Trip to Leek / Stafford 01-06-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67152	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Fenton	23	First Potteries
35933	Hanley BS	Stafford, Chell Road	101	First Potteries
35934	Stafford BS	Hanley BS	101	First Potteries
67179	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 Sporting Stars HX22 BTV. In the morning Matthew went to Leek. We went downstairs and we got in a car. We set off onto Temple Street. we turned left onto Christchurch Street whwre we saw First Potteries 67155 on a #23 to Hanley. We turned left onto Baker Street and left into Glebedale Road and we turned right onto City Road. At the roundabout we turned sharp left onto Victoria Road. down the hill to Joiners Square. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A52 and we ran up to Bucknall. At the lights we continued onto the A5009 and we ran through Abbey Hulton and Milton to Stockon Brook and we saw First Potteries 65036 on a #18 to Hanley. We joined the Northbound A53 and we ran through Endon and and Longsdon. We continued through Ladderedge and up the hill into Leek town Centre. We turned left onto St Edwards Street and left onto the A523 past the site of the new Tim Hortons. We took the next right turning and parked up. We went in the pub and Matthew went to the toilet. There is a site of the new McDonald's. We walked out of the car park onto the A523 and we turned left onto Ball Haye Road and left onto Park Road and visited the leisure centre. Matthew went to the toilet and and afterwards cafe for food. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. We visited the new soft play area. When we had finished we returned to Fenton in a Intercity taxi. We set off along Park Road and onto Vicarage Road and we continued through town onto into Ball Haye Road. We turned right onto the A523 and we turned right onto St Edwards Street and right onto the A53. We ran out of lee town centre and we climbed the hill up towards Ladderegde. We continued through Longsdon and down towards Endon. We continued down through Stockton Brook and we turned left onto the A5009. we ran through Baddeley Green and into Abbey Hulton. We continued under the railway line and into Bucknall. At the light we ran forwards onto the A52 and towards Joiners Square. We turned left onto Victoria Road and right onto the private road up the the and we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 279 outside the baths. We came out of the other side and we turned left onto City Road. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew went to his room to chill out. He used his computer and watched buses out of the window. Later on we went out on the bus to Newcastle. We went downstairs and we cut through onto City Road to wait a bus to Hanley. At the Afford garage we saw Afford rent-a-car DA70 KUU parked up.

Afford rent-a-car DA70 KUU in Fenton

A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was First Potteries 67152 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67152 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. The bus appeared and it was First Potteries 35933 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 35933 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Stafford before sitting down towards the back of the bus. 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 into Hanford. We continued down through to Trentham and then we got onto the fast section of the A34. We ran through Tittensor to Darlaston and past the roundabout where the new KFC has been built. We continued down to the North end of Stone. We Veered left onto Newcastle Road and we ran into Stone town centre. After going around the one-way system and onto Stafford Road. We crossed over the A34 onto Eccleshall Road. We turned left onto Tilling Drive and we ran onto the industrial estate. We saw former Langston & Tasker minibus YN06 CYT. We rejoined the A34 at the roundabout where the A51 goes Eastwards and we ran Southwards through the fast section on the A34 to the A513 roundabout. We ran the last couple of miles into town down the A34 onto Foregate Street and we turned right onto Chell Road where we got up and got off the bus. We crossed over Chell Road and we visited the toilet in Sainsburys. We crossed over onto Chell Road and we ran down to Victoria Park. We walk northwards through the park and into the North West corner to the sensory play area. We walked through the park. We sat down and Matthew ate his a can of Coke and a Manchester Tart. After spending a while there we walked back to the South East corner of the park. We returned back into St Mary's into the town centre We walked over market Square onto Gaolgate Street. We walked through the shopping centre and back onto Broad Street we visited Wilko and we continued to Home Bargains. We brought a bottle of Coke. Once we had finished we crossed over Gaolgate Street. At the top we turned right and we stopped at the bus station. In the bus station we saw Select Bus 6 on a #12 to Doxey.

Select Bus 6 in Stafford bus station

Another vehicle we saw Chaserider 998 on a #826 to Lichfield.

Chaserider 998 in Stafford bus station

We walked down to the other end of the bus station and we saw Chaserider 180 on a #841 to Uttoxeter.

Chaserider 180 in Stafford bus station

Whilst we waited we saw Select Bus 26.

