Trip to Longton / Newcastle 30-04-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67143	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11X	First Potteries
35946	Newcastle BS	Stoke, Lytton Street	25	First Potteries
63362	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
BN14 JCY	Newcastle	Fenton	Charter	Lucky Seven

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. Matthew went downstairs and we got in the car and we set off onto Temple Street and 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 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 Longton and we headed to Trent Cafe. Matthew a had a double bacon and cheese oatcake washed down with a can of Coke. After we had finished eating we decide to catch a car back to Fenton. We set off onto Uttoxeter Road and we turned left onto Commerce Street and then we turned right onto The Strand. After a brief stop in Longton we continued down to the railway bridge and then we ran forwards onto King Street. We ran through Foley to Fenton and we ran forwards onto City Road past the site of the new Burger King. We turned right into Smithpool Road. We turned left Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out and use his computer and watched music videos on the television. We went downstairs and we and we cut through onto City Road. On the way to the bus stop we saw Afford rent-a-car FE25 XJF parked up in Elsing Street.

Afford rent-a-car FE25 XJF in Fenton

The traffic was unusually busy and the bus was a little late. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. It was First Potteries 67143 on a #11X to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67143 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre along Church Street. After a brief stop in Stoke we continued along church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road. We ran up the hill and into Hartshill and in the petrol station. We ran forwards onto George Street and we ran down the hill into Newcastle. We turned left at the roundabout onto Barracks Road and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. We set off onto Hassell Street and we turned right onto High Street and we visited Wright's Pies. Matthew brought a egg custards. We continued along High Street and we sat on a bench to eat the egg custards and drink the bottle of coke. When we had finished we walked back along High Street and we turned left into Hassell Street. We returned to the bus station and we waited for a bus to Hanley. Whilst we waited we saw Stanton's of Stoke EXZ 535 on the Go2 to Cheadle. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 35946 on the #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 35946 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. 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 slices of syrup sponge puddinge. 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 MJ71 DFZ parked up at their garage. The traffic was unusually busy and the bus was a little late. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. It was First Potteries 63362 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63362 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre along Church Street. After a brief stop in Stoke we continued along church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road. We ran up the hill and into Hartshill. We ran forwards onto George Street and we ran down the hill into Newcastle. We turned left at the roundabout onto Barracks Road and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once 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 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 A Minecraft Movie. After the film Matthew went to the toilet. We walked out of the cinema onto the High Street and we walked onto Hassell Street. When it appeared it was Lucky Seven BN14 JCY. We got on the bus and we set off onto Friars Street. We turned right onto the Southbound A34 and we turned left onto the A527. We ran past the bus station and we crossed over the roundabout onto the A52 and we ran into Hartshill. We veered left onto Shelton New Road and we stopped briefly near to the old Gilberts furniture shop. We continued down Shelton New Road through the traffic lights and we turned right to join the Southbound A500. We stayed on the high level road and we came off the A500 at 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. Matthew went upstairs and Matthew went to his room. 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 Newcastle / Hanley 29-04-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67153	Fenton, Royal Oak	Stoke, adj stop Q	23	First Potteries
6008	Stoke, adj stop Q	Newcastle BS	1	D&G Bus
35934	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	25	First Potteries
67175	Hanley BS	Fenton, Alfred Street	6	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw Shelton Care Group SH71 KMZ. Later on we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw Afford rent-a-car NX72 HFY. 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 a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67153 on a #23 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Stoke 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 and straight into Stoke town centre along Church Street where we got up and got off the bus and we saw First Potteries 35934 on a #25 to Keele.

First Potteries 35934 in Stoke

A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As soon as it cam into view we knew it was D&G Bus 6008 on a #1 to Park Site.

