Broadcaster Clare Balding backs Old Library Campaign in her hometown of Newbury

Clare Balding is giving her support to the Old Library Campaign.

The Corn Exchange has announced they will be welcoming the award-winning broadcaster and bestselling author for a special fundraising event, An Audience with Clare Balding, taking place to raise funds for the venue’s Old Library Campaign.

Audiences can join Clare on Tuesday, September 16 at 2pm for an inspiring and entertaining afternoon as she discusses her acclaimed debut novel Pastures New and shares personal stories about growing up around Newbury.

Known to millions for her sports broadcasting and coverage of major royal events, Clare brings the same warmth, wit, and insight to her writing as she does to her broadcasts.

Pastures New follows the journey of Alex, who has perfected the art of dodging responsibility during her almost 40 years - until an unexpected letter turns her life upside down. She inherited a crumbling sheep farm in deepest, wettest Wales. This was not her life plan. Not at all. Determined to avoid becoming the next local scandal, Alex sets out to uncover the truth behind her mystery inheritance.

Audience members will be able to purchase their own copy of Pastures New at the event, with Hungerford Bookshop attending the event to supply hard copies.

All proceeds from ticket sales will go towards the reopening of the historic former Carnegie library in Newbury which will become a permanent home for the Corn Exchange’s creative participation work. This much-loved building will enable this programme of work to expand, offering even more opportunities for local people of all ages to try something new, make social connections and benefit from the positive impact that engaging with creative activities can have on health and wellbeing.

Head of development at the Corn Exchange Ruth Stillman said: “We are really excited to have Clare join us for this fundraiser and want to thank her for her support. We have already raised over £1m for the Old Library campaign and this event is part of the final push to raise the remaining £100,000 we need before we can reopen the Old Library.’

Tickets for An Audience with Clare Balding are now on sale to Corn Exchange members and will go on general sale on Thursday, June 19 at 10am.

For more information, visit www.cornexchangenew.com or contact the box office on 01635 522733.