Trip to Joiners Square / Trent Vale 30-09-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton MacDonalds	Joiners Square	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Joiners Square	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
67637	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trent Vale, adj Woodlands Road	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 toast and orange 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 sat down and the bus set off onto the A5035. We crossed over the railway line and into Trentham. We turned right into New Inn lane and right again into Pacific Drive. After we picked up another service user we headed back onto New Inn Lane and then onto the A5035. We turned left at Church Road and then we went Forwards onto Blurton Road through Blurton and across the A50. We went through Heron Cross and onto Heron Street. Having crossed the railway line we went forwards onto Glebedale Road and to our destination. In the morning Matthew made some rice crispy cakes. For dinner Matthew went to MacDonalds on foot. We set off onto Christchurch Street and we crossed over City Road onto Manor Street. At the end if Manor Street we turned left onto Victoria Road and we walked down the hill to MacDonalds. Matthew went to the toilet and then had burger fries and a cup of Coke. After we had finished we were picked up by Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Victoria Road and over the roundabout and onto Lichfield Street and to our destination. In the pub Matthew went to the toilet and the then had a glass of Coke. Hightlights of the bus sightings from the pub included First Potteries 67642 on a #6 to Weston Coyney and Z Carz mininbus PN06 ONM going towards Fenton. Matthew then listened to the Jukebox. When it was time to go we climbed aboard Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We got on board and we set off onto Palmerston Street. We turned right onto the A52 and left onto Victoria Road. We ran to the top and we turned shrp left onto City Road. We turned left onto Glebedale Road and after a brief stop we continued onto Christchurch Street. We joined City Road and we ran down the hill and under the railway line and onto the A52. We joined the Southbound A500 and we travled down we saw P&D York Coach YT61 GRZ. At Hanford we came off the A500 and onto the A34. We turned left onto Chuch Lane and we ran to the top of the hill and turned right into Wilson Road. At the end we turned left onto New Inn Lane and we ran down into Trentham. After dropping off another service user we continued along New Inn Lane and left onto the A5035. We crossed over the railway line into Blurton and Matthew got home around 15:00. Matthew had toast and 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 set off on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. I had seen bus earlier and it was booked to be dud First Potteries 67639. A few minutes later, First Potteries 67637 unexpectedly turned the corner.

First Potteries 67637 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Harpfields Road. The bus was full as it was the service before running just less than 30 minutes late! We sat down towards the back of the bus and we set off onto the A5035. We crossed over the railway line into Trentham and we passed Z Carz HK57 LGW & First Potteries 67640 on a #22 to Longton running almost to time. We turned right into New Inn Lane and we saw First Potteries 42894 on a #21A to the Trentham Gardens. We climbed the hill into Hanford and we turned right into Wilson Road. We turned left Church Lane and we ran down the hill and joined the A34. As we got to the A34 we saw ABC Supreme silver minibus Y368 TGE going towards the hospital. We crossed under the A500 into Trent Vale and we passed Free Spirits white minibus MK52 PXH. We would usualy have turned right into Harpfields Road, but there were roadworks blocking the junction, so we continued along the A34 and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took a picture of First Potteries 67637 as it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 67637 in Trent Vale

A few minutes later we saw the bus that we should have been catching, First Potteries 67639 running towards Newcastle onn a #22 with about 2 or 3 people on it!

First Potteries 67639 in Trent Vale

We walked bak down the A34 and we crossed over the road. Whilst we waited for mum to arrive at the pub we saw First Class Travel minibus RO62 LTU & Intercity SF58 EWL. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 65033 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 65033 in Trent Vale

Mum turned up and we went into the pub. Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses included Stanton's of Stoke 3093 RU going North, First Potteries 67637 running Southbound out of service and ABC Supreme Y368 TGE on a South bound shuttle. When it was time to go we got in the car to go home. We went South down the A34. Turned left onto the A500 and we ran North up to Sideway. We turned right onto the A50 and we continued to Heron Cross dropping down into Fenton to pick uncle Dave up. Once we had picked him up we ran back up to Heron Cross and over the A50. We ran into Blurton along Blurton Road passing First Potteries 53122 on a #23 to Hanley and turned right into Church Road and right again onto Beaconsfield Drive. We saw First Potteries 67639 on the #22 to Newcastle. We got home around 18:10. After a while we went shopping in Tesco. We set off along the A5035 and we ran into Longton, passing Aimée's SUI 7836 outside the Douglas MacMillan hospice. We ran along the high level of the A50 to the baths Road turning and we went into Tesco. We went arounf the shop and matthew was very well behaved. Outside of Tesco was Lucky Seven NJ08 YRV. We ran East along the A50 and we saw First Potteries 63179 on a #6 to Hanley. We joined the A5035 and we ran through Dresden and into Blurton getting home before 20:30. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we sorted some things out. We chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Fenton / Newcastle 27-09-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Bentilee	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
67637	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Newcastle, opp Cherry Tree PH	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going to Grandma's, but not before he had been to his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00. He got dressed and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Matthew was also coming home today after a stay in respite. Whilst he waited to go to his day service he took pictures of the other buses arriving. The first one was Stanton's of Stoke minibus WR58 LHY.

Stantons of Stoke WR58 LHY in Bentilee

Also seen was Jayjay's Travel white Ford minibus FP58 URX.

