Trip to Crewe / Tarporley 26-03-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
LJ04 LGK	Crewe BS	Nantwich BS	C84	Routemaster Buses
LJ04 LGK	Nantwich BS	Tarporley. o/s Rising Sun PH	C84	Routemaster Buses
LJ04 LGK	Tarporley, o/s Shops	Crewe, Opp Earl of Crewe	C84	Routemaster Buses

Today we decided to re-visit Crewe. On the Friday we found out that Routemaster Buses were suspending there C84 service, so we decided to get up to Crewe to try and ride on a few of there buses before it happened. We had checked the weather and it was for heavy rain all over the North West and the Midlands. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We had to pop up to Hanley on the way, so we set off around 11;30. We drove down Beaconsfield Drive and left onto Church Road. At Critchlow's Corner we went forwards onto Blurton Road. We crossed over the A50 and at Heron Cross lights we turned left. We turned right at Smithpool Road an as we we joined city road we saw First Potteries 42554 on a #23A to Newstead. We went down City Road and we joined the A52. As we stopped at the lights near to the railway station Happy Days mini coach 229 came up the inside of us to turned onto Station Road. We continued onto Joiners Square and at the roundabout we turned left onto Lichfield Street. At the ring road we turned right and we ran around to the Intu Potteries shopping centre and we parked outside in the street in a loading by whilst mum ran in to a shop to return an item. We set off back around onto the ring road and we ran down to the bottom of Waterloo Road. At Cobridge we turned left onto the A53 and we ran down to the A500. We went North on the A500 and we passed Space Bus P246 UCW. At the Mr we went straight across and we carried on a couple of junctions and we overtook Paul's of Stoke M41 KCU. We took the new road under the Alsager line and we came up to the roundabout turning left onto the A534. By the side of the railway station we saw another Happy Days coach 225. We turned right at Edleston Street and we ran down to Delamere Street and past the bus station. We wound around the streets and we parked up at Asda. For dinner we went to Vernon's fish bar. After Matthew went to the toilet we ordered him sausage, chips and gravy with bread and butter washed down with a glass of Coke. After we had finished eating we paid and we said goodbye to mum. We had missed the 13:05 departure, and we had around 40 minutes to wait for the nest Routemaster Buses bus. whilst we waited we took a few bus pictures. We saw D&G Buses 103 on a #1B to Nantwich.

D&G 103 in Crewe bus station

We also saw Routemaster Buses LJ04 LGK which we assumed was going to be the 14:05 C84 departure to Chester.

Routemaster Buses LJ04 LGK in Crewe bus station

We also saw Arriva NW&W 2623 on a #84 service.

Arriva NW&W 2623 in Crewe bus station

On layover across the was was Arriva NW&W 4104.

Arriva NW&W 4104 in Crewe bus station

On the following #84 service was Arriva NW&W double decker 4476.

Arriva NW&W 4476 in Crewe bus station

We walked up the other end of the bus station and we saw D&G Buses 102 on a #8A to Sydney Drive.

D&G 102 in Crewe bus station

Down the side of the bus station we saw Arriva NW&W Solo SR 708 on a #6 service.

Arriva NW&W 708 in Crewe bus station

We walked back up to the other end of the bus station and we sat down to wait for the 14:05 departure. Matthew had a Cadbury's Snack bar which he shared with me and uncle Dave. Just before the bus was due we got up up and had a wander around. We saw dud Arriva NW&W 2626.

Arriva NW&W 2626 in Crewe bus station

We also saw Routemaster Buses YJ53 VDT arrive on the 12:35 C84 departure from Chester. The bus emptied out and headed up the top corner to go on layover.

Routemaster Buses YJ53 VDT in Crewe bus station

Once the bus had gone up to the top corner Routemaster Buses double decker LJ04 LGK came off layover and onto the stand. We got on the bus and we booked day tickets at £5.00 each. The bus was empty so Matthew photographed the empty lower saloon.

Inside Routemaster Buses LJ04 LGK

We went upstairs and Matthew also took a picture inside the empty top decker too before we sat down.

