Trip to Newcastle 29-11-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67639	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Newcastle, opp Cherry Tree PH	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew wasn't very well... He woke up on Monday Morning with a swollen face. Matthew spent most of Monday at home apart from the time he spent at the doctors and at a local hospital having a blood test. When Matthew woke up this morning he was still poorly, so we went to get uncle Dave to look after him whilst I went to work and mum went to see Grandma. Matthew got up and toast and orange juice for breakfast. For dinner uncle Dave made Matthew a sausage sandwich. I got back from work around 15:00 and Matthew was much better than he was this morning so we decided to go to Grandma's on the bus, but first we had to drive uncle Dave back home. Matthew had some toast and a glass of orangeade. We set off just before 16:00 and we went through Blurton along Beaconsfield Drive. We passed First Potteries 66306 which was an unusual allocation on the #22 to Newcastle. We also passed First Potteries 42553 on a #23 to Hanley. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we turned left onto Blurton Road. We ran down the hill and up towards Heron Cross and we passed First Potteries 41540 on a #23 to Newstead. In Heron Cross we saw Lightning Travel minibus T2 DLT. We crossed over the A50 and we dropped into Fenton to drop off uncle Dave. After we had dropped him off we ran back up towards Heron Cross and we passed City Cabs SJ54 MWY coming the other way. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we passed Z Carz YE52 UZX. We crossed the A50 and we saw Z Carz GK02 NWJ. We continued along Blurton Road into Blurton and we passed Stanton's of Stoke minibus SO57 OKE. We ran up the hill and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we got home around 16:15. We got out of the car and we walk all the way to the bus stop on Beaconsfield Drive. I had seen the bus so I didn't know what was going to turn up. The bus turned the corner and it was First Potteries 67639.

First Potteries 67639 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 ran over the railway line into Trentham. We saw first Potteries 67638 on a #22 to Longton and Jayjay's Travel minibus DT15 GVR. We turned right into New Inn Lane and we climbed the bill into Hanford. We turned right into Wilson Road passing First Potteries 41502 on a #21 to the Trentham Hotel. We turned left Church Lane and we ran down the hill and joined the A34 where we saw First Potteries 67154 on a #21A to Trentham Gardens. We crossed under the A500 into Trent Vale and we turned right Harpfields Road were we saw First Potteries 66306 on a #22 to Longton again. We went forwards onto Hilton Road and we turned into the City General hospital. In the Hospital grounds we saw ABC Supreme NM07 OMC & Y368 TGE and First Potteries 32649 on a #25 to Hanley. We rejoined the A34 and we travelled North about 1/2 mile and we got up and got off the bus and Matthew took a picture of First Potteries 67639 as it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 67639 in Newcastle

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 18:45 and we ran along Occupation Street and onto the A34. We ran South tot Trent Vale and we stopped at Tesco to put diesel in the car. We crossed over the A34 and we went to McDonalds to get Matthew's tea. Once we had picked up the food we went South down the A34 through Hanford and into Trentham. We turned left onto the A5035 and we ran over the railway line into Blurton. We got home around 19:45. When we got back Matthew ate his McDonalds, which was a cheeseburger, fries and chicken nuggets washed down with a Coke. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Newcastle / Biddulph 26-11-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67601	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trentham, adj Man-in-Space	22	First Potteries
42552	Trentham, adj Man-in-Space	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop R	21A	First Potteries
142	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop Q	Newcastle BS	The Orange One	D&G Bus
32639	Newcastle BS	Tunstall, Adj Stop A	99	First Potteries
41496	Tunstall, Adj Stop B	Newcastle BS	99	First Potteries
37159	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	4A	First Potteries
32630	Hanley BS	Biddulph BS	7A	First Potteries
41495	Biddulph, Tunstall Road (temporary stop)	Hanley BS	7A	First Potteries

Today we decided to to go local as we were going out for tea later. We checked the weather, and it was forecast cold clear and sunny. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Around 11:40 we set off on foot all the way to the stop on Magdalen Road. I hadn't been out to see what was working, so it was going to be a surprise whatever turned up. A few minutes later we saw and older Enviro300 single decker with a flip dot display, so we knew it was a bus out of the 67601-67604 batch. As it got closer we saw that it was dud First Potteries 67601.

First Potteries 67601 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we purchased a Smart Day tickets at £5.30 and First Potteries 67633 went past on a #22 to Longton. We sat down and the bus set off onto the A5035 where we turned right. We passed Stanley Matthews Way and we saw black and white minibus X89 WPT. We crossed the railway line and we entered Trentham before turning right into New Inn Lane. As we approached the man in Space we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67601 before it continued on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 67601 in Trentham

A few minutes later we saw the bus that we would be going to Stoke on. It was dud First Potteries 42552. It sat at the stop opposite for a short while and then it continued towards the Trentham Hotel via Pacific Drive. We also saw First Potteries 67642 on the final #22 turn. A short while later the bus returned off the A5035 and it was as expected First Potteries 42552 on a #21 to Hanley.

