Trip to Fenton / Newcastle 31-01-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
67639	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Newcastle, opp Cherry Tree PH	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going to Grandma's, but not before he had been to his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00. He got dressed and had a 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 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 on the computer. For dinner Matthew had cheese oatcakes followed by chocolate gateau. In the afternoon Matthew went swimming. We set off across the car park onto City Road and we crossed over the road at the crossing. We walked down the hill over the disused Cauldon branch and we turned right onto the private road on which the baths is situated. Matthew got changed and had a session in the baths before coming out again. Outside the baths we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 278 on a school swimming run.

Copeland's Tours MIB 278 in Fenton

We turned left onto City Road and we walked up past The Oaks before crossing over the road. We crossed the car park and then returned to the day centre. When it was time to go home we went on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we continued onto Station Bridge Road. We followed the road around onto Heron Street and we went through to Heron Cross. We travelled through Blurton along Blurton Road. We went forwards onto Church Road and 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 glass of dandelion & burdock whilst he waited for the time to go out and catch the bus. Today we went to catch the 16:26 to Newcastle. Matthew had seen the bus earlier in the day and it was First Potteries 67639. We set off on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67639 as expected.

First Potteries 67639 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle and 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 before and we turned right into New Inn Lane. We ran up the hill passing First Potteries 67638 on the #22 to Longton and we entered Hanford. We turned right into Wilson Road then we turned left into Church Lane. We joined the A34 and we saw First Potteries 65036. We then headed into Trent Vale passing E-zec patient transport YN15 FKE. We turned right into Harpfields Road and we continued onto Hilton Road where we saw First Potteries 67603 on the final #22 turn. We turned left into the hospital and we saw ABC Supreme SB56 SKV and First Potteries 32635 on a #25 to Hanley. We turned right onto the A34 and a couple of stops down the road we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67639 as it carried on towards the bus station.

First Potteries 67639 in Newcastle

We then saw First Potteries 32649 on a #25 to Hanley. We then turned to see First Potteries 32639 on a #25 to Keele.

First Potteries 32639 in Newcastle

We crossed over the A34 and we walked up the hill to Grandma's house. At Grandma's Matthew had a can of Irn Bru and used her computer. We said goodbye to Grandma around 18:20. We set off onto Occupation Street and we turned left onto Victoria Road. We turned right onto West Street and left onto Marsh Parade. We joined the A52 and we ran into Newcastle. We went around the Jubilee roundabout and we joined the A53. We ran through Basford and we ran down the hill and crossed the A500 into Etruria. We climbed the hill up through Cobridge and onto Sandbach Road. We ran 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 where we dropped something off. we went forwards onto Duddell Road to drop something off. We then rejoined Chell Heath Road and we turned right onto Ford Green Road. We ran around Saturn Road, Mars Street and Jupiter Street and we stopped again. Whilst stopped we saw First Potteries 66304 on the #8 to Ball Green and D&G Bus 159 on a 'Nines' service to Hanley. We ran back up to Smallthorne Roundabout and we turned left onto High Lane. We had something to pick up in Northwood,so we turned left onto Northam Road. We ran forwards onto Chorlton Road and forwards again onto Hammersley Street. We turned left onto Turner Street and we ran down to the A5272. We turned left onto Bold street and right onto Rawlins Street. We turned left into Lockley Street and we stopped to pick something up. We then returned to the A5272. We ran up to Birches Head and forwards onto Town Road. For some reason I accidentally crossed over the ring road. As we did a u-turn at the roundabout we saw First Potteries 32649 on a #8 to Ball Green. We got onto the clockwise ring road and we travelled round to Lichfield Street. We ran down the hill to Joiners Square and we crossed over the roundabout onto Victoria Road. We stopped at McDonalds to pick up Matthews tea and then we continued along Victoria Road to the top. We turned right onto the A50 link road and then right onto the Westbound A50. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton. We turned right into Church Road and right again onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 19:45. When we got back Matthew ate his 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 28-01-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67159	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trentham, adj Man-in-Space	22	First Potteries
67154	Trentham, adj Man-in-Space	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop R	21	First Potteries
66303	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop Q	Newcastle BS	25	First Potteries
41493	Newcastle BS	Tunstall, Adj Stop A	99	First Potteries
140	Tunstall, Adj Stop B	Newcastle BS	94	D&G Bus
66306	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	4	First Potteries
41501	Hanley BS	Biddulph BS	7A	First Potteries
41520	Biddulph BS	Hanley BS	7A	First Potteries
65040	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	25	First Potteries

Today we decided to stay local as mum was feeling a little under the weather. We checked the for day and it for for dry and cloudy with rain shower moving in in the late afternoon. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We decided do catch the 12:21 departure towards Newcastle today. We set off on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. A few minutes later our bus appeared and it was unusually a First Potteries E200 MMC which are branded for the #21/23. As it got closer we noticed that it looked a little different... It was in fact required new First Potteries 67159 which had only been in service for a couple of days!

