Trip To St Helens / Huyton 30-09-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2969	Earlestown BS	St Helens BS	34A	Arriva NW&W
A12 BXN	St Helens Central	Prescot	Rail Replacement	B&N Coaches
P27 HMC	Prescot	St Helens Central	Rail Replacement	Derrick Ball
F13 HOW	St Helens Central	Huyton BS	Rail Replacement	Springfield
YS03 ZKT	Huyton BS	Lea Green	Rail Replacement	Happy Als
J8 HTL	Lea Green Station	Lea Green, Waterside Village	156	HTL Buses
J8 HTL	Lea Green, Waterside Village	St Helens BS	156	HTL Buses

Today decided to re-visit Earlestown & St Helens. We had checked the weather for today and it was for mainly dry weather with a few showers. We gave Matthew a list of destinations from the Midlands and North West and from the list Matthew chose Widnes. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:30 onto the A5035. We turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way and we ran down to the A50. At Sideway we went Northwards up the A500 and we came off again at Shelton New Road. We ran into Etruria to get LPG and after we had filled up we returned to the A500 along the A53. As we travelled North up the A500 we saw E-zec patient transport YJ16 GHD, Orion W14 BUS & Scraggs 1655 VT. At junction 16 we got onto the Northbound M6. Traffic was heavy initial and it thinned out as we got North of junction 17. As we travelled North through the roadworks we saw DJ Coaches BD64 NCX go past us.

DJ Coaches BD64 NCX on the M6

Other vehicle seen whilst going up the M6 included an unidentified Angela Coaches coach, 3 unidentified Tyrers coaches, Aimee's Taxico TXI 7007, an unidentified Blue Sky Coaches coach and George Edwards & Sons YJ08 EDK. At Junction 21A we got onto the Westbound M62 and we were passed by National express liveried Selwyn's FN62 CCV on a #061 to Liverpool. We came off the M62 at the next junction and we got onto the Northbound A49. As we reached Newton-le-Willows station we saw a load of coaches parked outside the railway station so we decided to stop here and get Saveaway Tickets so that if we got chance we could catch the rail replacement services as well as any buses that we saw. The coaches that we saw included Hilton's Travel XIL 1581, Pat's Coaches SJ04 KAX and another with reg like P5 TNM as well as Finglands YN55 WTP After picking up the tickets we continued up through Newton and onto the westbound A572. We ran around the North side of Earlestown and back into town along Market Street. We ran past the bus station and we parked right outside the Nine Arches pub as it was raining quite badly. Matthew went to the toilet and whilst on the staircase we saw required Arriva NW&W 2730 on a #20 to St Helens. For dinner Matthew had a Chicken burger and fries washed down with a glass of Coke. After we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and we went outside the the bus station. We saw dud Arriva NW&W 2978 on a #20 to St Helens and required Arriva NW&W 2969 on a #34A to St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 2969 in Earlestown bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Saveaway ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto St John Street. We went through the housing estate to the West of the bus station before coming out on the A572. We ran West and into to St helens through Parr and past the community fire station. Just outside of town we joined the A58 and we ran over the railway line by St Helens Central before entering the bus station along Bickerstaffe Street. We got up and got off the bus and we saw Hatton's Travel MX61 KOE on the #141 Newton-le-Willows service.

Hatton's Travel MX61 KOE in St Helens bus station

As we went past St Helens Central railway station we saw that there were coaches parked outside. We set off on foot over to the railway station along Bickerstaff Street and when we got there we saw there a few coaches parked up. Closest to the railway line were Tyrer's TYR 12R.

Tyrer's TYR 12R in St Helens

We also saw MP Travel YTH 756.

MP Travel YTH 756 in St Helens

We asked the rail replacement marshall what time the next coach was leaving and we were informed that it was in around 20 minutes. Whilst we were waiting we saw Springfield P61 HOW arrive into the car.

Springfield P61 HOW in St Helens

It occurred to us that Matthew's pass wouldn't be valid on the coaches so we went to the desk and brought another Saveaway ticket. A few minutes later B&N Coaches Bova bodied coach A12 BXN also arrived into the car park.

B&N Coaches A12 BXN in St Helens

We asked the marshall what the next coach would be and he informed us that B&N Coaches A12 BXN would be doing the 14:45 all stations to Liverpool service. The coach pulled up to the front of the railway station and we got on it. Matthew took a picture inside Inside B&N Coaches A12 BXN before we sat down.

Inside B&N Coaches A12 BXN

We got on the coach and word came through there was going to be a slight delay. The driver on the coach had run out of hours and his replacement was at St Helens Junction station. It took around 15 minutes for the replacement driver to turn up and then we set off out of the station onto Shaw Street. We turned right onto Corporations Street and then right onto the Southbound Linkway. We continued onto the A58 and we ran around the Southern side of the town and then into familiar surroundings. We past the college and the Cinema and we followed the road left at the next roundabout. We continued Westward along the A58 for around a mile and we turned left onto Lusmore Lane. We paused briefly outside Thatto Heath railway station and then we continued along Thatto Heath Road for a short distance before turning right onto Scholes Lane. We turned left onto Portico Lane and we ran down to Eccleston Park station. Just after we stopped there we continued along Portico Lane and we passed Bestway VLZ 7435 & Tulip Travel T12 ULP coming the other way. We ran down the B5201 and onto the A57. We turned left onto Bridge Road and we ran don to Prescot railway station we were decided to get off. Matthew want to go to the toilet but the bus was due and minute now. A dew minutes later we saw the bus approaching and as it got closer we saw that it was required Derrick Ball P27 HMC.