Select Bus 26 in Stafford bus station

A short time later we saw Chaserider 66 on a #828 to Lichfield.

Chaserider 66 in Stafford bus station

After a short while the bus back to Hanley appeared. It was First Potteries 35934 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 35934 in Stafford bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed The Knot ticket to the driver before. We left the bus station onto the A34 and we ran Northwards to the edge of town. Due to roadworks on the A34 roundabout we turned left onto the M6 link road and at the first roundabout we did a 180' turned and rejoined the A34. We continued up the fast section of the A34 to the edge of Stone and then we turned left onto the industrial estate. We ran around the estate and onto Tiling Drive. We turned right onto Eccleshall Road and we crossed the A34 onto Stafford Road. We turned left onto Crown Street and we stopped at the main stop in Stone. We ran North up Newcastle Road and we re-joined the Northbound A34. We ran Morth through Meaford and Tittensor and up into Trentham. We continued North through Hanford and Trent Vale and we past the City General hospital before going into Newcastle. We turned right onto Barracks Road and we entered the bus station. We continued along onto Barracks Road and we crossed the roundabout onto the A53 and we went onto the one-way system on the A52. We veered left onto George Street and at the roundabout we went onto Shelton New Road. We crossed over the A500 and we ran up to Snow Hill. 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. Once off the bus we walkd down to the bottom of the bus station. Once off the bus we set off up Lichfield Street. We turned righ onto Old Hall Street and we turned the corner onto and we walked up McDonalds and we had dinner. Matthew had a burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. Once We walked along Parliament Row and we walked onto Old Hall Street. We walked up Lichfield Street and back to the bus station. We waited for a bus back towards Fenton we saw First Potteries 67174 on a #7A to Biddulph. A short time later we saw a bus turn around the corner. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67179 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67179 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 and 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 Newcastle / Stafford 30-12-2023

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
112	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	1A	D&G Bus
35950	Newcastle BS	Stafford, Chell Road	101	First Potteries
35940	Stafford BS	Newcastle BS	101	First Potteries
67177	Newcastle BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to Stafford on the bus. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw Temple Street Church RX18 GZW. We went downstairs and we set off onto City Road. On the way to the bus stop we saw Afford Rent-A-Car HK22 WCJ.

Afford Rent-A-Car HK22 WCJ in Fenton

A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was D&G Bus 112 on a #1A to Audley. 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. Once through the hospital we turned right onto the A34 and we ran into Newcastle. We crossed the roundabout and we ran up Barracks Road and into the bus station from the South end. Once we got to the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of D&G Bus 112 before it continued towards Audley.

D&G Bus 112 in Newcastle bus station

Once off the bus we waited for a bus towards Stafford. We waited for a short while and we saw D&G Bus 577 on a #85 to Nantwich. Eventually the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 35950 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 35950 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Stafford before we went upstairs and down towards. We set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We ran Southwards onto the A34 and we ran down through Trent Vale and into Hanford. We continued down through to Trentham and then we got onto the fast section of the A34. We ran through Tittensor to Darlaston and we continued down to the North end of Stone. We Veered left onto Newcastle Road and we ran into Stone town centre. After going around the one-way system and onto Stafford Road. We crossed over the A34 onto Eccleshall Road. We turned left onto Tilling Drive and we ran onto the industrial estate. We saw former East Riding Council minibus DG63 MXT. We rejoined the A34 at the roundabout where the A51 goes Eastwards and we ran Southwards through the fast section on the A34 to the A513 roundabout. We ran the last couple of miles into town down the A34 onto Foregate Street and we turned right onto Chell Road where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked Westwards along Chell Road and we turned right onto Gaolgate Street and past the Market Square. We stopped at Greggs on Greengate Street and Matthew had a sausage roll and and a bottle of Coke. Once we had finished in the shop we walked back to the square and we ate the sausage roll and drank the Coke. Once we had finished eating and drinking we walked through the shopping centre and back onto Gaolgate Street. At the top we turned right and we stopped at the bus station. In the bus station we saw Select Bus 31 on a #12 to Doxey.

Select Bus 31 in Stafford bus station

A short time later we saw Chaserider 192 on a #826 to Lichfield.

Chaserider 192 in Stafford bus station

Whilst we waited we saw Chaserider 180 on a #841 to Uttoxeter.

Chaserider 180 in Stafford bus station

Also seen was Select Bus 18 on a #8 to Parkside.

