Trip to Newcastle / Smallthorne 01-06-2026

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67174	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11X	First Potteries
63357	Newcastle BS	Fenton Manor	11	First Potteries
6010	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	1	D&G Bus
173	Newcastle BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	1A	D&G Bus

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre. Matthew got ready to go to Newcastle. Whilst getting ready we saw Travel Express SM65 DMY heading towards Stoke. We went downstairs and we and we cut through onto City Road to wait a bus to Newcastle. We stood at the bus stop and we waited for a first but to Hanley. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 67174 on a #11X to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67174 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre along Church Street. After a brief stop in Stoke we continued along church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road. We ran up the hill and into Hartshill. We ran forwards onto George Street and we ran down the hill into Newcastle. We turned left at the roundabout onto Barracks Road and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once of the bus we set off up Castle Walk and we stopped at Greggs and Matthre brought a sausage roll and a bottle Dr pepper for dinner. We walked along Castle Walk and we had finished eating we went next door to Sports Direct and Matthew bought some boots. When he had finished eating we went next door to Bristish Heart Foundation Home and Fashion and Matthew bought some boots. We veered left onto Stubbs Street and we walked out of the bus station Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we waited for a bus to Hartshill. Once off the bus we had a look around to see what we might catch. We saw D&G Bus 6003 on a #9 to Biddulph. A few minutes later a bus appeared and it was First Potteries 63357 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63357 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Hartshill before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto Barracks Road and we ran up to the Jubilee roundabout. We ran onto the A53 and around the one-way system onto the A52. We ran up George Street into Hartshill and we ran down the hill into Stoke town centre. After a brief stop in Church Street we continued into Fenton up the A52, over the A500 and under the railway line. We ran up City Road and we got up and got off the bus by the the swimming baths turn. We crossed over City Road and we walked. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew took a can of Irn Bru. Later on we went out. We went downstairs and got in the car. As we went down to the car We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road and we headed down the road into Stoke. We ran under the railway line and we turned left onto the Southbound A500. We went around the one-way system. We ran up the hill into Hartshill and we continued to the edge of Newcastle. We ran forwards onto George Street and we ran down the hill into Newcastle. We turned left onto Ryecroft and stopped to pick up our friend. After we picked him up We crossed over Ryecroft we ran forwards onto the Jubilee Roundabout and onto the A53. We ran into Basford and over the A500. We ran down into Etruria and we turned right on to the East bound A53 and we ran uop through Cobridge. We veered left onto we stopped at Captain Kooks. Matthew visited to the toilet and afterwards had a breakfast washed down with a bottle of Coke. Highlights of the bus sightings included Copeland's Tours MIB 992. Once we had finished we set off onto Sandbach Road and we turned right and we joined the A53. We ran through Cobridge and through Etruria and we crossed over the A53. We ran up the hill into Basford. We ran down hill to the edge of Newcastle and we got onto the one way system. At the jubilee roundabout and we turned right onto Ryecroft and we pulled up. We dropped out our friend and we continued along Ryecoft and we crossed over the roundabout onto the A53. We ran around the one way system and we went along the A52 into Hartshill. We ran down the hill into Stoke and we went around the one-way system in Stoke. We turned left onto Liverpool Road and we veered right onto Elenora Street. We turned 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 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. Matthew collected a few suypplies from the car and headed upstairs. He chilled out in his room and watched TV. He had a can of Cherry Coke. He also watched buses out of the window. We set off downstairs and we waited for a taxi. Transport for the trip to Hanley was in a Autocabs taxi. We got in the taxi and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we crossed over City Road onto Manor Street. We turned left onto Victoria Road and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed over the roundabout and we went forwards onto Lichfield Street. We ran up the hill towards Hanley and we turned right onto the anti-clockwise ring road. We ran to the other side of Hanley and we came off onto town Road. We crossed over the ring road and we re-joined the clockwise carriageway. We turned left onto Upper Huntbach Street and past the former Queens Arms pub. We got a Lucky Seven taxi and we returned to Fenton. We turned around and set off fown Upper Huntbach street and we joined the clockwise ring road. We turned left onto Lichfield Street and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed over the roundabout and we ran forwards onto Victoria Road. We turned right onto Manor Street and we ran to the end. We turned right onto City Road and left onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and we returned to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew went to his room. For a late tea Matthew had chicken and rice followed by passion fruit cheesecake and custard. Later on we went downstairs and we set off onto City Road. On the way to the bus stop we saw First Potteries 67151 on a #23 to Hanley. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 6010 on a #1 to Park Site.