Derrick Ball P27 HMC in Prescot

We got on the coach and as the rear of the coach was empty Matthew took a photo inside Derrick Ball P27 HMC.

Inside Derrick Ball P27 HMC

We set off Bridge Road and we saw Atlantic Travel YJ06 LGE & MP Travel YTH 756 coming the other way. We turned right onto the A57 and by the hospital we went left onto the B5201. We turned right onto Portico Lane and we stopped briefly outside of Eccleston Park station. At the top end of the lane we turned right onto Scholes Lane and we headed into Thatto Heath. At the traffic light we turned left onto Thatto Heath Road and we pulled up outside the railway station. After picking a passenger up we continued up the road and onto the A58 where we saw Atlantic Travel YJ06 LCX. We ran into town for around a mile and we turned right onto the Linkway. At the next junction we went left onto Challon Way West. We continued past the market and the World of Glass onto Challon Way East and forwards onto Shaw Street before entering the railway station from the South end. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took a few more pictures. We saw Bestway VLZ 7435 that we had passed in Eccleston Park earlier.

Bestway VLZ 7435 in St Helens

Matthew went to the toilet and then we returned outside to wait for the next coach. We decided to do the fast coach straight to Huyton which was Springfield's former Stagecoach coach F13 HOW.

Springfield F13 HOW in St Helens

We got on the coach and as the rear of the coach was empty Matthew took a picture inside Springfield F13 HOW before we sat down.

Inside Springfield F13 HOW

The coach set off from out of the railway station onto Shaw Street and we turned right onto Corporation Street. We turned right onto the Linkway and we ran around the South end of town and past the college before going left onto the A58. We ran Westwards past the North end of Prescot and Knowsley Safari Park. Just before we got to the M57 at the roundabout we went straight onto Huyton Lane. We ran into town and past the shopping centre before turning right onto Poplar bank. As the railway station and the bus station are very close together the rail replacement service were all going into the bus station. We continued onto Derby Road and then into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Springfield F13 HOW before it continued onto to Liverpool.

Springfield F13 HOW in Huyton bus station

We also saw Tyrer's coach P3 TYR which must have followed us down from St Helens Central.

Tyrer's P3 TYR in Huyton bus station

Whilst we waited for a suitable bus or coach back Eastwards towards st Helens, we took a few bus pictures. We saw Arriva NW&W 3057 on a #9 to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 3057 in Huyton bus station

We also saw Arriva NW&W Hybrid 4831 on a #15 to Liverpool Dale Street.

Arriva NW&W 4831 in Huyton bus station

A few minutes later a pair of Happy Als Scania Omnicity's made an appearance on rail replacement service to Manchester Victoria. These were happy Als YN53 GGE & YS03 ZKT.

Happy Als YS03 ZKT in Huyton bus station

We decided to do one of these buses Eastwards so we got on YS03 ZKT and sat down towards the back of the bus. A few minutes later we set off out of the bus station and onto Wilson Road. We crossed over the railway line and then we travelled through an industrial area on which the HTL Buses garage was situated. We joined the Eastbound A5080 and then we crossed over the M57 onto Windy Arbor Road. We turned right onto Lickers Lane and we ran Eastwards for 200 yards before turning left onto Pennywood Drive. We ran ran Northwards to the railway station and we stopped outside for a short while. Once we had finished we ran back down Pennywood Drive onto LIckers Lane and bacl to Windy Arbor Road. We turned right and we headed North through Whiston Cross. We continued onto Dragon Lane and at the end we turned right onto the Eastbound A57. We turned left into Station Road and we stopped outside Rainhill railway station. After a brief stop we ran to the end of the road and we turned right back onto the A57 and right onto Rainhill Road. We turned right onto the B5204 and we crossed over the St Helens Linkway. We continied Eastwards towards Lea Green railway station and we passed Newtork Warrington 57 on a rail replacement service. We pulled into the area outside Le Green station and we got up and got off the bus. We then took a picture of the other Happy Als Scania Omnicity on the rail replacement YN53 GGE.

Happy Als YN53 GGE in Lea Green

Once we got off the bus we walked onto the main road to wait for a bus back to St Helens. We saw that there was a bus due in around 10 minutes. Matthew had a Milky Way whilst we waited for the bus to appear. Whilst we were waiting we spotted a HTL Buses Solo coming into the station so we walked over to have a look at it. As it got closer we saw that it was required HTL Buses J8 HTL on a #156 to St Helens.

