Trip to Stoke / Newcastle 31-01-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
112	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Stoke, Stop Q	1A	D&G Bus
67153	Stoke, stop R	Shelton, Film Theatre	21	First Potteries
32639	Shelton, Seaford Street	Newcastle BS	25	First Potteries
65001	Newcastle BS	Newcastle, adj Cherry Tree	22	First Potteries
69151	Newcastle BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	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 day centre, we saw First Potteries 69160 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 69160 in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 63179 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63179 in Fenton

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 MJ71 DFZ parked up. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G 112 on a #1A to Audley. 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. We got off the bus we walked up Church Street and we turned left onto Campbell Place. We stopped at British Heart Foundation Furniture & Electrical. Onc e we had finished we set off back along Campbell Place and we walked up to Sainsbury's. We went in the cafe and we brought a sausage bap and a bottle of Coke. Matthew went to the toilet. When we had finished we walked back along Campbell Place. We walked up to the bus stop near to Kiln House and we waited for a bus towards Shelton. As it got closer we saw that it was First Potteries 67153 on a #21 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Shelton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down Campbell Place. We continued around the one-way system onto Church Street and we veered 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 we turned right onto College Road. We continued into Shelton and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked to College Road and we went into Hanley Park and parked in the car park. We walked to the pavillion and we brought a millionaires shortbread and a bottle of Coke. Matthew ate his millionaires shortbread a bottle of Coke. After we ate the food and we walked onto the canal. We headed Northwards up to Botteslow Street and afterwards we headed back to the pavaillion to use the toilet. After spending a while there we walked back to the South East corner of the park. we walked down Avenue Road. We returned back into College Road. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 32639 on a #25 to Keele. We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before going upstairs. We set off continued down College Road. We passed the railway station and we continued forwards onto the A52. We followed the road to the right under the railway line. We crossed over the A500. entering Stoke town centre. We continued along Church Street onto Hartshill Road and into the centre of Hartshill. We turned left into the Avenue and left again onto Hilton Road before turning right into the City General Hospital. Once through the hospital. As we travelled through the hospital we saw ABC Supreme YR20 DSZ and First Potteries 69174 on a #22 to Longton. we turned right onto the A34 and we ran into Newcastle. We crossed the roundabout and we ran up Barracks Road and into the bus station from the South end. Once we got to the bus station 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 2964 on a #64 to Market Drayton. A short time later we saw First Potteries 65001 on a #22 to Longton. We got on the bus and we booked to the Hospital before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road. We ran Southwards onto the A34. We got up and got off the bus by the Cherry Tree. Once off the bus we walked back up towards Newcastle. As we walked up the A34 we saw First Potteries 65728 on a #22 to Longton. We went under the subway and we walked up Stubbs street and into the bus station. We saw First Potteries 65036 on a #101 to Stafford. We waited for a bus back to Fenton. A short time later we saw First Potteries 69151 on a #11 to Hanley. 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 32647 on a #25 to Hanley. 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. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. We crossed over city Road and walked back to the residential unit. Matthew went back up to his room to chill out and use his computer. We went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw Temple Street church minibus RX18 GZW. We carried on along Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street and we went into the Co-operative Food store and Matthew had a can of Coke. We walked back out onto Christchurch Street. We went to cineworld in a Lucky Seven taxi. We set off Christchurch Street. We crossed over City Road and we ran along Manor Street. We ran down the hill through Fenton and at Joiners Square. We turned left onto Lichfield Street and we saw First Potteries 65041 on a #6 to Coalville. We ran towards Hanley. We joined the anti-clockwise ring road and we ran around to the other side of Town We exited the ring road onto Town Road. The bus came in through Quadrant Road and forwards onto Stafford Street. We got out of the taxi When we walked along Stafford Street and we turned left onto Old Hall Street. We stopped on the corner and we went to McDonalds. Matthew had chicken nuggets and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. When we had finished we set off onto Parliament Row and we continued into the Intu Potteries shopping centre. We went through the shopping centre and out the other side over Quadrant Road and into the new leisure complex. As we passed the car park on the Bryan Street He went to the toilet and afterwards he saw Belfast at the cinema. When we returned to Fenton in a Lucky Seven taxi. We set off along Quadrant Road and we turned right into Town Road and we joined the clockwise ring Road. We ran around to Lichfield Street and past the site new Lidl. We crossed over Joiners Square. Whilst we waited we saw grey minibus SF69 FCU going towards Bucknall. We crossed over the roundabout onto Victoria Road past Adsa and the B&M. We turned right onto Manor Street. We turned right onto City Road and we headed down the hill. We turned left onto Temple Street and left again onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to chill out in his room and use his computer and watch buses out of the window. Latter on Matthew had a sausage roll and a jam filled shortbread biscuit. Matthew spent time in his room watching television and using 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 Caernarfon / Bangor 29-01-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2655	Caernarfon BS	Bangor BS	5C	Arriva NW&W
2649	Bangor BS	Conwy, Town Ditch	5	Arriva NW&W
3173	Conwy, Bodlondeb	Bangor BS	5	Arriva NW&W
2652	Bangor BS	Caernarfon BS	5C	Arriva NW&W
YJ14 BCX	Caernarfon BS	Tan-y-bwlch, Oakeley Arms	T2	Lloyds Coaches
YJ65 EUM	Tan-y-bwlch, Oakeley Arms	Caernarfon BS	T2	Lloyds Coaches