D&G Bus 6010 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre. We continued along Church Street onto Hartshill Road and into the centre of Hartshill. We turned left into the Avenue and left again onto Hilton Road before turning right into the City General Hospital. As we travelled through the hospital we saw Autocabs Y5 EFX. 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 returned to the bus station and we waited for a bus to Fenton. A short time later we saw First Potteries 63354 on a #39 to Hanley. Eventually the bus appeared and it was D&G Bus 173 on a #1 to Meir.

D&G Bus 173 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton and sat 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. As we travelled through the hospital we saw Roseville FD70 YDT. We turned left onto Hilton Road. We continued onto Albany Road and we turned right onto The Avenue. At the end of the road we turned right onto the A52 and we ran through Hartshill and down the hill into Stoke town centre. 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 use his computer and watch buses. He also ate the a can of Irn Bru and a passion fruit cheesecake. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Hanley / Trent Vale 10-04-2026

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67157	Hanley BS	Fenton, adj Travers Court	23	First Potteries
63362	Blurton, Magdalen Road	Trent Vale, Chubb Way	22	First Potteries

Todau Matthew was going back to Blurton and afterwards going out for tea, but first he was going out to Hanley. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his mediaction. Matthew got up and had crumpets and orange juice for breakfast. We went donstairs to see the chickens for one last time befoer they went to the farm. Matthew went back upstairs to chill out in his room. In the morning Matthew went out. We went downstairs and we got in a taxi. 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 went under the railway line and over the A500. We continued around the one-way system and onto Campbell PLace and we re-joined Church Street. We turned right onto Stoke Road and we ran down the hill. We crossed over the A500 and we ran past the Travel Express garage. We continued up Stoke Road into Shelton and we turned right onto The Avenue. We crossed over College Road and we stopped on the following corner by the park entrance. We walked through the park and Matthew went to the playground. After spending some time in the playground we set off on foot into Hanley. We walked through the park onto Cleveland Road and forwards onto Regent Road. We turned left onto Lichfield Street and we crossed over to the chip shop. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we headed to the bus station. We crossed over the ring road and over Lichfield Street and into the bus station. Matthew waited for a bus to Fenton. A short time later we saw a bus pull onto the stand. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67157 on a #23 to Newstead.

First Potteries 67157 in Hanley 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 John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. Due to Lower Bethesda Street being closed, we diverted onto the ring road and left onto Hinde Street. We turned right 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 we ran under the railway line onto City Road. We ran up the hill and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. When we got to Albert Square we got up and got off the bus. We then walked back to the residential unit. we went upstairs and chilled out in his room. Around 15:00 mum appeared to pick Matthew up. I was not due to finish training until 16:00 but I finished early. Mum picked Matthew up because she was in the area. Matthew came downstairs and got in the car. We set off onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street. We turned right onto Station Bridge Road and we ran forwards onto Heron Street. We continued through the lights and we saw silver minibus CX12 YYA. We crossed over the A50 and we continued along Blurton Road. We turned right onto Church Street and right onto Beaconsfield Drive getting back just after 15:00. Once back at Blurton Matthew had some toast and a can of Irn Bru. Matthew chilled out on his computer until until around 17:20 and we got ready to go out on the bus. We set off on foot to the bus stop all the way over on Magdalen Road. A short time later we saw First Potteries 63360 on a #22 to Longton.

First Potteries 63360 in Blurton

A few minutes later we saw a bus come around the corner. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63362 on a #22 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63362 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Harpfields Road and ee sat down towards the back of the bus and we set off onto the A5035. We crossed over the railway line into Trentham and we turned right into New Inn Lane and we climbed the hill into Hanford. We turned right into Wilson Road and we passed First Potteries 67157 on a #21 to Hanley. We turned left Church Lane and we ran down the hill and joined the A34. We crossed under the A500 into Trent Vale and we turned right into Harpfields Road and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we set off on foot onto the A34 and we walked to the pub and we met up with mum. We went into the pub and we sat at one of our usual tables. Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Highlights of the sightings whilst we ate include D&G Bus 173 on a #22 to Longton. Once we had finished eating we went outside to the car. We set off and we carried on along the A34 and we went 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. Matthew also had a can of Cherry Coke and a Crunchie. We wrote the Blog and sent a couple of e-mails. We chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 23:30... Mark