HTL Buses J8 HTL in Lea Green

We decided to do this bus so we got on and flash The Saveawy ticket to the driver for the final time today. Matthew mis-behaved and honked the horn of the bus. We sat down towards the back of the bus and we set off Westwards along the B5204. We turned left onto Lea Green Road and we ran down into an industrial area. We crossed under the St Helens Linkway and we continued around onto Lowfield Lane. We re-joined the B5204 and we travlled WEstwards back tot Lea Gree railway station. After going into the station area we returned onto the B5204 and we turned right onto Marshall Cross Road. At the next roundabout we turned left onto Scorecross and we turned right onto the Northbound St Helens Linkway. We turned right onto the Linkway and we turned left onto Parr Street. We ran towards the bus station along Hall Street and we ran around the bus station to stand 5 on Corporation Street where we got up and got off the bus. We then took a few more bus pictures before we returned home. On Corporation Street was Arriva NW&W 677 on a #35 to St Helens Junction.

Arriva NW&W 677 in St Helens bus station

We set off towards the car and we stopped at the newsagent to pick up a few things. Matthew had a can of Coke and a couple of chocolate bars. We then walk back to the car where mum was waiting with Greggs sausage rolls and a bottle of Irn Bru for Matthew. We set off out of town along Corporation Street and forwards onto the A58. We turned right onto the A572 and we ran out of town through Parr and into Earlestown. We ran to the North of town and then we turned right onto the A49. We ran through Newton-le-Willows and past the railway station. We continued down to Winwick. We ran along the A49 to the M6 and then we ran Southwards. Travelling home down the M6 we saw Bouden Travel BV66 GVK, and unidentified Dreamliner coach and DJ Coaches BD64 NCX. At junction 16bwe cam off the M6 onto the southbound A500. On the A500 we saw First Potteries 63099 running out of service. At Sideway we Went Eastwards along the A50 and we came off at Longton to see what was parked up Z Carz this evening. Tonight the spare ground had no buses on it all.

Spare ground in Longton

At Lucky Seven we saw Lucky Seven minibus RX60 CVO.

Lucky Seven RX60 CVO in Longton

We turned left onto Willow Row to see what was in the compound this evening. In the compound was Z Carz Volkswagen minibus PO55 URU.

Z Carz PO55 URU in Longton

On the road opposite to the yard was Z Carz Renault minibus PE10 MJE.

Z Carz PE10 MJE in Longton

Also in the compound was Z Carz Ford minibus HK57 LFY.

Z Carz HK57 LFY in Longton

We also saw new to Z Carz Peugeot minibus YJ62 RCO. We set off onto the A50 and we ran up to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton. At the roundabout we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we got home around 19:30. For a late tea we had bangers and mash with carrot followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. We chilled out on the computer and I went to take uncle Dave home. We watched telly and wrote the blog and Matthew went to bed around 00:30... Mark

Trip to Joiners Square / Newcastle 29-09-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Joiners Square	charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Joiners Square	Fenton	charter	Shelton Care Group
67636	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Newcastle, Opp Cherry Tree PH	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going to Grandma'a house, Blurton and to the pub later. Matthew got up and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street and to the day centre. In the morning Matthew did some cooking and made spaghetti and bolognese. For dinner Matthew had a chicken burger and fries from KFC. In the afternoon we went to the pub on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned right onto City Road. At the roundabout 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 the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a a glass of Coke. Highlights of the bus sightings included First Potteries 63171 on a #6A to Blythe Bridge and Harry Shaws TIL 6715. After we had finished in the pub we returned to Fenton in Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Palmerston Street and we turned right onto the A52. We turned left at Joiners Square roundabout and we ran up the hill into Fenton. At the roundabout we turned sharp right onto City Road. We stopped near to the health centre and we got up got off the bus to walk down to the residential unit. We walked down City Road and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned right into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to wait for me to pick him up. When I came Matthew got his pictures onto his camera and we took his spaghetti home. As we got in the car we saw Lucky Seven DK11 BVX. We set off onto Christchurch Street and right onto Station Bridge Road. We continued onto Heron Street and through the traffic lights onto Blurton Road. As we waited to cross over the A50 we saw Stoke City Academy WG58 CZO. We ran through Blurton along Blurton Road and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we got back to the house around 15:00. When we got home Matthew had toast and a drink of Irn Bru. Today we were catching the 15:56 to Newcastle as we were going to the pub via Grandma's House. We set off around 15:45 on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. Whilst we waited for the bus we saw E-zec patient transport minibus YJ16 GHV.

E-zec patient transport YJ16 GHV in Blurton

A few minutes alter the bus appeared and it was dud First Potteries 67636.

