Trip to Leicester / Oadby 30-10-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4109	Leicester Haymarket BS	Oadby, adj Alexandra Court	31	Arriva Midlands
37045	Oadby, Adj Lidl	Leicester Haymarket BS	X7	Stagecoach Midlands
63364	Leicester Haymarket BS	Rushey Mead, adj Braemer Drive	4	First Leicester
2939	Rushey Mead, Adj Sainsbury's	Leicester Haymarket BS	6	Arriva Midlands
26204	Leicester Haymarket BS	Oadby, Opp Lidl	X7	Stagecoach Midlands
4202	Oadby, adj The Wheel Inn	Leicester Haymarket BS	31	Arriva Midlands

Today we decided to re-visit Leicester. We made the choice earlier in the week based on the availability of a multi-operator tickets and lower rates over Covid in recent times. We checked the weather and it was for dry and unseaonably warm weather for the time of year. What I hadn't researched was the fact the Leicester were at home to Arsenal in the 12:30 kick off! We got up around 10:30 and we had tost for breakfast. We got ready and we set off around 11:30 to pick up uncle Dave. We set off through Blurton and onto Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and into Heron Cross and over the A50. At Heron Cross lights we turned left onto Grove Road. We ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. We turned around and ran up Wheildon Road and forwards onto Grove. We turned right onto Blutron Road and at the roundabout we joined the Eastbound A50. We came off the A50 at Longton and we turned left onto Baths Road. We stopped at Tesco to fill up with diesel and we re-joined the A50. Just before we went down the slip road we saw D&G Bus 50 on a #24 to Hanley. We ran Eastwards up towards Blyth bridge and we follwed the A50 to the right. We ran past Uttoxter and towards the M1. As we travelled Eastwards we saw silver taxi minibus MD17 ???, Flixbus FX25(023),Emenence Travel BV70 UAL and Global Travel T5 XLA. A couple of miles short of the M1 the car started making a noise from the back and the handling started to changed. I quickly realised that we had a rear puncture and we found somewhere safe to pull over on the exit of the gravel quarries. Everyone got out of the car and I changed the tyre. Whilst I was changing the tyre City Cabs DG55 FLK go past. The tyre change was straight forwards so we got going again in around 20 minutes. We got back underway and we joined the Southbound M1. As we travelled Southwards we saw Skills (NX) BX16 CHG(#450). We came off the M1 and we joined the A50. We ran into town and on the edge of town we turned left onto Blackbird Way. We followed the road around onto St Margarets Way and we turned right onto Belgrave Gate. We did a u-turn and we ran up towards the bus station and into the car park. We parked up and we walked through the shopping centre to the bus station. We went tuse the toilets in the bus station but these are currently closed. So we headed back into the shopping centre and Matthew used the toilets there. After we had used the toilets we said goodbye to mum and we walked back to the bus station. Matthew took a few bus pictures whilst I get the burgers from the food place outside the bus station. We saw Arrive Midlands 2954 on a #6 to Thurmaston.

Arriva Midlands 2954 in Leicester bus station

Also seen was First Leicester 35152 on a #14A to Beaumont Leys.

First Leicester 35152 in Leicester bus station

Afterwards we saw Centebus 253 on a #22A to Birstall.

Centebus 253 in Leicester bus station

Another vehicle seen was Arriva Midlands 3107 on a #44A to South Wigston.

Arriva Midlands 3107 in Leicester bus station

Once the burger were ready we stood at the end of the bus station and ate our burgers. We walked through bus station to see what we could catch. Matthew took an interest in Arriva Midlands double decker 4109 that was about to work a #31 to Oadby. It was not due off for another few minutes so we walked down to the bottom end of the bus station to be outside in the fresh air. Whilst outside we saw Arriva Midlands 4505 on a #49 to Fleckney.

Arriva Midlands 4505 in Leicester bus station

We walked back into the bus station and the driver was getting Arriva Midlands 4109 ready for service, so Matthew took a picture before we got onboard.

Arriva Midlands 4109 in Leicester bus station

We got on the bus and we booked Flexi Day tickets at £4.80 each. We went upstairs and we sat down before the bus pulled ou of the bus station. We turned sharp right onto Charles Street and we headed South Eastwards. We joined the Southbound A594 and we went past the railway station on the the A6. As we travelled down the A6 out of town for a further 2 1/2 miles before turning The Parade. We continued onto Leiceter Road and just on the other side of the roundabout on London Road we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked up New Street and headed up to the A6. We walked past the supermarket, which used to be a Wiatrose before it closed on our last visit. It is now re=opened as a Starbucks and Lidl. We waited at the stop outside of Lidl for the next bus towards Leicester. We checked on the map and saw Stagecoach Midlands Enviro200 37045 was about 15 minutes away to the South of us. We decided to have a drink whilst we waited. We had a can of Coke each, and we also saw Arriva Midlands 26207 on a X7 service to Market Harborough. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was Stagecoach Midlands 37045 on a X7 to Leicester as expected.