First Potteries 42552 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 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 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 42552 before it carried on towards Hanley.

First Potteries 42552 in Stoke

Once off the bus we walked along Campbell Place and around the corner into Church Street and into the Stoke Cafe. Matthew went to the toilet and then we ordered breakfast. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. Whilst we ate we saw First Potteries 63096 on a #11 and D&G Bus 114 on 'The Orange ONE' running towards Newcastle. 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. Whilst we waited for the bus we saw First Potteries 67635 on a #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67635 in Stoke

A few minutes later we saw a red D&G Solo approaching from under the railway bridge. As it got closer we saw that it was required D&G Bus 142 on 'The Orange ONE' service.

D&G 142 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. We set off along Church Street and we ran up the hill onto Hartshill Road. We ran through Hartshill and we entered Newcastle down George Street. After running down the one way system we went onto the Jubilee Roundabout and Barracks Road. As we entered Newcastle we saw recent arrival First Potteries 32648 on a #4A service to Hanley. We turned right into the bus station and we let the bus empty before Matthew took a picture inside D&G Bus 142.

Inside D&G 142

Once off the bus we thought about what bus we would do next. We stood at the top end of the bus station and we waited for something interesting to come in. We saw required First Potteries 65730 on a #4, but we decided not to do it. A few minutes later we saw dud D&G Bus 133 on a #85 to Crewe.

D&G 133 in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 32081 on a #98 to Ball Green. So we walked over to the stop to wait for it. Before it had chance to come onto stand , we saw First Potteries 32639 on a #99 to Bradeley, which had recently been repainted with a fushia coloured front.

First Potteries 32639 in Newcastle bus station

We decided not to do First Potteries 32081, but to go directly to Tunstall on First Potteries 32639. Whilst we waited for that to come on stand we saw First Potteries 67637 on a #4A to Kidsgrove.

First Potteries 67637 in Newcastle bus station

The double decker came into the bus station and onto stand and we queued up to get on board. 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 picture inside First Potteries 32639.

Inside First Potteries 32639

The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We crossed the Jubilee Roundabout where we saw D&G Bus 44 on a #35 service We continued 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 passed fushia fronted First Potteries 32632 on a #98 to Newcastle. We turned left onto Brownhills Road and we passed fushia fronted First Potteries 32630 on a #99 to Newcastle. We climbed the hill into Tunstall town centre. We went straight onto Tunstall High Street and at the top of the High Street we got up and got off the bus. Matthew then took another picture of First Potteries 32639 before it carried on towards Bradeley.

First Potteries 32639 in Tunstall

We walked down to the Tunstall Cafe and Matthew went to the toilet whilst I sort out his food. The lady here also now knows our order by heart! Matthew had a slice of Toffee Cheesecake which he washed down with a can of Coke. Once we had finished eating we said goodbye and then we saw required First Potteries 41496 at the stop opposite on a #99 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 41496 in Tunstall

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. This was the last bus in this batch that we hadn't previously ridden on. The only other bus of this type that we haven't been on was First Potteries 41492, which was an early withdrawal due to accident damage. We set off down the High Street and we stopped at the bottom before joining Brownhills Road. We ran down the hill to Trubshsaw Cross and we continued straight through Longport and over the A500. We went up Porthill Bank and we followed the A527 through Wolstanton & May Bank and into Newcastle. We crossed the roundabout onto Barracks Road and we entered the bus station. We waited for the bus to empty and Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 41496.

Inside First Potteries 41496

We wanted to catch something up to Hanley quite quickly, because we needed to be back home quite early to get ready to go out later. We saw First Potteries 66962 on a #25 and I thought that we were going to do that bus, but Matthew had other ideas... Matthew decided to go for a walk around and take a few pictures. As we walked down Stubbs Street we saw D&G Bus 139 on layover.

D&G 139 in Newcastle bus station

We walked back up to the top of the bus station and Matthew pointed to the stand from which the #4 to Hanley departs. Whilst we waited for the next #4 we saw D&G Enviro200 35 on a #85 to Crewe.

D&G 35 in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes later we saw a double decker approaching the bus station. As it got closer we saw that it was First Potteries 37159 on a #4A to Hanley.

First Potteries 37159 in Newcastle bus station

There were quite a few people waiting to get on this bus so we waited in the queue. First Potteries 67638 pulled up along side which was also on a #4A to Hanley and this split the crowd in two. We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. 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 where we saw a Saffords coach parked up. We then turned right back down Festival Way. Outside Waterworld we saw Travelmaster Holidays coach with reg like E11 WEN. We crossed under the A53 and we ran up the hill past a new building. We saw an unidentified Alfa coach behind the Premier Inn. We continued up the hill 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. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 37159.

Inside First Potteries 37159

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. On the way to the car park we saw the well travelled council owned BU54 ALL now with Scraggs on a #44 to Stanley.