First Potteries 67636 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 67602 on a #22 to Longton. We ran over the railway line into Trentham and we passed Z Carz minibus HK57 LGW. We turned right into New Inn Lane and we caught up with First Potteries 67158 on a #21A to Hanley. We entered Hanford and we turned right into Wilson Road. We turned left into Church Lane and we saw white minibus BU07 KGV before we joined the A34. Aswe headed into Trent Vale we saw Stanton's of Stoke KIG 7783 on the slip road of the A500. We turned right into Harpfields Road and we passed First Potteries 67601 on the final #22 turn. We turned left into the hospital and we saw ABC Supreme minibus HN16 XNU, First Potteries 32634 on a #25 to Hanley & First Potteries 32650 / 37158 on #25's to Keele. 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 67636 as it continued towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 67636 in Newcastle

We crossed over the A34 and we continued 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 17:45. We set off onto Occupation Street and we saw white minibus YK08 PVA. We turned left onto the A34. We ran down into Trent Vale. We stopped at the pub and we went inside. Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with custard. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses included ABC Supreme KX13 DZL going Northwards & First Potteries 37158 on a #101 to Stafford. When it was time to go we got in the car to go pick up uncle Dave. We ran down the A34. We crossed into hanford and forwards int Trentham and we turned left into Allerton Road and we turned right into Trentley Road. We crossed over New Inn Lane onto Pacific Drive and we dropped off a few things. We continued around onto Constance Avenue and back onto Pacific Road. We turned left onto New Inn Lane and then end we turned left onto the A5035. We crossed over the railway line into Blurton and we turned left onto Stanley Matthews Way. We turned right onto the Eastbound A50. We came of the A50 at Heron Cross. We dropped down into Fenton to pick uncle Dave up. Once we had picked him up we returned to Heron Cross. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We ran through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 19:30. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we composed a few e-mails and sorted a few things out. We then chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Abbey Hulton / Meir 28-09-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Abbey Hulton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Abbey Hulton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
63179	Fenton, Christchurch Street	Hanley BS	11	First Potteries
32635	Hanley BS	Meir, Meir Square	11A	First Potteries
65040	Meir, Meir Square	Florence, Lennox Road	6	First Potteries
67642	Florence, Lennox Road	Fenton	6	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. We were also going out for tea as Matthew today. Around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst waiting to go out we saw First Potteries 67642 on a #11 to Newcastle. Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street and onto Albert Square where we saw Afford rent-a-car YR63 YXP parked up outside the old Court building. the day centre. At the day centre we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX parked outside.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

In the morning Matthew went on the computer. For dinner Matthew had ham sandwich followed by a Bakewell tart. In the afternoon Matthew went trampolining in Abbey Hulton on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned left onto City Road. We ran down the hill and we joined the Eastbound A52 as far as the railway station. We ran onto Station Road and we turned right onto College Road. We ran through Shelton and we continued forwards onto Regent Road. After a brief stopped we continued Eastwards before turning left onto Lichfield Street. We ran anti-clockwise around the ring road and we ran down Bucknall New Road to Limekiln lights. We turned left onto the A5009 and we ran Northwards as far Abbots Road and we stopped at the sports centre. At the sports centre we saw Stoke-on-Trent city council welfare bus LK17 DWD.

Stoke-on-Trent city council LK17 DWD in Abbey Hulton

We also saw silver minibus EU16 ENV.

EU16 ENV in Abbey Hulton

Matthew had a session on the trampoline and then he went to the toilet before having a drink of Coke. When it was time to return to Fenton we got aboard Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off along Abbots Road and at the end we turned left onto the A5009. We ran to Bucknall and then we turned right onto the A5008. We ran up the hill to the ring road and then we went clockwise around to Botteslow Street. We turned right onto Derby Street and we crossed over Lichfield Street onto Regent Road. We stopped for a short while and we continued onto College Road and down through Shelton. We turned left onto Station Road and we ran forwards onto the Westbound A52. We followed the railway line and we turned left onto City Road. We stopped outside the old Newtown pub and we crossed over the road and walked up Temple Street back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out and use his computer. We also watched buses out of the window. We saw Wints R588 RRX going towards Longton.

Wints R588 RRX in Fenton

Matthew then went out on the bus. We set off onto City Road and we saw Stanton's of Stoke NSU 531 going towards stoke. We crossed over and stood at the bus stop opposite to the flats. We saw Z Carz minibus PO55 URE going towards Stoke. A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was First Potteries 63179.

