XXXXXXXX LUXE LIFE
GEORGIE CRUDDAS
Georgie Cruddas was born and brought up in Northumberland and now lives ‘on a hill near Allendale’. She runs a charity offering support to women in Northumberland who have experienced domestic abuse at any time in their lives, SixtyEightyThirty LUXE PEOPLE >> Despite hearing daily of how women have struggled to cope with abusive relationships I love my work. My colleagues are a bunch of terrific women and you hear a lot of laughter in our offices. But best of all are the women who seek our support – they think they are weak but eventually they realise how strong they are to have survived some terrible experiences. It’s great to see them moving on to work, further education and generally enjoying life. LUXE PLACES >> for a weekend > I’m not a fan of city life but one of my sisters lives in London so I enjoy going to see her and her kids. a long holiday > Another of my sisters lives in Australia and all the sisters got together there a few years ago. It’s about time we repeated the experience especially as one of them has a rare form of leukaemia. a treat > I’m told I’m a good cook but a real treat is always when someone else does it for me. So take me out for a wonderful meal and get someone else to do the driving. LUXE RELAX >> Best food > I spent my infancy in India and it seems to have left me with a real penchant for Indian food. Not too spicy and I prefer vegetarian. Best wine > Vintage champagne does the trick for me but it has to be a special occasion. Favourite restaurant > Bouchon, Hexham. Mein host, Greg, makes everyone feel welcome and gives them simple, beautifully cooked and delicious food. Perfect weekend > I live with my husband and two ginger cats, Bill and Ben, who act like they are in charge of our lives. Being at home and in the garden is my idea of peace and tranquillity. Downtime means > I started keeping bees last year and we now have a local group of people interested in beekeeping and improving the environment for bees. Tending to my bees is a wonderful antidote to stress. Best telly > I have really enjoyed the Scandinavian dramas that have been shown over the past year. Homeland was good too. Best book > Daddyji Mamaji by Ved Mehta. I like the rhythm of this book and maybe it evokes memories for me. Best sounds > I like the sounds of the countryside. Our garden is full of birds. I like the music of the sixties as well as opera Maria Callas in Puccini’s opera, Tosca has such emotional depth and range of ability.
fortnight at a health spa first to get me into shape for the experience. Best buy > If I can find something I like in the sales that is greatly reduced I like it even more! So a Jaeger coat I bought recently that was half price + 20% off was a wonderful bargain. LUXE PARTY >> A memorable night out > Been there, done that, far too often and would rather not do it again! Having said that I loved seeing Fascinating Aida at the end of last year with my husband, my daughter and her partner. We laughed till we cried and then went for a meal out afterwards. Perfect party > I love spending quality time with my children, stepchildren and granddaughters. They all lead busy lives so getting together for a meal is a good way to reconnect. Best dress > Can I have one that makes me look slimmer? Dinner date > Going out with my husband is always a treat. He comes out of his garage where he is restoring a 1934 MG PA, I leave work behind and we take time to catch up on the important things in life. YOUR LUXE THING IN LIFE >> I work to live not live to work but SixtyEightyThirty’s work is very important to me. In November we celebrate the 10th anniversary. I want others to learn from the work that my colleagues do so that victims of domestic abuse will get top quality support. SixtyEightThirty 01434 608030
LUXE SHOP >> Best shopping city > I hate shopping. Having said that, Corbridge has some really friendly shops with a wide range of goods on offer. Favourite shop > Sorella, Hexham – great for gifts that are different and always a friendly welcome from two sisters who own the shop, Moira Briddock and Liz Mortimer. (Sorella means sisters in Italian). Luxe retail treat > My daughter is a good judge of what suits me so I would have her organise a personal shopper and the two of them could get my wardrobe sorted once and for all. Oh and maybe I should have a
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