Inside Routemaster Buses LJ04 LGK

We set off out of the bus station and onto Delamere Street. We followed the road around to the right and over the old railway bridge and forwards onto Edleston Street. At the end we turned right onto Nantwich road. We continued West for a couple of miles before we turned left onto Wistaston Road. We traveled down for about a quarter of a mile towards the level crossing before we turned right onto Coppice Road. We turned left back onto the A534 and we traveled down to The Peacock roundabout. We carried on across the roundabout over the Nantwich by-pass and we ran around 1/2 a mile to the Eastern edge of town we turned right onto the B5074 and left onto Beam Street. We passed M&S and the library and we entered Nantwich bus station. As we entered the bus station we saw Kee travel coach 0006 KEE depart the bus station and we saw GHA minibus EEZ 2362 parked up being used for drivers. We decied to go forwards towards tarporley to see what the next turn was. we saw Routemaster buses Dart PL05 PLN come into the bus station but we weren't sure what this bus was working. The town centre was busy today. We had forgotten that it was the Nantwich Jazz Festival this weekend. We set off back onto Beam Street and we went through the town centre. As it was busy we were delayed a few minutes leaving town. We went through the traffic lights and over the river onto Welsh Row. We went under the canal and we went forwards onto the A51. we went past Snugbury's and into Wardle. We crossed over the railway line at Calverley and forwards into the village of Alpraham. We joined the A49 and a few yard up the road we left the main road to run into Tarporley. We passed the garage with the Spar shop and at the next stop we decided to get up and get off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Routemaster Buses LJ04 LGK as it carried on towards Chester.

Routemaster Buses LJ04 LGK in Tarporley

Once off the bus we had around 10 minutes for the return service in theory. We gave Matthew a choice of going to the pub and using the toilet or going across the road and going to the Co-operative food to do some shopping. Matthew chose to do shopping... Before we crossed the road we saw required Arriva NW&W 4477 on a #84 to Crewe.

Arriva NW&W 4477 in Tarporley

We crossed the road and we went into the Co-operative Food store. Matthew had a can of Coke and a couple of small bottles of pop as well as a couple of chocolate bars. After we had finished paying we went outside and Matthew decided he wanted to go to the toilet after all. We crossed back over to The Rising Sun and Matthew went to the toilet. We came out of the pub and it was raining. I think Matthew wanted to stay in the pub but with an hourly service we could afford to miss this bus. We crossed the road and we walked down towards the bus stop. On the way Matthew went into a coffee shop called Latte Da to say hello to someone and then we went into the bus stop. There was only a few minutes to wait for our bus in theory... It was due at 15:11... The late running 15:06 GHA service #84 to Crewe appeared around 15:16 being worked by Centro CA07 GHA.

GHA CA07 GHA in Tarporley

There was an Arriva bus due around 15:40... We waited for close to 30 minutes for the Routemaster Buses service to appeared but it was a no show. We decided to go back to the pub and have a drink to get out of the rain and we could then come out for the 16:11 which should definitely be running as was booked to be Routemaster Buses LJ04 LGK returning. We fought our way through the rain back up the High Street and we dived into The Rising Sun again. Me and Matthew had a glass of Coke and uncle Dave had some crisps, but Matthew wouldn't let him eat them! He wouldn't even let us put the crisps in the bag I had to put them in my coat pocket. Whilst in the pub the rain came down pretty hard. I think it was a good decision to go to the pub. Just after 16:00 Matthew went to the toilet again and we saw the unidentified Arriva double decker on the #84 to Crewe running over 20 minutes late. Chester traffic can be a nightmare on a Saturday afternoon... We stood up at the bus stop as the rain had soaked the seats. When we first got there there was a river running down the street. As the rain eased off it got down to a mere trickle. The bus appeared around five late and as expected it was Routemaster Buses LJ04 LGK.

