Best Wishes - 23 Fore Street

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In 1948, 23, Fore Street was purchased by Francis McMillan. He had been born in Bridgwater in 1913, where his father owned a menswear shop. Francis moved to Plymouth to train and work in John Yeo’s, a Department Store, where he also met and married Audrey Triscott in 1939.

His parents retired to Chard and helped Francis to buy 23, Fore Street which became McMillans Tailors and Outfitters.The shop sold both off the peg and made to measure suits and clothing.

Francis would visit some customers, such as farmers, at their homes to take their measurements for clothing, to save them from having to visit the shop.

McMillans also provided a dry cleaning service. The shop continued, adapting to changing fashions still providing suits into the 1990s.

Francis McMillan retired in 1978, but the shop continued under the management of Dave Williams until 1993.

The shop is still owned by the same family, as Mr. McMillans daughter Jean still owns and lives on the property.

In 1995 the premises became a greetings card and gift shop under the name, Mermaid Designs. Then in 2003 it became “Best Wishes”, run by Mrs Cath Ollerhead.

The present tenants, Jayne and Mark Witney continue selling cards and gifts under the same name of Best Wishes.