First Potteries 63179 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off up City Road and we went forwards onto King Street. We ran through Foley and we under the railway line into Longton town centre. We stopped outside the old job centre as the #11 no longer calls in the Interchange. We ran up Market Street and we turned left onto Anchor Road. We turned right onto Sutherland Road and we passed blue minibus GN03 MTZ. We turned left onto Weston Coyney Road and we ran up the bank. half way up the bank we turned left onto Farnworth Road. we jinked onto Lindburn Road and we ran to the end turning right onto Amison Street. At the end of the street we turned right onto Anchor Road. We ran up the hill to the top and ran down to the roundabout in Adderley Green. At the roundabout at the East end of Bentilee we turned right onto Beverley Drive and then left onto Dawlish Drive. We ran to the end and we turned left onto Beverley Drive. At the end we turned right onto Dividy Road and we ran down the hill to Bucknall. We turned left onto the A52 and we ran to limekiln lights and we went across onto Bucknall New Road. We climbed the hill up to Hanley and we joined the clockwise ring road. We ran around to Lichfield Street and we turned into the the stop outside the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. We then travelled back to towards Meir Square.It was First Potteries 32635 on a #11A service. We got on the bus and we booked to Meir before going upstairs. We set off up Lichfield Street and we turned right onto Birch Terrace. We followed the road around onto Charles Street and we turned right onto Old Hall Street. We crossed over the ring road onto Bucknall New Road. We ran down the hill through Limekiln lights and we turned right onto Dividy Road. We turned left onto Beverley Drive and right onto Dawlish Drive. We ran through the estate and back onto the A5272. We ran up to Adderley Green and we continued towards Park Hall. We turned right onto Defoe Drive and we ran through the estate back to park hall Road. We crossed over the A520 onto Caverswall Road and we looped around through Main Street back onto the A520. We headed South and we turned left into Brookwood Drive. We ran into the estate and when the bus stopped at Meir Square we got up and got off the bus. We then went forwards to Florence on a #6. When it turned up it was first Potteries 65040. We got on the bus and we booked to Florence before we sat down. We ran back down to the A520 and we headed through Meir and we turned right into Waterhead Road. We ran through to Upper Belgrave Road down to Florence. We got up and got of the bus. We walked across the rod to the pub and Matthew went to the toilet. He then had a glass of Coke. For tea Matthew had Burger and fries followed by chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. When we had finished we went outside to wait for the bus back to Fenton. a few minutes later it appeared and it was first Potteries 67642 on a #6 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We ran along onto Lightwood Road and into Longton. We crossed over the A50 and we ran down The Strand. After a brief stop we ran down under the railway bridge onto King Street. We ran down through Fenton and forwards onto City Road. We got up and got off the bus and we walked back to the residential unit. Matthew went back to the room and went on his computer. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Fenton / Hanley 27-09-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67648	Fenton, Victoria Place	Hanley, Lichfield Street	6A	First Potteries
41494	Hanley BS	Fenton, Victoria Place	6	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in residential and he was going to his day service. Matthew was also going to visit his uncle Dave later on. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst waiting to go to the day service we saw First Potteries 67602 on a #11 to Hanley. We saw Autocabs WJ12 GNY going towards Hanley.

Autocabs WJ12 GNY in Fenton

We also saw Lucky Seven minibus DX57 LMK.

Lucky Seven DX57 LMK in Fenton

Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street. At the day centre we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

In the morning we went on the bus to Hnaley. We set off on foot onto City Road and we crossed over. On the way to the bus station we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 279 going towards Stoke.

Copeland's Tours MIB 279 in Fenton

We walked around the corner onto Victoria Road and we waited at the bus stop for a bus to Hanley. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67648 on a #6A to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down. We set off down Victoria Road and we crossed over the A52 at Joiners Square. We ran up Lichfield Street and we crossed over the ring road. We then got up and got off the bus at the stop outside the bus station. Once off the bus we set off up Lichfield Street and across onto Tontine Street. We turned right onto Parliament Row and we walked across Old Hall Street onto Charles Street. We went to Iceland to do some shopping. Matthew went shopping brought a toffee cheesecake. We walked onto Birch Terrace and onto Lichfield Street and back to the bus station. We waited at the stop outside the bus station for a bus back to Fenton. A few minutes later First Potteries 41494 made an appearance on the #6 to Weston Coyney. We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off up Lichfield Street and we turned right into Birch Terrace. We followed the road around to the left onto Charles Street. At the top we turned right onto Old Hall Street before turning right onto the ring road. We turned left onto Lichfield Street and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed the roundabout onto Victoria Road and we ran up the hill into Fenton. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. One off the bus we set off on foot onto City Road and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned right onto Temple Street and back to the day centre. For dinner Matthew had a ham sandwich followed by a Bakewell Tart. in the afternoon Matthew watched a DVD. When it was time to go back to the residential unit we set off on foot onto Christchurch Street. We turned right onto Temple Street and back to the back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out and use his computer. We also watched buses out of the window. We saw Meadows minibus DX65 DMZ going towards Stoke.

Meadows DX65 DMZ in Fenton

Later on Matthew went to uncle Daves in a car. We set off along Temple Street and left onto Smithpool Road. We turn right onto Wheildon Road and we stopped at uncle Dave's house. For tea Matthew had chicken potatoes and carrots. later on he had a drink of Tango orange and a few custard creams. Matthew chill out in uncle Dave's house using his computer and watching television. A couple of hours later staff came to escort Matthew back in a car. We ran up Wheildon Road and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went back to the room and went on his computer. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Gawsworth / Hanley 26-09-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
RUI 2486	Fenton	Gawsworth	Charter	Stanton's of Stoke
RUI 2486	Gawsworth	Fenton	Charter	Stanton's of Stoke
YJ53 WPD	Fenton	Hanley	Charter	Z Carz
YJ53 WPD	Hanley	Fenton	Charter	Z Carz

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. Matthew got up and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst waiting for time to got to the day centre Matthew spent time in his room watching buses. We saw First Potteries 67604 on a #11 to Newcastle. Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. A few minutes later we saw Stanton's of Stoke KS05 BUS going towards Stoke. We walked onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street. We saw First Potteries 67155 on a #23 to Hanley. At the day centre we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

