Trip to Newcastle / Biddulph 30-07-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67601	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trentham, adj Man-in-Space	22	First Potteries
53058	Trentham, adj Man-in-Space	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop R	21A	First Potteries
160	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop O	Newcastle BS	Nines	D&G
32080	Newcastle BS	Burslem, Town Hall (stop G)	98	First Potteries
65727	Burslem, Wedgwood Street (stop A)	Tunstall, Adj Stop M	3	First Potteries
66304	Tunstall, Adj Stop B	Hanley BS	3	First Potteries
32078	Hanley BS	Biddulph, Adj Somerfield Store	7A	First Potteries
32080	Biddulph BS	Hanley BS	7A	First Potteries
65706	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	25	First Potteries

Today we decided to stay local. We checked the weather and it was for warm dry weather with sunny intervals. We gave Matthew a short list of place in the Midlands and North West and from the list he chose Stoke! Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off just after 12:00 to the stop all the way over on Magdalen Road and whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 67635 on a Longton bound #22 service. A short while later we saw the bus turned the corner. It was dud First Potteries 67601 on a #22 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67601 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked a Smart Day ticket at £5.30 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto the A5035 and we ran over the railway line into Trentham. At the Trenhtam Hotel we saw Free Spirits minibus MK52 PXH parked up. We turned right into. New In lane and as we went down I noticed someone looking down the road as if there was another bus behind us. We got to The Man in Space and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67601 as it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 67601 in Trentham

Right behind u s was a Solo on a Hanley service. As it got closer we saw that it was dud First Potteries 53058 on a #21A service.

First Potteries 53058 in Trentham

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 was already partially loaded when we got on it. The bus set off up New Inn Land and into Hanford. We turned right into Wilson Road and then we turned left onto Church Lane. We lane down the hill and we joined the Northbound A34. We crossed under the A500 into Trent Vale and we saw First Potteries 67603 on the other #22 turn running towards Longton. We turned right into London Road by the black Lion and we ran the couple of miles into Stoke town centre where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture First Potteries 53058 before it carried on towards Hanley.

First Potteries 53058 in Stoke

We walked along Campbell Place and around the corner into Church Street and into the Stoke Cafe. Matthew went to the toilet and then we ordered breakfast. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished eating we went out onto Church Street. As we came out we saw a D&G Versa approaching on the #9 to Clayton. As it got closer we saw that it was required D&G 160.

D&G 160 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 up Hartshill Bank. We turned left into Queens Road and Left again into Princes Road. We went into the centre of Penkhull and we turned right Newcastle Lane. At the roundabout we turned right onto Hilton Road and then we turned left into the hospital. After running through the hospital we turned right onto the A34. We ran up into Newcastle and onto Barracks Road and we entered the bus station from the South. We let the bus empty and we Matthew took a picture inside D&G 160.

Inside D&G 160

We got off the bus and we walked down to the bottom end of the bus station whilst we decided on what to do next. Whilst we waited we saw dud First Potteries 53208 on a #72 to Clayton Village.

First Potteries 53208 in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes later we saw Roseville minibus NU61 VJX heading onto Barracks Road.

Roseville NU61 VJX in Newcastle bus station

We also saw dud First Potteries 65034 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 65034 in Newcastle bus station

We saw an ALX400 double decker approaching from the north end of the bus station so we walked onto Stubbs Street to wait fr it approach. When we got closer we saw that it was dud First Potteries 32080 coming in to work a #98 to Ball Green.

First Potteries 32080 in Newcastle bus station

Right behind the double decker was required First Potteries 65035 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 65035 in Newcastle bus station

We walked up to the top end of the bus station and by the time we got there the bus was already loading up. We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day tickets to the driver to the driver before we went upstairs. As the top deck was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 32080.

Inside First Potteries 32080

We set off out of Newcastle bus station and onto Barracks Road past the building site of a new council building. We went forwards onto the A527 and through May Bank into Wolstanton. We turned right onto Porthill bank and we crossed the A500 and into Longport. At Trubshaw cross we turned right onto Newcastle Road. We ran up the hill into Burslem town centre and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 32080 before it carried on towards Ball Green.

First Potteries 32080 in Burslem

We were now going to Tunstall to go and get cake so we walked around the corner to wait for the bus. The service is now only every 15 minutes. We had around 10 minutes to wait for the next bus. A few minutes later we could see a bus approaching through Cobridge. As it got closer we saw that it was dud First Potteries 65727.

First Potteries 65727 in Burslem

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus was well filled so we only just managed to get a seat. The bus set off up Scotia Road and past the old Burslem PMT bus garage. We turned left onto Williamson Street and then right onto Tunstall High Street. At the top of the High Street we got up and got off the bus. Matthew then took another picture of First Potteries 65727 before it carried on towards Crewe.

