Trip to Newcastle / Stafford 21-02-2026

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
6012	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	1	D&G Bus
63354	Newcastle BS	Stafford, Chell Road	101	First Potteries
35941	Stafford, The Sun PH	Newcastle BS	101	First Potteries
63357	Newcastle BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	11	First Potteries
63102	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
35687	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	25	First Potteries
63359	Hanley BS	Bentilee, Twigg Street	11B	First Potteries
63359	Bentilee, Twigg Street	Hanley BS	11B	First Potteries
63345	Hanley BS	Fenton, Victoria Place	6A	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 and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst in the room we went out on the bus to Newcastle. We went downstairs and we set off onto City Road. We walked down to the bus stop outside the flats. We stood at the bus stop and we waited for a bus towards Newcastle. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 6012 on a #1 to Park Site.

D&G Bus 6012 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 Travel Express HF64 AJU. 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. Once we got off the bus we waited for a bus towards Fenton. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63354 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 63354 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Stafford before we sat down. We set off out of 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 past the Darlaston Inn which new KFC and a petrol station. We continued down the A34 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 near to the site of the new Lidl. We continued onto Eccleshall Road and we turned left onto Tilling Drive and we ran onto the industrial estate. 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. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus. As we waited to cross the road we saw Chaserider 527 on a #74 to Cannock. We set off along the path through to Mount Street and we continued onto Princes Street. We turned right onto Gaolgate Street and past the Market Square to the Guildhall shopping centre. After a quick stop at Cash Converters. We continued through the Market Square and forwards onto Greengate Street. We stopped at pub. For dinner Matthew had a buttermilk chicken and waffle washed down with a glass of Coke. For afters Matthew had a slice of chantilly honeycomb cheesecake with ice cream. Once we had finished eating we set off onto Greengate Street and we passed old Hailfax bank. We crossed over the roundabout onto Bridge Street. We crossed over the Bridge Street and forwards onto Newport Road. We waited for the next bus towards Newcastle. Whilst we waited we saw Chaserider 181 on a #74 to Cannock. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 35947 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 35947 in Stafford

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus.We set off onto the A34 and we tirned left onto South Walls. We followed the one way system on to Cope Street and left onto Eastgate Street. We ran forwards onto Salter Street and we turned left onto North Walls. We headed Northwards and we ran into the bus station. 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 North 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. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we waited for the next bus back Fenton. A few minutes later the 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 Fenton 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 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. We went downstairs and we set off onto City Road and we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63102 on a #11 to Newcastle. 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 and in the petrol station. 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. We continued up Castle walk and we past the former Poundland. We continued down Castle Walk and up onto Ironmarket past the old RBS bank which has now The Bank Space. We turned left onto High Street past the old Santander bank which is now a Specsavers. We visited a cash machine and we withdrew some money and we stopped at McDonalds. Matthew had a burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. Once we had finished we walked down High Street and we walked onto Hassell Street. We returned to the bus station and we waited for a bus to Hanley. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 35687 on a #25 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we went upstairs. When it was time to go the bus set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We turned left at the roundabout onto the A34. we ran South as far as the hospital where we turned left. As we travelled through the hospital. We came out of the hospital and turned left onto Hilton Road. We ran into Hartshill and we turned right onto the A52. We ran down the hill into Stoke town centre and along Church Street. After a brief stop we continued along the A52, over the A500 and under the railway line. We followed the A52 to the left and we ran alongside the railway and onto Station Road. We passed the railway station and we turned right onto Stoke Road and we turned right onto Avenue Road. At the roundabout we turned left onto College Road. We ran up the hill through Shelton and we followed the road to the right onto Cleveland Road and Regent Road. We turned left onto Lower Bethesda Street and we crossed over the ring road, continuing onto Bethesda Street. We turned right onto John Street and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus at the stop outside the bus station. We went into the bus station and we waited for a bus towards Bentilee. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63359 on a #11B to Bentilee. We got on the bus and we booked to Bentilee 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 We got up and got off the bus. We walked Beverley Drive and right onto Dawlish Drive and we stopped at one of the house and Matthew had a glass of Coke. We continued along Dawlish Drive. We turned left onto Beverley Drive. We waited for a bus towards Hanley at the bus stop. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 63359 on a #11B to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus We set off onto Beverley Drive. At the end we turned right onto Dividy Road and we ran down the hill to Bucknall. We turned left onto the A52. We ran to limekiln lights and we went across onto Bucknall New Road. We climbed the hill up to Hanley and we joined the clockwise ring road. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and we turned right onto John Street. Once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. A few minutes later a bus appeared and it was First Potteries 63345 on a #6A to Blythe Bridge. We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station 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. Once off the bus we set off on foot up Victoria Road and we went sharp right onto City Road. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we turned right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs and back to his room. Matthew used his computer and watched television in his room. He watched television and used his computer. later on he had a bath. For supper Matthew had some toast. Matthew went to bed around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Newcastle / Stafford 22-02-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63362	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
35941	Newcastle BS	Stafford, Chell Road	101	First Potteries
35939	Stafford BS	Newcastle BS	101	First Potteries
44514	Newcastle BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus. Matthew got up around 09:00 and had toast and juice for breakfast. He chilled out in his room and watched buses out of the windown until it was time to go out. Whilst we waited to go out we saw First Potteries 69155 on a #11 to Hanley. When it was time to go out we went downstairs and onto Temple Street. We turned cut through onto City Road and we headed towards the bus stop. On the way we saw Afford rent-a-car YM70 BXK parked up at their garage.

