Trip to Bury 08-01-2011

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
34260	Bury BS	Tram Stop, Radcliffe	524	First Manchester
60213	Tram Stop, Radcliffe	Bury BS	524	First Manchester
34263	Bury BS	Unsworth, Parr Lane/Castlebrook High School	137	First Manchester
66880	Unsworth, Hollins Lane/Parr Lane	Bury BS	137	First Manchester
40342	Bury BS	Walshaw War Memorial	510	First Manchester
40355	Walshaw War Memorial	Bury BS	510	First Manchester

This trip was organised to replace the canceled coach trip that Matthew was meant to be on today. We set off at around 11:30, and the journey was uneventful. On the way into town we past double decker 34260 on a service 472 Ramsbottom circular. On arrival, we parked in front of the library, and as always first thing to do is to get something to eat. We ate in a cafe on the corner of Haymarket Street and Broad street. Matthew had Chips, Cheese and beans on a barm. Whilst waiting for the food, Matthew used the facilities. As often is the case he photographed the sink manufacturer.


Shires sink (Matt)

It was a huge portion of chips and he was not able to finishes it! After dinner, we went to the bus station to see what was working. As we arrived, 34260 came back in after its run out. So we went to stand next to this bus thinking it would work the circular again.



34260 in Bury bus station (Matt)

Drivers appeared, sat in the drivers seat and then disappeared again. I think the driver or even a controller decided that the bus would be better on a different route. A driver appeared and jumped in and then drove off! About 2 or 3 minutes later it re-appeared and went onto a different stand, the display was set to 524, a service which we had done before, so we decided that we would do the same move as we did last time to Radcliffe. We eventually got on and were able to get the front seats upstairs. A few minutes later we alighted in Radcliffe.


34260 disappears towards Bolton on a service #524 bus in Radcliffe (Matt)

Last time we did this move we had to wait a considerable time to catch a bus back. This time I think the service was running closer to time. A few minutes later long single decker 60213 appeared in the distance.


60213 approaches on the #524 to Bury (Matt)

We quickly sat down, and realised that the seats on these buses are just a uncomfortable as the Mercedes single decker we rode on on out last visit to Bury! luckily it was only a 10-15 minute journey. On arrival back, we didn't have to wait very long for another 'First' double decker. This time it was 34263 on a 137 Manchester service. Another move we have done before, we decided to catch this double decker to Unsworth


Inside the top deck of 34263 (Matt)


34263 departs South from Unsworth (Matt)

On arrival at Unsworth, we basically had to run across the road so we could catch the next bus straight back. The bus was modern single decker 66880, from the same batch of buses that were transfered to Newcastle to work on the Keele services.


66880 in Unsworth (Matt)

On arrival back we stood at the end of the bus station so Matthew could take some pictures. I had checked the timetable to see if there was a 510 due, which tended to be short Bolton based single deckers. I worked out there was one due in 5 minutes, and almost as soon as we stood at the end of the bus station, Dennis dart 40342 appeared from round the corner.


40342 approaches Bury bus station from Bolton (Matt)

We walked down to the stop and boarded to bus. After a quick journey of about 10 minutes we alighted at Walshaw.


40342 disappears into the sunset in Walshaw (Matt)

Another short wait later, we literally crossed the road and waited for 2 minutes before the return bus appeared, Dennis Dart 40355.


40355 arrives in Walshaw from Bolton (Matt)

As often is the case, Matthew wanted to photograph the interior. I told him to wait until we arrived in Bury and then he could photograph the bus empty.


Back at Bury bus station, Matt takes a picture of the empty 40355 (Matt)

Matthew was then able to take a few more picture before we departed for home. We Decided to have a quick drink in the Knowsley pub and a toilet stop before went left. after that we went back to the car for sausage rolls and sandwiches. Just as we were setting off, we were passed by the interesting Almin Travel minibus L402 BBC. We followed the bus back to the junction of the M66, I believe it was heading for Heywood. As mention before, I would love to know what service this was on as I believe Matthew would love to ride on this bus. All in all a good trip, with the only downside being that we forgot to remind Matthew to set his camera to take 'big' pictures...(Mark)