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to Caernarfon. Drone footage shows progress of Caernarfon bypass as £139m scheme nears completion. 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 Temple Street Church RX18 GZW.

Temple Street Church RX18 GZW in Fenton

Matthew chilled out in his room until we saw Afford rent-a-car MJ71 DFZ.

Afford rent-a-car MJ71 DFZ in Fenton

Matthew got his face mask and bag and got ready to go. We came around 11:30 and Matthew came downstairs and got in the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. We checked the bag and Matthew realised that he had no batteries so we returned to the residential unit to pick them up. We set off onto Wheildon Road and we turned left onto Smithpool Road and we saw Travel Express BG61 KTK. We turned right onto Temple Street and we stopped at the residential unit. We collected his batteries and and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto City Road. We ran down the hiull into Stoke and we went under the railway line. We crossed over the the A500 and we turned right onto Northbound A500 before we turned right onto the Northbound carriageway. We ran North for a few miles and then we continued Westwards as we crossed under the M6. We continued along the A500. Today we decided to stop on the end of the A500 to eat food from the van there. He had a bacon and egg sandwich with tomato sauce washed down wit a can of Coke. to the South of Crewe until we reached the end before going onto the Nantwich by-pass. At the end of the by-pass we turned right following the A51. We ran up to Tarven and we joined the Westbound A54. At the edge of Chester we crossed the Westbound A55. At junction 19 and we turned left onto the A470. We ran through Colwyn Bay and Pentrefelin. We reached the Tal-y-cafn and through Llanrwst. We turned right onto the B5106 and we saw Llew Jones CX71 PZY on a #19 to Llandudno. We turned right onto the A5 and we ran through Pentre Du and into Glyn. We through Capel Curig and we turned left onto the A4086 and through Llanberis into Caernarfon. We continued onto Penllyn and into the car park. We parked up and we walked through the the bus station. Matthew went to the toilet and then we said goodbye to mum. We walked though the bus station and we saw Dilwyn’s Coaches AE57 CNN on a #91 to Dinas Dinlle. We walked into the bus station to see what we could catch. We saw required Arriva NW&W 2655 on a #5C to Bangor. We got on the bus brought a Cyngor Gwynedd Dayrider ticket at £11.60 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and we turned right onto Bridge Street onto we ran the A487. We ran through Waterloo Port and up to Y Felinheli and along the B4547 through Capel-y-graig to the A487. We turned right onto Penrhos Road. As we travelled through the hospital and we turned right onto Penrhos Road into Bangor and we turned left onto Belmont Road and we turned right onto Ffriddoedd Road. We turned right onto the A5 and we turned right onto Ffordd Gwynedd to the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. We walked down to the toilet. As we walked through the bus station we saw Arriva NW&W 2914 on a #4A to Llangefni. We headed back into the bus station and we sat down on a bench. Matthew ate his flapjack and then washed it down with a can of Barr Cola. The bus we should have caught was late. Whilst we waited we saw Arriva NW&W 2649 on a #5 to Llandudno. We got on and flashed the Cyngor Gwynedd Dayrider ticket to the driver before we sat down. The bus set off out of the bus station and we turned right onto the A5 and through Hirael and Llandygai and right onto onto A55. We turned right onto Aber Road and up to Llanfairfechan and right onto onto A55 and into Penmaenmawr. We turned left onto Bangor Road and forwards onto Conway Road. We ran forwards onto Ysguborwen Road and we turned left onto the A55. We turned right onto the A547 and we ran down the hill into Conwy. We turned left onto Town Ditch Road where we got up and got off the bus. we walked back up Town Ditch Road to the pub. We walked into a courtyard and the pub toilets were off the courtyard. Once Matthew had used the toilet we entered the pub and Matthew had a glass of Coke. Once he had finished his drink we headed outside and met up with uncle Dave again. We walked and onto Town Ditch Road and we turned right onto the A547 and we walked down towards the bus stop for a bus back towards Bangor. A few minutes later we saw Arriva NW&W 3173 on a #5 to Bangor. We got on the bus and we flashed the Cyngor Gwynedd Dayrider ticket to the driver before we sat down. The bus set off down the A547 and we turned left onto the A55. We turned left onto Glan-Yr-Afon Road and we continued along Ysguborwen Road and forwards onto Conway Road and through Penmaenmawr. We ran forwards onto Bangor Road and we ran forwards onto High Street. We turned left onto the A55 and we turned left onto Penmaenmawr Road. We turned right onto Tyddyn Drycin and left onto Penmaenmawr Road and into Llanfairfechan and and forwards onto Aber Road. We turned left onto the A55 and onto the A5. We ran through Llandygai into