First Potteries 65727 in Tunstall

We walked down to the Tunstall Cafe and Matthew used the toilet. They had ran out of toffee cheesecake so Matthew had to settle foe just a glass of Coke. When we had finished we said goodbye and we crossed the Street to wait for another bus. Across the road we saw First Potteries 67634 on a #3 to Talke Pitts.

First Potteries 67634 in Tunstall

A few minutes later we saw a red fronted Volvo come around the corner. As iy got closer we saw that it was dud First Potteries 66304.

First Potteries 66304 in Tunstall

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. Once again the bus was full and Uncle Dave had to stand for a short while. We went down the High Street and we turned left into Williamson Street. We turned right into Scotia Road and we ran into Burslem town centre. We continued into Cobridge and down into Hanley. We joined Hope Street and we ran forwards to Stafford Street. After going past town hall we entered the bus station via Bagnall Street. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 66304.

Inside First Potteries 66304

Once off the bus Matthew visited the toilet and then we headed over to the car park to take a few bus pictures. On the way over we saw First Potteries 41501 on layover.

First Potteries 41501 in Hanley bus station

We went into John Street car park and we climbed the steps to the next level. Almost as soon as we got there we saw Arriva Midlands 3695 go on layover after working the #164 from Market Drayton.

Arriva Midlands 3695 in Hanley bus station

We then saw First Potteries 32054 on a #5 to Abbey Hulton. We also saw D&G 170 which was on a #43 to Badderley Green.

D&G 170 in Hanley bus station

Matthew ate a packet of milky Stars and then drank a can of Irn Bru. We decided to head back to the bus station, and on the way we saw First Potteries 32057 on a #8A to Endon.

First Potteries 32057 in Hanley bus station

We crossed over John Street and we saw D&G 165 on a #16 to Leek.

D&G 165 in Hanley bus station

We went back to the bus station and we went to the shop where Matthew picked up a can of Coke and a bottle of Irn Bru. He also picked up a couple of chocolate bars. We decided to wait for a #7A to Biddulph. We turned down First Potteries 32053 which was on the #8 to Ball Green and we waited for the next bus which was dud First Potteries 32078 on the #7A to Biddulph.

First Potteries 32078 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day tickets to the driver before we went upstairs. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 32078.

Inside First Potteries 32078

We set off out of the bus station down John Street and onto Bethesda Street. We went across onto Marsh Street and then we turned right into Trinity Street. We turned left into Stafford Street and we continued forwards to Quadrant Road and we left Hanley along Town Road. We traveled through Sneyd Green and over Smallthorne roundabouts to Chell. At the roundabout we turned right and we ran down the A527 through Brindley Ford. We turned left to run through Brown Lees. We crossed over the A527 at Knypersley and we ran around through the housing estates of Biddulph, past the funfair on Church Road before running into town via St John's Road, Colliers Way and up Wharf Road to the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 32078 before it carried on back towards Hanley.

First Potteries 32078 in Biddulph bus station

We visited the toilet and then we walked onto the high Street to the kebab shop. We brough a couple of portions of fried and some cans of pop an we walked back to the bus station. On the way to the shelter we saw dud D&G Bus 161 on the #9 to Hanley.

D&G 161 in Biddulph bus station

We went into the shalter and we shared the fries between the three of us. We also had a can of pop each. There was a #7A due at 17:09 and the D&G Nines service was due at 17:10. The Nines service arrived first and it was required D&G 119.

D&G 119 in Biddulph bus station

I asked Matthew if he wanted to do this bus and he said no. A few minutes later the First Potteries bus appeared and it was dud First Potteries 32080 that we had been on from Newcastle to Burslem earlier in the day!

First Potteries 32080 in Biddulph bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day tickets to the driver before we went upstairs. The bus set off onto High Street and we turned left onto Well Street. We ran around the estate and we crossed over the A527 at Knypersley We ran through Brown Lees and we rejoined the A527 by the industrial estate. We ran down through Brindley Ford and Fegg Hayes and then we ran up the hill to Chell. We turned left onto High Lane and we ran back through Smallthorne & Sneyd Green into Hanley. When we got back to Hanley we walked down to the bottom stands to catch something towards Newcastle. We saw required 65730 on a #4 to Audley. We were distracted by a coach that came into the bus station on the top stand. It was Skills of Nottingham BX16 CHK on a national Express #384 to Birmingham. By the time we got back down to the #4 service it had just left the stand. On stand at the bottom end of the bus station was First Potteries 65706 on a #25 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 65706 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day tickets to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We ran down through Stoke and we saw a gold coloured Setra parked behind the back of the North Staffs Hotel. We went into Stoke into Stoke town centre and Hartshill through the hospital and into Newcastle. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 65706.