Jayjay's Travel FP58 URX in Bentilee

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 Bentilee

we set off onto the A5272 ans we ran through Bentilee up to Adderley Green. We turned right onto Anchor Road and we ran down the hill towards Longton. We cut through the side Streets into Foley and onto Clarence Road. We turned ritgh onto King Street and we ran down through Fenton onto City Road. We turned left onto Glebedale Road and to our destination. In the morning Matthew watched a DVD. For dinner Matthew had Chicken & Potatoes followed by cheesecake. In the afternoon Matthew went out for a walk. We set off onto Christchurch street and we walked over to Temple Street. We turned left onto Watkin Street where we saw Z Carz minibus YE52 UZX.

Z Carz YE52 UZX in Fenton

We walked through to the railway line and up to Smithpool Road. We crossed over the railway line and we went into the park. Matthew spent some time on the swing before we set off back. We walked onto Smithpool Road and we turned into the back street behind Welby Street and forwards onto Crawford Street. We continued onto Clifton Street and onto Christchurch Street before returning to the day centre. When it was time to go home we got on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we continued onto Station Bridge Road. We followed the road around onto Heron Street and we went through to Heron Cross. We traveled 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 turned into Ripon Road and left into Finstock Avenue. Matthew got home around 15:00. Matthew had toast and a glass 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 bus earlier and it was booked to be dud First Potteries 67637. A few minutes later and fight on time, First Potteries 67637 turned the corner as expected.

First Potteries 67637 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We joined the Westbound A5035 and we ran over the railway line into Trentham and we passed First Potteries 67640 on a #22 to Longton. At the Trentham Hotel we saw an unidentified Daish Holiday coach. We turned right into New Inn Lane and we passed First Potteries 42554 on the #21 to the Trentham Hotel. We climbed the bill into Hanford and we turned right into Wilson Road. We turned left Church Lane and we ran down the hill and joined the A34. We crossed under the A500 into Trent Vale. Harpfields Road was still inaccessible from the A34 due to roadworks, so we continued North and we turned right into Keelings Road. We turned left onto Harpfields Road and we turned into the City General hospital and we saw First Potteries 32056 on a #25 to Hanley, ABC Supreme SB56 SKV and First Potteries 67631 on the final #22 turn. We rejoined the A34 and we traveled North about 1/2 mile passing Skills coach SIL 7028. we got up and got off the bus and crossed over the road to the central reservation. before we crossed over the other half of the road we saw D&G 109 on a #9 to Clayton.

D&G 109 in Newcastle

We finished crossing the road and we walked back towards Grandma's. At Grandma's Matthew had a can of Irn Bru and used her computer. We said goodbye to Grandma around 18:15 and we ran along Occupation Street and Victoria Road. We turned right onto West Street and left onto marsh Parade. We turned left onto the A52 and into Newcastle. At the Jubilee roundabout we turned into Ironmarket and we parked up. Matthew was going to the Arnold Machin for tea. We sat down and Matthew had a burger & fries washed down with a glass of Coke. For afters Matthew had a chocolate fudge cake with ice cream. After we had finished eating Matthew went to the toilet. we left the pub and we got in the car and we drove up to the Jubilee roundabout. We turned right onto Barracks Street and past the bus station where we saw First Potteries 32057 on a #25 service. We joined the Southbound A34 and we ran through Trent Vale and Hanford into Trentham. We turned left onto the A5035 and the Daish Holidays coach was still parked up at the Trentham Hotel. we got back home just before 20:00. We spent the evening writing the Blog and looking at pictures wehad taken during this last week. Matthew went to be around 23:30... Mark

Trip to Hanley / Leek 24-09-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Bentilee	Hanley	Charter	Shelton Care Group
165	Hanley BS	Leek BS	16	D&G
145	Leek BS	Hanley BS	16	D&G
63099	Hanley BS	Bentilee, adj Twigg Street	11A	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in respite and he was also going out for the day with Shelton Care Group. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Matthew chilled out in the respite home until they came to pick matthew up in Shelton Care Group minibus DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Bentilee

We set off onto the A5272 and we ran down through Bentilee and into Bucknall, where we joined the A52. At the traffic lights we turneed left onto the A52 and we ran to Joiners Square. We turned right onto Lichfield Road and we ran up the hill. We turned onto Regents Road and we got off the bus. Matthew went to the toilet and then we walked across the ring road and we crossed over to the bus station. In the bus station Matthew went to the end stands so that we could catch a #16 up to Leek. A few minutes later we saw D&G Solo SR 165 on the next #16 to Leek.

D&G 165 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Leek before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out off the bus station and down John Street. We turned left onto Bethesda Street and left again onto the ring road. We ran around the ring road and then we turned right onto Bucknall New Road. We ran down the hill and at the bottom we joined the A52. We ran through Bucknall and up Ash Bank passing D&G 146 on a #16 to Hanley. We travelled through Warrington and up the Cellerhead where we turned left onto the A520. We ran through Wetley Roacks and Cheddleton and we climbed the hill into Leek town centre. We turned right outta Compton and then right again into the bus station. When we got off the bus we saw Aimée's Solo DK09 ENV on a #109 service to Macclesfield.

Aimée's DK09 ENV in Leek bus station

We then walked into town for dinner. We left the bus station onto the A523 and we went across onto Derby Street. After walking through the town we turned right onto Sheep Market where we went to the Red Lion pub. At the pub Matthew went to the toilet and then had a classic steak burger with salad and glass of Coke. For dessert Matthew had a melt in the middle chocolate puddng with ice cream. After we had finished eating we walked back down Derby Street ans topped at a shop where we brought a small block of toffee. After we got back into the bus station we saw D&G 145 on layover in the bus station.

D&G 145 in Leek bus station

A shrt while later we saw D&G Optare Metrocity 164 on a #16 to Buxton.