D&G Bus 6008 in Stoke

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down 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. hospital. As we travelled through the hospital we saw ABC Supreme YA67 VBB. 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 went to the toilet and afterwards waited for a bus back to Fenton. We walked out of the bus station onto Castle Walk and we stopped at onto Greggs. Matthew brought a sausage roll and a can of Coke. Once we had finished we walked back down Castle Walk and we turned right onto Ironmarket past the old RBS bank which has now The Bank Space. We turned left onto High Street and we turned left onto Hassell Street. We walked to the bus station and we headed to the toilet and up Hassell Street and we turned right onto High Street and we had a an ice cream van before continuing along High Street. We stopped at the benches at the end to eat the an ice cream van. When we had finished we set off onto High Street. We turned right onto Castle Walk. We continued down to the bus station and we waited for a bus towards Penkhull. We headed down to the bottom end to take a few pictures. we saw First Potteries 35941 on a #25 to Keele.

First Potteries 35941 in Newcastle bus station

A short time later the bus arrived on stand. We saw it was First Potteries 35934 on a #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 35934 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we went upstairs and sat 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 and we turned left and we traveled through the hospital we saw Travel Express SJ18 OZO. We came out of the hospital and turned left onto Hilton Road. We ran into Hartshill and we turned right onto the A52. 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 and along Church Street. After a brief stop we continued along the A52, over the A500 and under the railway line. We followed the A52 and we ran past the railway station to joiners Square. We turned left onto Lichfield Street and we turned left onto the ring road and we turned right onto Bethesda Street and right onto John Street and into the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked up Lichfield Street and we turned right onto Tontine Street and we walked onto Tontine Square. We walked through the town centre and just before the Intu Potteries shopping centre we turned right onto Huntbach Street. We crossed over the ring road and we walked up the hill to the dentist. Matthew had a check-up and then set off back through Hanley. We walked through Tontine Square onto Tontine Street. We walked back down Lichfield Street and back to the bus station and Matthew used the toilet. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 67177 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67177 in Hanley bus station

A few mninutes later the bus appeared. It was First Potteries 67175 on a #6 to Coalville.

First Potteries 67175 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 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 on the road at the back of Victoria Road. We turned right onto George Street and we turned left onto Leopold Street. We continued along Manor Street. We crossed over City Road and we went back to the residential unit. Matthew went to his room to chill out and use his computer. He also watched buses out of the window. We went upstairs and Matthew chilled out in his room. We went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. We stopped at the shop and Matthew brought a bottle of Coke. We got in the car. We set off onto Ashworth Street and we turned right onto Napier Street. We turned left onto City Road. We ran down the hill and under the railway line into Stoke. We joined the Northbound A500 to the Stoke Road junction and we turned right onto Stoke Road. We went under the railway line and up the hill through Shelton and forwards onto Snow Hill. We parked up and we walked along Wellesley Street and we went into Wellesley House and we turned left onto College Road. We turned right onto Cleveland Road and we turned left into The Parkway and we went into Hanley Park and parked in the car park. We walked over to the pavilion. Once we had finished in the park we walked down College Road. we returned to Hanley in an Autocabs taxi. We set off down College Road. We ran down the hill and we turned left onto Station Road. We continued onto the A52 and we ran alongside the railway line before turning left onto City Road. We ran up the hill to Fenton and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street andn we returned tom the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs and chilled out in his room for a short while. We went downstairs and Animas Comwe were waiting in the gazebo. We set off onto City Road and we crossed over onto Manor Street for We stopped at the Fenton Community Hall and Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we had a drink of Coke. Matthew had a ham sandwich and sausage rolls. After we had finished we returned to the residential unit. We walked along Manor Street and we crossed over City Road and we turned right onto onto Temple Street and we returned to the residential unit. We went upstairs and back into his room. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. 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.

Trip to Newcastle / Wolstanton 28-04-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67180	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
63101	Hanley BS	Fenton, adj Travers Court	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going back to the residential unit, but first he was going out for dinner and going shopping. Matthew woke up at 08:00 to have his medication. Matthew got up around 08:30 and had toast and orange juicefor breakfast. We waited for mum to come hme from work and afterwards we got ready to go out. Matthew had a can of Dr Pepper. We set off around 12:00 and headed towards Threntham on the A5035. We turned right onto the A34 and we saw Grayway BV19 YHU entering Trentham Gardens. We continued North through Hanford and Trent Vale into Newcastle. We turned right onto te A527 past the bus station and saw First Potteries 67174 on a #99 to Chell. We turned left onto Ryecroft and left onto Liverpool Road. We ran around the block looking for a parking space but there were non free, so we went back onto Liverpool Road and we parked up in the new multi storey car park. We walked along Liverpool Road and we saw D&G Bus 90 on a #1A to Wood Lane.

