Trip to Middleton / Rochdale 27-11-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3101	Middleton BS	Rochdale Interchange	17	Go North West
37460	Rochdale Interchange	Kirkholt, Hogarth Road	6	First Manchester
69539	Kirkholt, Hogarth Road	Rochdale Interchange	6	First Manchester
37459	Rochdale Interchange	Oldham BS	409	First Manchester
33682	Oldham BS	Ashton BS	409	First Manchester
12197	Ashton BS	Hyde BS	330	Stagecoach Manchester

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to St Helens. We decided to re-visit Widnes. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to Widnes he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw Afford rent-a-car DY21 JWE.

Afford rent-a-car DY21 JWE in Fenton

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

Temple Street Church RX18 GZW in Fenton

Around 11:30 we came to pick Matthew up. After getting ready we went downstairs to the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Wheildon Road and we ran down the hill and picked up uncle Dave. under the railway line towards Stoke and we joined the A500. As we travelled Northwards up the A500 we saw silver minibus DG64 KUT, white minibus HT68 HHE, an unidentifled blue minibus and an unidentifled Moffat & Williamson coach. The A500 was quite bus as far as Longport and afterwards it eased off a little. We ran into Cheshire and we joined the Northbound M6 at junction 16. As we went up the M6 we saw silver minibus DN08 GOC, an unidentifled Parks of Hamilton coach, an unidentifled A2B Travel minicoach, an unidentifled Atlantic Travel coach and City Centre Central KE64 HFG. We ran up to Junction 19 and we got onto the Eastbound A556. We continued for a few miles and we ran forwards onto the M56. As we travelled Eastwards we saw an unidentified coach on National Express(#328). We took the junction to go onto the The anti-clockwise M60 and we circled around Manchester. We ran through Stockport and we passed an unidentified coach on National Express 540. When we got to the right junction we left the M60 and got onto the Eastbound A576. We ran the last couple of miles into middle and at the roundabout we ran forwards onto Limetrees Road. We entered the car park and we parked up. After visiting the toilet in the shopping centre we went outside to a newish cafe called Sub Station. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. Once we had finished we said goodbye to mum and we walked over to the bus station. We saw Stagecoach Manchester 10850 on a #112 to Manchester. We went into the bus station and we looked for bus to catch. On layover was dud Go North West 6204. As we thought about where we could go we saw Go North West 3101 on a #17 to Rochdale. We got on the bus and we booked System One bus only tickets at £5.20. We went upstairs and we sat down. The bus set off out of the We set off out of the bus station and we turned left and ran past the Middleton Arena. We turned onto the A664. North up Long Street and then Rochdale Road. The road turned due North by the canal and we carried on under the M62 and into Castleton. We joined the A58 and we traveled Eastwards into town. We turned right onto Drake Street and we approached the interchange from the South. We got off the bus and we headed straight for the toilet. So we headed out of the bus station and up the steps onto this elevated walkway. parked up next to the steps in between doing #6 Kirkholt circulars was dud Transdev Rosso 733. It turned out it took around 30 minutes. We carried on down the walkway and we saw required Rotala Diamond 40740 on a #471 to Bolton. Afterwards we had a walk around the bus station to see what we could catch. We saw First Manchester 37460 on a #6 to Kirkholt. We got onto the bus and we flashed the System One tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and we sat down. The bus set off out of the interchange. We went down River Street and onto Water Street. We turned left onto the A6223. We turned left onto Oldham Road. We turned right onto the A664 and we turned left onto Daventry Road. We continued into Kirkholt and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked up Daventry Road. We went to use the disabled toilet on Daventry Road but it was in use so Matthew went to the gents. Having used the toilet we walked down to Daventry Road Matthew used the Gents. Afterwards we waited for a bus towards Rochdale. Whilst we waited we saw Transdev Rosso 1232 on a R7 to Castleton. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 69539 on a #6 to Rochdale. We got onto the bus and we flashed the System One tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along Daventry Road. We turned right onto the A664 and we turned left onto Oldham Road. We turned left onto Milnrow Road and we turned right onto Drake Street. We turned right onto Water Street and into the Interchange where we got up and got off the bus. We walked to the Interchange and we waited for a bus towards Oldham. After a while we saw First Manchester 37459 on a #409 to Ashton. We got onto the bus and we flashed the System One tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and we sat down. The bus set off out of the interchange. We went down River Street and onto Water Street. We turned left onto the A6223 and we saw First Manchester 33747 on a #409 to Rochdale. We turned left onto Oldham Road and we continued into Balderstone. We continued Westwards along the A671 under the M62 and into Royton and we saw an unidentified Jacko's Travel midicoach. We continued straight up Long Sight. We continued Southwards past thr Royal Oldham Hospital and we turned left onto St Mary's Way. We travelled Eastwards for a short distance and we turned right into Oldham bus station. We walked down to the other part of the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus. and we saw required First Manchester 37461 on layover. The plan now was to head up back to the other half of the bus station and we saw First Manchester 33831 on a #83 to Manchester. As we were about to enter the bus station to go to the newsagents we saw required First Manchester 33682 on a #409 to Ashton. We decided to abandon the plan to go to the newsagent and catch the required First double decker. We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and we sat down. The bus set off out of the bus station and down the hill before turning left. We crossed Oldham way and we went South Down the A627. We continued Hathershaw and Into Fitton Hill. We ran up the hill and into Bardsley. We ran forwards onto Waterloo and we ran down the hill into Ashton. We turned left onto the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. We waited for a bus towards Hyde. A short time later we saw Stagecoach Manchester 19352 on a #237 to Glossop. We walked into the bus station and Matthew used the toilet. We stood by the #330 stop and we watched buses coming and going from the bus station. On stand we saw Stagecoach Manchester 12126 on a #219 to Manchester. We looked up the time of the next #330 bus up to Hyde. A few minutes later we saw Arriva Midlands 12197 on a #330 to Stockport. We got on the bus and we flashed the System One day tickets to the driver for the final time today before we went upstairs and we sat down near to the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto the A6043. We turned left onto the A627 and we through Dukinfield and we ran into Hyde. We turned left onto Bank Street and we entered the bus station from the East end. Web got up an got of the bus and we saw Stagecoach Manchester 36422 on a #346 to Ashton. Once off the bus Matthew decided he wanted the toilet. The bus station toilet were closed so we went for a walk to look for somewhere for Matthew to go. We ran up Clarendon Street and we spotted a pub on the corner. We went in the pub and Matthew went to the toilet. After using the toilet Matthew had a glass of Coke. After we finished the drink we went outside and met up with uncle Dave. We walked back down Clarendon Street and mum was waiting for us in the car near to the old entrance to the railway station. Mum was waiting with a sausage roll and a can of Irn Bru. We set off along Clarendon Street and we turned right onto the A57. We turned right onto Clark Way and we ran to the end. We turned left onto the B6170 and we turned left onto A627. A few hundred yards up the road we pulled into a parking area and we stopped to pick up chips. Once we had the chips we continued on our journey. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy on a tray. We rejoined the A627 and we turned right onto the B6170. We turned left onto the M67 and we turned left onto the clockwise M60. We ran forwards onto the M56 and as we travelled Westwards. We ran forwards onto the A556 and we continued forwards as far as the M6. We joined the Southbound M6 and as we travelled down we saw Gwyn Jones YN06 NZX. We came off the M6 at junction 16 and we joined the Southbound A500. Seen on the A500 were taxi minibus SF11 MVO, white minibus BX60 ELH. We ran through Longport and Etruria and into Stoke. We came off the A500 and we ran through Shelton and Stoke. We came off the A500 and we turned left 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. Matthew went upstairs and went up to his room. 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 Bradford / Halifax 20-11-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
37710	Shipley, Market Square	Bradford Interchange	626	First West Yorkshire
32694	Bradford Interchange	Halifax BS	579	First West Yorkshire
37047	Halifax BS	Shelf, Village Hall	508	First West Yorkshire
33880	Shelf, Village Hall	Halifax BS	508	First West Yorkshire
66778	Halifax Crown Street	Todmorden BS	592	First West Yorkshire
69582	Todmorden BS	Halifax Crown Street	592	First West Yorkshire

