November 2025

Self-Care Week 2025: Listen to Yourself

This Self-Care Week (17–23 November 2025), we’re joining the national campaign to remind everyone that self-care starts with small, simple steps - and that includes looking after your hearing. At K & M Hearing Solutions, we believe your hearing health is a big part of your overall wellbeing. When you can hear clearly, you stay connected to the people and moments that matter most. 

Remember, self-care doesn’t mean doing everything on your own. It’s also about knowing when to reach out for a little extra help. If you’ve noticed conversations are getting harder to follow, your hearing aids don’t sound quite right, or you’re feeling more tired from concentrating on listening; it might be time for a check-up. We’re always here to support you - whether you need advice, a quick adjustment, or just some reassurance. 

There’s also a fantastic website packed with tools, guides and inspiration to help you take charge of your health - the Self Care Forum It’s full of simple, trustworthy information about caring for your mind and body, understanding common health concerns, and knowing when to seek help. It’s a great place to explore during Self-Care Week and beyond. 

Taking care of your hearing helps you feel more confident, relaxed, and connected - all part of this year’s Self-Care Week theme, “Mind & Body.” So, if it’s been a while since your last visit, why not book a free hearing health check? Give us a call on 01872 857 512 or pop over to our website - we’d love to help you keep hearing (and feeling) your best. 

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​ Dave's Joined Cash for Kids and its Mission Christmas!

Having worked in primary schools, I’ve seen first-hand how magical Christmas can be - and how difficult it is when some children miss out. At my school, we made a conscious effort not to focus on the presents we received, but instead on spending time with family, sharing laughter, and making memories.

That’s why all of us at K & M Hearing Solutions are proud to support Cash for Kids: Mission Christmas, a wonderful cause that helped over half a million children last year.

With fewer than 50 sleeps to go, one in three children in parts of Cornwall risk waking up to a Christmas without gifts. Mission Christmas helps Santa reach those who might otherwise be forgotten - and together, we can make sure every child experiences a little magic this festive season.

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The Father Christmas Parade

On Wednesday 26th November, the Father Christmas Parade will launch Truro’s first late-night shopping evening of the festive season.

Enjoy the magic as Father Christmas rides through the city in his sleigh, joined by elves, local dance groups, musicians, and circus performers.

The parade starts at 6:30pm from Boscawen Street, with Rock Choir Cornwall performing from 6pm to get everyone in the festive spirit.

You can also visit Father Christmas at the Royal Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery from Wednesday 10th to Wednesday 24th December. Please check dates in advance, as Santa’s schedule is very busy this time of year.

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Christmas cake

Its that time of year again! Yay!

Ingredients

• 300 g mixed dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, chopped dates)
  
• 100 g dark brown sugar
  
• 150 g butter, softened
  
• 3 eggs
  
• 150 g plain flour
  
• 1 tsp mixed spice (or cinnamon + nutmeg)
  
• Optional: 2 tbsp black treacle or molasses for darker colour
  
• Optional: 2 tbsp brandy, rum or strong juice for soaking and storing
  

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 150-160°C (fan) or 300-320°F. Grease and line a deep cake tin.
   
2. In a bowl, mix the dried fruit with a little brandy or juice if using, and allow to soak for 30-60 minutes.
   
3. Cream the butter and sugar until light, then beat in the eggs one by one. Stir in treacle if using.
   
4. Sift in the flour and mixed spice, fold until just combined. Fold in the fruit.
   
5. Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and smooth the top. Bake for about 2 to 2½ hours or until a skewer comes out clean.
   
6. Let the cake cool in the tin for a while, then turn out and cool completely on a wire rack.
   
7. Once cool, wrap in parchment or foil and store in a cool, dry cupboard. You can “feed” it occasionally with a little brandy or juice to keep it moist and rich.
   
8. Serve after a month if you like, which helps deepen flavour and texture.
   

The cake contains gluten, eggs, and dairy, with possible sulphites in dried fruit, and optional nuts or alcohol if using marzipan or brandy.

Storage note
Because of the high fruit content, this cake benefits from resting before serving. Keep it airtight, away from heat and light.

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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.