Select Bus 18 in Stafford bus station

Afterwards we saw Chaserider 66 on a #74 to Cannock.

Chaserider 66 in Stafford bus station

Another vehicle seen was Select Bus 38 on a #8 to Parkside.

Select Bus 38 in Stafford bus station

After a short while the bus back to Hanley appeared. It was First Potteries 35940 on a #101 to Hanley

First Potteries 35940 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We left the bus station onto the A34 and we ran Northwards to the edge of town. We continued up the fast section of the A34 to the edge of Stone and then we turned left onto the industrial estate. We ran around the estate and onto Tiling Drive. We turned right onto Eccleshall Road and we crossed the A34 onto Stafford Road. We turned left onto Crown Street and we stopped at the main stop in Stone. We ran North up Newcastle Road and we re-joined the Northbound A34. We ran Morth through Meaford and Tittensor and up into Trentham. We continued North through Hanford and Trent Vale and we past the City General hospital before going into Newcastle. We turned right onto Barracks Road and we entered the bus station from the South end. Once we got ot the bus station we got up and got off the bus. In the bus station we stopped at the toilet. Afterwards we waited for a bus back to Fenton. A few minutes later we saw D&G Bus 24 on a #1 to Meir. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67177 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67177 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 67177 before we sat down.

Inside First Potteries 67177

We set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We ran up to the Jubilee roundabout. We ran onto the A53 and around the one-way system onto the A52. We ran up George Street into Hartshill and we ran down the hill into Stoke town centre. After a brief stop we continued along Church Street out of Stoke and over the A500. We ran under the railway line and we continued onto City Road. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. We crossed over City Road and we cut through to the residential unit. We went upstairs and to his room to chill out. Later on we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw Temple Street church minibus RX18 GZW. We carried on along Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We stopped at the Co-operative food. We turned left Temple Street and we walked back to the residential unit. Near to the unit we saw Shelton Care Group SH71 KMZ. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window we saw First Potteries 67180 on a #11 to Hanley. For tea Matthew had a chicken nugget and chips followed by a Manchester Tart. Matthew spent time in his room watching television and using 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 Hanley / Biddulph 28-08-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2302	Blurton, adj Ladybank Grove	Hanley BS	46	Wardle Transprt
30031	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	34A	First Potteries
34285	Newcastle BS	Pennine way, Biddulph	99	First Potteries
34285	Pennine way, Biddulph	Biddulph BS	99	First Potteries
267	Biddulph BS	Northwood, adj Providence Square	9	Bakerbus

Today we decided to go out and catch a few buses locally to see if there was anything interesting about. I had ben t work and seen a few of the local turns. Matthew got up around 09:00 and had some toast an orange juice. I came home from work just before 13:00 and I had viewed what was going to be working the 1315 to Hanley #46 and the 13;17 to Newcastle #22. I quickly got ready and we set off just after 13:00. I asked Matthew if he wanted to do Wardle Transport 2302 to Hanley on the #46 or First Potteries 40145 on the #22 to Newcastle. Matthew chose to do Wardle Transport 2302. We waited a few minutes and then the bus turned up.

Wardle Transport 2302 in Blurton

It turned out we needed Wardle Transport 2302! We got on and it was empty so Matthew got a picture inside of the bus too.

Inside Wardle Transport 2302

We sat own near the back and the bus set off. This was our first time we had done the new #46 service. We passed First Potteries solo 53155 in Blurton and then turned up Longton Hall Road. The bus went into Longton interchange and whilst we were there we saw Wardle Transport 2038 on a #46 going towards Blurton and wardle Transport 4802 on a X50 to Derby. We did the diversion around King Street railway bridge, passed the Crown Hotel and joined back onto King street near the Foley Arms pub. We carried on down City Road and then along Leek Road to the railway station. We then went up College Road and into Hanley. At the bus station we decided t visit the toilet and then to go get something to eat. As we were leaving the the bus station we saw First Potteries 34286 arrive into the bus station. We decided to go and wait for it to come out and get a picture before we carried on to get something to eat. As we went up towards the entrance of the bus station we saw required First Potteries Dart 40173, now the last Dart of this batch in service with First Potteries.

First Potteries 40173 near Hanley bus station

Right behind this was one of Bakerbus' new deckers 267.

