Trip to Preston / Tanterton 31-12-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
42556	Preston BS	Moor Nook, by Birkett Drive	8	Rotala Preston Bus
42556	Moor Nook, by Birkett Drive	Preston BS	8	Rotala Preston Bus
40619	Preston BS	Tanterton, by Threefields	35	Rotala Preston Bus
42562	Tanterton, by Threefields	Preston BS	35	Rotala Preston Bus
42552	Preston BS	Ribbleton, by Cromwell Road	8	Rotala Preston Bus
42552	Ribbleton, opp Cromwell Road	Preston BS	8	Rotala Preston Bus
40607	Preston BS	Fulwood, by Booths	23	Rotala Preston Bus
42551	Fulwood, opp Booths	Preston BS	23	Rotala Preston Bus

Today we decided to visit Preston for the Preston Bus Olympian running day. We found out about the event just over a week ago on Facebook so we planned to travel to Preston today. Research consisted of downloading the running boards as provided by Preston Bus on their Facebook page and checking the weather, which was for an unseasonably warm and cloudy day. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and apple juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:30 and we ran down onto the A5035. We turned right into Stanley Matthews Way and we passed D&G Bus 32 on the #14 to Stafford. We ran down to the A50 and we went west towards Sideway. At the roundabout we turned we turned right and we got onto the Northbound A500. We ran up to Shelton and we came off the onto Shelton New Road. We ran to through Etruria past the old Twyfords factory and we went to the gas garage where we filled up with LPG. Once we had done we set onto the A53 and we rejoined the Northbound A500. As we didn't have much Petrol and the LPG had switched in we decided to stop for petrol too, so at the A34 roundabout we came off the A500 we stopped at the Texaco garage. AFter a quick stop we joined the A500 and we ran up to M6. We got on the motorway and we made good progress. Going North we saw taxi minibus DU14 EAA, Eavesway Travel YJ15 EVC / YJ15 EVB, Albatross taxis SH12 XZV & AC Travel X22 ACT. We came off the M6 at Junction 31 and we travelled West along the A59. We hit traffic and it took around 20 minutes to get into town just a couple of miles. Once we got into town we joined the A6 and we turned left onto Percy Street and we entered the bus station car park. After parking up we walked down to the bus station as the lift was out of order. The funny thing is it took us a while to figure it out as we ready the message one character at a time in a single character LED display! Once in the bus station we used the alternative toilets as the usual one were being upgraded. We came back to the cafe and we had dinner. The cafe was the busiest that we had ever seen it as we were in a bit of a hurry... For dinner Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. Once we had finished we said goodbye to mum raced off to the bottom of the bus station to try and catch the 14:10 to Tanterton, but we missed it seconds! It was Rotala Preston Bus 42556... Never mind we would hopefully catch up with it later. Missing the bus gave us a chance to have a walk around the bus station and take a few pictures. On the way out we saw Megabus 50291 on a M11 service to London.

Megabus 50291 in Preston bus station

There was one of the Olympian parked up on layover so we left the bus station to go and have a look at it. On closer inspection we saw it was Rotala Preston Bus 42552.

Rotala Preston Bus 42552 in Preston bus station

We carried on around the outside of the bus station up Tithebarn Street an we a took a few more bus pictures. We found the was another entrance at the North end so we didn't have to walk back the way we came. We returned to the bus station and waited for the next Olympian service which was due to be the 14:30 #8 to Moor Nook. Whilst we waited for the bus we saw Rotala Preston Bus 33007 on a #280 to Skipton.

Rotala Preston Bus 33007 in Preston bus station

The bus we were waiting for was a bit late, It was making it unlikely we could do the #8 and still get back for the 15:10 Tanterton service. Whilst we were waiting we saw the 4th Olypmian, which was required Rotala Preston Bus 42551. A minute or so later the pulled came into the bus station and it was required Rotala Preston Bus 42556.

Rotala Preston Bus 42556 in Preston bus station

We got on the bus and we booked a Easiday family Day ticket at £5.50... bargain! The lower saloon was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Rotala Preston Bus 42556.

Inside Rotala Preston Bus 42556

We went upstairs and the top deck was empty too so Matthew took another picture inside Rotala Preston Bus 42556 before we sat down.

