LUXE LIFE
HILARY FRENCH Hilary French is Headmistress of Central Newcastle High School and President of the Girls’ Schools Association 2013. She was born in Low Fell and went to school in Newcastle before going to Oxford University. LUXE PEOPLE >> All the people - girls, staff, parents, Old Girls and Friends - in the Central High community. They are fantastic to work with and make each day fun, stimulating, sometimes challenging but always worthwhile. LUXE PLACES >> For a weekend > At home in Durham but free from chores and with time to enjoy the city. Long holiday > Any city because I love exploring the major sites (cathedrals, galleries etc) and the nooks and crannies which all cities have and which reveal so much about the history and culture of the people who live there. Treat > Time at a luxury spa hotel with my daughter so we can relax, be pampered and catch up. LUXE RELAX >> Food > Raspberries in any shape or form. Wine > Always white, sometimes sparkling, my tastes change but currently a chilled sauvignon. Restaurant > Pan Haggerty, Newcastle. Perfect weekend > Time spent with friends and family talking, playing board games, enjoying leisurely meals. Downtime means > Being able to indulge my passion for reading, listening to music and just enjoy the beauty of the North East. Best TV > Morse, Lewis, George Gently. Best book > The Secret Garden. Best sounds > Jacqueline du Pré, Sibelius LUXE SHOP >> Shopping City > Edinburgh. Shop > John Lewis and Fenwick. Retail treat > Anything cashmere. Best buy > The tickets we got through the ballot for the men’s tennis finals at Wimbledon. It was one of the best days of my life. I loved the atmosphere at Wimbledon, in London and the way our country enjoyed celebrating such a wonderful summer. LUXE PARTY >> Memorable night out > A Cirque du Soleil performance in downtown Disney, Florida. Perfect party > A small one – I far prefer to spend time with a few close friends. Best dress > I had a beautiful blue and white striped cotton dress when I was seven or eight. It had a big sailor collar - I loved it! Dinner Date > Bradley Creswick, the Leader of the Northern Sinfonia. He visited Central High a few days ago and was inspiring. I would love the opportunity to talk to him about his life and thoughts on music. LUXE THING IN LIFE >> People: they are all different but fascinating and wonderfully kind, supportive and generous.
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JAN/FEB13