D&G 164 in Leek bus station

We also saw required First Potteries 65003 on a #18 to Leek Haregate.

First Potteries 65003 in Leek bus station

The bus back to Hanley came on stand and it as required D&G 145. We got on the bus and as the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside D&G 145.

Inside D&G 145

We sat down and the bus set off out of the bus station onto the A523. We turned left onto the A53 and a few hundreed yard down the hill we turned left onto the A520. We ran down to Leekbrook and up and over the hill into Cheddleton. We ran up to Wetley Roack and thriugh to Cellarhead. At the traffoc light we turned right onto the A52 and we ran down through Werrington and Ash Bank into Bucknall. At the traffic light light we went up the hill into hanley and we joined the clockwise ring road. We ran around to bethesda Street and we turned in before going up John Stree and into the bus station. Once we got off the bus we walked out of the bus station to the stop outside to wait for something back ot Bentilee. A few minutes later we saw dud First Potteries 63099 on a #11A to Coalville.

First Potteries 63099 in Hanley

We got on the bus and we booked to Bentilee before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off up Lichfield Street and then right onto Birch Terrace. We followed to road around onto Charles Street and at the top we turned right onto Old Hall Street. We crossed the ring road onto bucknall New Road and we ran down the hill until we joined the A52. We ran down to Bucknall and we turned right onto the A5272. We ran up to Bentille and we turned left towards Twigg Street. We got of the bus and we set off back onto the A5272. On the way we saw First Potteries Solo 53405 on a #12 to Hanley.

First Potteries 53405 in Bentilee

We walked back along Twigg Street to the A5272 and to the respite home, gettting back around 14:00. In the afternoon had some chocolate cake and watched music television. For tea Matthew had pizza followed by a Bakewell Tart and cream. Matthew then chilled out watchng television and using his tablet. Matthew had a bath and then toast for supper. Matthew went to bed around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Fenton / Cheadle 23-09-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Benitlee	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Benitlee	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DN65 XZK	Benitlee	Cheadle	Charter	Meadows
DN65 XZK	Cheadle	Benitlee	Charter	Meadows

Today Matthew was in respite and he was going into his day service. It was also the day that M&M Coaches stopped running service buses. Matthew got up and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. After breakfast Matthew waited in his room for his transport to appear. Thery were still doing building work in the respite building. Whilst waiting we saw Stantons of Stoke minibus WR58 LHY.

Stantons of Stoke WR58 LHY in Bentilee

on the main road we saw First Potteries 41499 on a #13 to Hanley.

First Potteries 41499 in Bentilee

A few minutes later we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX arrive to pick Matthew up for his day service. We got on the bus and we set off onto the A5272. We ran through Bentilee onto the A52 at Bucknall. At the junction we followed the A52 to the left. We turned left at joiners Sqaure and we ran to the top of Victoria Road before we turned sharp right onto City Road. We turned left onto Glebedale Road and to our destination. In the morning Matthew did some baking. Matthew made some sponge cake. For dinner Matthew went to MacDonalds for a beefburger fries and a Coke. In the afternoon Matthew went to the local pub. We set off onto Christchurch Street. At the pub Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. When it was time to go Matthew walked back onto Christchurch Street and and to the day service. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we continued onto Station Bridge Road. We followed the road around onto Heron Street and we went through Heron Cross and over the A50 onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton along along Blurton Road and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto the A5035 and we crossed over the railway line into Trentham. We turned right into New Inn Lane and we dropped another service user off before returning onto New Inn Lane. We re-joined he A5035 and we ran out of Trentham in Blurton. We carried on through Dresden and into Longton. We crossed the A50 and we went past the Gladstone Pottery Museum and over Uttoxeter Road. we went onto Bridgewood Street and then left onto Anchor Terrace. At the end we turned right onto Anchor Road. We climbed the hill and then over the other side into Adderley Green. At the roundabout we went left onto the A5272 and we ran into Bentilee. When Matthew got back he went into his room for a while. On the main road we saw Copelands Tours coach MIB 542 going towards Adderley Green.

Copelands Tours MIB 542 in Bentilee

Matthew went out for his tea the the Hungry Horse pub in Cheadle on Meadows minibus DN65 XZK. We set off onto the A5272 and we ran through Adderley Green and over the roundabout and past Park Hall. At the end of the road we turned left onto the A520 and we ran North up the fast part of the road up to Cellarhead. At the crossroad we turned right onto the A52. We ran to the fork in the road and we veered left onto the A522 and we ran into Cheadle. We ran past the end of the High Street and we continued South down towards Tean after about 1/3 of a mile we stopped at the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a breakfast followed by a chcolate fudge cake with ice cream. He washed it down with a glass of Coke. When it was time to go we got back onto Meadows DN65 XZK. We an North through Cheadle and up to Kingsley Moor where we joined the A52. We ran to Cellarhead and we turned left onto the A520. We ran down to Weston Coyney and at the traffoc light we got onto the A5272. We ran past Park Hall and and at Adderley Green we went straight over the roundabout. We continued to Bentilee and back to the respite home. When Matthew got back he spent some time watching television and using his tablet. Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. Matthew went to bed around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Fenton / Market Drayton 21-09-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Benitlee	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
63177	Fenton (Stoke-on-Trent), adj Sixth Form College	Hanley BS	6A	First Potteries
3695	Hanley BS	Market Drayton BS	164	Arriva Midlands
3698	Market Drayton BS	Hanley BS	164	Arriva Midlands
32627	Hanley BS	Fenton, adj Victoria Place	6A	First Potteries
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Benitlee	Charter	Shelton Care Group

Today Matthew was in respite and he was going into his day service. Matthew got up and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. After breakfast Matthew waited in his room for his transport to appear. Thery were still doing building work in the respite building. Whilst waiting we saw Stantons of Stoke minibus WR58 LHY.

Stantons of Stoke WR58 LHY in Bentilee

A few minutes later Matthew transport appeared... It was Shelton Care Group silver minibus DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Bentilee

we got on the bus and we set off onto the A5272. We ran through Bentilee onto the A52 at Bucknall. At the junction we followed the A52 to the left. We turned left at joiners Sqaure and we ran to the top of Victoria Road before we turned sharp right onto City Road. We turned left onto Glebedale Road and to our destination. We went out and we walked down to Christchurch Street and across City Road onto Manor Street. At the end we turned left and we walked down Victoria Road to the next bus station. A few minutes later the bus to Hanley appeared and it was dud First Potteries 63177. We got on the bus and we sat down. The bus set off down Victoria Road and we crossed onto Lichfield Street at Joiners Square. We climbed the hill and we crossed over the ring road to the stops outside the bus station where the bus emptied out. We saw First Potteries 66962 on a #3 to Crewe. We went into the bus station and we waited for the next bus to Market Drayton. A few minutes later required Arriva Midlands 3695 appeared on the #164 service. We got on the bus and we flashed the bus pass to the driver before we sat down. The bus set off out of the bus station onto John Street and we ran down to Bethesda Street. We turned left onto Broad Street and we ran down the hill over the ring Road and onto Stoke Road. We ran near to the railway station and we crossed over the A500 before we got on to it. We ran North to Shelton New Road and we headed to the top of Hartshill before dropping down into Newcastle along George Street. After stoping in the bus station we continued on our journey onto barrack Street and onto the Northbound A34. We turned left onto the A53 and we ran out into the open Countryside through Whitmore and Bladwin's Gate. On the other side of the village we left the A53 and we ran down to Slater's Village at Chorlton Hill. We joined the Westbound A51 and we ran up to the Swan With Two Necks where we turned onto the A53. Further South we came off the A52 again and we ran through Ashley and Ashley Heath before rejoining the A53 at Loggerheads. We continued along the A53 and on the edge of Market Drayton we turned onto Newcastle Road and we ran into the town centre. We ran around the one way system and we pulled into the small bus station. At the bus station we saw D&G 41 which was going to work the #75 to Nantwich. For dinner Matthew went to the Tudor Bar. Matthew went to the toilet and when he came back he had a breakfast washed down with a glass of Coke. After eating e returned to the bus station to wait for the bus back to Hanley. A short while later the bus turned up and it was required Arriva Midlands 3698. We got on the bus and we flashed the bus pass at the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off on to the one way system and we we joined Newcastle Road. We ran out of town onto the A53 and we ran North. we passed Arriva Midlands 3699 going the other way. We ran through Loggerheads, Ashley Heath, Ashley and we rejoined the A51 to run up to Slater's village. We traveled North up Woodside and we rejoined the Eastbound A53. We ran through Baldwins Gate and Whitmore and we ran through Clayton and into Newcastle. We ran around twn via the A34 and Barracks Street and we went into the bus station. We then carried on out of Necastle up the A52 as far as Harshill where we turned left onto Shelton New Road. We ran down as far as the A500 where we went North to Stoke Road. We crossed under the railway and we passed close to the station and we ran up to Hanley via Stoke Road. We joined the ring road and we ran around to Bethesda Street. We ran into the bus station up John Street. Once off the bus we went outside to the stop for the #6 service. A few minutes later we were surprised to see dud First Potteries 32627 on the #6A to Blythe Bridge. We got on the bus and we went upstairs. The bus set off from outside the bus station onto Birch Terrace where they are building a new shopping centre. We followed the road around to Charles Street and then right onto Old Hall Street. We joined the ring road and we ran around to Lichfield Street. We ran down to Joiners Square and we crossed the roundabout onto Victoria Road. At the top of the hill we got off the bus and Matthew walked back to the day cenrtre down City Road. When it was time to go bak to respite we got on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX for the journey back. We set off onto Christchurch Street and we turned left onto City Road. We ran down the hill and we joined the Southbound A500 which we did to Hanford. We came off the D road onto the A34 and we ran South to Trentham. We turned left onto the A5035 and then left again onto New Inn Lane. After dropping off another service user we returned onto the A5035 and we ran through hem Heath and Dresden into Longton. We crossed the A50 and we ran up to Anchor Road via Chadwick Street, Bridgewood Street and Forrister Street. We ran up Anchor Road to Adderley Green and we turned left onto the A5272. We ran into Bentilee and to the repite home. When Matthew got back he had tea chicken and potatoes followed by triffle. In the evening Matthew went out to the Co-op store. We set off onto the A5272 ans we ran down to Beverley Drive. We ran back Rast along Ubberley Drive and we stopped to go in the Co-op. Whilst in the shop Matthew had a can of Coke and some chocolate. We returned back down Ubberly Drive and back via Deverley Drive and the A5272. For the rest of the evening Matthew spent time watching television. Later he had a bath and then had toast for supper. Matthew went to bed around 23:00... Mark

Trip to the 'Potteries Connection' running day / First Adderley Green open day 18-09-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
757	Gladstone pottery Museum	Adderley Green, adj First bus depot	Special	First PMT (Preserved)
757	Adderley Green, adj First bus depot	Gladstone pottery Museum	Special	First PMT (Preserved)
419	Gladstone pottery Museum	Hanley, Bethesda Street	Special	Trent (Preserved)
GSO 90V	Hanley, Bethesda Street	Gladstone pottery Museum	Special	Bluebird (Preserved)
SN1128	Gladstone pottery Museum	Foxfield Railway	Special	PMT (Preserved)
SN1128	Foxfield Railway	Gladstone pottery Museum	Special	PMT (Preserved)

