Building long-term relationships

I recently enjoyed an amazing cruise around Norway! I must admit I felt very nervous being without my mobile phone and access to my emails! But after the 3rd day I was finally letting go of worrying about my business, and began to relax. The views of fjords were breath taking. The highlights of my trip included a visit to a Viking museum where I walked around a Viking longhouse, a cable car ride to the top of the mountain, a trip to see the Troll wall, and kayaking on the fjord itself!

Thanks to one of our wonderful clients, we have a tip for anyone who has a hearing loss and travels by train in the UK. 

If you’re deaf or using a hearing aid, you could be eligible for a Disabled Persons Railcard, which gives you a one-third discount on most rail fares across Great Britain - plus, a companion can get the same discount too! 

To qualify, you’ll need proof of your hearing loss, like a Social Services stamp, an NHS hearing aid battery book, or a private hearing aid prescription. The card costs £20 for one year or £54 for three years and can be used any time on National Rail services. 
You can apply easily online at disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk 

​If you travel by train and haven’t checked this out yet, it’s definitely worth a look - thanks again to our client for bringing it to our attention! 

Ingredients
Crumb topping:

• 65 g plain flour
  
• 45 g light brown sugar
  
• ½ tsp cinnamon
  
• Pinch of salt
  
• 50 g unsalted butter (cold, diced)
  

Cake batter:

• 190 g plain flour
  
• 150 g caster sugar
  
• 2 tsp baking powder
  
• ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
  
• ¼ tsp salt
  
• 240 ml whole milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice (mixed and rested 5 mins)
  
• 80 ml oil (sunflower or vegetable)
  
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
  
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
  

Filling:

• 4–6 tbsp store-bought lemon curd
  

Method

1. Preheat oven to 175°C (fan 160°C). Grease and line a 20 cm round or square cake tin.
   
2. Make the crumb topping:
   Rub flour, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and butter together until crumbly. Chill in the fridge.
   
3. Make the batter:
   Mix all dry ingredients in one bowl. In another, combine milk mixture, oil, vanilla, and zest. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined.
   
4. Assemble:
   Pour half the batter into the tin. Spoon and swirl in half the lemon curd. Add the rest of the batter and swirl in more lemon curd on top. Sprinkle with crumb topping.
   
5. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the cake (not the curd) comes out clean.
   
6. Cool in the tin before slicing. Optional: dust with icing sugar.
   

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

Deaf Awareness Week is a time to reflect on the importance of inclusion, understanding, and communication. Taking place from May 5 to 11, the week highlights the experiences of deaf and hard of hearing individuals, while encouraging everyone to break down barriers and challenge misconceptions.
This year’s theme, "Breaking Barriers", is a call to action. Across the UK, schools, workplaces, charities, and community groups are coming together to champion accessibility, celebrate deaf culture, and promote better communication practices.

From British Sign Language (BSL) workshops to awareness talks and inclusive events, there's something for everyone to get involved in. Even small changes can make a big impact - like learning a few signs, being more mindful in conversations, or improving accessibility in your environment.

👂 How Can You Support Deaf Awareness Week?    

• Always face the person you're speaking to 
• Speak clearly, slowly, and steadily
• Don’t cover your mouth - this helps with lip reading 
• Be patient - repeat or rephrase if needed 
• Consider learning basic BSL signs 

Let’s take this week to listen, learn, and create a more inclusive world - where every voice, spoken or signed, is heard and valued.
To learn more about how hearing loss can impact daily life, read our latest blog or visit Hearing Loss Cornwall for local support, resources, and training opportunities.  

Looking to restore balance, find inner peace, and give back to your community?
We are proud to be an active part of the local community and give back where we can! As such we are proud to offer our premises with all donations going to charity for weekly meditation sessions - and Therese brings the expertise! (You may recall me mentioning Therese, my wild water swimming partner in my posts on Facebook! Pic below)

Every Thursday evening, we open our Kenwyn Street practice free of charge to host Twin Hearts Meditation. This powerful guided session activates the heart and crown energy centres, helping you radiate loving-kindness to the world while deepening your spiritual connection and inner calm.

Meditation: 5:45 PM – 6:30 PM
Healing Clinic: 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: K&M Hearing Solutions, 13 Kenwyn Street, Truro

A suggested donation supports the Institute of Inner Studies and helps fund a monthly supper for the homeless. Everyone is welcome - whether you're completely new to meditation or looking to deepen your practice.