Inside First Potteries 65706

We had arrange to meet mum in the Ironmarket, so we walked past the building site and around the corner to met her. Once we got to the ar Matthew had a Wrights mini sausage roll and a bottle of Irn Bru. We set off onto barracks Road and onto the A34. We ran past hospital and into Trent Vale. We stopped at the chip shop for some chips and then we continued down the A34 to the roundabout. We joined the Northbound A500 and we passed a white coach with a golden eagle logo and a gold and maroon stripe. At Sideway we went east on the A50 and we passed Alfa coach 66. We came off the A50 and we went to Z Carz to see what was parked up there today. In the first row was Z Carz Ford minibus HK57 LFY.

Z Carz HK57 LFY in Longton

Also on the first row was Z Carz Ford minibus GL04 CVE.

Z Carz GL04 CVE in Longton

At the near end of the first row was Z Carz LDV minibus PN06 ONM.

Z Carz PN06 ONM in Longton

At the back of the site was Z Carz Iveco minibus YJ53 WPD.

Z Carz YJ53 WPD in Longton

A minibus that I can't remember seeing before is Z Carz silver Renault minibus DS07 LSN.

Z Carz DS07 LSN in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row to see what was parked up the compound. Parked in the Street was Z Carz Renault minibus BU04 GYW.

Z Carz BU04 GYW in Longton

We headed back onto the A50 and we ran up to Heron Cross. We acme off the A50 and we joined Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and we turned right into Church Road. We turned right into Beaconsfield Drive and we saw First Potteries 41512 on a #23 to Hanley. We got home around 19:00. For a late tea we had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a caramel slice. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Westport Lake / Trent Vale 29-07-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DV10 JCU	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Westport Lake	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Westport Lake	Trentham	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Trentham	Talke	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Talke	Joiner's Square	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Joiner's Square	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
67634	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 and had a cheese oatcake and orange juice for breakfast. Just before 09:00 his transport to his day service turned up and it was Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Blurton

We got on the bus and we sat down. We set off down to the A5035 and we ran over the railway line into Trentham. We turned right into New Inn Lane and we picked up another service user. We returned onto New Inn Lane and we turned left onto the A5035. We came back into Blurton and we turned left onto Church Road. At the roundabout we turned left onto Blurton Road. We joined the Eastbound A50 and we then turned left onto the A50 link Road and we ran up to City Road. We turned left and we ran to Glebedale Road and turned left and to our destination. In the morning Matthew went to Westport Lake. For this trip we got back on board Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned left onto City Road. We ran down the hill under the railway line and onto the A52. We crossed over the A500 and we joined the Northbound carriageway. We ran up to Longport and we came off onto the A5271. At Trubshaw Cross we followed the road to the left and we turned right into Westport Lake. We walked all the way around the lake and then we we returned to the minibus after Matthew had used the toilet. Matthew also had a bottle of Coke. We set off onto the A5271 and we ran down to Truvshaw Cross, We turned left onto Newcastle Road and we ran up into Burslem Town Centre. We turned right onto Waterloo Road and we ran through Cobridge. When we got to the A53 we turned right and we ran past Festival park and through Etruria to the A500. We ran down South through Stoke to Trent Vale and we turned left onto A34. We turned left and we ran to Trentham Gardens where we turned left onto the A5035. We ran up to the Toby Inn, but it was busy so we decided to go back up North to Talke. We returned onto the A34 and we ran up to Trent Vale where we joined the Northbound A500. We ran up through Stoke and Longport all the way up to Talke where we turned right onto the A34. We continued North until the road turned right and we parked up at the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a carvery with beef and Yorkshire pudding followed by Chocolate fudge cake. When it was time to go We got back on board Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We got back onto the Southbound A34 and we ran down to the A500 where we turned South. We ran to Longport and we turned right onto the A527 and up into Porthill. At the top of the hill we turned left onto Wolstanton High Street. We ran through to Newcastle and we ran onto the A53. We followed the one way system around and we turned left onto George Street. At the top of the hill we went onto Shelton New Road and we ran through to Snow Hill. We turned left and we ran onto the ring Road at Hanley. We ran around the ant clockwise ring road to Lichfield Street and we ran down the hill to the pub. We saw ABC Supreme minibus SJ13 WYD. When it was time to go we got back onto Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We ran down Palmerston Road onto the A52 and we turned right. At Joiners Square we turned left onto Victoria Road. At the top we turned sharp right onto City Road and left onto Glebedale Road. After a quick stop we continuing back on to Glebedale Road. We turned right onto City Road and right again onto the A50 Link Road. We joined the Westbound A50 to Heron Cross and we turned left into Blurton and we carried on forwards onto Church Road. We turned right onto the A5035 and we ran over the railway line in Trentham and we turned right into New Inn Lane. After dropping off another service user we came back towards Blurton. Matthew got home just before 15:00. Matthew took another picture of Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Blurton