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to Bradford. We checked the weather and it was for dry sunny weather. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to Bradford he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the dentist and we saw red minibus BJ12 OAN.

BJ12 OAN in Fenton

Matthew chilled out in his room until it was time we saw a red minibus ??16 BEJ.

??16 BEJ in Fenton

Around 11:30 we came to pick Matthew up. After getting ready we went downstairs to the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Wheildon Road and we ran down the hill and picked up uncle Dave. under the railway line towards Stoke and we joined the A500. As we travelled Northwards up the A500 we saw blue minibus MX07 NDU and West Midlands Ambulance Service YJ19 HFL. The A500 was quite bus as far as Longport and afterwards it eased off a little. We ran into Cheshire and we joined the Northbound M6 at junction 16. As we went up the M6 we saw red minibus RX70 AVP, . Matthew also lost his hat out of the window as we travelled up through Cheshire. At junction 20 we went Westbound along the M62. As we travelled East around the North ot Manchester we saw Epsom Coaches (National Express) BX65 WCY & Coachmasters P691 XVL. On the M60 we passed 3 x Gordon's coaches, 2 York Pullman coaches, A Tetley's coach, a T&J Coaches coach and East Yorkshire Coaches 71. We came of the M62 at Junction 24 and we went North on the M606 and we turned right into the A6177. We turned right onto the A6037 and followed the road around to the right and into Shipley town centre. At the roundabout we turned left onto Salts Mill Road and we parke up at the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we sat down at the table with mum and uncle Dave. Matthew had a large breakfast washed down with a glass of orange juice. When we had finished we said goodbye to mum and we walked towards the exit near to the bus station. We set off onto Salts Mill Road past the site of the new wharf retail park. We returned along Salts Mill Road and we continued forwards onto Victoria Street. We turned left onto Wharf Street and we turned right onto the A657. We turned right onto Bank Street and we turned left onto onto Market Square and we saw Transdev Keighley 2757 on a #60 to Leeds. After we walked to the bus stop. We waited for a bus to Bradford. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First West Yorkshire 37710 on a #626 to Bradford. We got on the bus and we purchased WY Metro Weekender tickets at £8.50 each before we went upstairs and sat down. A couple of minutes later the bus set off out of the square and forwards onto Market Street. We turned right onto the A6038 and left onto the A650. We ran down into the past Frizinghall and up the hill and under Bradford. We ran through Manor Row and Cheapside. We continued forwards onto Market Street. We turned left onto Bank Street and right onto Broadway. We turned left onto Bridge Street and we turned into the interchange. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we went downstairs and Matthew used the toilet. We went back upstairs and we decided to go in a different direction. When we arrived we saw First West Yorkshire 32694 on a #576 to Halifax. We got on the bus and we placed the WY Metro tickets under the scanner we went upstairs and sat down. A couple of minutes later the bus set off out of the interchnage and we turned onto Croft Street. We turned right onto the Northbound A641 and we joined the clockwise ring road. We turned left onto Little Horton Lane and we ran past the ice rink. We turned right right onto Chester Street. We ran forwards onto Great Horton Road and we heade out of town. We ran through Shearbridge and forwards onto the A6177. We continued onto the A647 and into Great Horton. We continued through Horton Bank Top and Old Dolphin. The bus paused in Queensbury opposite the opposite the war memorial and we ran through Amblet Thorn. As we ran down down the hill towards Halifax we had stunninf views over the Valley to the North West. We continued Southwards descending through Boothtown and we reached the edge of Halifax. We crossed the North Bridge and we continued onto Northgate before turning left into the bus station. The bus station is currently being re-built. Once off the bus we had a look around. We decided to catch the next #508 bus towards Shelf. Whilst we waited we saw First West Yorkshire 32080 on layover. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. It was required First West Yorkshire 37047 on a #508 to Leeds. We got on the bus and we placed the WY Metro Weekender tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station. We set off out of the bus station onto Northgate and we crossed over the North Bridge. We ran forwards onto the A58. We ran through Godley Gardens and into Stump Cross. We headed Eastwards A6036 and we went through Northowram and Stone Chair and further North through Shelf. We got up and got off the bus by the Village Hall. We crossed over the A6036 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 #508 back towards Halifax. As it got closer we saw that it was First West Yorkshire 33880 on a #508 to Halifax. We got on the bus and we placed the WY Metro Weekender tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A6036 and we travelled Westwards through Stone Chair and we ran through Northowram. We turned onto right the A58 