Clare Balding visits Westholme School to read book extracts

Clare Balding, known for presenting the Olympics, Crufts, horse racing and beyond, returned for her third visit to Westholme School, with stories and anecdotes from her new book, Isle of Dogs.

Although Clare was brought up in a world of horses, her father Toby was one of the country’s top racehorse trainers, from the second she was born she was also surrounded by dogs.

The audience, who had travelled from across Lancashire, were enthralled with humour, tales of royalty, dogs of inspiration and charming childhood memories. 

Clare Balding visited Westholme School to read extracts of her book Isle of Dogs (Image: Westholme School)

Vivienne Davenport, commercial director at Westholme School, said: “Clare captivated the audience with her fascinating stories and sharing where her love of dogs began as a child. It was another very special evening, brought to us once again by our friends at Book, Bean and Ice Cream.”

Clare brought her talk to life through pictures of her dogs over the years, including her first dog, a boxer, when she thought she was a dog - this led to her children's book 'The Girl who thought she was a dog'. She also spoke about why she presents Crufts.

Clare also shared family photos and pictures showing the history of dogs, going back to Queen Victoria who introduced the idea of having dogs as pets. 

She shared a tale of meeting the Queen and her corgis and how the corgis were always really in charge.

Clare Balding visited Westholme School (Image: Westholme School)

Clare said: “I have always been fascinated by the impact dogs have on our lives and the way they have shaped Britain across the centuries. In my book, I explore the characteristics of our favourite breeds and why we are drawn to them and what they bring out in us.”

Clare is not the first celebrity to visit the school in recent months. Comedian Matt Lucas visited in October.

Matt read an excerpt from his musical novel The Boy Who Slept Through Christmas, which was published in September, sharing his inspiration behind the book with students.