Trip to Newcastle / Crewe 29-06-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
114	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	1	D&G
100	Newcastle BS	Crewe, Railway Station	85	D&G
110	Crewe, Crewe Arms Hotel	Newcastle BS	85	D&G
63179	Newcastle BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. Matthew was also going out on the bus to Crewe and we were going for a train ride later on. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

When it was time to go we went downstairs and we set off on foot towards the bus stop on City Road. Whilst we waited for the bus to Newcastle we saw Herdman Coaches OIB 3514. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was D&G Bus 44 on a #1 to Park Site. 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. The seat in front was empty so Matthew took a picture inside D&G 114.

Inside D&G 114

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. Matthew took a picture of D&G 114.

D&G 114 in Newcastle bus station

We waited for a bus to Crewe. A short while later D&G 100 appeared on a #85 to Nantwich.

D&G 100 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Crewe before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto Barracks Road and we ran down onto the A34. We went Northwards to the next roundabout and then we turned left onto the Southbound A53. We turned right onto Blackfriars Road and we continued up the A525. We ran through Thistleberry and past Hampton's scrap yard. At the roundabout went straight and went up the hill towards Keele. We turned left into the campus and onto University Drive. At the end we turned left and ran through the university. We came out into Keele village and after a brief stop we continued along Station Road and we re-joined the A525. We headed Westwards into Madeley we saw D&G Bus 138 on a #85 to Hanley. We ran past the pool and we turned right into Izaak Walton Way. We turned right onto Moss Lane and we re-joined the Eastbound A525. We turned left onto New Road and we headed Northwards up the the A531. We ran through Wrinehill and Betley and we ran forwards onto Main Road. We ran through Weston and we turned left onto Weston Road. At the roundabout we ran forwards onto the A532 and we ran into Crewe and we saw D&G Bus 53 on a #85 to Hanley. At the roundabout we turned left onto the A534 and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we headed along the A534. We saw Arriva NW&W 2611 on a #37 to Northwich. We continued along the road to the cafe. Matthew had a can of Coke. Afterwards he had a burger and chips. hightlights of the buses we saw whilst eating include First Potteries 67656 on a #3 to Hanley. When we had finished eating we set off back towards the bus stop. we saw Arriva NW&W 2544 on a #37 to Crewe. Once at the bus stop we waited for a D&G bus back towards Newcastle. A short while later we saw D&G Bus 110 on a #85 to Hanley.

D&G 110 in Crewe

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along the A534 and we turned right at the roundabout onto the A523. We continued straight onto Weston Road and we turned right onto Main Road. We ran through the village of Weston and out of the other side. At the roundabout we ran forwards onto the A531. We continued Southwards through Betley and Wrinehill and we turned right onto New Road. We joined the Westbound A525 and we ran into Madeley village. We ran past the pool and we turned right onto Izaak Walton Way. We turned right onto Moss Lane and we re-joined the Eastbound A525. We ran out of town and we veered right onto Station Road and into Keele village. We ran into the campus and past the student union before turning right onto University Drive. We re-joined the A525 and we ran down the hill towards Newcastle. We past Hampton's scrapyard and Thistleberry. We ran forwards onto Blackfriars Road and we turned left onto the A53. We turned right on to the Southbound A34 and at the next roundabout we turned left onto Barracks Road. We ran into the bus station and we entered the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we waited for a bus back to Fenton. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 63179 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63179 in Fenton