Inside Rotala Preston Bus 42556

We set off out of the bus station onto Tithebarn Street and forwards onto Church Row. We turned left onto Church Street. We crossed the A59 and we ran onto Ribbleton Lane. We ran North-Eastwards out of town through Ribbleton and across the A5085. We carried on for a further 1/2 mile and we turned right into Ribbleton Hall Drive. We turned right into Pope Drive and we ran anti-clockwise around the estate Grizedale Crescent. After doing the 1/2 circle we re-joined Pope Lane and we turned right onto Ribbleton Hall Drive. We returned back into town along Ribbleton Avenue and forwards onto Ribbleton Lane. We turned right onto the A59 and left onto Percy Street. We ran into the bus station and we entered the bus station from the Stagecoach side. We passed Megabus 50292 which was on layover from the M11 and we ran around to the other side and onto stand. We got up and got off the bus and then we saw Rotala Preston Bus 32303 which was on a #280 to Skipton.

Rotala Preston Bus 32303 in Preston bus station

We decided that we would have comfort break, but before we went to the toilet we saw Parks of Hamilton national Express liveried coach LSK 845 on a #570 to London.

Parks of Hamilton LSK 845 in Preston bus station

We went to the toilet and then we visited the newsagent shop around the corner. Matthew had a can of Coke and a small bottle of Irn Bru as well as a couple of bars of chocolate. As we had missed the 15:10 we decided to ride up to Tanterton on an #35 before we catch Rotala Preston Bus 42556. There were a couple of #35's on stand... We saw Rotala Preston Bus 40606 & Rotala Preston Bus 40619.

Rotala Preston Bus 40619 in Preston bus station

neither bus seemed ready to depart so we had a look around the bus station. On an adjacent stand we saw required Rotala Preston Bus 40586 on a #8 to Moor Nook.

Rotala Preston Bus 40586 in Preston bus station

We also saw Rotala Preston Bus 40584 on a #16 to Farringdon Park.

Rotala Preston Bus 40584 in Preston bus station

A drover appeared for one of the #35 and it was for Rotala Preston Bus 40619. When the bus was ready for service we got on the bus and we flashed the Easiday family ticket to the driver. The lower saloon was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Rotala Preston Bus 40619.

Inside Rotala Preston Bus 40619

We went upstairs and we saw that the top deck was empty too, so Matthew took another picture inside Rotala Preston Bus 40619.

Inside Rotala Preston Bus 40619

We set off out of the bus station onto Tithebarn Street and we turned right into Lord Street. We turned right into Lancaster Street and we ran up to the A59. We headed past the UCLAN and the 'Ships and Giggles' pub and onto the A583. We ran under the West Coast Main Line and we continued straight onto the B6241, parallel to the Blackpool line. We turned right onto Tulketh Brow and we crossed the A5085. We continued onto Woodplumpton Road and we passed the Cosgrove's Tours where we saw coaches CC51 OCT & CC55 OCT as well as a third unidentified coach. We continued up the road into Ingol and then we turned right into Tanterton Hall Road where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew then another picture of Rotala Preston Bus 40619 as it returned back to Preston.

Rotala Preston Bus 40619 in Tanterton

We now had a 20 minute wait before Rotala Preston Bus 42562 due, so we had to let one of the bus go before the one we want was due to turn up. We went for a short walk and we saw Rotala Preston Bus 40606 appear on the following #35 which we had seen at the bus station. We came back to the bus station and Matthew had a Galaxy Caramel whilst we waited. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching and it was as expected Rotala Preston Bus 42562.

Rotala Preston Bus 42562 in Tanterton

We got on the bus and we flashed the Easiday Family ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Rotala Preston Bus 42562.

Inside Rotala Preston Bus 42562

We set off along Tanterton Hall Road to the end and at the roundabout we turned left into Tag Lane. We returned back into through Ingol and in town past the Cosgrove's tours depot. We joined the A583 and we ran into ran back into town along Friargate. We turned left onto the A59 and we turned right into Tithebarn Street and into the bus station. As we entered the bus station we noticed that the spare Olympian had moved from where it was parked earlier. The plan had been to get off the bus and wait for the 17:00 #23 service. We got off the bus a we noticed that Rotala Preston Bus 42552 was now on the #8 to Moor Nook. We took a quick picture before we jumped on it.

Rotala Preston Bus 42552 in Preston bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Easiday Family ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. With this unexpected bonus bus we now had to change our plans. It was 16:30 and we needed to get back to the bus station for 17:00 to the remaining Olympian in before service stopped around 18:00. We set off out of the bus station onto Tithebarn Street and forwards onto Church Row. We turned left onto Church Street. We crossed the A59 and we ran onto Ribbleton Lane. We ran North-Eastwards out of town through Ribbleton and across the A5085. We had just passed a #8 so we though if we got off now and catch the next bus back that maybe we could get back before 17:00. We got off the bus an we crossed the road and looked for the inbound stop. The bus pulled up at the stop and we had a little run but we weren't able to catch it. Whilst we were at the stop we saw Stagecoach Lancashire 15580 & 18366 on #1 services, 47923 on a #1A service and Rotala Preston Bus 32302 on a #8 to Moor Nook. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching and it was Rotala Preston Bus 42552 again.