Afford rent-a-car YM70 BXK in Fenton

A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was First Potteries 63362 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63362 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. We waited for a bus towards Stafford. A short time later we saw First Potteries 63117 on a #38 to Kidsgrove. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. It was First Potteries 35941 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 35941 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Stafford before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road. We ran Southwards onto the A34 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 Wolverhampton Council minibus WX56 WWB. 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 left onto Broad Street. We continued onto Stafford Street and we turned right onto Gaolgate Street. We continued through the Market Square and forwards onto Greengate Street. We crossed over the roundabout onto Bridge Street and we crossed over the bridge. We stopped at a pub and Matthew had a chickenburger and fries washed down with a glass of Coke. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had a chocolate fudge cake and custard. when we had finished we walked down Bridge Street and forwards onto Greengate Street and forwards through Market Square onto Gaolgate Street. At the top end we turned right and into the bus station. We saw Chaserider 192 on a #74 to Cannock.

Chaserider 192 in Stafford bus station

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

Select Bus 38 in Stafford bus station

A short time later we saw Chaserider 167 on a #826 to Rugeley.

Chaserider 167 in Stafford bus station

Whilst we waited we saw Chaserider 499 on a #828 to Lichfield.

Chaserider 499 in Stafford bus station

Another vehicle seen was Select Bus 31 on a #12 to Doxey.

Select Bus 31 in Stafford bus station

Afterwards we saw Select Bus 5 on a #12 to Doxey.

Select Bus 5 in Stafford bus station

Whilst we waited we saw Chaserider 181 on a #841 to Uttoxeter.

Chaserider 181 in Stafford bus station

Also seen was Chaserider 631 on a #74 to Cannock.

Chaserider 631 in Stafford bus station

We waited for the next bus towards Newcastle. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 35939 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 35939 in Stafford bus station

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 the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 44514 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 44514 in Newcastle 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 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. 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 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 whilst and ate his Manchester tart whilst we waited for tea. Later on Matthew went downstairs to do his shopping. Outside we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We went to do the shopping. transport for the trip was a Lucky Seven taxi. 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 continued down Victoria Road and we stopped at McDonalds. Matthew went to the toilet and had a burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. We got an ABC Supreme taxi back to the residential unit. We set off up Victoria Road. We turned right onto City Road and left onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room and chilled out in his room and use his computer and watch buses out of the window. 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 Stone 18-06-2011

