Sunday 31 December 2023

Trip to Froghall / Meir Park 31-12-2023
















BusFromToServiceOperator



MK67 UEJFentonFroghallCharterShelton Care Group
MK67 UEJFroghallAdderley GreenCharterShelton Care Group
MK67 UEJAdderley GreenFentonCharterShelton Care Group


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 Autocabs DF66 NKE. Later on Matthew went downstairs. Transport for the trip was Shelton Care Group MK67 UEJ. We got on the bus and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned right onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Baker Street and we saw past the former day centre. We turned left onto Glebedale Road and right onto City Road. As we ran up onto King Street we passed the site of the new Burger King being built. We went forwards onto King Street. We ran through Foley and we under the railway line into Longton town centre. We turned left onto Clarence Road and we turned right onto Ashwood. We turned left onto Longley Road and we turned right onto Heathcote Street and we turned left onto Anchor Road. We ran up the hill to the top and ran down to the roundabout in Adderley Green. We continued towards Park Hall. We turned left and we headed towards Hulme village and we turned left onto Hulme Lane. We ran down the hill and around the community centre before coming back up Hulme Lane and re-joining Winterfield Lane. We continued to the A520 and forwards into Cellarhead. We went through the crossroad and we headed Eastwards towards Kingsley Moor and we ran Eastwards into Froghall. We turned left onto the B5053 and we ran South to Ipstones. We turned left onto Belmont Road and we ran through Caldon Canal. We got up and we got off bus and we parked near to where the visitor centre used to be. Matthew went for a short walk and used the toilet in the toilet block there. After they had finished they went back to the car park where Shelton Care Group MK67 UEJ was waiting to take Matthew to garage. We set off onto Belmont Road and right onto the B5053. We turned left onto the A52 and we went Westwards to Cellarhead. We turned left onto the A520. At Weston Coyney we turned left onto the A5272 and this was done past Park Hall and Adderley Green and into Bentilee. We turned left by the bus garage and at the next roundabout we turned left and headed into the estate. We parked up next to the publice footpath and we walked up the the back end of the bus garage. We saw new arrival First Potteries 69500 parked up at the back of the garage. We walked along the path at the side of the garage and to the bus stop on the A5272 outside the front of the garage and we walked down the side of the depot. At the back of the depot was First Potteries 69529. Also in the depot was First Potteries 69501. We walked along the footpath behind the housing estate and back to the car. Transport for the trip was Shelton Care Group MK67 UEJ. we set off through the housing estate and past Lidl onto the A5272. We ran past the bus garage and we turned right onto Anchor Road. We ran up and over the hill and down into Longton. We turned left onto Market Street and we followed the one-way system around onto Commerce Street. At the roundabout we turned right onto The Strand and we ran through Longton and under the railway bridge onto King Street. We ran through Foley into Fenton and forwards onto City Road. We turned left onto Smithpool Road and left 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. We went downstairs. After picking Matthew up we set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. At the end we turned right onto Station Bridge Road and we crossed over the railway line. We ran forwards Heron Street and we went through Heron Cross and over the Eastbound A50. As we travelled Eastwards we saw smoke on the horizon. As we travelled eastwards we passed by a fire engine. We came off the A50 at Mweir Park and we turned right onto Lysander Road. We came of at the ub and parked up. Matthew went to the toilet and we sat down. Matthew had a glass of Coke and we ordered the food. For tea Matthew had a burger and chips followed by Chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. Whilst we ate we saw First Potteries 67150 on a #6A to Hanley.


First Potteries 67150 in Meir Park
After we had finished eating we said goodbye to the friends and we got in the car to go back to Fenton. In the car park we saw blue minibus CJ17 XAR.


CJ17 XAR in Meir Park
When we had finished we returned to the car. We set off onto Lysander Road and and we turned left onto the Westbound A50. We ran through Longton and we came off the A50 at Heron Cross. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we went through the traffic lights onto Heron Street. We followed the road around onto Station Bridge Road and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Masterson Street and right onto Watkin Street. We turned right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs room and Matthew also drank a can of Coke. Matthew stayed up until after midnight in order to see in the new year. Happy New Year 2024! Matthew went upstairs and we to bed around 00:30... Mark.