We waited for the bus to be readied for service and 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 and we ran onto Barracks Road. We turned right at Jubilee roundabout onto the A53 and we ran around the one-way system onto the A52. We ran up George Street and into Hartshill we saw First Potteries 63178 on a #11 to Newcastle.. We ran through the village and down the hill into Stoke town centre. After a brief stop in Church Street we continued into Fenton up the A52, over the A500 and under the railway line. We ran up City Road and near to the top we got up and got off the bus. We crossed the road and we walked onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew chilled out in his room. Matthew chilled out in his room on his computer. we we saw First Potteries 67663 on a #11 to Newcastle. Matthew waited in his room because we were going to take him out to a barbecue and on a train ride. We arrived around 17:00 and we went downstairs and got in the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. We turned right onto Station Bridge Road and we ran forwards onto Heron Street. At the lights we went straight onto Blurton Road before turning left and joining the Eastbound A50. We ran through Longton and Normacot and we came off the A50 at Meir. We joined the Northbound A520 and we ran through Weston Coyney and up to Cellarhead. We turned right onto the A52 and we ran out to Kingsley Moor before we veered left to continued along the A52. We ran through Kingsley and we went down the hill to Froghall. At the bottom of the road we turned right into the railway station and we parked up. Matthew visited the toilet and afterwards he sat down whilst I queued up to get his barbecue food. Matthew had a burger and a sausage bap. he washed this down with a bottle of Irn Bru from the car. Just before 18:30 we went and sat down on the train to wait for departure. Locomotive for the journey was Whiston, an Austerity tank engine usually based at Foxfield. We sat down in the Tourist Second Open coach 4354. We waited for the engine to run around the carriages and then we set off. It was the first time that Matthew had been on a train with me for at least 2 years! We set off Northwards and ran non stop through Consall. The train stopped at Cheddleton for the crossing gate to be opened and for the steam engine to take on more water. We continued Northwards up to Leekbrook Junction. After a brief stop we continued Northwards onto the Ipstones Branch. This was the first time Matthew had been on this part of the line. We set off up the steep 1 in 40 gradient and the engine really had to work hard to pull the 4 carriages up the hill. As we battled up the large chunks of ash came through the windows and covered the tables. We ran flat out up the hill past the site of the old Bradnop station and out into the open moorland. Before we reached Apesford Crossing we came to a stand for around 15 minutes and we appeared to run out of steam. After the wait we continued to the crossing. We stopped at threshing barn crossing as booked due to poor visibility. The guard watches the train through the crossing before getting back on the train. We continued to the current end of the line just short of the B5053 and Whiston ran around the carriages for the journey back. Whilst we were stopped I went to the brake van and purchased another bottle of 7up for me and Matthew to share. We set off down the hill and we stopped for Threshing Barn crossing. We also stopped at Apesford. We started the steep decent and we made another unscheduled stop. We continued down the hill and into Leekbrook Junction station. We travelled back South through the tunnel towards Cheddleton. After running through the tunnel we stopped in Cheddleton station. We had a stop for around 25 minutes and some of the passengers took advantage of the stop to go to the pub. The locomotive took on water and me and Matthew got off the train and had a look around. We got on the front coach and walked back through the train to our coach. We got back on and waited departure time. The locomotive back onto the train and sounded the whistle for about 30 seconds. Everyone came scurrying back from the pub! We set off and we continued South to Consall. We then did the last couple of miles back down to Froghall and then we got up and got off the train. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards went to the other end to have a look at the locomotive. We met back up with mum and then we went back to the car. Matthew enjoyed his train ride and perhaps we will do it again some time soon. Once in the car we drove off the car park onto the A52 and we went Westwards to Cellarhead. We turned left onto the A520 and we ran South to Meir. We joined the Westbound A50 and we ran through Normacot and Longton to Heron Cross. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we continued onto Heron Street. We continued 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 we returned to the residential unit. We went up the stairs and Matthew went to his room to chill out. We said goodbye and Matthew settled down in his room. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to West End / Hanley 27-07-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Fenton	West End	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	West End	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
67655	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
138	Newcastle BS	Hanley, stop B 4	85	D&G
67159	Hanley BS	Fenton, Raglan Walk	23A	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going to Hanley on the bus later on. Matthew got up 08:00. and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst waiting for time to go to the day centre Matthew spent time in his room watching buses. We saw First Potteries 67660 on a #11 to Newcastle. Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street. We continued along Christchurch Street and into the day centre. In the morning Matthew went out on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Christchurch Street We ran forwards onto Station Bridge Road. At Heron Cross we joined the Westbound A50 and we ran down to Sideway. We turned left onto the Southbound A500 and we ran down to the motorway. We got onto the Southbound M6 and we ran down through Staffordshire anf the West Midlands. We got onto the Southbound M42 and we ran around the West Midlands to the M40. We ran South through Warwickshire into Oxfordshire and we came off the M40 at junction 9. We travelled Southwards down the A34 around Oxford, Newbury and Winchester. We joined the Southbound M3 and we came off at junction 14 into the Eastbound M27. We came off at the following junction and we went North otwards the airport. We turned right onto Wide Lane and at the end we turned left onto the A27. We turned left onto Allington Lane and we arrived at our destination. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards did the treetop trail. For dinner Matthew had egg sandwich washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we returned to Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX for the journey back to Fenton. We set off along Allington Lane and we turned right onto the A27. We turned right onto Wide Lane and we turned left to join the Westbound M27. We went to the next junction and we joined the Northbound M3. We ran around winchester and we joined the Northbound A34. We ran north bypassing Newmbury and Oxford and we joined the Northbound M40 at junction 9. We ran North to the end of the M40 and we joined the Northbound M42. We ran around the East side of the West Midlands and we joined the Westbound M6. WE ran along the M6 throughthe West Midlands and Staffordshire as far as junction 15 where we cam off onto the A500. We travelled North up to Sideway and then we joined the Eastbound A50. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and we turned left onto Blurton Road. We went through the traffic lights onto Heron Steeet. We carried on forwards onto Station Bridge Road and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Masterson Street and we turned right onto Watkin Street. We continued onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Mathew went upstairs to use his computer and chill out. Until it was time to go out Matthew watched buses out of the window. We saw First Potteries 63172 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63172 in Fenton

Also seen was First Potteries 65037 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 65037 in Fenton

Later on we went out on the bus. We set off onto temple Street and walked through onto City Road. We saw First Potteries 67152 on a #23 to Hanley. On the way to the bus stop we saw Afford Rent-A-Car minibus HN16 CNA outside their yard.

Afford Rent-A-Car HN16 CNA in Fenton

A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67655 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67655 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. Matthew went to the toilet and went back to the bus station to wait for a bus to Hanley. A few minutes later we saw D&G bus 138 on a #85 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 Barracks Road. We crossed the rounadabout onto the A53 and we ran around the one-way system onto the A52. We ran up George Street to the edge of Newcastle and we veered left onto Shelton New Road. We ran to the end and we turned left onto Etruria Vale Road. We turned right onto Clough Street and we turned right onto the anti-clockwise ring road. We turned left ont Broad Street and we got up and got off the bus oppsitre the Potteries museum and art gallery. Once off the bus Matthew took a picture of D&G Bus 138 as it continued towards Hanley bus station.

D&G 138 in Hanley

Once off the bus Matthew we walked up Broad Street and forwards onto Piccadilly. We crossed over Stafford Street and we walked up through Tontine Square to the intu Potteries hopping centre. We went up to the first floor and we dtopped at Druckers Vienna Patteserie. Matthew had a glass of Coke. Once we had finished Matthew went to the toilet. Once we had finished we walked onto Parliament Row and we stopped at Pound Bakery. Matthew had some sausage rolls. We walked to Old Hall Street and we continued down Lichfield Street to the bus station. We waited for a bus back to Fenton. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 67159 on a #23A to Newstead.

First Potteries 67159 in Hanley bus station

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 67159.