Stagecoach Midlands 37045 in Oadby

We got on the bus and we flashed the Flexi Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off Northwards up the A6. We ran through the leafy suburbs of Leicester and we ran past the railway station. We ran forwards onto Charles street. before entering the bus station before we got up and got off the bus. We want to catch something quickly, and we decided to have a walk up and down to see what we could do. As we walked up the stand, Matthew saw First Leicester 63364 on a #4 Rushey Mead circular which we decided to do.

First Leicester 63364 in Leicester bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Flexi Day tickets under the scanner before we sat down. We set off out of the bus station onto Belgrave Gate and we went under the flyover onto the A607. We ran Northwards along the golden mile which had lights in place ready for Diwali. As we travelled Northwards we passed Central coaches P25 GJR and NIB 8179 coming the other way. We ran Northwards for a couple of miles and we turned right onto Gipsy Lane. As we turned left to follow Gipsy Lane we went past the rather impressive Hindu temple. We ran forwards onto Barkby Road and just before the railway bridge we turned left onto Wyvern Avenue. I decided to research what we could do to get beck to leicester. We could come back on another #4 or we could walk over to the A607 and catch either a #5 or #6 back to town. We ran forwards onto Gleneagle Avenue and as we approached Troon Way we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of First Leicester 63364 at it continued towards the end of the run.

First Leicester 63364 in Rushey Mead

On the other side of the road we saw First Leicester 63365 on another #4 followed by Centrebus 314 on a #40 city circular service. We decided to walk over to the A607 and catch something Arriva back into town. We set off along Gleneagles Avenue and we turned left onto Nicklaus Road. We turned left onto Troon Way and we followed the wide pedestrian pathway alongside this main road. We walked past Sainsbury's and when we got to the A607 we crossed over Troon way to get to the Southbound bus stop. We waited at the stop and we had a look on the map. In the distance we saw an Arrive double decker approaching. It was due in around 10 minutes. A few minutes later we were surprised by an Arriva single decker that wasn't showing on the map. I asked Matthew if he wanted to do the approaching bus and he said yes. As it got closer we saw that it was Arriva Midlands 2939 on a #6 to Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 2939 in Rushey Mead

We got on the bus and we placed the Flexi Day tickets under the scanner before we sat down. We set off down the A607 and we ran back through the bustling Golden Mile area of Leicester. We passed the big whell and we ran into the centre of Leicester. We crossed over the roundabout under the flyover and we ran down Belgrave Gate and into the bus station. Once we got off the bus we had a walk around and we looked to see what else we might catch. We saw there was a X7 to Northampton due ain a few minutes and we could see a bus on layover further up the bus station. A few minutes later the bus approached the stand. As it got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Midlands 26204 on a X7 to Northampton.

Stagecoach Midlands 26204 in Leicester bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Flexi day ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and we turned sharp right onto Charles Street and we headed South Eastwards. We joined the Southbound A594 and we went past the railway station on the the A6. As we travelled down the A6 out of town for a further 2 1/2 miles and the bus stopped on the A6 opposite to Lidl. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew had wanted to go further on the bus, but with us starting out a bit late and the car having a flat tyre, this would not be practicle to do today. We crossed over the A6 and we decided to visit the Lidl Store. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we brough a couple of small bottles of Coke and a pack of Crunchies. We decided to catch a #31 back towards Leicester, which in hindsight might not have been the best idea. The route of the #31 has changed since the last time we did the bus South of Oadby! We walked down New Street onto London Road and we crossed over to look at the bus towards Leicester. The first stop we found said stop out of use, and we concluded the route must have changed so that the entire run to the South of Oadby town centre was a large circular end. We decided to cross over and go Southwards around the loop. We waited outside THe Wheel Inn pub and we saw there was a bus due at 17:20. We could not see what the bus was going to be as I guess the route data is not on bustimes.org. Whilst we waited Matthew had one of the Crunchie bars from the bag. A few minutes later the bus turn up and it was dud Arriva Midlands 4202 on a #31 to Leicster.

