Hi Mill CIC

Hi Mill CIC Creating an artistic and creative trades community in the heart of Alston

That's one out... Two more to go. This used to contain mentholated spirits which were burned by the mould makers at prec...
06/08/2026

That's one out... Two more to go.
This used to contain mentholated spirits which were burned by the mould makers at precision products

Another workshop finished at the High Mill site.
26/07/2026

Another workshop finished at the High Mill site.

Volunteer Wednesdays at High Mill, AlstonStarting Wednesday 15th, High Mill will be holding a regular volunteer day ever...
05/07/2026

Volunteer Wednesdays at High Mill, Alston

Starting Wednesday 15th, High Mill will be holding a regular volunteer day every Wednesday, 10:00am–4:30pm.

We will be skipping Wednesday 22nd due to jury duty, then continuing every Wednesday for the foreseeable future.

This is a chance to get involved at the very beginning of an exciting restoration project and help bring one of Alston’s most important historic buildings back to life.

There is work available for all levels of ability. Some jobs will be light and practical, while others will suit people who are happy to get properly stuck in. Early tasks will include:

Clearing rooms ready for contract works

Moving and sorting materials

Light demolition, including removing old ceilings

Sorting through historic casting moulds, disposing of damaged ones and cleaning/preserving the interesting examples

De-nailing timber joints

Sanding staircases and floors

Assisting with interior joinery work

Hacking out old mortar

Learning how hot lime is used before helping with future room fit-outs

As the project develops, and subject to prospective funding in 2027, we hope to offer training opportunities in hot lime pointing, lime plastering and lime washing. These are traditional building skills that will be central to the repair and conservation of High Mill.

There will be 7 volunteer training spaces available, offered on a first come, first considered basis, so getting involved early is a great way to show interest and help secure a place.

No experience is necessary. PPE will be provided (bring your own steel-toe-cap footwear if needed). All we ask is that you bring a willingness to help, learn, and be part of something meaningful.

Whether you can stay for the full day or just drop in for a few hours, you would be very welcome.

Come along, get stuck in, learn new skills, and help preserve Alston’s heritage.

Contact Jon Muir on 07514480109 or message us here [email protected]

A before view of the previous post
14/05/2026

A before view of the previous post

More paint, some finishing touches and only one last insulated panel to put up. This is turning into a lovely workshop. ...
14/05/2026

More paint, some finishing touches and only one last insulated panel to put up. This is turning into a lovely workshop.

A refurbished frame and a new metal and timber board door on the annexe. Slowly but surely making this site a bit nicer ...
09/05/2026

A refurbished frame and a new metal and timber board door on the annexe. Slowly but surely making this site a bit nicer to look at.

Envisioning the community room at High Mill with some AI prompts which have gone a little skewed but it's close enough.....
04/05/2026

Envisioning the community room at High Mill with some AI prompts which have gone a little skewed but it's close enough.... I'm especially excited about the fish tank in the wall!

Unfortunately our funding bid for this year's work has been rejected by Heritage Lottery. We are still applying for Hist...
21/04/2026

Unfortunately our funding bid for this year's work has been rejected by Heritage Lottery. We are still applying for Historic England and AHF but if and by the time these come through we will be too far into the year to have the exterior complete by winter. We're not giving up though!
Thanks to W&F council who granted £25,000 last year to buy all the interior materials we need, we can still make progress and still have the potential to get artists working here by the end of the year. Unfortunately, said artists may need to contend with a bit of exterior renovation work next spring. We plan to spend this year applying for funding for next year's exterior work which unfortunately puts the building at greater risk of deterioration this year but we'll do our best to minimise any damage. Hopefully we can secure some emergency repair funding to fix the guttering which will stop the majority of the current water ingress problems...

Any volunteering this year would be much appreciated.


Space cleared, water supply brought up and the insulated ceiling is mostly fitted along with air bricks. Things are comi...
17/04/2026

Space cleared, water supply brought up and the insulated ceiling is mostly fitted along with air bricks. Things are coming along.

Anti slip paint, check. Handrails coming soon!
15/04/2026

Anti slip paint, check. Handrails coming soon!

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High Mill
Alston
CA93HS

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