Trip to Fenton / Newcastle 29-11-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Etruria Park	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Etruria Park	Newcastle	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Newcastle	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going to visit uncle Dave later on. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw First Potteries 63096 on a #23 to Hanley.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street and to the day centre. In the morning Matthew went out on the bus. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we went up City Road we saw First Potteries 67637 on a #11 to Newcastle. At the roundabout we turned left and walked past KFC and into JTF. Matthew went upstairs to the cafe and had toast and a drink of Coke. When we had finished we walked back to the day centre. We set off past KFC and onto City Road. We saw D&G 34 on a #1A to Park Site.

D&G 34 in Fenton

We also saw First Potteries 63174 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63174 in Fenton

We turned left into Glebedale Road and back to the day centre. For dinner Matthew had a ham sandwich followed by cake. In the afternoon Matthew went to Newcastle on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto City Road and we ran down the hill onto the A52. We went under the railway line and we went around the one-way system in Stoke. We went right around to Glebe Street and we went under the railway line and onto the A52 again. We went to Joiners Square and we turned left onto Lichfield Street. We ran around the ring road to Clough Street and we ran to the end and we stopped at Etruria Park. After a quick stop at the park we continued to Newcastle. We ran back up to the ring road and we went around to Broad Street. We ran back down to Snow Hill and we joined Shelton New Road. We ran up to Hartshill and we joined the A52 at the edge of Newcastle. We ran around the one-way system and forwards onto Ironmarket. We parked up and we walked up Ironmarket to the pub for a drink. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. Once we had finished we returned to Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX for the journey back to Fenton. We set off onto Jubilee Roundabout and we ran over onto the one-way system. We joined the A52 and we ran through Hartshill and down the hill into Stoke. We went around the One way-system around Stoke and onto Glebe Street. We followed the road around onto Church Street and we crossed over the A500. We went under the railway line and we ran up City Road into Fenton. We turned right into Smithpool Road and left into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out and use his computer whilst he waited to go out to uncle Dave's. We saw white minibus G14 SBX going towards Longton.

G14 in Fenton

We also saw D&G Bus 114 on the #1A to Park Site.

D&G 114 in Fenton

Later on we saw Free Spirits MV05 YMM going towards Hanley.

Free Spirits MV05 YMM in Fenton

Later on Matthew went to uncle Daves for tea. We set off onto foot onto Temple Street and at the end we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We crossed over the railway line and walked across the spare ground onto Willowdale Avenue. We walked onto Wheildon Road and we went to uncle Dave's house. For tea Matthew had chicken potatoes and carrots. later on he had a drink of Tango orange and a few digestive biscuits. Matthew chill out in uncle Dave's house using his computer and watching television. Uncle Dave also did his DJ set. A couple of hours later staff came to escort Matthew back home. We set off onto Whieldon Road and we turned onto Willowdale Avenue. We crossed the spare ground 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 Glasgow / Congleton 28-11-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Glasgow	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Glasgow	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
BG07 XCN	Fenton	Congleton	Charter	Roseville
BG07 XCN	Congleton	Fenton	Charter	Roseville

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. What a load of tosh. He was also going out for tea. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw First Potteries 67154 on a #23 to Hanley. Around 09:00 we did Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX to Northwood.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto City Road under the railway line and onto the A52. In Stoke we saw First Potteries 67632 on a #25 to Hanley. We joined the Northbound A500 We joined the Northbound M6. We ran north beyond Carlisle and we ran forwards onto the A74(M). We ran North for another 100 miles or so into Glasgow and we stopped for dinner. We stopped at the butterfly and the pig and Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. For dinner Matthew had fish and chips followed by a butterfly cake. Whilst we ate we saw First Glasgow 33350. Afterwards we returned to Fenton on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We got onto the M8 and we ran Southwards and onto the M74. We ran Southwards for around 100 miles before getting onto the Southbound M6. We then joined the Southbound M6. Going down the M6 we saw an unidentified Bell Vue coach and unidentified red white Routemaster. We joined the Southbound A500 onto City Road and we saw First Potteries 37158 on a #25 to Keele. We continued up City Road under the railway line up to Smithpool Road and we turned right. We turned left onto Temple Street and we went back to the residential unit. Matthew went back up to his room to use his computer and watch buses. We saw white minibus LX03 MKM.