First Potteries 67159 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we purchased a Smart Day tickets at £5.30 before we sat down and the bus set off onto the A5035 where we turned right. We passed Stanley Matthews Way and we crossed the railway line and we entered Trentham where we saw First Potteries 53122 on a #22 to Longton. W before turning right into New Inn Lane and we passed First Potteries 67154 on a #21 to the Trentham Hotel. As we approached the Man in Space we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67159 before it continued on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 67159 in Trentham

Having seen First Potteries 67154 on the #21 we knew it was going to be our bus forwards to Stoke. A quick check of the Buses I Have Travelled on page revealed the First Potteries 67154 was was of only 3 buses of the batch that we had been on before today. A short while later the bus returned off the A5035 and it was as expected dud First Potteries 67154 on a #21 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67154 in Trentham

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver. The bus was nearly empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 67154 before we sat town towards the back of the bus.

Inside First Potteries 67154

The bus set off up New Inn Lane and into Hanford passing First Potteries 67642 on the fianl #22 turn. 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 where we saw Destination Courtesy Travel minibus MV58 MFA and white minibus R2 OGO. We crossed under the A500 into Trent Vale and we turned right into London Road by the black Lion passing First Potteries 67158 on the #21 to the Trentham Hotel. 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 67154 before it carried on towards Hanley.

First Potteries 67154 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. The surreal nature of the day continued as whilst we ate our dinner a large group came into the cafe. Amongst the group were non other than Jeremy Corbyn and Gareth Snell, the new Labour candidate for the Stoke Central seat. Such was the size of the party that a few were standing outside the cafe waiting for a seat. Once we had finished eating, we left the cafe and the people outside came in, eager to re-gain the seat. On the way to the Newcastle bus stop we bumped into uncle Rob. We let dud D&G Bus 113 go which was on 'The Orange ONE' in the hope of something better or required turning up on the #25 or #11. Going to other way towards Longton we saw First Potteries 32650 on a #11 to Hanley. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching and it was an early First Potteries Volvo B7RLE. As it got closer we saw that it was dud First Potteries 66303.

First Potteries 66303 in Stoke

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat town towards the back of the bus. We set off along Church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road. We climbed the hill and we ran through Hartshill turning left onto The Avenue, WE turned onto Hilton Road and we turned right into the City General hospital. After passing through the ground we turned right onto the A34 and we ran into Newcastle from the Southern end. We crossed the roundabout onto Barrack Road and we entered the bus station. As it was a through bus the bus didn't empty out so we got up and got off the bus. The area around the bus station was being re-paved and barriers up around these area, so there were part of the bus station that we couldn't get to like the bench at the Southern end. On Stubbs Street we saw D&G Bus 41 on layover, presumably in between #85 Crewe services.

D&G 41 in Newcastle bus station

The benches at the top end of the bus station were still accesible, so we decided to go up there whilst we decided what we were going to do next. On the way up there we saw D&G Bus 49 arrive into the bus station on a #17 to Wolstanton.

D&G 49 in Newcastle bus station

We didn't have a particularly good view from behind the lamp posts. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 37158 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 37158 in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 41496 come into the bus station about to work a #98 to Ball Green.

First Potteries 41496 in Newcastle bus station

We also saw Arriva Midlands 3696 on the #164 to Hanley.

Arriva Midlands 3696 in Newcastle bus station

We decided we would do the next Tunstall bound service and we had just missed dud D&G bus 137 on the #94 Congleton service. A few minutes later we saw another dart come into the bus station and it was dud First Potteries 41493 on the #99 to Bradeley.

First Potteries 41493 in Newcastle 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. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We crossed the Jubilee Roundabout and onto the A527, where we saw First Potteries 53207 on an inbound #97 service. We continued through May Bank & Wolstanton and to Porthill. We ran down the hill and we crossed the A500 and we ran into Longport. At Trubshaw Cross we turned left onto Brownhills Road and we climbed the hill into Tunstall town centre past the new building on the left. 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 41493 before it carried on towards Bradeley.

First Potteries 41493 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 can of Coke. They had ran out cheesecake. Once he had finished his drink we went out of the cafe and across the road to the bus stop opposite. Almost immediately a bus turned up and it was required D&G Solo 140 on a #94 to Newcastle.

D&G 140 in Tunstall

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver. The bus was nearly empty so Matthew took a picture inside D&G Bus 140 before we sat town towards the back of the bus.

Inside D&G 140

Matthew was well behaved and didn't even try and beep the horn! We ran down the High Street past the 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. once in the bus station we had a look around to see what we might be able to catch. On Stubbs Street we saw D&G Bus 38 on layover, presumably in between #85 Crewe services.

