Trip to Newcastle / Biddulph 29-10-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67631	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trentham, adj Man-in-Space	22	First Potteries
67157	Trentham, adj Man-in-Space	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop R	21A	First Potteries
63096	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop Q	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
32079	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	4A	First Potteries
37146	Hanley BS	Tunstall, Adj Stop M	7A	First Potteries
53829	Tunstall, Adj Stop A	Oxford, adj Biddulph Road(stoamdpg)	99	First Potteries
41520	Oxford, adj Biddulph Road(stoamdpg)	Biddulph BS	7A	First Potteries
41522	Biddulph BS	Hanley BS	7A	First Potteries
66303	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	25	First Potteries

Today we decided 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. Whilst Matthew got ready I went to put gas in the car. At Sideway we saw MT Travel minibus SD58 OKF. Returning home we passed First Potteries 67631 which we knew would be on the next bus to Newcastle. On the radio I heard that there had been an accident at Talke which was causing delays to traffic. We set off just after 12:00 to the bus stop all the way over on Magdalen Road. A few minutes later and bang on time we saw First Potteries 67631 come around the corner out of Finstock Avenue on the #22 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67631 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 were we passed dud First Potteries 67642 on the #22 to Longton. We ran over the railway line into Trentham. We turned right into New In lane and as we went down I noticed another bus at the stop in front of us. As we got closer we saw that it was required First Potteries 67157 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 67631 as it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 67631 in Trentham

We also got a picture of First Potteries 67157 before we ran to the stop and jumped on it.

First Potteries 67157 in Trentham

The bus driver recognised Matthew and said hello to him. She remembered Matthew from when he was a small boy... 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 Lane 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 67637 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 67157 before it carried on towards Hanley.

First Potteries 67157 in Stoke

Once off the bus we walked along Campbell Place and we visit the TSB to get some money out of the cash machine. We crossed over Campbell Place and we turned 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. Whilst we ate we saw D&G 121 on 'The Orange ONE' service going towards Meir. When we had finished eating we went out onto Church Street. Once we had finished eating we walked back along Church street to wait for a bus to Newcastle. As we walked towards the stop we saw a standard liveried Streetlite approaching on a #11 service. It was required First Potteries 63096. As we walked towards the stop we spotted Stone Green Bus BX65 KYG in Welch Street.

Stone Green Bus BX65 KYG in Stoke

We then walked over to the bus stop for First Potteries 63096 on the #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63096 in Stoke

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat down at the back of the bus. When I said it was required that was only strictly true for myself and uncle Dave... Matthew had been on First Potteries 63096 from Bentilee to Meir back in August 2015. We set off along church street, past the roadworks which effectively closed off the eastbound side of Church street to bus traffic. We climbed the hill along Hartshill Road and we passed through Hartshill before dropping down into Newcastle down George Street. We joined the one way system and we turned left on the roundabout onto Barracks Road. As we got to the bus station in Newcastle we saw First Potteries 32634 on stand and about to work the #99 to Bradeley. When we got into the bus station we let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 63096.

Inside First Potteries 63096

We got off the bus and we started to walk up the top half of the bus station. What we would normally do at this point is to head to Tunstall, or even Burslem and then forwards to Tunstall. First Potteries 32634 was still in the bus station on the #99 to Bradeley. As we were considering going over to the red and cream liveries PMT double decker, we saw a couple of ALX400 double deckers coming int the bus station stopped at the traffic lights. Whilst we waited for these buses to come into the bus station we saw D&G Optare Versa 158 on the #9 to Biddulph.

D&G 158 in Newcastle bus station

The buses at the lights came into the bus station and they were First Potteries 32081 and required First Potteries 32079, both on the #4A to Hanley. First Potteries 32081 came on stand first and then First Potteries 32079 pulled up along side it.

First Potteries 32079 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The bus was almost empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 32079 before we sat down.

Inside First Potteries 32079

The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We crossed over the roundabout and we climbed the hill into Basford. We then dropped down the hill into Etruria and we crossed over the A500. We ran towards Cobridge And we turned left by the Bet365 office and we ran up Forge Lane and back down Festival Way. Outside Waterworld we saw Owen's Coaches coach W709 PTO. We crossed under the A53 and we ran up the hill past a new building and into Hanley along Etruria Road. At the top we crossed over Marsh Street into Trinity Street. We turned right into Stafford Street and we passed the town hall and ran along Bagnall Street and into the bus station. Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet and then headed over to the John Street car park to take a few bus pictures. We saw one of the recent D&G arrivals from Transdev York about to leave the bus station so we stopped by the exit and waited for it. As it got closer we saw that it was required D&G Buses Solo 45 on a #40 to Longton.