Routemaster Buses LJ04 LGK in Tarporley

We got on the bus and we flashed the day tickets to the driver before we went upstairs. There were quite a few people on the bus, but not many upstairs. there had been a few more as the windows were are misted up. We opened a window to try and de-mist the bus windows a little. We set off down the High Street and onto the A49. At the traffic lights we went straight across onto the A51 and we went through Alpraham and Calverley. We crossed the railway line and we went out into open countryside before passing through Wardle. We passed the Snugbury's ice cream and we went through Acton along the B5341 and into Nantwich town centre along Welsh Row. We crossed the river and as we waited at the traffic light we saw an unidentified Alfa Coach turning the corner to go South. We crossed the lights and we turned right into the bus station where we saw GHA Solo YJ54 ZYF & D&G Buses 101 on the #1B service. We left the bus station and we went onto Beam Street and around the Eastern side of town. We joined Crewe Road and we went East to the Peacock roundabout. we carried on along the A534 before turning right onto Coppice Road. At the end we turned left onto Wistaston Road and we re-joined the A534. We considered the doing the 17:05 from Crewe back to Nantwich. It was now getting close to 17:05 so we thought that if the bus was going to swap at Crewe we would need to get off to intercept it. As we got to the edge of Crewe by the shops on Nantwich Road we got up and got off the bus. The bus carried on towards Crewe bus station and we crossed the road to the stop outside Aldi. The bus etop timetable said that the Routemaster Buses bus was due at 17:09. Whilst we where there we saw GHA Centro CA07 GHA on the #84 to Chester again.

GHA CA07 GHA in Crewe

A few minutes later we saw required Arriva NW&W 2625 on a #84 to Nantwich.

Arriva NW&W 2625 in Crewe

We decided to give up on today so we called mum to come and pick us up. Five minutes later she arrived from where she was parked in Crewe town centre. We jumped in the car where Matthew had a Greggs sausage roll and a small bottle of Irn Bru. We turned around and we went back down the A534 we turned right just after the railway station onto the Weston Road By the Brewers Fayre pub The Brocklebank We took the new road down to the A500. We went East under the M6 and down to Sideway where we took the eastbound A50 up to Longton. At Z Carz this evening there were more than usual parked up on the spare ground. This was probably down to it being the Easter weekend. Towards the back of the front row was Z Carz Volkswagen minibus OV05 WSW.

Z Carz OV05 WSW in Longton

Further down the row we saw Z Carz Mercedes minibus CE02 LYX.

Z Carz CE02 LYX in Longton

Next to the Mercedes was Z Carz Volkswagen minibus S973 OVP.

Z Carz S973 OVP in Longton

At the end of this row was Z Carz MV53 KKD.

Z Carz MV53 KKD in Longton

last on the spare ground was Z Carz Ford minibus T418 WYJ.

Z Carz T418 WYJ in Longton

We turned left into Wilow Row to see what was in the compound. With it still being daylight we were able to see more of the buses today. The first we could see was Z Carz PY08 KDX.

Z Carz PY08 KDX in Longton

Next to this was Z Carz Iveco minibus YJ53 WPD.

Z Carz YJ53 WPD in Longton

Finally was saw Z Carz Airport Division minibus MJ03 DPU.

Z Carz MJ03 DPU in Longton

As we were turning the car we also saw Z Carz HK57 LGW which was parked on the road.

Z Carz HK57 LGW in Longton

We got back onto the A50 and we drove West up to Heron Cross. We ran through Blurton along Blurton Road and forwards onto Church Road. We then turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive getting home around 18:20. For a late tea Matthew had sausage, potatoes and carrots followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 01:00... Mark

Trip to Talke / Trent Vale 25-03-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Talke	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Talke	Westport Lake	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Westport Lake	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
67635	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going to the pub for his tea, but not before he had been to his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00. He got dressed and had a giant crumpet and strawberry juice for breakfast. Just before 09:00 his transport to his day service turned up and it was Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Blurton

We got on the bus and the bus set off onto the A5035. We crossed the railway line and we went into Trentham. We turned right into New Inn Lane and we picked up another service user before going back onto the A5035. In Blurton we turned left into Church Road and we went forwards onto Blurton Road. At Heron Cross we joined the A50 and then we did the A50 link Road into Fenton. We turned left onto City Road and left again into Glebedale Road and to our destination. When Matthew got to Fenton, Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU was also present...