D&G 38 in Newcastle bus station

We looked around to see what we could catch to Hanley next. There was an #4A in the bus station and a #4 just coming in. We went over to First Potteries 63179 which was on the 4 bus by the time Matthew had taken his picture it had pulled off. Almost Immediately First Potteries 66306 pulled in on the adjacent stand.

First Potteries 66306 in Newcastle 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. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We crossed the Jubilee Roundabout and onto the A53. We ran into Basford and we passed an unidentified Paul S Winson coach. As we ran towards Hanley we passed a mixture of Scania's and Enviro300's on the #4/4A's. They were First Potteries 65728/65733/67633/67636. We ran down into Etruria and over the A500. We continued along the A53 and 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 ran into Hanley and into the bus station. The entire journey was made unpleasant by a group of 'adults' that were old enough to know better. As this is Matthew's Blog I won't discuss the details here any further. Once off the bus we went to the toilet and then headed up to the car park to take a few bus pictures. Just before we went into the car park we saw First Potteries 37159 on a #32 to Uttoxeter.

First Potteries 37159 in Hanley bus station

We went into the car park and 'up the stairs mister' so we could get a few bus pictures. On layover were D&G Bus 171 and First Potteries 41500.

First Potteries 41500 in Hanley bus station

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries Volvo B7LRE 66851 on a #18 to Leek.

First Potteries 66851 in Hanley bus station

Whilst we were in the car park Matthew had a Milky Way. There are only four 02 reg Solo's left in service as far as I know. First Potteries 53123 was on a #5 to Abbey Hulton.

First Potteries 53123 in Hanley bus station

We had seen a First Potteries Dart on #7A to Biddulph, so we figured by the time we walked back and had been to the shop it would be nearly time for the next one. We walked past the Victoria Theatre and back into the bus station and we stopped at the shop. Matthew had a can of Coke and a small bottle of Irn Bru as well as a couple of chocolate bars. After we had paid for the goods we walked down to the stand to wait for the bus. A couple of minutes later we saw dud First Potteries 41501 pull onto stand.

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. Bizarrely the last time that we did the bus to Biddulph it was also First Potteries 41501 back on Christmas Eve 2016! 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. 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

Once off the bus we went to the toilet. When we came out we saw required D&G Bus 45 about to work a #9 to Newcastle.

D&G 45 in Biddulph bus station

We decided not to do this, and to make up for the earlier disappointment of not having cheesecake, we decided to go and see if we could get a cake from Wrights Pies. We walked around the corner onto High Street and a few hundred yards South. Just as we got to the shop the staff were coming out as it was closing for the evening. We walked back to the stop and we saw D&G Bus 45 about to depart. Matthew turned it down again and we decided to wait at the stop for the next #7A. Whilst we waited Matthew had a Crunchie. A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was dud First Potteries 41520.

First Potteries 41520 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 41520 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside First Potteries 41520

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 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. We got off the bus and on one of the adjacent stands was dud First Potteries 32649 which was about to work the next #32 service to Uttoxeter.

First Potteries 32649 in Hanley bus station

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 65040.

First Potteries 65040 in Hanley bus station

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. As we were leaving the bus station we saw National Express FJ11 RDU on the #540 service. Last time we rode on First Potteries 65040 back in October 2016, it was still carrying the Evening Sentinel advert. We ran down John Street onto Bethesda street and 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 roundabout. 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 Wrights 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 Ford minibus FP06 WTW.

Z Carz FP06 WTW in Longton

Also in the first row was Z Carz Renault minibus PE10 MJK.

Z Carz PE10 MJK in Longton

Nearest vehicle in the first row was one of Z Carz new arrivals, Vauxhall minibus DG10 VMJ.

Z Carz DG10 VMJ in Longton

In the second row was Z Carz Renault minibus BU04 GYW.

Z Carz BU04 GYW in Longton

We turned into Willow Row to see what was parked in the compound tonight. In the compound we saw Z Carz Mercedes minibus LV52 TZY.

Z Carz LV52 TZY 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 millionaire's shortbread. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until 00:00... Mark

Trip to Joiners Square / Trent Vale 27-01-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Fenton MacDonalds	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton MacDonalds	Joiners Square	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Joiners Square	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
67636	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 spent time on the computer. For dinner Matthew went to McDonalds on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. 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 McDonalds. Matthew went to the toilet and then had burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. Once we had finished eat we continued to the pub on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off down the hill along Victoria Road and we crossed over the roundabout at Joiners Square onto Lichfield Street and to our destination. Matthew went to the toilet and and then had a glass of Coke. Highlights of the bus sightings included First Potteries 41498 on a #6A to Hanley and white minibus W198 HBX. Matthew listened to the jukebox with artists including Steps and Abba. When it was time to go home we climbed aboard Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Joiners Square