Saturday 30 December 2023

Trip to Newcastle / Stafford 30-12-2023
















BusFromToServiceOperator



112Fenton, adj Travers CourtNewcastle BS1AD&G Bus
35950Newcastle BSStafford, Chell Road101First Potteries
35940Stafford BSNewcastle BS101First Potteries
67177Newcastle BSFenton, Smithpool Road11First Potteries


Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to Stafford 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 Temple Street Church RX18 GZW. We went downstairs and we set off onto City Road. On the way to the bus stop we saw Afford Rent-A-Car HK22 WCJ.


Afford Rent-A-Car HK22 WCJ in Fenton
A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was D&G Bus 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. 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 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. Matthew took another picture of D&G Bus 112 before it continued towards Audley.


D&G Bus 112 in Newcastle bus station
Once off the bus we waited for a bus towards Stafford. We waited for a short while and we saw D&G Bus 577 on a #85 to Nantwich. Eventually the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 35950 on a #101 to Stafford.


First Potteries 35950 in Newcastle bus station
We got on the bus and we booked to Stafford before we went upstairs and down towards. We set off out of the bus station and 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 and then we got onto the fast section of the A34. We ran through Tittensor to Darlaston and we continued down to the North end of Stone. We Veered left onto Newcastle Road and we ran into Stone town centre. After going around the one-way system and onto Stafford Road. We crossed over the A34 onto Eccleshall Road. We turned left onto Tilling Drive and we ran onto the industrial estate. We saw former East Riding Council minibus DG63 MXT. We rejoined the A34 at the roundabout where the A51 goes Eastwards and we ran Southwards through the fast section on the A34 to the A513 roundabout. We ran the last couple of miles into town down the A34 onto Foregate Street and we turned right onto Chell Road where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked Westwards along Chell Road and we turned right onto Gaolgate Street and past the Market Square. We stopped at Greggs on Greengate Street and Matthew had a sausage roll and and a bottle of Coke. Once we had finished in the shop we walked back to the square and we ate the sausage roll and drank the Coke. Once we had finished eating and drinking we walked through the shopping centre and back onto Gaolgate Street. At the top we turned right and we stopped at the bus station. In the bus station we saw Select Bus 31 on a #12 to Doxey.


Select Bus 31 in Stafford bus station
A short time later we saw Chaserider 192 on a #826 to Lichfield.


Chaserider 192 in Stafford bus station
Whilst we waited we saw Chaserider 180 on a #841 to Uttoxeter.


Chaserider 180 in Stafford bus station
Also seen was Select Bus 18 on a #8 to Parkside.


Select Bus 18 in Stafford bus station
Afterwards we saw Chaserider 66 on a #74 to Cannock.


Chaserider 66 in Stafford bus station
Another vehicle seen was Select Bus 38 on a #8 to Parkside.


Select Bus 38 in Stafford bus station
After a short while the bus back to Hanley appeared. It was First Potteries 35940 on a #101 to Hanley


First Potteries 35940 in Fenton
We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We left the bus station onto the A34 and we ran Northwards to the edge of town. We continued up the fast section of the A34 to the edge of Stone and then we turned left onto the industrial estate. We ran around the estate and onto Tiling Drive. We turned right onto Eccleshall Road and we crossed the A34 onto Stafford Road. We turned left onto Crown Street and we stopped at the main stop in Stone. We ran North up Newcastle Road and we re-joined the Northbound A34. We ran Morth through Meaford and Tittensor and up into 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. Once we got ot the bus station we got up and got off the bus. In the bus station we stopped at the toilet. Afterwards we waited for a bus back to Fenton. A few minutes later we saw D&G Bus 24 on a #1 to Meir. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67177 on a #11 to Hanley.


First Potteries 67177 in Newcastle bus station
We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 67177 before we sat down.


Inside First Potteries 67177
We set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. 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 we cut through to the residential unit. We went upstairs and to his room to chill out. Later on 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. We stopped at the Co-operative food. We turned left Temple Street and we walked back to the residential unit. Near to the unit we saw Shelton Care Group SH71 KMZ. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window we saw First Potteries 67180 on a #11 to Hanley. For tea Matthew had a chicken nugget and chips followed by a Manchester Tart. 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.