LX03 MKM in Fenton

Later on Matthew went to out to Congleton for tea. We went outside an we saw it was Roseville BG07 XCN. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We crossed over City Road onto Manor Street and we ran up to the end. We turned left onto Victoria Road and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We turned left at the roundabout onto the A52 and we ran down towards the railway station and we turned right into Station Road. At the end we turned left onto Stoke Road and we joined the Northbound A500. We ran a few miles North and then we joined the A34 at the recently re-open Talke roundabout. We ran North to the Caudwell Tavern where we followed the A34 to the right. We continued north to the edge of Congleton and we turned right onto Padgbury Lane. A few yards up the road we stopped at the Heath Farm pub. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. For tea Matthew ate a burger and fries, followed by chocolate fudge with ice cream. When it was time to go we climbed back aboard Roseville BG07 XCN. We set off North up Padgbury Lane and we went East on the A534 into town. We joined the A34 and we turned right onto the A54, past the bus station and forwards onto the A527. We then ran back past Congleton railway station and into Biddulph. We continued South thrrough Knypersley and into Brown Lees. We continued South through Brindley Ford, and Fegg Hayes. We ran up the hill into Chell and down the other side into Pits Hill. We ran past the north end of Tunstall and we ran down the hill onto the Southbound A500. We ran south through Longport and Etruria and we came off the A500 in Stoke. We turned left onto the A52 and we ran under the railway line. We continued onto City Road and we ran up the hill into Fenton. We turned right into Smithpool Road and we turned left into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Back at the unit Matthew went upstairs and we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

Matthew went to his room and chilled out. 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 Fenton / Longton 27-11-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
63172	Fenton, Victoria Place	Longton, Market Street	11	First Potteries
63097	Longton, stop C	Fenton, Victoria Place	6	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in Blurton and he was going to his day service. Later on he was returning to the residential unit. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. we set off through Blurton along Beaconsfield Drive we saw Stanton's of Stoke minibus RUI 2486. We also saw Copeland's Tours MIB 797. We turned left onto Church Road and left again onto Blurton Road we turned right onto Longton Hall Road and we headed up the hill onto the A50. We along the top level and we turned right onto Baths Road. Baths Road A50 We went past Tesco and we joined the Westbound A50. Near to the roundabout at Sideway. We went North up the A500 to Shelton. We went along Shelton New Road We turned left onto Etruscan Street and we stopped at the food van for breakfast. Matthew had a sausage and cheese sandwich and a bacon and cheese sandwich followed by a can of Coke. Once we had finished eating we went back down Etruscan Road onto Shelton New Road we saw Lucky Seven RX60 CVO. We joined the Southbound A500 and we ran down to Stoke. We came off the A500 we were overtaken Reeseheath College coach YN15 EKW onto City Road and we saw First Potteries 67632 on a #11 to Hanley. We continued up City Road under the railway line up to Smithpool Road and we turned right. We turned left onto Temple Street and we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

We returned to the residential unit. Matthew dropped of his things and then said goodbye to mum. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. Around 10:00 we did Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We got on the bus and sat down. We ran onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street. We continued to the day centre. Matthew walked to Aldi to do his weekly shopping. The walked along Christchurch Street and across City Road and onto Manor Street. At the end of Manor Street We set off of foot onto Glebedale Road and we turned left onto City Road. After crossing over the road we turned right into Manor Street. At the end we turned left onto Victoria Road. Part way down Victoria Road we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 236. We turned left off Victoria Road and towards the supermarket. In Aldi Matthew picked up his weekly shop. On the way back up Victoria Road we saw First Potteries 63173 on a #6A to Hanley. We turned right onto Manor Street and walked to the end. Having crossed over City Road and we crossed over before turning 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 beans on toast followed by a cupcake. In the afternoon Matthew watched a DVD. We then returned to the residential unit on foot. We set off onto Christchurch Street and we turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs an chilled out in his room. We saw D&G Bus 112 on a #1 to Meir.

D&G 112 in Fenton

We also saw First Potteries 63176 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63176 in Fenton

Later on we went out on the bus. We set off on foot to the bus stop. We walked onto Temple Street and and we crossed over Christchurch Street where we saw Z Carz PO55 URU. We went through the alleyway onto the car park and we crossed over City Road. We walked up to the bus stop near to Philpott's and we waited for a bus towards Longton. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 63172 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63172 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Longton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off up City Road and forwards onto King Street. We ran through Foley and under the railway line into Longton town centre. The bus stopped on Market Street and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked through the Bennett Precinct and onto the Strand we then walked through to Matalan to buy some clothing. Once we had finished shopping we walked down to Tesco Extra. In Tesco Matthew brought some more clothing. Once we had finished in Tesco we walked around the corner onto The Strand and on Market Street. We visited the Halifax bank and then we walked back onto The Strand to wait for a bus back to Fenton. We saw First Potteries 63178 on a 6A to Hanley.