D&G 45 in Hanley bus station

We also saw First Potteries 67602 on a #3 to Crewe.

First Potteries 67602 in Hanley bus station

We went into the car park and we headed upstairs so that we could take a few bus pictures. We saw relative newcomer First Potteries 32648 which was on a #32 to Uttoxeter.

First Potteries 32648 in Hanley bus station

We took a few more bus pictures and Matthew had a Milky Way and a can of Vimto. After a while we headed down to the bus station and we visited the Spar shop. Matthew had a can of Coke and a bottle of Irn Bru as well as a couple of chocolate bars. We purchased the stuff and then we headed into the main part of the bus station to wait for a bus towards Tunstall. We sat down by the Tunstall stand and we saw First Potteries 67636 come in about to work a #3 to Crewe. For some reason the bus sat there for a while between driver changes, and a few driver came and went as if there was a problem with the bus. In the mean time, First Potteries 37146 came in about to work the following #3 to Talke Pits.

First Potteries 37146 in Hanley bus station

A few minutes later First Potteries 67635 started to loaded and we didn't get on it. We waited foe First Potteries double decker 37146 to be readied for service. This involved one of the staff jumping on the bus and cleaning up an area upstairs where someone had been sick! When the bus started loading we got on and flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver and Matthew took a picture inside the lower saloon of First Potteries 37146.

Inside First Potteries 37146

We went upstairs and the top decker was also empty so Matthew took another picture inside First Potteries 37146.

Inside First Potteries 37146

The bus waited for time before setting off out of the bus station. We went down John Street and onto Bethesda Street before we went across onto Marsh Street and then we turned right into Trinity Street. We turned left into Stafford Street and we turned left onto New Hall Street and right onto Marsh Street North. At the end we went forwards onto Waterloo Road and we ran through Cobridge and up into Burslem. After a brief stop wen went forwards onto Scotia Road. By the time we got to the old Burslem PMT garage we had caught up First Potteries 67636 which had set off 5 minutes before us fully loaded. We turned left onto Williamson Street and then right onto Tunstall High Street. At the bottom we overtook First Potteries 67636 which was at the bus stop. Coming the other way we saw First Potteries advertiser 41540 which was on a #99 to Newcastle. At the top of the High Street we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 37146 before it carried on towards Talke.

First Potteries 37146 in Tunstall

We walked down the street and we took a picture of First Potteries 67636 on the #3 to Crewe that we had turned down earlier in Hanley.

First Potteries 67636 in Tunstall

Further down the street we saw First Potteries 65026 & 32056, both of which were on #3 services to Hanley.

First Potteries 32056 in Tunstall

We walked down to The Tunstall Cafe and Matthew went to the toilet and I ordered him the cheesecake and a can of Coke. They had reverted back to the old style of cheescake, but Matthew didn't seem to mind one bit! Once we had finished eating we went outside and we walked to the nearest stop. We had decided that we were going to head towards Biddulph directly. There was a #99 to Bradeley at 15:13 and a couple of minutes later there was a 15:15 D&G Buses #94 service Biddulph. I asked Matthew which of these buses he wanted to do and he chose the First bus. A few minutes later we saw a First Potteries Solo approaching... As it got closer we saw that it was First Potteries 53829.

First Potteries 53829 in Tunstall

We got on and flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off up the High Street and we turned sharp right onto Scotia Road and left into the Boulevard. We ran down the hill past the park and we went forwards onto Queens Avenue before turning left onto Irene Avenue. At the top we turned left onto Carlton Avenue and then right onto Little Chell Lane. We turned left onto High Lane and we ran through the roadworks to the roundabout. We ran down the hill and towards the bottom we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 53829 before it turned right onto Oxford Road and ran towards Bradeley.

First Potteries 53829 in Oxford

We stood at the stop and almost immediately we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was First Potteries 41520.

First Potteries 41520 in Oxford

We got on and flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off down the A527 and we ran up the hill towards Chatterly Whitfield. We continued up through Brindley Ford and we turned left to run through Brown Lees. Normally the route through Brown Lees would be along Brown Lees Road, Tower Hill Road and onto Newpool Road. Due to Newpool Road we should have turned at an earlier street. We went past the diversion route and continued up towards Mow Cop! The driver turned the bus around at the junction of Akesmoor Lane and we returned back down the hill. An elderly gent sitting near the front tried to direct the the bus driver down dead end Lyndhurst Drive so a couple of local kids decided to help the driver around the diversion. via Mansfield Drive, Endon Drive, Lotus Avenue and Lyneside Road. We re -joined Neewpool Road and 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 and Colliers Way. When we passed the Hollinshead coach depot we saw an unidentified white Solo in the depot, presumably a spare bus for the new Beartown services that they started to operate recently. We turned up Wharf Road to the bus station where we got up. Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 41520 before we got off it.