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Fenton

In the morning Matthew was going to the Monkey Forest. We got on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX for the journey. We were traveling up vis Shelton. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned left onto City Road. At the bottom before the railway line, we saw Stanton's of Stoke GSU 344. We turned right onto the A52 and left onto Station Road. Outside the railway station was Leons coaches 218. We continued to the end of Station Road where we turned right onto Stoke Road. We traveled up to Snow Hill and then we turned onto Shelton New Road. We stopped briefly at Shelton to pick up other service users where we saw Shelton Care Group BU05 EWX / NX13 XDH / NX13 XDJ / BX58 UHD & GU60 HVX as well as Aiming High FJ10 BJX. We carried on back to Snow Hill via Cemetery Road and Stoke Road and then towards Hanley up to the Ring Road. We went left onto the anti-clockwise ring road and we called at Tesco. After a quick stop we carried on around to Etruria Road and then onto the A53. At Etruria we went South down the A500 down to the A34 at Hanford. We went South down the A34 past Trentham and to the Strongford Garage roundabout and right to the Monkey Forrest. It was decided it was far too busy, so they decided to go somewhere else. They traveled back North up the A34 to Hanford and then North up the A500. We carried on up to the A34 and we turned right. We went to the Talke Freeport and after a brief stop we headed back to the A34 and we headed South. After doing a u-turn at the Parkhouse roundabout we headed North and came off the A34 at Taybarns. It was too busy so the continued North over the A500 and up to Talke where we stopped at the Toby Carvery. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards Matthew had a carvery with Turkey, potatoes carrots and Yorkshire pudding followed by chocolate fudge cake with custard. Matthew also had a glass of Coke. After they had finished we got back aboard Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. The bus set off down the A34 to the A500. We went South to the A500 and we came off at Longport. As we traveled up to Trubshaw Cross we saw Roseville NA56 MWD at Texaco. At the roundabout we turned left and then turned into Westport Lake. At the lake we got out and went feed the ducks. Matthew also went to the visitor centre and used the toilet. When it was time to go everybody got back aboard Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. Coming back home we went on a tour of Stoke-on-Trent. We set off towards Trubshaw Cross and we went left up to Burslem, where we saw an unidentified ABC Supreme minibus and First Potteries 66840 on a #3 to Hanley. We continued up Moorland Road to Smallthorne and we turned right to Sneyd Green. On the A5272 we saw MT Travel SF15 DGU. We turned left at Milton Road and we went down the hill where we saw The Berwick V122 ENN. We went forwards onto Millride Road and into Milton where we saw D&G 33 on the #43 service. We turned left onto Leek Road and at the A53 we continued North to Endon. We turned left near the Plough and we went through Brown edge back to Norton. We turned left onto Norton Lane and after going around Newford Crescent we joined the Southbound A53. We travelled bacnk up the the A5272 and we turned left towards Hanley. We ran through Sneyd Green and Townsend and we ran around the clockwise ring Road to Lichfield Street. At Joiners Square we went across the roundabout onto Victoria Road. At the top we turned right onto the A50 link road. We went West on the A50 to Heron Cross. We travled through Blurton along Blurton Road and we went forwards onto Church Road. At the end we went right onto the A5035. We crossed the railway into Trentham and then right into New Inn Lane. After dropping of a service user we got back onto the A5035 and we ran into Blurton. We got home just before 15:00. Matthew had toast and a drink of orangeade whilst he waited for the time to go out and catch the bus. Today we went to catch the 16:26 to Newcastle. We set off on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. I had seen all the #22 turns earlier in the day and they were all required. First Potteries 67635 was booked to be our bus, but there was also required First Potteries 41493 & 67633 out too. As we got to the corner of Magdalen Road and Finstock Avenue we saw required First Potteries 67633.

First Potteries 67633 in Blurton

We waited at the bus stop and out bus turned up bang on time. It turned the corner and as expected it was required First Potteries 67635.

First Potteries 67635 in Blurton

We got on the the bus and we booked to Harpfields Road. It was completely empty, so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 67635 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside First Potteries 67635

We turned right onto the A5035 and we crossed the railway line and into Trentham. We turned right into New Inn Lane and we saw First Potteries 41494 on the #21 to the Trentham Hotel opposite to the Man in Space. We continued up to Hanford and we went down to the A34 via Wilson Road and Church Lane. At the A34 we saw Elcock Reisan V42 EUJ. We crossed under the A500 into Trent Vale and we passed First Potteries 53060 on a #21A to Trentham Gardens. We turned right into Harpfields Road and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67635 as it continued towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 67635 in Trent Vale

We walked back onto the A34 and we saw dud First Potteries 53830 on the 3rd #22 turn going towards Longton.

