Trip to Derby / Loughborough 30-09-2023

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
157	Derby BS	Loughborough, (Stand LA)	Skylink	Kinchbus
832	Loughborough, (Stand FA)	Thorpe Acre, Morrisons	12	Kinchbus
830	Thorpe Acre, Charteris Close	Loughborough, (Stand SC)	11	Kinchbus
150	Loughborough, (Stand FA)	Kegworth, Church	Skylink	Kinchbus
155	Kegworth, Church	Castle Donnington BS	Skylink	Kinchbus
151	Castle Donnington BS	Derby BS	Skylink	Kinchbus

Today we ended up going to Derby. We had planned to go to Widnes, but this did not work out. I had done no reserch for the trip other than to check the weather, Which was for light rain, getting progressively worse towards teatime. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast for breakfast. Mum got home just before 11:00 and we got ready and set lff just before 12:00. Matthew got in the car and mum gave hima small chocolate cake. 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 continued 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. After picking up uncle Dave we continued down Wheildon Road. We were struggling to get onto the Northbound A500. Dave said that there had been an accident and that the M6 was slow from junction 18 all the way back to junction 15. We decided to go in another direction. We suggested to Matthew that we go to Derby and he said yes. We turned rihght onto City Road and we joined the Southbound A500. At sideway we joined the Eastbound A50. We continued Eastwards and we ran through Meir. We reached the Blythe Bridge by-pass and we continued along the A50 Eastwards. As we travlled Eastwards we saw Spacebus WSU 812, Ambulance coach J100 STB, Sharpes 7 JXO and another unidentified Sharpes coach. We headed up the hill over the river Dove. 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 before 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 Cherry Coke. Whilst we ate we saw Rotala Diamond 31418 on a #401 to Uttoxeter and Trent Barton 704, 715 and 740 on a Villager services. Once we had finished we turned right onto Derby Road and we ran through Halton and under the A50 before joining the Northbound A516. We joined the A38 briefly before veering left and following the A516 into the town centre. We joined the A601 and we ran clockwisw around the town before turning right onto The Cock Pitt. The car park that we usually use was closed, so we ran through the bus station and we turned right onto Morledge. We pulled up in a loading space and we said goodbye to mum. We walked back along Morledge towards the bus station. On the way we saw Hawkes Coaches YJ51 RCU on a Pride Park Shuttle.

Hawkes Coaches YJ51 RCU in Derby

We went into the bus station which is currently partially closed to support the work being done in Morledge. We stood at the end of the bus station and we took a few pictures. We saw Arriva Midlands 3566 on a #20 to Chaddesden.

Arriva Midlands 3566 in Derby bus station

Behind us on Morledge we saw Glovers AIG 8385 go past on it's way to Pride Park. We walked through the bus station to the other end and we took a few more pictures. We came back through the bus station and Matthew stopped at the Skylink stand. As we arrived we saw a bus come on stand. We saw it was Kinchbus 157 on a Skylink service to Leicester.

Kinchbus 157 in Derby bus station

We got on the bus and we booked a ZigZag Duo Plus ticket at £16.50 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto Morledge. We crossed over the ring road onto Siddals Road. At the end we turned right onto Station Terrace. We stopped at the bus terminal outside the railway station and we turned right onto Midland Road. At the end we turned left onto London Road and we ran South on into Alvaston. We turned right into Shardlow Road. We crossed the Thulston Roundabout onto the B5010. We ran into Thulston and we turned into Shardlow where we saw Kinchbus 151 on a Skylink service to Derby. We travelled through Cavendish Bridge. At the roundabout we turned right into Sawley Jct and we turned into Trent Lane. We turned into Castle Donington and we turned left onto Station Road where we saw Kinchbus 153 on a Skylink service to Derby. We joined into High Street we entered bus Station and into High Street and into Hill Top where we saw Kinchbus 156 on a Skylink service to Derby. We turned left onto the A453 and we went around East Midlands railway station where we saw Kinchbus 152 on a Skylink service to Derby. We turned right into Ambassador Road and we turned right into Viscount Road and we entered the Coach Park where we saw Rotala Diamond East Midlands 30996 on a #9 to Burton. We turned left into Beverley Road and Hunter Road. We turned left onto the A453 and we entered EM Gateway Interchange. We continued into into Kegworth and after a brief stop in Kegworth town centre along Kegworth Bypass. We ran up the hill and into Hathern and we ran down the hill into Loughborough and we joined Derby Road and at the top of the Road we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew got a picture of Kinchbus 157 before it continued to Leicester.