First Potteries 63178 in Longton

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 63099 on a #12A to Hanley.

First Potteries 63099 in Longton

A short while later we saw First Potteries 63097 on a #6 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63097 in Longton

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down The Strand and we ran under the railway line onto King Street. We ran through Foley into Fenton and forwards onto City Road. We turned right into Victoria Road and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked back to the residential unit. We set of around the corner onto City Road and we crossed over. We turned left into Christchurch Street and right into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. For tea Matthew pasta and sauce followed by cake. Later on Matthew returned to his room to use his computer and watch television. He chilled out in his room listening to music. 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 Redditch / Alexandra Hospital 25-11-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
30944	Bromsgrove BS	Redditch BS	43	Rotala Diamond
30164	Redditch BS	Winyates, opp Winyates Centre	57	Rotala Diamond
32218	Winyates, adj Winyates Centre	Redditch BS	58	Rotala Diamond
32122	Redditch BS	Alexandra Hospital	247	Rotala Diamond
YT13 HKZ	Alexandra Hospital	Redditch BS	150	Johnsons Coach and Bus Travel
32308	Redditch BS	Greenlands, opp Post Office	57	Rotala Diamond
30006	Greenlands, adj Post Office	Redditch BS	58	Rotala Diamond

Today we decided to re-visit Bromsgrove. We had checked the weather for today and it was for winter shower in the North West and North Midlands and clearer sunnier weather further South. We gave Matthew a list of destinations and from the Midlands and from the list he chose Bromsgrove. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:45 onto the A5035 and we ran Westwards to Trentham and we joined the Northbound A34. We turned left onto Whitmore road and we ran up the hill to Hanchurch and the A519. We turned right onto the A519 and at the roundabout we joined the Southbound M6 motorway. Traffic slowed a little for a short distance as we passed a problem on the Northbound M6. Once we had passed the problem we continued down at road speed to junction 10A. As we travleled South we saw Lugg Valley YN11 FUU, Eastville coaches FJ08 FZB, national Holidays BX64 JZV & Parrot Motors BX05 UVL. We slowed down at little as we entered the West Midlands and at junction 8 we joined the Southbound M5. We had a slight delay as 2 lanes went down to one in the roadworks and then went through a 30mph section on the elevated part of the motorway South of junction 1. As we travelled South we saw Boultons BU07 KFZ & white minibuses MM66 LWA and YN61 CKU. we came off the M5 at junction 4 onto the A38 and we saw First Worcester 33403 waiting to follow us Southwards on a #144 to Worcester. We travelled South down the A38 for a few miles an on the edge of town we turned right onto Birmingham Road, At the traffic light s where we waited to join the Southbound A448 we saw Bromsgrove Coaches Y799 UDT & W393 DAK go across us onto Stourbridge Road. Once we had go into town we parked up at Asda and we walked across to the bus station. As we crossed the road we saw new to the area First Worcester 69449 on a #144 to Birmingham. We headed to the toilet and mum and uncle Dave went to order the food form the Market Plaice. Matthew took a picture of former Hansonbus Enviro E20D 2640 which is now in the Rotala Diamond fleet. It was dud Rotala Diamond 31101 on the #318 to railway station.

Rotala Diamond 31101 in Bromsgrove bus station

We also saw Rotala Diamond 30002 on the #202 to Halesowen.

Rotala Diamond 30002 in Bromsgrove bus station

We continued onto the Market Plaice and we sat outside on the covered area. We weren't able to get a table inside today so we sat outside in the cold! Matthew had sausage chips and gravy with a bap washed down with a can of Coke. He also helped mum to drink her Cherry Coke, Whilst we ate we saw First Worcester 66698 on a #144A to Catshill, Clearway MX06 AEB on the #93 Charford circular and dud Eurobus YX62 AXM on the #97 Sidemoor circular. Once we had finished eating we walked out onto the bus station and we saw required First Worcester 67663 on a #144 to Birmingham. We decided to turned that down and wait for another bus. A few minutes later we saw required Rotala Diamond 30944 on a #43 to Redditch.