In the morning Matthew we to Gawsworth on Stanton's of Stoke RUI 2486. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned left onto City Road. We ran down the hill under the railway and we joined the Northbound A500. We ran Northwards up the A500 as far as Talke and then we got onto the Northbound A34. By the Caudwell Tavern we followed the road to the right and through Red Bull and Scholar Green up to Congleton. We continued to the West of the town up the A34 and out of the other side. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A536 and we continued North for around 4 miles to Gawsworth. We went past the village to the Southern edge of Macclesfield and we stopped at the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. For dinner Matthew had beefburger and fried followed by a chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. Once we had finished we returned to Fenton. We set off down the A536 down to the edge of Congleton Road and we ran South into Congleton. We ran through the town centre and out of the other side onto the A527. We ran down through Biddulph and down through Brown Lees and Brindley Ford. Wecontinued through Chell and Pits Hill and North of Tunstall and we ran down to the A500. We ran Southwards to Stoke where we came off the A500 onto City Road. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out on his computer. We akso watched buses out of the window. We saw minibus BN64 KNG going towards Stoke.

BN64 KNG in Fenton

We also saw D&G Bus 112 on a #1 to Meir.

D&G 112 in Fenton

Matthew was going out for tea. We went out and it was Z Carz Iveco minibus YJ53 WPD. We got on the bus and sat down. The bus set off onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street. We crossed over City Road onto Manor Street. At the end we turned left onto Victoria Road and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed over the roundabout onto Lichfield Street. We joined the clockwise ring road and we ran around to Etruria Road. We stopped at the pub on the corner and Matthew went to the toilet. Matthew had a burger and fries followed by by a lemon meringue pie. When we had finished we returned to Fenton. We set off onto Etruria Road and we joined the Westbound A53. We ran to Etruria and we got on the Southbound A500. We ran down to Stoke and we came off the A500 onto City Road. We ran up the hill into Fenton and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. When Matthew got back he went up to his room. He used his computer and watched music videos on the Television. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Hanley Park / Basford 25-09-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
HN16 XNU	Fenton	Hanley Park	Charter	ABC Supreme
HN16 XNU	Hanley Park	Fenton	Charter	ABC Supreme

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. Across the road we saw First Potteries 42552 on a #23 to Hanley. Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street we saw ABC Supreme VU63 LGL. At the day centre we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX In the morning Matthew went down Fenton to go swimming. Today Matthew went in a Lucky Seven taxi. We set off onto Christchurch Street. we turned right into Masterson Street onto Ashworth Street we turned right into Napier Street we turned left into City Road We continued down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and we turned right into the private road and we walked down to the baths. We saw Copeland's Tours MIB 116.

Copeland's Tours MIB 116 in Fenton

Matthew went swimmimg and when we came out we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 118.

Copeland's Tours MIB 118 in Fenton

We got a Lucky Seven taxi back to the day cente. We went back up the private road and then left City Road. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and then left onto Temple Street. At the end of Temple Street we turned right onto Christchurch Street We stopped at the Co-operative Food store and we picked up some oatcakes. We then walked round the corner back to the day centre, For dinner Matthew had a ham sandwich followed by a cupcake. In the afternoon we were going to the Hanley Park on ABC Supreme HN16 XNU. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned left onto City Road. We ran down to the A52 and we turned right. We continued along the A52 and we veered left onto Boughey Road. At the end we turned right onto the Avenue. We stopped and Matthew and a few of his peers went into Hanley Park to use the play equipment. When they had finished they returned onto The Avenue to get on ABC Supreme HN16 XNU to return to Fenton. We travelled West and we turned left onto College Road. We ran down to Station Road and we turned left. At the end we ran onto the A52. We turned left onto City Road and we ran up the hill. We turned right into Smithpool Road and then left into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room and chill out on his computer whilst he waited for us to come and pick him up. Whilst he waited we saw First Potteries 65706 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 65706 in Fenton

We also saw First Potteries 67158 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67158 in Fenton

