Trip to Hanley / Newcastle 31-07-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67157	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
65033	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	101	First Potteries
63171	Newcastle BS	Fenton, Christchurch Street	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in residential and he was going to his day service as well as going to a party down stairs to welcome a new resident. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst waiting to go to the day service we saw First Potteries 67158 on a #23 to Hanley. Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and onto Christchurch Street. At the day centre we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX parked outside.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

In the morning Matthew went to Newcastle on the bus. We set off on foot onto Christchurch Street and we turned left onto City Road. We walked down to the bus stop outside Travers Court. A few minutes later the bus to Newcastle appeared and it was dud First Potteries 67157 on a #23 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down City Road and we joined the A52 to go under the railway line and over the A500. We continued onto Church Street and into the centre of Stoke. After a brief stop we continued around the one-way system onto Elenora Steet and right onto Copeland street. We turned left onto Glebe Street and we went under the railway line before turning left onto Station Road. We went past the railway station ans we turned right onto College Road. After running the hill through Shelton we continued onto Cleveland Road and forwards onto Regent Road. We turned left onto Lower Bethesda Street and we crossed over the ring road onto Bethesda Street. We turned right onto John Street and we saw First Potteries 41500 on a #8 to Ball Green. Once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. In the bus station we saw required First Potteries 65033 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 65033 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus bus and we booked to Newcastle before We sat down towards the back of the bus and the bus loaded quickly and departed almost immediately. We set off through the bus station where we saw dud Ambassador Travel (National Express) FJ09 DXB on the #397 to Blackpool. 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 in Newcastle we saw required Arriva Midlands 3695 on a #164 to Hanley. we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus We turned left at the roundabout onto Barracks Road and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. left onto High Street. we walked down High Street and back onto High Street Matthew went for dinner in a McDonalds. We turned left McDonalds. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. back onto High Street We turned left onto Hassell Street and we returned to the bus station where we saw D&G Bus 186 on layover.

D&G 186 in Newcastle bus station

We waited to catch a bus back to Fenton and whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 37146 on a #99 to Chell Heath. A few minutes later First Potteries 63171 appeared on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63171 in Newcastle bus station

We booked to Fenton and as the rear of the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 63171 before we sat down.

Inside First Potteries 63171

the bus waiting to depart, we saw required Arriva Midlands 2968 on a #164 to Hanley. 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 walked across the car park to the day centre. In the afternoon Matthew went on the computer. When it was time to go back to the residential unit we set off onto Christchurch Street and left onto Temple Street. Matthew went upstairs to his room and used his computer and watched buses out of the bedroom window. We saw First Potteries 66304 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 66304 in Fenton

We were going to take Matthew out for tea, but Matthew would later decide that he wanted to go to a party with his friends. Whilst Matthew waited for us to arrive we spotted Northwood Day Centre SN59 CVZ outside in the car park.

Northwood Day Centre SN59 CVZ in Fenton

We went upstairs to see Matthew and the other staff were preparing food ready for a party downstairs to welcome a new resident to the unit. Matthew seemed very interested in what was going on so we gave him a choice of coming out for tea with us or going to the party and Matthew chose to go to the party. After we had gone Matthew went downstairs to join the others. At the party Matthew ate chips and egg sandwiches followed by chocolate cake, chocolate swiss roll and a butterfly cake. After the party Matthew went back upstairs to his room. Matthew went up to his room to chill out. He used his computer and watched music videos on the Television. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Fenton / Newcastle 28-06-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63098	Fenton, Victoria Place	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
67633	Newcastle BS	Fenton, Christchurch Street	11	First Potteries
42554	Fenton, Fenton Manor	Fenton, Adj Railway Bridge	23A	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going to visit uncle Dave later on. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst waiting to go out we saw D&G Bus 113 on 'The Orange One' service to Meir.

D&G 113 in Fenton

We also saw D&G Bus 112 on 'The Orange ONE' going towards Newcastle.

D&G 112 in Fenton

Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street and to the day centre. At the day centre we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX parked outside.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

In the morning Matthew went out on the bus. We set of on foot onto Glebedale Road and we turned right onto City Road. We waited at the bus stop for a First bus going to Newcastle. Whilst we waited we saw D&G Bus 111 on 'The Orange ONE' going towards Newcastle.

D&G 111 in Fenton

A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 63098 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63098 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 walked up Castle walk and we stopped to pick something off at Home Bargains. We continued up castle Walked and we turned right onto Ironmarket. We stopped at the Arnold Machin pub and went to the toilet. For dinner Matthew had Matthew had a chicken burger and fries and a glass of Coke. Once Matthew had finished eating we walked along Ironmarket and we turned left onto High Street. We turned left onto Hassell Street and we returned to the bus station where we saw D&G Bus 186 on layover.

