The Orange Toolbox

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A multi award winning construction workshop designed to help develop a child’s knowledge and practical ability towards construction, resulting in valuable skills to utilise throughout life.

🏆 A Very Special Moment for The Orange ToolBox 🧰17th August 2026 — a day we’ll certainly remember!We were incredibly pro...
28/08/2026

🏆 A Very Special Moment for The Orange ToolBox 🧰

17th August 2026 — a day we’ll certainly remember!

We were incredibly proud to attend the Prestige Awards ceremony and receive:

🏆 Best Construction Skills Educator of the Year 2026/2027

What started as an idea to create opportunities for children and young people to build, create, learn and discover their potential through practical construction skills has grown into something we are incredibly proud of.

Seeing how many people believe in what The Orange ToolBox stands for, and the opportunities we are creating, makes this recognition even more special.

It was also incredibly special to have my wife beside me, sharing the moment and holding the award together. ❤️ As an NHS paramedic, a wonderful mum to our three beautiful young children, while also studying research and preparing for her Master’s, she has plenty on her plate — yet she still tirelessly supports me and the business.

A very special thank you to our incredible staff and volunteers. ❤️ Your time, energy, knowledge and commitment make what we do possible. This award belongs to you too.

We’re also incredibly grateful to the local businesses who continue to supply us with their surplus stock and materials because they believe in what we are doing and the practical skills we are delivering to children. Your ongoing support makes a real difference.

And a huge thank you to the parents who kindly donate materials and items they have spare at home. Every contribution helps and gets put to good use.

Finally, thank you to the Prestige Awards for recognising what we are building.

Our plans for expansion are rapidly moving forward, and we’re building some exciting connections with organisations across the construction industry that support children and young adults. These connections will create new opportunities, experiences and pathways for the children of The Orange ToolBox.

There’s so much more to come. 🧰🏆




















ThursdayTiny Tools session was about combine harvesters today. We made a sweet mini wooden combine complete with moving ...
27/08/2026

Thursday

Tiny Tools session was about combine harvesters today. We made a sweet mini wooden combine complete with moving wheels, header and boom. Followed by hammering in nails into scrap wood.

Primary session and we had a creative puzzle box made, two katana swords, a rocket ship, a wooden house box, a go cart for a pet dog, a bow and arrow and a few more items produced as well. Plus the canoe project was also worked on as well. Great job everyone.

Wednesday 11+ group made a small picture frame using mitred corner beading and a back board. There is a funky bench bein...
26/08/2026

Wednesday

11+ group made a small picture frame using mitred corner beading and a back board. There is a funky bench being produced and a well built and designed ramp being produced. We had a bicycle stand table made too. Unfortunately the finger skateboard half pipe veneer split upon fixing down, we almost had it having steam bent it into shape, the time spent between bending and fixing in the heat we have had was against us. So frustrating for the maker and indeed myself but we keep moving forward and learn from it.

Private 1:1 and we installed the perspex window for their treehouse back at their home. Brilliant.

Check out one of our group members who loves his tools. Today he came in wearing his new DEWALT hat he brought from B&Q. DEWALT you have one hell of a keen 10 year old who loves the brand ⭐. This young lad's knowledge on tools is mind-blowing.

25/08/2026

🔨 TUESDAY AT THE ORANGE TOOLBOX 🧰

Another brilliant day in the workshop, with so many different projects, ideas and skills being brought to life.

🌳 Private 1:1
Today we completed this very special box for one of our young ladies. Made from oak, with mitred corners, wooden dowels and a touch of wood glue to hold it all together. It was then carefully sanded, before adding two recessed hinges and a wooden cupboard door k**b to finish it off.

We absolutely loved this project. Seeing her develop new skills while creating something she hopes will last for a very, very long time is absolutely priceless. ❤️

⛴️ Private 1:1
The ferry boat was finished today by adding another handmade winch to go alongside the car ramp, which works using a separate winch we made last time.

We also added a hook at the back for mooring up — or at least, that's what we believe it's for! 😂

🧠 SEN Group
There was all manner of things going on today! A mobile phone holder, PS5 controller holder, marble run, bird feeding table and plenty more.

What imagination and creativity you all have. Well done, everyone! 👏🏻

🛹 11+ Group
A skateboard-type object was created, complete with a hole drilled through it so a rope could be threaded through, creating a way for it to be pulled along.

And we now have a handmade block planer holder for the workshop too! The children helped paint it, turning several different types of timber into something that now looks tidy and almost unnoticeable as a collection of offcuts. 👌🏻

Different projects. Different ideas. Different abilities.

But most importantly — hands-on learning, creativity, problem solving and the opportunity to build something real.

And that's what we love about The Orange ToolBox. 🧡🔨

20/08/2026

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR LOCAL POLICE TEAM 🧡🚔

Sometimes the best moments are the ones you don't plan.

Today, PCSO Susan and her colleague, who is currently training to become a detective, happened to be passing nearby and decided to pop in briefly to say hello to the children at The Orange ToolBox.

It was especially lovely to see PCSO Susan again, as she had previously visited us at the start of the summer holidays for a meet and greet with the children. It was great to see that connection continue with today's unexpected visit.

The children had the chance to meet them, ask questions, sit in the police car and turn on the blue lights. As they were leaving, PCSO Susan even gave everyone a special goodbye by sounding the sirens! 🚨

The excitement on the children's faces said it all.

What really stood out wasn't just the police car — it was the dedication of two members of our local police team taking the time to positively engage with local children.