Hirael. We turned left onto Ffordd Gwynedd to the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we spotted Arriva NW&W 3176 on a #62 to Amlwch. Once off the bus we walked into town and we visited the M&S Simply Food store. Matthew had a small can of Coke and a few chocolate bars. We paid for our stuff and we headed back to the bus station for a bus back towards Caernarfon. As it approached we saw it was Arriva NW&W 2652 on a #5C to Caernarfon. We got on and flashed the Cyngor Gwynedd Dayrider ticket to the driver before we sat down. The bus set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto the A5. We turned left onto the A4087 and forwards onto the A5. We turned left onto Ffriddoedd Road and we ran forwards onto Penrhos Road. We turned left into the hospital and we ran through the the grounds. We turned left onto Penrhos Road and we turned right onto Belmont Road through Penrhosgarnedd. We turned left into the A487 and we saw Arriva NW&W 2655 on a #5C to Bangor. We ran through Waterloo Port and up to Capel-y-graig and along the B4547 through Y Felinheli to the A487 up to Waterloo Port into Caernarfon and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Once in the bus station we saw Gwynfor Coaches YX11 AEL on a #88 to Llanberis. A short time later we saw Lloyds Coaches YJ14 BCX on a T2 to Machynlleth. We got on and flashed the Cyngor Gwynedd Dayrider ticket to the driver before we sat down. The bus set off out of the bus station and we turned right onto Bridge Street onto we turned right onto the A487. At Bontnewydd and and we ran up the hill into Dinas. We ran down into Llanwnda and we ran down the hill into Groeslon and we turned left onto the A487. We travelled South through Penygroes. We continued to Llanllyfni and down into Nasareth and we ran through Pant Glas. We turned left onto the A487 through Bryncir and Glan-Dwyfach and down to Garndolbenmaen and into Dolbenmaen. We ran up the hill into Penmorfa and we turned left onto the A498 through Tremadog and we turned right into Church Street. We turned left onto the A487 and we turned right into High Street and we ran up the hill into Minffordd and we ran to Penrhyndeudraeth and we ran through Tan-y-bwlch where we got off the bus. Once off the bus we followed a sign and walked up an alley into a car park where there was a toilet block. The toilets were closed. We continued back down to the roundabout and we walked back towards Caernarfon bound bus stop. A few minutes later we saw Lloyds Coaches YJ65 EUM on a T2 to Bangor. We got on the bus and we flashed the Cyngor Gwynedd Dayrider ticket to the driver for the final time today before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down the A487 and went into Penrhyndeudraeth. We crossed the roundabout onto High Street and we ran up the hill into Minffordd. We ran up through Porthmadog. We veered left onto the A487 and we turned right onto Church Street and we ran down into Bontnewydd and Penygroes and we ran into Caernarfon. We turned left onto the A487 and we entered the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew used the toilet. A short time later we saw Arriva NW&W 2912 on a #5C to Bangor. Once away from the bus Matthew used the toilet and we met up with mum. We walked up the stairs and we headed along the path to the car in the car park. Mum had brought sausage rolls and can of Irn Bru. We set off out of the car park and onto Pool Hill and we turned left onto Penllyn. We turned right onto Bridge Street onto we ran the A487. We ran through Waterloo Port and up to Y Felinheli and along the B4547 through Capel-y-graig to the A487. We turned right onto Penrhos Road and we turned right onto the A4087 and we ran into Bangor. We stopped at the McDonalds in the cente of town. Matthew ate burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. When I had finished eating we continued towards home. We set off onto the A4087 and we turned left onto the Southbound A55 at junction 19. We continued Eastwards thriugh Noerh Wales and we ran forwards onto the A494 at Queensferry. We got onto the Eastbound M56. At junction 9 we joined the Southbound and we ran down to junction 16. We went Southwards down the A500 to Etruria and we cam off the A500 and we turned right onto Wheildon Road. We went under the railway line and we stopped at uncle Dave. Matthew nipped in and helped himself to some Irn Bru. We set off onto Whieldon Road. We turned left onto Smithpool Road and right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went to his room to chill out and use his computer. later on he had a Crunchie and a slice of Millionaire's Shortbread. Matthew looked at buses on the Internet and watched the television. 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 27-01-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63114	Fenton, Victoria Place	Hanley BS	6	First Potteries
65035	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	101	First Potteries
65028	Newcastle BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus and going to visit uncle Dave 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 Temple Street church RX18 GZW.