Trip to Hanley / Festival Park 18-03-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67177	Hanley, Warrington Road	Hanley BS	6	First Potteries
63358	Hanley BS	Trentham, Longton Road	101	First Potteries
173	Trentham, Poachers Cottage PH	Stoke, Lytton Street	100	D&G Bus
63362	Stoke, Lytton Street	Fenton, Smithpool Road	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus. Mattew woke up at 08:00 and had his nedication. Matthew got up at 09:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. In the morning Matthew went out to catch a few buses. We went downstairs and we saw Shelton Care Group WA73 BMO. We set off on foot onto City Road and we crossed over the road and headed along Manor Street. We walked to the end and we turned left onto Victoria Road. We walked down past Aldi and McDonalds to the next bus stop and we waited for a bus towards Hanley. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67177 on a #6A to Hanley.

First Potteries 67177 in Hanley

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down. We set off down Victoria Road. crossed over the A52 at Joiners Square. We ran up Lichfield Street and we turned left onto the ring road. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and right onto John Street and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. A short time later we saw First Potteries 67180 on a #7 to Kidsgrove.

First Potteries 67180 in Fenton

A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 63358 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 63358 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Trentham Gardens and sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we ran down John Street and right onto Bethesda Street. We ran down Broad Street and we crossed the ring road onto Snow Hill and at the roundabout we turned Shelton New Road. Due to roadwork we went the wrong way around the one-way system. We ran over the canal and railway line. We ran through the cross road up to Hartshill and at the roundabout we ran into Newcastle down George Street. We joined the one-way system and at the next roundabout we turned left onto Barracks Road. We turned right into the bus station. After a brief stop we Continued onto Barracks Road and forwards onto the Southbound A34. We ran past the hospital into Trent Vale and under the A500 into Hanford. We continued into Trentham and we got up and got off the bus near to Trentham Garden. Once off the bus we crossed over 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 63363 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63363 in Trentham

A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 173 on a #100 to Hanley.

D&G Bus 173 in Trentham

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down. We set off Northwards up through Hanford along the A34 and we got to the Northbound A500. The A50 appeared to be busy so we carried onto the Stoke and we turned right onto Church Street and the bus topped in the town centre. After a brief stop we continued over the A500 and we got up and got off the bus just before the railway bridge. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it closer we saw it was First Potteries 63362 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63362 in Stoke

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off up City Road and we got up and got off the bus. We crossed over City Road and walked back to the residential unit. Matthew went back upstairs and Matthew went to his room to chill out. He used his computer and watched buses out of the window. He came downstairs and we got into the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto City Road and we ran down the hill and forwards onto the A52. We went under the railway line and we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 302. We joined the Northbound A500. We ran up to Etruria and we joined the Eastbound A53. We ran up to Festival park and we turned left. We turned left onto marina way and we parked up in the car park. We went to the pub and Matthew used the toilet. He had a glass of Coke. For tea Matthew had a carvery with turkey, Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, carrots and gravy. For dessert Matthew had chocolate fudge cake with custard. When we had finished we returned to Fenton in a car. We set off onto the Westbound A53 and we joined the B5046 and we ran through Cliffe Vale through to Snow Hill. We turned right onto Stoke Road and we ran down the hill. We turned left onto the railway station onto Stoke Road. We turned left onto the A500. We stayed on the high level road and we came off the A500 at City Road. We ran under the railway line and up the hill into Fenton. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs and Matthew went to his room. We went downstairs and we set off onto City Road and we crossed over onto Manor Street for We stopped at the Fenton Community Hall and Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we had a drink of Coke. Matthew had a burger and fries. After we had finished we returned to the residential unit. We walked along Manor Street and we crossed over City Road and we turned right onto onto Temple Street and we returned to the residential unit. We went upstairs and back into his room. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. He watched television and used his computer. Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Hanley / Biddulph 23-11-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67149	Blurton, Magdalen Road	Trentham, Man in Space	22	First Potteries
67152	Trentham, Man in Space	Stoke, stop R	21	First Potteries
35943	Stoke, Stop N	Hanley BS	25	First Potteries
173	Hanley BS	Chell, Biddulph Road	7A	D&G Bus
593	Chell, Biddulph Road	Biddulph, High Street	94	D&G Bus
67147	Biddulph, Wharf Road	Hanley BS	7A	First Potteries