Rotala Preston Bus 42552 in Ribbleton

We got on the bus and we flashed the Easiday Family ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. We had just missed the bus before by second and we know weren't due to get into Preston bus station until just after 17:00. As it was likely that we would make it for the 17:00 we would have to catch the following #23 service and get off on route to intercept the last required Olympian. We returned back into town along Ribbleton Avenue and forwards onto Ribbleton Lane. We turned right onto the A59 and left onto Percy Street. We ran into the bus station and we entered the bus station from the Stagecoach side. We ran around to the other side and onto stand. We got up and Matthew took a picture inside Rotala Preston Bus 42552 before we got off the bus.

Inside Rotala Preston Bus 42552

Once of the bus we spotted Parks of Hamilton National Expressed liveried coach HSK 653 on a #328 to Blackpool.

Parks of Hamilton HSK 653 in Preston bus station

We visited the toilet and then we returned to the stop to catch the next #23, which was going to be Rotala Preston Bus 40607.

Rotala Preston Bus 40607 in Preston bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Easiday Family ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The bus set off out of the bus station onto Tithebarn Street and we turned right into Lord Street. We turned right into Lancaster Street and we ran up to the A59. We headed past the UCLAN along Adelphi Street. We passed along a narrow terraced street which was mainly fast food shops as this is was clearly a student populated part of town. We continued onto Plungington Street and we got to a roundabout Where the road opened right out. We continued forwards onto Black Bull Lane. The bus emptied out a little so Matthew took a picture behind him in Rotala Preston Bus 40607.

Inside Rotala Preston Bus 40607

We crossed over the A6 and when we passed the hospital we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Rotala Preston Bus 40607 as it carried on towards Asda.

Rotala Preston Bus 40607 in Fulwood

We crossed the road and we only had to wait a short while before required Rotala Preston Bus 42551 appeared as expected.

Rotala Preston Bus 42551 in Fulwood

We got on the bus and we flashed the Easiday Family ticket to the driver for the final time today before we went upstairs. The bus set off along Sharoe Green Lane and we crossed the A6 onto Black Bull Lane. We crossed the roundabout onto Plungington Road and we went do the straight narrow street past the UCLan and into the town centre down Friargate. We turned left onto the A59 and we turned right into Tithebarn Street. We arrived in the bus station on what was alomost certain to be our journey on a Leyland Olympian on a public bus service. We waited for the bus to empty and Matthew took a picture inside Rotala Preston Bus 42551.

Inside Rotala Preston Bus 42551

We got off the bus and there was we saw Rotala Preston Bus 20792 which was about to work a #31 to Savick.

Rotala Preston Bus 20792 in Preston bus station

We walked up the stairs and we met up with mum who was waiting with sausage rolls and Irn Bru. we set off of the bus station car park onto Percy Street. We headed back to the A50 via church Row and church Street and we ran out of town down to the M6. We travelled South in almost complete darkness and we saw very little. The road was very quiet as it was New Years Eve. We got onto the Southbound A500 and we came off at Sideway onto the Eastbound A50. We came of the A50 at Longton to see what was parked up at Z Carz tonight. On the spare ground we saw Z Carz minibus BN03 OVS.

Z Carz BN03 OVS in Longton

Also in the first row was Z Carz airport transport minibus DL03 HHU.

Z Carz DL03 HHU in Longton

Next to that was one of the new arrivals, Z Carz minibus PE10 MJK.

Z Carz PE10 MJK in Longton

The nearest vehicle in the front row was Z Carz Ford minibus GL04 CVE.

Z Carz GL04 CVE in Longton

In the second row we saw Z Carz LDV minibus PN06 ONM.

Z Carz PN06 ONM in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row to see what was in the compound this evening. To our surprise was a new arrival, Z Carz minibus LV52 TZY.

Z Carz LV52 TZY in Longton

In Willow Row itself we spotted another new arrival, Z Carz minibus DG10 VMJ.