Matthew had toast and a drink of dandelion & burdock whilst he waited for the time to go out and catch the bus. Today we went to catch the 16:26 to Newcastle. We went with a friend so we went on the A5035 and we ran through to Church Road where we turned left. We ran through Blurton and we stopped at the shop to pick up a friend. We then drove back onto Blurton Road and onto Church Road. We parked up in a car park behind the stop on Magdalen Road. We set off on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. We had seen the turn earlier in the day and it was booked to be dud First Potteries 67634. Whilst we waited we saw dud First Potteries 67635 on a #22 to Longton.

First Potteries 67635 in Blurton

A few minutes later the bus turned the corner and as expected it was dud First Potteries 67634.

First Potteries 67634 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Harpfields Road before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We turned right onto the A5035 and we crossed the railway into Trentham. We turned right into New Inn Lane and we climbed the hill into Hanford and we turned right into Wilson Road. At the end of Wilson Road we turned left onto Church Lane and we ran down the hill to the A34. We crossed under the A500 into Trent Vale. Just before we turned we saw First Potteries 67602 on a #22 to Longton. We turned right into Harpfields Road where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67634 before it carried on towards Newcastle. We headed back onto the A34 and we walked to the pub and we saw freshly re-painted First Potteries 65042 on a #101 to Hanley. Mum Was already parked at the pub so we went straight inside. Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses included First Potteries 65034 on a Stafford Bound #101 service, Roseville EJ61 VGZ & ABC Supreme P881 RND on a South bound shuttle. After we had finished we sat outside and waited for a Lucky Seven taxi. whilst we waited we saw Roseville minibus K5 XOG.

Roseville K5 XOG in Trent Vale

We wen back down the A34 to Trentham and along the A5035 into Blurton. We got out of the taxi and back into the car. We drove through Blurton and we dropped off the friend back at the shop. we then pick someone else up we we went forwards to Heron Cross. We joined the A50 link Road and we went to the KFC drive-thru for someone else. After we had picked some stuff up we returned through Blurton and we got back home just before 19:00. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Leek / Stoke 26-07-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DV10 JCU	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Leek	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Leek	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
41520	Stoke, adj stop X	Blurton, opp Ladybank Grove	23A	First Potteries

Today we had decided to renew the bus pass, 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 orange juice for breakfast. Just before 09:00 his transport to his day service turned up and it was Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Blurton

We set off onto the A5035 and we went over the railway line and into Trentham. We turned right into New Inn Lane and we picked up another service user before. We rejoined the A5035 and we ran over the railway into Blurton before turning left into Church Road. We ran down through Blurton along Blurton Road and we joined the A50. We came off at the link Road and we ran up the hill to City Road. We ran down City Road and we turned left onto Glebedale Road and to our destination. In the morning Matthew chilled out in the sensory room and then used the computer. For dinner Matthew had pizza followed by cake. After dinner Matthew went our for a drive. For the trip we climbed aboard Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We set off onto Glebedale Road and right onto City Road. At the roundabout we turned left onto Victoria Road and we ran down to Joiners Square. We turned right onto the A52 and we ran to the traffic lights. We followed the road around to the right and we ran through Bucknall. We turned left onto Eaves Lanes Bucknall Grange and continued onto Greasley Road. Before we joined the A5009 we saw Stanton's of Stoke PSU 988 in a side street. We turned right onto the A5009 and we ran past the Cemetery to Milton and we turned left. We then ran through to Newford Crescent and onto the Northbound A53. We ran up through Stockton Brook and we saw First Potteries 65001. We continued North through Endon and Longsdon and we ran down the hill and over the Churnet and into Leek. We ran into the town centre and parked up and walked to The Cock Inn. In the pub Matthew went to the toilet and then had a drink of Coke. When it was time to go we climbed back aboard Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU for the driver home. We rana round the one way system an onto the A523 to the centre of town. We turned left onto the A53 and we ran near to the bus station and down to the A520. We went 'straight outta Compton' and forwards onto Cheddleton Road. We ran through crossed under the Ipstones branch of the railway and back over the Churnet Valley Railway and through Cheddleton to Wetley Rocks we saw M&A Travel minibus BG08 AET. At Cellarhead we turned right onto the A52 and we ran through Werrington and onto Ash Bank. We turned left onto Salters Lane and we ran through Hulme and onto Park Hall Road. In Adderley green we ran past the Scraggs depot and we saw Scraggs 8416 VT. At the roundabout we turned left onto Anchor Road and we saw First Potteries 41496 at the back of the depot. We ran down the hill and we turned right near to the bottom. We weaved our way around the back of Longton and we joined King Street West of Longton. We continued down onto City Road and then left into Glebedale Road and to our destination. After a brief stop we set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned right onto City Road. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A50 link road and then onto the Westbound A50 and we ran down to the Bet365 stadium. We ran along Stanley Matthews Way and we turned right onto the A5035 and we ran over the railway line in Trentham and we turned right into New Inn Lane. After dropping off another service user we came back towards Blurton. Matthew got home just before 15:00. Matthew took another picture of Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Blurton

