Trip to Bucknall / Trent Vale 15-06-2026

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
170	Bucknall, Opp Finney Gardens	Hanley BS	32A	D&G Bus
35946	Hanley BS	Trent Vale, Black Lion	101	First Potteries
67145	Trent Vale, Black Lion	Blurton, Magdalen Road	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going shopping and later on going back to the residential unit. I woke Matthew up at 08:00 and he had his medication. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast for breakfast. Around 12:00 we set off to the shops. We got in the car and we set off through Blurton onto the A5035. We turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way and we ran to the end. We joined the Westbound A50 and we ran down the hill to Sideway and we saw white coach DU73 ATX. As we joined the Northbound A500 we saw Flixbus YT26 AHG. We came off the A500 at shelton New Road and we turned right as if we were going to join the Southbound A500 and we turned right onto Garner Street. We stopped at the food truck and Matthew had a cumberland ring, bacon and egg on a bap washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we went to get some shopping. We set off along Garner Street and we went under the A53 and we came off the A53 and we turned right onto Etruria Road. We turned left onto Marsh Street and we headed towards Cobrdge and we turnmed right onto the clockwise ring road. We turned left onto Bucknall New Road and we headed down the hill. We saw First Potteries 63101 on a #11 to Hanley. At Limekiln lighte we turned right onto the A52 and into Farmfoods car park. We went into the shop and Matthew decided he wanted to catch a bus home. We said goodbye to mum and we headed onto the A52 and to the nearest stop to wait for a bus. On the way to the bus stop we were passed D&G Bus 780 on a #32 to Uttoxeter. We got to the bus stop and we waited for a bus. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 170 on a #32A to Hanley.

D&G Bus 170 in Bucknall

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off towards limekiln lights and we went across onto Bucknall New Road. at the top of the hill we turned right onto the anticlockwise ring road and we turned left onto Town Road. We turned right onto Quadrant Road and we ran forwards onto Stafford Street. We turned right in front of the town hall and left onto Bagnall Street and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus at Hanley Matthew went to the shop and bought a bottle of pop and a Flapjack. Afterwards Matthew went to the toilet. We headed down the bottom end of the bus station to catch another bus. I asked Matthew to pick a bus towards Trent Vale, so we could continue towards Blurton. I thought we were going to catch a #25 as we waited near the bottom end of the bus station. Whilst we waited Matthew had his flapjack. Matthew made a last minute decision to check out the #101. As we got to the stand we saw it was First Potteries 35946 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 35946 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Trent Vale before we went upstairs. We set off through the 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 right onto Shelton New Road. We ran down through Etruria an up into Hartshill before joining the A52. We ran into Newcastle down George Street. We joined the one way system and we turned left on the roundabout onto Barracks Road. As we got to the bus station onto Barracks Road. We ran Southwards onto the A34 and we ran down through Trent Vale and we got up and got off the bus. We headed into the pub and we had a small glass of Coke each. We had about 15 minutes before the bus to Blurton was due. We finished our drinks and we headed back to the bus stop. Whilst we waited we saw ABC Supreme KP25 EHC on a shuttle to Stafford Hospital.

ABC Supreme KP25 EHC in Trent Vale

A few minutes later we saw the bus come around the corner. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67145 on a #22 to Longton as expected.

First Potteries 67145 in Trent Vale

We got on the bus and we booked to Blurton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A34 and we ran under the A500 into Hanford and we turned left onto Church Lane. We climbed to the top of the hill and we turned right onto Wilson Road. We turned left onto New Inn Lane and we ran into Trentham. We turned left onto the A5035 and we crossed over the railway line into Blurton. We passed the end of Stanley Matthew Way we saw Voyager Travel WN25 VNZ. We continued along the A5035 and we turned left onto Magdalen Road and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67145 before it continued towards Longton.

First Potteries 67145 in Blurton

Once off the bus we walked back to the house. We worked on the Blog and Matthew had a some cheesecake and a can of Cherry Coke. Later on Matthew got ready to return to the residential unit by car. We set off through Blurton onto Finstock Avenue and we turned left onto Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and left again onto Blurton Road. We went through the traffic lights onto Heron Street. We carried on forwards onto Station Bridge Road we turned left onto Christchurch Street and we turned left onto Masterson Street and we saw Stafford & District Community Link LA72 DDU. We turned right onto Watkin Street and we continued onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw Stanton's of Stoke 550 XBV.

Stanton's of Stoke 550 XBV in Fenton

We continued back to the residential unit. We went upstairs to his room and we put all his shopping in his cupboard or in the kitchen. He also watched buses out of the window. For a late tea Matthew had chicken and rice followed by angel cake and custard. Later on Matthew went downstairs and we got in a taxi. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Chrsitchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road and we ran up onto King Street and we went forwards onto King Street. We ran through Foley and we under the railway line into Longton. The bus stopped on Market Street and we turned left onto Anchor Road. We turned right onto Sutherland Road and we stopped at the pub. Matthew had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we got in car and we set off along Sutherland Road and left onto Anchor Road. We turned right onto Market Street and left onto The Strand and we ran under the railway line onto King Street. We ran through Foley into Fenton and forwards onto City Road and left onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and 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 Etruria / Wolstanton 01-09-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
HF64 AJU	Fenton	Westbury Park	Charter	Travel Express
HF64 AJU	Westbury Park	Fenton	Charter	Travel Express

Today Matthew was going back to the residential unit, but not before he had been out for dinner and to get his weekly shopping. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up just after 10:00 and had toast and apple juice for breakfast. We got ready and we went out just before 12:00. We got in the car and we set off through Blurton. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive as it was was closed by the high School. We turned left onto Finstock Avenue and re-joined Beaconsfield Drive at the other end. 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 we ran to the other end and joined the Westbound A50. We got onto the Northbound A50 and headed through Stoke and we saw First Potteries 63360 running out of service. We came off the A500 at Shelton New Road and we turned right as if we were going to re-join the Siouthbound A500. We turned right onto Garner Street and we stopped near to the food truck. For dinner Matthew had a cumberland ring with bacon and egg on a bap, washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we got back into the car and we set off along Garner Street. We joined the Eastbound A53. We turned left onto Forge Lane and we turned left onto Shelton Boulevard. We crossed over the railway line on the new Etruria Valley Link Road and we and we saw First Potteries 67157 on a #501 Etruria Valley circular. We ran under the A500 and turned left into the retail park. We parked up near to Asda and we saw red minibus DT68 YNS.

DT68 YNS in Wolstanton

We went into Asda and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards we went around and picked up his weekly shopping. When we had finished we went to the till and we paid for the shopping. We came out of Asda and we saw blue minibus OE69 MXV parked up.

OE69 MXV in Wolstanton

We went back to the car and we set off out of the retail park. As we left the retail park we saw First Potteries 35940 on a #501 Etruria Valley circular. We joined the Southbound A500 and we ran through Stoke to Sideway. We joined the Eastbound A50 and we came off by the BET365 statdium and headed Southwards down Stanley Matthews Way passing D&G Bus 170 on a #27A to Bentilee. We turned left onto the A5035 and we saw D&G Bus 6009 on a #24 to Norton. We got back to Blurton around 14:10. Matthew went on his computer and had his chocolate cake washed down with a can of Cherry Coke. Around 16:00 Matthew set off back to the residential unit by car. We set off through Blurton onto Beaconsfield Drive where we saw silver minibus C11 HTC 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 turned left onto Christchurch Street and we turned left onto Masterson Street and we saw Stafford & District Community Link LA72 OGZ. We turned right onto Watkin Street and we continued onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses before going out later on. We saw Shelton Care Group SH73 WMK dropping off another service user. For tea Matthew had pastie and chips followed by a Toffee sponge pudding and custard. Washed it down with a can of Fanta. Matthew then went out to catch a bus to Westbury Park. We went downstairs and we saw it was Travel Express HF64 AJU. We got on the bus and we set off onto Temple Street and we saw Afford rent-a-car HJ23 VGN. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we crossed over City Road. We ran down the into Stoke and we went under the railway line. We crossed over the the A500 and we turned left onto Southbound A500. We ran past Sideway to Hanford. We turned right onto the A519 and we turned left onto Westbury Road and to the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a a glass of Coke. After we had finished in the pub we returned to Fenton in Travel Express HF64 AJU. We set off onto Westbury Road and we turned right to run anti-clockwide around the estate. We turned right onto Wye Road and we crossed over Seabridge Lane and we turned left onto the Northbound A519. We ran into Newcastle and we went around the roundabout onto Barracks Road and past the bus station. We crossed the Jubilee Roundabout onto the A53 and we ran through Basford to Etruria. We got onto the Southbound A500 at Stoke. We turned left onto City Road and we went under the raileay line and up into Fenton. We continued up City Road before turning right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs to his room and chilled out in his room and use his computer and watch buses out of the window. Matthew also drank a can of Cherry Coke. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. Matthew used his computer and watched music videos on the television. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Etruria / Wolstanton 20-01-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
SF67 HNE	Fenton	Hanley	Charter	Travel Express
SF67 HNE	Hanley	Fenton	Charter	Travel Express

Today Matthew was returning to the residential unit later, but first he was going out for dinner and going to do his weekly shop. Matthew Woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up just after 10:00 and had toast and apple juice for breakfast. Later on we set off to Etruria. We got in the car and we headed onto the A5035. We turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way and we joined the Westbound A50. We turned right onto the A500 and we saw Travel Express SF67 HNE. We headed Northwards and we continued to Shelton and we turned right onto Shelton New Road. We turned right onto the A500 slip road and right onto Garner Street. We parked up near to the food truck and we headed into the gazebo. Matthew had a cumberland sausage, bacon and egg bap washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we set of to the shop. We bran along Garner Street to Etruria and we turned left onto the A53. We veered left onto Forge Lane passing First Potteries 63114 on a #38A to Waterhayes. We ran forwards onto Shelton Boulevard and we turned left onti the Etruria Valley Link Road. We went under the A500 and we turned left onto the retail park. We aprked up and we saw blue minibus SF20 BSO parked up.

SF20 BSO in Wolstanton

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. On the way we saw white minibus RE59 ERS parked up.

RE59 ERS in Wolstanton

We got in the car and we set off out of the retail park and we turned right. We joined the Southbound A500 and we ran through Etruria and Stoke to Sideway. We went Eastwards up the A50. We came off the A50 and onto Stanley Matthews Way passing D&G Bus 170 on the #24 to Hanley. We turned left onto the A5035 and we got back to Blurton around 13:00. in the afternoon we chilled out on the computer and wrote some of the Blog. Matthew had a can of Irn Bru. Just after 16:00 we set off towards Fenton. We set off through Burton and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive. 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 and we turned left onto Christchurch Street and we saw City Centre Central PO14 OKZ. We turned left onto Masterson Street and we saw Z Carz YT17 GXA. 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. For tea Matthew had chicken & rice. Matthew then went out to catch a bus to Hanley. We went downstairs and it was Travel Express SF67 HNE. We got on the bus and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we crossed over City Road onto Manor street. At the end of manor street awe turned left onto Victoria Road. We ran down to joiners Square and we crossed over the roundabout onto Lichfield Street. We crossed over the ring road and we parked up in the small car park in front of the pub. We went into the Coachmakers Arms. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had 1/2 a Coke. After we had finished we returned to Fenton it was Travel Express SF67 HNE. We got on the bus and we set off onto Lichfield Street. We crossed over the ring Road and we ran down to Joiners Square. We crossed the roundabout onto Victoria Road and we ran up the hill into Fenton. At the roundabout we turned sharp right onto City Road and left onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and we went to his room and chilled out. We went upstairs and Matthew went to his room. He watched television and used 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 Congleton / Hanley 09-10-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67143	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
67148	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 Belper he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to Belper and we saw First Potteries 67181 on a #11 to Hanley. After tea Matthew went for a walk to Aldi to get some shopping. We set off onto City Road and we crossed over and onto Manor Street. At the end of manor Street we turned left onto Victoria Road and we went down the hill to Aldi. Matthew brought his shopping and then we got a lucky Seven taxi back to the residential unit. We set off onto Victoria Road. We ran down the hill to Joiners Square and we ran across the roundabout onto Lichfield Street and we joined the anti-clockwise ring road. We turned right onto Waterloo Road and we ran through Cobridge. We continued through to Burslem onto Scotia Road and forwards onto the Tunstall by-pass. We ran past the police station onto the top end of Tunstall High Street. We continued through Goldenhill and down the hill to Kidsgrove. We continued under the railway line and over the A34. We followed the A50 to the right and we ran Northwards to Arclid. We turned right onto the A534 and we ran forwards into Congleton town centre. we stopped at the pub and Matthew went to the toilet. For dinner Matthew had a mixed grill washed down with a glass of Coke. For afters Matthew had a slice of chocolate fudge cake with ice cream. When it was time to go back we set off Westwards out of town and onto the A34. We turned around and went back into town and we joined the Southbound A527. We travelled back down the road around Biddulph and through Brindley Ford. We ran up the hill to Chell and we turned left onto High Lane. We ran into through Smallthorne and we ran through Sneyd Green and Birches Head. We followed the road to the left down the hill through Northwood and onto Limekiln Bank. We joined the A52 and we ran to Joiners square where we turned left onto Victoria Road. and we ran up to the top of the hill. We turned sharp right onto City Road and we ran down to Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window whilst he waited for us to take him out for tea. We saw Copeland's Tours MIB 904. Before tea We went downstairs out for a walk to fetch his tea. we set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We ordered sausages and chips gravy and then we walked back along Smithpool Road and onto and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew went to his room to chill out. Matthew went into the living room to have tea. Matthew ate his sausages and chips gravy followed by a Butterfly cake. We went downstairs and we set off on foot to the bus stop on City Road to wait a bus to Hanley. On the way we saw D&G Bus 170 on a #1 to Meir.

D&G Bus 170 in Fenton

A short time later we saw First Potteries 67147 on a #11 to Newcastle. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67143 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67143 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. 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. 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 to Fenton. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67148 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67148 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto the ring road and left onto Lichfield Street and we turned right onto Birch Terrace. We followed the road around onto Charles Street and we turned right onto Old Hall Street. We crossed over the ring road onto Bucknall New Road. We ran down the hill through Limekiln lights. we turned right onto Dividy Road. We turned left onto Beverley Drive and right onto Dawlish Drive. We ran through the estate and back onto the A5272. We ran up to Adderley Green and we saw First Potteries 33565 parked in the garage. At the roundabout we turned right onto Anchor Road. system onto Commerce Street and right onto The Strand. After a brief stop we ran down the Strand and under the railway line onto King Street. We continued down through Fenton and forwards onto City Road. We went past KFC and we got up and got off at the Travers Court bus stop outside the block of flats. Once off the bus we walked onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to use his computer and watch buses. He also ate the a bottle of Coke and a toffee Crisp. Later on Matthew had a bath and had toast for supper. Matthew went on his computer until bedtime around 23:00... Mark..

Trip to Hanley / Newcastle 17-02-2023

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67174	Hanley BS	Longton, The Strand	11	First Potteries
108	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	1A	D&G Bus
35947	Newcastle BS	Newcastle, O/s Cherry Tree PH	25	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus. He was alson going to Blurton later on and to visit Grandma. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. Later on Matthew went to Hanley. We went downstairs and we set off along Temple Street and turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto City Road and we walked down the hill into Stoke. We turned right onto the A52 and we walked towards the railway station. We turned left onto Glebe Street past the new development and we got onto the canal. We headed Northwards towards Shelton and Etruria and past bet365. We came off the canal onto Marina Way and we walked past Superbowl and onto Festival Way. We crossed over the footbridge and went under the A53 onto Etruria Road. We walked up past the Hotel and the former Sainsbury and near to the Quality Hotel we turned right into Tesco Car park. We headed into Tesco and we did some shopping. When we had finished we set off onto clough Street and we crossed over Marsh Street onto Brunswick Street. We wen forwards onto Piccadilly and we walked though Market Square and around the corner onto Parliament Row. We went into Greggs and Matthre brought a sausage roll and a bottle Dr pepper for dinner. We walked along Tontine Street and forwards onto Lichfield Street and back to the bus station. We sat in the bus station and Matthew ate his sausage roll washed down with a bottle Dr pepper. When we had finished eating we waited for a bus to Longton. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 63102 on a #7A to Biddulph. A short time later the bus appeared. It was First Potteries 67174 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67174 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Longton 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 67148 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 around the roundabout and turned right onto The Strand where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we went down The Strand and we turned left onto the passgeway by Next. We went to Tesco and Matthew went to the toilet. We walked back past the bus station onto The Strand. We went around the corner onto Transport Lane and we got in a Lucky Seven taxi. We set off along Transport Lane and we turned right onto The Strand. We ran under the railway ine onto King Street and we ran through Foley into Fenton. We ran forwards onto City Road and we turned right into Manor Street where we got out of the taxi. We crossed over City Road and we cut through onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. WE went upstairs and Matthew chilled out in is room to wait for me to pick him up. Just before 15:00 I arrived and Matthew came downstairs. We cut through onto City Road and we walked to the bus stop by the flats. We saw white minibus BX67 ZTY. We had a look on the map to see what we could catch. We saw that there was a #1A to Wood Lane in the area. I asked Matthew if he wanted to do this to Newcastle and he said yes. As short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 108 on a #1A to Wood Lane.

D&G Bus 108 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. hospital. As we travelled through the hospital we saw ERS Medical YJ71 DWG and Intermediate Care YX22 MLZ. 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 walked up towards the top end of the bus station whilst we waited for something we could catch. We saw First Potteries 65031 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 65031 in Newcastle bus station

Another vehicle seen was D&G Bus 170 on a #9 to Biddulph.

D&G Bus 170 in Newcastle bus station

We saw on the map that there was a #25 heading into the bus station. We walked down to the stand and we waited for a few minutes. As it approached the bus station we saw it was First Potteries 35947 on a #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 35947 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to the hospital before we went upstairs and sitting down. We set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road. We ran Southwards onto the A34 and we got up and got off the bus by the Cherry Tree. We got off the bus and Matthew took a picture of First Potteries 35947 as it continued towards Hanley.

First Potteries 35947 in Newcastle

Once off the bus we headed along the A34 and we went up the hill towards Grandma's. At Grandma's Matthew had toast and a can of Irn Bru and used her computer. We also got a birthday cake and we sang happy birthday for Grandma from the other day. Matthew ate a piece of vanilla flavoured birthday cake. When it was time to go we went to the pub in the car via uncle Daves house. We set off just after 17:30 and we set off onto Victoria Street. We joined the Southbound A34 and we turned left onto The Avenue. At the end we turned right onto Hartshill Road. We ran down to Stoke and onto the one way system. We turned right onto Elenora Street and we followed the road around onto Copeland Street. We ran forwards onto Glebe Street and we followed the one way system onto Church Street. We crossed over the A500. We turned right onto the A500. We veered left into Fenton to pick up uncle Dave. We set off back down towards Stoke and onto the A500. We turned left onto Church Street and and we went around the one-way system. We turned left onto London Road and we headed into the West End, and we ran past the former Oak Tree pub which has now been demolished. We ran to the end of London Road and we sat at the light waiting to turn right onto the A34. We continued up to the pub and we parked up. We walked into the pub and Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses included First Potteries 65036 on a #101 to Hanley and First Potteries 65042 on a #101 to Stafford. Once we had finished eating we set off We carried on along the A34 through Hanford and into Trentham. We turned left onto the A5035. We crossed over the railway line and into Blurton. We got back around 19:00. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we sorted a few things out. We wrote the Blog and watch TV. Later on we dropped uncle Dave off back at home. We got in the car and we set off through Burton and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive where we saw white minibus EA07 LWW parked up. We turned left onto Church Street and left onto Blurton Road. We crossed over the A50 and we ran into Heron Cross lights. We turned left onto Grove Road and we ran forwards onto Wheildon Road. We dropped off uncle Dave and we ran back up Wheildon Road and forwards onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We ran through Blurton and at the roundabout we veered right onto Church Street. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and left onto Finstock Avenue and back to Blurton. Later on we did some more of the Blog. We also had another slice of birthday cake. We chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Hanley / Crewe 09-10-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
170	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Hanley BS	23	D&G Bus
63171	Hanley BS	Crewe BS	3	First Potteries
63171	Crewe BS	Hanley BS	3	First Potteries
44514	Hanley BS	Fenton, Victoria Place	6	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to Crewe on the bus. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst in the room we saw First Potteries 67181 on a #11 to Newcastle. Matthew chilled out in his room until dinner time. For dinner Matthew had beans on toast followed by cake. We went downstairs and we cut through onto City Road. We walked to the stop opposite the flats. We waited for a bus towards Hanley. A short time later we saw D&G Bus 170 on a #23 to Hanley.

D&G Bus 170 in Fenton

We got on the bus and booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we joined the A52 and ran under the railway line. After crossing over the A500 we ran into Stoke town centre along Church Street. We followed the one-way system around onto Elenora Street and right onto Copeland Street. We turned left onto Glebe Street and we ran under the railway line before turning left onto Station Road. After stopping briefly outside the railway station we turned right onto College Road and we 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 and onto stand. Once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. In the bus station we saw First Potteries 67141 on a #3A to Clough Hall. We waited for a bus to Crewe. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 63171 on a #3 to Crewe.

First Potteries 63171 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Crewe before we sat down. We set off out of the bus station and onto John Street. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and we went straight across onto Marsh Street. We turned right up onto Trinity Street and we went past the former RBS now a new shop. We turned left onto Stafford Street. After picking up more passenger outside of Debenhams we followed the road around to the left and then back onto marsh Street. At the roundabout we went straight on onto Waterloo Road and we ran up the hill into Cobridge. We continued into Burslem and through the traffic lights onto Scotia Road. We went past the old Burslem PMT garage and we followed the road around to the left onto Williamson Street. At the corner we turned right onto Tunstall High Street and we continued North onto the A50. We ran through Goldenhill and down the bank into Kidsgrove. We ran under the railway line into Cheshire and we crossed over the A34. We continued into Church Lawton and then into Alsager. We continued Westwards along the B5077 under the M6 and into Radway Green. We followed the road to the right up Slaughter hill and we continued straight up into Haslington. We turned left onto Crewe Road and we re-joined the B5077 towards Crewe Green. We crossed over the roundabout onto the Westbound A534 and we ran towards Crewe railway station. We past the railway station and we continued for around 1/2 mile before turning right into Edlestone Road. We ran into town crossing over the railway line and forwards onto Chester Bridge. We followed the road around onto Delamere Street and we turned right into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we saw Arriva NW&W 2934 on a #84 to Chester. We waited for the next bus back to Hanley. Matthew ate his Frazzles, cadbury's Snack and a can of Coke. A short time later we saw First Potteries 63171 on a #3 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down. We set off out of the bus station onto Delamere Street and we followed the road around onto Chester Bridge. We ran forwards onto Edleston Road and we turned left onto the A534. We ran past the railway station and we continued up towards Haslington along the B5077. We turned right onto Slaughter Hill and we ran back through Radway Green and into Alsager. We continued over the A34 and into Staffordshire and we ran under the railway line into Kidsgrove. We ran up the hill into Goldenhill and we continued into Sandyford. We joined Tunstall High Street where we saw City Centre Central PO14 OKZ in the depot. We continued down the High Street and we ran through the town centre and joined Scotia Road near to Asda. We ran up into Burslem and we continued along the A50 into Cobridge. We ran down the hill to the edge of Hanley and we went around the ring road to Town Road and we ran into Hanley. We ran down Quadrant Road and forwards onto Stafford Street. We ran across the shared space past the town hall and onto Bagnall Street. We ran forwards into the bus station. We got off the bus and we waited for a bus back to Fenton. As we walked through the bus station we saw First Potteries 67175 on layover. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 44514 on a #6 to Coalville.

First Potteries 44514 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 44514 before we sat down.

Inside First Potteries 44514

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. One off the bus we set off on foot onto City Road and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned right onto Temple Street and we returned to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window before going out later on. For tea Matthew had chicken and potatoes. Matthew went back to the room and went on his computer. Later on Matthew went out. We went downstairs and we and we got in the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road and we ran down the hill into Stoke. We ran under the railway line and we crossed over the A500. we ran around the one-way system onto Lonsdale Street and we followed the road to the right onto Fleming Road. We turned right onto Campbell Place and we rejoined Church Street. We ran forwards onto Hartshill Road and we went up the hill into Hartshill. We turned left into Newcastle and we stopped at the pub on the end of George Street. Matthew had a glass of Coke. when he had finished he returned to Fenton by car. We set off onto George Street and we ran forwards onto Hartshill Road. we ran through Hartshill and we went down the hill into Stoke. We ran down to Stoke and onto the one way system. We turned right onto Elenora Street and we followed the road around onto Copeland Street. We ran forwards onto Glebe Street and we followed the one way system onto Church Street. We crossed over the A500 onto City Road and we went under the railway line. We ran up the hill into Fenton and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs to Matthew's room to chill out. He used his computer and watched music videos on the Television. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Derby / Nottingham 13-11-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
87	Derby BS	Nottingham, (Stop U5)	RA	Trent Barton
170	Nottingham Victoria BS	Kimberley, opp Library	One	Trent Barton
158	Kimberley, Library	Eastwood, opp Library	One	Trent Barton
161	Eastwood, Memorial Garden	Heanor, Market Square	One	Trent Barton
732	Heanor, Market Square	Oakwood, Windmill Inn	H1	Trent Barton
828	Oakwood, Windmill Inn	Derby BS	H1	Trent Barton

Today we decided to re-visit Derby. We had discussed in the week where we could go,somewhere fairly close as the nights had drawn in and we weren't sure how early we could start out. Research consisted of checking the weather which was for seasonably warm weather, with grey skies and some sunshine. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and apple juice for breakfast. We spent some time getting ready and we set off around 11:45. We got in the car and we set off through Blurton and onto Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road. We 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. We turned around and ran up Wheildon Road and forwards onto Grove. We turned right onto Blurton Road and at the roundabout we joined the Eastbound A50. We ran through Longton and Meir. At Blythe Bridge we followed the A50 to the right and we passed Scraggs minibus 1655 VT coming the other way. As we travelled Eastwards towards the turning we saw Stanton's of Stoke GSU 344 and A&C Coaches YX07 AWN. We came off the A50 onto the A511 and we passed Midland Classic double decker 105 on a #401 to Uttoxeter. We ran the last couple of miles into Hatton and we stopped at the Saltbox Cafe for dinner. For dinner Matthew had a breakfast and washed down with a bottle of Coke. Whilst we ate we saw Midland Classic 8 on a #401 to Burton and Trent Barton 702 on V1 Villager services. When we had finished eating we continued East to Hilton and then we went Northwards back under the A50 and along the A516 into Derby. We entered the town and we ran into the inner ring road and we ran clockwise around town we turned right into Cathedral Road and we followed it around to the left. We ran forwards onto Full Street and we ran forwards onto Morledge. We went past the bus station and around to the other side of the car park. We accidentally went into the staff park area for the recently rebranded derby Ion car park so we came back out and did another circuit of the car park before going into the correct entrance. we parked up on level 3 and we said goodbye to mum before going down the stairs onto the street level. we went under the bridge and we saw Arriva Midlands 3576 on a #2C to Chellaston.

Arriva Midlands 3576 in Derby

We crossed the roads and headed towards the bus station where we saw Trent Barton 701 on a V1 to Burton-on-Trent.

Trent Barton 701 in Derby bus station

Also seen was Arriva Midlands 3571 on a #2C to Chellaston.

Arriva Midlands 3571 in Derby bus station

We walked through the bus station whilst we decided what bus we could catch. We had already decided that we would do Trent Barton buses today. At the other end of the bus station we saw Trent Barton 84 arrive on a Red Arrow service from Nottingham.

Trent Barton 84 in Derby bus station

We walked back to the other end of the bus station and matthew was looking at i4 bus towards Nottingham. On an adjacent stanbd we saw saw a Red Arrow coach pull up so we decided to to that instead. As we got closer we saw it was Trent Barton 87 on a Red Arrow service to Nottingham.

Trent Barton 87 in Derby bus station

We got on the coach and we brought a group zig-zag ticket at £16 before we sat down towards the middle of the coach. We reversed off the stand and we ran through the bus station. We continued onto the Northbound A601 We came off at the next junction and we joined the Eastbound A52. We ran fast along the A52 passing Trent Barton 86 on a Red Arrow to Derby. We crossed over the M1 and passed Toton depot. We continued Eastwards to the edge of Nottingham past the QMC. We crossed the ring road and ran forwards onto the A6200. We continued onto Wollaston Road along the one-way system and we turned left onto the A6008. The bus stopped at a bus stop and most people got off. We had intended to go to the Victoria Bus station, but the driver siad that due to a road closure and buses diverting through the bus station, longer vehicle like the Red Arrow coaches could not safely reverse out of the bus station and therefore are not currently serving the bus station. We got off the coach and we set off on foot towards Victoria Bus station. We crossed over the tram line and we turned left onto Sherwood Street where we saw Nottingham City Transport 997 on a #57 to the Plains Estate.

Nottingham City Transport 997 in Nottingham

Matthew wanted to do this bus, but we didn't have the right ticket, We will have to return to Nottingham again in the future just to travel on the Nottingham City Transport buses. We turned right onto Shakespeare Street and at the end we turned left onto Mansfield Road. We could see where the road had been closed to Southbound traffic as a large crane was standing on the road. We turned right onto Union Road and we turned left onto York Street where we saw Trent Barton 824 departing the bus station on a Three service to Mansfield.

Trent Barton 824 in Nottingham bus station

We continued to the bus station and the toilet was closed. We decided to get a bus out of Nottingham as quickly as we c an and we go to a shop out of the city centre to use the toilet. At the top stand was Nottingham City Transport electric bus 941 which was on charge. There were a couple of buses in the bus station and Matthew decided he wanted to do Trent Barton 170. We waited for the bus to be readied for service and Matthew took a picture of Trent Barton 170 on the Rainbow One to Ripley.

Trent Barton 170 in Nottingham bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Zig-zag group ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto York Street and we turned right onto Union Road. We turned left onto Mansfield Road and we turned right onto Shakespeare Street. We followed the one-way system to the left onto North Church Street and we turned right onto Burton Street. We turned left onto South Sherwood Street and we turned right onto the A6008. We ran onto the one-way system to the edge of town and we joined the Northbound A610. We ran out of the city through Radford, Bobbers Mill and Whitemoor. We crossed over the A6514 and we ran through Cinderhill. We crossed over a roundabout and the A610 became a dual carriageway and we had a fast run for a short while. We ran up to THe Nuttall pub and we came off the A610 and we joined Nottingham Road. We ran through the village and we crossed the A610 and ran forwards onto the B600. We crossed over the M1 and we ran the last 1/2 or so into the cente of Kimberley where we decided to get up and get off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Trent Barton 170 as it carried on towards Ripley.

Trent Barton 170 in Kimberley

Once off the bus we started to walk towards Sainsbury's. As we started off we saw Nottinghamshire CC SJ67 SWN on a #528 to Solston.

Nottinghamshire CC SJ67 SWN in Kimberley

We crossed over Greens Lane and we walked along the path into sainsburys. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we picked up a bottle of Coke and a kitkat and we paid for them at the kiosk. We went outside to uncle Dave and we crossed over Green Lane. We had formulated a rough plan to get back to Derby. The following bus was a bus to Alfreton and was going in the wrong direction, but we could do it as far as Eastwood and then wait for the bus to Ripley behind it. We could then travel back to Derby. We waited for the following bus and a short time later we saw Trent Barton 158 on a Rainbow One service to Alfreton.

Trent Barton 158 in Kimberley

We got on the bus and we placed the Zig-zag group ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Main Street and we left Kimberley. We ran past the Giltbrook Shopping Park and Ikea and we ran the final mile or so into the centre of Eastwood where we got up and got off the bus. Once of the bus Matthew took another picture of Trent Barton 158 before it continued towards Alfreton.

Trent Barton 158 in Eastwood

We had about 20 minutes to kill until the bus to Ripley was due. We walked to the corner of Queens Road North and we sat on a bench outside the Police station. Matthew ate his Kitkat and we ate crunchies. When we had finished we had a walk along Nottingham Road to see if we could see anything interesting. We saw a sign pointing towards a museum for DH Lawrence, as Eastwood is the town of his birth, but we did not want to go too far in case we missed the bus. We looked on the map and it appeared that the Alfreton bus behind our had caught up and gone past the one we wanted. A couple of minutes in front of our bus we saw Trent Barton 161 on a Rainbow One to Alfreton. Everyone else got on the bus and we had the stop to ourselves for a short while. Eventually our bus appeared and it was as predicted on the map Trent Barton 161 on a Rainbow One service to Ripley.

Trent Barton 161 in Eastwood

We got on the bus and we placed the Zig-zag group ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Nottingham Road and we headed out of Eastwood. We continued Eastwards along the A608 and we crossed over the A610. We ran past Langley Mill railway station and we stopped outside the Trent Barton bus depot for a driver change. After a quick stop we carried on for a further 1/2 mile into the centre of Heanor where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took a picture of Trent Barton 161 before it continued to Ripley.

Trent Barton 161 in Heanor

Once off the bus Matthew decided he needed the toilet. We spotted a pub on the other side of the road so we headed in that direction. Matthew visited the toilet and afterwards he had a glass of Coke and brought a poppy with his change. When he had finished his drink we headed outside and crossed back over the square. We had a few minutes to wait for the next H1 service towards Derby. Whilst we waited we saw Notts+Derby 1181 on a #138 to Belper.

Notts+Derby 1181 in Heanor

A few minutes later the bus came around the corner and it was Trent Barton 732 on a H1 service to Derby.

Trent Barton 732 in Heanor

We got on the bus and we placed the Zig-zag group ticket under the scanner. The bus was empty at this point so matthew took a picture inside Trent Barton 732 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside Trent Barton 732

We set off along Market Street and we passed party bus K155 YPB parked up on the other side of the road. We ran up to the roundabout and we turned left onto the Westboind A608. We ran through Smalley and continued Southwards through Morley. It was now really dark and the bus travelled quickly down the A608 between villages. We decided to break the journey and wait for the bus behind so that we could bget a 6th bus in for the day so as we approached the Northern edge of civilisation we decided to get up and get off the bus. Matthew took a picture of Trent Barton 732 as it continued towards Derby.

Trent Barton 732 in Oakwood

Going the other waay we saw a former Lothian double decker race Northwards. The bus, SN08 BXX is now owned by Skills of Nottingham and was seen on a private service. It turned out that we had been to Oakwood before... We visited the other side of the village back in January 2017, when we did Notts + Derby 257 to Oakwood on a #11 service. Whilst we waited we also saw Trent Barton 734 go Northwards on a H1 service. Whilst we waited for the bus Matthew ate a crunchie from the trip bag. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. It was Trent Barton 828 on a #H1 service as expected.

Trent Barton 828 in Oakwood

We got on the bus and we placed the Zig-zag group ticket under the scanner for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off Southwards and we ran through Breadsall Hilltop and over the A61. We ran past the Meteor Retail Park and we turned right onto Mansfield Road. We crossed over the railway line and at the roundabout we followed mansfield Road to the left. We ran Southwards parallel to the railway line before joining the A601 and crossing over the Derwent. We turned right into Morledge and we entered the bus station. We ran to the stops at the far end and we pulled up in one of the bays. Matthew took a picture inside Trent Barton 828 before we got off the bus.

Inside Trent Barton 828

Once off the bus we decided to take a few pictures before we returned to the car. We saw Trent Barton 101 parked up on layover.

Trent Barton 101 in Derby bus station

Also seen was Skills of Nottingham BV66 WPA on a National Express service #440 to London.

Skills of Nottingham BV66 WPA in Derby bus station

We walked out of the bus station and we stood at the end for a short while. We saw Trent Barton 86 on a Red Arrow service to Nottingham.

Trent Barton 86 in Derby bus station

We crossed over Morledge and we headed under the bridge. We saw Arriva Midlands 2333 on a #2A to Chellaston.

Arriva Midlands 2333 in Derby

We walked up the stairs and we met up with mum at the car on level 3. We decided that we would drive to a chip shop just off the road home so we set the Sat Nav to take us out of town. We came out of the car park and we turned right The Cock Pitt. We ran clockwise around the town and we turned left onto Uttoxeter New Road. We ran past the hospital and we ran forwards onto the B5020. We crossed over the A38 and we ran into Mickleover. We stopped at the chip shop in the cente of town and I brought chips. Matthew ate sausage chips and gravy in the car washed down with some cherry coke. When I had finished eating we continued towards home. We set off onto the B5020 and we ran forwards onto Etwall Road. We crossed over the A516 before joining the Westbound A516. We ran the 3 miles or so down to the A50 and we joined the Westbound carriageway. We ran past Uttoxeter and to the edge of the by-pass and we folled the A50 to the left and towards Meir. We ran past the Copeland's Tours garage and we saw their new double decker coach parked up. We continued past Longton to Heron Cross and we came off the A50 to drop uncle Dave off home. We turned right onto Blurton Road and at the traffic lights we turned left Grove Road. We ran ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we stopped at uncle Dave's. Matthew went in as he was desperate for the toilet. He also updated uncle Dave's calendar with the details of today's trip. We said goodbye to uncle Dave and we set off back to Blurton. We set off onto Wheildon Road and we ran forwards onto Grove Road. 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 Beaconsfiels Drive and we got back to Blurton around 20:00. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we did some of the Blog. We also wrote a few emails and generally used the computer to entertain ourselves. We watched TV and Matthew got ready for bed. Matthew settled down around 00:30... Mark