A few minutes later we turned up and we did some stuff on the phone before we set off down to the car. We ran onto Chrsitchurch Street and up Baker Street and we turned left onto City Road. We ran down the hill under the railway line and over the A500 into Stoke town centre. Weran around the one-way system and we ran up Hartshill Road through Hartshill. We continued along the A52 to the edge of town and we turned right into Albert Street. At the traffic light we turned right onto A53 and we stopped at the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and then we found mum who had saved us a table. I ordered the food and Matthew had a glass of Coka whilst we waited. The food arrived and Matthew had a burger and fries. He also helped us eating the some of the meat and sausage on our mixed grills. Whilst we ate we saw Paul's of Stoke M41 KCU going towards Newcastle. For dessert Matthew had Chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. Matthew went to the toilet again and then we left the pub and went to the car. We turned right onto the A53 and we went around the one-way system into Newcastle. We went past the bus station and then we went South down the A34. We ran through Trent Vale to hanford and then we got onto the Northbound A500. We ran up to Sideway and then we went right onto the A50. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and we ran through the lights onto Heron Street. We continued onto Station Bridge Road and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Masterson Street and right onto Watkin Street. We continued onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. As we went back inside we saw Harry Shaw RJI 6155 going towards Longton. We went upstairs an back into Matthew''s room and we wrote some more of the Blog. We said goodbye to Matthew around 19:30 and Matthew chilled out in his room. Later on Matthew had a slice of New York Cheesecake. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to the 'Potteries Connection' running day / First Adderley Green open day 24-09-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
FD02 SFK	Gladstone pottery Museum	Burnley BS	Special	Andrews
67158	Adderley Green, adj First bus depot	Gladstone pottery Museum	Special	First Potteries
GFN 273	Gladstone pottery Museum	Foxfield Railway	Special	East Kent
917	Foxfield Railway	Gladstone pottery Museum	Special	PMT
2599	Gladstone pottery Museum	Trentham Gardens	Special	Ulsterbus
2599	Trentham Gardens	Gladstone pottery Museum	Special	Ulsterbus

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was also going out to the Potteries Connection running day. It was Holly's birthday too. I just discovered this post about the running day. I went to this event myself with a group of enthusiasts from the Bristol area but I opted to catch a bus to Hanley from outside the depot and then catch First Potteries Service 3 to Crewe (although I got off in Haslington and had a stop off there). Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Matthew chilled out in his room on his computer and waited for me to come and pick him u after work. I got to the residential unit just after 11:00 and we picked up some batteries and his bus pass and we went down to the car. Uncle Dave had time his run to meet us perfectly and just turned the corner as we got back to the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto baker Street and left again onto Glebedale Road. At the end we turned right onto City Road and we ran through Fenton onto King Street. We ran under the railway bridge into Longton and forwards onto Market Street and onto the one-way system. We followed the road around onto Commerce Street and we parked up in the car park. We walked around the corner onto Millbank Street and we turned left onto Normacot Road. We turned left onto Chadwick Street and we saw the buses parked on the car park of the Gladstone Pottery Museum. As there were more buses than usual the were also buses & coaches parked up by the Plumb Centre. We walked onto the site and we found the program seller by PMT 466 and we brought a program at £3. There was no local fleet book for sale this time. We then walked around taking pictures. We saw required Robin Hood Duple Laser coach RIB 8289 at the event for the first time in recent history.

Robin Hood RIB 8289 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

We also saw required West Midlands Travel Leyland Lynx 1266.

West Midlands Travel 1266 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

We looked at the program to see what required buses we could catch next. We decided that as we wanted to go to Adderley Green the next required bus was due to be Andrews FD02 SFK in around 20 minutes. We continued looking around the site and then we stood next to the stop to wait for the bus. As we waited we saw dud PMT Dennis Dart 917 returning after working a service.

PMT 917 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

We stood at the entrance and we took a few more pictures. We saw required Bassetts Leyland Leopard JRE 354V on a returning form a run to Hanley.

Bassetts JRE 354V in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

As we waited for the bus a closer look at the program revealed the bus was booked to do a service to Hanley at 12:20 and as well as a Adderley Green shuttle at 12:25! Luckily for us it worked the 12:25 to Adderley Green. We got on the bus and we sat down in the middle and the bus filled up quickly. We set off out of the car par and onto Chadwick Street and onto Normacot Road. We crossed over the roundabout onto The Strand and we ran down the one-way system onto to market Street. We turned left onto Anchor Road and we ran up the hill and and down the other side to Adderley Green. At the roundabout we turned left onto the A5272 and we stopped at the bus stop outside the bus garage. Matthew took a picture of Andrews FD02 SFK before it returned to Longton.

Andrews FD02 SFK at First Adderley Green open day

Once we let the bus go we walked into the depot and took lots of pictures. Just inside the yard we saw First Potteries 65005

First Potteries 65005 at First Adderley Green open day

At the depot were First Worcester Streetdeck 35158 as well as demonstrator bus SK17 HHC. We also saw First Potteries 53124 & 53207 in the corner of the depot seemingly withdrawn from service. The driver for £5 double deckers were First Potteries 32632 / 32649. First Potteries 67649 was giving rides through the bus wash. Inside the shed we saw First Potteries 67154 running through diagnostic with all the light flashing on and off. In the main shed 65036 / 66962 / 67641 were all being lifted. We walked around to the other side of the depot and we tried to buy one of the moquette cushions but they had all sold out! Matthew used the toilet and then we went to a food van and Matthew had a cheeseburger washed down with a bottle of Coke. After sitting down and eating the food we went back to the trim shop to try and get a cushion but they weren't able make any others up by then. We had a quick look around the depot and then we returned to the main road to wait for a bus back to the Gladstone Pottery Museum. A quick check of the program revealed that the next bus was going to be a First Potteries one. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching and it was required First Potteries 67158.