Rotala Diamond 30944 in Bromsgrove bus station

We decided to do this bus as we had been to Redditch for a while. We got on the bus and we booked Worcestershire Connecta day tickets at £7.50 each. We sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and we went Southwards onto the A448. We went forwards onto Worcester Road and we saw an unidentified Barnes coach and Turners (silver / blue) coach in Bromsgrove School. We also passed Aston Coaches YN16 WVT. We turned left into the Charford estate and we ran past the Golden Lion pub. We went around the estate and we crossed the A38 and we turned left into Warrick Avenue and we went around the estate coming out near to Bromsgrove Railway station. We ran to the station before returning back onto the B4184. We crossed over the railway line and we went past Bromsgrove Rugby Club as we headed towards Finstall. We ran along the B4148 through Tardebrigge to Hewell Grange were we joined the B4096. We continued South for a couple of miles and we crossed over the A448. We ran along Birchfield Road into Webheath and we turned left under the A448 onto Bromsgrove Road. Another mile or so and we came into Redditch. We saw the railway station and we went straight ahead and into the bus station under the Kingerfisher Shopping centre. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Rotala Diamond 30944.

Inside Rotala Diamond 30944

Once off the bus we had a quick look around to see what we could catch. We saw required Stagecoach Midlands 36940 leaving the bus station on a X19 service to Stratford.

Stagecoach Midlands 36940 in Redditch bus station

We also saw crew minibus Johnsons BJ13 LYK parked up at the top end of the bus station.

Johnsons BJ13 LYK in Redditch bus station

On the other side of the bus station we saw Rotala Diamond 30165 on a #146 to Birmingham.

Rotala Diamond 30165 in Redditch bus station

Back on the other side of the bus station we saw Rotala Diamond 30006 on layover in between trip on the #58 Matchborough circular service.

Rotala Diamond 30006 in Redditch bus station

Rotala Diamond 30006 is still carrying the red Wessex version of the Rotala Diamond livery. We decided to catch a bus n a driection that we were familiar with so when we spotted required Rotala Diamond 30164 on a #57 Matchborough circular service, we decided to do it.

Rotala Diamond 30164 in Redditch bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed our Worcestershire Connecta day tickets to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto Station Way. We went down the hill and around the corner onto Ipsley Street. At the roundabout we went straight across onto Holloway Lane and under the A441. Holloway Lane became Studley Road and we crossed under Warwick Highway. We went forward over a 'Buses Only' section of road and into the Woodrow estate. To an outside it seems like a very unusual place. It seems to be a series of housing estates that link directly onto fast roads. Only buses can travel between the estates and motorist have to travel in and around town along the raised fast main roads. We passed nearby an industrial estate and then we turned left at the next roundabout onto Washford Drive. At the next roundabout we followed Washford Drive along the right hand turn off the roundabout and then we crossed the river Arrow we turned left onto the B4497 and as we turned right onto Matchborough Way. We passed the Sticky Wicket pub and we continued North under the A4189 onto Wynyates Way. We ran to by the Wynyates Centre where it looked familiar so we decided to get up and get off the bus. Once we got off the bus we crossed over the road and we got another picture of Rotala Diamond 30164 before it returned to Redditch.

Rotala Diamond 30164 in Winyates

We walked over to the One Stop shop and Matthew had a can of Coke as well as a couple of chocolate bars and a packet digestive biscuits. We walked back to the stop and we decided to go back towards town on a #58 service. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching and it was required Rotala Diamond 32218 on a #58 Matchborough circular service.

Rotala Diamond 32218 in Winyates

We got on the bus and we flashed the Worcestershire Connecta day tickets to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Wynyates Way and under the A4189 and onto Matchborough Way and towards Washford. We went up to Studley Road past the park Farm industrial estate and into Woodrow. We crossed back into the Lakeside area of town before going under the A441. We then ran into town along Ipsley Street and Station Way. We went into the bus station and before we got off the bus Matthew took a picture inside Rotala Diamond 32218.

Inside Rotala Diamond 32218

Matthew decided to go to the toilet so we walked into The Hub. After Matthew had used the facilities we went back down into the bus station. We spotted required Rotala Diamond 32122 on #247 to Evesham.

