Pick up incredible bargains while supporting a vital charitable cause as Tools for Self Reliance hosts their popular annual fundraising event, Tea for Tools, at their Netley Marsh HQ on Saturday 8th August 2026! Known as their biggest tool and haberdashery sale of the year, this family-friendly afternoon features a massive range of refurbished hand and power tools, sewing machines, fabrics, crafting supplies, tea, homemade cakes, a grand raffle, and a hands-on slow stitch workshop—with all proceeds directly funding the charity’s Transition to Work programme.
Event Schedule & Timetable
The Tea for Tools sale takes place at the Tools for Self Reliance headquarters in Netley Marsh on a Saturday afternoon:
- Event Date: Saturday 8th August 2026
- Event Times: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- Slow Stitch Workshop: Runs during the afternoon (Advance booking required)
- Venue Location: Tools for Self Reliance, Ringwood Road, Netley Marsh, Southampton (SO40 7GY)
Attractions & Event Highlights
A bustling fundraising afternoon packed with bargains, crafts, delicious food, and prizes for a great cause:
- Refurbished Tool & Equipment Sale: Browse a huge collection of quality refurbished hand tools, power tools, gardening equipment, and sewing machines at bargain prices.
- Haberdashery & Craft Supplies: Explore extensive selections of fabrics, sewing materials, quilting items, and haberdashery supplies.
- “Folk Heart – Slow Stitch Patchwork” Workshop: Participate in an engaging creative workshop for £15 per person (all materials included; pre-booking required by emailing [email protected] or calling 02380 869697).
- Grand Fundraising Raffle: Enter to win fantastic prizes, including a Red Funnel return ferry crossing to the Isle of Wight.
- Homemade Refreshments: Enjoy tea, coffee, soft drinks, and a wide selection of fresh homemade cakes.
- Support a Good Cause: All event proceeds directly fund the charity’s Transition to Work programme.
Ticket Types & Pricing
Entry to the main grounds and sale area is free for all visitors:
- Event Admission: FREE
- Folk Heart Workshop: £15.00 per person (Materials included; pre-booking required)
How to Get to Tools for Self Reliance Netley Marsh
The TFSR headquarters are located along the A336 Ringwood Road in Netley Marsh, on the edge of the New Forest:
- By Car: Accessible via the M27 Junction 2 or A35/A336 from Totton, following Ringwood Road directly into Netley Marsh (SO40 7GY).
- By Bus: Bluestar Service 11 or 12 runs between Southampton, Totton, and Lyndhurst/Cadnam, stopping close to Ringwood Road near the headquarters.
- By Train: Totton Railway Station is the nearest train station, situated approximately 2.5 miles away (a short bus ride or taxi journey).
Parking Information
Parking details for the Netley Marsh HQ event:
- On-Site Parking: Designated parking spaces are available on-site at the TFSR site for visitors.
- Overflow & Street Parking: Additional roadside parking is available along designated stretches of Ringwood Road and neighboring local roads (please park responsibly).
Discover More Local Events
Looking for more exciting things to do across the region? Check out our complete list of What’s On in Southampton to discover the latest charity sales, workshops, family events, and local markets happening near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Tea for Tools sale taking place?
- The event takes place on Saturday 8th August 2026, running from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
- Where is the event held?
- The sale takes place at the Tools for Self Reliance headquarters on Ringwood Road, Netley Marsh, Southampton (SO40 7GY).
- How much does entry cost?
- General entry to the sale and venue grounds is completely free.
- What items are available to buy at the sale?
- Visitors can buy refurbished hand tools, power tools, gardening equipment, sewing machines, haberdashery supplies, fabrics, and craft materials.
- How do I book the “Folk Heart – Slow Stitch Patchwork” workshop?
- The workshop costs £15 (materials included) and requires advance booking by emailing [email protected] or calling 02380 869697.
- What food and drink options are available?
- Tea, coffee, soft drinks, and a large assortment of homemade cakes will be available to purchase throughout the afternoon.
- What prizes can be won in the raffle?
- The raffle features various prizes, including a Red Funnel return ferry crossing ticket to the Isle of Wight.
- Where do the event proceeds go?
- All funds raised from the event support Tools for Self Reliance’s Transition to Work programme.
- Is parking available at Netley Marsh HQ?
- Yes, on-site parking is available, along with additional roadside parking along Ringwood Road.
- What is the nearest train station to the venue?
- Totton Railway Station is the closest station, located roughly 2.5 miles away.