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
182	Trentham Road,	Granville Square, Stone	351	Bakerbus
110	Granville Square, Stone	Prior Road	2	D&G
110	Prior Road	Granville Square, Stone	2	D&G
91	Granville Square, Stone	Stone, Geoff Keys Garage (opp)‎	490	D&G
183	Stone, Geoff Keys Garage (opp)‎	Whitebridge Estate, Filleybrooks Garage (opp)	350	Bakerbus
65039	Whitebridge Estate, Filleybrooks Garage (adj)	Granville Square, Stone	101	First Potteries
200	Stone	Stoke Railway Station	X1	Bakerbus
6	Stoke Railway Station	Church Street, Stoke	41	D&G
115	Church Street, Stoke	Stoke Railway Station	41	D&G
2931	Signal Radio, Stoke road	Maternity Ward, City General	58	Wardle Transport

Today we had decided we were going to head towards Stone again and cover the 350's and the X1. We also saw a Mercedes minibus on the Stone town service last week and as we havn't been on any of the current minibuses we thought that this would probably a new bus for Matthew. Today I went out at 09:30 and 10:30 to see the 350's. The bus buses were on exactly the same turns as last week, so we knew there was one required bus out on the 350. Setting off just before 12:30, we decided to head South on the 350 today so we waited at the bus shelter on Trentham Road. this was a fortunate choice today because it was raining! Whilst we were waiting we saw 181 go north on the #350, 40143 heading towards Newcastle and 40148 heading towards Longton.


40148 on a Longton bound #22 service (Matt)

As the 351 goes from Stoke to Longton before continuing towards Stone, This South bound turn is a few minutes later than the other buses. Eventually as predicted 182 arrives on this turn. This turn is quite well filled compared to some of the other 350's we've done. Presumably because of it's extra run into Longton. We do this bus to Granville Square, Stone where Matthew gets a picture.


Bakerbus 182 in Granville Square Stone (Matt)

Shortly after we arrive in Stone, D&G 110 appears on the Stone town services. The next one was a #2 at 13:05. We book our tickets and we do a complete circle of this service. As we get off Matthew photographs the inside of this bus.


Inside D&G 110 (Matt)

He also gets a good picture of the outside too...


D&G 110 about to work a #1 Stone town service (Matt)

The next planned move was to do the #490 round town and out along Newcastle Road. Whilst we were waiting we started eating our supplies (a 6 pack of mini sausage rolls from wrights Pies). Also D&G 107 appears on the #250 to Longton.


D&G 107 on a 250 to Longton (Matt)

A couple of minutes later D&G 110 come back again to work another #2 town service.


D&G 110 about to work a #2 Stone town service

After that town service leaves again we wait patiently until the 490 appears. It's D&G 91 which is a required bus. As we went around town and headed North, I couldn't remember passing the southbound 350. I thought if we could catch this to the other side of Stone, we could do 183 on the Northbound service back out along Newcastle Road. We got off the 490 on Newcastle Road and Matthew took a picture as D&G 91 headed North(??) towards Stafford...


D&G 91 heading North on the 490 to Stafford (Matt)

We crossed the road hoping that we might catch the 350, but it must have passed us whilst we were going around the town centre. After a few minute we crossed back over the road. I decided we could still do 183 a couple of stops up the road, and we would either get a 101 or the X1 back into Stone. Sure enough, as predicted 183 appears on the Northbound 350.


Bakerbus 183 on a #350 to Hanley in Newcastle Road (Matt)

We do the bus a couple of stops up the road and Matthew is undoing his seatbelt almost as soon as it was done up!


183 continues North towards Hanley (Matt)

In order to make sure we are back in Stone for either X1'a (Bakerbus to Hanley or the D&G to Stone) we decided to do the next bus whatever it is. it started rain quite heavily, but we didn't have to wait long. We were relieved to see the next bus, which happened to be first Potteries 65039.


65039 on a #101 towards Stafford (Matt)

We did this back down to Granville Square, where almost immediately we saw Bakerbus 200 on the X1 Stone. We Rushed off to get this bus and missed seeing what was on the X1 Stafford. After a rapid journey up the A34, through Barlaston, past Trentham gardens and up The A500 we arrived at Stoke railway station.