Rotala Diamond 32122 in Redditch bus station

Even though we weren't sure where we could do this bus and get back, Matthew decided he wanted to do it anyway. We got on the bus and we flashed the Worcestershire Connecta ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Station Way. I checked the #247 timetable a saw there wasn't a bus back for 2 hours! We could however do the bus up to the Alexandra Hospital and still get back on one of a number of other services. We went down the hill onto Mount Pleasant Road and under the A448. We continued onto Evesham Road into Headless Cross and we ran down to a large roundabout. We turned left onto the A441 and we ran forwards onto Rough Hill Drive. At the next roundabout we went right onto Woodrow Drive and we went Eastwards to the hospital. We entered the hospital grounds along Quinney's Lane and after going around a turning circle we stopped at the bus stop where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Rotala Diamond 32122 as it carried on towards Evesham.

Rotala Diamond 32122 in Alexandra Hospital

There was a real time bus departure board at the hospital, and we saw there was a Johnsons #150 service to Redditch due soon. In the 10 minutes or so that we waited we turned down required Rotala Diamond Dart 30701 on a #48 to Redditch and required Rotala Diamond 30008 on a #67 to Redditch.

Rotala Diamond 30008 in Alexandra Hospital

A few minutes later the Johnsons bus turned up and it was required Johnsons YT13 HKZ on the #150 to Redditch.

Johnsons YT13 HKZ in Alexandra Hospital

We got on the bus and we flashed the Worcestershire Connecta day tickets to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the hospital along Quinney's Lane and we turned right onto Woodrow Drive. At the roundabout we turned left onto Studley Road. We continued up Studley Road past the park Farm industrial estate and into Woodrow. We crossed back into the Lakeside area of town before going under the A441. We then ran into town along Ipsley Street and Station Way. We went into the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Johnsons YT13 HKZ before it returned North on the #150 to Birmingham.

Johnsons YT13 HKZ in Redditch bus station

We had just missed a bus back to Bromsgrove so we decided to do another quick out and back. We walked down to the bottom of the bus station and we saw required Rotala Diamond 32308 on a #57 Matchborough circular.

Rotala Diamond 32308 in Redditch bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed our Worcestershire Connecta day tickets to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto Station Way. We went down the hill and around the corner onto Ipsley Street. At the roundabout we went straight across onto Holloway Lane and under the A441. Holloway Lane became Studley Road and we crossed under Warwick Highway. We got up and got off the bus near to the Mayfly pub in Greenlands. Matthew took another picture of Rotala Diamond 32308 as it carried on around the route towards Matchborough.

Rotala Diamond 32308 in Greenlands

We crossed the road and waited at the stop opposite for the bus back to Reddictch. Whilst we waited Matthew had a can of Vimto. Just as Matthew finished drinking the can we saw the bus approaching and it was required Rotala Diamond 30006.

Rotala Diamond 30006 in Greenlands

We got on the bus and we flashed the Worcestershire Connecta day tickets to the driver for what turned out to be the final time today before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off Studley Road and under the A4189. We crossed back into the Lakeside area of town before going under the A441. We then ran into town along Ipsley Street and Station Way. We went into the bus station. When we got back Matthew insisted on going into the toilet even though we only had 4 minutes for the bus back to Bromsgrove. Matthew went to the toilet missing seeing Stagecoach Midlands 19398 on the X19 to Stratford. After we had missed the bus Matthew decided to come out of the toilet. On layover was required Rotala Diamond 30528 in between runs on the #47 service.

Rotala Diamond 30528 in Redditch bus station

A short while later we saw Johnsons YN63 BYP on a #150 to Birmingham.

Johnsons YN63 BYP in Redditch bus station

We walked down to the railway station to wait for mum to drive up from Bromsgrove. Around 20 minutes latr mum arrived and we got in the car. Matthew had a Greggs sausage roll and a bottle of Coke. We set off out of the railway station onto Unicorn Hill. we continued onto Bromsgrove Road and we joined the Westbound A448. We ran for around 3 miles to the edge of Bromsgrove and then we joined the Northbound A38. A few miles up the road we joined the Northbound M5. As we ran North up the M5 we saw an unidentified Sixty Sixty coach, grey minibus PN57 JOV & JKT International C8 JKT. We joined the Northbound M6 and we continued towards Staffordshire. On the M6 were Blackpool minibuses NJ06 JVL & Ferris YN67 CDY and an unidentified Ausden Clarke coach. We joined the Northbond A500 and we ran up to Sideway where we went eastwards onto the A50. On the A50 we saw Hollinshead tri-axle coach DH15 HOL. We came off the A50 at Longton to check out what was parked up at Z| Carz this evening. There was nothing on the spare ground, but we saw Lucky Seven minibus VX63 WYK.