Inside First Potteries 67159

We set off onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We crossed over the ring road and we ran down onto Regent Road and forwards onto Cleveland Road. We ran down though Shelton along College Road and we ran down to the railway station. We turned right onto Glebe Street and under the railway line an we ran around the one-way system in Stoke and stopped by Stoke Minster. We turned left onto Church Street and we crossed the A500 and we ran under the railway line. After climbing up the hill into Fenton we turned right into Smithpool Road where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked up Temple Street and back to the residential unit and we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX outside.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

Matthew we upstairs and returned to his room. Matthew went to the unit to chill out. He went on his computer and watched television. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Hanley / Loggerheads 21-04-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
41497	Ladybank Grove , Blurton	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop P	23	First Potteries
138	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop Q	Newcastle BS	85A	D&G
65732	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	25	First Potteries
66839	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	25	First Potteries
NIL 8662	Newcastle BS	Loggerheads, adj Loggerheads Hotel	164	Bennetts
NIL 8662	Loggerheads, opp Loggerheads Hotel	Newcastle BS	164	Bennetts

Today we decided to go out on a local trip. We hadn't really planned on doing anything, but the weather was quite nice so I thought as it was a Sunday timetable we could try to ride on the Bennetts operated #164 service. I checked where the border of Staffordshire & Shropshire was and it turned out that loggerhead was just inside Staffordshire and was only ten minutes from Market Drayton. A quick check of the time table revealed that the bus departed from Newcastle at 30 minutes past the odd hours. Matthew got up around 10:30 and we had sausages, poached egg and beans with toast for breakfast washed down with orange juice. After doing some chores in the house we got ready and went out to catch the 12:54 departure from Beaconsfield drive on the #23 service. We walked around to the stop and we didn't have to wait for long for a Caetano Dart to make an appearance. It was required First Potteries 41497.

First Potteries 41497 in Blurton

We got on the bus and booked to Stoke. We sat down near the back of the bus. There were a few people on this bus so Matthew got a picture of the back seats almost as soon as we had sat down.

Inside First Potteries 41497

The bus set off through Blurton and filled up quite well. The bus continued through Heron Cross and into Fenton before heading down City Road and into Stoke. As we entered Stoke we passed red and yellow liveried Scania 60171 on the #26 to Meir. When we got to stoke we got off the bus and Matthew got another picture of First Potteries 41497.

First Potteries 41497 in Stoke

I had checked the #25 Hanley - Keele timetable earlier and there was a 13:22 off Stoke that got into Newcastle at 13:32... Two minutes after the #164 to market Drayton departs. Whilst we were in Stoke I decided to check for the #41 or #42. I didn't notice one and further after we got home revealed that it doesn't run on Sundays anymore. There was however the #85A which departs Stoke at 15:16. I thought that with the extra 6 minutes we should make the #164 departure at Newcastle. The bus arrived in Stoke and it was required D&G Solo 138.

D&G 138 in Stoke

Matthew was well behaved and he didn't try and honk the horn. We sat down at the back and the bus set off out of Stoke, up the hill towards Hartshill. We got to the stop opposite Noah's Arc and the bus dropped of a passenger. It was at this point that the driver realised the #85A goes via Penkhull on a Sunday timetable. So the driver turned the bus around and we headed back to Queens Road and back onto the normal route. The bus picked up another passenger on Hilton Road and then we turned into the hospital. We got into Newcastle a few minutes after the #164 departed. Matthew waited for the bus to empty and then got a picture inside D&G 138.

Inside D&G 138

Whe we got to Newcastle we saw a few buses parked up. The first bus we saw was required Bakerbus Streetlite 251

Bakerbus 251 in Newcastle bus station

We had a bit of a walk around the bus station and parked up out of service on Stubbs Street was First Potteries Dart 40147.

First Potteries 40147 in Newcastle bus station

Fron the bottom of the bus station we had a better view of the double decker parked up in the layover area. The was First Potteries 37156.