Bakerbus 200 outside Stoke railway station (Matt)

At this point, we had planned on sitting for a while and having something to eat then doing something D&G or Bakerbus on the tickets we already had. We had to put plans for eating to one side as step entranced D&G 6 appeared on a Newcastle bound #41. We raced a cross the road and jumped on the bus. No time for a photograph, we did this bus to Church Street, Stoke. he did get a picture of the door release as he left the bus, but once again the bus left the stop quite quickly. In Stoke we saw a few buses including D&G 139 on a Hanley bound #41.


D&G 139 on a #41 to Hanley (Matt)

The plan had been to catch 183 on the 350 back to Blurton. Just as 350 was approaching, Matthew spotted D&G 12 on a #41 to Newcastle. We let the #350 go, forgetting the #41 doesn’t stop in Glebe Street and it went sailing past too. We went around to Church Street but it had left before we could get to the stop :-(. Almost immediately, D&G 115 appeared from the other direction on a #41 so we decided to do this back to the railway station.


D&G 115 on a #41 to Hanley (Matt)

When we arrived at the station I was starting to wonder how we could get home. I remember I had the Wardle Transport timetable book in my bag so I looked up the route and timings of the 58. Last time i had seen this service it was ex Arriva Burton 2038 in the new Wardle / Arriva livery. It turned out there was a 58 from outside signal radio in a few minutes, so we walked along to stoke Road. I arranged with mum to pick us up at the hospital. After a couple of minutes Wardle Transport 'BU54 ALL' 2931 appeared.


Wardle Transport 2931 on a #58 to Newcastle (Matt)

We did this to the hospital where we had about a 10 minutes wait for mum. Luckily there was a shelter because it started raining again. Whilst we were waiting we didn't see a single bus. e did see 2 buses just as we got picked up. We had a quick stop in Hanford to pick up food and we went home. As we returned home by car it absolutely poured down with rain so it seems that we timed the end of our day quite well... Mark

Trip to Stafford 11-06-2011

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
181	Blurton, Selby Walk (adj)	Stoke Station	350	Bakerbus
218	Stoke Station	Barlaston, Orchard Place (adj)	X1	Bakerbus
181	Barlaston, Whitethorn Avenue (adj)	Walton, Ambulance Station (opp)‎	350	Bakerbus
24	Granville Square, Stone	Chell Road, Stafford	X1	D&G

Today we decided to stay fairly local and cover the #350's. This is a service which is almost always worked by step entranced buses, and Matthew had only been on 3 of their collection of Mercedes minibuses that usually work this service. I went out at 10;30 onto the A5035 to try and view 2 of the 3 buses, only I didn't go out quite early enough and only saw 1; 182 was working the 10:10 Hanley - Stone. This bus works past every hour even hours towards Stone and Odd hour towards Hanley. At 11;30 I saw both buses... 183 working towards Newport and 182 working towards Hanley. Originally, we had planned to do the 12:10 off Hanley towards Stone, but we now knew that 182 was going to be on this service (not required). The only unknown bus on the 350's at this point was the 11:20 Newport - Hanley. We decided to go North on the #350 and then to return South on the X1. Apart from printing out various timetables, we packed emergency rations of Shandy, Tizer and sausage rolls. We planned on getting to Stafford just after 15:00, so we arranged to meet up with mum then. Just before time we walked across to the stop on the A5035 near Newstead. After a short wait Bakerbus 181 turned up which was very much required!


Bakerbus 181 on the #350 to Hanley (Matt)

We worked out that if we got off at the station we would have around 5 minutes to wait for the X1 to Stone. So that's exactly what we did.


Bakerbus 181 Outside Stoke Station on the #350 to Hanley (Matt)

We crossed the road and waited the 5 minutes. In the Interim 40383 was working a 23 to Blurton, 66842 was on a 25 to Keele and D&G 132 was on a #41 to Clayton. We were expecting a big silver route branded bus, which we haven’t been on before. Instead we got Volvo B6 218 which we also required.


Bakerbus 218 on the X1 to Stone (Matt)

I contemplated whether to do this bus to stone or get off at Barlaston and get another run on Bakerbus 181. We decided to get off in Barlaston. The reasoning behind this is that we might be able to get chips here, it's would be quiet and we would get more step entranced miles. A few minutes later we alighted in Barlaston.