Lucky Seven VX63 WYK in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row to see what was parked up in the compound. We saw Z Carz HK57 LGW.

Z Carz HK57 LGW in Longton

We returned onto the A50 and We ran Westwards and we came off at Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road we saw First Potteries 67154 on a #23 to Hanley. We ran through Blurton before turning right onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we got home around 19:00. For a late tea we had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we did some more of the Blog and out our bus pictures online. Matthew went to bed around 01:00... Mark.

Trip to Burslem / Newcastle 24-11-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67654	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. There had been an accident this morning on the A500 and it was affecting traffic all day. It was also Black Friday. 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. Matthew chilled out in his room whilst waiting to go to the day centre. We saw First Potteries 65040 on #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 65040 in Fenton

Matthew was going out. We also saw Shelton Care Group PE67 XEV. Matthew went to Burslem. Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street. We continued to the day centre. In the morning made chocolate cake. For dinner Matthew had sausage chips and gravy. In the afternoon Matthew went to Burslem. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned right onto City Road. We turned sharp left onto Victoria Road and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed over the roundabout onto Lichfield Street and we ran anti-clockwise around the ring road. We came off onto Town Road and we ran into Birches Head and onto the Northbound A5272. We ran through Sneyd Green up to Smallthorne and we turned left onto Moorland Road. In Burslem we turned right onto Wedgwood Street. In Burslem we went to the pub. Matthew had a glass of Coke and then went to the toilet. After we had finished in the pub we returned to the car to go back to Fenton. We set off along Wedgwood Street and we turned left onto Moorland Road. At Smallthorne rounsabout we went right onto the A5272 up to Sneyd Green and we ran southwards to the edge of Hanley. We ran clockwise around the ring road and we turned left onto Lichfield Street. We ran down to Joiners square and we went right onto the A52. We ran into Stoke and we turned left onto City Road. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street I arrived at around 14:30 and beat Matthew back to the residential unit. Whilst we got ready to go to Blurton we saw City Cabs PE11 RWY.

City Cabs PE11 RWY in Fenton

We got Matthew's things ready to go to Blurton for the weekend. Once we were ready we went downstairs to go back to Blurton. 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. We ran through Blurton along Blurton Road and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we saw Stanton's of Stoke KS05 BUS outside the OSSMA. We got back to the house around 15:00. When we got home Matthew had toast and a drink of orange Fanta. 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. We waited for a bus... We waited a very long time. After 40 minutes we saw First Potteries 67654 going towards Longton. 30 minutes later we saw First Potteries 41493 on another #22 to Longton.

First Potteries 41493 in Blurton

After around and hour and 15 minutes First Potteries 67654 re-appeared on a #22 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67654 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle. and as we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto the A5035 and ran over the railway line into Trentham. We turned right into New Inn Lane and and we turned right into Wilson Road. We turned left into Church Lane and we saw Hanford Manor SV09 ZYH & white minibus BU07 KGV. We joined the A34 and we saw Park's of Hamilton 290 WE on a Northbound #328 to Blackpool. We headed into Trent Vale and we turned right into Harpfields Road where we passed First Potteries 43876 on the final #22 to Longton. We turned left into the hospital and we saw ABC Supreme minibus HN16 XPS. We turned right onto the A34 and a couple of stops down the road we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we turned to see Stanton's of Stoke TSU 268 going towards Newcastle.