Temple Street church RX18 GZW in Fenton

Matthew chilled out in his room until dinner time. For dinner Matthew had beans on toast followed by cake. We went downstairs and we set off on foot to the bus stop. We walked onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street. We stopped at the Co-op and we brought a bottle of Coke. We set off onto Christchurch street and we turned right onto City Road and we saw Afford rent-a-car MJ71 DYS. We walked up to the roundabout and around the corner onto Victoria Road to wait for the bus to Hanley. Whilst we waited we saw Travel Express YJ61 HAU. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 63114 on a #6 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63114 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down. We set off down Victoria Road and we crossed over the A52 at Joiners Square. We ran up Lichfield Street past the site of the new Lidl. Instead of going to the bus stops outside the bus station, we turned left onto the ring road. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and right onto John Street and into the bus station we saw First Potteries 69151 on a #6 to Coalville. We got up and got off. Once off the bus ate Matthew his a bottle of Coke. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 65035 on a #101 to Stafford. 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 67144 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 back to Fenton ans a short time later we saw First Potteries 65028 on a #11 to Hanley. 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 63179 on a #4A to Hanley. 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. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. We crossed over city Road and walked back to the residential unit. Matthew went back up to his room to chill out and use his computer and watched buses out of the window we saw First Potteries 44515 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 44515 in Fenton

When it was time to go to uncle Dave's we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street and at the end we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We went across the spare ground onto Willowdale Avenue and onto Whieldon Road and into uncle Dave's. For tea Matthew had chicken potatoes and carrots with gravy followed by a slice of toffee cheesecake. Later on he had a drink of Fanta orange and a few digestive biscuits. Uncle Dave also did his DJ set. A couple of hours later staff came to escort Matthew back home. We set off onto Whieldon Road and we turned onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Temple Street the Queen Elizabeth II Court. We continued back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. He also ate the a can of Irn Bru and a golden crunch creams. 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 Stoke / Hanley 26-01-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
44	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Stoke, Stop Q	1	D&G Bus
21	Stoke, Stop O	Newcastle BS	9	D&G Bus
65032	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	101	First Potteries
65732	Hanley BS	Fenton, Sixth Form College	6A	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 First Potteries 67156 on a #23 to Hanley. 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 YS21 JWD parked up.

Afford rent-a-car YS21 JWD in Fenton

We continued to the bus stop and we waited for a bus towards Stoke. A few minutes later we saw a stoke bound bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was D&G Bus 44 on a #1 to Wood Lane. We got on the bus and we booked to Stoke 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 where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked towards the Newcastle stop. As we headed to the stop we saw D&G Bus 21 on a #9 to Westbury Park. We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. After a brief stop in Stoke we set off along church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road. We turned left onto Princes Road past the old school. Part of site was demolished to make more car parking spaces. We ran into Penkhull village. We onto Newcastle Lane and we turned right onto Hilton Road. We turned into the hospital and as we travelled through the hospital we saw ERS Medical YJ21 FVZ, First Potterires 32650 on a #25 to Hanley and ABC Supreme YA67 VBB. We turned right onto the A34 and we ran into Newcastle. We crossed the roundabout and we ran up Barracks Road and into the bus station from the South end. Once we got to the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Once we got off the bus. We walked out of the bus station onto Castle Walk and we visited Poundland. Matthew brought a can of Coke. We continued along 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 65028 on a #101 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto barracks Road and we ran up to the Jubilee Roundabout. We joined the one-way system and we ran onto the A52. We continued up to the top of George Street and we veered left onto the B5045. We went through the traffic light onto Shelton New Road. We crossed over the A500 and we ran up to Snow Hill. We ran up Broad Street and we turned right onto the anti-clockwise ring road. We turned left onto Bethesda Street and right onto John Street. We climbed the hill and up into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew visited the toilet. We waited for the bus to Longton and a short time later we saw First Potteries 65732 on a #6A to Blythe Bridge. 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 bus station onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto the ring road and we turned right onto Lichfield Street and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed the roundabout onto Victoria Road to the stop we saw Stanton's of Stoke FJ66 CYC. We got off and crossed the road to walk up to Aldi and Matthew went into the shop to do some shoppping. Once Matthew had finished shopping we returned to the residential unit in Autocabs 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 Queen Elizabeth II Court and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew chilled out in his room. Matthew went into the living room and we saw grey minibus DU21 BUE.

DU21 BUE in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw Temple Street Church RX18 GZW.

