Leeds Museums and Galleries' host an exciting collection of some of the UK's most fascinating historical items- but there's some rooms that don't make the light of day.
Now this could be to do with selecting exhibitons, or in this case, because they're too dangerous for public viewing.
Store 2 at Leeds Discovery Centre houses some of the most dangerous items you'll find in Leeds- and new footage allows us to see exactly what's inside.
Expect a deadly black widow spider, first discovered on a bunch of imported grapes back in 1991 inside a Leeds supermarket. Luckily the venomous spider is of no harm today, having been preserved in concentrated alcohol (though it'll still give you the shudders all the same).
There's also hundreds (yes, hundreds) of other animals and creatures from around the world that are considered highly dangerous, including large scorpions, dead sea fish, an octopus and the Brazilian wandering spider.
Leeds city council has explained that the liquid that preserves the animals must be kept in a specialist area which is appropriately ventilated to prevent the build-up of potentially harmful fumes.
But if all that isn't enough, there's also radioactive materials in all shapes and sizes.
From Victorian glassware with a 'beautiful green tinge' from small quantity of uranium (the same stuff that's used in larger quantities to power nuclear submaries) to a prehistoric predator called the Megalodon, an extinct species of shark that grew to over 50ft long and whose teeth can give off trace amounts of radiation- this really is one of the most unique collections you'll find in the city centre.
Clare Brown, Leeds Museums and Galleries’ curator of natural sciences, said: “There’s a natural sense of mystery and curiosity around Store 2 and the objects inside, and they’ve certainly been safely locked away for good reason.
Image: Supplied, Leeds City Council
“But each object has also been collected and kept safe because they tell us something important about our history and the world around us.
“The black widow, for example, is a fascinating creature with a fearsome reputation. But the story behind this particular specimen also demonstrates how the scope and scale of global food production and transportation has affected the lives and behaviours of native species all over the world.
Naturally, the contents of the store is pretty dangerous, so Store 2 is restricted to only trained members of staff and off limits to the public, but visitors heading over to the Discovery Centre, can see an array of insects and arachnids, like a banana spider and some pretty fearsome-looking Indian scorpions, with tours available to book.
One of Leeds' most iconic brands is expanding yet again.
North Star Coffee Roasters are one of the early pioneers of specialty coffee in the North of England and among the UK’s first B Corp-certified coffee roasters.
They've been keeping the people of Leeds awake since 2013, and you'll find their coffee across the country as well as at their current city centre locations.
And there really is no stopping them as just one month after opening a lovely kiosk in the famed Victoria Quarter, North Star is opening another site on Great George Street. Hurrah!
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You can find the new North Star opposite the LGI, sporting its fabulous bright colours that will be sure to wake you up even if the coffee doesn't.
At this site there will be all the caffeinated beverages as well as house-made bakes and sandwiches available to grab-and-go.
And we don't have long to wait to check it out, as they'll be opening their doors this Monday 27 July.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
“While it’s easy to focus on the challenges facing hospitality, we still believe deeply in the role that cafés play in our city's community,” said Holly Kragiopoulos, CEO of North Star Coffee Roasters.
“They are places where people come together, to meet, to pause, to connect. Choosing to invest now is a reflection of our belief in Leeds, and in the long-term value of creating spaces people genuinely want to spend time in.”
“These new sites allow us to create meaningful opportunities for both new and existing team members,” Holly added.
“Hospitality is ultimately about people - both those we serve and those who make the experience possible. As a Leeds-born business, we’re incredibly proud to continue investing in our city. The support we’ve had from day one is what’s made this growth possible.”
Bus operator partners with Leeds hospitals to help mums-to-be make vital appointments
Clementine Hall
First Bus is partnering with Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust to support vulnerable women during pregnancy.
The bus operator is providing an incredible 1,000 day tickets to help vulnerable mums-to-be make appointments.
The free travel passes can be provided by maternity teams to women mainly from minority or disadvantaged communities, helping them to attent important check-ups and appointments.
A recent review of records estimates that 100 pregnant women every month struggle to make hospital appointments as they have no access to funding support or face other barriers to transport.
Image: Supplied
First Bus will provide 100 day tickets per month until March 2027 for midwives to distribute to women based on travel needs following a financial assessment which is carried out during their initial appointment with the maternity team.
Nada Abdul-Majid, Specialist Midwife Health Equity at the Trust, said: “I’ve seen first-hand how women struggle to get to their hospital appointments if they don’t have enough money to use public transport.
“Our Haamla team carry out home visits to these vulnerable women however, it is important that families are able to travel to the hospital for scans, doctors’ appointments, labour and obstetric emergencies.”
Zoe Hands, Managing Director of First Bus Franchising which includes the West Yorkshire region, said: “Supporting communities in the areas we serve means, where we can, being able to assist people in all stages of life. Nothing can be more important than helping to ensure the health and welfare of mothers-to-be and the benefits this will bring to their newborn children.
“We’re pleased to be working in partnership with the Trust and seeing the positive impact our travel support can make to the lives of vulnerable women in Leeds.
“We’re really grateful to First Bus for providing these tickets for women so they can receive maternity care without worrying about the cost of travel to and from appointments,” added Nada. “This will make a real difference to mothers and babies.”
Sophie Smith -
9th January 2023 