Stanton's of Stoke TSU 268 in Newcastle

We walked towards the crossing and we saw First Potteries 37146 on a #25 to Hanley. 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 18:15. We set off onto Victoria Street and we saw white minibus YK08 PVA. We turned left onto the A34. We ran down into Trent Vale were we saw Alfa 87 going Northwards. We also saw First Potteries 37146 on a #101 to Hanley. We parked up at the pub and Matthew had a glass of Coke. Hightlights of the buses seen at the pub include ABC Supreme minibus MV60 RCX and First Potteries 43876 on the #22 to Newcastle. Once we had finished we sey off to Hanley to drop mum off for her nigh out. We set off onto the Southbound A34 and at the roundabout we turned left onto the Northbound A500. We ran North through to Shelton and we came off onto Shelton New Road we passed Shearings 644 going the other way. As we ran up towards Hanley we passed Shearings 644 going the other way. We ran up to snow hill and into Hanley. As we joined the ring road we saw Travel de Corcey national Express liveries coach FJ13 EAW on a #325 to Manchester. We ran around the ring road as far as the Fire Station and then we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We turned right onto John Street and we turned around by the theatre. We waited there for a few minutes until mum had made arrangements to met her frineds. Whilst there we saw First Potteries 32648 & 66962 running out of service and First Potteries 67648 on a #23! We set off down John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We crossed the ring road onto Lower Bethesda Street following First Potteries 67632 on a #25 to Keele. We ran down through Shelton along Cauldon Road and we saw an unidentified Aston coach. We turned left onto Station Road and we saw an unidentified National Holidays coach. We continued along Station Road and right onto Glebe Street. We ran around the one-way system onto Church Street. We turned right onto the A500 and we went up into Fenton and we picked uncle Dave up. We ran up into Heron Cross an we turned right onto Blurton Road. We crossed over the A50 and we ran through Blurton. We turned right onto Church Road and and right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we got back around 20:00. We did some of the Blog and we wrote a couple of e-mails. Around 10:30 we went to pick mum up from her night out. We ran through Blurton along Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and left onto Blurton Road. We turned left onto the A50 and we ran down to Sideway. We went North up the A500 to Shelton and w ran into Hanley Shelton New Road. We ran up snow hill an we turned right onto the ring road. We entered Hanley along Town Road and we stopped at the Indian restaurant to pick mum and her friends up. We set off around the one-way system and onto Old Hall Street. We turned onto the ring road. We turned left onto Bottleslow Street and we turned right onto Derby Street. We turned left onto Eastwards Street and we ran over the canal. We saw former First bus 33039 parked up in a school playground. After dropping one of mum's friends off we returned to Lichfield Street along Hampton Street. We crossed over the A52 and we ran up Victoria Road. We ran along the A50 link road and we joined the Eastbound A50. We ran up to Meir Park and we turned right onto Lysander Road. We turned left onto Falcon Road and we dropped someone else off. We then ran along Lysander road and onto Whitestone Road. We turned right onto Grindey Lane and then right onto Grange Road. We crossed over the A520 onto Gravelly Bank and we ran down to Lightwood Road. We turned left onto Belgrave Road and then left again onto the A5035. We ran through Dresden to Blurton and we got home around 23:30. We finished an e-mail and then we did some more Blog and we went to be around 01:30... Mark

Trip to Fenton / Wrexham 22-11-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
CE02 LYX	Fenton	Wrexham	Charter	Z Carz
CE02 LYX	Wrexham	Fenton	Charter	Z Carz

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. we saw First Potteries 67643 on a #11 to Newcastle. Around 09:00 we did Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We got on the bus and sat down. We ran onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street. We continued to the day centre. Matthew walked to Aldi to do his weekly shopping. The walked along Christchurch Street and across City Road and onto Manor Street. At the end of Manor Street We set off of foot onto Glebedale Road and we turned left onto City Road. After crossing over the road we turned right into Manor Street. At the end we turned left onto Victoria Road. Part way down Victoria Road we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 246.

Copeland's Tours MIB 246 in Fenton

We then went out for dinner in Wrexham in a Z Carz minibus. We saw it was Z Carz CE02 LYX. We got on the bus and sat down and we set off along Victoria Road. We ran down the hill to Joiners Square. and we went straight across onto Lichfield Street. We ran anti-clockwise Waterloo Road A53 we turned right onto the Northbound A500. We ran North for a few miles, under the M6 and South of Crewe to the edge of Nantwich. We went around the North end of Nantwich on the by-pas and we went right around the other side of town before getting onto the Westbound A534. We ran West we quite a few miles. We crossed over the A49 at Ridley and then we crossed the A41 at Broxton. On the Eastern edge of town we went North up the A5156 and we ran a couple of miles up to the A483 where we turned left onto the Southbound carriageway. We ran into the town centre and we stopped at the pub. For dinner Matthew had a chicken breast burger and fries followed by chocolate fudge cake and ice cream washed down with a glass of coke. Matthew then went to the toilet. Whilst in the pub we saw Arriva NW&W 1004 on a #1 to Chester. When it was time to go home we returned on Z Carz CE02 LYX. We set off onto the A541 and we ran around the one way system before continuing out of town along Mold Road up the A483. We went North for a short while before we turned right onto the A5156. At the end of the road we turned right onto the Eastbound A534. We ran eastwards for 20 or so miles, crossing over the A41 and A49. we went around Nantwich on the A51 by-pas and we joined the Eastbound A500. We skirted the Southern edge of Crewe and crossed under the M6 before continuing the last 8 miles or so down to Stoke. We came off the A500 onto City Road and we saw First Potteries 37160 on a #25 to Keele. We continued up City Road under the railway line up to Smithpool Road and we turned right. We turned left onto Temple Street and we went back to the residential unit. Matthew went back up to his room to use his computer and watch buses. We saw First Potteries 67650 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67650 in Fenton

We also saw Jayjay's Travel PO58 XFX going towards Stoke.