Scraggs BU54 ALL in Hanley bus station

We entered the car park and we went up the stairs. Whilst there Matthew had a bag of Milky Way Stars and a can of Vimto. We then saw D&G Bus 164 on a #16 to Leek.

D&G 164 in Hanley bus station

We also saw De Courcey Travel (National Express) FJ11 GMG on a #325 service to Birmingham. As we were pressed for time we didn't stay long in the car park. I was hoping to persuade Matthew to go in a different direction on the bus than usual. We went in the shop and Matthew had a can of Coke and a small bottle of Irn Bru, as well as a couple of chocolate bars. After we came out of the shop I asked Matthew if he wanted to go towards Longton or Kidsgrove, but we saw First Potteries 32630 on a #7A to Biddulph and the draw was just too great...

First Potteries 32630 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. It had only just gone 15:00, so as long as we didn't hang around and we came straight back we could stick to the plan of getting home for around 17:00. 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 continued forwards to Quadrant Road and we left Hanley along Town Road. We travelled through Sneyd Green and we passed required First Potteries 43875 which was on a #7 to Hanley. We crossed over Smallthorne roundabouts and continued up to Chell. At the roundabout we turned right and we ran down the A527 and as we went down the hill we entered thick fog. We ran through Brindley Ford and we turned left to run through Brown Lees along the diversion route, which the driver did well to negotiate in the fog along Mansfield Drive, Lotus Avenue and Lyneside Road. 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 only to find the the road to the bus station was closed due to the Christmas Fayre and lights switch on. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 32630 as it turned on the roundabout before it carried on back to Hanley.

First Potteries 32630 in Biddulph bus station

We didn't have time to go to the kebab house for fries, so we asked locals where the bus would depart from. After we visited the toilet, we headed in the direction of Tunstall Street along South View. When we came out on the High Street we saw a number of rides in the street. directly in front of us was that back of a ride called Crazy Jungle, which Matthew took an interest in.

Crazy Jungle in Biddulph

We walked past The Bradley Green and we saw another ride. It was an inflatable helter skelter called Frozen Ice Slide.

Frozen Ice Slide in Biddulph

We spotted a bus stop Wells Street, and when we inspected it closely it had a noticed on it saying bus stop for Gillow Heath & Congleton. We saw a group of people waiting at the bus stop further up Wells Street so we went up to see if this was the correct stop. We decided that it was and Matthew said he wanted something to eat. I offered him a Flake out of the bag but it wasn't going to cut it. On the way up we had spotted a Wrights Pies shop on the High Street. As we walked to the Bottom of Well Street we saw D&G 157 stopped on Tunstall Street on a 'Nines' service. It was stopped at a temporary bus stop for Hanley bound buses. At least we wouldn't have to walk back up the hill after we had been to the shop. We went in the Wrights Pies shop and Matthew had a Manchester Tart and a small bottle of Cola. We walked back to the stop on Tunstall Street and Matthew ate his Manchester Tart. Before he had even finished eating it the bus bus turned up and it was First Potteries 41495.

First Potteries 41495 in Biddulph

We decided we were going to meet mum in Hanley for a change, so we got on the bus and we flashed the Smart day ticket to the driver for the final time today. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 41495.

Inside First Potteries 41495

The bus set off through the fog and we turned right onto Wells Street. We ran around the estate and we crossed over the A527 at Knypersley We ran along the diversion along Lyneside Road, Lotus Avenue and Mansfield Drive before rejoining the normal route through Brown Lees and we rejoined the A527 by the industrial estate. We ran down through Brindley Ford and to Fegg Hayes it was still quite foggy and we couldn't really see much. We ran up the hill to Chell and we turned left onto High Lane. The fog lifted on High Lane and we could see the sun had set in the West towards the A500. We ran back through Smallthorne & Sneyd Green into Hanley. When we got back to the bus station we walked down to the bottom end and then out of the entrance adjacent to the ring road. We walked back onto Lichfiled Street to cross over the road and Matthew paused to take a picture of the Winter Wonderland which was lit up with bright lights.

Winter Wonderland in Hanley

We crossed Lichfield Street and we stopped to get a picture of First Potteries 63176 which was at the bus stop outside the bus station on a #6A to Blythe Bridge.

First Potteries 63176 in Hanley

We crossed over the ring road and we walked to the car which mum had parked in the car park adjacent to the ring road. Mum was in the Venus Fish bar getting some chips for the journey back home. We set off down Lichfield Street and we saw City Cabs DN56 HSX. We crossed over the A52 and onto Victoria Road. We climbed to the top of the hill and we joined the A50 link road. We joined the Eastbound A50 and we ran up to Longton. where we came off. Traffic was busy this evening and it took a while to get up the slip road. We then headed to Z Carz to see what was parked up there this evening. In the first row we saw Z Carz minibus BN03 OVS.

Z Carz BN03 OVS in Longton

Also in the first row we saw Z Carz LDV minibus PN06 ONM.

Z Carz PN06 ONM in Longton

The nearest vehicle on the front row was Z Carz Ford minibus PY08 KDX.