Temple Street Church RX18 GZW in Fenton

Before tea Matthew went out to do some shopping. We went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We picked a few things up at the Co-operative food and we turned left Temple Street We walked back to the residential unit. we went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. For tea Matthew had lasagne and chips with garlic bread followed by a cheesecake. Matthew took some batteries and We went downstairs to Meir to go out to see the centre in Draycott in an intercity taxi. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. We turned right onto Station Bridge Road. We followed the road around onto Heron Street. At Heron Cross we went Eastwards along the A50. We joined the Eastbound A50 and we ran through Longton. We continued along the A50 through Blythe Bridge and Draycott. We turned right onto Cresswell Lane and to our destination. In the Sports Centre Matthew played football with his peers. After Matthew had finished we returned to Fenton on in a intercity taxi. We walked out of the entrance and we got in the taxi we set off along Cresswell Lane. We turned left onto the A50 and and Blythe Bridge. We ran down to Heron Cross and we came off the A50. We ran along Heron Street and forwards onto Station Bridge Road. We ran forwards onto Glebedale Road. once we got back we returned to the residential unit. We walked onto Christchurch Street and down Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up 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 Loughborough / Shepshed 22-01-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4548	Loughborough, stop FA	Shepshed, Council Offices	127	Arriva Midlands
4748	Shepshed, Bull Ring	Shepshed, Gracedieu Road	127	Arriva Midlands
4416	Loughborough, Gracedieu Road	Quorn, Station Road	127	Arriva Midlands
4754	Quorn, Station Road	Mountsorrel, Watling Street	127	Arriva Midlands
4755	Mountsorrel, Watling Street	Loughborough, Cemetary	127	Arriva Midlands
510	Loughborough, Cemetary	Loughborough, (Stand BA)	154	Centrebus

Today we decided to visit Loughborough. We looked at the map and we decided taht we would visit Loughborough as it is fairly nearby, and we had never been there to travel on the bus before. Research consisted of looking on the Arriva Midlands website to look for suitable tickets and to see what services we might be able to catch. We also checked the weather, and was forecast to be dry, overcast and cool. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and apple juice for breakfast. We got ready and we set off just before 12:00. We 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. We reached the Blythe Bridge by-pass and we continued along the A50 Eastwards, Passing Copeland's Tours MIB 904 and MIB 905 coming in the other direction. As we passed near to Uttoxeter we saw First Potteries 63113 on a KF service to Hanley. We headed up the hill over the river Dove and we overtook Powys area taxi minibus EB19 GMU. We had already decided that we were going to have diner at The Saltbox Cafe, so we came off the A50 and joined the Eastbound A511. We continued the 2 miles or so to junction and we stopped at the cafe. Once at the cafe Matthew used the toilet. For dinner Matthew had a breakfast and washed down with a bottle of Coke. Whilst we ate we saw Midland Classic 19 on a #401 to Uttoxeter and Trent Barton 497 on V1 Villager service. When we had finished eating we continued East to Hilton and then we went Northwards back onto the A50. We headed Eastwards to the end of that section of the A50 and we joined the Southbound M1. We came off the M1 at junction 23 and we joined the Eastbound A512 snd we headed into town, passing Arriva Midlands 2949 on a #16 to Coalville. In the centre of town we tirned left onto Broad Street and we parked up near to Dunelm Mill. We sdaid goodbye to mum and we set off on foot onto Broad Street. We crossed over Derby Road and we saw Kinchbus 638 on a Skylink service to Leicester.

Kinchbus 638 in Loughborough

We continued onto Bridge Street and we saw Kinchbus 147 after Skylink from Derby to Loughborough like we did back in September 2020. crossing over we turned right onto Fennel Street. We saw that this was a stop for the Eastbound #127 so we headed over to there. On layover just up from the stop was Kinchbus 905.

Kinchbus 905 in Loughborough

There was a #127 to Loughborough due shortly, but Matthew decided he needed the toilet, so we walked up the steps and around the corner to Tesco. After using the facilities we brought a bottle of Coke and headed back towards the stop. We stopped in the plaza area and Matthew sat on a seat and drank his Coke. We went down the steps and a short time later we saw Arriva Midlands 4548 on a #127 to Shepshed.

Arriva Midlands 4548 in Loughborough

The driver readied the bus and a couple of minutes later we got on the bus and we booked a Leicester and Derby Plus Zone Duo daysaver at £11.00. We headed upstairs and the rear of the top deck was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 4548.

Inside Arriva Midlands 4548

At departure time we set off along Fennel Street and we turned left onto Bridge Street. We turned left onto The Rushes and we turned right onto Derby Square. We ran forwards onto Ashby Road and we ran out of town. We turned right onto the Northbound A6004. We turned left onto Alan Moss Road and right onto Garendon Road. We turned right onto Garendon Gardens and we ran forwards onto Blackbrook Road. We turned right onto Schofield Road and left onto Old Ashby Road. We ran to the end and we joined the Westbound A512. We crossed over the M1 and we continued Westwards. We turned right onto Leicester Road and we ran into Shepshed. We went forwards onto Kirkhill and onto the roundabout in the centre of town. We turned left onto Charnwood Road and we came to a stop as traffic was struggling to get in and out of Asda as a lorry had just arrived on site. We had seen on the map that there was a bus to Coalville right behind us. After the traffic got moving again we turned right onto Lambert Avenue where we got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 4548 as it continued towards the end of the route.