Kinchbus 157 in Loughborough

We walked to the traffic lights to cross over the road. As we approached the lights we saw Confidence 15 turned the corner onto the Southbound A6 which doing a shuttle in relation to the bus rally at Quorn.

Confidence 15 in Loughborough

We crossed over the A6 and we walked Northwards around the town. By the bus stop we walked up the steps and we visited Tesco. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we got a meal deal which included a scotch egg and a bottle of Coke. We paid for the food and drink and we headed back to the bus stop to wait for another bus. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Kinchbus 832 on a #12 to Thorpe Acre.

Kinchbus 832 in Loughborough

We got on the bus and we placed the ZigZag Duo Plus ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off up the A6 and we veered left to follow the road. We crossed the canal and turned right to follow the A6. We ran North Westwards for around a mile and we turned left onto Warwick Way. We turned right onto Barsby Drive and we ran forwards onto Braddon Road. We turned right onto Warwick Way and at the roundabout Maxwell Drive where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another pictore of Kinchbus 832 at it continued back towards Loughborough.

Kinchbus 832 in Thorpe Acre

Once off the bus we went to look for a stop to catch the #11 back to town. I had looked at this area on a Kinchbus newtwwork map and I was under the impression that there was a stop for the #11 areound the corner to the left. I did not appreciate the scale of the map. We set off along Maxwell Drive past Morrisons and The Maxwells pub before crossing over the Black Brook. As we approached the roundabout we saw preserved Crosville TFM 267K presumably linked to the bus rally at Quorn. We turned left onto Warwick Way and we turned left onto Braddon Road. When we got to the bus stop we had less than 5 minutes to wait. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Kinchbus 832 on a #11 service.

Kinchbus 830 in Thorpe Acre

We got on the bus and we placed the ZigZag Duo Plus ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set offlong Braddon Road and we ran around the loop of the housing estat before continuing on to Barsby Drive. We turned left onto Warwick Way and we ran past McDonalds before turning right onto the A6. We headed inti town and we ran forwards onto The Rushes where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Kinchbus 830 before it continued towards Shelthorpe

Kinchbus 830 in Loughborough

Also seen was Centrebus 769 on a #866 service to Sutton Bonnington.

Centrebus 769 in Loughborough

We cut through Clay Pipe Jitty and we went forwards Biggin Street. We turned left onto the A6 and we walked to the stop near to Tesco. Whilst we waited we saw Arriva Midlands 4760 to Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 4760 in Loughborough

A short time later we saw our bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Kinchbus 150 on a Skylink to Derby