First Potteries 53830 in Trent Vale

Required First Potteries Dart 41493 must have swapped off the turned at some point during today... Mum was waiting for us at the pub. At the pub Matthew had a brunch with bread and butter followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses included First Potteries 'Sentinel' liveried Scania 65040 on a Stafford bound #101 service, First Potteries 37156 on a Hanley bound #101 service & Alfa coach 87 going Northwards. When it was time to go we got in the car to go and pick up uncle Dave vis Grandma's. We went North up the A34 passing Roseville minibus DK06 UDH. We turned right just before Newcastle. After a very brief stop we got back onto the A34 and went South, and we turned left onto the A500. We came off the A500 at Sideway and we went East on the A50 up to Heron Cross and we turned left into Fenton. After picking up uncle Dave we headed back to Heron Cross. We went forwards into Blurton along Blurton Road and we climbed the hill and we went forwards onto Church Road before turning right into Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 18:10. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:30... Mark

Trip to Newcastle / Biddulph 19-03-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
41512	Blurton, opp Ladybank Grove	Longton Interchange	22	First Potteries
112	Longton Interchange	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop Q	The Orange One	D & G Buses
67604	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop Q	Newcastle BS	2	First Potteries
32639	Newcastle BS	Tunstall, adj stop A	99	First Potteries
41501	Tunstall, adj stop B	Newcastle BS	99	First Potteries
2975	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	164	Arriva Midlands
32634	Hanley BS	Biddulph BS	7A	First Potteries
41501	Biddulph BS	Hanley BS	7A	First Potteries
67603	Hanley BS	Tunstall, adj stop M	3	First Potteries
66849	Tunstall, adj stop B	Hanley BS	99	First Potteries
37158	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	25	First Potteries

Today we decided to have a local trip. With a few things going over the the weekend we decided to stay local. We check the weather for Saturday and it was for cool cloudy weather. Matthew got up around 10:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. I had been out to see what was working the #22. and they were all buses that we had been on previously... Going towards Newcastle around 11:50 would have meant us doing First Potteries Solo 53829. We decided to go toward Longton today on First Potteries 41512. We set off to the bus stop around 11:45 and as we walked down the street we saw First Potteries 41512 going towards the bus stop. We knew it would probably wait for departure time at the main stop, so we jogged around the corner. When we got to the stop Matthew took a picture of First Potteries 41512 before we got on it.

First Potteries 41512 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked a Smart Day ticket at £5.30 and we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along Beaconsfield Drive and at the end we turned left onto Church Road. We continued down through Blurton along Blurton Road and we turned right onto Longton Hall Lane. We continued forwards onto Heathcote Street and we joined the Westbound high level A50. We crossed over the A50 and we entered Longton Interchange off Bath Road. We got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 41512.

First Potteries 41512 in Longton Interchange

We were now heading to Stoke for dinner. We didn't have to wait for long before required D&G 112 appeared on 'The Orange One' to Newcastle.

D&G 112 in Longton Interchange

We got on the bus and we flashed the ticket to the driver. The driver informed us that Smart day tickets are no longer kept in sealed jackets and haven't been for a couple of months now! We sat down towards the back of the bus and the bus left the interchange and turned right onto Baths Road. We turned left under the railway line and we went North-Westwards up King Street. We continued forwards onto City Road and we went under the railway line and into Stoke town centre where we got up and got off the bus. Opposite to us was dud First Potteries 32055 on a #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 32055 in Stoke

Matthew then took another picture of D&G 112 before it carried on towards Newcastle.

D&G 112 in Stoke

We walked up Church Street and we went into Stoke Cafe where we were going to have dinner. The cafe was very busy today and the lady behind the counter asked a gentleman nice to move onto a table for 2 so that we could sit down. Matthew headed down to the toilet and I ordered the food. Matthew had a small breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. After we had finished eating we headed out onto Church Street and to the Newcastle bus stop. We just missed catching dud First Potteries 32077 which was on a #25 to Keele.