Z Carz DG10 VMJ in Longton

As it was getting late we decided to get a take away instead of our usual tea. We turned left onto Edensor Road and then Left again onto Spring Garden Road. We though we might struggle to get a takeaway but we were surprised just how difficult it was! We drove up to Lightwood along Lightwood Road to see that the Pisces Fish bar was closed. We drove back to Dresden along Belgrave Road and we turned left onto Carlisle Street where we saw Elim Church Longton minibus VX08 KOA. We also saw that Dresden Fisheries was also shut. We turned right into Queens Park Avenue and we crossed over the A5035 onto Drubbery Lane. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we ran down the hill to see the St Mary's Fish bar was also closed. We decided to go back home and order food online. We ran back up Blurton Road and we ran forwards onto Church Road. At the end we turned right onto the A5035 and we got home around 19:30. For a late tea we had food delivered and Matthew had sausage chips and gravy followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime in early 2017... Mark

Trip to Festival Park / Joiners Square 30-12-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Festival Park	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Festival Park	Festival Park KFC	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Festival Park KFC	Joiner Square	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Joiners Square	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
67639	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 toast and orange juice for breakfast. Just before 09:00 his transport to his day service turned up and it was Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Blurton

We got on the bus and we set off onto the A5035 and 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 Turned left onto Christchurch Street and to our destination. In the morning Matthew went bowling in Festival Park. Transport for the trip was Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Fenton

We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned left onto City Road. At the bottom of the hill we turned right onto the A52. We webt past the railwat station and we continued along the A52 past Joiners Square to Bucknall. We turned left onto Limekiln Bank and we followed the a5272 to the right up Keelings Road and through Northwood. We followed the road onto Chell Street and we made a brief stop at Hanley Forest Park before continuing along the A5272 through Smallthorne up to Chell. At the end of high Lane we joined the A527 and we ran West to the A500. We joined the Southbound A500 an we ran down a couple of junctions to Etruria where we went East on the A53. As gew hundred yards along we turned left onto Forge Lane and then right onto Festival Way. We past the Moat House Hotel and we turned right to the bowling alley. Matthew had a few games of bowls with his peers before returning to Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU to go for his dinner. We set off onto Ridgehouse Drive and we stopped at McDonalds. We continued along Ridgehouse Drive and we turned right onto Pavillion Way. We then stopped at KFC. Matthew had a chicken burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. Once Matthew had finished his dinner they continued to the pub. We set off onto Pavillion Drive and we turned left onto Ridgehouse Drive. We returned onto the A53 via Festival Way and Forge Lane. We travelled Westwards along the A53 and we then got onto the Southbound A500. We ran down to Sideway we we joined the Eastbound A50. We came off at Heron Cross an we returned to the day centre via Grove Road. We continued onto Whieldon Road and right Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Temple Street and we saw Triumphant Christ Chapel NK08 LVC. We turned right again onto Christchurch Street and to the day centre. After picking somebody up we went onto Glebedale Road and right onto City Road. We turned sharp left onto Victoria Road and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed over the roundabout onto Lichfield Street and to our destination. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. Highlights of bus sightings included First Potteries 63712 on a #6 to Weston Coyney and Z Carz PE10 MJK. When it was time to go Home we got aboard Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We set off onto Palmerston Street an we turned right onto the A52. At Joiners square we went across the roundabout towards Stoke. We passed the railway station and we continued along the A52 towards Fenton. We turned right under the railway line and we joined the Southbound A500. We ran South to the A34 and we ran from Hanford to Trentham along the A34. We turned onto the A5035 and we turned left into New Inn Lane. After dropping off a service user we got back onto the A5035 and we ran into Blurton. We got home just before 15:00. Matthew took another picture of Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU before it returned to the day centre.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Blurton

Matthew had toast and a glass of orange Fanta whilst he waited for the time to go out and catch the bus. Today we went to catch the 15:56 to Newcastle. We set off on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. Whilst we waited for the we saw First Potteries 67638 on the #22 to Longton

First Potteries 67638 in Blurton

A minute or so later our bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67639 on a #22 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67639 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Harpfield Road before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto the A5035 and we ran over the railway line into Trentham. We turned right into New Inn Lane. We ran into Hanford and we turned right into Wilson Road. We ran down Church Lane and we joined the A34 and we saw First Potteries 67643 on the final #22 turn. After running under the A500 into Trent Vale. We turned right onto Harpfields Road where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another First Potteries 67638 before it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 67639 in Trent Vale