We set off onto Palmerston Street and we turned right onto the A52. At the roundabout we turned left onto Victoria Road and we joined the A50 link Road past the new Valentine Clays factory. We joined the WEstbound A50 and we came off at Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton. We turned right onto Church Road and we ran to the end where we turned right onto the A5035. We crossed over the railway line into Trentham and we turned right into New Inn Lane. After dropping off another service user we returned onto New Inn Lane and left onto the A5035. We crossed back over the railway into Blurton and we got home around 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. Matthew had seen the bus earlier in the day and it First Potteries 67636. We set off on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. A few minutes later our bus appeared and it was as expected First Potteries 67636 on a #22 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67636 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 passed First Potteries 67602 on the #22 to Longton & First Class Travel RO62 LTU. We ran over the railway line into Trentham and we passed Free Spirits MK52 PXH before we turned right into New Inn Lane. We ran into Hanford and we caught up with First Potteries 41502 on a #21A to Hanley. We turned right into Wilson Road and we ran down Church Lane. We joined the A34 and we saw First Potteries 67155 on a #21 to the Trentham Hotel. 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 67636 before it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 67636 in Trent Vale

We walked down to the A34 and we saw Global Travel 5621 RU turn into the road. We continued down to the pub and we waited outside until mum appeared. Whilst we waited we saw E-zec patient transport YJ16 GHA & Intercity KE54 ARM. Mum appeared and we went inside 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 WA08 JVX going Northwards, ABC Supreme S14 AMC going South as well as required First Potteries 65037 on a #101 to Stafford. When it was time to go we got in the car to go pick up uncle Dave via Grandma's We went North up the A34 past the hospital and we turned into go to Grandma's. After we had picked something up we travelled back down to Trent Vale via Parkstone Avenue. we turned left into The Avenue. before we turned right into Hilton Road. We ran down the A34 and we got onto the Northbound A500. At Sideway we went East on the A50, where we saw Sims Travel YN11 AYL and D&G Bus 33 on a #14 to Hanley. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross. We then 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. We got home around 18:30. 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 Apedale / Newcastle 24-01-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Apedale	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Apedale	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	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 had also learned of a new Wetherspoons opening in Guisborough, due to open today. Matthew got up around 08:00. He got dressed 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 DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Blurton

Matthew's camera decide that it wasn't going to work properly, so we had 5 minutes where we tried to replace it with another only to find that wasn't working either! We Eventually fixed the original camera with the aid of a pair of pliers and then we got on the bus. 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 mrning matthew watcthed a DVD. For dinner Matthew had cheese oatcakes followed by cake. In the afternoon Matthew went to Apedale. Transport for the journey was on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Glebedale road and then we turned left onto City Road. We ran down the hill onto the A52 and we went under the railway line before joining the Northbound A500 where we saw Stanways HSV 193. We came off the A500 onto Shelton New Road and we saw Stanways BIG 7013. We ran towards Newcastle and we turned right at the traffic lights onto Victoria Street. We turned right onto the A53 and then left onto Basford Park Road. We saw D&G 163 on a #17 to Hanley. At May Bank we went straight across onto Alexander Road. We ran through Dismsdale and we crossed over the A34 and towards Chesterton. At the next roundabout we went onto Loomer Road and we ran up to Apedale. Once we got off the bus we went to the cafe. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a can of Coke. when it was time to returned to the day centre we got back on board Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We ran back along Loomer Road and we crossed over the roundabout onto the B5369. We crossed the A34 and we ran through Dimsdale and May Bank. At the end we turned left onto the A53 and we joined the Southbound A500 at Etruria. We came off the A500 onto Wheildon Road and we ran up and under the railway line. We turned left onto Smithpool Road and then right onto Temple Street. We turned right onto Christchurch Street and to our destination. When it was time to go home we went on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we continued onto Station Bridge Road. We followed the road around onto Heron Street and we went through to Heron Cross. We traveled through Blurton along Blurton Road and we saw E-zec patient transport YJ16 GHA at the petrol station. We went forwards onto Church Road and 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 a picture of Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX before it returned to the day centre.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Blurton

Matthew had toast and a glass of dandelion & burdock whilst he waited for the time to go out and catch the bus. Today we went to catch the 16:26 to Newcastle. Matthew had seen the bus earlier in the day and it was First Potteries 67635. We set off on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67635 as expected.

First Potteries 67635 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle and we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto the A5035 and we saw First Potteries 67637 before we ran over the railway line into Trentham. We passed white minibus YK08 PVA and we turned right into New Inn Lane. We ran up the hill following First Potteries 67155 on a #21A to Hanley and we entered Hanford. As we turned right into Wilson Road then we turned left into Church Lane. We joined the A34 and then we headed into Trent Vale before turning right into Harpfields Road. We continued onto Hilton Road and we turned left into the hospital where we saw First Potteries 67643 on the final #22 turn. We also saw First Potteries 32635 on a #25 to Hanley and ABC Supreme minibus NH57 HRO. We turned right onto the A34 and a couple of stops down the road we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67635 as it carried on towards the bus station.