First Potteries 37156 in Newcastle bus station

We didn't want to wait around for close to two hours, so we decided to catch something go towards Hanley. There was a choice of two dud buses. First Potteries Volvo 66841 was on a #34 to Hanley and First Potteries Scania 65732 was on the #25 to Hanley. Matthew chose to do the 65732. After the passengers from Keele had finished getting of he got a picture of the bus.

First Potteries 65732 in Newcastle bus station

We waited for the driver change and an elderly gentleman very kindly let Matthew get on the bus first. As he was first on Matthew got a picture of the the inside of the bus here.

Inside First Potteries 65732

we sat down near the back of the bus. A few minutes later we set off out of the bus station towards George Street. We headed down the hill into Stoke and we passed First Potteries 66845 on the Keele bound #25. We passed the railway station an went into Shelton. We then passed the Hinds Street park and ride side before going into Hanley. When we got to the bus station matthew used the toilet and then he went to say hello to someone. I am encourage him not to run at people so he wanted to say hello to someone he spotted in the distance. We walked all the way across town into primark before we caught the person up, but at least he didn't scare anyone. We walked back to the bus station to have a look at what was parked up on Layover. First Potteries 32632 as closest to us,whcih was in between workings on the #32A to Uttoxeter via Alton Towers.

First Potteries 32632 in Hanley bus station

Also parked up was First Potteries double decker 37160, which was unusually displaying #7 Smallthorne. We spent around 15 minutes taking pictures from John Street multi-storey car park,as well as having a Milky Way and a bottle of Barr Cherryade. After we had finished e started to head back to the bus station. on the way we saw First Potteries 40028 on a #21 to Trentham.

First Potteries 40028 in Hanley

We carried on walking into the bus station and we had to find a bus that would get us to Newcastle before . It just so happened that First Potteries 66839 was in the bus station on the third #25 turn. Matthew got a picture of First Potteries Volvo 66839 before we boarded the bus.

First Potteries 66839 in Hanley bus station

We sat down near the back. There were already people on this bus so Matthew took a picture of the empty seats opposite us.

Inside First Potteries 66839

The bus set off out of Hanley and into Shelton. We went down College Road and past the railway station. We then went into Stoke town centre before going up the hill into Hartshill. We then went down into Newcastle getting there just after 15:00. We got off the bus and we could see the Bennetts bus already in the bus station on layover. It was required Bennetts NIL 8662.

Bennetts NIL 8662 in Newcastle bus station

Whilst we waited for the bus to be readied for service, Matthew visited the toilet and we had a walk around the bus station. We also took a few bus pictures before the bus came onto stand just before 15:30. As we were second on the bus and the first person sat right at the front, Matthew got a picture inside the bus straight away.

Inside Bennetts NIL 8662

we didn't have to wait long before the bus set off out of the bus station. We went onto the A34 and up to the A53. We had never done this service before so I was a little surprised when the bus went as if to go to Keele. Just after the the Jet petrol station he bus turned and headed up Seabridge Road and rejoined the a53 a little further out of town. We then carried on along the A53 out of Newcastle and into Whitmore. When we got to Baldwins Gate I was surprised again when the bus turned left just after the village. The road headed off to the a51 just outside Slaters Craft village. We turned right onto the A51 and went up to The Swan with Two Necks. I was expected the burn to turn left onto the A53 but it carried as if to go towards Nantwich. about a mile down the road we turned left onto a country lane the led back onto the A53. We continued along the A53 for a short while before turning off the road again.This was to travel through the village of Ashley. We headed back onto the A53 which we joined onto just outside Loggerheads. When we got to Loggerheads we got off the bus. and Matthew got another picture of this fine Mercedes minibus before it carried on towards Market Drayton.

Bennetts NIL 8662 in Loggerheads

We watched the bus go off into the distance before we walked over to the local Co-operative food store. Matthew said hello to a couple of members of staff and we brought some pop and chocolate before heading back over to the bus stop where we had a little bus stop picnic. Matthew drank a small bottle of Irn Bru and we shared a Toffee Crisp. The bus was due to come back north in a few 10 minutes and whilst we waited I phoned mum to tell her we would be back in Newcastle at 16:50. The bus then promptly re-appeared and Matthew got another picture of this step-entranced minibus.