and the road veered ran through Stump Cross and into Godley Gardens and we reached the edge of Halifax. We crossed the North Bridge and we continued onto Northgate before turning left into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked out of the bus station onto Northgate and we ranup to the Broad Street Plaza business centre and parked in the car park. We walked through the business centre and we went to the Wetherspoon's pub The Percy Shaw and Matthew used the toilet. We then went to the bar and Matthew had a small Coke. Once we had finished we went outside to meet back up with uncle Dave. We walked back up to the bus station and we waited for the next bus towards Todmorden. Whilst we waited we saw First West Yorkshire 66713 on a #571 to Bradford. We set off out of the bus station onto Northgate and we turned right onto Crossley Street. We turned left onto Waterhouse Street and we turned right onto Crown Street and we walked to the bus stop. As it got closer we saw it was First West Yorkshire 66778 on the #592 to Burnley. We got on the bus and we placed the WY Metro Weekender tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down Crown Street onto George Street. At the other end of town we joined the A629 and King Cross Street. We went east along the A58 to King Cross. We turned right onto Kings Cross Road and we turned right onto the A646 through the short curved tunnel before runnin down the hill into Willowfield and coming of the road into Friendly. We ran through Luddenden Foot and Mytholmroyd. We continued into Hebden Bridge into Charlestown and Eastwood and we ran the last couple of miles into Todmorden. We past the bus depot and the social club and we turned right, following the A646 before we entered the bus station. We got up and got off. We decided to go for a comfort break and we set off along the path opposite to the bus station towards the market. We went through the market and across the car park to the toilet block where Matthew used the toilet. We walked back past the front side of the market and as we turned the corner we saw a double decker in the bus station. As we got closer we saw required Transdev Rosso 2706 on a #7 to Rawtenstall. A few minutes later saw required First West Yorkshire 69582 on a #592 to Halifax. We got on the bus and we flashed the WY Metro weekender tickets to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto Stansfield Road before joining the Southbound A646. We followed the road to the left and as we left town past the Todmorden Social Club. A few hundred yards up the road we passed the Todmorden bus depot. The road up to Hebden Bridge is a meandering tight valley. Sometimes there is barley enough room for the road, the River Calder and the Rochdale Canal, other times there is a wider area with houses and even a cricket ground. The railway line run above them all on a viaduct the length of the valley. We ran through the little vilages of Eastwood, Charlestown and Mytholm before entering Hebden Bridge past the old Lloyds Bank which is going to be new restaurant. We ran onto Mytholmroyd and we ran down through Luddenden Foot and into Friendly and King Cross. We turned left onto King Cross Road and we turned left onto the A58. We reached the edge of Halifax. We turned left onto King Cross Street and onto Bull Green. We turned left onto the A629 before turning right into Crown Street and we in the town cente where we got up and got off the bus. We walked along Crown Street and right onto Commercial Street. We ran up the A629 and we ran down the hill to MacDonalds. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards he had beefburger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. After we had finished eating we got in the car and mum was waiting for us with Greggs sausage rolls. We set off out of the Southbound A629. We ran down into the valley past Ellend and up the hill and under the M62. As we were about to join the M62 we saw J&B Travel double decker J600 JBT. We got onto the West M62 and we travelled forwrds onto the M60, through the roadworks and back onto the M62 again. We passed loads of coaches going the other way. we were overtakn by Tyrers coach TYR 14R on the M62. Going the other way we also saw 4 x Gordons coaches, 2 x Tetley Coaches, 6 x Acklams coaches, 2 x Kettlewell Coaches, 1 T&J Coaches, 1 x Tyrers coach. We left the M62 to go onto the Southbound M6. On the M6 we were passed by M&J Travel YG71 MBU. At junction 16 we left the M6 and went South down the A500 and we turned right onto Wheildon Road. We went under the railway line and we stopped at uncle Dave's house. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards drank some of uncle Rob's pop. We set off onto Whieldon Road. We turned left onto Smithpool Road and right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew also drank a bottle of Buddies Cherryade. Matthew chilled out in his room watching television and using his computer. 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 Newcastle / Holmes Chapel 16-11-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
69151	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
111	Newcastle BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	1	D&G 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. 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 MK71 WPT parked up. 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.