First Potteries 67635 in Newcastle

As we walked along the A34 we saw A1 Embassy taxi minibus SC06 UYF going towards Newcastle.

A1 Embassy SC06 UYF 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 18:20. We set off onto Occupation Street and we turned left onto Victoria Road. We turned right onto West Street and left onto Marsh Parade. We joined the A52 and we ran up the hill to Hartshill. At the roundabout we went onto the B5405. As we travelled towards shelton we saw Arriva Midlands 3698 on a #164 to Market Drayton and First Potteries 67637 running out of service. We ran along Shelton New Road and we turned by the old Twyfords factory. We ran under the A53 before joining the Eastbound carriageway. We ran through Etruria and up through Cobridge and onto Sandbach Road. We ran into Smallthorne via Sneyd Hill. We crossed the roundabouts and we ran down Ford Green Road. We turned left onto Kinver Street and right onto Coseley Street where we dropped something off. we went forwards onto Duddell Road to drop something off. We then rejoined Chell Heath Road and we turned right onto Ford Green Road. We ran around Saturn Road, Mars Street and Jupiter Street and we stopped again. Whilst stopped we saw First Potteries 42892 on the #8 to Ball Green. We ran back up to Smallthorne Roundabout and we turned left onto High Lane. We ran into Hanley and onto the ring road. We turned left onto Lichfield Street. As we ran down the hill we passed National Express liveried Travel de Courcey coach FJ13 EAM on a #325 service to Manchester. 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. 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 Derby / Smalley Cross 21-01-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
257	Derby BS	Oakwood, Adj Smalley Drive	11	Notts & Derby
454	Oakwood, Opp Smalley Drive	Derby BS	11	Notts & Derby
767	Derby, Derwent Street (Stop C7)	Derby, Adj Meteor Centre Park-and-Ride	D1	Notts & Derby
792	Derby, Adj Meteor Centre Park-and-Ride	Derby, Derwent Street (Stop C7)	D1	Notts & Derby
264	Derby, Derwent Street (Stop C7)	Derby, Adj Meteor Centre Park-and-Ride	D1	Notts & Derby
264	Derby, Adj Meteor Centre Park-and-Ride	Derby, Derwent Street (Stop C7)	D1	Notts & Derby
600	Derby BS	Smalley Cross, Rose & Crown	59	Notts & Derby
766	Smalley Cross, Rose & Crown	Derby BS	59	Notts & Derby

Today we decided to re-visit Derby. We had received a tip-off from one of our Flickr/Facebook friends telling us that this Saturday was going to be an unofficial running day for the last remaining Optare Excels in the Notts & Derby. Our previous visit to Derby was for the Notts & Derby Olympians running day which had been well publicised. We couldn't find anything on the web regarding this running day, so we decided to take a chance that it was true and visit Derby regardless. The night before I had received a message stating that required Notts & Derby 257 was going to be on the #11 service to Ilkeston, dud Notts & Derby 258 was going to be on the #73 to Weston-on-Trent and required Notts & Derby 264 was going to be on the D1 Meteor Retail Park service. Research for the trip consisted of downloading and e-mailing myself the relevant 3 timetables. I for to check the weather, which turned out to be overcast and bitterly cold! Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast an orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:45 and we ran down to the A5035. We drove through Dresden up to Longton and we took the Westbound A50 to the next roundabout and we turned right into Baths Road. We filled up with petrol at Tesco and then we went Eastwards along the A50. As we travelled up towards Meir tunnel we passed D&G 139 on 'The Orange ONE' service to Newcastle. We passed the Copeland's Tours depot and we saw orange coach MIB 118 parked up there. We continued East and we saw Copeland's Tours coach MIB 246 parked up in a lay-by with a L plate on the back. Travelling East along the A50 we saw Linburg IIG 7743, a Blue coach (possibly Jones) reg like ?14 JPC & Midlands Classic 21(#401). We came off the A50 at the A511 and we travelled down to Hatton. We stopped at the Salt Box Cafe where Matthew used the toilet. After using the facilities Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a small bottle of Coke. Whilst we were there we saw Trent Barton 659 (V1), Midlands Classic 76 (#401) and a green and cream Derby Corporation half cab double decker 27. When we had finished eating we got back into the car and we ran up to Derby along the A516 and onto the A38. We ran into town along Ashbourne Road and we went around the inner ring road, turning right onto The Cock Pitt. We entered the Riverside car park and we parked up. We crossed over Morledge inside the car park and then we went down the lift down to level 2. WE said goodbye to mum and we went down the steps onto the street below. We walked under the car park bridge and we saw Arriva Midlands 2517 on a #7 from Sinfin.