For more information and to book your place, visit:
www.pranichealingcornwall.co.uk

On Stuart's behalf I bring to you Jamaican Ginger Cake 😇

Serves: 8 -10
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hr - 1 hr 20 mins
Storage: Keeps in an airtight container for up to 1 week

Ingredients

• 120g unsalted butter, softened (plus extra for greasing tin)
• 285g plain flour
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp mixed spice
• 1 tbsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp fine salt
• 200g light brown soft sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 80ml stem ginger syrup (from a jar), plus extra for brushing
• 50ml honey
• 110ml coconut milk (shaken if using canned)

Method

1. Preheat Oven
   Heat oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / Gas 4. Grease and line a 900g (2lb) loaf tin with baking parchment.
   
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
   In a bowl, whisk together the flour, bicarbonate of soda, baking powder, mixed spice, ground ginger, and salt.
   
3. Beat Wet Ingredients
   In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar with an electric whisk until light and fluffy (3 - 5 minutes). Add eggs, vanilla, stem ginger syrup, honey, and coconut milk. Beat again until smooth.
   
4. Combine and Fold
   Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined - do not overmix.
   
5. Bake
   Pour into the prepared tin and smooth the top. Bake on the middle shelf for 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean.
   
6. Finish and Cool
   While warm, brush the top with extra stem ginger syrup for shine and extra flavour. Cool completely in the tin before slicing.
   

Allergen InformationContains: wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (butter), and may contain traces of nuts if store-bought ingredients are used.

Word Wheel Rules:
​Unscramble the jumbled nine-letter word and identify as many additional words as possible using the middle letter - there are 50 words with four or more letters, but looking at them I think 20 is a good score!

Stress is a natural part of life, but too much of it can take a serious toll on both physical and mental well-being. This Stress Awareness Month, take a moment to recognize your stress triggers and explore simple ways to manage them. Healthy habits like mindfulness, regular exercise, deep breathing, and setting boundaries can help create balance and improve overall wellness. By prioritizing self-care, we can work toward reducing stress and supporting each other in leading healthier, happier lives.

Did you know that stress can also impact your hearing? Research suggests that prolonged exposure to stress hormones like cortisol may damage sensory cells in the inner ear, increasing the risk of tinnitus and hearing loss. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, proper sleep, and a healthy lifestyle can help protect your hearing over time. If you’ve noticed changes in your hearing, scheduling a check-up with an audiologist can help with early detection and treatment.

This month, let’s focus on breaking the stigma surrounding stress, supporting each other, and taking proactive steps toward both mental and auditory health. A simple and effective method to reset is taking just 2 minutes to focus on your surroundings.

One exercise that has worked well for me, especially in the classroom, is the 5-4-3-2-1 mindfulness technique. The next time you feel the weight of anxiety or stress, try this:

• List 5 things you can see
• Identify 4 things you can feel
• Notice 3 things you can hear
• Smell 2 things around you
• Taste 1 thing (even if it’s just the air)

This practice helps bring your focus to the present moment and can be a powerful tool in managing stress. Let’s take the time to prioritize our well-being this month and beyond.
Take care and be kind to yourself!

Ingredients (Serves 4) 

• 100g dried apricots, finely chopped 
• 4 cups shredded coconut 
• 395g can sweetened condensed milk 
• 100g dark chocolate, melted 

Allergen Information: This recipe may contain milk, lactose, and soybeans. 
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line two large baking trays with baking paper. 
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chopped apricots and shredded coconut. Add the sweetened condensed milk and stir until well combined. Using damp hands, shape 2 level tablespoons of the mixture into balls. Place them 5cm apart on the prepared trays. 
Step 3: Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the macaroons turn light golden brown. Let them cool completely on the trays. 
Step 4: Dip the base of each macaroon into melted dark chocolate, letting the excess drip off. Place them back on the tray and let them stand for 30 minutes or until the chocolate sets. 
Enjoy these chewy, chocolate-dipped delights 

Word Wheel Rules:
Unscramble the jumbled nine-letter word and identify as many additional words as possible using the middle letter—there are over 100 words with four or more letters.

March 3rd is World Hearing Day! World Hearing Day raises awareness about the significance of hearing health and encourages actions to prevent hearing loss. Initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO), this day shines a spotlight on key issues like the growing prevalence of hearing loss worldwide and the urgent need for accessible hearing care. 