Arriva Midlands 4202 in Oadby

We got on the bus and we placed the Flexi Day ticket under the scanner for the final time today. The bus ran Southwards down London Road and we turned left onto the Northbound A6. We turned right onto Uplands Road and left into Launde Road. We turned right onto Copse Close and forwards onto Severn Road. We ran forwards onto Ullswater Drive and left onto Hunters Way. We turned left onto Beaufort Way and right onto Florence Wragg Way. We turned right onto the A6 and we ran North for around 1/3 mile. As we ran up the A6 we were passed by Grey minicoach LN17 LKJ. We turned left onto Ash Tree Road. We turned left onto Glen Way and right onto Park Crescent. We turned left onto Coombe Rise and we ran around a loop and left onto Ridge Way. We Headed Westwards and forwards onto Howdon Road. We turned right onto Briar Walk and at the end we turned left onto Rosemead Drive. We crossed the B582 and ran onto Brabazon Road. We turned right onto Chestnut Avenue and into the centre of Oadby. We turned left onto The Parade and we paused for a short while before continuing North to the A6. We ran through the leafy suburbs of Leicester and we ran past the railway station. We ran forwards onto Charles street and into Haymarket Bus Station. We got up and got off the bus and we met up with mum. Matthew decided he wanted to visit the arcade for a short time. We then took a few more bus pictures before going back towards the car. We saw Arriva Midlands 4107 parked up in the layover spaces.

Arriva Midlands 4107 in Leicester bus station

We headed into the shopping centre and we went to use the toilet but it had been taken out of use for cleaning. We met up with mum and uncle Dave and we went back to the car. Matthew had a sausage roll and a bottle of Irn Bru. We paid for the parking and we set off out of the carpark onto Belgrave Gate. We turned left onto Burley Way and we turned right onto the Northbound A6. We turned left onto Ravensbridge Drive and left onto Blackbird Road. We turned right onto the Northbound A50. As we have done before we missed the junction where the road veers to the right so we ended uo on Fosse Road North heading Southwards! We veered right onto Henley Road and we turned right onto Aikman Avenue. We decided to follow a different Sat Nav, and that also took us back to the A50 via a chip shop! We turned right onto Pinder Road and we ran down to the roundabout where the chip shop was situated. We parked up and I fetch the chips and Matt and mum went to the Londis next door. Matthew had a chocolate bar and a bottle of Coke. I came back with the chips. Matthew sat in the car and ate sausage, chips and gravy washed down with the bottle of Coke. Once we had finished eating onto Stephenson Drive and we ran down to the end. We turned left onto Fosse Road North and we turned left onto the A50 and we ran out of the city. We crossed the A46 and we continued Northwards towards the motorway. We joined the Northbound M1 at junction 22 and we travelled up to junction 23A. We came off onto the Westbound A50 and we travelled back through the darkness. As we headed West we saw blue minibus NV67 MUY and an unidentified Flixbus on the #023 service. We continued through Meir and Longton an we came off the A50 at Heron Cross. We turned right onto Blurton Road and left onto Grove Road. We continued onto Whieldon Road and we dropped off uncle Dave. Matthew went in as he was desperate for the toilet. He also updated uncle Dave's calendar with the details of today's trip. We said goodbye to uncle Dave and we set off back to Blurton. We set off onto Wheildon Road and we ran forwards onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfiels Drive and we got back to Blurton around 20:45. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we did some of the Blog. We also wrote a few emails and generally used the computer to entertain ourselves. We watched TV and Matthew got ready for bed. Matthew settled down around 00:30... Mark

Trip to Fenton / Newcastle 29-10-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
69160	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
37158	Newcastle BS	University Hospital, Chapel	25	First Potteries
31782	University Hospital, Chapel	Newcastle, opp Cherry Tree PH	25	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and going on the bus. Later on Matthew was going to Blurton for the weekend and also visiting his Grandma. Matthew got up around 09:00 and had toast and juice for breakfast. In the morning Matthew went to the doctor. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Baker Street and past the former Day Centre. We turned left onto Glebedale Road. After Matthew had seen the doctor we went to the chip ship via the Co-op. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned right onto Baker Street. We turned right onto Christchurch Street and we went to the Co-op. We visited the cash Machine and we carried on to the chip shop. We crossed the road and we continued onto Temple Street. We turned left onto Smithpool Road and we stopped at the chip shop. We picked up the food and we headed back to the residential unit. We turned right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs and chilled out in his room. For dinner Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down a can of Dr Pepper. At 13:00 we arrived at the residentail unit to attend Matthew's annual review. Matthew has done really well during the past 2 years and coped really well with the lockdown's. We discussed things that we might do in the future. When we had finished Matthew transferred his pictures back onto the camera and got his batteries and bus pass. Matthew came downstairs and We went outside and said goodbye to staff. We said goodbye to mum too who was driving to Grandma's. We cut through onto City Road and we headed for the bus stop. On the way to the stop we saw Afford rent-a-car WM70 DXB pasrked up in their garage.