Bakerbus 218 in Barlaston (Matt)

When we got off, It had started to rain so we went straight to the bus stop for the Stone bound #350. When Matthew and Uncle Dave settle in the bus stop, i went for a short walk to try and find a chippy. It turns out that there isn't a chippy in that part of Barlaston, so I went to a shop and picked up a few Kit Kats. Whilst I was away Matthew photographed the Northbound #350 with 182 in charge.


Bakerbus 182 in Barlaston (Matt)

We worked out that we could have done 182 North probably as far as Newstead to catch the bus we were waiting for. Either that or meet up with the next X1 at stoke station. The plan when we got on 181 again was to do the bus just south of Stone and catch the 13:20 Newport back into Stone. After about a 30 minute wait, Bakerbus 181 appeared.


Bakerbus 181 on the #350 to Newport (Matt)

The bus headed south and then joined up with the A34. When we eached Stone, we saw another couple of D&G bus duties. D&G 95 was working a #3 stone town circular service, and D&G 90 was on a 352 Stone - Yarnfield shuttle. The bus was running due to a road closure at Cold Meece and the diversion of the 490 Stone - Stafford. Just South of Stone town centre there appeared to be some kind of carnival. traffic was at a near standstill and it looked unlikely we would catch the #350 going North with Bakerbus 183. just as we turned into the Walton Road, the other 350 went in front of us. Bowled out!


Bakerbus 181 in Walton on the 350 to Newport (Matt)

We walked back up into Crown Street fighting our way through the crowds. just as we reached the Crown Street stop Bakerbus 183 appeared at the stop. We had to decide whether to do this for one stop around the corner. In the end we decided not to, at least this leaves us at lest one bus to come out on the #350's for in the future. We used the facilities in Crown Street and then set off towards Granville Square. As we turned the corner towards the square, the X1 from Hanley appeared with Bakerbus solo 200


Bakerbus 200 on the X1 (Matt)

Seconds after that, we saw a non-Scania Omnicity on a Northbound 101 service, ex Chester 61554.


First Potteries 61554 working a #101 to Hanley (Matt)

When we got to Granville square, Bakerbus Optare Solo 200 was awaiting time before returning to Hanley. You can still see where the 77 sunset strip vinyl’s used to be.


Bakerbus 200 in Granville Square on the X1 to Hanley (Matt)

We had about 15 minutes to wait before the D&G X1 Stafford service, so we sat under the tree and ate sausage rolls. I t had now stopped raining but it seemed to be wetter under the tree than outside it. I was expecting a Dart or maybe even a Mercedes minibus. I was surprised when a full length single decker DAF appeared!


D&G in Granville Square, Stone about to work the X1 to Stafford (Matt)

As we boarded the bus another D&G appeared on a service 249. It was probably either 106 or 107 as it had a turquoise seat moquette. Matthew also photographed the empty DAF.


Inside D&G 24 (Matt)

The journey to Stafford was quite speedy, with the only thing that made the journey longer was the direction of travel. heading off towards Rugeley before heading back into Stafford via the university and hospital. at around 15:18 we arrived in Chell Road Stafford.


D&G 24 in Chell Road, Stafford on the X1 (Matt)

As we came into stafford from the South East, we past a few buses on the stops around the corner from Chell Road. 2 of the buses there were out of Matthew's favourite Arriva Midlands batch P--- FEA Plaxton bodied Darts, First to follow us around the corner was Arriva Midlands 2306


Arriva Midlands 2306 in Chell Road Stafford (Matt)

After we crossed the road to Sainsbury's, 2307 made an appearance.


Arriva Midlands 2307 in Chell Road Stafford (Matt)

After sighting for around 25 minutes we met up with mum and got in the car to go home. On the way back we stopped just North of Stafford for a few chips to share between the four of us. After we set off north we passed 61554 coming into Stafford on the #101 service. We also saw D&G 39 on a #432 service. We got home around 16:30... Mark