Rob Blanch, Bogangar
It was with great pleasure that I read the tribute to Bridglands, celebrating 110 years of successful trading as a family-owned business in Mullumbimby. It brought back many fond memories of my childhood, which I spent in the district during the 1950s.
GD (Dudley) Bridgland and my father, Clarence Blanch, were very good friends, who were both violin players.
Dudley often visited our home Burnside, now Shearwater, to play music.
When my father acquired an old violin, a concert model with a Stradivarius label, Dudley kindly offered to restore it to its former glory.
The violin is currently being used by one of my nieces.
I would like to congratulate the Bridgland family on 110 years of successful trading as an ethical business in Mullumbimby, and wish them continued success into the future.
Rob, I was so excited to find this story! GD Bridgland was my great grandfather, and his violin that you mentioned, now belongs to me. I’m actually trying to track down some more information about the history of GD, and in particular, this violin! I don’t know if this comment gets sent to you or not, but I would really love to get in touch with you somehow.