First Potteries 32077 in Stoke

By the time we got to the stop we could see and Enviro 300 approaching. It was one of the early batch with a flip dot display. We have only been on one out of four of these buses previously, we we knew there was a three in four chance of it being a required one. As it got closer we saw that it was dud First Potteries 67604...

First Potteries 67604 in Stoke

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along Church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road. We ran the mile or so up to Hartshill and to the top of Newcastle. We descended down George Street into Newcastle and we turned left at the roundabout onto Barracks Road. We turned into the bus station and we let the bus empty so that Matthew could take a picture inside First Potteries 67604.

Inside First Potteries 67604

When we got to Newcastle we considered what we could catch next. We saw dud First Potteries 53058 on a #97 to Wolstanton.

First Potteries 53058 in Newcastle bus station

We walked over to the other side of the bus station and we saw dud First Potteries 32639 on a #99 to Bradeley.

First Potteries 32639 in Newcastle bus station

We decided to do the double decker, but the driver briefly got off the bus. Whilst we were waiting we saw dud First Potteries 41520 on a #72 to Clayton.

First Potteries 41520 in Newcastle bus station

The driver was now back on the bus and we got on and flashed the Smart day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 32639.

Inside First Potteries 32639

We sat down and the bus set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road. We crossed the roundabout onto the A527 and we headed past the Bramptons towards Wolstanton. After traveling through the village we turned right onto Porthill Bank and down to the A500. We crossed the roundabout and we headed up through Longport to Trubshaw Cross. At the roundabout we turned left onto Brownhills Road and we climbed the hill into Tunstall. We went forwards onto the High Street and at the Northern End we got up and got off the bus. Matthew then took another picture of First Potteries 32639 before it carried on towards Bradeley.

First Potteries 32639 in Tunstall

We headed down to Tunstall Cafe and Matthew went to use the toilet whilst I ordered his food. Matthew had a toffee cheesecake washed down with a glass of Coke. After we had finished eating we said goodbye and we walked outside to see dud First Potteries 41501 on a #99 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 41501 in Tunstall

I asked Matthew if he wanted to do this bus and he said yes, so we crossed the road and jumped on. We flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver and we sat down towards the back of the bus. the bus set off down the High Street and forwards onto Brownhills Road. At Trubshaw Cross we went forwards towards Longport. We passed an unidentified Solus Coach which we believed was carrying Burton Albion fans to the match against Port Vale. We carried on past the Texaco garage and over the A500 onto Porthill Bank. At the top we turned left and we ran through Wolstanton and The Bramptons into Newcastle. We crossed the roundabout and we went onto Barracks Road before we entered the bus station. As we entered the bus station we saw required First Potteries 37159 on a #25 to Keele, the raspberry coloured Volvo First Potteries 66309 and Roseville minibus HV62 OKT. When we got into the bus station we let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 41501.

Inside First Potteries 41501

Once off the bus Matthew took a picture of First Potteries 66309 on a #4A to Kidsgrove.

First Potteries 66309 in Newcastle bus station

before we got down to the bottom of the bus station we also saw required First Potteries 37159 leaving on the #25 to Keele.

First Potteries 37159 in Newcastle bus station

We walked down to the bottom of the bus station and we took a few picture whilst we decided what bus to do next. We saw First Potteries 32054 on a #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 32054 in Newcastle bus station

We also saw dud D&G Buses 189 on a #94 to Congleton.

D&G 189 in Newcastle bus station

We also saw required Arriva Midlands 2975 on a #164 to Hanley.

Arriva Midlands 2975 in Newcastle bus station

I asked Matthew if he wanted to do this bus and he said yes.We walked up towards the top of the bus station and we got on. Whilst I was sorting out the Smart Day ticket Matthew managed to get past us and beep the horn on the bus. Luckily the driver took it well... We sat down towards the back of the bus and the bus set off out of the bus station. We crossed the roundabout onto the one way system and we joined the A52 for a short while before we joined Shelton New Road. We crossed and joined the A500 and we ran up to the Stoke Road junction. We went through Shelton and Snow Hill and we then joined the ring road and we ran around to Bethesda Street. We entered the bus station up John Street and we let the bus empty before Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 2975.