Once off the bus we walked back to the A34 and to the pub. Mum was already in the car park so we went streaight 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 NCM Motors SO12 VOV going North, ABC Supreme S14 AMC as well as First Potteries 37158 on a #101 service to Hanley. When it was time to go we got in the car to go pick up uncle Dave. We ran down the A34 and we got onto the Northbound A500. At Sideway we went East on the A50. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and we dropped down into Fenton to pick up uncle Dave. We then headed back up to Heron Cross and we crossed the A50 and into Blurton. We ran along Blurton Road and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right into Beaconsfield Drive and we got home around 17:30. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we sorted a few things out. We chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Tittesworth Reservoir / Newcastle 28-12-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Tittesworth Reservoir	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Tittesworth Reservoir	Badderley Green	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Badderley Green	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Brampton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Brampton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
67635	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Newcastle, opp Cherry Tree PH	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going to Grandma's, but not before he had been to his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00. He got dressed and had toast for breakfast. Just before 09:00 his transport to his day service turned up and it was Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Blurton

We got on the bus and we set off onto the A5035 and 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 Turned left onto Christchirch Street and to our destination. In the morning Matthew went to Tittesworth Reservoir. Transport for the trip was Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned right onto City Road. We turned sharp left onto Victoria Road and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We turned right onto the A52 and at Bucknall we continued onto the A5009 through Abbey Hulton. We continued through Milton and we joined the Northbound A53. We continued North Through Endon. We then ran through Longsdon and Ladderedge and we entered Leek town centre. We followed the A53 through the town centre and we went out the other side and up the hill to Blackshaw Moor where we turned left to run down the narrow road up to Tittesworth Reservoir. At the reservoir Matthew went to the cafe and had a piece of Victoria Sponge and a can of Coke. When we had finished we returned to Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We ran back onto the A53 and we ran back through Leek town centre and back towards Stoke-on-Trent along the A53. We stopped at the Co-operative Food store in Badderley Green and Matthew picked up bottle of Coke. Once the shopping had been paid for we got back into Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU for the return Journey to Fenton. We went North up the A53 and we turned right onto the A5009. We ran back down through Milton. Se continued to Abbey Hulton and at Bucknall we went straight cross onto the A52. We turned left onto Victoria Road and at the top we turned sharp right onto City Road. We then turned left onto Glebedale Road and to our destination. For dinner Matthew had fish fingers & chips followed by cake. In the afternoon Matthew went to Brampton Park. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned right onto City Road. We turned sharp left onto Victoria Road and we ran down to Joiners Square. We crossed the roundabout onto Lichfield Street and we ran up the hill into Hanley. We went anti-clockwise around the ring road and we ran around the end before turning right onto Waterloo Road. We ran up through Cobridge into Burslem and then we turned left into Market Place. We continued forwards onto Newcastle Street and we ran through Middleport. We continued down to Longport. We crossed over the A500 into Porthill. At the top of the hill we followed the A527 left through Wolstanton. We travelled through May Bank and over the roundabout where we stopped in Brampton. Matthew went to the toilet and then we went to the cafe in Cheeky Monkey where Matthew had a can of Coke. After spending a short time in Cheeky Monkeys, we returned to Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU for the journey back to Fenton. We set off onto the Brampton and we ran through May Bank into Wolstatnton. We turned left down Porthill Bank and we crossed over the A500 into Longport. We climbed up through Middleport and at Trubshaw Cross we turned right onto Newcastle Street. In Burslem we turned right onto Waterloo Road and we ran through Cobridge into Hanley. We went around the ring road and we saw First Potteries 37159 on a #11 to Newcastle. We came off the ring road onto the A50 and we ran down through Joiners Square. We crossed onto Victoria Road into Fenton and we an up the hill and we saw First Potteries 32639 on a #6 to Hanley. We turned sharp right onto City Road and then left onto Glebedale Road. After a quick stop we continued back to Blurton on Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We got on bus and 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 took another picture of Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU before it returned to the day centre.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Blurton

Matthew had toast and a glass of orange Fanta whilst he waited for the time to go out and catch the bus. Today we went to catch the 15:56 to Newcastle. We set off on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. Whilst we waited for the we saw First Potteries 67634 on the #22 to Longton

First Potteries 67634 in Blurton

A minute or so later our bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67635 on a #22 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67635 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We joined the Westbound A5035 and we ran over the railway line into Trentham. 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. We joined the A34 and we crossed under the A500 into Trent Vale and we saw First Potteries 67155 on a #21A to Trentham Gardens. We turned right Harpfields Road and we ran forwards onto Hilton Road where we passed First Potteries 67603 on the final #22 turn. We turned into the City General hospital and we saw ABC Supreme DU60 XTB and First Potteries 66851 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 67635 as it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 67635 in Newcastle