First Potteries 69151 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 Stanton's of Stoke LRV 731. Matthew went over to investigate. He persuaded the driver to let him on the bus and we took a picture of the inside of the minibus.

Inside Stanton's of Stoke LRV 731

We said thank you to the driver and then we went to wait for the bus and sat at the stop. We walked out of the bus station onto Castle Walk. We turned left onto Ironmarket and we stopped at the bank at the end. We turned left onto High Street and we stopped at McDonalds. Matthew had a burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. Once we had finished we walked down High Street and we turned left into Hassell Street. We returned to the bus station and we waited for a bus to Hanley. After a short while we saw First Potteries 69174 on a #22 to Longton.

First Potteries 69174 in Newcastle bus station

A short time later we saw First Potteries 65730 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 65730 in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was D&G Bus 111 on a #1 to Meir.

D&G 111 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road and we ran Southwards onto the A34. We turned left into the hospital and we ran through the the grounds. As we travelled through the hospital we saw ABC Supreme KX14 EBZ & E-zec patient transport OU18 CEF. We turned left onto Hilton Road. We continued onto Albany Road and we turned right onto The Avenue. At the end of the road we turned right onto the A52 and we ran through Hartshill and 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. We crossed over City Road and we cut through to the residential unit. We went upstairs and chilled out in his room. We went to Holmes Chapel by Car. We went downstairs and we got in the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We crossed over City Road onto Manor Street and we headed onto Victoria Road. We ran down the hill to Joiners Square and we crossed over the roundabout onto Lichfield Street. We ran up the hill to the edge of Hanley and we we joined the anti-clockwise ring road. We went around town anti-clockwise and we ran onto Waterloo Road. We ran through Cobridge into Burslem and we continued through town onto Scotia Road. We turned left onto Williamson Street and at the end we turned right onto Tunstall High Street. We continued through town through Goldenhill into Kidsgrove. We continued North through Church Lawton into Rode Heath and out the other side We passed the Stanway's depot. We continued North to Holmes Chapel along the A50 through Arclid crossroads. We ran into Holmes Chjapel and we turned left onto the A54. We turned left onto Selkirk Drive and we ran down to the leisure centre. Once in leisure centre Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards cafe for food to take away. Matthew had a can of coke. Once he had pickd up the drink we returned to the car. We had finished we got in the car and we set off onto the Selkirk Drive. We turned right onto Chester Road and right onto the A50. We continued through Brereton Green and down towards Brereton. We continued down through Arclid. We ran through Fourlanes End and into Rode Heath. We continued over the A34 and into Staffordshire and we ran under the railway line into Kidsgrove. We ran up the hill into Goldenhill and we continued into Sandyford. We joined Tunstall High Street where we saw City Centre Central YD63 UKW in the depot. We continued down the Scotia Road and left into the Boulevard. We ran down the hill past the park and we went forwards onto Queens Avenue. We turned left onto High Lane. We ran through Smallthorne & Sneyd Green. We ran into Hanley and onto the ring road. We turned left onto Lichfield Street. At Joiners Square crossed the roundabout onto Victoria Road. Victoria Road and we ran up the hill into Fenton. At the roundabout we turned sharp right onto City Road and left onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and we went to his room and chilled out. We went upstairs and Matthew had a can of Irn Bru. For a late tea Matthew had a egg sandwich. Later on we went out to Longton in a car. We went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We crossed over City Road and we crossed over and onto Manor Street. At the end of Manor Street we turned left onto Victoria Road. We ran up the hill and we stopped at McDonalds. Matthew had a cup of Coke and an ice cream. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we returned to Fenton. We got in the car and we set off onto Victoria Road and We turned right onto City Road. We turned left onto Glebedale Road and we ran along Baker Street onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and right onto Masterson Street. We turned right onto Watkin Street and onto Temple Street past the new building under construction and back to the residential unit. Matthew went back upstairs to chill out in his room and use his computer and watch buses out of the window. Matthew also drank a bottle of Irn Bru. Matthew returned to his room to chill out. He watched television and used his computer. later on he had a bath. For supper Matthew had some toast. Matthew went to bed around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Derby / Nottingham 13-11-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
87	Derby BS	Nottingham, (Stop U5)	RA	Trent Barton
170	Nottingham Victoria BS	Kimberley, opp Library	One	Trent Barton
158	Kimberley, Library	Eastwood, opp Library	One	Trent Barton
161	Eastwood, Memorial Garden	Heanor, Market Square	One	Trent Barton
732	Heanor, Market Square	Oakwood, Windmill Inn	H1	Trent Barton
828	Oakwood, Windmill Inn	Derby BS	H1	Trent Barton