D&G Bus 90 in Newcastle

We contoinued onto Bridge Street and we went to a cafe. Watthew had full English breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we walked back onto Liverpool Road and as we headed back to the car park we saw Staffordshire CC welfare bus YJ74 BOF parked up.

Staffordshire County Council YJ74 BOF in Newcastle

We went into the car park and we got in the car. We set off out off the car park onto Liverpool Road and we turned left onto Ryecroft. We did a 180 at thr roundabout and we went back along Ryecroft the opposite way. At the roundabout we turned left onto the A527. We passed 44514 on a #98 to Newcastle. We ran into Wolstanton and we followed the A527 down the hill. We turned right onto the retail park and we saw grey minibus BK56 SZT parked up. We went into the Asda and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards we walked around and picked up Matthew weekly shop. When we had finished and paid for the shopping we headed back to the car. We got in the car and we set off out of the retail park passing blue minibus SC24 FSY parked up. We left the retail parked and we went under the A500 and headed South through Etruria and Stoke. At Sideway we headed Eastwards alomg the A50. We came off the A50 near the BET365 stadium and we headed Southwards along Stanley Matthews Way. Whilst we waited at the end to turn we turned left onto the A5035 and left into Blurton. We got back around 14:35. Matthew chilled out on his computer and had a can of dandelion and burbock and a piece of marble cake. We wrote some Blog and afterwards Matthew returned to the residential unit. We got in the car and we set off through Burton and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive where we saw white minibus EA07 LWW parked up. We turned left onto Church Street and left onto Blurton Road. We went through the traffic lights onto Heron Steeet. We carried on forwards onto Station Bridge Road we saw silver minibus CN57 HWA. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we turned left onto Masterson Street and we saw Stafford & District Community Link OW73 RYR. We turned right onto Watkin Street and we continued onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs to his room and we put all his shopping in his cupboard or in the kitchen. Matthew had a can of Cherry Coke. Matthew chilled out on his computer and watched buses out of the window. we saw Afford rent-a-car HT22 KLW outside there yard. For tea Matthew had sausage and potatoes followed by a cake bar. Matthew chilled in hos room for a while before we went out. He had a can of Cherry Coke. Matthew went out again on the bus. We went downstairs and we walked onto City Road and we saw Afford rent-a-car WM23 EWG outside there yard. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67180 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67180 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 turned right onto Shelton Old Road and we saw Travel Express LK67 FWJ parked up th the depot. We ran forwards onto Stoke Road. We ran under the railway line and up through Shelton. We ran up Broad Street and we turned right onto the anti-clockwise ring road. We turned left onto Bethesda Street and right onto John Street. We climbed the hill and up into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew visited the toilet. We waited for a bus back towards Fenton. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63101 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63101 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton we sat down. We set off up 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 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 35684 parked in the garage. At the roundabout we turned right onto Anchor Road. We turned left onto Market Street and right onto Commerce Street past the former Co-op Bank. We went arounf the roundabout and turned 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 at the Travers Court bus stop outside the block of flats. We crossed over City Road and we cut through to the residential unit. We went upstairs and chilled out in his room to use his computer and watch buses. Matthew also watched buses out of the window. Later on Matthew had a bath and had toast for supper. Matthew went on his computer until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Wigan / Platt Bridge 26-04-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4643	Wigan BS	Pemberton, Major Street	385	Arriva NW&W
4118	Pemberton, Enfield Street	Wigan BS	604	Go North West
2967	Wigan BS	Platt Bridge, Millers Lane	320	Arriva NW&W
3109	Platt Bridge, Millers Lane	Wigan BS	609	Go North West
3495	Wigan BS	Westhoughton, (Stop D)	607	Go North West
30656	Westhoughton, Stop E	Platt Bridge, Millers Lane	559	Rotala Diamond
3109	Platt Bridge, Millers Lane	Wigan BS	609	Go North West

Today we decided to re-visit Wigan. We asked Matthew where he wanted to go during the week and he chose to go to Wigan. Research for the trip was looking at the weather, which was for dry weather with some sunshine and we also researched a new place to eat. Matthew woke up around 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast for breakfast. Later on he had a can of Irn Bru. We got ready to go out and we went out around 11:45. We got in the car and we set off through Blurton onto Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and into Heron Cross and over the A50. At Heron Cross lights we turned left onto Grove Road. We ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. Once we had picked up uncle Dave, we continued down Wheildon Road and we joined the Northbound A500. We saw a S.A,S Travel CV68 TBX, blue minibus FG73 YBR, Z Carz YT17 GXA, taxi minibus SF67 BNV and Roseville KR16 SOA. We joined the M6 and it was mving well today. After a short while we saw we got on the M6 we saw Little's E4 heading Notyhwards.

Little's E4 on the M6

Continug up the M6 we saw 2 x Options, grey tri axle coach, an unidentified Robinson's coach, grey minibus MC74 XTP, white minibus AE56 HCJ. We pulled into Knutsford Services as we had a fault on the car. we stopped and restarted and the fault cleared. On the services we saw silver minibus EF19 JKE and Prospect PR15 JAK. We re-joined the M6 and as we travelled Northwards we saw Alfa 105.

Alfa 105 on the M6

We continued up the M6 and we came off at junction 24. We joined the Northbound A49 and we ran towards Wigan. We continued up the A577 and we went past the retail park. We crossed under a railway line closed to Wigan Pier we turned left onto Wilcock Street. We parked up and we went to the Frexh Cafe. Matthew used the toilet and mum went to order the food. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a bottle of Cherry Coke. When we had finished eating we went to the counter an bought a slice of cake. We headed back to the car and as we drove inti town Matthew ate the cake. We set off along Wilcock Street and we turned left onto Miry Lane. We turned right onto Prescott Street. We turned right onto Frog Lane and right onto Dorning Street. We turned left onto Richmond Street and continued onto Hallgate. There was nowhere to stop so we turned right Dorning Street. We turned left onto King Street West and left onto Crawford Street. We parked up and we said goodbye to mum. We walked onto Hallgate and we headed into the bus station. We stopped at the top end and Matthew used the toilet. We saw Go North West 4115 on a #601 to Hatfield Grange.

Go North West 4115 in Wigan bus station

A short time later we saw an Arriva double decker approaching. As it came on stand we sw that it was Arriva NW&W 4643 on a #385 to Southport.

Arriva NW&W 4643 in Wigan bus station

We got on the bus and we brought an system one anybus day ticket at £5 before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the bus station onto Hallgate and we continued onto Dorning Street. We turned left out of King Street West and we turned right onto Wallgate. We passed the 2 railway stations and we ran under the railway line and onto the A577. We ran to the Wigan Pier and at the big rounsabout we continued onto the A577 through Newton and into Pemberton. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4643 as it continued towards Southport.

Arriva NW&W 4643 in Pemberton

After the bus had gone we crossed over the road and we walked back 1 stop to give us more choice of buses we could do back into Wigan. After a few minutes we saw a bus turn the corner. As it got closer we saw it was Go North West 4118 on a #604 Kitt Green circular.

Go North West 4118 in Pemberton

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One anybus tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the road and we ran the last 2 miles or so to the edge of town and we went over the big roundabout and over the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. We ran past Wigan Pier and we ran forwards onto Wallgate and under the West Coast Main Line. We past the 2 railway stations and we turned left onto King Street West. We turned right onto Dorning Street and we crossed Hallgate and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we headed down to the bottom end to take a few pictures. we saw Go North West 5201 on a #639 to Worsley Hill.

Go North West 5201 in Wigan bus station

We headed into the bus station and we decided to catch another Arriva Bus. As we got to the stand we saw that it was Arriva NW&W 2967 on a #320 to St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 2967 in Wigan bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One busonly day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station onto New Market Street and we turned right onto Mesnes Street. We ran forwards onto Compton Street and we crossed over the A49 onto the A573. We ran out of the town and we past Lidl and we crossed over the A577. We continued Southwards down the A573 and we crossed over the canal and under the railway line. We ran through Ince-in-Makerfield and we continued through Spring View and into Platt Bridge. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2967 as it continued towards St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 2967 in Platt Bridge

Once of the bus we decided to have a quick look at the nearby scrapyard theat has a few buses in it. Of Note was Stagecoach 40649. We crossed over the road and we went into the Co-op. Matthew bought a bottle of Dr Pepper and a couple of chocolate bars. We went to the Northbound bus stop and Matthew ate a Twirl. We walked Northwards up to the Burger King. Matthew went to the toilet and I order him a cup of Coke. When we collected the order we walked back towards the bus stop. On the way we saw Arriva NW&W 4614 on a #320 to Wigan.

Arriva NW&W 4614 in Platt Bridge

We got to the bus stop and Matthew finished off his drink. We waited for the next bus to Wigan. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Go North West 3109 on a #609 to Wigan.

Go North West 3109 in Platt Bridge

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One anybus tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off Northwards towards Spring View. We continued up the A573 though Ince-in-Makerfield and to the edge of Wigan. We turned left onto the A577 and we crossed over the A49. We ran forwards onto King Street and we turned left onto Wallgate. We turned right onto King Street West and at the end we turned right onto Dorning Street. We entered the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we headed down to the bottom to take a few pictures. We saw Holmeswood YX25 OEP on a #110 to Preston.

Holmeswood YX25 OEP in Wigan bus station

We decided tha we would go to Westhoughton as there was a #607 due. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Go North West 3495 on a #607 to Bolton.

Go North West 3495 in Wigan bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One anybus ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the bus station onto Dorning Street. We turned left onto King Street West and we turned left onto Wallgate. We turned right onto and we ran out of town. We travelled along Darlington Street East and we joined onto Manchester Road for the run into Hindley. We climbed up towards Castle Hill and we headed into the housing estate. We headed towards Hindley Green before turning and going past Greenbank industrial estate. We went North Eastwards towards Daisy Hill passing Orrell's NH14 HBH. We went through another housing estate before coming out on Market Street in Westhougton. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Go North West 3495 as it continued towards Bolton.

Go North West 3495 in Westhoughton

Once off the bus we headed into the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterqards we went to the bar and we ordered drinks. Matthew had a glass of Coke. We sat down and we finished off our drinks then went outside to meet up with uncle Dave. Once outside we saw Rotala Diamond 30650 on a #516 to Horwich.

Rotala Diamond 30650 in Westhoughton

We went to the bus stop and we looked for the next bus. We saw there was a #559 to Ashton-in-Makerfield due in a few minutes. Almost immediately we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Rotala Diamond 30656 on a #559 to Ashton-in-Makerfield.

Rotala Diamond 30656 in Westhoughton

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One anybus tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the Market Street and we passed through the town centre of Westhoughton. We turned left and we joined the Southbound A58. We went through the centre Hindley and we continued Eastwards through Platt Bridge. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Rotala Diamond 30656 as it continued towards Ashton-in-Makerfield.

Rotala Diamond 30656 in Platt Bridge

We crossed over the road and we waited for a bus up to Wigan. Whilst we waited we saw Bestway YJ68 CCX heading Southwards through PLatt Brdige.

Bestway YJ68 CCX in Platt Bridge

A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Go North West 3109 on a #609 to Wigan.

Go North West 3109 in Platt Bridge

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One anybus tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off Northwards towards Spring View. We continued up the A573 though Ince-in-Makerfield and to the edge of Wigan. We turned left onto the A577 and we crossed over the A49. We ran forwards onto King Street and we turned left onto Wallgate. We turned right onto King Street West and at the end we turned right onto Dorning Street. We entered the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. We came out of the bus station and we saw Go North West on layover.

Go North West 4024 in Wigan bus station

Also seen was Go North West 4037 on a #635 to Appley Bridge.

Go North West 4037 in Wigan bus station

We walked around the corner onto Hallgate and we waited for mum to arrive. Mum pulled up and we jumped into the car. We set off up Hallgate and we turned right onto dorning Street. We stopped at the bottom of the hill and uncle Dave jumped out quickly to photograph the uncle Joe's mintball factory. They have repainted this recently in a lighter shade of red than used to be there. We continued along Dorning Street and we turned left onto Frog Lane. We went under the railway bridge and we turned left onto Prescott Street. We turned left onto Miry Lane and right onto Herbert Street. We turned left onto the A577 and we ran around Wigan Pier before headed Southwards. We went under the Ormskirk line and at the big roundabout we veered left onto the B5386. We ran forwards onto the A49 and we stopped at the chip shop. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Irn Bru. After I had finished eating we continued South down the A49. We stopped at the petrol station and topped up with petrol. At thr roundabout we turned right to follow the A49 and we joined the Southbound M6. As we travelled down the M6 we saw silver minibus RX16 AVF and an unidentified Anthoy's Travel coach. We travelled Southwards through Cheshire and we came off the M6 at junction 16. We ran Southwards down the A500 through Longport and Etruria and we came off the A500 at Stoke. We ran forwards onto Whieldon Road and we stopped at uncle Dave's. Matthew used the toilet and had some of uncle Rob's orange Fanta. We update the calendar and we got back in the car. We set off up Whieldon Road and we ran forwards onto Grove Road. At Heron Cross we turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto the A5035 had just been re-surfaced. It was very dusty and very rough! We got back home just after 20:00. Matthew had his medication and we updated the Blog and wrote and e-mail. Matthew had a slice of cake and a cup of raspberry lemonade. We went to bed around 00:30... Mark

Trip to Newcastle / Keele 25-04-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
6011	Fenton, Adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	1	D&G Bus
35939	Newcastle BS	Keele, Sneyd Arms PH	25	First Potteries
35946	Keele, Sneyd Arms PH	Hanley BS	25	First Potteries
63176	Hanley BS	Fenton, Adrian Street	6A	First Potteries
67144	Fenton, Adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
67143	Newcastle BS	Newcastle, O/s Cherry Tree	25	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going to Blurton and he was also going to see Grandma, but first he was going out on the bus. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew had crumpets and oarneg juice for breakfast. Later on Matthe went downstairs and set off on foot towards the bus stop. We cut through onto City Road and on the way to the bus stop we saw Afford rent-a-car CF74 DHV parked up in their garage.

Afford rent-a-car CF74 DHV in Fenton

We stood at the bus stop and we waited for a bus towards Newcastle. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G BUs 6011 on a #1 to Park Site.

D&G Bus 6011 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. 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. As we travelled through the hospital we saw Travel Express HF64 AJU. 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. Once off the bus we had a look around to see what we might catch. Eventually the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 35939 on a #25 to Keele.