Kinchbus 150 in Loughborough

Kinchbus 150 in Kegworth

Kinchbus 155 in Kegworth

Trent Barton 122 in Castle Donnington bus station

Kinchbus 155 in Castle Donnington bus station

Trent Barton 127 in Castle Donnington

Kinchbus 151 in Derby bus station

Selwyns BV19 XSF in Derby bus station

Trent Barton 86 in Derby bus station

Arriva Midlands 3562 in Derby bus station

We walked through the bus station and e turned left onto Morledge. We walked to where we were dropped off and we waited for mum to appear. When she turned up we got in the car and Matthew had a can of Irn Bru. We set off along Morledge and we did a u-turn at the roundabout. We turned left onto the ring road and we ran anti-clockwise around town. We turned right onto the A516 and we ran out of town. We ran forwards onto the B5020. We crossed over the A38 and we ran into Mickleover. We stopped in the car park near to the chippy and I went to get food. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy. When I had finished eating we re-joined the B5020 and we headed onto the Westbound A516. We ran to the North of Burnaston and Etwall and we joined the Eastbound A50. On the A50. We continued past Blythe Bridge bypass and through Meir. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross. We turned right onto Blurton Road and left onto Grove Road. We continued onto Whieldon Road and we dropped off uncle Dave. Matthew went in as he was desperate for the toilet. Matthew also helped uncle Rob finish off some Irn Bru. 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 past the former Regent pub which is now being set up as an Indian Restaurant. We ran forwards onto Grove Road and we saw green minibus R482 NDM parked up. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Street. We turned right onto the A5035 and 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 00:00... Mark

Trip to Newcastle / Hanley 29-09-2023

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63346	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
63365	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	4	First Potteries
47520	Hanley BS	Fenton, adj Travers Court	11	First Potteries
67178	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
35943	Newcastle BS	Newcastle, o/s The Cherry Tree	25	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going back to Blurton and was going out on the bus. He was also going to see Grandma. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Later on Matthew went out on the bus. We went downstairs and cut through onto City Road and walked to the bus stop outside the flats. On the way we saw Afford rent-a-car DS21 TFE parked up in Elsing Street.

Afford rent-a-car DS21 TFE in Fenton

We waited a the bus stop for a bus towards Newcastle. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. We saw it was First Potteries 63346 on a #11 to Newcastle. We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre along Church Street. After a brief stop in Stoke we continued along church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road. We ran up the hill and into Hartshill. We ran forwards onto George Street and we ran down the hill into Newcastle. We turned left at the roundabout onto Barracks Road and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we looked for a bus to take us to Hanley. A short time later we saw a bus come into the bus station. We saw it was First Potteries 63365 on a #4 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63365 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down near to the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We crossed the Jubilee Roundabout and onto the A53. We ran into Basford and over the A500. We ran down into Etruria and over the A500. We continued along the A53 and we turned left onto Forge Lane. We ran out along the Lane and we crossed over the canal before we returned back into Etruria along festival Way. We crossed under the A53 onto Etruria Road. We turned right onto the ring road and we ran around anti-clockwise to Bethesda Street. We turned right onto John Street and we ran up the hill to the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew went to the toilet and after we headed across Lichfield Street and over the ring road. We stopped at Venus Fish Bar and Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Coke. After we had finished we set off across the ring road and e walked round onto Lichfield Street. We headed into the bus station and we waited for a bus towards Fenton.A short time later we saw a bus come on stand. It was First Potteries 47520 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 47520 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto the ring road and left onto Lichfield Street and we turned right onto Birch Terrace. We followed the road around onto Charles Street and we turned right onto Old Hall Street. We crossed over the ring road onto Bucknall New Road. We ran down the hill through Limekiln lights. we turned right onto Dividy Road. We turned left onto Beverley Drive and right onto Dawlish Drive. We ran through the estate and back onto the A5272. We ran up to Adderley Green and we saw First Potteries 67175 parked in the garage. At the roundabout we turned right onto Anchor Road. system onto Commerce Street and right onto The Strand. After a brief stop we ran down the Strand and under the railway line onto King Street. We continued down through Fenton and forwards onto City Road. We went past KFC and we got up and got off. Once off the bus we cut through onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs and chilled out in his place until it was time to be picked up. I arrived about 15:00 and Matthew came downstairs. We cut through onto City Road and on the way to the bus stop we stopped to look at Afford rent-a-car YS21 KKG which was parked up in their garage.

Afford rent-a-car YS21 KKG in Fenton

We continued to the bus staop and we waited for a bus to Newcastle. A very short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67178 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67178 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 where we saw blue minibus V604 MBL. 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 walked to the bottom end of the bus station. We saw First Potteries 63359 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 63359 in Newcastle bus station

We decided to wait for a #25 towards the hospital. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 35943 on a #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 35943 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to the hospital before we went upstairs and sitting down. We set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road. We ran Southwards onto the A34 and we got up and got off the bus by the Cherry Tree. We got off the bus and Matthew took a picture of First Potteries 35943 as it continued towards Hanley.

First Potteries 35943 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. around 17:30 we set off from Grandma's and headed to the pub. We got in the car and ran up Occupation Street. We turned rihght onto Parkstone Avenue. We turned left onto The Avenue and we headed into Hartshill and 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. We crossed over the A500. We turned right onto the A500. We veered left into Fenton to pick up uncle Dave. After picking uncle Dave up we saw white minibus W653 NWE parked up on Wheildon Road. We set off back down towards Stoke and onto the A500 and we saw Stanton's of Stoke 784 RBF heading North on the main carriageway. 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 Oak Tree pub which has now been demolished. We ran to the end of London Road and we sat at the light waiting to turn right onto the A34. We continued up to the pub and we parked up. We walked into the pub and Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses included First Potteries 65038 on a #101 to Stafford and D&G Bus 44 running out of service towards the garage. 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 got back around 19:00. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we sorted a few things out. We wrote the Blog and watch TV. 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. 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 Beaconsfield Drive and left onto Finstock Avenue and back to Blurton. Later on we did some more of the Blog. We chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Newcastle / Trentham 28-09-2023

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67181	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
66348	Newcastle BS	Trentham, Bankhouse Road	101	First Potteries
63348	Trentham, Whitmore Road	Newcastle BS	101	First Potteries
112	Newcastle BS	Meir, Broadway	1	D&G Bus
67141	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
35945	Newcastle BS	Stoke, Lytton Street	25	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus. Matthew got up around 09:00 and had toast and juice for breakfast. He chilled out in his room and watched buses out of the windown until it was time to go out. Whilst we waited to go out we saw Cabability WJ65 BKE. When it was time to go out we went downstairs and onto Temple Street. We turned cut through onto City Road and we headed towards the bus stop. On the way we saw Afford rent-a-car MJ22 HHV parked up at their garage. We waited at the bus stop by the flats and we waited for a bus towards Stoke. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67181 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67181 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 where we saw blue minibus V604 MBL. 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. As it got closer we saw that it was First Potteries 63348 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 63348 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Trentham Garden before we sat down. We set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road. We ran Southwards onto the A34 and we ran down through Trent Vale and into Hanford. We continued down through to Trentham where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we saw First Potteries 63365 on a #101 to Hanley. Near to the old entrance to the gardens went to across the road the road and into Trentham Gardens. We parked up and we went to the retail village. we stopped at the riverside Cafe and for dinner Matthew had sausage chips and beans washed down with a can of Coke. We walked around the North end of the lake and we went to Totally delicious. After finishing eating Matthew went to the toilet. We went into the gardens and we walked to the North West corner and we stopped to benches sit down on the benches. Matthew had a can of coke. Once we had finished eating we walked back through the main gate and onto the A34 opposite the A5035. We turned left and walked along the A34 to the old Gardens entrance where the bus stop is situated. We waited for a bus back towards Hanley. A few minutes later we saw white minibus WX07 DKU. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63348 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63348 in Trentham

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off Northwards through Trentham. We continued North through Hanford and Trent Vale and we past the City General hospital before going into Newcastle. We turned right onto Barracks Road and we entered the bus station from the South end. We got up and got off the bus. We continued down to the bus station and saw First Potteries 63362 on a #98 to Ball Green. We headed to the toilet and Matthew used the facilities. The bus appeared and it was D&G Bus 112 on a #1 to Meir.

D&G Bus 112 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Meir before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station onto barracks Road and we ran down onto the Southbound A34. We turned left into the hospital and we ran through the grounds and 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. We ran past the site of the new Burger King and we went forwards onto King Street. We ran through Foley and we under the railway line into Longton Transport Interchange onto Baths Road and we ran forwards onto Market Street. We turned left onto Anchor Road and right onto Sutherland Road. We ran to the other end of the road and we turned left onto Weston Coyney Road. We ran up the hill past Matthew's old respite place and at the end we turned right onto the A520 and we turned left onto Brookwood Drive. We turned right onto Stansmore Road and we turned left onto Leason Road. We paused in the Square before going onto Woodville Road. We turned left onto the A520 and we ran into the centre of Meir. At the roundabout we turned right onto Broadway and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked into Broadway and we turned left onto the A520. We waied for a taxi back to Fenton. It was a Lucky Seven taxi. We set off along the A520 and we turned right at the roundabout onto the Westbound A50. We ran through Longton to Fenton and we came off the A50 at Heron Cross. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we went through the traffix lights onto Heron Street. We ran forwards onto Station Bridge Road and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Masterson Street and right onto Watkin Street. We continued onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to use his computer and watch buses. downstairs and we set off on foot to the bus stop on City Road. We waited for a bus to Newcastle. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67141 on a #11 to Newcastle. We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre along Church Street. After a brief stop in Stoke we continued along church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road. We ran up the hill and into Hartshill. We ran forwards onto George Street and we ran down the hill into Newcastle. We turned left at the roundabout onto Barracks Road and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew got a picture of First Potteries 67141 before it returned towards Hanley on a #11 service.

First Potteries 67141 in Newcastle bus station

Once off the bus we set off onto Castle Walk and we stopped at Heron Foods. We bought a cake and we set off along Castle Walk and we went past the former Poundland. We turned right into Ironmarket. Matthew visited the pub and had burger and fries washed down with a glass of Coke. Once we had finished eating we set off onto Ironmarket and we turned left onto High Street and we past the fromer Laura Ashley. We crossed over and we went to the cinema. Matthew had a cup of Coke. He went to the cinema to watch A Expend4bles. After the film Matthew went to the toilet. We walked out of the cinema onto the High Street and we walked onto Hassell Street. We returned to the bus station and we waited for a bus to Hanley. A few minutes later a bus appeared and it was First Potteries 35945 on a #25 to Biddulph.

First Potteries 35945 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station onto barracks Road and we ran down onto the Southbound A34. We turned left into the hospital and we ran through the grounds and 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. We went forwards onto Church Street and the bus topped in the town centre. After a brief stop we continued over the A500 and we got up and got off the bus just before the railway bridge. We walked up City Road and we cut across onto Temple Street and into the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out on his computer and watch music videos on his 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 Bucknall / Hanley 27-09-2023

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67153	Fenton, adj Royal Oak	Hanley, stop J1	23	First Potteries
67143	Hanley BS	Fenton, Victoria Place	6	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going on the bus later on. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw Shelton Care Group SH71 KMZ. We went downstairs and we set off onto City Road and we crossed over and onto Manor Street. At the end of Manor Street we turned left onto Victoria Road and and we stopped at Aldi to pickup Matthew's weekly shop. Once Matthew had finished shopping we returned to the Bucknall in Autocabs taxi. We set off up Victoria Road and we ran down the hill. We crossed over the roundabout at Joiners Square onto Lichfield street and we ran up the hill towards Hanley. We went around the ring-road and we turned right onto Bucknall New Road. We ran down the hill through Limekiln lights and we saw First Potteries 63348 on a #11 to Hanley. We ran forwards onto the A52. We stopped at the shop and we went inside. Matthew went in a brought a sausages cheese oatcakes to take away. We got into the car and we set off up the A52. At Limekiln Light we followed the A52 to the left. At Joiners Square. we turned left onto Victoria Road and we ran up the hill into Fenton. We turned right onto Manor Street and right onto City Road and we ran down the hill into Stoke. We ran forwards onto the A52 and we under the railway line. We crossed over the A500 and we went around the one-way system in Stoke. We turned left onto London Road and we turned right onto Chamberlain Avenue. We stopped for a short while and Matthew had a sausages cheese oatcakes washed down with a can of coke followed a couple of slices of Victoria sponge. we returned to Fenton. We got in the car and we set off onto Chamberlain Avenue and we turned left London Road and we ran forwards onto the one-way system onto Campbell Place and we ran forwards onto Church Street and we saw Magnum NK65 DHE. We turned right onto Liverpool Street and we veered right onto Elenora Street. We turned right onto Copeland Street and we veered left onto Glebe Street. We turned right onto Lytton Street and we ran to the end before turning left onto City Road. We ran under the railway line and up the hill into Fenton. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses before going out later on. We saw First Potteries 67144 a on the #11 to Hanley. We went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned onto Christchurch Street and we waited for a bus to Hanley. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. It was First Potteries 67153 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67153 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road. and we joined the A52 to go under the railway line and over the A500. We continued onto Church Street and into the centre of Stoke. After a brief stop we continued around the one-way system onto Elenora Steet and right onto Copeland street. We turned left onto Glebe Street and we went under the railway line before turning left onto Station Road. We went past the railway station and and turned right. We ran up Stoke Road and we turned right onto Avenue Road. At the roundabout we turned left onto College Road. After running the hill through Shelton we continued onto Cleveland Road and forwards onto Regent Road. We turned left onto Lower Bethesda Street and we crossed over the ring road onto Bethesda Street before we turned right onto John Street where we got up and got off the bus at the top of John Street. We walked down John Street and we crossed over Bethesda Street and left onto Broad Street. We ran down the hill and over the ring road onto Sun Street and we walked to a unit and we went to Truninja. Matthew had a session in the play area and returned to walked. We set off along Sun Street and we turned left onto Broad Street and we crossed over the ring road onto Piccadilly and we walked up Stafford Street. We walked through Percy Street and across onto Parliament Row. We stopped at McDonalds and we had tea. Matthew had a burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. When we had finished we walked along Parliament Row and we walked onto Old Hall Street. We walked up Lichfield Street and back to the bus station. We waited for a bus back towards Fenton. A short time later we saw First Potteries 63174 on a #11 to Newcastle. A short time later we saw a bus turn around the corner. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67143 on a #6 to Coalville.

First Potteries 67143 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Longton 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. and we ran up the hill into Fenton. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we set off on foot up Victoria Road and we went sharp right onto City Road. We turned left onto Glebedale Road and we walked along Baker Street. We turned right onto Christchurch Street. We returned onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. When Matthew got back we went upstairs and went up to his room and had some cheesecake. 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 Hanley / Sandyford 26-09-2023

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67143	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
67152	Hanley BS	Fenton, Fenton Manor	23	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 beige minibus DY10 LUP. Matthwe went into the living room and we saw Temple Street Church RX18 GZW. We went downstairs and we and we cut through onto City Road to wait a bus to Hanley. At the Afford garage we saw Afford rent-a-car MC22 EPK parked up.

Afford rent-a-car MC22 EPK in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw a bus turned the corner. As it got closer we saw that it was First Potteries 67143 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67143 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down City Road and we joined the A52 to go under the railway line and over the A500. We continued onto Church Street and into the centre of Stoke. After a brief stop we continued around the one-way system onto Elenora Street and right onto Copeland street. We turned left onto Glebe Street and we went under the railway line before turning left onto Station Road. We went past the railway station ans we turned right onto College Road. After running the hill through Shelton we continued onto Cleveland Road and forwards onto Regent Road. We turned left onto Lower Bethesda Street and we crossed over the ring road onto Bethesda Street. We turned right onto John Street and once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. We walked out towards the bus station and we saw Lucky Seven SF69 FCP parked outside. As it was a nice day we sat on the seats and Matthew had a chicken sandwich washed down with bottle of Coke. Afterwards Matthew visited the shop and brought a bottle of Coke. We waited for the next #23 back to Fenton. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 67155 on a #21 to Trentham.

First Potteries 67155 in Hanley bus station

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 67179 on a #7A to Biddulph. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67152 on a #23 to Newstead.