Today we decided to re-visit Derby. We had discussed in the week where we could go,somewhere fairly close as the nights had drawn in and we weren't sure how early we could start out. Research consisted of checking the weather which was for seasonably warm weather, with grey skies and some sunshine. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and apple juice for breakfast. We spent some time getting ready and we set off around 11:45. We got in the car and 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 Blurton Road and at the roundabout we joined the Eastbound A50. We ran through Longton and Meir. At Blythe Bridge we followed the A50 to the right and we passed Scraggs minibus 1655 VT coming the other way. As we travelled Eastwards towards the turning we saw Stanton's of Stoke GSU 344 and A&C Coaches YX07 AWN. We came off the A50 onto the A511 and we passed Midland Classic double decker 105 on a #401 to Uttoxeter. We ran the last couple of miles into Hatton and we stopped at the Saltbox Cafe for dinner. For dinner Matthew had a breakfast and washed down with a bottle of Coke. Whilst we ate we saw Midland Classic 8 on a #401 to Burton and Trent Barton 702 on V1 Villager services. When we had finished eating we continued East to Hilton and then we went Northwards back under the A50 and along the A516 into Derby. We entered the town and we ran into the inner ring road and we ran clockwise around town we turned right into Cathedral Road and we followed it around to the left. We ran forwards onto Full Street and we ran forwards onto Morledge. We went past the bus station and around to the other side of the car park. We accidentally went into the staff park area for the recently rebranded derby Ion car park so we came back out and did another circuit of the car park before going into the correct entrance. we parked up on level 3 and we said goodbye to mum before going down the stairs onto the street level. we went under the bridge and we saw Arriva Midlands 3576 on a #2C to Chellaston.

Arriva Midlands 3576 in Derby

We crossed the roads and headed towards the bus station where we saw Trent Barton 701 on a V1 to Burton-on-Trent.

Trent Barton 701 in Derby bus station

Also seen was Arriva Midlands 3571 on a #2C to Chellaston.

Arriva Midlands 3571 in Derby bus station

We walked through the bus station whilst we decided what bus we could catch. We had already decided that we would do Trent Barton buses today. At the other end of the bus station we saw Trent Barton 84 arrive on a Red Arrow service from Nottingham.

Trent Barton 84 in Derby bus station

We walked back to the other end of the bus station and matthew was looking at i4 bus towards Nottingham. On an adjacent stanbd we saw saw a Red Arrow coach pull up so we decided to to that instead. As we got closer we saw it was Trent Barton 87 on a Red Arrow service to Nottingham.

Trent Barton 87 in Derby bus station

We got on the coach and we brought a group zig-zag ticket at £16 before we sat down towards the middle of the coach. We reversed off the stand and we ran through the bus station. We continued onto the Northbound A601 We came off at the next junction and we joined the Eastbound A52. We ran fast along the A52 passing Trent Barton 86 on a Red Arrow to Derby. We crossed over the M1 and passed Toton depot. We continued Eastwards to the edge of Nottingham past the QMC. We crossed the ring road and ran forwards onto the A6200. We continued onto Wollaston Road along the one-way system and we turned left onto the A6008. The bus stopped at a bus stop and most people got off. We had intended to go to the Victoria Bus station, but the driver siad that due to a road closure and buses diverting through the bus station, longer vehicle like the Red Arrow coaches could not safely reverse out of the bus station and therefore are not currently serving the bus station. We got off the coach and we set off on foot towards Victoria Bus station. We crossed over the tram line and we turned left onto Sherwood Street where we saw Nottingham City Transport 997 on a #57 to the Plains Estate.