Bennetts NIL 8662 in Loggerheads

We got back on the bus and it headed back North Via Ashley, the A53, The croft, the A51, Slaters Craft Village, Baldwins Gate, Whitmore and into Newcastle. When we got into Newcastle we got off the bus and mum was waiting for us. we walked back to the Ironmarket where mum was parked up and we decided to go to Chunky Chicken for tea. We drove out of town along the Northbound A53 we then cut across to Shelton New Road and we came into Snow Hill and parked up outside the shop. Matthew visited the toilet and then had a chicken burger and fries washed down with a can of Irn Bru. When we had finished we headed up to Festival Park so um could pick up a couple of 3 1 month/1GB sim cards that she brought for £2.99 each! We drove back onto the A53 before doing the A500 down to the A50. We went up to Z Carz to see what was parked up. There were a few vehicles tonight. Closest to the A50 was Z Carz Mercedes minibus M372 NWN.

Z Carz M372 NWN in Longton

Behind M372 NWN was Z Carz W221 CDN. Next to these two was former Ausden Clark coach CNZ 3828.

Z Carz CNZ 3828 in Longton

In the background was green minibus HX51 HRU. In front of these were two of the more modern minibuses. Firstly Z Carz CN57 HWA.

Z Carz CN57 HWA in Longton

Next to this was Z Carz GL04 CVE.

Z Carz GL04 CVE in Longton

We headed back onto the A50 and through to Heron Cross. We went back through Blurton where we saw First Potteries 41497 on the #23 again. We got back into the house around 18:00. matthew then chilled out at home on the computer. Whilst dad had a bath. Matthew went to bed at around 11:30...Mark

Trip to Crewe 09-06-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2500	Crewe BS	Nantwich BS	84	Arriva NW&W
SL17	Nantwich BS	Nantwich, Millfields Marsh Lane	53	GHA
SL17	Nantwich, Millfields Marsh Lane	Nantwich BS	53	GHA
138	Nantwich BS	Crewe, opp The Brunswick	44A	D&G
4489	Crewe, Crewe Arms Hotel (NE-bound)	Sandbach o/s Common	38	Arriva NW&W
3330	Sandbach o/s Common	Crewe BS	37	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to do a fairly local trip as we have been out a few days this week. Matthew chose to go to Crewe. Today was overcast but dry and fairly cool for the time of year. We set off around 12:00, going North along the A500. We had planned on stopping at the food trailer at the top of the A500 but it wasn't there! So we decided to carry on and see if there was a burger van in the B&Q car park in Crewe. We parked up by the road so Matthew could see if any useful buses went past on the #37 or #38 whilst we waited and ate. Whilst I was getting the food an unidentified Olympian went past towards Crewe. After we ate we drove into Crewe town centre. We passed the Olympian going out on the #37 and it was 3330. After parking up we walked into the bus station. The first bus we saw was GHA SB55 parked up between duties.

GHA SB55 in Crewe bus station

We now had to choose what we were going to do. Arriva NW&W 2499 was on the #31, 2500 was on the #84 to Chester and 4491 arrived in on the #38. Matthew chose to do the one bus he had already been on Arriva NW&W 2500 on the #84. We booked to Nantwich and got on the bus. As we were leaving Crewe bus station we saw First Potteries ALX200 40144 on a #20. These don't work to Crewe very often. The journey down was quite quick and pleasant and we passed several Plaxton Centros on other #84 services. When we arrived in Nantwich, Matthew took a picture of the inside of the bus which was nearly empty.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2500

He also got a good shot of the outside of the bus.

