Horsing around! Clare Balding visits Wolverhampton Grammar School to promote her new book
TV star Clare Balding went back to school for the day when she paid a visit to chat with hundreds of pupils.
About 300 students from eight schools packed the main hall of Wolverhampton Grammar School to listen to the writer, presenter and broadcaster.
She was promoting her second children’s book called The Racehorse Who Disappeared – the sequel to The Racehorse Who Wouldn’t Gallop.
After the adventures in the first book, when Charlie won the Derby with her racehorse, Noble Warrior, he has now been kidnapped and Charlie has to try and find him.
During yesterday’s visit, she discussed a wide range of topics, including the book, as well as her experience growing up and how she became a journalist, along with what and who inspires her.
She also touched on the Olympics and how inspirational Ellie Simmons is and the England women’s football team.
The children, aged seven to 12, also had the chance to take part in interactive activities with the writer where they made up characters and stories.
Carrie Bennett, a spokesperson for the grammar school, said: “It is her second visit to the school, she enjoyed it so much the first time that she asked to come back. It was a brilliant experience. The teachers were more excited than the students.
“She is an absolute delight, very down to earth and accommodating and the book selling was almost secondary to her because she spoke about so much more.
“The children were so excited, they all had their hands up in the air waving trying to ask a question.
“She said the England women’s football team have done so well because they did their homework.
“Because there were pupils from visiting schools, there was a complete mix of schools and background. Wolverhampton was well represented.”
The private school regularly hosts book events in order to inspire children across the West Midlands to read.
Last week, Kate DiCamillo visited and next week Michael Grant will be discussing his work.