This year's theme, "Ear and hearing care for all!" emphasizes the importance of ensuring affordable and accessible hearing care for people of all ages, in all parts of the world. With over 1.5 billion people globally affected by some form of hearing impairment, it is vital to highlight that much of this can be prevented or effectively managed with the right intervention. Not sure if your hearing is impaired? Read our blog on the 6 signs of hearing loss here.

World Hearing Day urges governments, organizations, and individuals to take meaningful steps toward hearing protection, including reducing noise exposure, prioritizing regular hearing check-ups, and supporting policies that advance ear and hearing health. Read more about preventing hearing loss here.

One important step everyone can take is regular ear health screenings. These screenings are crucial for identifying potential issues early on, especially since hearing loss can develop gradually and without obvious symptoms. If you’ve received an email from us about a free hearing check-up, don't ignore it! Taking advantage of this opportunity can help ensure your hearing health is in check and catch any concerns early. 

Raising awareness today will help build a future where hearing health is a priority, ensuring access to care for all. 

We recently celebrated our first anniversary with a wonderful open day, where guests enjoyed delicious small cakes from Crumbz Cafe while chatting with Kara and Lee, our hearing aid expert from Widex and Signia. The day kicked off with a special appearance from Lionel, the town crier, who officially opened the event with great fanfare, setting the tone for a fun and lively day. Visitors dropped by throughout the event, savouring the sweet treats and engaging in conversations about the latest technology from Widex and Signia. Kara and Lee were on hand to share their expertise, offering advice on how the newest hearing aids can enhance everyday life.  
In addition, everyone who attended was given a voucher for 50% off wax removal services. Kara would also like to thank everyone who sent cards and flowers—she has officially run out of vases! It was a perfect blend of celebration and education, marking our first anniversary in a memorable way with good company, great conversations, and the opportunity to connect with new and familiar faces. 
We recently celebrated our first anniversary with a wonderful open day, where guests enjoyed delicious small cakes from Crumbz Cafe while chatting with Kara and Lee, our hearing aid expert from Widex and Signia. The day kicked off with a special appearance from Lionel, the town crier, who officially opened the event with great fanfare, setting the tone for a fun and lively day. Visitors dropped by throughout the event, savouring the sweet treats and engaging in conversations about the latest technology from Widex and Signia. Kara and Lee were on hand to share their expertise, offering advice on how the newest hearing aids can enhance everyday life.  
In addition, everyone who attended was given a voucher for 50% off wax removal services. Kara would also like to thank everyone who sent cards and flowers—she has officially run out of vases! It was a perfect blend of celebration and education, marking our first anniversary in a memorable way with good company, great conversations, and the opportunity to connect with new and familiar faces. 

Last week, I travelled from Newquay to Alicante, Spain. The journey began with a short flight from Newquay Cornwall Airport. I flew in the late afternoon, so there were no spectacular views of the coastline, which, if anyone has seen, are breath-taking from the air. Before the flight, I even got the chance to stand next to one of our new adverts in the departure lounge at Newquay Airport! (Pic below.) Upon arriving in Alicante, the weather was warm and sunny, offering a much-welcomed escape from the chill back home. Alicante’s vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and beautiful beaches made for an unforgettable experience. I visited the historic Santa Barbara Castle—I took the lift! We strolled through the Old Town using an app called Voicemap, which guided us on a walking tour at our own pace. It used GPS to track our location and provided audio explanations about the town’s history, including battles, riots, folk tales, and street names. We also indulged in delicious tapas. In fact, we “won” tapas by eating 17 plates' worth! I even managed to get sunburned in February—though it was only my knees! I spent time relaxing along the Mediterranean coast, soaking up the rays. The overall experience was smooth, and the trip was a perfect blend of exploration and relaxation. 

Ingredients;
8oz SR flour
Tsp mixed spice
Tsp Baking powder
4 oz soft margarine/butter
4 oz Brown sugar
2 eggs, beaten
2 Tbsp milk
8 oz sultanas
 
Secret ingredient, Grate an apple in to the mixture. This gives the cake extra moisture. And tastes good too.
 Instructions:

1. Preparation: Begin by thoroughly mixing all the ingredients together in a large bowl, ensuring everything is well combined.
   
2. Baking: Pour the mixture into a prepared baking tin. Preheat your oven to approximately 170°C (340°F), and bake the mixture for about 1 hour.
   