Nottingham City Transport 997 in Nottingham

Matthew wanted to do this bus, but we didn't have the right ticket, We will have to return to Nottingham again in the future just to travel on the Nottingham City Transport buses. We turned right onto Shakespeare Street and at the end we turned left onto Mansfield Road. We could see where the road had been closed to Southbound traffic as a large crane was standing on the road. We turned right onto Union Road and we turned left onto York Street where we saw Trent Barton 824 departing the bus station on a Three service to Mansfield.

Trent Barton 824 in Nottingham bus station

We continued to the bus station and the toilet was closed. We decided to get a bus out of Nottingham as quickly as we c an and we go to a shop out of the city centre to use the toilet. At the top stand was Nottingham City Transport electric bus 941 which was on charge. There were a couple of buses in the bus station and Matthew decided he wanted to do Trent Barton 170. We waited for the bus to be readied for service and Matthew took a picture of Trent Barton 170 on the Rainbow One to Ripley.

Trent Barton 170 in Nottingham bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Zig-zag group ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto York Street and we turned right onto Union Road. We turned left onto Mansfield Road and we turned right onto Shakespeare Street. We followed the one-way system to the left onto North Church Street and we turned right onto Burton Street. We turned left onto South Sherwood Street and we turned right onto the A6008. We ran onto the one-way system to the edge of town and we joined the Northbound A610. We ran out of the city through Radford, Bobbers Mill and Whitemoor. We crossed over the A6514 and we ran through Cinderhill. We crossed over a roundabout and the A610 became a dual carriageway and we had a fast run for a short while. We ran up to THe Nuttall pub and we came off the A610 and we joined Nottingham Road. We ran through the village and we crossed the A610 and ran forwards onto the B600. We crossed over the M1 and we ran the last 1/2 or so into the cente of Kimberley where we decided to get up and get off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Trent Barton 170 as it carried on towards Ripley.

Trent Barton 170 in Kimberley

Once off the bus we started to walk towards Sainsbury's. As we started off we saw Nottinghamshire CC SJ67 SWN on a #528 to Solston.

Nottinghamshire CC SJ67 SWN in Kimberley

We crossed over Greens Lane and we walked along the path into sainsburys. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we picked up a bottle of Coke and a kitkat and we paid for them at the kiosk. We went outside to uncle Dave and we crossed over Green Lane. We had formulated a rough plan to get back to Derby. The following bus was a bus to Alfreton and was going in the wrong direction, but we could do it as far as Eastwood and then wait for the bus to Ripley behind it. We could then travel back to Derby. We waited for the following bus and a short time later we saw Trent Barton 158 on a Rainbow One service to Alfreton.

Trent Barton 158 in Kimberley

We got on the bus and we placed the Zig-zag group ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Main Street and we left Kimberley. We ran past the Giltbrook Shopping Park and Ikea and we ran the final mile or so into the centre of Eastwood where we got up and got off the bus. Once of the bus Matthew took another picture of Trent Barton 158 before it continued towards Alfreton.

Trent Barton 158 in Eastwood

We had about 20 minutes to kill until the bus to Ripley was due. We walked to the corner of Queens Road North and we sat on a bench outside the Police station. Matthew ate his Kitkat and we ate crunchies. When we had finished we had a walk along Nottingham Road to see if we could see anything interesting. We saw a sign pointing towards a museum for DH Lawrence, as Eastwood is the town of his birth, but we did not want to go too far in case we missed the bus. We looked on the map and it appeared that the Alfreton bus behind our had caught up and gone past the one we wanted. A couple of minutes in front of our bus we saw Trent Barton 161 on a Rainbow One to Alfreton. Everyone else got on the bus and we had the stop to ourselves for a short while. Eventually our bus appeared and it was as predicted on the map Trent Barton 161 on a Rainbow One service to Ripley.

Trent Barton 161 in Eastwood

We got on the bus and we placed the Zig-zag group ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Nottingham Road and we headed out of Eastwood. We continued Eastwards along the A608 and we crossed over the A610. We ran past Langley Mill railway station and we stopped outside the Trent Barton bus depot for a driver change. After a quick stop we carried on for a further 1/2 mile into the centre of Heanor where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took a picture of Trent Barton 161 before it continued to Ripley.

Trent Barton 161 in Heanor

Once off the bus Matthew decided he needed the toilet. We spotted a pub on the other side of the road so we headed in that direction. Matthew visited the toilet and afterwards he had a glass of Coke and brought a poppy with his change. When he had finished his drink we headed outside and crossed back over the square. We had a few minutes to wait for the next H1 service towards Derby. Whilst we waited we saw Notts+Derby 1181 on a #138 to Belper.