First Potteries 35939 in Newcastle bus station

We got on and booked to Keele before we went upstairs and we sat down. The bus set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road we turned right onto Ryecroft. We veered left onto Merrial Street and after a brief stop we ran forwards onto Church Street. We crossed over the roundabout and we ran forwards onto the A525. We turned right into Orme Road and we saw St Giles And St George's academy MF68 AFJ. We continued along Orme Road before we re-joined the Westbound A525. We climbed the steep hill up to Keele and we turned left into the campus. We turned left onto University Drive we did a u-turn and headed into the campus. At the main roundabout we turned left and we ran around the shops and student union bar. We ran through the campus past the back of the library and out the other side into the village. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we decided to go back to Hanley on the double decker. We let the bus that we had just arrived on go, and we waited for the next bus. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. AS it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 35946 on a #25 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before going upstairs and sitting down. We set off through the campus We turned right onto University Drive and we ran up to the entrance of the campus before turning right onto the A525. We ran down the hill and we crossed over the roundabout. We went past the scrapyards and we turned left onto Orme Road. We ran through the estate and to the end of the road. We turned left onto the A525 and at the roundabout onto the Southbound A34. We ran down two roundabout and we went left onto Barracks Road. We entered the bus station and we pulled up on stand. After a short while in the bus station the bus set off out onto Barracks Road. We went Southwards on the A34 before turning into the hospital. We trundled through the hospital grounds and ran up to Hartshill Road via Hilton Road and The Avenue. We went down Hartshill Road 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. We crossed under the railway line before turning left onto the A52 and we ran past the railway station to joiners Square. We turned left onto Lichfield Street and we turned left onto the ring road and we turned right onto Bethesda Street and right onto John Street and into the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we to the chip shop. We crossed over Lichfield Street and we crossed over the ring road. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we headed back to the bus station. We crossed over the ring road and over Lichfield Street and we headed into the bus station. We waited for a bus towards Fenton. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. It was First Potteries 63176 on a #6 to Blythe Bridge.

First Potteries 63176 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before we sat down. 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 past the site new Lidl. We crossed over 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 Christchurch Street and we turned right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window we saw Afford rent-a-car YP23 MSX. Around 15:00 I arrived to take Matthew to Blurton for the weekend. We got his things ready and we went down stairs. We said goodbye to mum and we headed to the bus stop. As we headed to the bus stop we saw D&G bus 111 which has had the engine door replace with a brand new panel, which has yet to be painted. We waited at the bus stop for a few minutes and we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67144 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67144 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre along Church Street. After a brief stop in Stoke we continued along church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road. We ran up the hill and into Hartshill and 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 haded down to the bottom end of the bus station to see what we might catch. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 63116 on a #39A to Hanley.

First Potteries 63116 in Newcastle bus station

We waited for a bus towards the hospital. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. It was First Potteries 67143 on a #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67143 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to the hospital before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto Barracks Road and we turned left onto the Southbound A34. We got up and we got off the bus outside the Cherry Tree. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67143 as it continued towards Hanley.

First Potteries 67143 in Newcastle

We crossed over the A34 and we walked up to the hill towards grandma's. On the way we saw white minibus YX02 FTD. We continued up the hill and into grandma's house. At Grandma's Matthew had toast and a can of Irn Bru. When it was time to go we said goodbye to Grandma and we got in the car. We set off just before 18:00 and we ran down Victoria Street. We turned left onto the A34. We continued southwards into Trent Vale past the Greggs. We continued through Trent Vale and we stopped at the pub. We walked into the pub and we sat down at our one our normal tables. Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Highlights of the bus sightings included First Potteries 35934 on a #101 to Hanley, blue minibus SG71 YLU going Northwards and ABC Supreme MC23 YAE heading Southwards. 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 sent a couple of e-mails. Matthew drank a can of Irn Bru. Later on Matthew had a freeze dried Milky Way. We chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Newcastle / Hanley 24-04-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67143	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
67143	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	11	First Potteries
67152	Hanley BS	Fenton, Albert Square	23	First Potteries
67147	Fenton, Lordship Lane	Hanley BS	6A	First Potteries
35947	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	25	First Potteries
67145	Newcastle BS	Hartshill, Quarry Road	11	First Potteries
67144	Hartshill, Quarry Road	Fenton, Smithpool Road	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the dentist and we saw First Potteries 63361 on the #11 to Hanley. We went downstairs and we and we cut through onto City Road to wait a bus to Newcastle. On the way we saw Afford rent-a-car CF24 VXT parked up at their garage.

Afford rent-a-car CF24 VXT in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67143 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67143 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 and 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. We waited for a bus towards the Hanley. A short time later we saw Arriva Midlands 3694 on a #64 to Hanley.

Arriva Midlands 3694 in Newcastle bus station

We walked up to the top end of the bus station. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67143 on the #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67143 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto Barracks Road and we ran up to the Jubilee roundabout. We ran onto the A53 and around the one-way system onto the A52. We ran up George Street into Hartshill and we ran down the hill into Stoke town centre. After a brief stop we continued along Church Street out of Stoke and over the A500. We ran under the railway line and we continued onto City Road. We ran past the site of the new Burger King and we went forwards onto King Street. We ran through Foley and we under the railway line into Longton town centre. We ran up Market Street and we turned left onto Anchor Road. We turned left onto Upper Cross Street and we turned right onto Wood Street. We turned left onto Ashwood and we turned right onto Longley Road. We turned left onto Heathcote Street and we turned right onto Galsworthy Road. We turned right onto Bambury Street and we turned left onto Anchor Road. We ran up the hill to the top and ran down to the roundabout in Adderley Green. At the roundabout at the East end of Bentilee we turned right onto Beverley Drive and then left onto Dawlish Drive. We ran to the end and we turned left onto Beverley Drive. At the end we turned right onto Dividy Road and we ran down the hill to Bucknall. We turned left onto the A52 and we ran to limekiln lights and we went across onto Bucknall New Road. We climbed the hill up to Hanley and we joined the clockwise ring road. We turned right onto Bethesda Road and we turned right onto John Street. Once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Afterwards Matthew visited the shop and brought a egg sandwich and bottle of Coke. We waited for the next #23 back to Fenton. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67152 on a #23 to Newstead.

First Potteries 67152 in Hanley bus staion

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. We turned left onto Broad Street and we ran down the hill and over the ring road onto Snow Hill Before we turned left onto Copeland Street. We continued forwards onto Glebe Street and we followed the road around onto Church Street. We crossed the A500 and we ran under the railway line and we continued onto City Road and we ran under the railway line. After climbing up the hill into Fenton we turned right into Christchurch Street where we got up and got off the bus. We walked back to to the residential unit. We set off onto Christchurch Street. We walked back into Temple Street and into the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to the room and went on his computer and drank his bottle of Coke. We went downstairs and we set off on foot to the bus stop. We walked onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street. We continued up City Road onto Manor Street and we turned left onto Victoria Road. As it got closer we saw that it was dud First Potteries 67147 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. We turned left onto the ring road and we turned right onto Bethesda Street and right onto John Street and into the bus station we got up and we got off the bus. Matthew visited the toilet. We waited for a bus towards Newcastle. As short time later we saw a bus approach the stand. We saw it was First Potteries 35947 on a #25 to Keele.

First Potteries 35947 in Hanley bus staion

We got on the bus and we booked to the Keele before we went upstairs and we sat down. We set off out of bus station and onto John Street. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and left 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. We turned left onto Station Road and we past the railway station. We ran forwards onto the A52 and we ran alongside the railway line before turning right onto City Road. We crossed over the A500 and we ran into Stoke centre along Church Street. We went out of the other side of Stoke and up Hartshill Road into Hartshill. We turned left into The Avenue and we ran down to Hilton Road and we turned right into the hospital where we ran through the hospital and we turned right onto the A34. We ran up to Newcastle and forwards onto Barracks Road at the roundabout. We came into the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we set off along Hassell Street and we turned right onto High Street. We turned right onto Ironmarket and we stopped at the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had glass of Coke. For tea Matthew had a burger and fries followed by chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. When we had finished eating we set off onto Ironmarket and we turned left onto High Street. We turned left onto Hassell Street and we returned to the bus station. A short time later our bus appeared. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67145 on a #11 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hartshill before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto Barracks Road and we ran up to the Jubilee roundabout. We ran onto the A53 and around the one-way system onto the A52. We ran up George Street into Hartshill and we ran forwards onto Hartshill bank. Approximatley half way up the bank we got up and got off the bus. A short time later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67144 on a #11 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Longton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off down the hill and we ran into Stoke. We ran along Church Street and we crossed 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 walked back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs and back to his room to chill out. and Matthew went to his room. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.