Arriva Midlands 4548 in Shepshed

Once off the bus we walked back down Lambert Avenue and we turned right onto Charnwood Road and walked to the next bus stop. We looked at the map and it apperaed that the bus had gone past whilst we were still around the corner. We decided to walk into town and wait for the next #127. Matthew decided he wanted the toilet so we went into the Asda. It was only a small Asda store and there were no toilets. We decided to look for a pub. We walked back to the main roundabout and we turned left onto Field Street. We continued onto Britannia Street and we still couldn't find a pub. The town seemed to be full of take aways and hair salons!. We decided to use technology to find a pub and it guided us down a passageway onto Hall Croft. We turned left and walked a few yards and we came to the pub. We walked into a courtyard and the pub toilets were off the courtyard. Once Matthew had used the toilet we entered the pub and Matthew had a glass of Coke. Once he had finished his drink we headed outside and met up with uncle Dave again. We walked past a large Co-op store and onto Queen Street and we came out on the roundabout in the centre of town. The loughborough bound bus stop was on the roundabout so we crossed over the road and we sat on the bench behind the bus stop. Whilst we waited for our bus we saw Paul S Winson XX13 PSW on a #129 to Ashby-de-la-zouch and then Trent Barton 126 on a Skylink service to Coalville.

Trent Barton 126 in Shepshed

A few minutes later our bus appeared out of Charnwood Road. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 4748 on a #127 to Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 4748 in Shepshed

We got on the bus and we placed the Leicester and Derby Plus Zone Duo daysaver under the scanner before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 4748.

Inside Arriva Midlands 4748

We set off onto Kirkhill and we veered right onto Leicester Road. We might have caught a kerb or gone over a speedbump, but a jolt made uncle Dave fall off the seat and end up on the floor. Once we knew he hadn't been hurt we laughed at him! At the ene of Leicester Road we turned left onto the A512. We crossed over the M1 and we saw Arriva Midlands 4754 heading towards Shepshed. We decided that if we got off in the estate to the North of the A512 we could catch the next bus that was working the 'short' service from Leicester to Loughborough. We turned left onto Ashby Old Road. We ran turned right onto Schofield Road and left onto Blackbrook Road and we passed Arriva Midlands 4416 going the other way. We decided to go for a couple more stops down the road and then we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took a photo of Arriva Midlands 4748 as it continued towards Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 4748 in Loughborough

Once off the bus we knew we had approximately 15 minutes to wait for the following service. Whilst we waited Matthew had a flapjack out of the trip bag. In the distance we saw an unidentified white coach go past on the A512. Around 16:10 as expected we saw the bus approaching. Also as expected it was Arriva Midlands 4416 on a #127 to Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 4416 in Loughborough

We got on the bus and we placed the Leicester and Derby Plus Zone Duo daysaver under the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off along Blackbrook Road and we ran forwards onto Garendon Green. We turned left onto Garenden Road and we passed Arriva Midlands 4764 on the following #127 to Shepshed. We turned right onto Alan Moss Road and we turned right onto the Southbound A6004. We turned left onto the A512 and we haeaded into the cente of Loughborough. We veered left onto Greenclose Lane and we turned left onto The Rushes. At the main junction we turned right onto Bridge Street and we turned right onot Fennel Street. We continued down the A6 and we stopped at the main stop opposite Aumberry Gap for a driver change. After a brief stop we continued Left onto Leicester Road. We ran Southwards out of town and we crossed over the Great Central Railway. We ran forwards onto Loughborough Road and we ran a further 1/2 mile or so into the centre of Quorn where we decided to get up and get off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 4416 as it headed Southwards towards Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 4416 in Quorn

Once off the bus Matthew decided he needed the toilet again. Unsuprisingly there was a pub opposite to the bus stop, and we had 15 before the next Southbound #127 was due. We walked to the White Horse pub and Matthew and we made our way through the maze of corridors to the toilet. After Matthew had finished we headed back to the bar and Matthew had a glass of Coke. He finished his drink and we headed outside to uncle Dave. We knew what yhe bus was gpoing to be as we had passed it earlier heading up to Shepshed. A short time later the bus appeared and it was as expected Arriva Midlands 4754 on a #127 to Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 4754 in Quorn

We got on the bus and we placed the Leicester and Derby Plus Zone Duo daysaver under the scanner before we went upstairs. There were a few people on this bus, probably the busiest bus we had been on all day. We set off Southwards out of the centre of Quorn and we headed down into Mountsorrel. We decided to get off there as there was a bus come straight back. Once we were in what appeared to be the town cente we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 4754 as it continued Southwards towards Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 4754 in Mountsorrel

We crossed the road and we saw that the Northbound bus was imminent. We had time to photography the rather impressive bandstand and the minibus WP15 which was parked nearby. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. The map had said it was Arriva Midlands 4775, but when it arrived we saw it was Arriva Midlands 4755 on a #127 to Shepshed.