Today we were doing a local trip as later on we had a party to attend. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. After getting ready we went in the car to pick up uncle Dave, We set off through Blurton onto Beaconsfield Drive and we turned left onto Church Road. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we went through the road works and up the hill to Heron Cross. We crossed over the A50 and we turned left at the traffic lights onto Grove Road. We continued onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. Afterwardsb we set off up Wheildon Road and forwards onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We ran down the hill and back through the roadworks and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and left onto Finstock Avenue. We stopped briefly to get some money from the cash machine and we carried on back to the house. After briefly going inside we set off on foot to the bus stop all the way over on Magdalen Road. We waited for a few minutes and the bus turned the corner. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67149 on a #22 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67149 in Blurton

We got on the bus and booked a Smart Day ticket at £4.80. 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 where we saw First Potteries 67152 was on the #21 to Hanley. We got up to get off the bus at the man in Space and Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67149 before it carried on to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67149 in Trentham

We had already seen the bus we were going to catch on the opposite side of the road. We waited for it to run around the end of the route before we saw it return. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67152 on a #21 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67152 in Trentham

We got on the bus and we placed our Smart Day ticket. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 67152 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside First Potteries 67152

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. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67152 before it carried on towards Hanley.

First Potteries 67152 in Stoke

Once we got off the bus we walked towards The centre of Stoke. We went around the corner into Church Street to Stoke Cafe. Uncle Dave escorted Matthew downstairs to the toilet and I ordered the food. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. After we had finished eating we walked down Church Street to the Newcastle bus stop. When we got to the stop we waited for the the next Hanley bus to appear. As we had a party to attend later we needed to head up to Biddulph as quickly as we could. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 35948 on a #25 to Keele.

First Potteries 35948 in Stoke

A few minutes later we saw the bus aproaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 35943 on a #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 35943 in Stoke

We got on the bus and we placed the Smart Day ticket under the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off out of Stoke town centre and across the A500 and under the railway line. We followed the A52 and we ran past the railway station to joiners Square. We turned left onto Lichfield Street and we turned left onto the ring road and we turned right onto Bethesda Street and right onto John Street and into the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. We went into the Spar shop and Matthew got a bottle of Coke and a couple of chocolate bars. We headed up to the John Street car park to take a few bus pictures. We saw D&G Bus 6006 on a #9 to Clayton.

D&G Bus 6006 in Hanley bus station

Also seen was D&G Bus 24 going into one of the layover spaces.

D&G Bus 24 in Hanley bus station

Afterwards we saw First Potteries 44514 on a #11B to Bentilee.

First Potteries 44514 in Hanley bus station

We walked back to the bus station and Matthew went to the toilets. Afterwards we sat down and Matthew had a Twirl Duo. We saw D&G Bus 6007 on layover. A short time later we saw a bus we could catch approaching. It was D&G Bus 173 on a #7A to Oxford.

D&G Bus 173 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Smart Day ticket under the scanner 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. We travelled through Sneyd Green and over Smallthorne roundabouts to Chell and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of D&G Bus 173 before it continued towards Oxford.

D&G Bus 173 in Chell

Once off the bus we waited for something towards Biddulph. It was raining so we decided to take the first service to arrive. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 593 on a #94 to Congleton.

D&G Bus 593 in Chell

The bus set off onto the A527 and through Brindley Ford and Knypersley and we turned right into Park Lane left into Woodlands Street. We turned right onto Church Close and we turned left onto Church Road. We continued onto Princess Street and we turned left onto Well Street. We turned right onto Biddulph High Street and we got up and got off the bus. We took another picture of D&G Bus 593 before it carried on towards Congleton.

D&G Bus 593 in Biddulph

We crossed over the road and we visited the bakery. Matthew bought a piece of millionaires shortbread and a can of Fanta. We crossed over the road and we headed towards the pub. On the way we passed Wharf Road and we saw D&G Bus 6003 on a #9 to Newcastle.