Notts+Derby 1181 in Heanor

A few minutes later the bus came around the corner and it was Trent Barton 732 on a H1 service to Derby.

Trent Barton 732 in Heanor

We got on the bus and we placed the Zig-zag group ticket under the scanner. The bus was empty at this point so matthew took a picture inside Trent Barton 732 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside Trent Barton 732

We set off along Market Street and we passed party bus K155 YPB parked up on the other side of the road. We ran up to the roundabout and we turned left onto the Westboind A608. We ran through Smalley and continued Southwards through Morley. It was now really dark and the bus travelled quickly down the A608 between villages. We decided to break the journey and wait for the bus behind so that we could bget a 6th bus in for the day so as we approached the Northern edge of civilisation we decided to get up and get off the bus. Matthew took a picture of Trent Barton 732 as it continued towards Derby.

Trent Barton 732 in Oakwood

Going the other waay we saw a former Lothian double decker race Northwards. The bus, SN08 BXX is now owned by Skills of Nottingham and was seen on a private service. It turned out that we had been to Oakwood before... We visited the other side of the village back in January 2017, when we did Notts + Derby 257 to Oakwood on a #11 service. Whilst we waited we also saw Trent Barton 734 go Northwards on a H1 service. Whilst we waited for the bus Matthew ate a crunchie from the trip bag. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. It was Trent Barton 828 on a #H1 service as expected.

Trent Barton 828 in Oakwood

We got on the bus and we placed the Zig-zag group ticket under the scanner for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off Southwards and we ran through Breadsall Hilltop and over the A61. We ran past the Meteor Retail Park and we turned right onto Mansfield Road. We crossed over the railway line and at the roundabout we followed mansfield Road to the left. We ran Southwards parallel to the railway line before joining the A601 and crossing over the Derwent. We turned right into Morledge and we entered the bus station. We ran to the stops at the far end and we pulled up in one of the bays. Matthew took a picture inside Trent Barton 828 before we got off the bus.

Inside Trent Barton 828

Once off the bus we decided to take a few pictures before we returned to the car. We saw Trent Barton 101 parked up on layover.

Trent Barton 101 in Derby bus station

Also seen was Skills of Nottingham BV66 WPA on a National Express service #440 to London.

Skills of Nottingham BV66 WPA in Derby bus station

We walked out of the bus station and we stood at the end for a short while. We saw Trent Barton 86 on a Red Arrow service to Nottingham.

Trent Barton 86 in Derby bus station

We crossed over Morledge and we headed under the bridge. We saw Arriva Midlands 2333 on a #2A to Chellaston.

Arriva Midlands 2333 in Derby

We walked up the stairs and we met up with mum at the car on level 3. We decided that we would drive to a chip shop just off the road home so we set the Sat Nav to take us out of town. We came out of the car park and we turned right The Cock Pitt. We ran clockwise around the town and we turned left onto Uttoxeter New Road. We ran past the hospital and we ran forwards onto the B5020. We crossed over the A38 and we ran into Mickleover. We stopped at the chip shop in the cente of town and I brought chips. Matthew ate sausage chips and gravy in the car washed down with some cherry coke. When I had finished eating we continued towards home. We set off onto the B5020 and we ran forwards onto Etwall Road. We crossed over the A516 before joining the Westbound A516. We ran the 3 miles or so down to the A50 and we joined the Westbound carriageway. We ran past Uttoxeter and to the edge of the by-pass and we folled the A50 to the left and towards Meir. We ran past the Copeland's Tours garage and we saw their new double decker coach parked up. We continued past Longton to Heron Cross and we came off the A50 to drop uncle Dave off home. We turned right onto Blurton Road and at the traffic lights we turned left Grove Road. We ran ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we stopped at uncle Dave's. 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 20:00. 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 Hanley / Newcastle 12-11-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
65027	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Hartshill, Tolkien Way	11	First Potteries
37160	Hartshill, Quarry Road	Hanley BS	25	First Potteries
37160	Hanley BS	Stoke, stop Q	25	First Potteries
114	Stoke, stop M	Fenton, Christchurch Street	1	D&G Bus
65731	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
32643	Newcastle BS	Newcastle, adj Cherry Tree	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 out on the bus. We went downstairs and we set off onto City Road. We headed towards the bus stop by the flats. On the way we saw Afford rent-a-car DL21 NTJ parked up in their garage.

Afford rent-a-car DL21 NTJ in Fenton

We continued to the stop and we waited for a bus towards Hartshill. A short time later we saw First Potteries 65027 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 65027 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hartshill 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 we ran forwards onto Hartshill bank. Approximatley half way up the bank we got up and got off the bus. Once we were off the bus we crossed over the road and we waited for a bus towards Hanley. A short time later we saw First Potteries 37160 on a #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 37160 in Hartshill

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before going upstairs. We set off down the hill and we ran into Stoke. We ran along Church Street and we crossed over the A500 onto City Road. We went under the railway line and we turned left onto Leek Road. We ran alongside the railway and we ran forwards onto Station Road. At the mini roundabout 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 before we turned right onto John Street and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we saw First Potteries 69169 on a #7A to Biddulph.