Today was the annual Potteries Connection bus rally held on the site of Gladstone Pottery museum. This year First were also holding a garage open day at Adderley Green. Matthew got up and had a giant Crumpet and orange juice for breakfast. Matthew had to wait patiently for me to return from work before we went out today. I got back around 11:15, and atound 10 minutes later we got in the car and we drove to Finstock Avenue so I could get some money. We continued through Blurton onto Beaconsfield Drive and then left onto Church Road. We continued down onto Blurton Road and in Heron Cross we joined the Eastbound A50. We came off the A50 at Longton and we drove onto Baths Road past the bus station which was completely empty! We turned right onto Market Street and followed the one way system around onto Commerce Street. We parked on the car park on commerce Street opposite to the old bus station that at one time has housed both PMT and D&G buses. Form the car park we walked around the corner onto the rally site. As we entered the site we saw required Merseybus 0238 coming in off a service. The first bus we saw was an ex Travel West Midlands Volvo 1415.

Travel West Midlands 1415 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

When we got there we decided to have a look around at what unusual buses were around today. The control bus was PMT 466, which wasn't out on any service.

PMT 466 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

One we had seen before was former Stagecoach Manchester / GM Buses double decker 2032, which also wasn't running today.

GM Buses 2032 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

One that was was running was former PMT / First PMT Leyland Olympian 30031.

First PMT 30031 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

There didn't seem quite as many buses has there had been in previous years, and most of the one's that were there we had already been on! One we have been on several times, but not in preservation was former PMT & Copeland's Tours Dart 917 which had now been returned to PMT colours.

PMT 917 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

Another bus that we had been on quite a few time over the last few years was former PMT / Crosville Leyland Olympian which had been returned to NBC Green for a few years now...

Crosville DOG 104 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

We located the control bus and we brought the programme for £3. The first thing that we wanted to do was to visit Adderley Green garage as First were having an open day there to coincide with the bus rally. The next departure was going to be at 12:05 and was booked to be Tim Deakin's well turned out Leyland Olympian 757 in silver, complete with branding for the #320 from Hanley to Crewe. The buses pulled onto the stop and Matthew got a picture of the fne bus before we jumped on it.

PMT 757 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

We got on the bus and we went upstairs and sat down. he bus set off out of the site and onto the one way system down The Strand and right onto Market Street. We turned left onto Anchor Road and we climbed the hill to the top and we ran down towards the roundabout about the gasworks. All the full length single decker buses had been removed from the depot and parked in a yard owned by the territorial army so there was enough room at the back of the depot for the driver experience course at the back of the depot. We turned left at the roundabout onto the A5272 and we stopped at the bus stop outside the depo. We walked in through the gate and we turned left in foront of the main garage. Ghis is where the modern classics were being displayed. The nearest bus was recently repainted First Potteries 32634 which been dooe in NBC red and cream colours.

First Potteries 32634 at First Adderley Green open day

First had also brought in other buses from around the Midlands. First Leicester 66965 was there in a heritage Leicester tram livery, and First Worcester 32404 in Midland Red colours was also there. Another new re-paint was First Potteries 37146 in silver, just like the bus we had travelled down on.

First Potteries 37146 at First Adderley Green open day

Also at the garage was the 'Borismaster' that we saw in Shelton the other day. It was Arriva London LT840.

Arriva London LT840 at First Adderley Green open day

We walked arund the side of the garage where we saw all the Darts and Solo's that weren't in service today parked up for the day. On example in the row was First Potteries 41499.

First Potteries 41499 at First Adderley Green open day

At the bottom end of the depot was First Potteries double decker 32627. We also saw required First Potteries 67642 giving rides through the bus wash. The bottom end of the depot had been coned off and they were giving driver experience courses for £20. We went back to the front of the depot and Matthew used the toilet. Around the opposite side of the depot we saw an unidentified First Potteries double deck in all over primer grey. They were also showing the work of the upholstery department. At the bottom of the depot was Chase playbus K890 CSF.

Chase playbus K890 CSF at First Adderley Green open day

We then went inside the shed and we saw buses in various staes of repair. Some had panerls removed and most of the buses had been lifted to give acces to the underside. After we had finished going around the depot we had an ice cream from the van by the playbus and we walked back up to the main road. We then saw a few hundred motorbike go past towards Weston Coyney on some kind of charity bike run. We finished of our ice creams and waited for the motorbikes to pass and then we walkd back to the bus stop. After around a 5 minute wait the next bus to turn up was PMT 757 again! We got on the bus and after if had filled up we set off towards Bentilee. At the first roundabout we did a u-turn and we headed back to Adderley Green where we turned right onto Anchor Road. At the bottom of Anchor Road we joined the one way system onto Market Street and right onto Commerce Street. We turned left and we ran up to the Gladstone Pottery Museum Car park where the bus terminuted and unloaded. Before we got off Matthew took a picture inside PMT 757.

Inside PMT 757

When we got off the bus we had had a quik walk around whilst we waited for mum to appear with some food. Back into it's parking space was Merseybus Alexander bodied double decker 0238.

Merseybus 0238 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

We also saw PMT Bristol VR double decker 604.