Friday 29 December 2023

Trip to Bentilee / Sneyd Green 29-12-2023
















BusFromToServiceOperator



67151Fenton, adj Travers CourtHanley BS23First Potteries
67142Hanley BSBentilee, Twigg Street11First Potteries
63360Bentilee, Twigg StreetBucknall, Trent Tavern11BFirst Potteries
67179Bucknall, Trent TavernHanley BS11First Potteries
67174Hanley BSSneyd Green, Berwick Arms18First Potteries
67174Sneyd Green, AldiHanley, stop S418First Potteries
67151Hanley BSFenton, Albert Square23First Potteries
63360Fenton, Smithpool RoadHanley BS11First Potteries
67149Joiners Square, Leek RoadFenton, Victoria Place6First 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. 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. We walked to the stop opposite the flats and we watched the sheltered housing complex. We waited for a bus to Hanley. The bus turned the corner and we saw it was First Potteries 67151 on a #23 to Hanley.


First Potteries 67151 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 ran forwards onto Glebe Street and we followed the one way system onto Church Street. We crossed over the A500 onto City Road. We went under the railway line and we turned left onto Leek Road. We ran alongside the railway and we ran forwards onto Station Road. After stopping briefly outside the railway station we turned right onto College Road and We turned left onto Avenue Road and we turned right onto Snow Hill. We turned left and ran up Broad Street. We turned right onto the ring road and left onto Bethesda Street. We turned right onto John Street and we ran up to the bus station. Once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Once in the bus station. We waited for a bus to Bentilee and a short time later we saw . A few minutes later we saw D&G Bus 524 on layover. A bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67142 on a #11 to Newcastle. 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 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. We turned left onto Beverley Drive. We waited for a bus towards Hanley at the bus stop. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 63360 on a #11B to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus We set off onto Beverley Drive. At the end we turned right onto Dividy Road and we ran down the hill to Bucknall. We got up and got off the bus. Once off up Dividy Road and we crossed. We waited for a bus to Hanley and a short time later we saw . A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67179 on a #11 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto Dividy Road and we turned left onto the A52 we ran to limekiln lights and we went across onto Bucknall New Road. We climbed the hill up to Hanley and we joined the clockwise ring road. We turned right onto Bethesda Road and right onto John Street and into the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew walked into the bus station and went to the toilet. Afterwards we waited for a bus to Sneyd Green. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67174 on a #18 to Leek. We got on the bus and we booked to Sneyd Green before we sat down. We set off out of the bus station onto john Street and we ran down the hill to Bethesda Street. We ran past the museum and we ran forwards onto Marsh Street. We turned right onto Trinity street and at the top of the hill we turned left onto Stafford Street. We ran forwards onto Quadrant Road and we went across the ring road along Town Road. We ran forwards onto the A5272 and into Sneyd Green. We turned right onto Milton Road and we ran down the hill before turning left onto Berwick Road. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew walked up Berwick Road and we right onto the A53 past Aldi where they are proposing to bulid a new retail park. We walked to the bus stop. We waited for a bus to Hanley. A short time later we saw a bus turn around the corner. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67174 on a #18 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down the A53 and we turned left into Berwick Road. We turned right onto Milton Road and we ran up the hill to the A5272. We turned left and we headed into Hanley. We entered town along Quadrant Road and we ran along Stafford Street. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked along Stafford Street and we turned left onto Tontine Street and and we went forwards onto Lichfield Street and into the bus station. We waited for a bus to Fenton. A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was First Potteries 67151 on a #23 to Newstead. We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 67151.