Arriva Midlands 2517 in Derby bus station

We hadn't seen any of the 3 Notts & Derby buses yet, but there was plenty of interesting buses around. Derby County where playing at home and there were buses of supporters past every few minutes... Most of the buses were older high floor vehicles. We saw Hawkes Coaches Volvo single decker R978 XVM heading South towards Pride Park. We crossed over Morledge and we stood on the corner by the bus station whilst we waited for one of the buses appear. Whilst we waited we saw Trent Barton coach 88 on the Red Arrow express service to Nottingham.

Trent Barton 88 in Derby bus station

A few minutes later we saw Trent Barton 87 on another Red Arrow express service to Nottingham.

Trent Barton 87 in Derby bus station

Outside of the bus station we saw Notts+Derby double decker 34 on a shuttle service to Pride Park.

Notts+Derby 34 in Derby bus station

Traffic in and around the bus station was running slow due to it being a matchday. A few minutes later we saw Trent Barton 687, branded for the Sixes services towards Belper.

Trent Barton 687 in Derby bus station

This was followed by Arriva Midlands 4400 which had just arrived on a #38 service from Sinfin.

Arriva Midlands 4400 in Derby bus station

This was followed by Arriva Midlands double decker 4217 on a #1 from Alvaston.

Arriva Midlands 4217 in Derby bus station

A few minutes later we saw Trent Barton 257 arrive into the bus station. It didn't some straight on stand it went on layover. We went and stood at the correct stand for the #11 service and a minute or so later a Solo arrived with #11. It emptied out and then disappeared again. Whilst we stood waiting for a bus to appear we saw dud Trent Barton 258 come in on the #73 service. A few minutes later to our relief we saw Trent Barton 257 come onto the stand.

Notts+Derby 257 in Derby bus station

We got on the bus and we purchased Notts & Derby Enthusiasts Day tickets for £6 each. We were first on the bus so Matthew took a picture inside Notts & Derby 257 before we sat down.

Inside Notts+Derby 257

We set off out of the bus station, passing Hawkes Coaches R557 LGH on a football service. We continued onto the anti-clockwise ring road where we were passed by Harpurs Coaches P403 MDT. We then came off and under the ring road onto Eastgate. At the roundabout we came off onto Nottingham Road and we ran Eastwards out of town traffic was slow due to it being a match day and we crawled out of town until we got to Chaddeston Lane where we turned left. As we travelled North we passed Harpurs double decker X423 PFE on a #23 Football service. We turned left onto Morley Road and we ran North for around 1 1/2 miles. The #11 service is a 1 hour 45 minute round trip, and an hourly service. If we wanted to get in more than 4 or 5 buses, we had to get off somewhere and catch the other bus on the route or be out of town for a further hour. We had planned to go to Stanley, but the late running due to football traffic meant we had to get off earlier than we planned. As we went up Morley road we spotted two bus tops opposite to each other in Oakwood, so we decided to get up and get off the bus. The bus continued North up to Derby Road and neither of us managed to get a decent picture! We crossed the road and we stood at the stop on a narrow pavement next to a fast road. We didn't have to wait to long before we saw a bus approaching... Disappointingly at was Notts & Derby Solo 454 on the #11 to Derby.

Notts+Derby 454 in Oakwood

We got on the bus and we flashed the N&D Enthusiasts Day Ticket to the driver. Matthew tried to beep the horn and we had to wrestle him away from the cab before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We travelled South for around a mile and a half and we continued onto Chaddesden Lane. At the end we turned right onto Nottingham Road and we ran into town. We crossed the Pentagon roundabout and we went under the ring road onto Exeter Street and we saw required Notts and derby 264 on the D1 service go past on Derwent Street. The bus emptied out in front of us and we encourage Matthew to take a picture inside Notts & Derby 454 at this point.

Inside Notts+Derby 454

We turned left into Corporation Street and forwards onto Morledge before we turned left into the bus station. We tried to get Matthew off the bus without him honking the horn, but despite two of us wrestling with he managed to do it :( Adjacent to the Solo that we had just got off was national Express liveried Edwards Coaches BX16 CHY on a #321 to Bradford.

Edwards BX16 CHY in Derby bus station

We decided to take a few pictures before visiting the toilet and then walking over to Derwent Street to get in the last required Optare Excel on the D1 service. We had a clear view of the Hawkes coaches double decker R557 LGH which was on layover, so we went up the side of the bus station to get a picture. As we got there Hawkes Coaches single decker R978 XVM pulled up in front of it.

Hawkes Coaches R978 XVM in Derby bus station

We walked back into the bus station and we saw Chalfonts BK14 LEF on a #230 to Gatwick Airport

Chalfonts BK14 LEF in Derby bus station

We went inside the bus station and Matthew used the toilet before we left the bus station out of the East exit and we walked along the River Derwent to Derwent Street. When we energed onto the street we crossed the road and we saw Trent Barton 163 on layover in between services on the Nines.