PMT 604 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

Mum arrived with the food and we sat down on the bench whilst Matthew tucked into his breakfast box. Whilst we ate we checked the programme to see what new buses we could pick up today. There were only 2 buses on the programme that we hadn't been on before left to work this afternoon. One was a Hlton Transport Leyland National that we hadn't actually seen yet, and the other was Bournemouth 103 we we had seen quite a few time but never actually done. Everything else had already worked or was not working a service today. Having not seen the Hlton Transport bus I went to one of the marshalls to see where it was... It hadn't shown up due to it being under repair back in the workshop. The bus booked to work it's was booked to be Merseybus 0238! We waited until nearly time and the bus didn't look like it was going to move. There must have been a change of plan as it had been replace with required Trent Leyland National 419.

Trent 419 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

After getting a quick picture we got on the bus and we sat towards towards the middle of the bus. It was very warm and quite uncomfortable! With big windows the bus was like a greenhouse on this warm sunny day. The bus set off out of the site and we went around the one way system onto King Street. We ran down the hill and forwards onto City Road and we joined the A52 towards the railway station. After a brief stop we turned right onto College Road and we ran past the university. We turned left onto Avenue Road and at the end we went right onto Stoke Road. At snow hill we joined Etruria Vale Road and we ran down the hill, stopping briefly outside the Etruria Industrial Museum. We carried on u the hill and we turned right onto Clough Street past the site of the old Hanley bus garage. We turned right onto the ring road and we ran around to Bethesda Street. The bus stopped outside the museum and we got off to get a picture of Trent 419.

Trent 419 outside Hanley museum

The plan was to get back onto the bus, but Matthew had other ideas... We had a look at the programme and there was another service due in less than 10 minutes. we saw First Potteries 66845 which was on a #3 service.

First Potteries 66845 outside Hanley museum

We decided to go onto the musues so matthew could use the toilet. Whilst we were the the following bus pulled up. It was dud Bluebird GSO 90V. We came out of the museum and we got oa picture of it before we jumped on.

Bluebird GSO 90V outside Hanley museum

We sat down towards the middle of the bus which was considerably cooler than the previous vehicle. Where we sat there was a wasp which Matthew tried to swat. The wasp took revenge and stung him twice. We set off out of Bethesda Street and we turned left into Broad Street. We crossed over the ring road and we ran down the hill and we turned left onto College Road. We stopped outside the railway station and then we went forwards onto the A52. At the end we turned left onto City Road and we ran up the hill. We went forwards onto King Street and we ran into Longton, We joned the one way system onto Market Street and we turned right into Commerce Street before we ran up to the pottery museum. We let the bus empty before Matthew got a picture inside Bluebird GSO 90V.

Inside Bluebird GSO 90V

When we got off we had a few minutes before Bournemouth 103 was due to work up to the Foxfield Railway. We had a quick walk around and Matthew brough some bus photo's from a stall. When we got to the bus stop we saw dud PMT 128, which for some reason had replace Bournemouth 103 on the Foxfield railway service.

PMT 128 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

We got on the bus and we sat down towards the fornt of the bus. The bus set off onto Commerce Street and we joined the Eastbound A50. We ran fast through the tunnel and under Meir. When we passed the Copeland's Tours depot we could see their two orange coaches MIB 116 & MIB 118 in their usual parking spots. We came of the A50 at Catchem's corner and we ran up towards Blythe Bridge. We got stopped at the level Crossing as we waited for a class 158 unit go past towards Stoke. Once the train had passed we continued over the crossing and turned left and we climbed up the hill approximatley 1/2 mile to the entrance of the railway. We turned into the railway and and the bus turned around and parked up before we got off. matthew took another picture of PMT Marshall bodied single decker 128.

PMT 128 at Foxfield Railway

We had around 10 minutes to look around before the return journey. We took a few pictures of the steam engines and the diesels, and we went in the tea rooms and brought a couple of cans of pop. When it was time to go we got back onto PMT 128. We set off out of the railway and we turned left onto Blythe Brdige Road. At the bttom of the hill we were stopped again at the level crossing, this time waiting for a Derby bound class 153. Once the brrier had left we continued onto A521 and we ran West to the A50. We joined the dual carriageway and we ran fast under Meir tunnel and up to Longton. We cam off the A50 and we went u Chadwick Street back into the pottery museum. We waited for the bus to empty and Matthew got a picture inside PMT 128.

Inside PMT 128

By the time we go back there were no more return journey back to the site, sowe took a few last pictures and we walked back to the car. We went around the one way system and down the Strand and we turned left into Baths Road. We joined the Westbound A50 and we came off at Heron Cross. We dropped down into Fenton and dropped off uncle Dave before returning back up to Heron Cross. We ran along Blurton Road through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Road. e turned roght into Beaconsfield Drive and we got home around 16:45. We looked at our pictures and did some writtig of the Blog from the day before. For tea we had fish and chips. Later on Matthew had a bath and we comtinued writing. Matthew then chilled out on his computer and we went to bed around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Newcastle / Biddulph 17-09-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67637	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trentham, adj Man-in-Space	22	First Potteries
41501	Trentham, adj Man-in-Space	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop R	21A	First Potteries
63176	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop Q	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
139	Newcastle BS	Tunstall, Adj Stop A	94	D&G
135	Tunstall, Adj Stop B	Newcastle BS	94	D&G
32056	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	4	First Potteries
42894	Hanley BS	Biddulph BS	7A	First Potteries
32633	Biddulph BS	Hanley BS	7A	First Potteries
65733	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	4	First Potteries

As we were going to the bus rally tomorrow, we decided that today we would stay locally. We had checked the weather for today and it was for dry weather with sunny intervals. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had a giant crumpet and orange juice for breakfast. We set off just after 12:00 to the bus stop all the way over on Magdalen Road. Whilst at the bus stop we saw First Potteries 53122 on a #22 to Longton.