We got off the bus and we saw D&G Bus 160 on a #9 to Clayton. 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 17:30 and we ran down to the A34. We travelled South through Trent Vale and Hanford into Trentham and we went went East along the A5035. We turned left onto Ripon Road and we dropped some stuff off at the garage. We then returned to Ripon Road and continued along the A5035. We turned left onto Church Road and left onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton to Heron Cross where we saw Magnum LT03 RXZ. We dropped down into Fenton to pick up uncle Dave. We travelled back to Heron Cross and and we ran through Blurton along Blurton Road. We turned right onto Church Road and right again onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 18:30. For tea we had sausage chips and gravy with a baton followed by cake. around 20:00 we went around to uncle Daves to take him home. We set off onto the A5035 and we turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way. We got onto the Eastbound A50 and we ran up to Heron Cross. We dropped down into Fenton and we parked up at uncle Daves. Matthew shared a can of Tango and we also had some custard creams. We also had uncle Dave's DJ set with tracks from Dire Straits and The Mighthy Wah! We said goodbye around 22:00 and we set off onto the A500. We did a U-turn in Stoke at the City Road junction and then we went south down the A500. We continued past the A34 and down to the A519. We turned left onto Whitmore Road and travelled down the hill to Trentham. After we got onto the Southbound A34 we went left onto the A5035. We ran over the railway line into Blurton and we got home around 22:20. We then chilled out on the computer for a short while before we went to bed around 23:30... Mark

Trip to Newcastle / Biddulph 24-12-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67635	Blurton. adj Ladybank Grove	Longton TI	22	First Potteries
37157	Longton TI	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop Q	11	First Potteries
63179	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop Q	Newcastle BS	2	First Potteries
32649	Newcastle BS	Burslem, Town Hall (stop G)	98	First Potteries
65705	Burslem, Wedgwood Street (stop A)	Tunstall, Adj Stop M	3	First Potteries
136	Tunstall, Adj Stop B	Newcastle BS	94	D&G Bus
67601	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	4	First Potteries
41501	Hanley BS	Biddulph BS	7A	First Potteries
43876	Biddulph BS	Hanley BS	7A	First Potteries
66852	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	25	First Potteries

Today we decided to stay local as it was Christmas Eve and we had plans to go further afield next Saturday. Matthew got up and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We had already decided that we would head towards Longton first, so we set off just after 12:00 to the bus stop on Beaconsfield Drive. Whilst we waited for our bus we saw First Potteries 42552 on a #23 to Hanley. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was dud First Potteries 67635 on the #22 to Longton.

First Potteries 67635 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked a Smart Day at £5.30 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Beaconsfield Drive and at the end we turned right onto Church Road. We followed the road around to the left onto Blurton Road and at the bottom of the hill we turned right onto Longton Hall Lane. We climbed the hill into Longton and onto the A50 and we saw First Potteries 37158 on a #6 to Weston Coyney. We crossed the roundabout onto Baths Road and we entered Longton Transport Interchange. We got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67635.

First Potteries 67635 in Longton Interchange

In the bus station was required First Potteries 32648 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 32648 in Longton Interchange

As we were heading to Stoke we let that bus got to wait for a #11 in the other direction. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching and it was another double decker. As it got closer we saw that it was dud First Potteries 37157.

First Potteries 37157 in Longton Interchange

we got on the bus and we flashed the Smart day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. As the rear of the top deck was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 37157.

Inside First Potteries 37157

The bus set off out of the interchange onto baths Road and we turned right under the railway line onto King Street. We ran through Foley and into Fenton and we went forwards onto City Road. We continued down the hill and we joined the A52 to go under the railway line into Stoke town centre. After crossing over the A500 we entered Stoke along Church Street and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 37157 before it continued on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 37157 in Stoke

Once we got off the bus we walked down Church Street to Stoke Cafe where Matthew went to the toilet. When Matthew returned we ordered the food. Matthew had a small breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. Whilst we ate we saw First Potteries 32635 on a #11 to Hanley. Once we had finished eating we walked along Church Street back to the Newcastle stop to wait for the next bus. There was a #11 ans a #25 due. The #25 came first and we decided to turn it down as it was First Potteries 66843. A minute or so later we saw the #11 approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required First Potteries 63179.

First Potteries 63179 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 forwards onto Hartshill Road. We went up the hill and through Hartshill before we went forwards onto George Street and into Newcastle. We went around the one way system and onto the Jubilee roundabout and then we turned left onto Barracks Road. We turned into the bus station and then we waited bus to empty before Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 63179.