2500 in Nantwich bus station

We decided to go use the facilities in Nantwich market. On the way back we called at the sweet store and picked up some Taveners mint chews. Back at the bus station we now had around 15 minutes to wait for a bus back to Crewe. Matthew was eying up GHA step entranced minibus MB29 which we presumed was being used as the crew mess bus. When the next #84 turned up it was a Centro and Matthew refused to do it! After it had left had dragged me over to MB29 and I told it again it wasn't working. I even asked the driver on the bus and he confirmed it to be the case. Whilst we were there GHA SL17 turned up on one of the town circular. Matthew wanted to do this respite having been on it before so we did a circle around the town on this.

GHA SL17 in Nantwich bus station

After doing the spin around time Matthew photographed the bus empty back at the bus station.

Inside SL17

There was a Crewe bus in the bus station, bus it pulled away before we got off SL17. Behind it was a D&G bus bound for Crewe so we decided to get on this as it wasn't a Centro. It was unrequired D&G 138

D&G 138 in Nantwich bus station

We did this bus back and as it was travelling along Gresty Road I though about getting off to intercept the #37 to Northwich. As we got up Matthew photographed on of the seats on this unusual Marshall bodied Dennis Dart

Inside 138

We got off at the end and Matthew got a picture of the bus.

138 in Crewe

We then crossed over Nantwich Road to wait for the #37. The bus stop looked like a normal bus stop and as we waited for the #37 we saw First Potteries 60194 go past on a #20 and D&G 21 on a #85. As the #37 approached we stuck out our hand to be picked up. The bus driver shook his head and waved and went past. We thought that the bus didn't look full so we guessed that the bus stop must be disused. Later research found that this stop is alight only despite there being no clue to this on the actual stop. We decided to walk to the stop by the railway station to wait for the #38. We had already seen it going towards Crewe and it was dud Arriva NW&W 4489. After around a 15 minute wait we saw 4489 approaching.

Arriva NW&W 4489 near Crewe railway station

We got on and climbed onto the top deck. The journey was swift and when we got off matthe got another picture of this bus.

4489 on Sandbach Common

We used the facilities at Sandbach Market and then went back to the Common. Required Arriva NW&W 2617 was on a Northwich short but Matthew turned it down again. As we had time to kill before the next bus we visited McColls for drinks and lottery tickets. When we got back we had around 15 minutes to wait for the #37 to Crewe, which was the Olympian we seen earlier 3330.

Arriva NW&W 3330 on Sandbach Common

We sat on the front seats. Matthew photographed the empty top deck.

Inside 3330

Matthew had wanted to sit on the seat behind but appeared to be broken. The journey back was swift, we had the top deck virtually to ourselves as we travelled back to Crewe bus station. Back at Crewe we saw 4040 on a #31A pull off as we arrived. We walked around the bus station where matthew said hello to a couple of people before we head back to the car. Not before getting a picture of First Potteries 60015 on a Hanley service.

First Potteries 60015 in Crewe bus station

Back at the car we had sausage rolls and drink before setting off back towards Stoke-on-Trent. We had a quick trip past Longton bus station where we saw First Potteries red and yellow 60171 on a #26 service. We also saw some vehicle parked up at the Z carz site before retuning home a little before 18:00...Mark.

Trip to Hanley 28-05-2011

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
40170	Wolstanton	Hanley BS	17	First Potteries
40150	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	34	First Potteries
40136	Newcastle BS	Wolstanton	99	First Potteries
40149	Wolstanton	Newcastle BS	98	First Potteries
41	Newcastle BS	Crewe BS	85	D & G
3360	Crewe BS	Sandbach Common	38	Arriva NW&W
3353	Sandbach Common	Crewe BS	38	Arriva NW&W
7647	Crewe	Nantwich BS	84	Arriva NW&W
2500	Nantwich BS	Crewe BS	84	Arriva NW&W
138	Crewe BS	Newcastle BS	85	D & G

Matthew was in respite and the above is the move he did on Saturday whilst in their care.