First Potteries 53122 in Blurton

A minute or so later and bang on time we saw First Potteries 67637 come around the corner out of Finstock Avenue on the #22 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67637 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. We turned right into New In lane and as we went down I noticed another bus behind us on the stop in front of us. As we got closer we saw that it was First Potteries 41501 on a #21A to Hanley. We got to The Man in Space and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67637 as it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 67637 in Trentham

We also got a picture of First Potteries 41501 before we ran to the stop and jumped on it.

First Potteries 41501 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 67640 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 41501 before it carried on towards Hanley.

First Potteries 41501 in Stoke

We walked along Campbell Place and we saw First Potteries 41494 on a #21 to the Trentham Hotel.

First Potteries 41494 in Stoke

We walked 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. Since our last visit the table has changed and the #2 service has become the #11 and now inter-works with the #6. As a result we knew there was an increased chance of a required bus turning up. The First Potteries Streelites that were previously mainly seen on the #6/6A only, now move around the city a bit more. We got to the bus stop and we saw that the next service to Newcastle was an #11. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching and it was a Streetlite. It was required First Potteries Streetlite 63176.

First Potteries 63176 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 63176.

Inside First Potteries 63176

We got off the bus and we sat on the bench at the bottom of the bus station whilst we decided what we were going to do next. A few minutes later we saw required Arriva Midlands 3696 on a #164 to Market Drayton.

Arriva Midlands 3696 in Newcastle bus station

We also saw D&G Enviro200 100 arrive on a #94 to Newcastle.

D&G 100 in Newcastle bus station

We walked up to the top of the bus station hoping that D&G 100 might work out on the #94. Whilst we were there we saw something better... It was required First Potteries 32633 on a #98 to Ball Green

First Potteries 32633 in Newcastle bus station

Surprisingly Matthew turned down the double decker... I think he had another plan in mind which will become clear later. Whilst we waited was saw a D&G Solo pull onto the stand on the #94 to Congleton. As it got closer we saw that it was required D&G 139.

D&G 139 in Newcastle bus station

Matthew decided he wanted to do the Solo so we got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver. The bus was empty at this point so Matthew took a picture inside D&G 139 before we saw down towards the back of the bus.

Inside D&G 139

The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We crossed the Jubilee Roundabout onto the A527 and we ran through Wolstanton and to Porthill. We ran down the hill and we crossed the A500 and we ran into Longport. At Trubshaw Cross we turned left onto Brownhills Road we climbed the hill into Tunstall town centre. We went straight onto Tunstall High Street and we passed First Potteries 66306 on a Hanley bound #3 service. At the top of the High Street we got up and got off the bus. Matthew then took another picture of D&G 139 before it carried on towards Congleton.

D&G 139 in Tunstall

We walked down to the Tunstall Cafe and Matthew went to the toilet whilst I sort out his food. Matthew had a slice of Toffee Cheesecake which he washed down with a can of Coke. One we had finished eating we said goodbye and then we crossed the road to the bus stop opposite. Matthew had indicated that he wanted to do the #99 back to Newcastle, but the bus appeared to be running a bit late. The first bus to come around the corner was required D&G Solo 135 on the #94 to Newcastle.

D&G 135 in Tunstall

We decided to do this bus... We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart day ticket to the driver. Matthew was misbehaving and was trying to honk the horn :(. We managed to stop him and then we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down the High Street and forwards onto Brownhills Road. We ran down the hill to Trubshaw Cross and we joined Longport Road. We crossed over the roundabout and climbed Porthill bank where we passed preserved Bournemouth 55 coming the other way! At the top of the hill we turning left onto Wolstanton High Street. We ran through Wolstanton and out the other side and down into Newcastle. We crossed the Jubilee Roundabout and we ran onto barracks Road before we turned into the bus station. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside D&G 135.

Inside D&G 135

Once we got ogot off the D&G Solo we had to decided how we were going to get to Hanley. There was a Arriva Midlands Versa on a #164 as well as required D&G 157 on the 'Nines' service to Biddulph. Whilst we decided what to catch Matthew stood at the top end of the bus station taking pictures. We saw dud D&G Enviro200 112 arrive on 'The Orange ONE' service from Meir.

D&G 112 in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes later we saw an ALX400 double decker approaching... It was dud First Potteries 32056 on a #4A to Hanley.

First Potteries 32056 in Newcastle bus station

We decided to do the bus sanyway as it was likely to be withdrawn from service before the end of the year. We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver. The lower saloon was empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 32056.

Inside First Potteries 32056

We went up the stairs and the rear of the top deck was also empty, so Matthew took another picture inside First Potteries 32056.

Inside First Potteries 32056

The bus set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road and over the Jubilee roundabout. We went onto the A53 and we ran up the hill into Basford. We continued down into Etruria over the A500 and we turned left into Forge Lane past Bet365 and the Brindley Farm pub. We turned right into Festival Way and as we passed Waterworld we saw Clarkes coach YM15 DKF. We then ran under the A53 and onto Etruria Road. We ran into Hanley and across Marsh Street onto Trinity Street. We turned right into Stafford Street and after a short wait we continued past the town hall onto Bagnall Street and into the bus station. We then got up and got off the bus. Matthew used the toilet and then we walked over to the John Street multi-storey car park to get a few bu pictures. We saw required D&G Versa 157 on the 'Nines' service to Biddulph that we had turned down earlier in the day.