Matthew had toast and a drink of orangeade whilst he waited for the time to go out. On a normal Tuesday we would have done the #22 to Grandma's. Between us we had seen all 3 buses... Unusually there was a Solo out today, First Potteries 53122. The other two turns were being worked by First Potteries 67601 & 67602. Around 16:00 we got in the car and we drove onto Beaconsfield Drive and left onto Church Road. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton to the A50. We went West onto the A50 and we passed D&G 112 on 'The Orange One', well off its normal route. We went South on the A500 briefly and we circled over the A500 onto Campbell Road. As we ran towards Stoke we passed Bennett's Mercedes minibus FY52 GOP. We joined the one-way system and we parked up by the market. We went into the One Stop Shop in Stoke and Matthew used the toilet. We got Matthew's pass in record time today. It was the quickest we have ever gotten his pass sorted in the last decade! Once we had sorted it, we went out onto Church Street and we said goodbye to mum. As we were about to set off onto Glebedale Street we saw D&G 171 on the #14A to Hanley.

D&G 171 in Stoke

We also saw First Potteries 53208 on a #23A to Hanley.

First Potteries 53208 in Stoke

We walked around the corner and we sat by the bus stop whilst we waited for the bus to come. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 67631 on a #2 to Newcastle and First Potteries 37146 on the #25 to Hanley. A few minutes later we saw a Dart approaching... As it got closer we saw that it was dud First Potteries 41520.

First Potteries 41520 in Stoke

We got on the bus and we booked to Blurton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along Glebe Street and we turned left onto Church Street. We crossed obver the A500 and we went under the railway line where we saw D&G 161 on a 'Nines' service to Clayton. Part way up city road we were flagged down by passing Alton Towers Transport T743 JHE which was on a E2 service. The driver of the other vehicle was telling our driver about a crash on City Road by the bed shop. The road ahead had been closed. That explained why we saw 'The Orange One' service on the A50 earlier. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and one of the staff member from Matthew's day centre got on the bus. We continued forwards onto Wheildon Road and we ran up to Heron Cross via Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We ran through Blurton along Blurton Road and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Road and when the bus got to the end we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 41520 before it carried on towards Newstead.

First Potteries 41520 in Blurton

We walked home and we got into the house around 17:00. We chiiled outat home and then we went out for MacDonalds. We set off onto Beaconsfield Drive and then left onto Church Road. We ran down through Blurton along Blurton Road and we joined the A50. We came off at the link Road and we ran up the hill to City Road were we saw Intercity SV07 VDL. At the roundabout we turned right onto Victoria Road. We ran down the hill to the Macdonalds Drive Thru, and after we had picked up Matthews food we ran back up the hill to City Road. We stopped at KFC for our tea, and then we joined the A50 link road. Westbound A50 and we ran down to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton onto Church Road. We joined the Westbound A50 and we ran down to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we got home around 19:45. Matthew had a hamburger and chicken nuggets with fries , washed down with a cup of Coke. He then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Cleveleys / Blackpool 23-07-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
216	Cleveleys, Victoria Square (Stop 4)	Blackpool, by Starr Gate	1	Blackpool Transport
375	Blackpool, by Starr Gate	Blackpool, o/s Cabin	1	Blackpool Transport
330	Blackpool, o/s Cabin	Cleveleys, by Crescent	1	Blackpool Transport
377	Cleveleys, by Crescent	Fleetwood, Bold Street Interchange	1	Blackpool Transport
311	Fleetwood, Bold Street Interchange	Fleetwood, by Elm Street	14	Blackpool Transport
374	Fleetwood, by fire station	Fleetwood, Bold Street Interchange	1	Blackpool Transport