3. Testing for Doneness: After an hour, use a skewer to check if the cake is cooked through. Insert it into the centre; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
   
4. Serving: Allow the cake to cool before serving and enjoy!
   

    Many thanks to Mrs. Dunford for sharing this wonderful recipe and photograph of the cake she baked 

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

We’re excited to celebrate our first anniversary at K & M Hearing Solutions! Since opening on Kenwyn Street in Truro, we’ve worked hard to become a trusted part of the local community. As a family-run, independent clinic, we’re passionate about supporting both our patients and the causes that matter to us all.

Over the past year, we’ve had the privilege of getting involved in several local initiatives. We’ve hosted open days to raise much-needed funds for Dementia UK and Hearing Loss Cornwall, and we’re proud to sponsor the under-18s Perranporth women’s rugby team. Supporting local youth and causes has been an incredibly rewarding part of our journey.

We’ve also worked hard to establish strong relationships with local GPs and the Ear, Nose, and Throat department at the Duchy Hospital, ensuring our patients have seamless access to referrals. Additionally, our earwax removal service has provided comfort and peace of mind to many in our community. By safely and effectively removing earwax, we’ve helped people regain the ability to hear clearly, improving their daily lives and overall well-being.

We’re excited to invite you to celebrate our first anniversary on February 19th! Join us at the practice for a special event featuring refreshments and an opportunity to hear about the exciting plans we have for the future. A heartfelt THANK YOU for helping us reach nearly 100 5-star reviews—we truly appreciate your support. We look forward to many more years of serving the wonderful Truro community!

Ingredients:

• 150g of Blueberries + optional garnishing 
• 1 tbsp Caster Sugar
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
• 200ml Double Cream
• 180g Belgian White Chocolate
  

1. Put the blueberries, sugar and lemon juice in a small saucepan over a medium heat. Simmer for 4-5 minutes, swirling the pan regularly, until berries are soft and bubbling. Set aside to cool completely. 
2. Divide the blueberry mixture among four ramekins or glasses. Pour cream into a separate pan and heat until steaming but not boiling, than take pan off the heat. 
3. Add the chocolate to the pan, leave for 30 seconds, than stir until you have a smooth ganache. Cool for 3-4 minutes, than pour the mixture over the compote. Cool to room temperature, than chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. Garnish with blueberries to taste!   

Last year, more than 21,000 adults aged 55 and older were surveyed, and asked to answer the question: What does healthy ageing mean to you? It revealed how much taking care of hearing health could help people achieve overall wellness into the future. Read more about the survey here.
 
So how do you achieve a healthier you, through better hearing?

• Use noise protection in noisy environments
• See your audiologist for a hearing health check
• If you have a hearing loss, wear hearing aids (the sooner the better!)

Hearing loss is a growing concern in the UK and worldwide, with millions of people affected by this condition for various reasons. The good news is that by keeping your ears in good health, using appropriate protective equipment and following these helpful tips, we can help secure our hearing for the future.

As the Practice Coordinator, I manage the daily operations of the practice, ensuring smooth and efficient service for both patients and staff. I also take pride in ensuring that our tea and coffee service is always available, creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for our patients. 
Though my experience in healthcare is still relatively new, I've already witnessed the profound impact of improved communication with clients and their families—often resulting in immediate expressions of relief and joy, with some even breaking into spontaneous dances! These moments inspire me to continue contributing to the well-being of those I serve, and I look forward to supporting patients on their journey to improved hearing. 
In my spare time, I have a strong passion for sports. Cricket was my primary sport, and although golf has not quite replaced it, I still enjoy the occasional round—weather permitting, of course. I am also a dedicated supporter of Truro City Football Club.
In addition to sports, I am an avid card and board game enthusiast, often spending time with friends over a friendly match. On special occasions, such as birthdays, we enjoy challenging ourselves with an escape room experience. 

Ingredients

• Two large ripe avocados, peeled and stoned
• Three to four tbsp runny honey, to taste
• One tsp vanilla extract
• 50g raw cacao powder
  

Method:
1. Put the avocados into a food processor and blend until smooth and creamy in texture.
2. Next, add three tablespoons of the honey with the vanilla and cacao powder and blend again until completely combined. Taste and add more honey if necessary.
3. Spoon the mousse into eight shot or sweet wine glasses and refrigerate for an hour before serving.