Clare Balding in town today to support Newbury’s Old Library Campaign

The award-winning broadcaster Clare Balding, who grew up locally is coming to town today (Tuesday) to help support the Corn Exchange Old Library Campaign to refurbish and reopen one of Newbury’s most cherished historic buildings as a vibrant new arts hub.

At 2pm, audiences can hear from Clare, one of Britain’s most loved broadcasters, at The Corn Exchange.. An Audience with Clare Balding will see her discuss her debut novel for adults, Pastures New, while reflecting on her career in broadcasting and her personal connection to the area.

Alongside her award-winning sports broadcasting and coverage of major Royal events, Clare is a best-selling and award-winning author of numerous books and children's novels.

In Pastures New: Alex has perfected the art of dodging responsibility during her almost 40 years — until an unexpected letter turns her life upside down. She’s 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.

Hungerford Bookshop will be attending to sell copies of Pastures New to anyone wanting to buy a copy.

Clare grew up in the countryside surrounded by horses and dogs, and reading everything from Jilly Cooper to Henry James. Her autobiography, My Animals and Other Family, won the National Book Award for Autobiography of the Year. A keen rider, she competed as an amateur flat jockey during her teenage years, winning Champion Lady Rider in 1990. After an English Literature degree at Cambridge she became a journalist. Alongside her award-winning sports broadcasting and coverage of major Royal events, Clare hosts her much-loved Ramblings series on Radio 4, taking her across the British Isles exploring its landscape and its storytelling. A passionate campaigner for equality and women’s sport, Clare was awarded a CBE for her services to Sport and Charity in 2022, which she was honoured to receive at Buckingham Palace.

Tickets are £20 and all proceeds from sales will go to the Old Library campaign.