Bakerbus 267 near Hanley bus station

We stood on the corner for a couple of minutes to wait for 34286 to depart from the bus station. Eventually it appeared and it was working a #20A to Talke Pits.

First Potteries 34286 in Hanley bus station

We walked past The Victoria theater and the town hall and went to The Seafarer chip shop. We had a portion of chips between us and 2 cans of pop. Today we decided to take the food back to John Street car park rather than eat at a bench and then go to the car park. We ate our chips and Matthew drank his can of dandelion and burdock. We saw Bakerbus loan vehicle AE09 DJK and Wardle Transport 4891 which was on a #19 service.

Wardle Transport 4891 in Hanley bus station

We put our rubbish in our trip bag and continued taking a few pictures. Then required First Potteries 30031 made an appearance!

First Potteries 30031 entering Hanley bus station

We decided to run to the bus station to see if we could make it the 400 yards or so into the terminal before the bus left. It took us a couple f minutes to get there and negotiate the crowds in and around the bus station. When we got there the bus was loading and was on a #34A to Talke Pits. We booked to Talke Pits and we went upstairs. There were people on the bus so he didn't get a picture inside. As we traveled down towards Festival Park it did occur it me that we would probably pass First Potteries 34286 coming the other way at so point so there might be a move on. We looped around Festival Park and onto the A53 towards Newcastle. After traveling up and over the hill in Basford we headed down into Newcastle town and bus station. As we entered the bus statin we saw dud First Potteries 30033 on layover which was probably working the X39, We also saw another step entranced double decker. As we got closer we saw it was required 34285! We didn't know what it was working as we couldn't read the dot matrix display from an angle. I asked Matthew if he wanted to get off and try and catch the bus and he said yes. We negotiated the crowds in the bus station and we saw the bus was having a driver change. We also noted that it was on the #99 to Biddulph. We both got a picture of this bus as we waited for the driver to ready the bus for service.

First Potteries 34285 in Newcastle bus station

When the bus was ready we got on and sat upstairs. The bus set off just after 15:00 and we headed out of Newcastle towards Wolstanton. At the top of Porthill we turned right down the hill towards Longport. We headed into Tunstall, and after we passed through Tunstall we went down Queens Avenue and into the Mill Hill estate. We turned left onto High Lane and then at the roundabout we turned right towards Fegg Hayes were we saw Bakers coaches 4 & 7 (3601 RU and 1513 RU). We then made the climb towards Biddulph. We went through Brindley Ford and straight up to to the crossroads an Knypersley, where we turned right. We went around the estate and then into town. I was expecting the bus to go into the bus station such as it is, but after the bus left the High Street we passed nearby the bus station and into a housing estate North East of the town. We went along Pennine way which must the terminus of the service and then headed back into town. In this direction the bus serves the bus station so we got up and rang the bell. As we got up Matthew got a picture of the empty top deck.

Inside First Potteries 34285

We got off the bus. Bakerbus 180 was at the bus station working a #99 service. We then we went to the toilet. We sat down and had a drink of Coke and waited for a bus. There were 2 buses back towards Hanley due just after 16:00. There was 7A First Potteries at 16:13 and then a Bakerbus #9 at 16:20. The #9 arrived first and it was required Bakerbus 267. Right behind this was required Bakerbus 250 on a #99 service to Macclesfield.

Bakerbus 250 in Biddulph bus station

Matthew had a quick look at the bus and then he went to the driver to ask him if we could go on the bus and have a look inside. The driver let us on and we had a look inside this fine Dart. Matthew got a picture and we got off again.

Inside Bakerbus 250

We said thank you to the driver and then we went to wait for the bus and sat at the stop. We had seen dud First Potteries 61239 on the #7A, we had also seen Bakerbus 186 on a #94A to Newcastle. Just before 16:20 Bakerbus 267 pulled up towards the bus stop and Matthew got a picture.

Bakerbus 267 in Biddulph bus station

As we got on the bus we went upstairs It was empty so at the back so Matthew got a picture inside the bus.

Inside Bakerbus 267

The bus set off back around the main estate and towards Brown Lees. I called mum to arrange to meet on the edge of Hanley. We joined back onto the A527 near to the Bakerbus depot and then headed down through Brindley Ford. We then headed down to Fegg Hayes. We turned right and went through Chell Heath. At Bradley we passed step entranced Volvo B6 227 and then we traveled through Smallthorne and onto High Lane. We headed towards Hanley and we got up when we reached the triangular Providence Square. We got off and Matthew got a picture off 267 as it headed off into Hanley passing Bakerbus 268 on the Northbound #9.