Arriva Midlands 4755 in Mountsorrel

We got on the bus and we placed the Leicester and Derby Plus Zone Duo daysaver under the scanner for the final time today before we went upstairs. We set off Northwards out of Market Place and we ran Northwards through Quorn. We decided to break the journey to get a 6th bus in for the day. We joined the Northbound A6 and we crossed over the Great Central Railway. We decided to get up and get off the bus outside the cemetery. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 4755 as it continued towards Shepshed.

Arriva Midlands 4755 in Loughborough

Once off the bus we noticed that the following #15 service was running a few minutes late. As such a couple of minutes later we saw Centrebus 510 on a #154 to Loughborough.

Centrebus 510 in Loughborough

We got on the bus and we booked single tickets to Loughborough at £1.80 each before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off Northwards up the A6 and we headed into the centre of Loughborough. We ran forwards onto High Street and we turned right into Baxter Gate where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we spotted Nottingham City Transport 645 on a #1 to Nottingham on the stand in front of us.

Nottingham City Transport 645 in Loughborough

We arranged to meet mum at Sainsbury's, so we set off on foot to meet her. We turned right onto Market Place and right again onto Biggin Street. We turned left onto Clay Pipe Jitty and at the end we seemed to have gone around in almost a circle! It was dark and we had not really been in Loughborough town centre before! I once again turnned to technology and it directed us across the road to Derby Square. We continued along the A512 and Matthew tried to take us into a food place called Phat Buns. I told him he could use the toilet at Sainsbury's when we got there. We crossed over the road and we went into Sainbury where Matthew used the toilet. Once we came out we spotted mum in the car park and we headed over to her. At the car Matthew had a can of Irn Bru. We set off out of the car park onto Broad Street and we turned left onto the Northbound A6. We had decided that would stop at the chip shop in Kegworth that I had been before, near to the junction on the M1 and A50. We ran Northwards out of town and through Hathern. As the A6 turned left to meet the A453, we continued Straihg through the village of Kegworth we ran out of the other side and we stopped at the chip shop. Matthew had his sausage chips and gravy. At this point he decided he needed the toilet. There wasn't a toilet in the adjacent garage so he ended up going to around the corner jus off a footpath. We got back in the car and we set off towards the big roundabout. We joined the A50 and we ran the 40 or so miles back to Stoke-on-Trent. The journey back was in darkness and we couldn't really see anything. We came off the A50 and we turned right onto Blurton Road. 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 19:30. 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 Newcastle / Hanford 21-01-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
65029	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
44511	Newcastle BS	Newcastle, adj Cherry Tree	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going out on the bus and was going to Blurton. He was also going to visit grandma and have tea out at the pub. Matthew got up around 09:00 and had toast and ornage juice for breakfast. In the morning Matthew went for a walk around Fenton. We went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. We turned right onto Station Bridge Road and we crossed over the railway line and walked into Smithpool Park down the steps. We turned left and we headed along the path towards Heron Cross. We returned to the main road and we headed into Glebedale park and walked arounf the Pit Hill. We crossed over Station Bridge Road and we walked along Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Masterson Street andn we walked down to Smithpool Road and we stopped at the chip shop. We picked up some food and we set off along Smithpool Road. We returned to the residential unit and Matthew went upstairs. For dinner Matthew had sausage chips and gravy and a can of Coke. In the afternoon Matthew got ready to be picked up for the weekend and he chiled out in his room. Whilst waiting we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 992. Just before 15:00 I came to pick up Matthew. He came downstairs with his things and we set off on foot to the bus stop by the flats on City Road. On the way to the bus stop we saw Afford rent-a-car KV19 NSO parked up in their garage.

Afford rent-a-car KV19 NSO in Fenton

We got to the bus stop and almost immediately we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was First Potteries 65029 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 65029 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 and in the petrol station. 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. We got in the bus station. Once off the bus we walked down to the bottom end of the bus station. We saw D&G Bus 113 on a #1A to Wood Lane.

D&G 113 in Newcastle bus station

Also seen was First Potteries 32630 on a #25 to Keele.

First Potteries 32630 in Newcastle bus station

We walked up to the top end of the bus station and we saw First Potteries 63034 on a #4A to Kidsgrove.

First Potteries 63034 in Newcastle bus station

Another vehicle seen was First Potteries 65034 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 65034 in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 44511 on a #22 to Longton.

First Potteries 44511 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to the Hospital. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 44511 before we sat down.

Inside First Potteries 44511

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 44511 as it continues towards Longton.