Inside First Potteries 41520

We got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 41520 before it carried on back to Hanley. We then went to the kebab shop for a portion of fries and some cans of pop. We walked back to the bus stop and we shared the fries. We walked down towards the bus station and toilets and we saw required D&G 100 on a #9 service to Hanley.

D&G 100 in Biddulph bus station

Matthew then drank a can of Tango Orange. Just as we finished eating and drinking we saw First Potteries 32639 on a #7a which promtly arrived and departed. We turned down dud D&G 134 which was on the 16:40 to Newcastle. Matthew wanted to waited for the following First bus which was due to depart at 16:45. We bus came up the road from the roundabout and as we got closer we saw that it was dud First Potteries 41522.

First Potteries 41522 in Biddulph bus station

We got on and flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. 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 via the diversion route and we rejoined the A527 by the industrial estate. We ran down through Brindley Ford and to Fegg Hayes. We ran up the hill to Chell and we turned left onto High Lane. We ran back through Smallthorne & Sneyd Green into Hanley. When we got back to Hanley we let the bus empty out and Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 41522.

Inside First Potteries 41522

When we got off the bus Matthew went to the toilet and then we headed down to the bottom end of the bus station. We had a choice of doing a #101 or a #25 to Newcastle where we arranged to meet mum and Matthew chose to wait for the #25. The bus came into the bus station and it was First Potteries 66303.

First Potteries 66303 in Hanley bus station

Whilst we waited for the bus to be readied for service we saw Intercity YK07 NYX on the Hanley ring road and First Potteries 37156 departing on the #32 to Uttoxeter. The driver appeared and then we got on the bus, flashing the Smart Day ticket to the driver for the final time today. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 66303 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside First Potteries 66303

When it was time we set off out of the bus station onto john Street and left onto Bethesda Street. We crossed over the ring road and we ran down through Shelton along Regent Road and College Road. We passed the railway station and we continued forwards onto the A52. We followed the road to the right under the railway line and we crossed over the A500 entering Stoke town centre. Opposite we saw required First Potteries Volvo 66305 on a #25 to Hanley. We continued along Church Street onto Hartshill Road and into the centre of Hartshill. We turned left into the Avenue and left again onto Hilton Road before turning right into the City General Hospital. Once through the hospital we turned right onto the A34 and we ran into Newcastle. We crossed the raundabout and we ran up Barracks Road and into the bus station from the South end. We got up and got off the bus and we set off towards where mum had parked the car. On the way we saw First Potteries 32634 on a #98 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 32634 in Newcastle bus station

At the top end of the bus station we saw First Potteries 65706 on a #4 to Audley.

First Potteries 65706 in Newcastle bus station

We crossed over Barrack Road into Hassell Street and we jumped into the car. Mum was waiting with small Wrights Pies sausage rolls and a bottle of Irn Bru. We set off down barracks Road and on the A34. We passed Jubilee WMC AK52 LXC parked up at the side of the road. We ran down to Trent Vale and we stopped at the chip shop for some chips. Once had picked them up we ran along the A34 to The A500 and we went North to Sideway. We went East along the A50 and we travelled up to Longton where we came off to see what was parked up at Z Carz today. In the front row was Z Carz minibus GL04 CVE.

Z Carz GL04 CVE in Longton

Also in the front row of buses was Z Carz minibus HK57 LFY.

Z Carz HK57 LFY in Longton

Closest bus in the front row was Z Carz Ford minibus PY08 KDX.

Z Carz PY08 KDX in Longton

At the front of the second row we saw Z Carz Renault minibus BU04 GYW.

Z Carz BU04 GYW in Longton

We turned into Willow Row to see what was in the compound. Parked on the street we saw Z Carz Ford minibus NA06 SUO.

Z Carz NA06 SUO in Longton

Also parked on the road in Willow Row was Z Carz ford minibus HK57 LGW.