Inside First Potteries 67151
We set off out of the bus station. We went down John Street and onto Bethesda Street. The road in front of the museum was closed so we turned right onto the the ring road. We turned right onto Broad Street. We ran down the hill and over the ring road onto Snow Hill Before we turned left onto Avenue Road. At the roundabout we turned right onto College 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. After climbing up the hill into Fenton we turned right into Christchurch Street where we got up and got off the bus. We then walked back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. We went downstairs and we and we cut through onto City Road to wait a bus to Hanley. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching and we saw it was First Potteries 63360 on a #11 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off up City Road and we went forwards onto King Street. We ran through Foley and we under the railway line into Longton town centre. We ran up Market Street and we turned left onto Anchor Road. We ran up the hill to the top and ran down to the roundabout in Adderley Green. We turned left onto the A5272 and and we ran through Bentilee and we turned left onto Beverley Drive and due to a diversion we came back down beverley Drive and left onto the A5272 and we ran down the hill to Bucknall. We turned left onto the A52 we ran to limekiln lights and we went across onto Bucknall New Road. We climbed the hill up to Hanley and we joined the clockwise ring road. We turned right onto Bethesda Road and right onto John Street and into the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew got a picture of First Potteries 63360 before it returned towards Hanley on a #11B service.


First Potteries 63360 in Hanley bus station
Once off the bus we walked up Lichfield Street and onto Tontine Street and onto Tontine Square and we walked back along Tontine Square to the Intu Potteries shopping centre. We had a walk around the shops and afterwards we walked through Tontine Square. After we had finished shopping we walked back down Tontine Street. We walked back down onto Lichfield Street and across the ring road and we saw Elysium Healthcare HT21 NYF. We set off onto Lichfield Street and we crossed Joiners Square. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67149 on a #6 to Coalville.


First Potteries 67149 in Joiners Square
We got on the bud and we booked to Fenton before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down Lichfield Street and we crossed over the roundabout at Joiners Square onto Victoria Road. We ran up the hill and at the top we got up and got off the bus. Once of the bus we crossed over the road and we went down City Road. We walked throught the car park and down the alley and we crossed over Christchurch Street onto Temple Street and into the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out. For tea Matthew had Pasta and Tomato Sauce followed by a Toffee sponge pudding and custard. Matthew went up to his room to chill out and use 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

Thursday 28 December 2023

Trip to Blurton / Newcastle 28-12-2023
















BusFromToServiceOperator



67153Fenton, adj Travers CourtHanley BS23First Potteries
67153Hanley BSBlurton, Ballinson Road23First Potteries
67142Blurton, Ballinson RoadNewcastle BS22First Potteries
67174Newcastle BSFenton, Smithpool Road11First 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, Matthew got ready to go to Hanley. We went downstairs and we and we cut through onto City Road to wait a bus to Hanley. We stood at the bus stop and we waited for a first but to Hanley. A few minutes later the bus turned up and 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 we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we joined the A52 and ran under the railway line. After crossing over the A500 we ran into Stoke town centre along Church Street. We followed the one-way system around onto Elenora Street and right onto Copeland Street. We turned left onto Glebe Street and we ran under the railway line before turning left onto Station Road. After stopping briefly outside the railway station we turned right onto College Road and We turned left onto Avenue Road and we turned right onto Snow Hill. We turned left and ran up Broad Street. We turned right onto the ring road and left onto Bethesda Street. We turned right onto John Street and we ran up to the bus station. 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 BM19 RXH parked outside.


Lucky Seven BM19 RXH in Hanley
Once off the bus we set off down John Street and we turned right onto Bethesda Street. We went into the museum. Afterwards we walked up Albion Street. We turned onto Stafford Street and we walked up Piccadilly and across Market Square to the shopping centre. In the shopping centre Matthew sat down and ate his chicken sandwich washed down with a bottle of coke. We went down to the market level and Matthew used the toilet. After we had finished we walked across Tontine Square towards TK Maxx. We cam out of the bottom of TK Maxx onto Tontine Street and onto Lichfield Street and back to the bus station we saw D&G Bus 521 on a #9 to Clayton.


D&G Bus 521 in Hanley bus station
A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was First Potteries 67153 on a #23 to Newstead.