First Potteries 67158 at First Adderley Green open day

We got on the bus and we sat down towards the back of the bus. A quick look at the page revealed that this was Matthew last E200 MMC from this batch. We set off along the A5272 to the next roundabout and then we did a u-turn. We ran back past the depot and at the roundabout we turned right onto Anchor Road. We ran up the hill and down the road into Longton and we joined the one-way system. We ran onto market Street and we followed the road around onto Commerce Street. At the roundabout we turned left onto Normacot Road and left into Chadwick Street. We turned right into the car park and we ran up to near the top end where we got off the bus. We had already checked the next bus out of the site and it was required East Kent single decker GFN 273 on the 13:30 to Foxfield.

East Kent GFN 273 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

We got on the bus and we sat down towards the back of the bus before the bus set off out off the site onto Chadwick Street. We got onto the roundabout and we headed onto the Eastbound A50. The bus was quite elderly and seem very slow to accelerate. We did manage to get onto the A50 without having to stop on the slip road and we slowly ran up the hill towards Meir. By the time we got to the tunnel we were close to doing the 40mph speed limit. We continued beyond the Copeland's Tours depot and we came off the A50 onto the A521. We ran to Blythe Bridge and we crossed over the railway line before turning left onto Caverswall Road. We ran up the hill for around 1/3 of a mile and we turned right into Foxfield Railway. Once we got off the bus we had a walk around. We took photographs of the the steam traction engines and steam rollers and then Matthew went to the toilet. We went onto the Platform and we saw Bellerophon and CEGB 15 shunting carriages around. Bellerophon took the empty North Staffs Railway carriage out of the platform and CEGB 15 shunted the mk1 carriages back into the platform. We then went into the tearoom and Matthew had a can of Coke as well as a slice of Victoria Sponge. We shared a bowl of chips between us. Once we had finished eating we rushed outside to see the next bus back to Gladstone. In the program it should have been required Warring Borough Transport 71, but this had been a no show due to last minute technical issues. The replacement bus was dud PMT Dennis Dart 917.

PMT 917 at Foxfield Railway

We got on the bus and we sat down towards the back. We set off out of the railway and right onto Caverswall Road. We ran down the hill to the A521 and we turned right, going over the Stoke to Derby railway line. We ran Westwards to the Meir Park and then we got onto the Westbound A50. We ran past the copeland's Tours depot at with 917 used to be based when it was with them, carrying the registration MIB 797 which Matthew had in February 2012. We continued through the tunnel and through Longton as far as Heron Cross. We did a u-turn at the roundabout and we went back Eastwards up the A50 and onto the high level road. We ran around the Trentham Road interchange roundabout and onto Normacot Road. We turned left onto Chadwick Street and right into the car park where we got up and got off the bus. The next few buses departing the site would be the last few services, apart from the ones running back towards Kidsgrove and Uttoxeter. The only required bus was Ulsterbus 2599 which was booked to do the 15:10 to Trentham Gardens. When PMT 917 pulled onto the stop to work a service to Trentham Gardens we thought we were going to get bowled out! We let the bus go and a few minutes later required Ulsterbus 2599 pulled on stand to work to Trentham Gardens.

Ulsterbus 2599 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

We got on the bus and we sat down towards the back. A few minutes later we set off onto Chadwick Street and we ran down over the A50 onto the A5035. We ran through dresden into Blurton and close to the house before crossing over the railway line into Trentham. We continued to the end of the A5035 and we crossed over the A34 into Trentham Gardens. At the first roundabout We turned left and we ran to the end past the car parks and around to the coach pick up point where we stopped. We got off the bus and we saw Abacus coaches AM52 MXW. We then took another picture of Ulsterbus 2599.

Ulsterbus 2599 at Trentham Gardens

As we had a few minutes we walked up to the toilet and Matthew used the facilities. We then returned to Ulsterbus 2599 for the journey back to Longton. A few minutes later we set off out of the gardens and across the A34 onto the A5035. We ran over the railway line into Blurton and we continued into Dresden and Longton. After crossing over the the A50 we ran around the roundabout a full lap just for entertainment and then forwards onto Normacot Road. We turned left onto Chadwick Street and right into the car park. We got up and got off the bus and we had one last look around the site. We asked the controller what was working the Uttoxeter servie as if it had been a required bus we could have done it to Meir Broadway and back to Longton on the service bus. It was going to be PMT 604 which we have been on many time so we decided not to do it. Matthew took another picture of PMT 604 as it left the site for the day.

PMT 604 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

We walked back to the car and we drove onto the one-way system and onto The Strand. We ran under the railway bridge onto King Street and we ran through Fenton. We went forwards onto City Road and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room and we dropped off his batteries an bus pass before we said goodbye. For tea Matthew had Chicken and potatoes and gravy followed by a Bakwwell Tart. Matthew went back to his room ans started to do his Blog and put pictures on. Latr on he went to visit Holly. We set off onto Christchurch Street and we turned right onto Station Bridge Road. We continued onto Heron Street and through the traffic lights onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton along Blurton Road and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and to the house. Matthew had cake and party food. when we we were finished Matthew returned to the residential unit. We set off through Blurton onto Beaconsfield Drive and left 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 back to the residential unit. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.