Z Carz PY08 KDX in Longton

In the second row we saw Z Carz Renault minibus MV53 KKO.

Z Carz MV53 KKO in Longton

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

Z Carz GK02 NWJ in Longton

We returned onto the A50 and we ran back West to Heron Cross where we came off it again. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton. We passed First Potteries 67633 on a #22 to Longton. We turned right onto Church Road and right again onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 17:30. When we got back we put our picture on the computer and wrote an e-mail before getting ready to go out. We set off around 18:45 and we ran down to the A5035. We turned right and we ran over the railway line into Trentham before we joined the Northbound A34. We ran up through Hanford and Trent Vale and past the hospital and into Newcastle. We went up Barracks Road and past the bus station and we turned left into Ironmarket. We parked up and we went into the Arnold Machin pub. Matthew went to the toilet and then we found a table before mum went to order a meal. We met up with a few friends I used to work with and we ate our meal and chatted. Matthew had a burger and fries washed down with a glass of Coke. Matthew stayed for around 2 hours and then went home with mm & uncle Dave. We went around the Jubilee Roundabout onto Barracks Road and then onto the Southbound A34. We ran through Trent Vale and Hanford to Trentham where we turned left onto the A5035. We ran over the railway line into Blurton and Matthew got home around 21:20. Matthew chilled out on his computer and I stopped at the pub for another couple of hours. I got home just after 23:00 and then we did some more work on the Blog. Matthew went to bed around 00:30... Mark

Trip to Joiners Square / Trent Vale 25-11-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DV10 JCU	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
67640	Fenton, adj Victoria Place	Fenton, Adj Sixth Form College	6	First Potteries
DV10 JCU	Fenton McDonalds	Joiners Square	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Joiners Square	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
67643	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. It was also Black Friday for those interested in shopping. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had a sausage sandwich 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 did some baking. Matthew then went to Mcdonalds for dinner on a bus. We set off on foot onto Glebedale Road and we turned right onto City Road. At the roundabout we went onto Victoria Road and we stood at the bus stop to wait for a bus. The bus turned up and it was First Potteries 67640 on a # 6 to Hanley. We booked to Fenton and we sat down. The bus set off down Victoria Road and we went a few stops down to the bus stop opposite to Subway where we got off again. We then walked down the road to McDonalds. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. When it was time to got to the we were picked up by Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We set off onto Victoria Road and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We cross the roundabout onto Lichfield Street an to our destination. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. Highlights of the bus sightings at the pub included Copeland's Tour coach MIB 118, First Potteries 32081 on a #6A to Blythe Bridge and Stanton's of Stoke CN57 HRE. Matthew listened to the Jukebox with song by artists including Steps, Abba, Eminem and Dido. When it was time to go home we climbed aboard Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We set off onto Palmerston Street and we turned left onto the A52. We ran past Limekiln Bank and forwards onto the A5009. We ran up through Abbey Hulton and we saw Stanton's of Stoke CN09 CJE. We continued to Milton and we turned right onto Bagnall Road. We continued forwards onto Armshead Road and eventually we came out on A52 near to Werrington. We turned right and ran down the hill into Ash Bank where we saw First Potteries 32648 on #32 to Uttoxeter. In Bucknall We turned left onto Dividy Road and we ran into Bentilee. We dropped off another service user and we continued along the A5272. At Adderley Green we turned right onto Anchor Road. We ran down to LOngton and we went around the one-way system before crossing over the A50 onto the A5035. We ran through Dresden into Blurton and Matthew got home just before 15:00 and had toast and glass of orangeade. 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 new arrival in the city, dud First Potteries 67643. The turned the corner and it was was First Potteries 67643 as expected.

First Potteries 67643 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Harpfields Road. We sat down towards the back of the bus and we set off onto the A5035 and we passed First Potteries 67632 on a #22 to Longton. We crossed over the railway line into Trentham. As we turned right into New Inn Lane we saw Free Spirits white minibus MK52 PXH. 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 white minibus R2 OGO. We crossed under the A500 into Trent Vale passing First Potteries 67151 on a #21 to Trentham. We turned right into Harpfields Road and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67636 as it continued towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 67643 in Trent Vale

Before we crossed the road we saw E-zec patient transport YJ16 GGZ going towards the A34.