First Potteries 67153 in Hanley bus station
We got on the bus and we booked to Blurton before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus waited for time before setting off out of the bus station. We went down John Street and onto Bethesda Street. The road in front of the museum was closed so we turned right onto the the ring road. We turned right onto Broad Street. We ran down the hill and over the ring road onto Snow Hill Before we turned left onto Avenue Road. At the roundabout we turned right onto College 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. After climbing up the hill into Fenton we turned right into we turned right onto Station Bridge Road. We went forwards onto Heron Street and we went through Heron Cross and over the A50 onto Blurton Road. We ran down the hill and we went past the BP garage. We ran up the other side and we got off the bus opposite to the shops. Once we had finished we crossed over to wait for another bus to Newcastle. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67142 on a #22 to Newcastle. We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before we sat down. We set off down Blurton Road and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconfield Drive and we ran to the end. We turned left onto Finstock Avenue and we followed the road around onto Magdalen Road. We turned right onto the A5035 and we ran over the railway line into Trentham. We turned right into New Inn Lane and we ran up the hill. We entered Hanford and we turned right into Wilson Road. We turned left into Church Lane and we joined the A34 and we crossed under the A500. We then headed into Trent Vale and we turned right into Harpfields Road we continued onto Hilton Road. We turned left into the hospital and we saw Cabability FV16 LRE and ABC Supreme HV22 NXS. 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. We got in the bus station and there was already a bus we could catch in the bus station. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we waited for a bus towards Stoke. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67174 on a #11 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road and we ran 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 we cut through to the residential unit. We went upstairs and chilled out in his room to chill out and use the computer. Matthew also watched buses out of the window. We saw grey minibus MF71 ZVE going towards Stoke. Later on we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw Temple Street church RX18 GZW. We continued along 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 house. For tea Matthew had chicken potatoes and carrots with gravy followed by a slices of chocolate cake. Later on he had a drink of Fanta orange and a few digestive biscuits. Uncle Dave now has a biscuit tin. Matthew chilled out in uncle Dave's house using his computer and watching television. Uncle Dave also did his DJ set. A couple of hours later staff came to escort Matthew back home. We set off onto Whieldon Road and we turned onto Willowdale Avenue and we saw silver minibus DK53 VRE parked up. We crossed the spare ground and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Temple Street past the Queen Elizabeth II Court. We continued back to the residential unit. Matthew went back to the room and went on his computer. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Wednesday 27 December 2023

Trip to Hanley / Crewe 27-12-2023
















BusFromToServiceOperator



67174Fenton, Sixth Form CollegeHanley BS6AFirst Potteries
63102Hanley BSCrewe BS3First Potteries
63103Crewe BSKidsgrove, Town Hall3First Potteries
63171Kidsgrove, Town HallHanley BS3AFirst Potteries
67176Hanley BSFenton, Victoria Place6AFirst Potteries


Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus later on. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst waiting for time to got to the day centre Matthew spent time in his room watching buses. We saw First Potteries 67145 on a #11 to Newcastle. Around 09:00 we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street and we walked on to City Road and we saw D&G Bus 112 on a #1A to Meir.


D&G Bus 112 in Fenton
We walked up to the roundabout and around the corner onto onto Manor Street. At the end of the street we turned left onto Victoria Road and we walked down the hill to the bus stop. A few minutes later a bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67173 on a #6A to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked the Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down Victoria Road and towards Joiners Square. At the roundabout we went forwards onto Lichfield Street 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 67175 on layover. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew used the new toilets at Hanley bus station. We waited for a bus to Crewe. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63102 on a #3 to Crewe. We got on the bus and we booked to Crewe before we sat down. We set off out of the bus station and onto John Street. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and we went straight across onto Marsh Street. We turned right up onto Trinity Street and we went past the former RBS now a new shop. We turned left onto Stafford Street. After picking up more passenger outside of Debenhams we followed the road around to the left and then back onto marsh Street. At the roundabout we went straight on onto Waterloo Road and we ran up the hill into Cobridge. We continued into Burslem and through the traffic lights onto Scotia Road. We went past the old Burslem PMT garage and we followed the road around to the left onto Williamson Street. At the corner we turned right onto Tunstall High Street and we continued North onto the A50. We ran through Goldenhill and down the bank into Kidsgrove. We ran under the railway line into Cheshire and we crossed over the A34. We continued into Church Lawton and then into Alsager. We continued Westwards along the B5077 under the M6 and into Radway Green. We followed the road to the right up Slaughter hill and we continued straight up into Haslington. We turned left onto Crewe Road and we re-joined the B5077 towards Crewe Green. We crossed over the roundabout onto the Westbound A534 and we ran towards Crewe railway station. We past the railway station and we continued for around 1/2 mile before turning right into Edlestone Road. We ran into town crossing over the railway line and forwards onto Chester Bridge. We followed the road around onto Delamere Street and we turned right into Gatefield Street. We turned right onto Victoria Street and we turned right onto the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. We decide to head into town past the new multi-storey car park and along Victoria Street and we came out though the Victoria Centre and we stopt at Ryman. At the we brought a fountain pens. After we had finished in the Ryman we returned to Victoria Street. We turned right onto Market Street. We stopped at Greggs on Greengate Street and Matthew had a sausage roll and and a bottle of Coke. Once we had finished in the shop we walked back to the square and we ate the sausage roll and drank the Coke followed by slice of triple chocolate cookie. Once we had finished eating and drinking we walked through Market Street. We carried on to the little dessert shop and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards he had a slice of Red Velvet Cheesecake with custard. When we had finished we walked down Market Street and forwards onto Delamere Street and back to the bus station. A short time later we saw the bus arrived in the bus station. On closer inspection we saw it was First Potteries 63103 on a #3 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Delamere Street and we followed the road around onto Chester Bridge. We ran forwards onto Edleston Road and we turned left onto the A534. We ran past the railway station and we continued up towards Haslington along the B5077. We turned right onto Slaughter Hill and we ran back through Radway Green and into Alsager. We continued over the A34 and into Staffordshire and we ran under the railway line into Kidsgrove. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked around the corner onto the A50 and we went into the Jessie's Coffee Shop. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards he had sausage and cheese oatcake washed down with a can of Coke. Once we had finished in the Jessie's Coffee Shop we walked back onto the A50 and across to the bus stop where we waited for a #3A to Hanley. A short time later the bus appeared. It was First Potteries 63171 on a #3A to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down. We set off along the A50. We ran up the hill into Goldenhill and we continued into Sandyford. We joined Tunstall High Street where we saw City Centre Central PO14 OKZ in the depot. We continued down the High Street and we ran through the town centre and joined Scotia Road near to Asda. We ran up into Burslem town centre. We ran past the site of the new Kiln Gate Retail park and we continued into Cobridge. We ran down the hill to the edge of Hanley and we went around the ring road to Town Road and we ran into Hanley. We ran down Quadrant Road and forwards onto Stafford Street. We ran across the shared space past the town hall and onto Bagnall Street. We ran forwards into the bus station. We got off the bus and we waited for a bus to Newcastle. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 67146 on a #7 to Kidsgrove. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67176 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. 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 right onto onto Glebedale Road and we walked along Baker Street and past the former Day Centre. We turned right onto Christchurch Street. We returned onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. When Matthew got back we went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. We went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw red minibus DY56 XJH. 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 went outside onto Christchurch Street where we saw Lucky Seven BV63 XRR.


Lucky Seven BV63 XRR in Fenton
We continued along Christchurch Street and we turned right onto City Road and we arrived at the appartment. We went in and Matthew had sausage chips and gravy for tea and a can of Coke. We set off onto City Road and we ran down the hill to Smithpool Road. We turned left and left again onto 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.

Saturday 23 December 2023

Trip to Newcastle / Biddulph 23-12-2023
















BusFromToServiceOperator



63359Blurton, Magdalen RoadNewcastle BS22First Potteries
63349Newcastle BSBurslem, (stop G)98First Potteries
63174Burslem, (Stop A)Tunstall, stop A3First Potteries
63178Tunstall, stop BNewcastle BS99First Potteries
63179Newcastle BSHanley BS4AFirst Potteries
63345Hanley BSBiddulph BS7AFirst Potteries
161Biddulph BSHanley BS9D&G Bus


Today was the weekend before Chritmas so as is tradition, we always do a local trip. No research was done for this trip, we didn't even check the weather! Matthew woke up at 08:00 to have his medication. Matthew got uparound 10:30 and I went to fetch uncle Dave as we were starting from the house today. After getting ready we set off to the bus stop all the way on Magdalen Road and we waited for a bus towards Newcastle. We'd usually start by going to Trentham, but we wanted to avoid Stoke today as Stoke City were playing at home. As we waited we saw First Potteries 63178 on a #22 to Longton.


First Potteries 63178 in Blurton
A short time later we saw the bus turn the corner. AS it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63359 on a #22 to Newcastle.


First Potteries 63359 in Blurton
We got on the bus and booked a Smart Day ticket at £3.50. This ticket is a multi-operator ticket valid throughout the North Staffordshire area. We sat down near to the back of the bus and the bus set off onto the A5035. We went past the Trentham Hotel we turned right into New Inn Lane. We turned left into Wilson Road and left into Church Lane. We continued down to the hill and we joined the Northbound A34. In the distance saw an unidentified Lakeside coach join the Northbound A500. We headed into Trent Vale. We turned right into Harpfields Road and we continued forwards on Hilton Road before turning right into the City General Hospital. Once through the hospital 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. We headed up Castle Walk and we stopped at the Pound Bakery. We bought sausage rolls and a can of dandelion & burdock and we headed back down Castle Walk to the bus station. We sat down and we had a sausage roll each and Matthew drank the can of dandelion & burdock. A few minutes later we saw a us heading for the Wolstanton corridor stand. We saw it was First Potteries 63349 on a #98 to Ball Green.


First Potteries 63349 in Newcastle bus station
We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat town towards the back of the bus. The bus set off onto Barracks Road and up to the Jubilee roundabout. We crossed over onto the A527 and we ran out of town through Brampton up to May bank. We continued forwards through Wolstanton and at the roundabout we turned right onto Porthill Bank and across the A500. We ran up through Longport to Middleport and at Trubshaw Cross we turned right towards Burslem. We ran up Newcastle Street into Burslem and we got up and got off the bus. We took another picture of First Potteries 63349 before it carried on towards Ball Green.


First Potteries 63349 in Burslem
Once off the bus we walked around the corner onto the A50 to wait for a bus towards Tunstall. We didn't have to wait for long before we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63174 on a #3 to Crewe.


First Potteries 63174 in Burslem
We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat town towards the back of the bus. We set off out of Burslem along Scotia Road past the Lidl supermarket. We turned left onto Williamson Street and then we turned right onto Tunstall High Street and we got up and got off the bus. We took another picture of First Potteries 63174 before it carried on towards Crewe.


First Potteries 63174 in Tunstall
We headed into Tunstall Cafe and Matthew went to the toilet whilst I ordered some food. Matthew had a slice of toffee cheescake washed down with a can of Cherry Coke. When we had finished we went outside and we crossed the road to catch a bus towards Hanley. Whilst we waited we saw Matthew's former transport bus DY08 FFX which is now in private ownership.


DY08 FFX in Tunstall
We waited at the bus stop opposite Subway, which is going to be relocting in early 2024 due to the state of the building. A short time later we saw First Potteries 63100 on a #3 to Crewe.


First Potteries 63100 in Tunstall
A few minutes later we saw our bus approaching. As predicted we saw it was First Potteries 63178 on a #99 to Newcastle.


First Potteries 63178 in Tunstall
We got on and flashed the Smart Day ticket. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 63178 before we sat down.


Inside First Potteries 63178
We set off down the High Street and we stopped at the bottom before joining Brownhills Road. We ran down the hill to Trubshsaw Cross and we continued straight through Longport and over the A500. We went up Porthill Bank and we followed the A527 through Wolstanton & May Bank and into Newcastle. We crossed the roundabout onto Barracks Road and we entered the bus station. As we got off the bus we spotted Megabus 54609 on a M36 to Barnstaple.


Megabus 54609 in Newcastle bus station
Also seen was First Potteries 35938 on a #101 to Stafford.


First Potteries 35938 in Newcastle bus station
We waited for a bus towards Hanley. A short time later we saw a bus approaching the stand. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63179 on a #4A to Hanley.


First Potteries 63179 in Newcastle bus station
We got on the bus and we placed our Smart Day ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and 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 ran into Hanley and into the bus station. We got up and got off. Matthew went to the toilet and we missed a #7A to Biddulph. We decided to go up to the car park and take a few pictures. We left the bus station and walked onto Lidice Way. We crossed lover John Street and we saw First Potteries 44511.


First Potteries 44511 in Hanley bus station
We went into the mulit-storey car park and we took a few pictures. We saw First Potteries 67177 on a #6 to Park Hall.