Inside Arriva Midlands 2975

Matthew went to the toilet, and we set off towards the John Street car park so that we could take a few bus pictures. On the way we spotted a coach parked up adjacent to the Victoria Hall. Closer inspect reveal the coach to be Pheonix Bussing Setra N77 PBS.

Pheonix Bussing N77 PBS in Hanley

We crossed the road and before we went into the car park we saw First Potteries 37157, which was on layover I the centre of the bus station.

First Potteries 37157 in Hanley bus station

Once we went upstairs we started taking a few pictures... We saw First Potteries 32057 on a #7A to Biddulph.

First Potteries 32057 in Hanley bus station

We also saw D&G Buses 193, which was occupying one of the layover spaces in the middle of the bus station.

D&G 193 in Hanley bus station

We also saw D&G Buses 145. Only purchased last December, the bus was on one of it's regular turns the #16 to Leek.

D&G 145 in Hanley bus station

Relatively new to the First Potteries fleet, Enviro300 67641 was on a #3 to Talke Pits

First Potteries 67641 in Hanley bus station

One of the more unusual working that we saw today was First Potteries Streetlite 63174, usually found on the #6/6A or #26, was on a #5 to Abbey Hulton.

First Potteries 63174 in Hanley bus station

Whilst we took pictures Matthew ate some Milky Stars and drank a small bottle of Cherryade. We decided to head back to the bus station and visit the Spar shop. In the Spar shop Matthew brought a can of Coke and a small bottle of Irn Bru, as well as a couple of chocolate bars. We paid for the items and then we went back into the bus station whilst we decided what to next. We spotted required First Potteries 32634 on a #7A to Biddulph so we decided to do that.

First Potteries 32634 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off along out of the bus station and down onto Bethesda Street. We went past the museum onto Marsh Street before turning right onto Trinity Street. We turned left onto Stafford Street and the bus loaded up with a few more people outside Lewis's and the 'spikey man' statue. The bus continued up onto Quadrant Road and under the 'Intu Potteries' shopping centre. We crossed the ring Road and went into Townsend and we took the A5272 through Sneyd Green and Smallthorne through to Chell. We turned right onto the A527 and we headed down through Fegg Hays. We climbed the hill up through Brindley Ford and up to Brown Lees. At the industrial estate we turned left through Brown Lees and we crossed over the A527 and we saw D&G Buses 198 on the #93 service to Biddulph Moor. We also saw required D&G Buses 31 on a #94 to Newcastle.. We went around the estate and we came into Biddulph from the East. After joining the high Street we tuned left onto South View before turning right onto Wharf Road. We got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 32634 before it returned to Hanley.

First Potteries 32634 in Biddulph bus station

We went to the toilet and back to the seats. We turned down D&G Buses 32 which was on a 'Nines', and Matthew shared a double Milky way with me and uncle Dave. After chilling out on the bench for a while we walked up to the shelter just before the next #7A was due. We saw it approaching and as it got closer we saw that it was dud First Potteries 41501 for the second time today!

First Potteries 41501 in Biddulph bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart day ticket to the driver. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 41501.

Inside First Potteries 41501

We got on the bus and we set off back to Hanley. We ran back through the estates and across the A527 into Brown Lees. We joined the A527 and we headed South through Brindley Ford and Fegg Hayes up to Chell. At Chell we turned left onto the A5272 and we ran through Smallthorne and Sneyd Green to Townsend. After crossing the Hanley ring road we ran down Quadrant Road and into Stafford Street. We went passed the town hall and we entered the bus station along Bagnall Street. Once we got to the bus station we got off. We were now thinking on how to get back to Newcastle. We though we could go back directly, or maybe via Tunstall. When we saw required First Potteries Enviro300 67603 on a #3 service, we decided to head up to Tunstall.

First Potteries 67603 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus which was well loaded and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along out of the bus station and down onto Bethesda Street. We went past the museum onto Marsh Street before turning right onto Trinity Street. We turned left onto Stafford Street and the bus loaded up with a few more people outside Lewis's. The bus ran down onto A5006 and we joined Waterloo Road for the run up to Cobridge. We crossed the A53 and we headed down the hill and back up the other side. It was around 16:50 and a few Port Vale fans got on the bus who had left the match early. The vibe seemed to be that they had been beaten quite badly. We carried on out the other side of Burslem up Scotia Road to the edge of Tunstall. We turned left onto A5271. at the bottom of the High Street the bus turned right and at the top end we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67603.