Z Carz HK57 LGW in Longton

We got back onto the A50 and we went across onto baths Road and into Tesco petrol station where we filled up with diesel. We got back onto the A50 and we went West to Heron Cross. We ran through Blurton along Blurton Road and we followed the road to the right onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we got home around 19:00. For a late Matthew had baked potato wedges and mash with carrots followed by a Manchester tart. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Joiners Square / Trent Vale 28-10-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DV10 JCU	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Joiners Square	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Joiners Square	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
67640	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 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 got on the bus and we set off onto the A5035. We crossed over the railway line 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 chocolate iced cakes. For dinner Matthew had McDonalds consisting of burger fries and a cup of Coke. In the after Matthew went to the pub on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

We set off onto Glebedale Road and we crossed over City Rod onto Fountain Street. We followed the road around onto William Street and then left onto Manor Road. At the end of Manor Road we turned left onto Victoria Road. We ran down the hill and turned left onto Warrington Road. We turned right onto the A52 and at Joiners Square roundabout we went straight across. We turned left at Palmerston Street and to our destination. At the pub Matthew went to the toilet and had a glass of Coke. High lights of the bus sightings at the pub included First Potteries 67642 on a #6A to Blythe Bridge and Copeland's Tours MIB 520. Matthew also listened to music at the pub on the Jukebox including Japanese Boy by Aneka. When it was time to go Home we climbed aboard Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We turned right onto the A52 and then we turned left onto Victoria Road. At the top of Victoria Road we turned sharp right onto City Road. We turned left into Glebedale Road and we got off the bus and transferred onto Shelton care Group DV10 JCU. We set off back onto Glebedale Road and forwards onto Station Bridge Road. We continued onto Heron Street and we crossed over the A50 onto Blurton Road. We travelled through Blurton and we veered right onto Church Road. We turned right into Beaconsfield Drive and We attempted to drop Matthew off, but I was stuck in traffic returning home. We continued onto the A5035 and we went over the railway line into Blurton. We turned right into New Inn Lane and we dropped another service user off before returning to the A5035. We crossed back over the railway line into Blurton, getting back just before 15:00. Matthew took another picture of Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU before it returned to base.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Blurton

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 67640. A few minutes later we saw dud First Potteries 67640 turned the corner as expected bang on time.

First Potteries 67640 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Harpfields Road before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We joined the Westbound A5035 we ran over the railway line into Trentham and we saw First Potteries 67601 on a #22 to Longton. We turned right into New Inn Lane and we climbed the hill into Hanford. By the old Bulls Head bus stop we saw First Potteries 67635. It had broken down whilst working the 15:44 Longton to Newcastle. We stopped at the stop and the us filled up with passengers off the other service. We turned right into Wilson Road and we turned left Church Lane and we ran down the hill and joined the A34 and we saw E-zec patient transport YJ16 GGZ. We crossed under the A500 into Trent Vale and we passed First Potteries 67152 on a #21 to the Trentham Hotel. As we turned into Harpfields Road we saw First Potteries 65040 on a #101 to Stafford. We then got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67640 as it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 67640 in Trent Vale