E-zec patient transport YJ16 GGZ in Trent Vale

We walked onto the main road and we saw E-zec patient transport YJ16 GHF and YJ16 GHN in quick succession. Once at the pub we waited for mum to arrive. Just as mum got to he pub we saw First Potteries 65033 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 65033 in Trent Vale

When mum got there 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 VUD 483 going North as well as First Potteries 65040 on a #101 service. When it was time to go we got in the car to go home and we went South down the A34 and we turned left onto the A500 and ran North. The A50 appeared to be busy so we carried on towards Stoke. It took us nearly 30 minutes to get from Trent Vale to Stoke. As we waited in the queue to come off at City Rod we saw 65027 & 67632 both running out of service. We went South down the A500 and into Fenton to pick uncle Dave up. Once we had picked him up we ran back up to Heron Cross which tok another 20 odd minutes, once we had crossed the A50, We ran into Blurton along Blurton Road. We turned into Langland Drive as we had to drop something off at Thackery Drive. We returned to Blurton Road via Keble Way and Langland Drive, We turned right into Church Road and we passed First Potteries 67643 on a #22 to Longto. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Driveand we got home around 19:30. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we sorted things out. We chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Fenton / Newcastle 22-11-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DV10 JCU	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
67640	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 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 sat down and the bus set off onto the A5035. We crossed over the railway line into Trentham. We turned right into New Inn Lane and we picked up another service user. We returned along New Inn Lane and onto the A5035 into Trentham we saw City Centre Central BK58 DZZ. 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 spent time on the computer. For Dinner Matthew had cheese oatcakes. In the afternoon Matthew went for a walk around Fenton. We set off onto Glebedale Road and right onto City Road. We turned sharp left onto Victoria Road and we walked own the hill. We then turned right into Fenton Park. After going around the park we returned onto Victoria Road. We stopped at Wright's Pies and Matthew had a Manchester tart before we walked up the hill to the top. We turned right onto City Road and we turned left onto Glebedale Road and back to the day centre. When it was time to go we go on board 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 travelled through Blurton along Blurton Road and we went forwards onto Church Road. At the end we went right onto the A5035. We crossed the railway into Trentham and then right into New Inn Lane. After dropping of a service user we got back onto the A5035 and we ran into Blurton. We got home just before 15:00. Matthew had toast and a can of Coke 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 running bang on time we saw dud First Potteries 67640 turned the corner as expected.

First Potteries 67640 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 saw first Potteries 67636 on a #22 to Longton. We ran over the railway line into Trentham and we turned right into New Inn Lane and we climbed the bill into Hanford following First Potteries 67156 which was on a #21A to Hanley. We turned right into Wilson Road passing First Potteries 67151 on a #21 to the Trentham Hotel. We turned left Church Lane and we ran down the hill and joined the A34. We crossed under the A500 into Trent Vale and we saw required First Potteries 67152 on a #21A to Trentham Gardens. We turned right Harpfields Road and we ram forwards onto Hilton Road. We turned into the City General hospital and we saw First Potteries 67639 on the final #22 to Longton and First Potteries 32630 on a #25 to Hanley and ABC Supreme Y368 TGE. We rejoined the A34 and we travelled North about 1/2 mile and we got up and got off the bus and Matthew took a picture of First Potteries 67640 as it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 67640 in Newcastle

When we got off the bus we spotted a minibus at the side of the road ahead of us. Closer inspection revealed that it was Sherratt's Wood minibus VA07 ZTB.

Sherratt's Wood VA07 ZTB in Newcastle

We walked back to the crossing and we crossed over half of the A34. Whilst on the island in the middle we we saw First Potteries 37158 on a #25 service to Keele.

First Potteries 37158 in Newcastle

We finished crossing 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 18:45 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 we saw D&G 137 on a #73 to Newcastle. We joined the Eastbound A53 and 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 Fell 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 where we saw First Potteries 63101 on a #98 to Newcastle. We ran around Saturn Road, Mars Street and Jupiter Street. We stopped for a short while and we saw D&G 119 & First Potteries 32634 both running out of service. We ran back up to Smallthorne Roundabout and we turned left onto High Lane and we caught up First Potteries 63172 on a #8 to Hanley. We made a stop onto Northam Road and we returned to the A5272 via Chorlton Street and Birches Head Road. In Townsend we saw bakers Coaches YN06 RWE. We ran into Hanley and onto the ring road. We turned left onto Lichfield Street. At Joiners Square crossed the roundabout onto Victoria Road. We stopped at McDonalds to pick up food for Matthew. 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 ran through Blurton. We turned right into Church Road and right again onto Beaconsfield Drive where we caught up First Potteries 67153 on a #23A to Newstead. We got home around 19:45. When we got back Matthew ate his McDonalds, 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 Bromsgrove / Droitwich Spa 19-11-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
66697	Bromsgrove BS	Sidemoor, Broad Street (NW bound)	144	First Worcester
67657	Sidemoor, opp Sainsbury's Local Store	Catshill, opp Chadsgrove School	144A	First Worcester
67656	Catshill, adj Chadsgrove School	Sidemoor, Broad Street (SE bound)	144	First Worcester
47516	Sidemoor, Broad Street (SE bound)	Bromsgrove BS	144	First Worcester
32066	Bromsgrove BS	Droitwich Spa, Ombersley Street East (Stop 3)	144A	First Worcester
20104	Droitwich, Ombersley Street East (Stop 3)	Droitwich, adj Chalverton Court	18	Rotala Diamond
20104	Droitwich, adj Chalverton Court	Droitwich, Ombersley Street East (Stop 3)	18	Rotala Diamond
20607	Droitwich, Ombersley Street East (Stop 3)	Primsland, adj Tagwell Heights	19A	Rotala Diamond
20607	Primsland, adj Tagwell Heights	Droitwich, Ombersley Street East (Stop 3)	19A	Rotala Diamond
KX08 HMC	Droitwich Spa, Adj Victoria Square	Bromsgrove BS	145	iGo