First Potteries 67603 in Tunstall

We crossed the road and we looked at the bus stop timetable. There didn't appear to be another bus towards Newcastle until nearly 18:00. We would have to go back to Hanley to get to Newcastle... There was another #3 due in a few minutes. When it arrived we saw that it was dud First Potteries 66849.

First Potteries 66849 in Tunstall

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. Tye bus set off down the high Street and at the bottom we turned left onto the A5271. We turned right onto Scotia Road and we ran up the hill into Burslem. By now we had found out that Port vale had lost 0-4 to Burton Albion. The bus pulled up outside Swann Bank and there was a queue of people waiting to get on the bus. The bus filled up and I swear I had never seen as many glum faces in one place as were present on the bus right now... The bus set off down Waterloo Road through Cobridge and into Hanley. We ran up Hope street and forwards onto Stafford Street before passing the town hall an entering the bu station along Bagnall Street. When we got to Hanley we let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 66849.

Inside First Potteries 66849

When we got off the bus we had a few choices of buses that we could do to Newcastle. First Potteries 66849 was now about to work a #4 to Kidsgrove via Newcastle, but we didn't want to do the bus we just got off. D&G Buses 196 as on a #17 to Newcastle via Wolstanton & Bradwell that take close to an hour!. We opted to do dud First Potteries 37158.

First Potteries 37158 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart day ticket to the driver for the final time today. We went upstairs and because the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 37158.

Inside First Potteries 37158

The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Bethesda Road. We crossed over the ring Road and onto Regents Road. We continued forwards onto Cauldon Road and we went down past the university to the railway station. At the railway station we were joined upstairs by an entertaining Villa Fan who was talking about football. having discuss the days Premier League results we got on to the subject of Tony Pulis. I said I though he was a good manager, but not necessarily a great one, and the guy said 'It's like having a girlfriend... Do you want someone who cooks and cleans for you and looks after you, but she might not be a looker or do you want someone attractive and good in bed!'. We ran along the A52 and under the railway line and into Stoke. We climbed the hill into Hartshill and we went through the hospital onto the A34. We cam into town from the south and into the bus station. We got off the bus and Matthew went to the toilet. I forgot to let mum know we were in Newcastle, so we had to wait whilst she drove up. whilst we waited we saw required First Potteries 32078 on a #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 32078 in Newcastle bus station

On Barracks road we saw City Centre Central taxi minibus VO54 ONR.

City Centre Central VO54 ONR in Newcastle bus station

We also saw the other required First Potteries ALX400 double decker 32079 on a #25 to Keele.

First Potteries 32079 in Newcastle bus station

Mum then appeared and we walked up to where she parked. We got in the car and we went to the roundabout to turn around and go back South. We joined the A34 and we passed an unidentified Hedley Travel coach going the other way. We stopped in Trent Vale at the Riverside Chippy and we got a couple of portions of chips to eat in the car going home. We set off back onto the A34 and we went North on the A500 up to Sideway. We went Eastwards on the A50 which we did up to Longton. We went to see what was parked up at Z Carz this evening. On the spare ground we saw Z Carz maroon Volkswagen S973 OVP.

Z Carz S973 OVP in Longton

We also saw Z Carz Mercedes minibus M372 NWN.

Z Carz M372 NWN in Longton

We turned into Willow Row and we saw Z Carz parked outside the compound BU04 GYW.

Z Carz BU04 GYW in Longton

The compound was full of buses, but there were cars parked in front of them. One of the buses was Z Carz silver LDV CN57 HWA.

Z Carz CN57 HWA in Longton

We got back onto the A50 and we went West to Heron Cross. We travelled through Blurton along Blurton Road and we went forwards onto Church Road. We turned right into Beaconsfield Drive and we got home just before 19:00. For a late tea we had beef, mash and carrots followed by a bakewell tart and custard. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:00... Mark