In 2024 the country is commemorating the 80^th anniversary of D-day and as part of the commemorations, Friends of New Forest Airfields (FONFA) is taking the opportunity to promote understanding of the great events that took place and the people involved, by partnering with Ballard School on a number of initiatives, including an art exhibition at Exbury Gardens. 

Ballard School Art Department is renowned for its diversity, talent, quality, and achievement; covering a wide-range of activities; from drawing and painting,  mixed-media, 3D work using, wire and clay, textiles incorporating weaving, ceramics, silk painting and Batik.

Friends of the New Forest Airfields (FONFA) is a charity that was established to remember those who served on the twelve New Forest airfields during World War II and to preserve the heritage and their memory for future generations. The twelve airfields of the New Forest were crucial during the D-Day period in June 1944 with the arrival of the RAF 2^nd Tactical Airforce and the 9^th USAAF with 1200 fighter bombers and nightfighters to operate in support of Operation Overlord,  the Normandy invasion. Whilst the airfields were operational, over 24,000 military personnel were stationed there and a further 10,000 local civilians were engaged in various support roles; they therefore had a major impact on the local community, and FONFA are keen that this should be understood by people of all generations.

Free with gardens admission or Friends of Exbury membership.