Today we decided to re-visit Bromsgrove. We had checked the weather for today and it was for dry weather with some sunshine. We gave Matthew a list of place to visit in the Midlands and North West and from the list he chose Bromsgrove. Matthew got up around 09:45 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:30 on to the A5035 and we turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way. I realised that we were going the wrong direction at this point becasue we are that used to going North! We passed D&G 174 on a #14 to Stafford. We joined the Westbound A50 and then we turned left to go South on the A500. As we went South we passed Kings Ferry coach YN15 DKL and Solus Coaches YS16 LNC which was in the Northbound layby. We joined the Southbound M6 and we made good progress. As we travelled South we saw Kingswinford Coachways JRZ 1844, The Travellers Choice PO15 KTL, Parks of Hamilton (National Express) LSK 808, Keele SU PN57 UZO and Eavesway YJ14 BYF. We joined the Southbound M5 and as we travelled down to junction 4 we saw an unidentified white coach and white minibus FD13 UPG. We joined the A38 and we ran into town over the M42. Just North of town we turned right onto Birmingham Road and we ran the last mile or so into the town centre. We parked up at Asda and we crossed over to the A448 where we saw First Worcester 32066 on a #144 to Birmingham and Rotala Diamond 30802 on a #43 to Redditch.

Rotala Diamond 30802 in Bromsgrove bus station

We crossed the road and mum went to order the food and Matthew went to the toilet. One of us should have gone with mum as we lost the last indoor table to a couple who a fritter between them! By the time we got to mum in the Market Plaice having lost the table she wasn't very happy with us :( Matthew had sausage chips and gravy with a bap washed down with a can of Coke. Whilst we ate we saw First Worcester 33043 on a #144 to Birmingham and Euroliners DX55 NLG on the #97 service. Once we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and we walked over to the bus station. In the bus station was Rotala Diamond Solo 20840 on a #202 to Halesowen.

Rotala Diamond 20840 in Bromsgrove bus station

Also in the bus station was required Rotala Diamond 30803 on a #42 to Redditch. Earlier we had seen required Euroliners DX55 NLG on a #97 Sidemoor circular service. It was 30 minutes before it was due to go again so we decided to go for a short run whilst we waited. Next arrival in the bus station was First Worcester 66697 on a #144 to Birmingham.

First Worcester 66697 in Bromsgrove bus station

We decided to do this bus so we waited in the queue to board it. we got on and we booked Worcestershire Connecta tickets at £7.20. We st down towards the back of the bus and the bus set off out of the bus station. We went North up the A448 and we turned left onto Stourbridge Road. We travelled North up the Road and when we past the hospital we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Worcester 66697 before it carried on towards Birmingham.

First Worcester 66697 in Sidemoor

Once of the bus we crossed over Stourbridge Road to the stop on the opposite side. The timetable on the bus stopped revealed that only the #144 stopped here and it was only every 30 minutes. The #144A no longer stopped at this stop! We look at the the road opposite and there was a bus stop on there too. A quick look ot the traveline site revealed that the #144A went around that corner, and there was one due 7 minutes before the #144. We also noted that the #97 stopped there too. So we crossed back over Stourbridge Road and down Broad Street. We walked past the bus stop at first. The stop which was clearly visible from Stourbridge Road was invisible when you stood next to it as it was inside a hedge! A few minutes latter we saw a #144A approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required First Worcester 67657.

First Worcester 67657 in Sidemoor

One thing I didn't do was check where the bus was going to... We got on the bus and we flashed the Worcestershire Connecta tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus went up Broad Street and to my surprise turned left onto Stourbridge Road. Uncle Dave said 'you do know this is a Catshill bus?' to which I replied 'No. I thought we were going back to Bromsgrove!'. We continued North to the roundabout and we went under the M42. We continued North to Catshill and we turned right onto Meadow Road. We still had passed the #144 so we decided to get up and get off the bus. Matthew then took another picture of First Worcester 67657 as it continued around Catshill.

First Worcester 67657 in Catshill

We crossed the road and we stood at the bus stop opposite to where we had got off. Next to the bus stop was a school with numerous minibuses parked up. Some of the minibuses observed included VX05 PZJ, ???? MBF, VU59 LZP and VU11 SZC. A couple of minutes later we saw another Enviro300 approaching. As it got closer we saw it was dud First Worcester 67656.

First Worcester 67656 in Catshill

We got on the bus and we flashed the Worcestershire Connecta tickets to the driver before we sat down near the front of this well filled bus. The last time we had this bus was from Droitwich to Bromsgrove back in April 2015. It was running a few minutes late so we decided to go back to the stop where we were to intercept the minibus on the #97. We ran down Meadow Road and we turned left onto Stourbridge Road. We ran down under the M42 and over the roundabout, and a further 1/2 a mile or so to the junction of Broad Street. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of First Worcester 67656 as it carried on towards Worcester.

First Worcester 67656 in Sidemoor

We crossed the road and we walked down Broad Street. Once again we walked past the bus stop in the hedge and we turned and walk back up the road. A few minutes later we saw First Worcester 67657 on the opposite side of the road heading into Bromsgrove the long way. The driver looked over to see us at the same stop as they had picked us up around 20 minutes earlier! At approximately 14:04 we saw Euroliners DX55 NLG in the distance... It emerged from King Edward Road and instead of turning left towards us it went right and disappeared down the road. After a while it dawned on us that it probably wasn't coming back up, so we needed an alternate plan. The was a #144 on Stourbridge Road at 14:16, so we quickly walked back up Broad Street and back to the stop where we had gotten off First Worcester 67656 around 15 minutes earlier. Whilst we waited we saw First Worcester 66691 going around the corner on a #144A to Catshill. A few minutes alter and we saw a First Worcester Streetlite approaching... As we have never been on one of these down here it was likely to be a required bus. As it got closer we saw that it was required First Worcester 47516...

First Worcester 47516 in Sidemoor

We got on the bus and we flashed the Worcestershire Connecta tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down Stourbridge Road on the short journey into town and we turned right onto the A448. We ran past the bus station and we came into it form the Southern end before we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Worcester 47516 before it carried on back towards Worcester.

First Worcester 47516 in Bromsgrove bus station

We also saw First Worcester 66691 which had returned from Catshill on a #144A to Worcester.

First Worcester 66691 in Bromsgrove bus station

We decided that we would go in a differenr t direction now that we had missed the Euroliners minibus for today. We decided to go up to the top end of the bus station to look at he departures monitor. There wasn't much going in a different direction until around 14:50. There was a group of services that included a #42 to Kidderminster, a #144 towards Worcester and a #43 to Redditch. Matthew went to the toilet, and whilst he was there we saw required Rotala Diamond 30803 on a #43 to the hospital which would come back as the Redditch service later. WhenMatthew came out of the toilet we saw required First Worcester 66698 on a #144A to Catshill.

First Worcester 66698 in Bromsgrove bus station

A few minutes later we were surprised by the return of First Worcester 32066 on the #144 to Worcester, so we decided that we were going to Droitwich Spa!

First Worcester 32066 in Bromsgrove bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Worcestershire Connecta tickets to the driver before we went upstairs. As the top deck of the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Worcester 32066 before we sat down.

Inside First Worcester 32066

We set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto the A448. We turned left onto Hanover Street and we continued onto Worcester Road. We passed the Bromsgrove schools where there were a collection of coaches including an unidentified Mikro coach. We continued South for a couple of miles and we joined the Southbound A38. Further South we passed Webbs of Wychbold and we passed through the village. Just South of Wychbold at the Holiday Inn Express we saw a white coach with a red, light green and dark green swoop on the side. We crossed under the M5 and we continued down the A38 as far as the B4065 where we turned left. We crossed under the railway and before we turned onto the Saltway we were passed by First Worcester Streetlite 63366 on a #144 to Birmingham. We turned left onto saltway and we ran around the town centre before coming back in the other end along Ombersley Street East. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of First Worcester 32066 before it carried on towards Worcester.

First Worcester 32066 in Droitwich Spa

We just missed Rotala Diamond 20607 on one of the town circular services, so we decided to visit the shop opposite. Matthew had a couple of cans of Coke and a couple of chocolate bars and we went outside to see if there was anything we could do, There was a local service due around 15:23 so we decided to do that. A few minutes later it turned up and it was required Rotala Diamond 20104 on a #18 to Chalverton Court.

Rotala Diamond 20104 in Droitwich Spa

We got on the bus and we flashed the Worcestershire Connecta tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the road onto Victoria square and forwards onto St Andrews Road. We turned left onto Worcester Road and then left onto Saltway. We ran around town and we turned right onto Ombersley Way and we past the railway station. We followed the road to the left at the roundabout and we ran south for around 3/4 of a mile. and we turned into a small estate which appeared to be sheltered housing for the elderly. Once we had turned around in Chalverton Court we returned up Ombersley Way and back into town. We crossed the Saltway and we stopped in Ombersley Street East where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of the bus briefly displaying #30 solihull, before it was corrected to #20 Westlands circular.

Rotala Diamond 20104 in Droitwich Spa

Almost immediately we saw Rotala Diamond 20607 on a #19A town circular service.