Afford rent-a-car WM70 DXB in Fenton

We continued to the bus stop and we waited for the bus. A quick check of the timetable revealed there was a bus to Newcastle due in 10 minutes. Whilst we waited we saw white minibus EF17 UEU. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching, As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 69160 on a #11 to Newcastle

First Potteries 69160 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and we passed First Pottereies 31782 on a #25 to Hanley going the other way. We went over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre along Church Street. After a brief stop in Stoke we continued along church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road. We ran up the hill and into Hartshill. We ran forwards onto George Street and we ran down the hill into Newcastle. We turned left at the roundabout onto Barracks Road and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we went down to the bottom end of the bus station and we saw Arriva Midlands 3691 on a #64 to Market Drayton.

Arriva Midlands 3691 in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes later we saw Megabus 54216 on a M34 service to Newcastle on Tyne.

Megabus 54216 in Newcastle bus station

We waited for a bus towards grandma's house. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 37158 on a #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 37158 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to the hospital before going upstairs. As the rear of the top deck was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 37158.

Inside First Potteries 37158

When the bus was ready we set off ouf of the bus station and we turned right onto Barracks Road. We turned left on to the A34 and we meant to get up near to the Cherry Tree pub, but we decided to go to the hospital and intercept First Potteries 31782 which was coming the other way. We turned left into the UHNS and we got up and got off the bus near to the chapel. Once off the bus we crossed over the road and we walked around the chapel to get to the bus stop. We waited for 31782 which we saw was in Hartshill. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 47519 on a #22 to Newcastle. A few minutes later as predicted we saw First Potteries 31782 on the #25 to Keele.

First Potteries 31782 in the UHNS

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before going upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 31782 before sitting down.

Inside First Potteries 31782

The bus set off out of the hospital and we turned right onto the Northbound A34. We passed First Potteries 37156 on a #25 to Hanley and D&G Bus 134 on a #1 to Meir. We passed the Cherry Tree and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 31782 as it continued towards Keele.

First Potteries 31782 in Newcastle

We crossed over the A34 and we walked up to the hill towards grandma's. On the way we saw white minibus YX02 FTD.

YX02 FTD in Newcastle

We continued up the hill and into grandma's house. At Grandma's Matthew had toast and a can of Irn Bru and used her computer. Later on he had a carton of orange juice. When it was time to go we said goodbye to Grandma and we got in the car. We set off just before 18:00 and we ran down Victoria Street. We turned left onto the A34. We continued southwards into Trent Vale past the site of a new Greggs. We continued through Trent Vale and we stopped at the pub. We walked into the pub and we sat down at our one our normal tables. Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Highlights of the bus sightings included First Potteries 32648 on a #101 to Stafford, and Leons 239 heading Southwards. Once we had finished eating we set off to Blurton. We got in the car and we ran down the A34 and Crossed under the A500 into Hanford. We continued down to Trentham and we saw black minibus OU19 CCN. We turned left onto the A5035 and we ran over the railway line in to Blurton and back to the house. Matthew chilled out and had a can of Irn Bru. We wrote some of the blog and sent a few e-mails. Later on Matthew got into his pyjamams and watch some TV. Matthew went to be around 00:30... Mark

Trip to Newcastle / Norton 28-10-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
69151	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
69162	Newcastle BS	Hartshill, Nelson Road	11	First Potteries
69163	Hartshill, Nelson Road	Fenton, Fenton Manor	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus. 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. whilst waiting for the time to go to the dentist and we saw Roseville BV60 BAA. We went downstairs and we and we cut through onto City Road to wait a bus to Newcastle. At the Afford garage we saw Afford rent-a-car CN68 JXE parked up.

Afford rent-a-car CN68 JXE in Fenton

We continued to the stop outside the flats and we waited for a bus to Newcastle. A short time later we saw First Potteries 69151 on a #11 to Newcastle. We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre along Church Street. After a brief stop in Stoke we continued along church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road. We ran up the hill and into Hartshill. We ran forwards onto George Street and we ran down the hill into Newcastle. We turned left at the roundabout onto Barracks Road and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew got a picture of First Potteries 69151 before it returned towards Hanley on a #11 service.

First Potteries 69151 in Newcastle bus station

We set off on foot up Hassell Street and we turned right onto High Street and we visited Wright's Pies. Matthew brought at sausage roll. We continued along High Street and we stopped at the McDonalds and Matthew went to the toilet. He had a chicken nuggets and fries before continuing along High Street. We stopped at the benches at the end to eat the chicken nuggets and fries and sausage rolls followed by a Viscount biscuit and drink the can of Fanta orange. When we had finished we set off onto High Street. We turned right onto Ironmarket. Once we had finished the drink we set off onto the A527 and we saw First Potteries 69169 on a #4 to Hanley.

First Potteries 69169 in Newcastle

we turned into the bus station Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we waited for a bus to Hartshill. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 63103 on a #22 to Longton.

First Potteries 63103 in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 69162 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 69162 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Hartshill before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto Barracks Road and we ran up to the Jubilee roundabout. We ran onto the A53 and around the one-way system onto the A52. We ran up George Street into Hartshill and we got up and got off the bus by the Cherry Tree. Once off the bus we headed up the hill back towards Fenton. After a short while we saw First Potteries 37156 on a #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 37156 in Hartshill

A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was First Potteries 69163 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 69163 in Hartshill

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the Hartshill and we ran down the hill into Stoke town centre. After a brief stop in Church Street we continued into Fenton up the A52, over the A500 and under the railway line. We ran up City Road and we got up and got off the bus by the the swimming baths turn. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 69163 before it returned towards Hanley.

First Potteries 69163 in Fenton

We crossed over City Road and we walked. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew took a can of Irn Bru. Later on we went out. We went downstairs and we got into a car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We crossed over City Road and we ran forwards onto Manor Street. At the end we turned left onto Victoria Road and we headed down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed over the roundabout and we ran forwards onto Lichfield Street. We joined the anti-clockwise ring road and we ran around to Town Road. We headed towards Birches Head and we joined the Northbound A5272. We ran through Sneyd Green and up to Smallthorne roundabout. We continued onto High Lane and we ran to the end. We turned right onto the A527 and down the hill to Fegg Hayes. We turned right onto Chell Heath Road and we ran through Chell Heath past Matthew's old School. We continued through Bradeley and at the end of the road we turned left onto Ford Green Road and up into Norton. We turned left into Saint Nicholas Avenue and we ran into the estate. we ran to the far end and we stopped just off Barks Drive. For tea Matthew had sausages chips and gravy from the chip shop. When Matthew had finished eat he went to the toilet. We then set off back to the residential unit. We came out of the estate along St Nicholas Avenue and we turned right onto Ford Green Road. We ran to the bottom of the hill and ran up through Smallthorne to the roundabouts. We turned left onto the A5272 and we headed through Sneyd Green and to the edge of Hanley. We ran clockwise around the ring road and we turned left onto Lichfield Street. We ran down the hill to Joiners Square and we went across the roundabout onto Victoria Road. We ran up the hill into Fenton and we turned right onto Manor Street. We turned right onto City Road and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room and chilled out 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 Hanley / Newcastle 27-10-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
LR15 PFN	Fenton	Fenton Aldi	Charter	Lucky Seven
67151	Fenton, adj Royal Oak	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
65041	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	101	First Potteries
63099	Newcastle BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going on the bus later on. 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. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw First Potteries 67159 on a #23 to Hanley. Later on Matthew was going out. We went downstairs and out of the residential unit. Transport for the trip was Lucky Seven LR15 PFN. We got on the bus and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we crossed over City Road onto Manor Street. We turned left onto Victoria Road. We turned left into Aldi and Matthew went into the shop to do some shoppping. Once Matthew had finished shopping we returned to the residential unit in Lucky Seven taxi. We set off up Victoria Road and we turned onto Manor Street. We turned right onto City Road and left onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street past the new building under construction and back to the residential unit. Matthew went back upstairs to his room to wait for us to come and pick him up. He watched buses out of the window. After waiting for the mask results we went downstairs to the car and we set off onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street and right onto Station Bridge Road. We followed the road around onto Heron Street. At Heron Cross we went Eastwards along the A50 and we joined the Eastbound and we ran up to Meir. We came off the A50 and we turned left at roundabout onto the Northbound A520. We ran through Weston Coyney and we continued up to Cellarhead. We turned left the A52 and we headed Eastwards towards Kingsley Moor. We followed the road to the left and we ran into Kingsley village. We turned right onto Holt Lane. We ran through Kingsley Holt and we turned right onto the A521. We ran into Cheadle and we ran forwards onto the A522. We turned left onto Ashbourne Road and we turned right onto Allen Street and we stopped at the leisure centre. Once there Matthew we to use the largest inflatable play park and Matthew used the toilet. For dinner Matthew had sausage chips and gracy with bread and butter washed down with a glass of Coke. After we had finished we went back to Fenton by car. We set off along Allen Street and we ran forwards onto Plant Street. We turned right onto the A522 where we saw Stanway's L66 BAY. We turned left onto the A521. We turned right onto High Street and we turned left onto the A521. We ran into Kingsley Holt and we crossed the A52. We ran through Cellarhead crossroads. We turned left onto the A520 and we continued down up to Weston Coyney. We continued down into Meir and we at the roundabout we turned right onto the Westbound A50 and we ran through Normacot and Longton to Heron Cross. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we continued 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 turned right onto Temple Street and we returned to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew went to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window we saw Stanton's of Stoke VT18 SOS. Later on we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw Temple Street church minibus RX18 GZW. We turned left onto Christchurch Street. We waited for a bus towards Hanley. After a short wait we saw blue minibus SF20 HHL. We waited for a bus towards Stoke. After a short wait we saw First Potteries 67151 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67151 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road. down under the railway line and into Stoke. After a brief stop we continued around the one-way system onto Elenora Street and right onto Copeland street. We turned left onto Glebe Street and we went under the railway line before turning left onto Station Road. We went past the railway station ans we turned right onto College Road. After running the hill through Shelton we continued onto Cleveland Road and forwards onto Regent Road. We turned left onto Lower Bethesda Street and we crossed over the ring road onto Bethesda Street. We turned right onto John Street and we entered the bus station where we got up and got off the bus and we set off onto Lichfield Street. We continued along Tontine Street. We continued through the square onto Parliament Row and we walked up McDonalds and we had tea. Matthew had a burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. Once We walked along Parliament Row and we continued into the Intu Potteries shopping centre. We went through the shopping centre. We had a walk around the shops and afterwards we walked through Tontine Square onto Tontine Street. We walked onto Lichfield Street and we entered the bus station. We saw First Potteries 65041 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 65041 in Hanley bus station