We walked back onto the A34 and we sat on the pub wall whilst we waited for mum. Whilst we waited we saw Happy Days Coaches 230 going North up the A34. Mum arrived 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 First Potteries 65033 on a Stafford Bound #101 service and ABC Supreme Y368 TGE on a Northbound shuttle and ABC Supreme BX54 EDJ on a Southbound shuttle. When it was time to go we got in the car to go home. We went South down the A34 and we turned left onto the A500 and ran North. We passed Happy Days Coaches 230 again, this time going South. We continued up to Sideway and we turned right onto the A50. we came off the A50 at 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. On the roundabout we saw Britannia Travel AY14 NVM and we ran into Blurton along Blurton Road. We turned right into Church Road and right again onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 18:15. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we sorted things out. Later in the evening mum was going out and Matthew decided to come along with us for the ride. We set off onto the A5035 and we ran through Drsden to Longton befoer we turned left onto Spring Garden Road. After we dropped mum off we returned back along Spring Garden Road and we turned left onto the A5035 before we did a u-turn on the roundabout, heading back into Dresden and forwards into Blurton and home. We chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Clayton / Newcastle 25-10-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DV10 JCU	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Clayton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Clayton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	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 a crumpets 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 sat down and the bus set off 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 went to JTF on foot. We set off onto Glebedale Road and left onto City Road. At the roundabout we turned left and walked past KFC and into JTF. Matthew went upstairs to the cafe and had toast and a drink of Coke. When we had finished we walked back to the day centre. We set off past KFC and onto City Road before turning left into Christchurch Street. We stopped at the co-operative Food store and Matthew brought a can of Coke. We then walked back to the the day centre. For Dinner Matthew had cheese oatcakes followed by toffee cheesecake. In the afternoon Matthew went shopping for the week and around for a drive on Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We set off onto Glebedale road and we turned left onto City Road. We ran down the hill and forwards onto the A52. We went under the railway line and we saw First Potteries 32648 on a #25 to Hanley. We joined the Northbound A500 up to Shelton New Road where we turned right towards Hanley. We stopped at the other day centre briefly and we continued up to Snow Hill. We ran up towards Hanley and we turned right into College Road. We ran down through Shelton to the railway stattion and we turned left onto Station Road. At the end of Station Road we turned left onto the A52 and we ran to Joiners Square. We turned right onto Victoria Road and we ran up the hill before stopping at Aldi. Matthew did his weekly food shop and then got back onto Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We ran down the hill to Joiners Square and we carried on straight across the roundabout onto Lichfield Street. We turned left onto the ring-road and we ran around Hanley to Etruria Road, We ran down Etruria Road and under the A53 and we went straight across onto Festival Way. We ran past waterworld and we cam back down Forge Lane and under the A53 before wheeling around to join the Westbound A53. We ran up through Etruria and over the A500. We continued through Basford and into Newcastle running around the one way system. We turned left onto Barracks Road and we ran past the bus station. At the roundabout we went straight onto the A519 and we ran over the Lyme and up the hill into Clayton. We ran up the hill and we stopped at the Gatehouse pub. In the pub Matthew went to the toilet and than had a drink of Coke. There was also a soft play area. When it was time to go we got back on board Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We set off onto the A519 and we ran down the hill into Newcastle. We went up barracks Road past the bus station and forwards onto the A53. We ran through Basford into Etruria and over the A500. At Festival Park we came off the A53 and we went towards Hanley up to Etruria Road. At the ring road we saw Stanton's of Stoke minibus PSU 989. We ran around anti-clockwise to Lichfield Street and we ran down to Joiners Square. We turned left onto the A52 and we ran to Stoke past the railway station where we saw D&G 44 on the #40 to Hanley. We continued along the A52 and we followed the road under the railway line. We joined the southbound A500 and we ran down to the A50. We came off at Stanley Matthews way and we ran down to the A5035. We ran East for a short while and we turned left onto Church Road. We continued down to Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton to the A50. We got ontp the A50 and we ran East to Longton past the new buildings near to the Pepper Mill. We joined Baths Road ans we went past Longton transport interchnage before we turned left onto King Street. We ran down into Fenton and Forwards onto City Road.We ran down to the A52 and we got on the Southbound A500 again! This time we came off onto Whieldon Road and we ran up through Mount Pleasant to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Heron Street and forwards onto station bridge Road. We crossed the railway line and we went forwards onto Glebedale Road and to our destination. After a brief stop we continued home on Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We set off onto Glebedale Road and We turned left onto City Road. We ran down the hill and we got onto the A52. We joined the Suthbound A500 and we ran all the way down to Hanford roundabout. We turned left onto the A34 and we ran down to Allerton Road where we turned left. We joined Trentley Road and onto New Inn Lane. We dropped off another service user and we continued along New Inn Lane and onto the A5035. We crossed 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 67637. A few minutes later we saw dud First Potteries 67637 turned the corner as expected bang on time.

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 were then passed by First Potteries 67634 on a #22 to longton. We joined the Westbound A5035 we ran over the railway line into Trentham and we saw Daish Holidays FJ10 DPE outside the Trentham Hotel. We turned right into New Inn Lane and we climbed the hill into Hanford. We turned right into Wilson Road and we turned left Church Lane and we ran down the hill and joined the A34 and we saw E-zec patient transport YJ16 GEY. We crossed under the A500 into Trent Vale and we turned into harpfields Road. Further up towards the hospital we saw First Potteries 67640 the final #22 turn going towards Longton. We turned into the City General hospital and we saw ABC Supreme DU60 XTB and Y368 TGE. We rejoined the A34 where we saw First Potteries 32648 on a #25 to Hanley. We travelled North about 1/2 mile 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 Newcastle

Right behind our bus was D&G 160 on a #9 to Clayton. We walked down the road to the crossing and before we crossed over we saw First Potteries Scania 65037 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 65037 in Newcastle

Once we got off the bus we crossed over the A34 and we then walked back towards Grandma's house. 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. We went around the Jubilee roundabout and onto the A53. After crossing the A500 we ran through Etruria and up through Cobridge and and into Smallthorne via Sneyd Hill. We crossed the roundabouts and we ran down Ford Green Road. We turned left onto Kinver Street and right onto Coseley Street. After a brief stop at the bottom end of Smallthorne and we turned right onto Chell Heath Road. We turned right onto Ford Green Road. We ran around Saturn Road, Mars Street and Jupiter Street. We stopped for a short while and We ran back up to Smallthorne Roundabout and we turned left onto High Lane, Following First Potteries 41497 on a #8 to Hanley. We ran through Townsend into Hanley and onto the ring road. We turned left onto Lichfield Street and we crossed the roundabout onto Victoria Road. We stopped at MacDonalds to pick up food for Matthew. As we left we saw First Potteries 63172 on a #6 to Weston Coyney. We continued up Victoria Road onto the A50 link road. We ran up to the A50 and we went West to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we stopped at the shop briefly before we ran through Blurton. We turned right into Church Road and right again onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 19:45. When we got back Matthew ate his MacDonalds, which was a cheeseburger, fries and chicken nuggets washed down with a Coke. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 23:30... Mark