First Potteries 67152 in Hanley 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 and we ran down John Street and left onto onto Bethesda Street. We turned right onto the clockwise ring road and we turned left onto Hinde Street. We turned right onto Regent Road and forwards onto Cleveland Road. We ran down though Shelton along College Road and we ran down to the railway station. We turned right onto Glebe Street and under the railway line an we ran around the one-way system in Stoke and stopped by Stoke Minster. We turned left onto Church Street and we crossed the A500 and under the railway line. We ran up City Road and we got up and got off the bus by the the swimming baths turn. We crossed over City Road and we turned right onto the private road on which the swimming baths is situated. On the way down the road we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 516. Matthew went swimming and after we had finished. We got in the car and we drove along private Road up to City Road. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. Later on we went dowstairs cake. we went downstairs and we got in the car we set off onto Christchurch Street and we turned right onto City Road. We ran up onto King Street we passed the site of the new Burger King being built. We turned right onto the A50 link road and we joinrf the Eastbound A50. AS the route into Longton was busy we continued upto Normacot. We came of the A50 at Normacot and we turned left onto Uttoxeter Road. As we headed into Longotn. We ran into Longton and we turned right onto Kingcross Street and parked in the car park. Once parked up they headed back to Market Street and we picked up the cake order had ordered the day before. Once we had picked up the cake we headed back to the car. We returned to the car and we headed back to the residential. We set off onto Commerce Street and we went around the roundabout and onto The Strand and we turned left into King Street. We ran through Foley into Fenton and forwards onto City Road. We turned left onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit and we went upstairs to his room. We went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road. We stopped at the kebab shop and we brought burger and fries. When we brought the food we walked back down City Road and we turned left into Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and use the computer. For tea Matthew had burger and fries followed a couple of red velvet cheesecake with custard. Matthew also had a can of Coke. We went downstairs to the car and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and left onto City Road. We ran down the hill into Stoke and we joined the Northbound A500. We ran North uo through Etruria and Longport and we joined the Eastbound A527. We ran up the hill to the top end of Tunstall and we turned left onto Chatterley Lane. We turned right onto Hollywall lane and at the end we turned left onto the A50. We ran North into Kidsgrove and we turned right onto Mount Road. We stooped at one of the service user place to pick them up and then we continued through Kidsgrove to Talke to the Carvery. We then returned to Kidsgrove along First Avenue and onto the A50 and we stopped at the Aldi car park before we went to the pub opposite. When we had finished in the pub we went up the A50 and we turned left onto Second Avenue. We turned left onto First Avenue and we ran back into Kidsgrove. We then went North up the A50 and South down the A34 and back to the carvery. We then went North up the A34 and we turned right onto the A50 and we ran back South into Kidsgrove. We stopped at Aldi again. and we went across the rod to the pub. Once we had finished in the pub we ran Southwards down the A50 up the hill and down into Sandyford. We then stopped at Costa Coffee tor tea. Matthew had a millionaire’s shortbread washed down with a cup of Coke. Once we had finished we returned to Fenton. We set off Northwards towards Kidsgrove up the A50 and we turned right onto Mount Road. We stopped again to pick up a service user and we continued onto Pennyfield Road and we ran up through Harriseahead and towards Mow Cop. We continued up to the Edge of Biddulph and we turned right onto the A527. We ran Southwards through Brown Lees and Brindley Ford and we followed the road through Knypersley and Fegg Hayes up to Chell. We continued along the A527 through Pits Hill and Sandyford and down to the A500. We ran Southwards through Longport and Etruria and we came off the A500 at Stoke. We ran up the A52 under the railway line and we ran forwards onto City Road and into Fenton. We turned right into Smithpool Road and left into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room and chilled out in his room and use his computer and watch buses out of the window. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. Matthew used his computer and watched music videos on the television. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Hanley / Newcastle 25-09-2023

