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Broadstairs News, Broadstairs (2025)

05/07/2025

We have more sad news to announce.

Our famous Broadstairs baker Michael Dicks - known locally as "Mr Crustie" - has died.

Michael, 82, passed away peacefully on Thursday, following a recent illness.

Michael began baking on the Isle in the 1980s, opening his Broadstairs branch and with his business partner Chris Ridge opened a second bakers in Cliftonville, before expanding into Ramsgate.

He was instrumental in producing the Kentish Gypsy Tart and supplying Asda and Morrisons supermarkets across the South, as well as to local stockists in Kent, from a factory in Manston.

Michael said "The tart was first made by a farmers wife who saw some hungry gypsy children playing outside her home. 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 - and has been a firm favourite in Kent for many years."

Mr Dicks was also President of the Rotary Club of Broadstairs, which on a personal level is where I first met Michael.

Picture the scene. It was the 2nd December and this newspaper had to be sent to the printers the following day. The problem was I had no relevant photograph for the front page of our Christmas edition. As readers will know, our front page always has a large photograph which is relevant to the town and the contents of the paper. But I did not have one.

Luckily the friendly and helpful Mr Dicks appeared opposite our offices in the form of Father Christmas, and it not only gave me a perfect front page image, but also the start of a business friendship which lasted until his passing.

Michael was not just a local businessman and employer of whom many residents would recognise, but also wanted to help the local community with his role at the Rotary Club and sitting outside in the freezing cold each winter to delight young children who wanted to meet 'Santa' - while raising money for such worthy local causes.

Michael's passing comes just two days after another local shopkeeper, Henry Fairley who owned H.E. Harringtons ironmongers, died aged 86.

Our condolences go to his wife Sheila and his family.

Robert Quade

08/05/2025

Broadstairs High Street is closed at the lower end for emergency water works.

Businesses are still open.

Pedestrians can still access the High Street and Albion Street/Charlotte St/Seafront.

26/03/2025

BROADSTAIRS NEWS EXCLUSIVE: HIGH STREET POUNDLAND TO CLOSE IN JUNE

[Wednesday 26 March 2025 16:30]

A popular High Street store is to close towards the end of June after the business was unable to secure a long-term lease.

Poundland only opened on 10 September 2022, after Tesco relocated to newly-built premises further along the high street.

Broadstairs News Editor, Robert Quade said: "At first there were mixed feelings about the store coming to Broadstairs, but it has since proved a very popular addition to the town's retail offering - which is why it came as a surprise when I heard from sources last week that staff had been told that their store was to close before the start of the main summer season."

"As our neighbours, I have to say that they have some of the friendliest staff who have time to speak to all their customers, compared to the larger branches, which is why I waited for official confirmation, and for all staff to be told the sad news, before going public with this story."

When I approached Poundland, a spokesman confirmed: "It’s correct we’re to close our Broadstairs high street store at the end of June."

He continued: "I'm afraid we've been unable to secure a long-term lease that would enable us to keep trading, and we know how disappointing this will be to customers and colleagues."

"Whenever we close a store in circumstances like these, we do all we can to look for other opportunities for colleagues and that work is now underway and we hope to be able to accommodate colleagues at nearby stores."

"We’d like to thank customers in Broadstairs for their continued support – we look forward to serving them over the next three months in Broadstairs, and welcoming them after that to our nearby stores at Westwood Cross Retail Park, Margate High Street and Ramsgate High Street."

We at Broadstairs News hope that all staff will be able to secure jobs at the other three branches or elsewhere in the local area.

Poundland

24/12/2024

He's not even been born yet!!! Spotted in Poundland, . I'm sure most supermarkets are just the same!! Would've expected Valentines Day next though 😂

08/11/2024

Kent Police have today released CCTV images of two men who they would like to speak to in relation to a serious assault which took place in Broadstairs last month.

At around 1.17am on Sunday 27 October 2024, a man was assaulted inside and then outside The Dolphin pub in Albion Street.

The victim suffered serious head injuries, for which he continues to receive treatment.

A 33-year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of assault and has been bailed pending further enquiries.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing and officers have released CCTV images of two men they believe may be able to assist enquiries.

Police are also very keen to speak to a man believed to have witnessed the incident, described as having a white beard and wearing a flat cap and dark 'bomber' jacket.

Anyone who recognises the men pictured, or who has any information, is urged to call Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting reference 46/182271/24.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

02/11/2024

organised further weeding of the towns flowerbeds and mass Spring bulb planting recently.

Hundreds of crocus bulbs were planted by volunteers, Rotary Club, local business The Potting Shed and the Mayor of Broadstairs and St Peter's, Cllr Mike Garner, near Louisa Bay and in our other display beds, which will brighten up our town by next spring.

This was further supported financially by a welcome donation of £500 from the Asda Foundation.

If you'd like to find out more about helping future garden projects or with donating equipment and plants, please email: [email protected].

Rotary Club of Broadstairs Rotary Club of Broadstairs The Potting Shed Landscapes Ltd Broadstairs & St. Peter's Town Council

25/10/2024

It's a beautiful late October morning here in Broadstairs, with warm temperatures by 10am. It's much quieter than it was in the summer, so if locals prefer the lack of crowds, today really is the perfect day for a healthy walk in to town.

Check out our amazing local independent businesses who need your support now more than ever.

We also have news about the next edition of Broadstairs News...with a new range of cost effective advertising opportunities during the cost of living crisis.

22/09/2024

Opened earlier this summer, LE VINTAGE, a restaurant, wine, and cocktail bar located at 55 Albion Street, Broadstairs, has updated its menu with sizzling new additions!

The new additions include Espetada grilled chicken skewers and hot stone steaks.