Trip to Preston / Clayton Brook 22-10-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
15248	Preston BS	Clayton Brook, by Village Centre(lanatwta)	125	Stagecoach Lancashire
15246	Clayton Brook, by Village Centre(lanapamp)	Preston BS	125	Stagecoach Lancashire
15680	Preston BS	Preston, by Withy Trees	40	Stagecoach Lancashire
18380	Preston, Opp Withy Trees	Preston BS	41	Stagecoach Lancashire
15235	Preston BS	Bamber Bridge, by Smith Street	125	Stagecoach Lancashire
15234	Bamber Bridge, o/s Railway Station	Preston BS	125	Stagecoach Lancashire

Today we decided to re-visit Preston. As Matthew had been ill yesterday morning, I had to go to work today. The night before we gave Matthew a list of place from the North West and the Midlands and from the list Matthew picked Preston. We had checked the weather and it was forecast mainly dry weather with some sunshine. Research consisted of going on the Stagecoach website and looking at tickets and downloading the Preston area map to the phone. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. I got home around 11:30 and around 20 minutes later we set off onto the A5035 and then onto Stanley Matthews Way. We ran to the end past the Bet365 Stadium and we joined the Westbound A50. We joined the Northbound A500 and we ran up to Shelton where we came off it. We joined Shelton New Road and we ran past the old Twyfords factory up to the gas garage. We filled up with gas and and we joined the Westbound A53 before continuing North up the A500. We joined the northbound M6 and it was quite busy. We passed through the roadworks and on the Southbound side there were queues due to an earlier lorry fire. Once North of the roadwork we travelled quite quickly. When we got close to Preston we came to a complete stop. There had been an accident and two lanes were blocked off. As we sat in the queue for over half an hour quite a few vehicles passed us. One of the vehicles was Symphony coach OU14 SWY.

Symphony OU14 SWY on the M6

The traffic eventually cleared up as they moved the accident to the side. We then made good time up to the A59. We ran into town from the East and we followed the A59 into town. On the approaches we passed Stagecoach Megabus 50247 which was on a M11 service to London. We followed the A59 onto the A6 and we turned left into Percy Street and into the car park above the bus station. Once we had parked up an sorted out the ticket we went down the stairs to the bus station. Matthew went to the toilet and then we went to eat in the bus station cafe. It was now nearly 15:00. Matthew had a breakfast wash down with a can of Coke. whilst we ate we saw Rotala Preston Bus 20778 on a #14 to Longsand Lane the bus station. We come to start putting buses in the phone and we realised that the phone had gone flat! Stuck on the M6 Matthew had used the phone to entertain himself on the Internet whilst we waited to move. Whilst Matthew was eating his dinner I rushed across to the shops to buy a Micro USB charger cable. If we started off on the #125 service then maybe we could charge the phone up enough to let mum know when we were coming back. We said goodbye to mum and headed to the Stagecoach side of the bus station. There just happened to be a #125 on stand ready to go. As we got closer we saw that it was Stagecoach Lancashire 15248.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15248 in Preston bus station

We got on the bus and we booked a Preston Dayrider Plus ticket at £4.40 each, before we went upstairs and sat down. I immediately got the phone cable out and plugged it into my phone to charge it up on the bus... Another first for us. Adjacent to us was Stagecoach Lancashire 15244 on a #59 to Blackburn. The bus set off out off the bus station and around the Rotala Preston Bus side of the bus station. We ran up to the A59 and we went South-Eastwards out of town. At the main junction we continued onto A6 and down the hill. We crossed over the river Ribble and when we got to The Yew Tree We turned left onto Victoria Road. We then passed BM Coaches YH63 CXZ and JB Travel J900 JBT. This was the previous limit of our travel that we did back in October 2013, when we did Lancashire United 1102 to Higher Walton for Stagecoach Lancashire 15571 back into the bus station. As we stopped at a stop, we noticed a Nissan blimp above garage nearby. At the roundabout the bus turned right onto the B6258 and we ran South for a couple of miles and into Bamber Bridge. After crossing over the railway line we continued south to the A6. We turned left and we ran over the M6 past the Holiday Inn Express. We crossed over the M65 and we turned left into Clayton Brook Road before turning right onto Great Greens Lane. When we got to the shops we got up and got off the bus. Once we got off the bus Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Lancashire 15248 as it carried on towards Bolton.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15248 in Clayton Brook