Bakerbus 267 near Hanley

Mum was waiting on Merrick Street and we walked over to her. We headed hoe via Northwood, Limekiln Bank, Leek Road and then passed the Co-op we went straight at joiners square and went straight onto City Road. We turned right under the railway bridge and then passing Wardle Transport 2217 on a #41 service. We joined the Southbound A500 and then did the A50 up to Stanley Matthew Way. At the end of Stanley Matthews way we stopped at the chip shop to pick up tea. We got home around 17:40 and Matthew ate his sausage, chips and gravy. Matthew chilled out n his computer and I set off to the football around 18:50. around 20:30 mum and Matthew went to take uncle Dave home. They stayed at uncle Daves and I walked down to meet them after the match, getting pictures of Wardle Transport 3615,4802,4891 & 4895 on support shuttle buses. Just after 22:00 we all went home via Heron cross and Blurton. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:00...Mark

Trp to Leek / Macclesfield 04-04-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
53209	Ladybank Grove (adj), Blurton	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
3611	Hanley BS	Leek BS	118	Wardle Transport
L809 CJF	Leek BS	Haregate	165	Clowes Coaches
L809 CJF	Haregate	Leek BS	165	Clowes Coaches
N880 AVV	Leek BS	Macclesfield BS	108	Clowes Coaches
227	Macclesfield BS	Biddulph BS	99	Bakerbus

Today we decided to go up to Leek. We decided this after our visit on Tuesday. The only research done was to check which Clowes Coaches services ran on a Thursday. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast for breakfast. Mum cooked his some fries and chicken popcorn for dinner and got him ready to go for when I returned hoe from work around 12:40. After a very quick toilet stop we walked around to the stop to see if the #22A had dropped a double decker today. It was ex Chester Dart first Potteries 40136 so we let it go as it wasn't really going in the right direction. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 53209 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 53209 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down on the bus. The bus set off along Beaconsfield Drive and at the end we turned left onto Church Road. At Critchlow's corner we went onto Blurton Road and through Heron Cross and onto Heron Street. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and then left again onto City Road. We dropped down the hill into Stoke town center and we followed the one way system onto Glebe Street before turning left onto Station Road. We went up College and followed it around onto Regent Road before and we passed First Potteries 34158 on a #32A to Uttoxeter. When the bus got into hanley bus station we let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 53209.

Inside First Potteries 53209

As we got off the bus we saw required First Potteries 40378 reversing out of the bus station on a #18 to Leek.

First Potteries 40378 in Hanley bus station

We went for a quick walk around the bus station and we spotted Wardle Transport 1495 outside on a driver shuttle. We went over to have a look and Matthew indicated that he wanted to have a look inside. The lady driver who was waiting with the bus let Matthew on to have a look inside...

Inside Wardle Transport 1495

After Matthew had taken a picture we walked back towards the bus station and he took an external picture of Wardle Transport 1495.

Wardle Transport 1495 outside Hanley bus station

We had a walk up to where the buses were on layover and we saw Wardle Transport 3611 parked up there.

Wardle Transport 3611 in Hanley bus station

We went to wait for the next #18 and we saw dud First Potteries 40155 coming into the bus station

First Potteries 40155 in Hanley bus station

At the same time Wardle Transport 3611 came off layover to work a #118 to Buxton. We decided to do the Wardle Transport bus we got on the bus and we booked to Leek. We sat down towards the back of the bus. as the rear of the bus was empty Matthew took a picture of the empty back seat in Wardle Transport 3611.

Inside Wardle Transport 3611

We headed out of the bus station and onto the ring road before going down Limekiln Bank. At the bottom of the hill we turned left. We went through Abbey Hilton & Milton and we joined the A53 at Stockton Brook. In Endon we stopped outside the Plough and we saw a blue Leyland coach parked in the car park. It was preserved B22 XKX.

B22 XKX in Endon

We carried on Northwards through Longnor and we dropped down the step hill to Barnfield before climbing up past Morrison into Leek town centre. We turned right and we went into the bus station where we got off. Matthew got another picture of Wardle Transport 3611.

Wardle Transport 3611 in Leek bus station

We visted the toilet and then we took a few pictures before we decided what to catch next. We saw Bakerbus 180 on the #423 to Biddulph.

Bakerbus 180 in Leek bus station

We also saw Clowes Coaches L814 DJU on the Blackshaw Moor service, but there wasn't a bus back so we decided not to do it.

Clowes Coaches L814 DJU in Leek bus station

A few minutes later we saw dud D&G 28 on the Sainsbury's Free Bus service.

D&G 28 in Leek bus station

Parked up in the bus station was Ashbourne Community Transport DK10 DXX.

Asbourne CT DK10 DXX in Leek bus station

A few minutes later the town circular service appeared, work by Clowes Coaches L809 CJF. We got on the bus and we booked to Haregate. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Clowes Coaches L809 CJF.

Inside Clowes Coaches L809 CJF

We sat down near to the back of the bus and we set off out of the bus station and onto the A523. We turned left and we crossed the A53 and went onto the Haregate estate. When we got there I got up and booked another ticket to go straight back to Leek. We traveled back through the town and we went up towards Westwood before joining the A53 we cut through the backstreets and joined the A520 and then we came into town and we came into the bus station. We got off the bus and Matthew took a picture of Clowes Coaches L809 CJF.

Clowes Coaches L809 CJF in Leek bus station

Whilst we decided what to do next we took a few more pictures. First we saw required First Potteries 40367 on a #18 to Haregate.

First Potteries 40367 in Leek bus station

Matthew visited the toilet and then we went to the newsagent and brought some pop and chocolate and a rice crispies squares bar. We then saw required Wardle Transport 2532 on #493 to Brown Edge.

Wardle Transport 2532 in Leek bus station

A few minutes later we saw Wardle Transport 2543 on the #16 to Hanley.

Wardle Transport 2543 in Leek bus station

We then saw dud Clowes Coaches N880 AVV on the #108 to Macclesfied.

Clowes Coaches N880 AVV in Leek bus station

We decided to do this bus and we got on the bus and booked to Macclesfield before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and we went through the town centre before going down the hill towards Sainsbury's along the A523. We the climbed up the hill past Rudyard Lake and through Rushton Spencer. We crossed the A54 at Bosley and we carried on into town. We passed the railway station before going back into town and into the bus station. Once we got off the bus Matthew didn't want to do the Clowes Coaches bus back towards Leek. I wasn't sure how we were going to get home at this point. I though we were going to have to call mum to pick us up from Congleton after catching the #38 towards Crewe. We walked out of the bus station and we went into town to the public toilets. we also visited a newsagent on the way back. Once we go back to the bus station Matthew took a couple of [pictures. We saw Arriva NW&W Solo 701 on the #21A service to Astra Zeneca.

Arriva NW&W 701 in Macclesfield bus station

we also saw 'Not In Service' High Peak Solo 377 on layover at the bus station.

High Peak 377 in Macclesfield bus station

We went to the top stand to wait for the Crewe bus. Then an unexpected thing happened... We saw Bakerbus's required step entranced Volvo B6 227 on the #99 to Biddulph!

Bakerbus 227 in Macclesfield bus station

This was perfect... It was going closer to home than Congleton, plus mum knew how to get to Biddulph without the aid of a Sat Nav! We got on the bus and we booked to Biddulph. The bus was nearly empty so Matthew took a picture inside Bakerbus 227 before we sat down.

Inside Bakerbus 227

The bus set off out of the bus station and we went South. I think the route back to Congleton was Southwards down the A523 to Bosley and then left towards Congleton along the A54. At Buglaton we passed though the housing estate and we passed required Bakerbus Volvo B10 164 on the Northbound #99 Service. We called into Congleton Fariground bus station and then we went along the A527 past the railway station and down to Biddulph. At the bus station we got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Bakerbus 227.

Bakerbus 227 in Biddulph bus station

We sat down for a while whilst we waited for mum to come and get us. Whilst we waited we saw Bakerbus 207 on a #94A to Newcastle. Mum turned up so we walked over to the car park to meet her. we drove down to the A527 and we went through Brindley Ford and Chell and then we skirted the Northern end of Tunstall on the by-pass and down the hill onto the A500. We went South towards Sideway an we joined the eastbound A50 up to Stanley Matthews Way. We joined the A5035 and we got home around 18:00. For tea we had sausage Chips and gravy followed by cake and custard. Matthew then chilled out on his computer and we watched some television until bedtime around 23;30... Mark