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67150	Fenton, Royal Oak	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
67147	Hanley BS	Bentilee, Twigg Street	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus later. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 394. Later on we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw Shelton Care Group YS70 KWG. We carried on along Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We waited for a bus towards Hanley. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 67154 on a #23 to Newstead. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67150 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67150 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road. and we joined the A52 to go under the railway line and over the A500. We continued onto Church Street and into the centre of Stoke. After a brief stop we continued around the one-way system onto Elenora Steet and right onto Copeland street. We turned left onto Glebe Street and we went under the railway line before turning left onto Station Road. We went past the railway station and and turned right. We ran up Stoke Road and we turned right onto Avenue Road. At the roundabout we turned left onto College Road. After running the hill through Shelton we continued onto Cleveland Road and forwards onto Regent Road. We turned left onto Lower Bethesda Street and we crossed over the ring road onto Bethesda Street before we turned right onto John Street where we got up and got off the bus. At the bus station Matthew used the toilet. Once off the bus we decided that if we were going to go to Bentilee on the bus we would have to do it almost immediately and not got up to the car park to take bus pictures. At the top end of the bus station we saw First Potteries 63103 on a #4A to Talke Pits. Another vehicle seen we saw First Potteries 67141 on a #7A to Biddulph. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67147 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67147 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Bentilee before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto the ring road and left onto Lichfield Street and we turned right onto Birch Terrace. We followed the road around onto Charles Street and we turned right onto Old Hall Street. We crossed over the ring road onto Bucknall New Road. We ran down the hill through Limekiln lights and we saw First Potteries 35937 running out of Service. We turned right onto Dividy Road and we turned left onto Beverley Drive. We got up and got off the bus. Beverley Drive After picking some chips up from the chip shop we walked Beverley Drive and right onto Dawlish Drive and we stopped at one of the house and Matthew had a glass of Coke. We continued along Dawlish Drive and we saw Jayjays Travel WX07 DJV. We got in a City Cabs taxi and we set off along onto Dawlish Drive. We turned left onto Beverley Drive and we turned right onto Malthouse Road. We turned right onto Wooliscroft Road and left onto Corneville Road. We turned right onto Ruxley Road and right onto the A52 and and we turned left onto Eaves Lane. We turned left onto Greasley Road and continued onto Greasley Road. Before we joined the A5009 and we ran past the Cemetery to Milton and we turned left onto Millrise Road and we ran forwards onto Maunders Road and we crossed over the old railway line. We turned right onto Newford Crescent and left onto the A53. We turned into the retail park. We headed through Cobridge and we ran past the site of the new Wrights Pies shop. At the lights we turned left onto Waterloo Road. We ran down to the ring Road and then we ran around Hanley before going onto Lichfield Street. We ran down to Joiners Square and we continued onto Victoria Road. We ran up to the top and we turned sharp right onto City Road. We ran down to Smithpool Road and we turned left. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs and chilled out in his room to use his computer and watch buses. We saw City Centre Central FE15 UAD going towards Stoke. We came to pick Matthew up to take him out for tea. After get ready we went downstairs to the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto City Road and we headed down the road into Stoke. We ran under the railway line and we crossed the A500. We ran forwards onto Church Street and we ran around Stoke town centre on the one-way system. We turned left onto Lonsdale Street and we turned right onto Flemming Road. We turned right onto Campbell Place and we ran forwards onto Church Street. We ran forwards onto Hartshill Road and we went up the hill through Hartshill. We ran forwards onto George Street. We ran forwards onto George Street and we ran down the hill into Newcastle. We turned left at the roundabout onto Barracks Road. We went under the subway onto Queens Gardens and we walked up to the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we found a table. For tea Matthew had a chicken burger and chips washed down with a glass of Coke. Later on a had a slice of chocolate fudge cake with ice cream. After we walked back through the gardens. and right onto Barracks Road. Matthew went to the toilet. We continued onwards to the bus station and we saw First Potteries 63358 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63358 in Newcastle bus station

We walked onto the Barracks Road in a car park off Hassell Street. Matthew got in the car. We set off up Barracks Road onto the oined the A519 and we turned left onto Clayton Lane and we turned right onto the Northbound A519. We turned left onto Abbots Way and we stopped to dropp off a friend. We returned onto Abbots Way and we turned left onto the A519 and we ran down to Newcastle. We ran forwards onto Barracks Road and past the bus station. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A52 and we ran into Hartshill. 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. We crossed over the A500 onto City Road and we went under the railway line. We ran up the hill into Fenton and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew collected a few suypplies from the car and headed upstairs. He chilled out in his room and watched TV. He had a can of Cherry Coke. He watched television and used his computer. Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.