We crossed over the road and we walked across the shopping area and we went into the McColls shop. Matthew had a can of Coke and some chocolate bars and we paid for the stuff and headed the return bus stop. We have visited this area before when we travelled here from Chorley back in May. Matthew shared a double Milky way with us and whilst we waited for the return bus we saw Stagecoach Lancashire 15226 on a #125 to Bolton.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15226 in Clayton Brook

A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching from around the corner. As it got closer we saw that it was required Stagecoach Lancashire 15246.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15246 in Clayton Brook

We got on the bus and we flashed the Preston Plus dayrider ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach Lancashire 15246.

Inside Stagecoach Lancashire 15246

The bus set off along Great Greens Lane and we turned left onto Clayton Brook Road. At the end we turned right onto the A6 and headed Northwards. It the meantime I was plugging my phone into various sockets to try and get it to charge but for some reason. I came to the conclusion that the USB sockets on that bus weren't working. Not before I accidentally ran the bell going from on seat to the next. The bus stopped and I shout sorry down to the driver that it had been pressed in error. We continued over the M6 and we turned right onto the B6258 and into Bamber Bridge. We stopped at the level crossing to let a train got past Heading towards Blackburn were Sprinter 150149 and an unidentified nodding donkey. The barriers lifted and we continued North through the centre of Bamber Bridge and a further 2 miles North up to Higher Walton. We turned left onto the A675 and we joined the A6 by The Yew Tree. We ran North Westwards to the A59 and then we ran into the bus station. When we got off we saw dud Stagecoach Lancashire 15913 on an adjacent stand.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15913 in Preston bus station

As it was around 16:30 we didn't want to hang around too long before we caught another bus. We spotted Stagecoach Lancashire 15680 about to work a #40 to Lancaster.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15680 in Preston bus station

Matthew decided he wanted to this bus so we got on it and we flashed the Preston Plus dayrider ticket to the driver. We asked how far we could do the bus to and he told us we could go as far as Broughton, about 30 minutes up the A6. He also told us that within the next hour or so the bus service would reduce to hourly. We set off out of the bus station past the Rotala Preston Bus side and onto Tithebarn Street. We turned right onto Lord Street and right again onto Lancaster Road. We crossed the A59 and we went North up the A6. A few people got off so Matthew took a picture of the empty seats opposite to us.

Inside Stagecoach Lancashire 15680

We decided that we weren't going to go much further as we didn't ant to get stuck! We saw a busy crossroads and we decided to get up and get off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Lancashire 15680 as it carried on towards Lancaster.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15680 in Preston

We crossed over the road and we waited at the stop opposite a shell petrol station. We didn't have the time, as we had no phone, but the was a bus due at 16:51 and we hadn't passed anything. Matthew had a can of Vimto and just as he started to drink the bus came down the road. it was required Stagecoach Lancashire 18380 on a #41 to Preston.

Stagecoach Lancashire 18380 in Preston

We got on the bus and we flashed the Preston Plus dayrider ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. We set off down the A6 and we ran about 3/4 of a mile to the north edge of town we ran across the A59 and around the one way system before entering the bus station from the South. Once we got into the bus station Matthew let the bus empty before taking a picture inside Stagecoach Lancashire 18380.

Inside Stagecoach Lancashire 18380 in Preston

Once off the bus we had a quick walk around. On an adjacent stand was Stagecoach Lancashire 47329 which was on a #1A to Gamull Lane.

Stagecoach Lancashire 47329 in Preston bus station

Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we had a quick explore of the Rotala Preston Bus side of the bus station. On stand 16 was Rotala Preston Bus double decker 40595 on a #19 to the Royal Preston Hospital.

Rotala Preston Bus 40595 in Preston bus station

Further down we saw another doubled decker... Rotala Preston Bus 40407 was about to work a #8 to Nook Moor.

