Join us for an audience with Clare Balding in Support of our Old Library Campaign

We are delighted to announce that we will be welcoming award-winning broadcaster and best-selling author Clare Balding for a special fundraising event, An Audience with Clare Balding, taking place to raise funds for our Old Library Campaign. 

Audiences can join Clare on Tuesday 16 September 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 to supply hard copies for all to enjoy. 

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.