First Potteries 67177 in Hanley bus station
Also seen was D&G Bus 121 on a #7 to Packmoor.


D&G Bus 121 in Hanley bus station
We set off back towards the bus station and we saw D&G Bus 594 on a #16 to Leek.


D&G Bus 594 in Hanley bus station
We got back to the bus station and we had a choice of 2 buses towards Biddulph. There was a D&G Bus #9 or a First Pottereies #7A. We decided to wait for the First bus. A short time later it approached the stand. We saw it was First Potteries 63345 on a #7A to Biddulph.


First Potteries 63345 in Hanley bus station
We got on the bus and we placed our Smart Day ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus waited for time before setting off out of the bus station. We went down John Street and onto Bethesda Street. The road in front of the museum was closed so we turned right onto the the ring road. We turned right onto Broad Street and left onto Marsh Street and back onto the route. We turned right into Trinity Street. We turned left into Stafford Street and we continued forwards to Quadrant Road and we left Hanley along Town Road. We travelled through Sneyd Green and over Smallthorne roundabouts to Chell. At the roundabout we turned right and we ran down the A527 through Brindley Ford. We turned left to run through Brown Lees. We crossed over the A527 at Knypersley and we ran around through the housing estates of Biddulph before running into town via St John's Road, Colliers Way and up Wharf Road to the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 63345 before it carried on back to Hanley.


First Potteries 63345 in Biddulph bus station
Once off the bus we visited the toilet. Afterwards we decided to go around the corner to the pub. We walked along Wharf Road and we turned left onto High Street. We stopped at the pub and Matthew had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we walked back along High Street and left onto Wharf Road. We stopped at the stop and we didn't have to wait long for a bus. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 161 on a #9 to Westbury Park.


D&G Bus 161 in Biddulph bus station
We got on the bus and we placed the Smart Day ticket under the scanner for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off onto the High Street and we turned left at the roundabout onto St John's Road. We ran around the estate and we turned left onto the A527 and we ran down through Brindley Ford into Fegg Hayes. We turned left onto Oxford Road and we ran forwards into Chell Heath. We passed Matthew's old school site which is going to be a new sheltered housing site. We ran through Bradeley to the traffic lights. We turned right and we ran up the hill through Smallthorne and right again onto Ford Green Road past the pub which which is not going to be a new Wetherspoons pub. At the top of the hill we turned left onto the A5272 and into Hanley. We ran into town along Town Road and we crossed over the ring road. We turned right onto Quadrant Road and we went under the Intu Potteries shopping centre. We ran forwards onto Stafford Street and we passed the town hall. We ran along Bagnall Street and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus and Matthew used the toilet. As we headed out of the bus station we saw D&G Bus 146 on a #32X to Uttoxeter.


D&G Bus 146 in Hanley bus station
Afterwards we headed across Lichfield Street and across the ring road and we stood near to the Venus Fish Bar to wait for mum. Mum and her friend Pauline turned up a few minutes later and we decided to go to another chip shop because it was very busy. We got in the car and we set off onto Lichfield Street and we crossed Joiners Square roundabout onto Victoria Road. We continued to the top and we ran forwards onto King Street. We turned left onto Park Street and we stoped oppsite to The Angel Inn. Mum went acrioss the road to the chip shop an when she came back we decided it would be easier to go home to eat the chips. Mum got back in the car and we set off along Park Street and we turned left onto King Street where they have started work on the new Burger King. We turned right onto the A50 link road and we ran along the high lavcel A50 to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we turned right onto Church Street. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we stopped to let Pauline out. We continued through Blurton and back to the house. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Cherry Coke. Later on we went to drop uncle Dave off. We set off trough Blurton onto Beaconsfield Drive and we turned left onto Church Street. We veered left onto Blurton Road past the former Coral betting shop. 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 Whieldon Road. We stopped at uncle Dave's to Drop him off and Matthew drank some of uncle Rob's Irn Bru and used the toilet. We update his calendar. We got back in the car and we went up Wheildon Road past the former Regent which is now 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 at the roundabout we veered right onto Church Street. We turned right onto the A5035 and back to Blurton. Later on we did some more of the Blog and wrote an e-mail. Matthew had a bottle of Irn Bru. We chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark