Trip to Shelton / Penkhull 18-04-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63360	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Stoke, adj stop Q	11	First Potteries
67179	Stoke, adj stop P	Shelton, Beresford Street	23	First Potteries
35940	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	25	First Potteries
108	Newcastle BS	Penkhull, Thistley Hough	9	D&G Bus
161	Penkhull, Thistley Hough	Hanley BS	9	D&G Bus
67142	Hanley BS	Fenton, adj Travers Court	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 Watermill School HN23 FSS. Matthwe went into the living room and we saw Temple Street Church RX18 GZW. We went downstairs and we and we cut through onto City Road to wait a bus to Hanley today. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63360 on a #11 to Newcastle. We got on the bus and we booked to Stoke before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre along Church Street. We got off the bus and we crossed obver the road to the stop opposite to wait for a #23 to Hanley. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching and as it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67179 on a #23 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off 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. We passed the railway station and we turned right onto College Road and we continued into Shelton and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked to College Road. We walked around Hanley Park for a while. We walk northwards through the park and into the North West corner to the sensory play area. Matthew walked to the toilet. We walked through the park and we saw the cafe in the park. After spending a while there we walked back to the South East corner of the park. We walked down Regent Road and we saw white minibus UM 3772 AC. We turned left onto Downey Street and left onto Jasper Street and right onto the ring road. We turned into the the stop outside the bus station. Matthew was in the toilet we saw Stanton's of Stoke YJ07 VRM on a #26 to Park Hall. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 35940 on a #25 to Keele.

First Potteries 35940 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we ran down 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 saw ABC Supreme YB73 VZT. We ran through the hospital and we turned right onto the A34. We ran up to Newcastle and forwards onto Barracks Road. We entered the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. 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 visited McDonalds and Matthew went to the toilet. He 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. A short time later the bus arrived on stand. We saw it was D&G Bus 108 on a #9 to Biddulph.

D&G Bus 108 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Penkhull before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road. We ran Southwards onto the A34. We turned left into the hospital and we ran through the the grounds. We turned right onto Hilton Road. At the roundabout we went left onto Newcastle Lane and we got up and got off the bus. We walked along Newcastle Lane and around the corner into Rothwell Street. We turned left onto Chamberlain Avenue and we stopped at one of the house and Matthew had a glass of Coke. Once we had finished the drink we walked along Chamberlain Avenue and around the corner into Rothwell Street and forwards onto Newcastle Lane and we crossed the road to wait for a bus back to Hanley. A few minutes later a bus appeared and it was D&G Bus 161 on a #9 to Biddulph. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off down Newcastle lane and we ran up the hill into the centre of Penkhull. We turned left onto St Thomas Place and forwards onto Princes Street. We past the old school. on the left old North Staffs Royal Infirmary. At the end of the road we turned right onto the A52 and we ran down into Stoke. We passed through Church Street and the bus topped in the town centre. After a brief stop we continued over the A500. after running under the railway line we followed the A52 around to the left running parallel to the railway line. We then turned left onto to station Road. railway station and due to roadworks we ran to the end of Station Road and turned right. We ran up Stoke Road and we turned right onto Avenue Road. At the roundabout we turned left onto College Road and we ran up the hill through Shelton. We continued onto Cleveland Road and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We crossed over the ring road and we continued along Bethesda Street before turning right onto John Street. We ran up the hill into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew used the toilet. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 44511 on a #7A to Biddulph. The bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67142 on a #11 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 67142 before we sat down.

Inside First Potteries 67142

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 and Marychurch Road and we turned right onto Ruxley Road and we turned left onto Malthouse Road. We turned right 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 Scraggs VT 9389. At the roundabout we turned right onto Anchor Road past the new build houses. 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. We crossed over city Road and walked back to the residential unit. Matthew went back up to his room to chill out and use his computer and watched buses out of the window we saw Travel Express BG61 KTJ. When it was time to go to uncle Dave's we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street and at the end we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We went across the spare ground onto Willowdale Avenue and onto Whieldon Road and into uncle Dave's. For tea Matthew had chicken potatoes and carrots with gravy followed by a slice of chocolate cake. Later on he had a drink of Fanta orange and a few digestive biscuits. Uncle Dave also did his DJ set. A couple of hours later staff came to escort Matthew back home. We set off onto Whieldon Road and we turned onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Temple Street the Queen Elizabeth II Court. We continued back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. He also ate the a can of Irn Bru and a golden crunch creams. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Newcastle / Biddulph 23-12-2023

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63359	Blurton, Magdalen Road	Newcastle BS	22	First Potteries
63349	Newcastle BS	Burslem, (stop G)	98	First Potteries
63174	Burslem, (Stop A)	Tunstall, stop A	3	First Potteries
63178	Tunstall, stop B	Newcastle BS	99	First Potteries
63179	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	4A	First Potteries
63345	Hanley BS	Biddulph BS	7A	First Potteries
161	Biddulph BS	Hanley BS	9	D&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

Trip to Trentham / Newcastle 31-08-2023

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67153	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Stoke, railway station	23	First Potteries
173	Stoke, railway station	Trentham Gardens	100	D&G Bus
65032	Trentham, Poachers Cottage PH	Newcastle BS	101	First Potteries
67142	Newcastle BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus. He was also meant to go and see uncle Dave. 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 YS70 KWG. Matthew got ready to go to Newcastle. 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. 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. We got up and got off the bus. We waited for a bus towards Trentham. A few minutes later we saw D&G Bus 780 on a #40 to Newstead.

D&G Bus 780 in Stoke

A short time later we saw D&G Bus 161 on a #9 to Biddulph.

D&G Bus 161 in Stoke

A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was D&G Bus 173 on a #100 to Stone.

D&G Bus 173 in Stoke

We got on the bus and we booked to Trentham before we sat down. The bus set off down Station Road. We ran down to the railway station. We ran forwards onto the A52 and we ran alongside the railway line before turning right onto City Road. We went South on the A500 which we did down to A34. Once on the A34 we went South through Trentham. Near to the old entrance to the gardens we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we went to across the road the road and into Trentham Gardens. we walked around the North end of the lake and we went to Totally delicious. Matthew had a ham sandwich washed down with bottle of Coke. Afterwards Matthew had an ice cream in a waffle cone. After finishing eating Matthew went to the toilet. Once we had finished eating we walked back through the main gate and onto the A34 opposite the A5035. We turned left and walked along the A34 to the old Gardens entrance where the bus stop is situated. We waited for a bus back towards Hanley. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 65032 on a #101 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off Northwards through Trentham. We continued North through Hanford and Trent Vale and we past the City General hospital before going into Newcastle. We turned right onto Barracks Road and we entered the bus station from the South end. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew got another picture of First Potteries 65032 as it carried on towards Hanley.

First Potteries 65032 in Newcastle bus station

We continued down to the bus station and saw First Potteries 63362 on a #4 to Crackley. We headed to the toilet and Matthew used the facilities. We walked down towards Stubbs Street and we saw First Potteries 63097 on a #22 to Longton. The bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67142 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67142 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station 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.

Trip to Newcastle / Biddulph 05-08-2023

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63111	Blurton, Magdalen Road	Trentham, Man in Space	22	First Potteries
44514	Trentham, Man in Space	Stoke, stop R	21	First Potteries
35940	Stoke, stop Q	Newcastle BS	25	First Potteries
67151	Newcastle BS	Tunstall, stop A	99	First Potteries
63113	Tunstall, stop B	Burslem, Swan Bank	3A	First Potteries
67172	Burslem, Market Place	Newcastle BS	98	First Potteries
24	Newcastle BS	Penkhull, Thistley Hough	9	D&G Bus
110	Penkhull, Princes Road	Hanley BS	9	D&G Bus
67181	Hanley BS	Biddulph BS	7A	First Potteries
161	Biddulph BS	Hanley BS	9	D&G Bus
67152	Hanley BS	Blurton, Opp Ladybank Drive	23	First Potteries

Today we decided to stay local as mum was working and wasn't available to help out. Research consisted of checking the weather, which was for rain all day. Matthew got up around 09:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Around 10:30 we went to pick up uncle Dave. We set off through Blurton onto Finstock Avenue and we turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and left again 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 past the former Regent which is back up for sale. 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. as we just missed a bus we went back to the house for 20 minutes or so to keep dry. We set off and walked to the bus stop all the way over on Magdalen Road, Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 67148 on a #22 to Longton.

First Potteries 67148 in Blurton

A short time later the bus came around the corner. As expected we saw it was First Potteries 63111 on a #22 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63111 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 ear 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 where we would be on this bus to Stoke. We got up to get off the bus at the man in Space and Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 63111 before it carried on to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63111 in Trentham

A short time later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 44514 on a #21 to Hanley.

First Potteries 44514 in Trentham

We got on the bus and we placed our Smart Day ticket. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 44514 before we sat down.

Inside First Potteries 44514

The bus travelled through Trentham up New Inn Lane, We passed the building site where new housing is being built. At the top of the hill we turned right into Hanford along Wilson Road. We ran down Mayne Street before joining the Northbound A34. We crossed under the A500 and we saw First Potteries 67151 on #21 turn to Trentham. We turned onto London Road and we ran through Oak Hill past the former Oak Hill pub. We continued through the the West End before running into Stoke Town centre and Campbell Place. There was nothing of interest parked up in City cabs and we got up and got off the bus. We walked along Campbell Place and we crossed over the road. We turned into Church Street and we saw that our usual cafe was closed for a holiday! We walked back onto Campbell Place and we went to the London Grill. Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards Matthew sat down and I ordered the food. Matthew had a full English breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. After we had finished eating we walked along Campbell Place and we turned rihght onto Church Street. We headede to the Newcastle bus stop as a bus was approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 35940 on a #25 to Keele.

First Potteries 35940 in Stoke

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. We set off along Church Street and off up the hill along Hartshill Road. We passed the Noah's Ark pub and Just after the pub we turned left by the Co-operative Food store and we headed to the hospital. We bounced our way through the hospital grounds over the severe speed bumps and we joined the North bound A34. We went around the roundabout at the bottom end of Newcastle and we turned right onto Barracks Road before entering the bus station from the Southern end. We got up and got off the bus and we had a look around to see what we might catch. We saw First Potteries 63098 on a #98 to Ball Green.

First Potteries 63098 in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes later we saw another bus approaching. As it came on stand we saw it was First Potteries 67151 on a #99 to Chell Heath.

First Potteries 67151 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we place the Smart Day ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We crossed the Jubilee roundabout onto the A527 and headed through Wolstanton. As we travelled North up the road we passed First Potteries 63346 on a #98 to Newcastle. We turned right onto Porthill Bank and we we went down the hill and over the A500. We went through Middleport where we saw some goats in an enclosure by the road. We continued up the road and at Trubshaw Cross we went left onto Brownhills Road. We joined Tunstall High Street and at the top of the Road we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67151 before it carried on towards Chell Heath.

First Potteries 67151 in Tunstall

We walked towards the Tunstall cafe, and that too was closed for a holiday! We decided to go around the corner and visit Wrights Pies. We picked up a Manchester tart and a can of Coke. We crossed over the road to wait for a bus. Across the road we saw First Potteries 63356 on #3 to Crewe.

First Potteries 63356 in Tunstall

We had a while to wait so after Matthew had eaten his Manchester tart we had a walk around the block. We set off down the High Street and we turned left onto The Boulevard. We turned left onto Scotia Road and we saw Stanton's of Stoke 7239 VT on a #90 to Ball Green. We turned sharp left at the roundabout and back onto the High Street. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63113 on a #3A to Hanley.

First Potteries 63113 in Tunstall

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. We went down the High Street and we turned left into Williamson Street. We turned right into Scotia Road and we ran into Burslem town centre. We decided to get off in Burslem and catch something towards Newcastle so we got up and got off the bus at Swan Bank. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 63113 as it carried on towards Hanley.

First Potteries 63113 in Burslem

We crossed over the road and we walked along Market Place to the bus stop to wait for something going down the hill. We had about 10 minutes to wait and we sat and looked at the former NatWest bank which is going to be a cafe. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. We saw it was First Potteries 67172 on a #98 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67172 in Burslem

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. We went down the Moorland Road and we continued through Burslem to Longport and over the A500 and up Porthill Bank. We turned left at the roundabout and we ran through Wolstanton and May Bank into Newcastle. We crossed the Jubilee roundabout and we ran down Barracks Road and into Newcastle. We crossed the roundabout onto Barracks Road and we entered the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. We had intended to go across to The Jolly Potter to have a drink, but this is temporarily closed for refurbishment. Matthew used the toilet by the bus station instead. Afterwards we had a look around to see what we could catch. We saw First Potteries 65034 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 65034 in Newcastle bus station

A shoirt time later another bus came in. We saw it was D&G Bus 24 on a #9 to Biddulph.

D&G Bus 24 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we placed our Smart Day ticket under the scanner before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road. We ran Southwards onto the A34. We turned left into the hospital and we ran through the the grounds. We turned right onto Hilton Road. At the roundabout we went left onto Newcastle Lane and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of D&G Bus 24 as it carried on towards Biddulph.

D&G Bus 24 in Penkhull

Once off the bus we walked into the centre of Penkhull and we went to the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we went outside and onto Princes Street. There wasn't a bus for about 20 minutes so we startd to walk towards Hartshill. We stopped at the other end and we waited for a bus there. A short time later we saw D&G Bus 161 on a #9 to Clayton.

D&G Bus 161 in Penkhull

A few minutes later we saw our bus approaching. As approached we saw it was D&G Bus 110 on a #9 to Biddulph.

D&G Bus 110 in Penkhull

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. We went down the Princes Street. At the end of the road we turned right onto the A52 and we ran down into Stoke. We passed through Church Street and the bus topped in the town centre. After a brief stop we continued over the A500. after running under the railway line we followed the A52 around to the left running parallel to the railway line. We then turned left onto to station Road. railway station and due to roadworks we ran to the end of Station Road and turned right. We ran up Stoke Road and we turned right onto Avenue Road. At the roundabout we turned left onto College Road and we ran up the hill through Shelton. We continued onto Cleveland Road and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We crossed over the ring road and we continued along Bethesda Street before turning right onto John Street. We ran up the hill into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew went to the toilet nd afterwards we waited for a bus to Biddulph. A short time later the bus came on stand and we saw it was First Potteries 67181 on a #7A to Biddulph.

First Potteries 67181 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before sitting 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 before we went across onto Marsh Street and then 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 past the Tesco Express store. 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. We ran past the building site and we turned right up Wharf Road to the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67181 before it returned to Hanley on the next #7A.

First Potteries 67181 in Biddulph bus station

Once off the bus we walked around the cornber onto the High Street and we visited the Royal Oak pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we had a glass of Coke each. We went further down the High Street and we stopped at the kebab house. We brought a couple of portions of fries and a couple of cans. We walked back up the High Street and into Wharf Road. We sat on the bench and Matthew ate his fries washed down with a can of Dr Pepper. Whilst we were there we saw unidentfied white coach YN07 KHC. After we had finished eating we stood at the stop and waited for the bus back to Hanley. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. It was D&G Bus 161 on a #9 to Hanley.

D&G Bus 161 in Biddulph bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Smart Day ticket under the scanner 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 crossed over 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. We had 20 minutes to wait so we went towards the shop but it was shut. We went outside and we saw First Potteries 33829 on a B2 from the BET365 stadium.

First Potteries 33829 in Hanley bus station

At this point Matthew ran at someone to say hello and held their hand. Don't run at people Matthew. We walked around the outside of the bus station and we sat at the stand for the bus back to Blurton. Whilst we waited we saw Maynards M16 YDS on the ring road. The bus came on stand and we saw it was First Potteries 67152 on a #23 to Newstead.

First Potteries 67152 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Smart Day under the scanner for the final time today. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 67152 before we sat down.

Inside First Potteries 67152

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 Christchurch Street and we continued onto Station Bridge Road. We ran forwards onto Heron Street and we went through the traffic lights onto Blurton Road. After crossing over the A50 we continued through Blurton. We turned right onto Church Road and right onto Beaconfield Drive. We ran to the other end and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew got another picture of First Potteries 67152 before it continued towards Newstead.

First Potteries 67152 in Blurton

Once off the bus we set off back to the house. Matthew had a can of Fanta orange and we wrote some of the Blog and wrote an e-mail. We also put some pictures u on Flickr. Matthew went to bed around 01:00... Mark.