First Potteries 44511 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. 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 65030 on a #101 to Stafford, and ERS Medical YJ21 FWF heading Southwards. Once we had finished eating we set off to Blurton. We got in the car and we ran down the A34. We turned left onto London Road and we ran through Oak Hill past the former pub which is to be knocked down and replaced with a new shop and apartments. We continued into the the West End into Stoke. We visited Sainsbury's and after picking up some shopping we went to pick up fuel. We drove past the minibuses parked up the car park on the way. We saw City Cabs GN07 KXK.

City Cabs GN07 KXK in Stoke

Also seen was City Cabs FT61 UEP.

City Cabs FT61 UEP in Stoke

After fuelling the car we set off onto London Road and we headed Southwards. As we waited at the traffic lights we saw First Potteries 65001 on a #101 to Hanley. We joined the A34 and we headed into Hanford. We crossed under the A500 and we continued Southwards along the A34. 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 Longton / Smallthorne 18-01-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
69174	Fenton, Christchurch Street	Longton, Market Street	11	First Potteries
65732	Longton, stop C	Fenton, Victoria Place	6	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus. He was also going out for tea 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 Afford rent-a-car YN19 DNA.

Afford rent-a-car YN19 DNA in Fenton

We went downstairs and we walked through onto City Road. We crossed over at the crossing and we headed to the stop outside the shops. We waited for a bus towards Longton. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 69174 on a #11 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Longton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off up City Road and forwards onto King Street. We ran through Foley and under the railway line into Longton town centre. The bus stopped on Market Street and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we crossed over the street and we headed up Transport Lane. We crossed over The Strand and we cut through the passage past Next and we headed towards Tesco. We used the cash machine and afterwards we headed into Tesco. We walked past the Interchange and onto The Strand and we walked up to the bus stop. We waited for a bus towards Hanley. A short time later we saw First Potteries 65732 on a #6 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. we bus set off down The Strand and we ran under the railway line onto King Street. We ran through Foley into Fenton and forwards onto City Road past the new Burger King. We turned right into Victoria Road and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked back to the residential unit. We set of around the corner onto City Road and we crossed over. We turned left into Christchurch Street and right into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew went to his room to chill out. He used his computer and watched buses out of the window. Matthew chilled out in his room until dinner time. For dinner Matthew had sausages cheese oatcakes followed by chocolate sponge pudding with custard. Matthew chilled out in his room whilst waiting to pick him up. We saw D&G Bus 44 on a #1 to Park Site.

D&G 44 in Fenton

A short while later we saw Warrington's of Ilam K321 KHW.

Warrington's of Ilam K321 KHW in Fenton

We went downstairs and got in the car we set off onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw Temple Street church minibus RX18 GZW. We carried on along Temple Street and we turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto City Road. We ran down the hil into stoke and forwards onto the A52 and we ran alongside the railway line. We passed near to the railway station and we turned right onto College Road. We ran to the top and we continued onto Cleveland Road and forwards onto Regent Road. At the end we turned right onto Lichfield Street and we saw First Potteries 32067 on a #3A to Talke Pits. We joined the anti-clockwise ring road. We joined town road and we crossed over the ring-road and headed out of town towards Birches Head. We joinmed the A5272 and we travelled Northwards through Sneyd Green up to Smallthorne. We turned left onto Moorland Road and we stopped at the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we sat down and ordered the food. Matthew had a mixed grill washed down with a glass of Coke. For dessert Matthew had chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. After we had finished eating we hgad to drop off some things before returning to Fenton. We set off onto Moorland Road and we joined the Northbound A5272. We ran across the roundabouts onto High Lane. and we turned left onto Shaftsbury Avenue. After a quick stop we continued down the hill and turned left onto Doll'y Lane. We continued onto Stanfield Road and we crossed over Hamil Road onto Park Road. We ran onto Minster Street and we turned left onto Bowden Street. We turned right onto Dartmouth Street and we turned left to re-join Park Road. At the end we turned left onto Moorland Road. We crossed over the roundabout onto Ford Green Road and we turned left onto Fell Street past the site of the new cafe. We turned right onto Coseley Street and we ran down the hill onto Duddell Road. We stopped briefly on a side street and then we ran down to Chell Heath Road. We turned right towards the traffic lights and then right again onto Ford Green Road. We ran up the hill and made a brief stop before continuing up the the roundabouts. We turned left onto the A5272 and we ran through Sneyd Green into Birches Head. We ran into Hanley and we joined the clockwise ring road. We ran past the bus station and we turned left onto Lower Bethesda Street. We turned right onto Cleveland Road and we ran forwards onto College Road where we saw First Potteries 67153 on a #23 to Hanley. We turned left onto Station Road and we ran past the railway station. We ran forwards onto the A52 and we ran alkongside the railway line. We turned left onto City Road and right into Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street past the the Queen Elizabeth II Court and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs and chilled out in his room. He had a can of Dr Pepper. 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.