Jayjay's Travel PO58 XFX in Fenton

We saw E-Zec patient transport YJ16 GHD going towards Stoke.

E-Zec patient transport YJ16 GHD in Fenton

For tea Matthew had burger and beans followed by a cheesecake. After tea Matthew went out to the pub in a car. We set off on foot onto Temple Street and turned left onto Christchurch Street. We crossed over City Road onto Manor Street and 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 then had a glass of Coke and piece of lemon meringue pie. When we had finished we returned to Fenton in the car. 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 Stone / Stoke 21-11-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Stone	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Stone	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
67158	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Stoke, adj stop P	23	First Potteries
32630	Church Street, Stoke	Fenton, Smithpool Road	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. Matthew was also going out later to the pub for a drink. 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 32648 on a #11 to Hanley. Around 09:00 we saw it was Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX to Stone.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

We got on bus and we set off Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. At the end we turned right onto Station Bridge Road. We followed the road around onto Heron Street and we went through to Heron Cross. We travelled through Blurton along Blurton Road and we went forwards onto Church Road. At the end we went right onto the A5035. We crossed the railway into Trentham and we ran down to the A34. At Trentham Gardens we turned left and we headed down the A34 to Stone. We ran South for around 5 miles past the town and then we turned right into the industrial estate and up to the unit. At Flip Out Matthew went to the toilet and then went on the trampolines. After a strenuous session Matthew returned to Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX for the journey back to Fenton. We left the industrial estate and we ran down to the A34 we saw ABC Supreme KX13 DZL. We went North for 5 miles and then we turned right onto the A5035. We ran over the railway line into Blurton and we turned left onto Church Road. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton up to Heron Cross. We went forwards onto Heron Street and and we followed the road around onto Station Bridge Road. We went onto Glebedale Road and to the day centre. For dinner Matthew had pizza and chips followed by cake. In the afternoon Matthew walked we turned We set off onto Christchurch Street and we turned right onto Masterson Street. we turned left onto Smithpool Road we saw Stanton's of Stoke SFZ 7846 on the Grove Road shuttle service. we turned left onto Crawford Street. we turned left onto Clifton Street. We turned left onto Christchurch Street After a brief stop at the day centre, When it was time to go we set off on foot onto Christchurch Street and onto Temple Street and to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out before teatime. He used his computer and watched buses out of the window. We saw D&G Bus 111 on a #1 to Meir.

D&G 111 in Fenton

We also saw new Shelton Care Group minibus PE67 XEV going towards Longton.

Shelton Care Group PE67 XEV in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw Intercity SC08 KVD going towards Stoke.

Intercity SC08 KVD in Fenton

Later on we saw First Potteries 41496 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 41496 in Fenton

We also saw Autocabs WJ12 GNY going towards Hanley.

Autocabs WJ12 GNY in Fenton

We saw First Potteries 67151 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67151 in Fenton

Later on Matthew went to Stoke on the bus. We set off on foot onto City Road and we walked down to the stop by Travers Court. The bus appear and it was First Potteries 67158 on a #23 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Stoke before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off down City Road and we ran forwards onto the A52 were we saw First Potteries 63097 on #11 to Hanley. We ran under the railway line and we went over the A500. We ran into Stoke along Church Street and we got up and got off the bus. We then walked down the road to The Wheatsheaf. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. For tea Matthew had chicken burger and fries followed by Cheescake. Highlights of the bus sightings included Roseville BP08 KJN, Premier Travel NX11 CAA & First Potteries 63174 on a #25 to Hanley. When it was time to go back to Fenton we went outside and to the bus stop. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 32630 on a #11 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before going upstairs and sitting down. We set off along Church Street and we crossed over the A500. We ran under the railway line and we went up into Fenton along City Road. When we passed Smithpool Road we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we crossed over the road and we cut through 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.