Rotala Diamond 20607 in Droitwich Spa

We got on the bus and we flashed the Worcestershire Connecta tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. In the distance we could see another fushia fronted First Worcerster Streelite on a #144 to Birmingham. We followed the bus out of town but we weren't able to catch up with it. We turned left onto the Saltway and we ran around town before turning right onto Ombersley Way and we past the railway station. We followed the road to the left at the roundabout and we ran around town back over the A38 and to the east into Copcut. We ran South close to the M5 and the bus turned around on the roundabout by Falcon Close before going Northwards back towards town. As we got close to town we passed Rotala Diamond 20104 on a #19C circular service. We joined the Saltway at it's Southernmost end and we ran up to the town before we turned right into Ombersley Street East where we got up and got off the bus. The bus emptied out and Matthew took a picture inside Rotala Diamond 20607

Inside Rotala Diamond 20607

Once off the bus we decided to have a little break away from the buses. We walked through town to the shopping centre and we used the toilet before we walked back into town. We checked the timetable, and there wasn't a bus for a while, so we stopped on the bench and Matthew had a Curly Wurly that we had brought at the shop earlier. We checked the timetable to see what was due. There was a First Worcester #144 to Bromsgrove at 16:24 and at 16:30 there was an iGo #145 service to Longbridge. It was starting to get dark now... The first bus turned up and it was the iGo #145 service. As it got closer we saw that it was required iGo Primo KX08 HMC, a former Scraggs Blue Buses vehicle.

iGo KX08 HMC in Droitwich Spa

We got on the bus and we flashed the Worcestershire Connecta tickets to the driver for the final time today. The bus was empty at this poing, so Matthew took a picture inside iGo KX08 HMC.

Inside iGo KX08 HMC

We sat down towards the back of the bus and we set off along the road onto Victoria Square and forwards onto St Andrews Road. We turned left onto Queen Street and we crossed over the cross roads onto Bromsgrove Road. We ran out of town ans we joined onto the Northbound A38. Having crossed under the M5 we ran into Wychbold and we turned right into Chequers lane. We turned left onto Stoke Road and we went forwards onto Shaw Lane and we ran fast through the countryside over the railway line and back under and into the village of Stoke Prior. We turned left onto Hanbury Lane and we ran up to the A38 where we turned right. We ran up to Aston Fields where we turned right into Morrisons. After going around the car park to the bus stop outside the store we came back out and we saw an unidentified coach on the adjacent A38. We turned into the industrial estate and in a compound to the left next to a Kitchen place was a coach. We turned right onto Stoke Road and we ran up to Bromsgrove railway station. Since our last visit the railway station has been re-built and we drove right up to the entrance where we saw Johnson's YT09 FLP on rail replace work. We ran back onto Mew road and we ran up to and across the A38 and we entered the town centre from the East. We followed the road around to the A448 and we turned right going North into the bus station. When we pulled up on stand we got up and go off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of iGo KX08 HMC.

iGo KX08 HMC in Bromsgrove bus station

On the A448 outside the bus station we saw an unidentified Ashwood Coaches coach and an unidentified Angel Executive Travel coach. We crossed the road and we met up with mum on the way to the car. Matthew had a Greggs sausage roll washed down with a small bottle of Irn Bru. We set off out of town up the A448 and forwards onto Birmingham Road. We joined onto the A38 and we ran up to the M5 motorway. As we got onto the motorway we followed South Gloucestershire (National Express) BN64 FKP which was on a #330 service to Nottingham. We also saw and an unidentified white Mercedes minibus. We joined the M6 and we continued North through the dark night. We didn't see anything as such and we made good time up to the junction of the A500. Once of the M6 we ran North to Sideway. As we waited at the roundabout to join the A50 we saw 3 coaches... We saw a maroon double decker coach (ex Megabus?), Steve Aiken V89 KAX and silver double decker coach. We went East along the A50 to Longton and we came off it to see what was parked up at Z Carz this evening. In the first row we saw Z Carz Citroen minibus LV59 DZC.

Z Carz LV59 DZC in Longton

Next to the Citroen was Z Carz minibus BN03 OVS.

Z Carz BN03 OVS in Longton

Also in the first row was Z Carz silver LDV minibus CN57 HWA.

Z Carz CN57 HWA in Longton

Also in the first row was another Citroen, Z Carz minibus LV10 OTM.

Z Carz LV10 OTM in Longton

Closest bus in the first row was Z Carz Iveco minibus YJ53 WPD.

Z Carz YJ53 WPD in Longton

In the second row was Z carz Airport Division minibus MJ03 DPU.

Z Carz MJ03 DPU in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row to see what was in the compound this evening. We saw Z Carz Ford minibus HK57 LGW.

Z Carz HK57 LGW in Longton

We continued forwards past the old Sommerfield store and we joined Spring Garden Road. We turned right at the end and at the roundabout we did a u-turn and went back down along the A5035. We ran through Dresden into Blurton and we got home around 18:45. For a late tea Matthew had bangers & mash with carrots followed by a millionaires shortbread. The rest of us had the pie that Mathew had made the day before.... Matthew tried the pastry but wasn't to keen on the mince beef and vegetable filling. It was a really nice pie though... :) Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 01:00... Mark