Today Matthew decided that we were going up to the Fylde Coast. On Thursday he had spotted a picture on Flickr that informed us that Saturday was the last day for the Northern Counties bodied Volvo Olympians with Blackpool Transport. There were scheduled to be at least 3 buses on the #1 from Starr Gate to Fleetwood, so we decided that we were going to start the day in Cleveleys. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:10 ans we headed through Blurton on Beaconsfield Drive. We turned right onto Church Road and right again onto Blurton Road. We stopped at the Post Office. Whilst there we saw First Potteries 67632 on a #22 to Newcastle. Once we had picked up a parcel we continued along Blurton Road to Heron Cross. We joined the Westbound A50 and we ran to Sideway where we took the Northbound A500. The road was very quiet today. It appeared that most of the local people in teaching jobs had jumped on a plane yesterday afternoon shortly after the bell rang just like in the Barclaycard Advert! We got to the M6 and there was quite heavy traffic going North. As we travelled North we saw Hollinshead DH13 HOL, A-Line CU51 EEZ, SS Travel UKZ 9473, an unidentified AJK Travel coach in Knutsford services (Northbound), Pat;s Coaches J7 WXM, Happy Days 220, Howards F19 HOW, an unidentified Battersby Silver Grey coach, white coach F687 ONR, white coach BU16 ???, an unidentifed Caledonian Travel coach and minibuses MT07 ZAG & YG53 VHV as well as an unidentified Myalls of Bassingbourn Coach. North of the M56 the road was much quieter and we mage better time. We joined the Westbound M55 and we saw former Bakers Coaches now Harris Travel 9995 RU. We ran for around 10 miles and we came off the motorway onto the A585. We followed the road North until we came to a roundabout next to a Morrisons. We went West along Victoria Road West and we passed Catch22Bus Routemaster RM1583 on the #21 to St Anne's. We turned left onto North Drive and right onto Anchorsholm Lane East. We turned right onto the A587, crossing over the tram line and we turned right by Aldi into Runnymede Avenue where we parked up. We walked around the corner back onto the A587 and we stopped for dinner at The Tramstop Cafe. When we got there Matthew went to the toilet. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of diet Coke. Whilst we are we saw Blackpool Transport Optare Excel 220 on a #7 service, and two of the Volvo Olympians 374 & 375 on the #1 service. After we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and as we had just missed a Northbound #1 service, we decided to cross over the road and tram line to the Southbound stop. At the stop when we got there was Blackpool Transport 293 on a #4 service to Mereside Tesco.

Blackpool Transport 293 in Cleveleys

We had around 10 minutes before the next #1 service, which was due at 14:26. A few minutes alter we saw Catch22Bus Dart W363 VHB on a #21 to the Pleasure Beach.

Catch22Bus W363 VHB in Cleveleys

Shortly after that we saw Blackpool Transport Solo 249 on a #3 to Mereside Tesco.

Blackpool Transport 249 in Cleveleys

A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. It wasn't a Volvo Olympian, but it was something almost as good. It was required Blackpool Transport Optare Excel 216 on a #1 to Starr Gate.

Blackpool Transport 216 in Cleveleys

We got on the bus and we brought Adult24 tickets at £5 each before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off South down the A587 and we ran through Norbreck and Bispham quite quickly. Just North of the North Pier we hit traffic and we moved very slowly through town. We passed the North Pier and started to make slightly quicker progress. Going North we saw dud Blackpool Transport 377 on a #1 to Fleetwood. Past the Central pier we went a little quicker still but the bus was now quite late. We passed required Blackpool Transport 374 on a #1 to Cleveleys, presumably cut short due to late running. Once past the Pleasure Beach we went through the back streets onto Clifton Drive. and right onto the new South Promenade where the bus terminated. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside Blackpool Transport 216.

Inside Blackpool Transport 216

We got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Blackpool Transport 216 before it carried on back to Fleetwood.

Blackpool Transport 216 in Blackpool

The bus set off almost immediately as it was late. In Theory we now had around a 15 minute wait for the next bus back North at 15:40. We sat on a rck by the tram station and Matthew ate a pack of Milky Stars. Whilst we waited for our bus we saw Catch22Bus Leyland Atlantean AHG 334V on a #21 to Cleveleys.

Catch22Bus AHG 334V in Blackpool

We waited patiently for the bus... 15:40 came and went and then bus never appeared. We watch a few trams arrive and depart and we saw Rotherham based Ford minibus FV07 ELH go Northwards up the Promenade.

Rotherham FV07 ELH in Blackpool

A few minutes later we saw Swans Travel coach YN58 CFX going South down the road.

Swans Travel YN58 CFX in Blackpool

A few minutes alter we saw a bus coming out of Clifton Drive. It was an Olympian! As it got closer we saw it was required Blackpool Transport 375.

Blackpool Transport 375 in Blackpool

It was just after 16:00 and we had final caught up with our first Olympian of the day. We got on the bus and we flashed the Adult24 ticket to the driver. The bottom deck of the bus was empty so matthew took a picture inside Blackpool Transport 375.