D&G Bus 6003 in Biddulph bus station

We continued to the pub and Matthew went to the toilet. We went to the bar and we had a small glass of Coke. After drinking our drinks we headed up the High Street to Wharf Road and we saw First Potteries 67147 about to work the next #7A to Hanley.

First Potteries 67147 in Biddulph bus station

We also saw D&G Bus 104 on layover in between runs on the #95 to Audley.

D&G Bus 104 in Biddulph bus station

A short time later First Potteries 67147 was made ready for service and pulled up onto the bus stop. We got on the bus and we placed the Smart Day tickets on the scanner for the final time today. As the bus was empty, Matthew took a picture inside of First Potteries 67147 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside First Potteries 67147

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 at Knypersley. We ran through Brown Lees and we rejoined the A527 by the industrial estate. We ran down through Brindley Ford and to Fegg Hayes. We ran up the hill to Chell and we turned left onto High Lane. We ran back through Smallthorne & Sneyd Green into Birches Head. We ran forwards onto Town Road and we crossed over the ring road. As we ran onto Quadrant Road and we went forwards onto Stafford Street. We ran past the town hall and onto Bagnall Street and we entered the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Whilst had a look around and we saw D&G Bus 797 on a #9A to Tunstall.

D&G Bus 797 in Hanley bus station

Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we headed across the Lichfield Street and across the ring road to the chip shop. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Coke. Mum arrived to pick us up. When we had finished eating we set off out of the car park onto Lichfield Street. At joiners Square roundabout we went around the crash on the roundabout and we turned right onto the A52. We ran past the railway station and over the river Trent Before following the A52 right and under the railway line. We turned left and joined the A500 and veered left onto Wheildon Road. We crossed over the canal and unnder the railway line and we dropped off uncle Dave. We contionued up 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 at the roundabout we veered right onto Church Street. We turned right onto the A5035 and back to Blurton. We arrived back around 17:00. We had a couple of hour to relax and get ready for the party. We Started the Blog and we download the pictures from today. Matthew had can of Cherry Coke and the millionaire's shortbread from earlier. After getting ready we got on the car and we set off just before 19:00. We got on the A5035 and we headed to Trentham. We turned right onto the A34 and we headed North through Hanford into Trent Vale. We turned left onto Riverside Road and we turned left and we crossed over the Lyme Brook and parked up. We went into the party and we wished our friend happy Birthday before finding a seat and having a glass of Coke. Later on there bwas a buffet and Matthew had sandwiches, cocktail sausages, party rings and Swiss Rolls. It was a fancy dress party and Matthew went dressed as an Arriva Bus driver!. We stayed for a couple of hours and we said goodbye to everyone before we got in the car. As we ere about to set off we saw Ellisons coach 18 BOS leave the Clayton Wood training ground, presumably the Stoke City Coach from the away game at QPR earlier in the day. We set off onto Riverside Road and we turned right onto the Soutbound A34. We ran through Hanford intob Trentham and we turned legft onto the A5035. We ran over the canal and railway line into Blurton and we got back just 21:00. Matthew had his medication and Later on we did some more of the Blog and wrote an e-mail. We also tested the new ice making machine. We chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Derby / Ripley 28-09-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
328	Derby BS	Belper,(stop A)	6.4	Trent Barton
843	Belper, (stop A)	Ripley, (Stop 2)	6.3	Trent Barton
173	Ripley, Market Place	Langley Mill, Trent Barton Garage	Rainbow One	Trent Barton
497	Langley Mill, St Andrews Church	Heanor, (stop 4)	33	Trent Barton
322	Heanor, (Stop 1)	Oakwood, Opp Windmill	H1	Trent Barton
326	Oakwood, Opp Windmill	Derby, Corporation Street	H1	Trent Barton

Today we decided to re-visit Derby. We did very little research for this trip other than to look at the Trent Barton tickets and to check the weather which was for dry weather with some sunshine. Matthew woke up just before 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got out of bed at 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We got ourselves ready and we set off around 12:00 to pick up uncle Dave. We got in the car and we set off through Blurton and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive and we turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road past the former Coral shop which is new going to be flats. 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 back up Wheildon Road and we ran forwards onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and at the roundabout we joined the Eastbound A50. We ran through Longton and Meir. We turned right to continued along the Blythe Bridge bypass and we were passed Stanton's of Stoke 614 WEH. We went near to uttoxeter and we continued along the A50 for a few more miles. We came off the A50 and we and we headed towards Hatton on the A511. We deciedd to try something new today. We stopped at a cafe called Rascals for dinner. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a bottle of Coke. He also used the toilet which was in a barn. When we had finished we headed back along the A511 and we re-joined the A50. We continued Eastwards for a few miles before joining the Northbound A516. We continued onto the A38 and we came off to headed into Derby. We followed the A516 to the edghe of town and we turned right onto the A601. We ran around the town centre and we turned left onto Morledge. After doing a loop bacl onto the A601 to try and get to a car park we headed back onto Morledge and mum dropped us off after saying goodbye to mum we walked along Morledge to the bus station. We saw Trent Barton 737 on a Swift service to Uttoxeter.

Trent Barton 737 in Derby bus station

Also seen was Trent Barton 492 on the V3 to Burton-on-Trent.

Trent Barton 492 in Derby bus station

Afterwards we saw Arriva Midlands 2339 running out of service.

Arriva Midlands 2339 in Derby bus station

We walked to the ither end of the bus station to see what was around. matthew indiceated that he wanted to go towards Belper. There was a bus due in around 7 minutes so we waited at the approriate stand. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Trent Barton 328 on a #6.4 to Belper Estates.

Trent Barton 328 in Derby bus station

We got on the bus and we booked a Zig-Zag duo ticket at £13.50 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station onto the A601 and we crossed over the Derwnt and onto King Street. We joined the Northbound A6 and we ran for through Darley Abbey. As we stopped at a bus stop we crossed over the A38 and we continued up the A6 into Duffield. We crossed over the railway line and we ran Northwards into Milford. We crossed back over the railway line and we ran into Belper. The was a 'Save our NHS' protest outyside the Babington hospital. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A609 and then we turned left onto Campbell Street. We turned right into King Street and we got iup and got off the bus. Matthew a picture of Trent Barton 328 before it carried on towards Ripley.

Trent Barton 328 in Belper

Once off the bus we had a walk down King Street. We had about 15 minutes for the next bus forwards to Ripley. We decided to to have a cake in Costa. Before we went inside we saw Stagecoach Yorkshire 36990 on a #142 to Alfreton.

Stagecoach Yorkshire 36990 in Belper

We went into Costa Coffee and Matthew had a slice of millionaire's shortbread and a bottle of Coke. When we had finished Matthew went to the toilet and we went outside and met up with uncle Dave. There were numerous Morri Dancers outside in the street that were doing dances and they even stopped the traffic. Just before our bus there was another bus at the bus stop. We saw Notts & Derby 826 on a #71 to Derby.

Notts & Derby 826 in Belper

A few minutes later we saw our bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Trent Barton 843 on a #6.3 to Ripley.

Trent Barton 843 in Belper

We got on the bus and we flashed the Zig-Zag Duo ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off up King Street and we turned right onto Strutt Street. We turned left onto the A609 and we ran Northwards. We turned left ont Chesterfield Road and we ran North for around 1/2 mile before we turned right into Ladywood Avenue. We turned left onto Dovedale Crescent and left onto Whitemoor Lane. We turned left onto Over Lane and we ran Northwards into Heage. We re-joined the B6013 by the Black Boy and we ran through the village onto the B6374. We ran Eastwards for a few miles and we crossed over the A38 and ran towards Ripley. We turned right onto Norman Road. We continued onto Kenilwirth Road and forwards onto Maple Avenue. We turned left onto Elms Avenue and we turned left onto the B6179. We stopped on the High Street and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew a picture of Trent Barton 843 before it carried on towards Ripley.

Trent Barton 843 in Ripley

Once off the bus we saw Derbyshire Community Transport 901 on a #148 to Alfreton.

Derbyshire Community Transport 901 in Ripley

We walked into the Market place and we saw Trent Barton 170 on a RainbowOne to Nottingham. We went into the pub and Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards Matthew had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we went outside and we met up with uncle Dave. We turned down Trent Barton 818 on a #90 to Sutton as it was going further away. We also turned down Trent Barton 750 on a Comet to Chesterfield. A short time later we saw another bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Trent Barton 173 on a RainbowOne to Nottingham.