Trent Barton 163 in Derby

We waited at the stop outside the registry office for the next D1 service. A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was required Notts & Derby 767 on the D1 to the Meteor Retail Park.

Notts+Derby 767 in Derby

We got on the bus and we flashed the N&D Enthusiasts Day Ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along Derwent Street and we turned left onto Stuart Street. We went under the ring road and then we joined Mansfield Road going Northwards. Where Mansfield Road became Alfreton Road we turned right and we crossed over the railway line. Just to the South we could see the Linburg bus and coach garage where we could see a line of double decker buses. We joined the Northbound A608 and we went past the Rollerworld roller rink before we turned left into the Meteor Retail Park, passing Notts & Derby 792 which was on the other D1 turn. It appeared that Notts & Derby 264 had been taken off the D1's :( At the first roundabout we did a u-turn so that the bus was facing the right way to return into town. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Notts & Derby 767.

Inside Notts+Derby 767

Once we got off the bus Matthew took another picture of Notts & Derby 767 before it returned into town.

Notts+Derby 767 in Meteor Retail Park

We let the bus go as they were every 10 minutes and we required Notts & Derby 792 anyway. Whilst we waited for the bus to appear Matthew shared a somewhat battered double Milky may with me and uncle Dave. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching and as expected it was Notts & Derby 792.

Notts+Derby 792 in Meteor Retail Park

We got on the bus and we flashed the N&D Enthusiasts Day Ticket to the driver. This bus was out of a different batch off Plaxton Centro's acquired form elsewhere, as such it was very different inside compared to our last bus. Matthew took a picture inside Notts & Derby 792.

Inside Notts+Derby 792

We set off out of the retail park and onto the Southbound A608. We joined Mansfield Road and we crossed the railway line before we followed the road to the left and into the town under the ring road on Pheonix Street. We turned right onto Derwent Street and as we crossed over the river we spotted required Notts & Derby 264 about to work the next D1 service. The bus must have gone with the driver back to the depot for a meal break and had promptly returned for the second part of the shift :) The bus stop at a set down only stop opposite to the Optare Excel so we quickly crossed over the road and Matthew got a picture of Notts & Derby 264 before we jumped on it.

Notts+Derby 264 in Derby

We flashed the N&D Enthusiasts Day Ticket to the driver and we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus that we had just got off was now displaying X17 and it went around the corner towards the bus station. We set off as we had done before up Derwent Street and left into Stuart Street. We continued as we had done on the previous run on Pheonix Street, Mansfield Road the A608 and into the retail park before we did a u-turn at the first roundabout ready to return back to Derby. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Notts & Derby 264.

Inside Notts+Derby 264

We got off the bus and we made a decision to do the bus straight back to Derby, as we had been on the other bus on the route and the withdrawal of this bus from service was imminent. We took another picture of Notts & Derby 264 whilst we waited for the bus to be readied for service of the return trip.

Notts+Derby 264 in Meteor Retail Park

We got back on the bus and we flashed the N&D Enthusiasts Day Ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. A couple of minutes later we returned back to town via the A608, Mansfield Road, Pheonix Street and onto Derwent Street. This time the bus did a u-turn outside the Derby Assembly Rooms and onto the Derwent Street C7 stop. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Notts & Derby 264 before we headed back to the bus station.

Notts+Derby 264 in Derby

We crossed over Derwent street and we walked back to the bus station alongside the river. Once in the bus station we decided that we would have time for one quick out and back before the parking ticket ran out. We knew that we didn't have time to do dud Notts & Derby 258 on the #73 as we would only get one bus in and it would not be a required one and we would be late! We looked at the display and we saw that there were two Notts & Derby service at 16:30. One was a X17 Borrowash express service and the other was a #59 to Ilkeston via Breadsall & Brackley Gate. Both buses were on adjacent stands 2 & 3. We had around 15 minutes to wait for these buses,so we went outside of the bus station to the corner of Morledge to take a few pictures whilst we waited. It was starting to go dark and it was very cold, so we didn't stay here too long. We did see Arriva Midlands white single decker YJ58 FFD on a #7 to Sinfin.

Arriva Midlands YJ58 FFD in Derby bus station

We had seen required Notts & Derby 600 on layover and it was displaying 59 so we assumed that this was going to one of the two buses. We went into the bus station and we dcided there was just time for Matthew to visit the toilet before the buses were due on stand. There was only just time, as we had to wait for the toilet to become vacant! We walked back to the stands and we saw required Notts & Derby 765 on the X17. We then saw Notts & Derby 600 pull up on stand as we expected.