I recently tried one of their ribeye steaks, which is initially served blue, allowing customers to cook it to their preference on a hot stone — an experience that was unique for me and stood out. The ribeye was tender and flavourful, melting in the mouth with every bite. It was perfectly accompanied by garlic butter and peppercorn sauce, enhancing the steak's already exquisite flavour.

The meal also included crispy, thick-cut chips that were nicely seasoned, along with a fresh salad that added a lighter touch to the plate.

The atmosphere inside Le Vintage is delightful, featuring calm music, friendly staff, and candlelit tables. The interior design is both pleasing and attractive, providing a sophisticated yet relaxed dining experience.

Taylor Nicol, the general manager of Le Vintage, describes the restaurant as "the perfect balance between sophistication and relaxation."

The drinks menu at Le Vintage is equally impressive, offering a diverse selection of wines and expertly crafted cocktails, as well as a range of beers, spirits, and soft drinks.

After I finished my meal, I enjoyed an expertly crafted espresso martini, made with the perfect blend of vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso.

Le Vintage is a must-visit destination for those seeking a refined yet relaxed dining experience with outstanding food and drinks that are sure to please everyone.

Review by Kieron Day

26/08/2024

Tomorrow there will be a chance to speak to Town Council, local Councillors, Kent County Council Councillors, Kent Police and other interested parties about road and traffic issues in Broadstairs and St Peter's.

Taking the form of drop-in sessions, the event will be held at Pierremont Hall between 11am and 6pm, with a break for lunch between 1pm and 2pm.

19/08/2024

BATTLE TO SAVE BUCKMASTER HOUSE BY LISTING BUILDING HAS BEEN LOST

The former Abbeyfield Group home for the elderly overlooking the seafront at Broadstairs has lost its appeal to gain listed status.

Buckmaster House, which first opened on 31st August 1895 as a home for Brixton ladies to convalesce, was closed to residents on 29th April this year. After their fight to prevent its closure was lost, the attention of the Buckmaster Support Group and other interested parties was to protect the building from possible redevelopment or demolition. This is why an appeal was made to the Secretary of State to rethink an earlier rejection to not list the landmark Western Esplanade property.

The Secretary of State has announced that the original decision to not list the building has been upheld.

The applicants of the appeal made reference to a nearby listed building which was also designed for convalescence. The Yarrow was built in 1895 - the same year as the Buckmaster Memorial Home - as a convalescent home for children by Sir Alfred Yarrow, Bart. The Secretary of State did not agree with such a comparison, stating that "Yarrow’s internal plan can be considered more architecturally significant given its oversized corridors designed to provide indoor play areas."

"The key point of comparison in this regard is that the elevations at Yarrow can be considered more striking and accomplished than the more typical late-Victorian elevations of Buckmaster House."

Additionally, the point that Buckmaster faces the sea which in itself could make the prominent building be deemed of special architectural interest was dismissed by the Secretary of State: "The reference to sea-facing frontage is used for orientation, rather than to suggest that a sea-facing elevation is in itself of special architectural interest."

The appellants tried to argue that this building could be lost forever if it is later demolished, but this concern was also discounted by the Inspectorate who stated that "planning considerations and local importance, cannot be taken into account. As such the potential future threat you have mentioned [of demolition] is not a relevant consideration."

In conclusion, the Department for Media, Culture and Sport said "The Secretary of State, therefore, after taking all relevant information into consideration, concludes that Buckmaster House does not meet the high bar of special architectural or historic interest in a national context and therefore is not added to the statutory list."

It will be a very sad day for Broadstairs if this large, landmark building is ever lost, especially as so many grand buildings that once overlooked the sea on both esplanades have been lost to rebuilding since the 1960s.

22/07/2024

Sunday night saw the latest Poetry Club, held in the intimate and artistic venue that is Kent Talents Art Centre & Gallery in Broadstairs.

This is always a popular bi-monthly event in which to cover - from the poetry read and performed to the friendly atmosphere and the hospitable location - this has quickly established itself within the Broadstairs artistic calendar.

Anyone with a love of poetry can attend, from beginners to those more familiar with storytelling and the open-mic style of performance. No matter what ones abilities or background though, all participants always receive a warm welcome from a supporting audience. In fact this club as become so popular of late, attracting wordsmiths and hailing from the local area, as well as from London and Buckinghamshire.

July's meeting included poetry from Chris Matthewman, Jo Field, Dave Part, Cheryl-lya Broadfoot, Cheryl, Nick Goodwin, Frank Cocker, Nelissa Mendy, Bee McCormack Henderson (AKA Lorraine Williams, Editor of The Broadstairs Beacon, Annabelle Higgins and Nancy Charley.

Poems were either read or accompanied by music, sung without music - and even incorporated the playing of a recorder - such is the versatility of talent on display last night at Artist Lana Arkhi Albion Street gallery.

04/07/2024

Polls close tonight at 10pm.

If you'd like to exercise your democratic right, make sure you vote at a polling station before 10pm. Remember to take photo ID with you.

You are choosing your local MP to represent your interests in Parliament.

Candidates for the East Thanet Parliamentary Constituency are:

POLLY BILLINGTON, Labour
GRAHAME BIRCHALL, Independent
HELEN HARRISON, Conservative
PAUL HOLTON, Independent
STEVE ROBERTS, Green
MO SHAFAEI, Independent
JAI SINGH, Liberal Democrat
PAUL WEBB, Reform UK

Make your vote count.

Broadstairs News

05/07/2025

08/05/2025

26/03/2025

24/12/2024

08/11/2024

02/11/2024

25/10/2024

22/09/2024

26/08/2024

19/08/2024

22/07/2024

04/07/2024

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