Bruce joins 'retirement community'

The last day of July marked the end of 40 years of hard work for local businessman Bruce Murray, who is now joining the “retirement community” by retreating to his farm Lollipop Lane just outside of Louis Trichardt. He is, however, quick to point out that he will not be sitting on his stoep waiting for the sun to set as he has lots to do on the farm.

Internationally, Bruce is known by his formal title in Scotland as the 12^th Duke of Atholl. Locally, he is better known as the owner of The Stamp Shop.

The 63-year-old Bruce founded the business in 1998, originally based at this home. Rubber stamps were his only product then. He later found a business premises, totalling only 4x4 metres. From there the business diversified into signage, with a small plotter used to prepare vinyl lettering. Several years later, a laser engraver was introduced for the manufacture of rubber stamps as well as more technologically up-to-date equipment to produce commercial signage. He also moved to his current premises on the corner of Rissik and Burger Street. Until 2015, Bruce worked alone in his shop and was then joined by Edomore, who tended to the manufacturing of signboards.

During July this year, Bruce sold his business to Jenni Lombard. Lombard is as local as they get, having moved here with her family at the age of three. According to Jenni, she intends building on The Stamp Shop’s reputation of fast and friendly service, as well as Bruce’s prime philosophy that a happy client is worth more than the monetary value of the job.

For now, Bruce’s focus will be on his farm; he has a micro-farming setup with avos and macadamias. He says he will definitely not be spending more time at his castle in Scotland as he is leaving the duties there to his two sons, Michael and David. As the eldest, Michael is next in line for the title of Duke of Atholl. Bruce, as a keen off-road motorcyclist, also intends exploring the Soutpansberg more. “There is still a lot of it that I have not seen,” says Bruce.

“From my side I would like to thank the whole community of Louis Trichardt. I have enjoyed fantastic support from the local community and that is why my philosophy is that I would rather have a happy customer than the money, if it comes down to it,” says Bruce.

Officially, Jenni took over on 1 August. Bruce will, however, remain at the shop until she is completely settled in and knows all the customers. He urged the community to continue their support of the shop and Jenni.

News - Date: 03 August 2023

Andries van Zyl

Andries joined the Zoutpansberger and Limpopo Mirror in April 1993 as a darkroom assistant. Within a couple of months he moved over to the production side of the newspaper and eventually doubled as a reporter. In 1995 he left the newspaper group and travelled overseas for a couple of months. In 1996, Andries rejoined the Zoutpansberger as a reporter. In August 2002, he was appointed as News Editor of the Zoutpansberger, a position he holds until today.

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