local children and raising money for local causes in the process.
A Double Loss for Broadstairs
Michael’s passing comes just two days after the death of another well-known Broadstairs shopkeeper, Henry Fairley, owner of H.E. Harringtons ironmongers, who died aged 86.
The community now finds itself grieving the loss of two stalwarts who helped shape the character and charm of Broadstairs for decades.
Fondly Remembered
Michael leaves behind his wife Sheila, a wide circle of friends and colleagues, and a community who will remember him not just for his pastries and tarts, but for his kindness, humour, and service to others.
The Rotary Club and other local groups are expected to pay tribute to Michael’s life and legacy in the coming days.
Our deepest condolences go to Sheila and the Dicks family.