Inside Blackpool Transport 375

We went upstairs and the bus set off up the New South Promenade. We got to the South Pier and we started to hit traffic again. As we passed the coach park we saw Dunwood YN64 AOJ. We traveled slowly North stuck behind Landau after Landau, overtaking where the road was clear and wide enough. Coming the other way we saw Blackpool Transport 330 and 328 on the #1 towards Starr Gate. Just before the North Pier we saw required Blackpool Transport 374 going South. A few enthusiast types got on the bus and one that I recognised I asked about what was out. We worked out between us that there were just the 3 Volvo Olympian double deckers out, and he informed me that the last one off fleetwood was due to work the 18:45 from the interchange and it was booked to be required Blackpool Transport 374. As we got North of the North Pier and we got out into traffic free roads we decided to get off the bus somewhere. We went North of Gynn Square and someone rang the bell and we spotted a public toilet so we thought it would be a good place to get off. It was adjacent to the Cabin tram stop. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Blackpool Transport 375.

Blackpool Transport 375 in Blackpool

We crossed the tram track an Matthew used the toilet. Whilst we were there we saw Catch22Bus AHG 334V and heritage tram 230 which turned around and went back South. We weren't sure how long we had as the buses were clearly not running to timetable due to the traffic problems. Matthew and uncle Dave were looking over the wall towards the see when I spotted a bus in the distance so I shouted them back over. As it closer we saw that it was required Blackpool Transport 330.

Blackpool Transport 330 in Blackpool

We got on the bus and we flashed the Adult24 ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The back of the bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Blackpool Transport 330.

Inside Blackpool Transport 330

The bus set off Northwards up the A587 through Bispham and Norbrek and we passed required Blackpool Transport 313 and Blackpool Transport 216 that we had been on earlier. we decided to get up and get off in Cleveleys so we could catch another bus. As we turned the corner by Aldi we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Blackpool Transport 330 as it carried on Northwards towards Fleetwood.

Blackpool Transport 330 in Cleveleys

We crossing the road and were about to cross the tram track when we saw dud Blackpool Transport 329 going South. As it was dud we decided not to rush after it. Before we crossed back over to the Northbound Stop we saw Blackpool Transport 528 on a #7 to Cleveleys.

Blackpool Transport 528 in Cleveleys

According to the timetable there was a bus due at 17:26. That was only in a few minutes time. As we looked up we saw it thundering around the corner it was another Olympian. Dud Blackpool Transport 377 had somehow gone past us Southwards and was heading towards us!

Blackpool Transport 377 in Cleveleys

We got on the bus and we flashed the Adult24 ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Blackpool Transport 377.

Inside Blackpool Transport 377

The last time we had been on this bus was almost 6 years ago to the day when we had it from Devonshire Road to Blackpool Tower on the #11 service in July 2010. We set off Northwards up the A587 for around 2 miles and at the roundabout we turned right onto Hatfield Avenue past Fleetwood Town's football ground. We followed the road around to the right onto Peel Road and we turned left onto Radcliffe Road. We turned right onto Copse Road and we ran forwards onto Lord Street where we passed Blackpool Transport 375 on it's final run South. We ran through the town and onto North Albert Street and we followed the tram line around to the right onto Bold Street. We had originally planned to stay on the bus to the Freeport, but after a couple of minutes stopped we decided to get off. This turned out to be a good thing as we were about to find out. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Blackpool Transport 377.

Blackpool Transport 377 in Fleetwood Interchange

Once off the bus we went over to the Ferry cafe and used the toilet. After we cam out Matthew had an ice cream and a few cans of pop for later. We sat down on a bench opposite to the cafe Matthew ate his ice cream and we watched the bus depart. As well as Blackpool Transport 377 on it last ever #1 to Starr Gate we saw Blackpool Transport 359 running out of service off a #14 service.

Blackpool Transport 359 in Fleetwood Interchange

We also let Blackpool Transport 351 go which was on a #14 to Mereside Tesco. The had been to wait for the 18:09 #1 to Freeport and do it to the bottom of Lord Street for Blackpool Transport 374 back in on the service that form the 18:45 from the Interchange to Starr Gate. Had we had tried to do this we would have failed! The 18:09 didn't show up. !8:09 came and went and the only bus about was required Blackpool Transport 311 which was going to be working the 18:15 to Mereside Tesco.

Blackpool Transport 311 in Fleetwood Interchange

A few minutes later Blackpool Transport 527 arrived at the interchange on what we assumed would be the following #14 to Mereside Tesco.