Notts+Derby 600 in Derby bus station

We decided to do Notts & Derby 600... I think Matthew based the decision on the fact that it looked similar internaly to the First Potteries Wright Solar Eclipse buses 65727-65733! We got on the bus and we flashed the N&D Enthusiasts Day Ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto Morledge and we went North up to Derwent street where we turned right. The route was the same as the D1 as far as the retail park. We turned left onto Stuart Street and we crossed under the ring road on Pheonix Street and onto Mansfield Road. We crossed the railway line and we ran north up the A608 and past the retail park. It was now proper dark and we quickly went out of the city in open countryside. I had already seen that this service was hourly and had a 1hr 50 round trip time, so we had to get off somewhere and come back on the other bus on the service. The problem was that we didn't know the area and we were trying to time get on a bus coming the other way or get well and truly bowled out! I resorted to find where I wanted to get off on google maps and using this to plot our position against the time. We followed Arriva Midlands #38 branded double decker bus 4404 up Mansfield Road which was on a #24 Chaddesden circular service. We travelled about 1 1/2 miles and then we turned sharp left onto Brookside Road. We ran into Breadsall and we turned right onto Church lane and then Moor Road. We then we stormed North through the night for around 2 miles where the road turned sharp left. We continued straight onto Cloves Hill and we ran for a further 1/3 of a mile before we turned right onto Woodside to head into Smalley Cross. The bus had emptied out so I encourage Matthew to take a picture inside Notts & Derby 600.

Inside Notts+Derby 600

I could see we were getting close to the point where I wanted to get off, and when I could see streetlight I assumed correctly that we were coming to the crossroad where I wanted to get off. We stood up to get off the bus and the bus stopped at the lights on the crossroads. I asked the driver where the returns stop was and he pointed to a stop just across the road barely visible in the dark. He told us there was a bus due to pass us soon to which I replied "I know, that's why we're getting of here to go straight back!". We went forwards onto the A609 and we got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Notts & Derby 600 as it disappeared into the night...

Notts+Derby 600 in Smalley Cross

We waited for a gap in the traffic and we crossed over the road. We looked up and we saw the bus approaching a few hundred yards up the road! We made it with around a minute to spare! As it got closer we saw that it was required Notts & Derby 766.

Notts+Derby 766 in Smalley Cross

We got on the bus and we flashed the N&D Enthusiasts Day Ticket to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off Westwards along the A609 and we crossed over the crossroads onto Woodside. It was properly dark as we travelled back via Brackley gate, Breadsall and down the A608. As we passed the Meteor Retail park we saw Notts & Derby 264 waiting to work the D1 back into town. It was probably going to be the last time we saw a Notts & Derby Optare Excel working a bus service. We continued back into twon along Mansfield Road, Pheonix Street and Derwent Street and we turned right into Morledge. We entered the bus station and as the bus was now going onto the #73 we went right the way down to the bottom end of the bus station onto the outdoor coach stands! The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Notts & Derby 766 before we got off it.

Inside Notts+Derby 766

We met up with mum and we went into the shop in the bus station. This has to be probably one of the biggest bus station shops in the country where you could probably buy everything to make a 3 course dinner,albeit at a premium price before you caught your bus home! Matthew brought a couple of cans of Coke and some chocolate bars before returned onto Morledge towards the car park. on the way was saw required Trent Barton 911 on a Skylink service.

Trent Barton 911 in Derby bus station

We got in the lift up to floor 2 and we validate the parking ticket before we got back into the lift to go up the level 4. We went out of the car park and Matthew very helpfully put the ticket in the machine so that we could leave the car park. We came out of the car park and i turned in the wrong direction onto ring road. We then ended up going East along the A52 towards Nottingham. We spotted a sign for the A6 so we took that down to the A50. We then travelled 35 odd mile West along the A500, passing close to Uttoxeter and Blythe Bridge. We came off the A50 a Longton so that we could check out what was on Z Carz this evening. In the first row we saw Z Carz Volkswagen minibus OV05 WSW.

Z Carz OV05 WSW in Longton

Also in the first row was Z Carz Vauxhall minibus X599 WDY.

Z Carz X599 WDY in Longton

Next to the Vauxhall was Z Carz Renault minibus BU04 GYW.

Z Carz BU04 GYW in Longton

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

Z Carz GL04 CVE in Longton

In the second row was Z Carz Renault minibus Y568 XFV. We turned left into willow Row to see what was parked in the compound. In the yard we saw Z Carz Iveco minibus YJ53 WPD.

Z Carz YJ53 WPD in Longton

We also saw Z Carz new Mercedes minibus LV52 TZY. We turned around and we got back onto the Westbound A50 which we did as far as Heron Cross. We travelled through Blurton along Blurton Road and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we got home just after 18:30. For a late tea Matthew had bangers & mash with carrots followed by a slice of lemon meringue pie. We then chilled out on the computer until bedtime around 01:00... Mark