News

The people behind the Corn Exchange’s Plant Point have opened a new indoor jungle

The Plant Point have opened a second store in Trinity shopping centre focusing on terrariums, succulents and small indoor plants.

Sophie Smith Sophie Smith - 16th November 2021

After a number of successful pop-ups around Leeds city centre, The Plant Point have opened a second independent store.

If you love spending your weekend wading through the plant jungle at the Corn Exchange, there's a new green paradise to explore in the Trinity Shopping Centre.

There's a 10ft Christmas tree to guide you to Glas: a glass-inspired plant shop that have all the terrariums and arrangements you could dream of.

Inside, there are plenty of festive decorations to get your hands on. Think snow covered pine trees small enough to fit on your table and berry-covered wreaths for every door in the house.

The range of winter wonderland plants perfectly complement the glass collection. / Image: Glas by The Plant Point

Breaking up the shades of jade green are the glass jars holding an incredible array of terrariums.

Differing from the Plant Point store inside the Corn Exchange, this store focuses on those small treasures that fit into a pot.

We're talking small, cute and most importantly, low-maintenance varieties.

Of course, this doesn't mean that you can't grab some floor-to-ceiling greenery whilst you're there.

Grab a houseplant for every room, regardless of size and even a few Christmas presents from one of Leeds' favourite indie planters.

Dubbed the 'jungle in the heart of the city', the Plant Point in the Corn Exchange will still be open to customers wanting to find unusual plants and larger indoor varieties.

The store will focus on plant displays in glass. / Image: Glas by The Plant Point

Bestsellers will be available at both stores but the Glas by The Plant Point in Trinity will focus on bringing the niche trend of plants in glass, as well as succulents and cacti to the masses.

After opening last week, the Glas store can be found on the Ground Floor of Trinity Leeds, near the Briggate Entrance of the shopping centre.

Feature Image- Glas by The Plant Point

News

Bus operator partners with Leeds hospitals to help mums-to-be make vital appointments

Clementine Hall 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.” 

Read mode: Miami-inspired Leeds bodega to open second site in Horsforth following huge success of first

Featured image - Supplied

News

Successful Sheffield charity walk returns to Meadowhall to support people living with dementia

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Sheffield Hospitals Charity and Meadowhall have announced the return of the Red Shoe Walk for 2026.

After a hugely successful debut event last year that brought hundreds of people together and raised over £12,000 - The Red Shoe Walk is back.

The community event returns on Sunday 2nd August and will once again see families and friends walk the accessible route around Meadowhall to raise vital funds for people living with dementia across Sheffield.

The Red Shoe Walk was inspired by one woman's lifelong love of red shoes - a simple memory trigger that helps her connect with her past.

As you lace up, you're invited to take a moment to reflect on your own memories. Photos, music, familiar objects and special places can help bring back older memories and create a sense of connection.

Image: Supplied

Everyone taking part will walk a 2km route round Meadowhall. The walk starts at 10am with registrations open from 9am at the Summer Beach Club. The route is flat, accessible and suitable for all ages - so nobody has to miss out.

After the walk has finished you will get free access and unlimited rides until midday at Meadowhall's Summer Beach Club.

.Not only that, but singer songwriter Joe Carnall Jnr will perform live at the start of this year’s Red Shoe Walk.

Best known as a member of Sheffield-band Milburn and previously Reverend & The Makers, Joe will be joined by cast members from his brand-new musical ‘How Could I Forget?’ as part of the warm-up for the walk.

Image: Supplied

The musical is a heartfelt love letter to grandparents, inspired by Joe’s own family experience with dementia and loss. The show has sold out an impressive three nights at Sheffield Theatres and tickets have recently been released for the Carriageworks in Leeds.

Joe said: “My grandad passed away with dementia over 10 years ago and I got the inspiration for the musical from him. I want to do the walk with my three young children, reminisce and tell stories about him and connect with other people who have their own experiences of dementia.”

Beth Crackles, CEO of Sheffield Hospitals Charity said: “We’re thrilled with how the first ever Red Shoe Walk brought our community together in solidarity and are beyond excited to bring it back for 2026. It will be such a poignant moment to have Joe and the cast from ‘How Could I Forget’ perform live ahead of the walk, and we’re so grateful for their support.

"We hope to see lots of people there, walking together as a community to make a real difference for people living with dementia and their loved ones.”

Image: Supplied

Darren Pearce, Centre Director at Meadowhall said: “Dementia touches the lives of so many families across our local community, and we’re incredibly proud to be working with Sheffield Hospitals Charity to host the Red Shoe Walk for a second time.

“Building on the success of last year’s event – which raised over £10,000 for the charity – it’s brilliant to be welcoming Joe Carnall Jnr to perform this year. The performance will start the event perfectly, as people once again come together to raise vital funds for those affected by dementia throughout the city.”

Not only that, but football legends Tony Currie, John Pearson and John Breckin from Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday and Rotherham United have also joined forces to back the walk, raising awareness and funds  for dementia care across Sheffield.

To join this year’s Red Shoe Walk, visit the Sheffield Hospitals Charity website for tickets and event information.

Prices are £7 per adult, £4 per child, £18 for a family of four and under 3’s go free. Each ticket includes an exclusive Red Shoe Walk t-shirt to wear on the day, access to a range of exclusive discounts at participating Meadowhall retailers plus free entry and free rides at the Summer Beach Club until midday.

Sign up by midnight on Thursday 30 July.

Featured image - Supplied

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