These small interactions really do matter. They help build trust, confidence and positive relationships, while showing children that the police are approachable people who are there to help.

At The Orange ToolBox, we strongly believe in creating positive relationships between children and the wider community. That includes our police officers, firefighters, paramedics and all of our emergency services, who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.

We want children to grow up seeing these services as positive, approachable and familiar faces within their communities — not simply people they encounter when something has gone wrong.

A huge thank you to PCSO Susan and her colleague for taking the time to pop in today, for the work you do within our local community and for being such positive role models for our children.

We really do appreciate you. 🧡

And, of course, the visit inspired two children to head straight back into the workshop and make wooden handcuffs... 😂🔨

Positive relationships. Positive experiences. Positive role models.

That's something we are proud to support here at The Orange ToolBox. 🧡

20/08/2026

Thursday at The Orange ToolBox 🧡🔨

Tiny Tools kicked off our day with some serious construction! The children made a silage storage bay for their tractor toys, using the cordless jigsaw, followed by plenty of screwing, drilling and nailing as part of some brilliant experimental play.

Our SEN group then finished another go-kart, and this one runs smoothly and effortlessly thanks to some caster wheels their mum brought along and a bit of rope. Watching the joy beam from a child's face when their project meets and sometimes, exceeds their expectations is priceless. It really is why we love what we do here. 🧡

Then came our primary group, and what a session of talent!

We had a laptop-jointed oak fishing rod holder created, an awesome wooden monster truck, an oak sword and a hedgehog house with a curved roof all produced and finished.

But then there was this...

One of our regular members started building a CANOE! 🤯

Yes, you read that right — a canoe!

And what blows my mind most is that the frame you see in this reel has been created entirely through his own initiative, ingenuity and practical skills. He hasn't needed my input at all.

This is exactly why I believe so strongly in giving children access to a creative environment where they can experiment, problem-solve, take ideas and turn them into something real.

Sometimes you just have to step back and watch what they are capable of.

Speechless. 🤯🧡

And to top off an already brilliant session, we had a spontaneous visit from PCSO Susan and her colleague, who is currently training to become a detective.

PCSO Susan visited us at the start of the summer holidays to meet some of the local children, and today they were nearby and thought they would pop in to say hello.

The children got to sit in the police car, turn on the lights and ask plenty of questions. We are incredibly lucky to have such a great connection and rapport with our local police team.

Thank you, PCSO Susan and your colleague, for taking the time to pop in today. 🧡

And as a final goodbye, PCSO Susan turned on the sirens for the children. Definitely the perfect way to finish - wooden hand cuffs at the end of todays sessi

19/08/2026

Wednesday

11+ did very well this morning. The bedside table was finished and what a good job they did if making it. We had table legs reinforced and another leg added in the process. There was a few shelves made from 6x2's. Another sword was also produced. Plus a really sweet dolly's cot! Check out the oak handmade spice rack created in one session with a 10° lean so it sits flat to the wall at home plus looks stylish especially when the maker countersunk the fixings in as well. Nice job!

Private 1:1 this time out to a regular member of The Orange ToolBox at their home helping them with their tree house build.

TuesdayThe picture sums up our day today. Lots of creative work taking place!SEN session and we had a boat made. The Min...
18/08/2026

Tuesday

The picture sums up our day today. Lots of creative work taking place!

SEN session and we had a boat made. The Minecraft craft table is 99% finished. Lots of tools used as well.

Primary group did so well today. Lots of hardworking noise coming from our workshop throughout the session today. mitre saw, circular saw, table saw, jigsaw, sanders and hammers all getting a workout. We have a cool looking bedside table in the making plus a small sword. Two bench stools where made, one circle topped and another semi-circle. We also have a sail boat underway with the hull being hollowed by using the circular saw and chisel combo. What a creative group! Well done all.

Good morning everyone,After a busy weekend for The Orange ToolBox and yesterdays award ceremony, I have my eldest daught...
18/08/2026

Good morning everyone,

After a busy weekend for The Orange ToolBox and yesterdays award ceremony, I have my eldest daughter in this morning helping me tidy up before our next session. However a brownie break was required apparently 🤦‍♂️😄.

16/08/2026

What a blast we had at Summer Family Fun Day in Durrington today! 🧡

Our exhibit was constantly busy for the full four hours, with children getting stuck in, trying out a selection of our workshop tools and creating all manner of things from wood.

We had birdhouses, bird feeders, bench seats, boxes, cars, buses, race cars, tanks and some wonderfully unique creations too! 🔨🪚

The best part was seeing every child leave with a proud smile on their face, knowing they had made something with their very own hands and imagination.

Looking around from where we were, every exhibit and activity area seemed to be full of happy children simply playing, exploring and enjoying everything that was on offer. It was brilliant to see.

Please do give a follow and support the incredible work they do.

Although we already knew about the invaluable work Oscar’s Wish Foundation does to support families through bereavement, today really showed us just how much passion and dedication Gemma and her amazing team of volunteers put into everything they do.

What they achieved today was about so much more than raising money. They raised spirits, brought families together and created happy, carefree moments of play and enjoyment for so many children and families.

A truly fantastic day, and we were incredibly proud to be part of it. 🧡🔨🪚

We’re also really excited about collaborating with Oscar’s Wish Foundation very soon to help support the children and families they work with. Watch this space! 👀

Thank you to and for your continued support of our work through donation of surplus timber. Today this timber was in constant use.

Address

The Orange ToolBox Ltd, Brownings Farm Workshops, Lewes Road, Blackboys
Uckfield
TN225HG

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