We decided to do this bus to Newcastle. We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle and sat down towards the back of the bus. Whilst we waited for departure time we saw First Potteries 67157 on a #23 to Newstead. We set off out of the bus station and we ran down John Street and left onto Bethesda Street. We turned right onto the clockwise ring road and we turned left onto Broad Street. We ran down to snow hill and at the roundabout we turned Shelton New Road. We ran over the canal and railway line. We ran through the cross road up to Hartshill and at the roundabout we ran into Newcastle down George Street. We joined the one-way system and at the next roundabout we turned left onto Barracks Road. We turned right into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. We waited for the bus to Stoke ans a short time later we saw First Potteries 63099 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63099 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. the bus waiting to depart, we saw required First Potteries 31782 on a B1 to Trentham Lakes. We set off onto Barracks Road and we ran up to the Jubilee roundabout. We ran onto the A53 and around the one-way system onto the A52. We ran up George Street into Hartshill. We ran down the hill into Stoke town centre. After a brief stop we continued along Church Street out of Stoke and over the A500. We ran under the railway line and we continued onto City Road. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took a picture of First Potteries 63099 as it continued towards Hanley.

First Potteries 63099 in Fenton

We walked back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew went to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window 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 Newcastle / Hanley 26-10-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
69163	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
69163	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	11	First Potteries
67154	Hanley BS	Fenton, Albert Square	23	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to out for bus later. 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. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, Outside we saw ABC Supreme YO69 AZB. We went downstairs and we and we cut through onto City Road to wait a bus to Stoke. At the Afford garage we saw Afford rent-a-car YP20 EWM outside there yard.

Afford rent-a-car YP20 EWM in Fenton

We carried on down the road and we waited for a bus towards Newcastle. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 69163 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 69163 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre along Church Street. After a brief stop in Stoke we continued along church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road. We ran up the hill and into Hartshill. We ran forwards onto George Street and we ran down the hill into Newcastle. We turned left at the roundabout onto Barracks Road and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once we got off the bus we saw First Potteries 69162 on a #4 to Hanley. We walked out of the bus station onto Castle Walk and we visited Poundland. When we had finished shopping we walked up Castle Walk and we turned right onto Ironmarket past the old RBS bank which has now The Bank Space. We turned left onto High Street and we saw Leons 242 in the town centre promoting their coach trips.