First Potteries 69169 in Hanley bus station

Once off the bus we set off onto Lichfield Street and we went forwards onto Tontine Street. Matthew visited the barbers and got a haircut. whilst at the barbers Matthew used the toilet. After having his haircut we continued up to KFC. Matthew had a fillet tower burger meal with fries and a cup of Coke. After eating his dinner Matthew visited the toilet. Afterwards we set off down Tontine Street and forwards onto Lichfield Street and back to the bus station. Matthew took a picture of the poster for the pantomine at the Regent Theatre this year, which was on the Victoria Hall. In the bus station we waited for a bus towards Stoke. We saw First Potteries 69148 on a #6 to Coalville.

First Potteries 69148 in Hanley bus station

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 37160 on a #25 to Keele.

First Potteries 37160 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Stoke. The lower deck was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 37160.

Inside First Potteries 37160

We went upstairs and the top deck was empty too, so matthew took another picture inside First Potteries 37160.

Inside First Potteries 37160

We set off out of bus station and onto John Street. We turned left onto Bethesda Street and we crossed over the ring road onto Lower Bethesda Street. We turned right onto Cleveland Road and we continued forwards onto College Road. We turned left onto Station Road and we past the railway station. We ran forwards onto the A52 and we ran alongside the railway line before turning right onto City Road. We crossed over the A500 and we ran into Stoke town centre where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we crossed over Church Street and we waited for a bus back to Fenton. Whilst we waited we saw City Cabs WR67 HLX. A short time later the bus appeared and it was D&G Bus 114 on a #1 to Meir.

D&G 114 in Stoke

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto 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. We crossed over City Road and onto Christchurch Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. whilst there he drank a bottle of dandelion & burdock. Whilst in the room we saw Kemball School YD19 MVR going towards Heron Cross. Around 15:00 I appeared to pick Matthew up for the weekend. We set off onto City Road. We headed towards the bus stop by the flats. whilst we waited for a bus we saw Stanton's of Stoke YDP 335 heading towards Stoke.

Stanton's of Stoke YDP 335 in Fenton

We turned down D&G Bus 115 on a #1A to Wood Lane. We waited for the following #11 to Newcastle which according to the bustimes.org map was First Potteries 65731. A short time later the bus appeared and as expected it was First Potteries 65731 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 65731 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 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 looked for the next bus towards Grandma's. Whilst we waited we spotted First Potteries 65032 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 65032 in Newcastle bus station

Adjacent to the scania was First Potteries 32643 on a #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 32643 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to the Cherry Tree before we went upstairs. 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 to got up near to the Cherry Tree pub and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 32643 as it continues towards Hanley.

First Potteries 32643 in Newcastle

Once off the bus we headed up the hill towards Grandma's. At Grandma's Matthew had toast and a can of Irn Bru and used her computer. He also had a slice of lemon drizzle cake. When it was time to go we went to the pub in the car via uncle Daves house. We set off just after 17:45 and we set off onto Occupation Street. We turned left onto the A34 and we left onto The Avenue. At the end we turned right onto Hartshill Road. We ran down to Stoke and onto the one way system. We turned right onto Elenora Street and we followed the road around onto Copeland Street. We ran forwards onto Glebe Street and we followed the one way system onto Church Street. As we waited at the lights we saw First Potteries 65005 on a #25 to Hanley. We crossed over the A500. We turned right onto the A500 and we veered left into Fenton to pick up uncle Dave. We set off back down towards Stoke and onto the A500. We turned left onto Church Street and and we went around the one-way system. We turned left onto London Road and we headed into the West End, and we ran past the former Oakhill pub. We ran to the end of London Road and we sat at the light waiting to turn right onto the A34. We saw First Potteries 65003 on a #101 to Hanley. We walked into the pub and Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with custard. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses included First Potteries 63177 on a #101 to Hanley and ABC Supreme coach YA67 VBB heading Northwards. Once we had finished eating we set off We carried on along the A34 through Hanford and into Trentham. We turned left onto the A5035. We crossed over the railway line and into Blurton. We ran past the site on which they intend to build 126 new houses. We got back around 19:00. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we sorted a few things out. We wrote the Blog and we sent a couple of e-mails. Later on we dropped uncle Dave off back at home. We got in the car and we set off through Burton and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive where we saw grey minibus DU21 VVA parked up. We turned left onto Church Street and left onto Blurton Road. We crossed over the A50 and we ran into Heron Cross lights. We turned left onto Grove Road and we ran forwards onto Wheildon Road. We dropped off uncle Dave and we ran back up Wheildon Road and forwards onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We ran through Blurton and at the roundabout we veered right onto Church Street. We turned right onto the A5035 and we returned to Blurton. Later on we did some more of the Blog and we chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark