Candles of Remembrance & Exhibition - 100 Years of the New Forest Compounds

Candle Lighting Ceremony, Thorney Hill, New Forest, Hampshire - 30th May

Honouring Our History • Remembering Our Ancestors

It has been 100 years since our ancestors were ushered into the New Forest compounds, forcing movement to cease around the New Forest.

So many stories have been written about our people by those outside of our community, but only those who truly lived that life, and the families who carry those memories, can fully understand the impact it had on generations.

While working alongside others on the Thorney Hill photo exhibition, Katie Light (Kushti Bok) wanted to do something special to honour not only her own family who lived on the Longdown compound, but every family and ancestor connected to the compounds.

In true Romany style, people came together to support her wish.

A commemorative plaque has been created in honour of the families who lived across the compounds and the lives they built there.

Event Programme

12 Midday – 3:55pm

Exhibition • Activities • History Boards • Community Gathering

4pm – 5pm

Special Service

Romany Plaque Unveiling

Candle Lighting Ceremony

Poetry Readings & Reflection

Candles will be lit in remembrance of our ancestors and their enduring legacy.

If you are unable to attend, you are invited to honour your loved ones from home by lighting a candle at 4:30pm in memory of our ancestors and all those connected to the compounds.

Thorney Hill Additional Exhibition Dates

30th May – 1st June 2026

Thorney Hill Community Centre

Burley Road, Bransgore, Christchurch BH23 8DQ

The first day of the event opens at 12 midday on 30th May 2026.

All events are free to attend.

Limited free parking available.

Ramp access available.

We welcome you to come along, share stories, honour our history, and be part of this special day of remembrance.

Dee Cooper for the Travellers Times