Trent Barton 173 in Ripley

We got on the bus and we flashed the Zig-Zag Duo ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off up the High Street and we turned right onto Church Street. We turned right onto the B6441 and we headed out of town. At the roundabout we turned right onto the Southbound A610. We travelled for about 1/2 mile and we ran forwards onto the A6007. We headed through Cross Hill and Loscoe. We ran forwards onto the A608 and into the centre of Heanor. After a brief stop we continued along the A608 into Langley Mill. We stopped for a driver change opposite to the depot and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Trent Barton 173 before it continued towards Nottingham.

Trent Barton 173 in Langley Mill

We crossed over the road and we had a quick look into the depot. We could only see on distant Wright Eclipse branded for the Twos. Matthew wanted the toilet so we decided to walk along the road until we found a pub. after about 1/3 mile we came across a pub on the opposite side of the road. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards Matthew had a small glass of Coke. We finished our drink and we crossed over the road and we waited for a bus back towards Heanor. We saw the was a #33 due in a few minutes. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Trent Barton 497 on a #33 to Ilkeston.

Trent Barton 497 in Langley Mill

We got on the bus and we placed the Zigzag Duo Day ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A608 and we headed Northwards past the bus garage. We foolwed the A608 to the right and into Heanor. We turned left onto Wilmot Street and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we crossed over the road to the market square and Matthew got another picture of Trent Barton 497 before it continued towards Ilkeston.

Trent Barton 497 in Heanor

We walked into the square to llok for a shop. We went into a very unusual shop which was a chip shop combined with a conveniece store. Matthew bought a can of coke and a Milky Way, as well as a Bounty for me and uncle Dave to Share. After paying for the supplies, we walked across the square and we sat on a bench near to the bus stops. Matthew had a can of Irn Bru out of the bag and the Milky Way whilst uncle Dave and I shared a Bounty. Whilst we were still eating the bus pulled onto the stand. We saw it was Trent Barton 322 on a H1 service to Derby.

Trent Barton 322 in Heanor

We finished off our food and we waited for the bus driver to change over. 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 Market Street and we ran up to the roundabout and we turned left onto the Westboind A608. We ran through Smalley and continued Southwards through Morley. We decided to break the journey and wait for the bus behind so that we could get 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 322 as it continued towards Derby.

Trent Barton 322 in Oakwood

We had a few minutes to wait for the bus so we visited the pub across the road. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we had a glass of orange Fanta. When we had finished our drinks we left the pub and crossed back over the road to wait for the bus. We had a few minutes to wait and we soon saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Trent Barton 326 on a H1 to Derby.

Trent Barton 326 in Oakwood

We got on the bus and we placed the Zig-zag duo 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 got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we took a few more bus pictures. At the same stop we saw Trent Barton 254 on a #9.3 to Mansfield.

Trent Barton 254 in Derby

Matthew needed the toilet so we walked along Morledge and we cut past the courtroon to the Derwent and we entered the bus station from the far end. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we had a walk along the bus station to take a few more pictures before we met up with mum. We saw Arriva Midlands Scania Omnicity 3559 parked up on layover.

Arriva Midlands 3559 in Derby bus station

Also seen was Skills of Nottingham BV73 ZTM on a National Express #440 service to London.

Skills of Nottingham BV73 ZTM in Derby bus station

We came out of the bus station onto Morledge and we waled to the other end to wait for mum to pick us up. Whilst we waited we saw Arriva Midlands 3740 on a X38 to Burton-on-Trent.

Arriva Midlands 3740 in Derby

We set off along Morledge and we turned left onto the ring road and we ran anti-clockwise around town. We turned left onto the A516 and we ran out of town. We ran forwards onto the B5020. We crossed over the A38 and we ran into Mickleover. We stopped in the car park near to the chippy and I went to get food. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Cherry Coke. When I had finished eating we re-joined the B5020 and we headed onto the Westbound A516. We ran to the North of Burnaston and Etwall and we joined the Eastbound A50. On the A50 we saw an unidentified Roberts coach and an unidentified Silverdale coach. We continued past Blythe Bridge bypass and through Meir. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross. We turned right onto Blurton Road and left onto Grove Road. We continued onto Whieldon Road and we dropped off uncle Dave. 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 past the former Regent pub 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 we turned right onto Church Street. We turned right onto the A5035 and back to Blurton around 19:00. 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 00:00... Mark