Blackpool Transport 527 in Fleetwood Interchange

We decided to do Blackpool Transport 311 as plan B and forget what we assumed would be required Blackpool Transport 328 on the #1. We got on the bus and we Flashed the Adult24 ticket to the driver. As the downstairs was empty Matthew took a picture inside of Blackpool Transport 311.

Inside Blackpool Transport 311

We went upstairs and this was also empty too, so Matthew took another picture Blackpool Transport 311.

Inside Blackpool Transport 311

The bus set off out of the interchange and onto Queens Terrace by the Ferry Cafe. We turned right into Pharos Street past the big stone lighthouse and we turned left onto Albert Street North. We ran down onto Lord Street and we passed required Blackpool Transport 328 on the late running #1 service to Freeport. At the bottom of Lord Street we continued onto Copse Road and we turned right onto Elm Street where we got up and got off the bus. We walked back around the corner onto Radcliffe Road but we could not see a bus stop so we knew it had to be a fair way down. It was close to 1/4 of a mile and we walked quickly as we didn't know when the bus was due. We got to the stop around 18:24 and we check the timetable on the bus stop. The bus to the interchange was due at 18:16! In theory we should have missed the bus... Before we even had chance to cacth our breath the bus turned the corner and it was as hoped required Blackpool Transport 374.

Blackpool Transport 374 in Fleetwood

We got on the bus and we flashed the adult24 ticket to the driver for the final time today before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off along Radcliffe Road. At the end we turned right across the the tram line and onto Copse Road. We joined Lord Street and we ran through town. We called mum to tell her we were heading to the Ferry terminal and we carried on into Albert Street North. We turned right into Bold Street and we let the bus empty before Matthew took a picture inside Blackpool Transport 374.

Inside Blackpool Transport 374

We got off the bus and we took another picture of Blackpool Transport 374 before it took it final run down to Starr Gate.

Blackpool Transport 374 in Fleetwood Interchange

Whilst we waited for mum to come and pick us up we decided to venture onto the beach! This was the first time Matthew has been on sand for quite a while. After a quick photograph of this rare event we walked back onto firm land and we spotted mum parked opposite to us. we got in the car and as it was getting close to 18:45 we decided we would find a chippy and have chips in the car. We ran down Queen's terrace and we turned right into Kent Street. We turned left onto North Albert Street through the tram platforms and we spotted a chippy on the roundabout where Albert Street North went forwards onto Lord Street. I went into Granada fish bar and i brought 4 small portion of chips & gravy with a small sausage. Whilst we sat in the car eating we saw Blackpool Transport 306 & 372 on #14 service up to Fleetwood Interchange and Preston Bus Solo 20773 on a #74 service to Preston. We also saw Fleetwood based coach Comfy Coach ST02 GDZ dropping passengers off in town. When we had finished eating we set off onto Albert Street and right onto the A585. We then followed the A585 South to the M55. The road has been improved since our last run along this road with a couple of the main junctions upgraded. We got onto the M55 and we ran East to the M6. As we traveled South down the M6 we passed Preston Bus 20789, an unidentified Hodson coach, Walton's BX13 CZH & Knight's UKZ 9592. When we got to junction 16 we went East on the A500. On the A500 we saw Howards F19 HOW & Magnum SO59 HUA. At Sideway we went East on the A50 up to Longton so we could check out what vehicles were parked up at their depot. In the front row we saw Z Carz Ford minibus BN03 OVS.

Z Carz BN03 OVS in Longton

We also saw Z Carz Ford minibus FP06 WTW.

Z Carz FP06 WTW in Longton

next in the row we saw Z Carz Airport Division Ford minibus MJ03 DPU.

Z Carz MJ03 DPU in Longton

Nearest in the first row was Z Carz LDV minibus PN06 ONM.

Z Carz PN06 ONM in Longton

Closest to the road in the second row was Z Carz Ford minibus HK57 LGW.

Z Carz HK57 LGW in Longton

At the very back of the site we saw Z Carz Ford minibus PY08 KDX

Z Carz PY08 KDX in Longton

We turned into Willow Row to see what was in the compound. Nearest top the gate was Z Carz Volkswagen minibus S973 OVP.

Z Carz S973 OVP in Longton

We rejoined the top level A50 and we crossed over the main carriageway at the roundabout onto Baths Road. We went to the Tesco Petrol station and we topped up with diesel before we got back onto the Westbound A50. As it was now 21:15 we decided to drop uncle Dave off First. We dropped down into Fenton to drop him off home and we returned to Heron Cross and over the A50. We ran into Blurton along Blurton Road before turned right into Church Road and right again onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 21:30. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we ate some jam filled shortbread biscuits. We looked the pictures we had taken today and Matthew went to bed around 00:00... Mark