Inside First Potteries 63179

Once off the bus we had a quick wander around whilst we decided what to do next. We saw dud Arriva Midlands 2959 on a #164 to Market Drayton.

Arriva Midlands 2959 in Newcastle bus station

We also saw First Potteries 53405 on a #97 to Wolstanton.

First Potteries 53405 in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes later we saw a raspberry front double decker approaching the bus station. When it got closer we saw that it was required First Potteries 32649 on the #98 to Ball Green. We decided to do this bus so we went over to queue up to get on the bus.

First Potteries 32649 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top ceck was empty sp Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 32649.

Inside First Potteries 32649

The bus set off onto Barracks Road and up to the Jubilee roundabout. We crossed over onto the A527 and we ran out of town through Brampton up to May bank. At the traffic lights in May Bank we saw MT Travel SD58 OKT. We continued forwards through Wolstanton and at the roundabout we turned right onto Porthill Bank, As we crossed the A500 we saw an unidentified red yellow pink and blue coach. We ran up through Longport to Middleport and at Trubshaw Cross we turned right towards Burslem. On the right we saw unidentified white minibus EO16 FNJ on spare ground. We ran up Newcastle Street into Burslem and we got up and got off the bus. We took another picture of First Potteries 32649 before it carried on towards Ball Green.

First Potteries 32649 in Burslem

We went around the corner to Wedgwood Place to wait for the Tunstall bus and almost immediately we saw one approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was First Potteries 65705.

First Potteries 65705 in Burslem

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat down to wards the back of the bus. We set off onto Scotia Road and we ran up past the old Burslem bus garage to the bottom end of Tunstall. We turned left onto Williamson Street and then we turned right onto Tunstall High Street. At the top end of the High Street we got up and got off the bus. We took another picture of First Potteries 65705 before it carried on towards Crewe.

First Potteries 65705 in Tunstall

Once off the bus bus we walked down the High Street to Tunstall Cafe. Matthew went to the toilet and I ordered him a slice o toffee cheesecake and a can of Coke. Whilst in the cafe we saw blue Scraggs Solo 9685 VT on a #90 to Ball Green. Once he had finished eating we went out of the cafe and across the road to the bus stop opposite. Matthew said he wanted to do the #99 to Newcastle. We saw and turned down First Potteries 66851 on a #3 to Hanley. A few minutes later we saw required D&G Solo 136 on a #94 to Newcastle.

D&G 136 in Tunstall

We decided to do this bus so we got on it and flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. Matthew was well behaved and didn't even try and beep the horn! We ran down the High Street past yhe new building on the right and forwards onto Brownills Road. We continued down the hill and at Trubshaw Cross we continued down through Middleport into Longport. We crossed over the A500 and we climbed up Porthill Bank. At the top we turned left and we ran through Wolstanton and May Bank. We ran into Newcastle and we crossed the Jubilee roundabout onto Barracks Street. We went into the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. On the way in we had seen a white Solo so we went over to investigate. It was new arrival in the fleet, D&G Solo 49.

D&G 49 in Newcastle bus station

We considered doing the Solo but it was on a #73 to Audley, so we turned it down. We decided to do a bus to Hanley, and First Potteries 67601 came int the bus station on a #4 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67601 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the smart day ticket to the driver. The bus was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 67601 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside First Potteries 67601

We set off onto Barracks Road and we crossed the Jubilee roundabout onto the A53. We climbed the hill up into basford and then we ran down into Etruria. As we crossed the A500 we saw an unidentified white coach joining the A500. We continued along the A53 and we saw ABC Supreme Y368 TGE. We turned left onto Forge Lane We ran out along the Lane and we crossed over the canal before we returned back into Etruria along festival Way. We crossed under the A53 onto Etruria Road. We continued forwards onto Trinity Street and we turned right onto Stafford Street. We went past the town hall and we entered the bus station off Bagnall Street. Once we got off the bus we went to the toilet and then we walked over to John Street car park to go and take a few bus pictures. On the way we saw First Potteries 32650, on layover in between #32's to Uttoxeter.

First Potteries 32650 in Hanley bus station

We went into the car park and up the stairs and we saw First Potteries 41494 which was on layover.

First Potteries 41494 in Hanley bus station

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 66845 on a #25 to Keele.

