July 2025

14th August is our Afternoon Tea for Breast Cancer Now

Join us for Afternoon Tea and Cake from 2pm
My Story:
I have had many of my lovely customers ask me why I started my own business. Well, it is something I have wanted to do for a very long time now...but I was scared. I convinced myself that I wasn't good enough, that I couldn't do it. Then Covid hit, and we as a nation, came to a standstill. It was at this time that I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I had to attend all my chemo sessions alone. But the support I had helped me through it. I'm all clear now, and it feels like a long time ago that all this happened. But this was my catalyst to start my own business. I realised that life is too short, so I went after my dream. And I am so pleased I did! I have the most amazing customers who have been so supportive, and remind me daily why I do what I do. So, if you would like to join me on the 14th August at 2PM for afternoon tea and cake. I would love to see you, with all donations going to Breast Cancer Now.

If you can't be with us on the day, but wish to donate, you can do so on our JustGiving Page. ​

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Train or Plane? There’s Help to Get You There

Following on from last month’s feature on the Disabled Persons Railcard, a reader has highlighted another valuable service available to rail passengers with additional needs: Passenger Assist.

Offered by all UK train companies, Passenger Assist is a free service designed to support anyone who may need help when travelling. This includes people with physical disabilities, visual or hearing impairments, learning difficulties, mental health conditions, or even temporary conditions such as a broken leg or pregnancy.

Support can include assistance getting to and from platforms, help boarding and alighting trains, carrying luggage, guidance through busy or unfamiliar stations, and door-to-seat support, where staff can accompany you from the station entrance all the way to your seat.

The service can be booked in advance—ideally at least two hours before travel—via phone, online, or through the Passenger Assist app. Many staffed stations also offer a Turn-Up-and-Go option, though advance booking is recommended for a smoother experience.

Kara has also pointed out that airports provide a similar service for passengers who require extra assistance when travelling by air.

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Falmouth Roadshow Sparks Hope for New Tinnitus Support Groups Across Cornwall

Kara recently attended the Tinnitus UK Roadshow Event in Falmouth, hosted by Danny Knight. I was asked to be a guest speaker alongside Sheila who runs the Truro Tinnitus Support Group, and Jill who runs the Plymouth Tinnitus Support Group. What a turn out we had! We had a full house with many travelling in seeking advice, information and support for their tinnitus. It was lovely to spend time talking with the attendees both privately one to one, and as part of group discussions, where people shared their personal experiences of their tinnitus. Part of the day involved me at the front of the group answering any questions they had regarding their tinnitus and the support available to help manage it. As a Corporate Member of Tinnitus UK, I felt it was important to get involved. The aim of the day was to see if anyone wanted to get involved to start up a Tinnitus Support Group in their area. The aim is to have more support groups across Cornwall, ran by volunteers who experience tinnitus themselves, with the support of Tinnitus UK. If you are interested in running a tinnitus support group please email: [email protected]
Want to find out more? https://tinnitus.org.uk/how-we-can-help/support-groups/
 
If you want to come along to the group in Truro, ran by Sheila please contact her on: 01208872792  or 07812601191 or email: [email protected] 

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​Chocolate Courgette Cake

Ingredients:

• 75g dark chocolate
• 125g salted butter
• 1 tbsp vanilla essence
• 3 medium eggs
• 100g thick yogurt (Greek or other)
• 375g courgettes, grated (no need to peel)
• 300g plain flour
• 2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 100g soft dark brown sugar
• 175g caster sugar
• 50g cocoa powder

Method:

Grate the courgettes coarsely and set aside. Do not squeeze the water out of them as the water keeps the cake moist. 

Heat the oven to180 C/fan 160 C/ gas mark 4 

Butter a deep 23 cm cake tin or two 1lb loaf tins and line with baking paper. 

Bring a pan of water to simmer and melt the butter, chocolate and vanilla in a heatproof bowl over it. Stir until well combined. Cool for a few minutes. 

Whisk the eggs, then the yogurt. 

Mix the dry ingredients together and then pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring to make a smooth batter. 

Fold in the grated courgettes. 

Pour into the prepared tin and bake for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours. If you use the loaf tin the time is about 40 minutes. Check with a skewer until it comes out clean. 
leave to cool completely in the tin 

Decorate with chocolate icing cream if not freezing. 

Allergy Notice: This recipe contains eggs, dairy, gluten, and soya (via chocolate). Always check packaging labels if preparing for someone with allergies. May contain traces of nuts or sulphites depending on brand. 

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Dave's Brain Teaser Corner

Sudoku rules:
Fill the 9x9 grid with the numbers 1–9, without repeating any numbers in a row, column, or 3x3 box.