Rotala Preston Bus 40407 in Preston bus station

We walked out of the bus station and we got a couple more picture and then we returned to the Stagecoach side of the bus station. We need to charge the phone up more, so we decided to do another #125 service. There was another one on stand so we decided to do this. It was required Stagecoach Lancashire 15235.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15235 in Preston bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Preston Plus dayrider ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and putting the phone on charge. As we it was after 17:00 we decided only to go as far as Bamber Bridge. We set off out of the bus station and around the other side before we ran down to the A59. We headed East to the A6 and we ran over the Ribble before running onto the A675. In higher Walton we turned right onto the B6258 and we ran South for a couple of miles into town. We were considering going a little further South but we saw the barriers come down. A timely wheelchair ramp usage allowed us to get up and get off the bus before it pulled off. We were able to cross over the road and still get a picture of Stagecoach Lancashire 15235 before it continued south to Bolton.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15235 in Bamber Bridge

We stood at the adjacent bus stop and we were now able to turn the phone on as long as we kept the screen dim. It was around 17:37 and there was a bus due at 17:33 which we hadn't passed. A train went passed and the barriers at the level crossing lifted and a minute or so later another bus appeared. As it got closer we saw that it was required Stagecoach Lancashire 15234.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15234 in Bamber Bridge

We got on the bus and we flashed the Preston Plus dayrider ticket to the driver for the fianl time today before we went upstairs and putting the phone on charge. We set off North through Bamber Bridge and we ran the 2 or so miles up to Higher Walton. On the way I was able to send a text tom mum to let her know about our imminent arrival. At the roundabout we turn left onto the A675 ans we ran Westwards along this road until we got to the A6. We crossed the Ribble and ran up the hill into town, going forwards onto the A59. We ran into the bus station for the final time today, and we let the bus empty before Matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach Lancashire 15234.

Inside Stagecoach Lancashire 15234

Once off the bus we decided to take a few pictures before we headed back to the car. We had followed Stagecoach lancashire 10023 into the bus station on a #41 Lancaster service. On an adjacent stand was Stagecoach Lancashire 18355.

Stagecoach Lancashire 18355 in Preston bus station

We walked a little further down the bus station and we saw dud Transdev Lancashire United 401 on a #152 'Hot Line' service to Burnely.

Transdev Lancashire United 401 in Preston bus station

we then crossed over to the Western side of the bus station where we saw Rotala Preston Bus Streetlite 32306 on a #19 to the Royal Preston Hospital.

Rotala Preston Bus 32306 in Preston bus station

Once we had finished taking picture we met up with mum and we went up the stairs to the car. Mathew had a Greggs sausage roll and a small bottle of Irn Bru. We set off out of the car park and around the one way system and onto the A59. We went Eastwards to the junction of the A6 and then we turned left. We stopped at a Texaco petrol station and we put some petrol in, before we continued East to the M6, where we went South. It was now properly dark as we travelled towards home. There was a speed restriction for some roadworks North of the A49 Winwick Junction and as we got to the 4 lane section South of the M62 the matrix signs were warning of emergency carriageway repairs on the M6 between junction 18 and 17. That darn lorry fire earlier was still causing problems! We made good progress to junction 19 and the matrix signs were flashing up Queue after junction. We passed the junction and there was no sign of bother and we got to around a few hundred yards of Junction 18 and then we hit problems. We decided to come off the M6 at junction 18 and go East a few miles to Holmes Chapel. We then went south for a few miles through Brereton until we got to the A534 at the Arclid cross roads. We went west for a couple of miles along the A534 and we got back onto the M6 at junction 17. We travelled South one junction and then we went south on the A500. As we went towards Stoke we passed 3 unidentified Meredith's coaches and an identified Malbank coach. At Sideway we went East on the A50 uo to Longton, where we came off to checked out what was parked up at Z Carz. In the front row was Z Carz silver minibus CN57 HWA.

Z Carz CN57 HWA in Longton

Also in the first row was Z Carz minibus NA06 SUO.

Z Carz NA06 SUO in Longton

Next to the was Z Carz Merceds minibus CE02 LYX.

Z Carz CE02 LYX in Longton

Nearest vehicle on the front row was Z Carz minibus BU04 GYW

Z Carz BU04 GYW in Longton

In the second row of buses we saw Z Carz minibus MV53 KKO

Z Carz MV53 KKO in Longton

We turned into willow Row to see what was parked up in the compound. Tonight we saw Z Carz Iveco minibus GK02 NWJ.

Z Carz GK02 NWJ in Longton

As it was getting late we decided to abandon our usual tea plans and to go to the chip shop in Lightwood to get chips. We ran up to the Chip shop via Spring bank Road, the A5035 and Lightwood Road. We parked in the car park by the chip shop and Co-op, and mum went in to get chips. Afterwards we drove home down Belgrave Road past a new building and onto the the A5035. We got home around 20:20. For a late tea Matthew had Sausage chips and gravy followed by a jam filled shortcake biscuit. We then sorted out the pictures and chilled out on the sofa. Matthew chilled out on his computer around bedtime around 00:00... Mark