First Potteries 66845 in Hanley bus station

Whilst we were there Matthew had a bag of Milky Stars and a bottle of Irn Bru. We didn't stop in the car park long as it was bitter cold in the wind. We headed back to the bus station and as we got to the entrance we saw a taxi minibus pull up outside. Wewent to get a closer look and we saw that it was Autocabs Y40 UBC. We then went into the bus station and into the shop. Matthew had a can of Coke and a small bottle of Irn Bru as well as a couple of chocolate bars. I did think we might go somewhere different today but we sat down by the Biddulph stop to wait for the next #7A to Biddulph. The bus appeared on stand and it was First Potteries 41501.

First Potteries 41501 in Hanley bus station

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. As we left the bus station we saw Skills SIL 9543 on a National Express #387 service to Blackpool. We set off out of the bus station and we ran down John Street. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and we crossed Broad street onto Marsh Street. We turned right onto Trinity Street and we stopped on Stafford Street to to pick up more passengers before we left town along Quadrant Road. We crossed over the ring road and we headed out of town towards Sneyd Green along Town Road. We continued to Smallthorne roundabouts and we continued forwards onto High Lane. At the end of High Lane we turned right onto the A527 and we ran down the hill through Fegg Hayes and up into Brindley Ford. We continued up towards Knyperlsey and we turned left onto Brown Lees Road. We ran through the estate and we crossed over the A527 and into the Biddulph estate. We went passed the barley Mow and we turned left onto St John's Road. At the end we re-joined the A527 and we ran North past the sight of the new KFC. We entered the town at Wharf Road and we stopped at the bus station. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 41501 before it returned to Hanley.

First Potteries 41501 in Biddulph bus station

As it was Christmas Eve and the buses were finishing just after 18:00, we didn't have time to get fried from the kebab shop today. We went to the toilet which were surprisingly still open and we when we came out we saw D&G 160 about to work the next 'Nines' service to Newcastle.

D&G 160 in Biddulph bus station

Matthew didn't want to to the Versa, so we let it go and Matthew had a Milky Way and a bottle of Irn Bru at the bus stop. A few minutes later the next bu turned up. It was dud First Potteries 43876 on a #7A to Hanley.

First Potteries 43876 in Biddulph bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver. The bus was empty when we got on it so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 43876 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside First Potteries 43876

The bus set off onto the High Street and we turned left 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. 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 the bus station we went to look for a bus to get us to Newcastle where we arranged to meet mum. At the bottom of the bus station we saw a #25 to Keele. Closer inspection revealed it was dud First Potteries 66852.

First Potteries 66852 in Hanley bus station

We waited for the driver to ready the bus and we saw a National Express coach go by on the ring road. We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart day ticket to the driver for the last time today before we saw down towards the back of the bus. The coach that we had just seen came into the bus station and it was DeCourcey Travel (National Express) FJ11 MKZ on the #540 service. We set off out of the bus station and we ran down John Street onto Bethesda street where we crossed over the ring road. We ran down through Shelton along Cauldon Road and we turned left onto Station Road outside the railway station. We went forwards onto A52 and we followed the road around to the right and under the railway line. We crossed over the A500 ans we ran into Stoke centre along Church Street. We went out of the other side of Stoke and up Hartshill Road into Hartshill. We turned left into The Avenue and we ran down to Hilton Road and we turned right into the hospital. We ran through the hospital and we turned right onto the A34. We ran up to Newcastle and forwards onto Barracks Road at the rounsabout. We came into the bus station from the South and we got up and got off the bus. It was now fully dark. On the way out of the bus station we saw D&G 115 on a #74 to Park Site.

D&G 115 in Newcastle bus station

We walked across Barracks Road and we met up with mum in the car park. Mum was waiting with Greggs sausage rolls and a small bottle of Irn Bru. We set off down barracks Road and onto the A34. We went past the hospital into Trent Vale and we stop at the chip shop to pick up some chips to share between us. Once we had finished we continued South to the A500 and then we went North up the A500 to Sideway. We went East on the A50 and we came off at Longton to see what was parked up at Z Carz this evening. In the first row was Z Carz Renault minibus BU04 GYW.

Z Carz BU04 GYW in Longton

Also in the front row was Z Carz Ford minibus GL04 CVE.

Z Carz GL04 CVE in Longton

At the front of the second row was Z Carz Renault minibus X848 JFR. We turned into Willow Row to see what was parked in the compound tonight. On the road outside was Z Carz Vauxhall minibus DG10 VMJ.

Z Carz DG10 VMJ in Longton

In the compound we saw Z Carz Iveco minibus YJ53 WPD.

Z Carz YJ53 WPD in Longton

We got back onto the A50 and we ran fast to Heron Cross before going onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and right onto Church Road before we turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 18:30. for a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until the early hours on Christmas Day... Mark