Leons 242 in Newcastle

Matthew asked if he could go on the coach and have a look inside. He went inside and took a picture inside Leons 242 before getting off again.

Inside Leons 242

Once off the coach we continued down to the bottom of street. We turned left onto barracks Road and we veered left onto Stubbs Street and into the bus station. We saw First Potteries 63034 on a #4 to Hanley. We waited for a bus rowards Hanley and a short time later we saw First Potteries 69163 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 69163 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto Barracks Road and we ran up to the Jubilee roundabout. We ran onto the A53 and around the one-way system onto the A52. We ran up George Street into Hartshill and we ran down the hill into Stoke town centre. After a brief stop we continued along Church Street out of Stoke and over the A500. We ran under the railway line and we continued onto City Road. We ran past the site of the new Burger King 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 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 turned right onto Bethesda Road and we turned right onto John Street and we saw D&G Bus 27 on a #9 to Westbury Park. Once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Once off up Lichfield Street and across onto Tontine Street and we stopped at the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. For dinner Matthew had For dinner Matthew had a beef burger and fries followed by chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. Once we had finished eating we went up Tontine Street onto Lichfield Street and back to the bus station. We waited for the next bus back to Fenton. A short time later we saw First Potteries 67153 on a #101 to Stafford. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 67154 on a #23 to Newstead.

First Potteries 67154 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before we sat down. We set off onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We crossed over the ring road and we ran down onto Regent Road and forwards onto Cleveland Road. We ran down though Shelton along College Road and we ran down to the railway station. We turned right onto Glebe Street and under the railway line an we ran around the one-way system in Stoke and stopped by Stoke Minster. We turned left onto Church Street and we crossed the A500 and we ran under the railway line. After climbing up the hill into Fenton we turned right into Christchurch Street where we got up and got off the bus. We then walked back to the day centre. Later on we returned to the residential unit. We set off onto Christchurch Street and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out on his computer and watch buses out of the window. we saw red minibus PJ53 TOA going towards Stoke. For tea Matthew had pasta with tomato sauce followed by a Manchester tart. Matthew went out to Trentham. We went downstairs and we got in a car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right on to Christchurch Street. We turned right onto Station Bridge Road and followed the road around onto Heron Street. We went throught the lights and forwards onto Blurton Road. We crossed over the A50 and we continued into Blurton. We turned right onto Church Road and at the end we turned right onto the A5035. We ran over the railway bridge and we crossed into Trentham. At the A34 roundabout we went straight across into Trentham Gardens and we parked uop by Franky and Benny's. Matthew went in sand used the toilet. He had a glass of Coke. We set off over the A34 onto the A5035. We crossed over the railwy line into Blurton and we turned left onto Church Road. We ran forwards onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton over the A50 to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Grove Road and we ran forwards onto Wheildon Road. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and over the railway line. We stopped at the chip shop. We turned right onto the back alley behand Temple Street and at the end we turned left onto Watkin Street. We turned right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew returned upstaits to his room. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. Matthew 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 / Acton Gate 23-10-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67157	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
67158	Hanley BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	23	First Potteries
32	Stafford, Chell Road	Moss Pit, School Lane	7	Select Bus
30	Moss Pit, School Lane	Acton Gate, Garage	875	Select Bus

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus. 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. whilst waiting for the time to go to the dentist and we saw Roseville BV60 BAA.

Roseville BV60 BAA in Fenton

Matthwe went into the living room and we saw Temple Street Church RX18 GZW.

Temple Street Church RX18 GZW in Fenton

We went downstairs and we and we cut through onto City Road to wait a bus to Hanley. At the Afford garage we saw Afford rent-a-car RE21 JCO parked up.