D&G 157 in Hanley bus station

We also saw required First Potteries Scania Omnicity 65003 on a #18 to Leek Haregate.

First Potteries 65003 in Hanley bus station

We also saw First Potteries double decker 32639 on a #3 to Talke Pits.

First Potteries 32639 in Hanley bus station

We decided to walk back to the bus station and catch something towards Biddulph. On the way back in we saw First Potteries 53405 on a #5 from Abbey Hulton.

First Potteries 53405 in Hanley bus station

we went into the Spar shop where Matthew had a can of Coke and a small bottle of Irn Bru. He also had a couple of chocolate bars too. We had around a 10 minute wait for the next #7A and Matthew sat good as gold on the seat whilst we waited. The next #7A turned up and it was dud First Potteries 42894.

First Potteries 42894 in Hanley bus station

We sat down towards the back of the bus and the bus waited for time before setting off out of the bus station. We went down John Street and onto Bethesda Street where we saw IOW Tours D11 OWT. 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 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 42894 before it carried on back to Hanley.

First Potteries 42894 in Biddulph bus station

We went to the toilet and then walked down the High Street to the kebab shop. After getting some drinks and fries we came back to Wharf Road to eat them. Whilst we ate we saw required D&G Bus 30 on a #9 to Hanley.

D&G 30 in Biddulph bus station

We also saw First Potteries 41520 on a #7A to Hanley.

First Potteries 41520 in Biddulph bus station

By the time we had finished eating it was nearly 17:00. There was a bit of a gap in the First service and the next First bus was due at 17:09. There was a D&G bus to Hanley due at 17:10 and there was an #94 service to Newcastle just after that. The D&G bus to Hanley turned up first as it often does and it was dud D&G 161. A few minutes aler we saw the bus approaching... As it got closer we saw that it was required First Potteries 32633 that Matthew had us turn down earlier in the day!

First Potteries 32633 in Biddulph bus station

We decided to this bus anyway, so we got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day Ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The top deck was empty so Matthew took a piture inside First Potteries 32633 before we sat down.

Inside First Potteries 32633

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. As we travelled alon High Lane we passed a few coaches. We saw Paul's of Stoke Y13 POS, Happy Als coach HA12 ALS and Bakers Coaches 7025 RU.and we ran back through Smallthorne & Sneyd Green into Hanley. Once we got off the bus we quickly looked for a bus heading towards Newcastle. Almost immediatly we saw dud First Potteries 65733 on a #4 service.

First Potteries 65733 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Bethesda Street. We went along Marsh Street and then down Etruria Road. We crossed under the A53 and we went into the Festival Park. We went up Festival Way and as we passed Waterworld we saw an unidentified Park's of Hamilton coach. We turned right down Forge Lane before crossing under the A53. We joined the A53 and we crossed the A500 into Basford. We dropped down towards Newcastle and then we went around the one way system before turning left into Barracks Road. When we got back to the bus station Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 65733 before it carried on towards Audley.

First Potteries 65733 in Newcastle bus station

Mum was waiting in the car on other side of Barracks Road in a car park off Hassell Street. Matthew got in the car and had some Wright's Pie mini sausage rolls which he washed down with a small Bottle of Irn Bru. We set off up Hassell Street nd we turned left onto Marsh Parade. We had a few things to do so we had to head up to Smallthorne. We ran up the A52 and we turned onto Shelton New Road. At the traffic lights we turned left onto Victoria Road and then right onto the A53. We crossed the A500 and we ran up the A53 through Cobridge. We turned left onto Sandbach Road and we climbed the hill to Smallthorne roundabouts. We crossed over onto Ford Green Road anwe tiurned left into Fell Street. We ran down Coceley Street and onto Duddell Road and we stopped to drop something off. We turned right onto Chell Heath Road and right again back onto Ford Green Road. We had to make another stop so we looped off the main road along Saturn Road, Mars Street and Jupiter Street. As we had a lot to do we decided to visit captain Kooks for tea. We ran over Smallthorne roundabout onto Sandbach Road and we stopped at the diner. The car park was busy as there was some kind of car club meeting there. They had stopped for a bit to eat having driven all over North Staffordshire. The cars being driven were mainly MG's. In the diner Matthew had a breakfast which he washed down with a small bottle of Coke. When we had finished eating we set off down Sandbach Road and onto the Westbound A53. We ran to Etruria and we joined the Southbound A500. We came off onto the High Level at Stoke and we ran past the railway station and onto Glebe Street. We crossed the A500 and and we went up into Fenton. We stopped at Uncle daves so he could puck some things up and we continued up to Heron Cross. We joined the A50 and we ran East up to Longton where we came off to see what was parked up at the depot this evening. In the first row was Z Carz silver minibus CN57 HWA.

Z Carz CN57 HWA in Longton

Also in the first row was Z Carz Ford minibus FP06 WTW.

Z Carz FP06 WTW in Longton

Closest bus in the frst row was Z Carz white Volkswagen OV05 WSW.

Z Carz OV05 WSW in Longton

We also saw Z Carz Volkswagen minibus S973 OVP.

Z Carz S973 OVP in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row to see what was in the compound this evening. We saw Z Carz minibus BU04 GYW.

Z Carz BU04 GYW in Longton

We also saw their new Citroen minibus LV59 DZC. We got back onto the A50 and we ran to Heron Cross where we turned left onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Road and right again onto Beaonsfield Drive. We got back around 20:00. As we had already eaten we spent the rest of the evening sorting out pictures and starting the Blog. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:00... Mark