So how do talented musicians and performance duos weather lockdown? How about performing online and local, or fundraising for great causes? Then of course what about writing and recording new material? That’s exactly how gifted musicians and performance duo, Skylark, have used their talents and time. They’ve managed to create more great music and help others along the way. Together they have given over 80 online performances, through the Forest of Dean Virtual Open Mic initiative alone.

Local charity Ready Steady Go has also benefited from their fundraising efforts at Live Music from South Wales. Ready Steady Go organises events and activities for children with autism. It’s a great initiative that allows the children to have fun and flourish in a structured environment.

Going virtual in lockdown has also seen Skylark online at Weymouth Open Mic and for The Gatehouse, Monmouth. They’ve performed in virtual gigs for Brockweir, Hewelsfield & St Briavels and for Lysaght Live too.

Lockdown has given the duo plenty of time to record more songs and ‘spruce up’ their set list. Now that things are easing they’ve even been able to play live at The Jukebox and Lime Tree Cafe Bar, (Facebook) in Chepstow.

Skylark are lucky enough to live locally in the beautiful Welsh countryside. The landscape has inspired much of their music and has seen them safely though lockdown. We look forward to welcoming them to Abbey Mill on 1st and 29th August 2021 and sharing their music with visitors and friends.

Following on from our successes with both Facebook and Instagram, we’re delighted to announce that you can now order directly from our website! Both Abbey Mill Shop and the Cider Press have begun digitising their stock, with Boat House, Wye Valley Craft Association and Woodland Studio soon to follow. You can now freely browse our collections from the comfort of your own home via our shop tab. Our stock is also frequently updated so be sure to regularly check out what we have to offer! Our on-line shop is a great option for those who want to shop locally and support independent businesses, but who may be a bit strapped for time! Happy shopping!

We’re been thinking of ways to keep our friends and visitors smiling, and help them celebrate their special occasions and still stay safe across lockdown. So many people have ordered our Afternoon High Tea Boxes, which we’ve been delighted to deliver to their doors. Christopher Wilson kindly told us about his experience through Facebook:

Treated my parent’s to an Abbey Mill afternoon tea yesterday. It was hand delivered to my door and was beautifully and thoughtfully put together. Everything was delicious and it was excellent value for money. A great treat for loved ones over Christmas and something to share with the family. Cannot recommend highly enough!

Christopher Wilson, Facebook

If you have a birthday, anniversary, special occasion or just really need a treat, please look at our box selections on our Deliveries page. You can phone through your order on 01291 689228 or email us here. We’re open for collections too and can meet most special dietary requirements. Life’s so much sweeter with a slice of cake!