Afford rent-a-car RE21 JCO in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67157 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67157 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down City Road and we joined the A52 to go under the railway line and over the A500. We continued onto Church Street. and into the centre of Stoke. After a brief stop we continued around the one-way system onto Elenora Steet and right onto Copeland street. We turned left onto Glebe Street and we went under the railway line before turning left onto Station Road. We went past the railway station and due to roadworks we ran to the end of Station Road and turned right. We ran up Stoke Road and we turned right onto Avenue Road. At the roundabout we turned left onto College Road. After running the hill through Shelton we continued onto Cleveland Road and forwards onto Regent Road. We turned left onto Lower Bethesda Street and we crossed over the ring road onto Bethesda Street before we turned right onto John Street bus station. We got up and got off and we walked up Lichfield Street. We continued onto Tontine Street. We went into the Intu Potteries and we went up to HMV. Matthew visited the toilet and afterwards we left shopping centre and we walked across Town Road and we visited Barclays Bank. We walked down Quadrant Road onto Town Road. We went into the Intu Potteries shopping centre and we went in the shopping centre. Once we had finished shopping we set off along Parliament Row and we stopped at McDonalds and Matthew had chicken nuggets and fries and a cup of Coke. We walked back along parliament Row and we stopped at Poundland. We continued along Parliament Row and we stopped Boots and afterwards we went into Tontine Street onto Lichfield Street and back to the bus station. We waited for the next bus back to Fenton. A short time later we saw First Potteries 65027 on a #6A to Blythe Bridge.

First Potteries 65027 in Hanley bus station

A few minutes later we saw it was First Potteries 67158 on a #23 to Newstead.

First Potteries 67158 in Hanley bus station

Whilst we waited for the bus to be readied for service we saw First Potteries 69163 on a #101 to Stafford. Once First Potteries 67158 was ready we got on the bus and we booked to Fenton. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 67158 before we sat down.

First Potteries 67158 in Fenton

We set off out of the bus station onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street we saw Harry Shaw YR17 CYL at the depot. We crossed over the ring road and we ran down onto Regent Road and forwards onto Cleveland Road. We ran down though Shelton along College Road and we ran down to the railway station. We turned right onto Glebe Street and under the railway line an we ran around the one-way system in Stoke and stopped by Stoke Minster. We turned left onto Church Street and we crossed the A500. We ran under the railway line and we continued onto City Road. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. We crossed over City Road and we saw First Potteries 69155 on a #11 to Newcastle. We walked back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew drank his bottle of Coke. Later on Matthew went out to KFC. Matthew went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and right onto City Road. We walked past Philpots and at the roundabout we turned right into KFC for food to take away. Matthew had a chickenburger and fries washed down with a cup of Tango orange. Once we had finished eating we walked back along City Road and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to chill out in his room. He watched television and used his computer. Matthew had a chickenburger and fries washed down with a cup of Tango orange. Later on Matthew went downstairs and we went out in a car. We set off onto Temple street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. We turned right onto Station Bridge Road and we continued onto Heron Street. We went through the traffic lights and we crossed over the A50. We continued through Blurton along Blurton Road and we turned right onto Church Road. At the light we turned right onto the A5035 We continued over the railway line into into Trentham and at the A34 and we continued South through the roadworks and past Stone. As we passed to the West of Stone near to The George & Dragon. South of the A51 we had a good fast run down to Beaconside and we ran the last couple of miles into Stafford town centre. At the big roundabout we went right onto Chell Road and we went passed Sainsbury's. We turned left by the College and we parked at the car park next to Wilkinson's. Matthew visited the toilet and we said goodbye to mum before we walked onto Chell Road. As it got closer we saw that it was dud Select Bus 32 on a #7 to Moss Pit. We got on the bus and we booked Knot Day ticket at £5.95 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off through the town along Broad Street and Earl Street. We went around the Lichfield Road Gyrator and onto the A449. As we traveled towards the railway line. When we got to Rising Brook we turned right onto John Amery Drive and we ran through the estate and forwards Burton Banks Lane. At the end we turned left onto Moss Pitt where we got up and got off the bus. As we considered what we could do, we saw a bus stopped down the road heading our way. As it got closer we saw that it was required Select Bus 30 a #875 to Cannock. We got on the bus and we flashed the Knot Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus before the bus set off along Moss Pit the A449. We ran through Acton Gate where we got up and got off the bus. We walked around the corner onto Mill Lane. We continued through Acton Trussell and we turned right onto Cook's Bank. Matthew visited mum at work and afterwards returned to Fenton by car. We set off out of Acton Trussel and we headed along Mill Lane up the the A449. We turned left onto the A449 and at the roundabout we joined the Northbound M6. We ran up the motorway for 2 junction and we came off the M6 at Hanchurch. We joined the Northbound A500 and we ran up to Sideway and we we turned right onto the Eastbound A50. We turned left onto Blurton Road and at the traffic lights we ran forwards onto Heron Street. We ran forwards onto Station Bridge Road and we turned left into Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Masterson Street and right onto Watkin Street. We turned right 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.