D&G 186 in Newcastle bus station

We waited to catch a bus back to Fenton and whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 67649 on a #22 to Longton. A few minutes later First Potteries 67633 appeared on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67633 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 out of the bus station onto Barracks Road and we ran up to the Jubilee roundabout. We ran onto the A53 and around the one-way system onto the A52. We ran up George Street into Hartshill and we ran down the hill into Stoke town centre. After a brief stop we continued along Church Street out of Stoke and over the A500. We ran under the railway line and we continued onto City Road. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. We then crossed over City Road and walked across the car park back to the day centre. In the afternoon Matthew watched a DVD. When it was time to go back to the residential unit Matthew set off on foot onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went back up to his room to chill out whilst he waited for time to go out. A short while later we set off on foot onto City Road and we walked down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and to the bus stop. A few minutes a bus appeared and it was First Potteries 42554 on a #23A to Newstead. We got on the bus and we booked to Mount Pleasant. The bus set off up City Road and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. When we got to the railway bridge over the line to Derby we got up and got off the bus. We then continued along Smithpool Road before turning right onto the path the leads onto Willowdale Avenue. We went onto Whieldon Road and we went to uncle Dave's house. For tea Matthew had chicken potatoes and carrots. later on he had a drink of Tango orange and a few custard creams. Matthew chill out in uncle Dave's house using his computer and watching television. A couple of hours later staff came to escort Matthew back home. We set off onto Whieldon Road and we turned onto Willowdale Avenue. We crossed the spare ground and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went back to the room and went on his computer. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Smallthorne 24-09-2011

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
40159	Ladybank Grove, Blurton	Hanley BS	23A	First Potteries
185	Hanley BS	Smallthorne, Hadfield Green (adj)	9	Bakerbus
60011	Smallthorne, Hadfield Green (adj)	Hanley BS	29	First Potteries
BK10 MGV	Hanley BS	Preston Street (Opp)	9	Bakerbus
186	Preston Street (adj)	Hanley BS	9	Bakerbus
60201	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	34	First Potteries
40137	Newcastle BS	Tunstall, Highgate (opp)	99	First Potteries
40147	Tunstall, Woodland Street stop C	Longport, Longport Road (adj)	99	First Potteries

Today we decided to do a local trip, with the main intention of trying to get a ride on the Bakerbus loaned double deckers before they return home. During the week these usual work the X1 service, but lately on Saturdays they have turned out on the #9 service. I purchased a 'Smart Day' from a local shop and then we walked all the way up to the Ladybank Grove stop to wait for a Hanley bus. After a very short wait 40159 rounded the corner. We have not been on this bus for a long time and such it had been recorded in his list.


40159 in Blurton on a 23A (Matt)

The bus was empty when we got on and so Matthew got his empty shot straight away!


Inside 40159 (Matt)

The journey to Hanley was quiet and uneventful and when we reached Hanley We went up onto the balcony to assess the situation. there was one of the bakerbus double deckers parked up but it was not being used at the time. I went to the travel office to get some timetables. The small office with all the timetables was closed, so I was only able to pick up some First Timetables. On the way back I checked the times of the #9's and #61's. There was a #9 due off at 13:40 and it was already on stand. The bus was Bakerbus 185 and it was required.


Bakerbus 185 in Hanley on a #9 service (Matt)

We decided to do this to Smallthorne in the hope of getting on the return service. As we got off Bakerbus 196 was on the opposite side of the road pulling off! Matthew got another picture of 185 as it was about to pull off.


185 in Smallthorne (Matt)

We crossed the road and I used the text service to find out the next bus. The next bus was going to be a First #29 in about 3 minutes. Almost as soon as I had texted, 60011 rounded the corner. This was not required, but as this bus has been out of service and was nearly withdrawn it was an interesting one.


60011 in Smallthorne (Matt)

The bus was sounding a little rough, and one of the window seals had blown, but we have have seen and heard much worse! As we turned into Hanley bus station we expected to see 196 on stand, but this had been replaced by the double decker! We quickly transferred from one to the other as they were only a couple of stands apart. We got on and this time booked to the top of smallthorne so we could catch a #9 back. We went upstairs and were the only people on the top deck. At this point Matthew got a picture of the empty bus.


Inside demonstrator BK10 MGV (Matt)

The journey was very smooth and quiet expect for Matthew making a noise. As we got off Matthew was able to get a picture of the bus.


BK10 MGV in Smallthorne (Matt)

We crossed the road eventually having fought our way through the busy traffic. After a very short while bakerbus 186 rounded the corner. Not a double decker but still required.



Bakerbus 186 in Smallthorne (Matt)

We did this back to Hanley and when we arrived Matthew took a picture of the empty interior.


Inside 186 (Matt)

At this point we decided to have a break from the buses and eat some chips. I went down to Tony's place and got 2 portions of chips which we promptly finished off. As we were eating step entranced Wardle Transport Dennis Dart 2038 arrived and I hought we were going to catch this but Matthew changed his mind.


Wardle Transport 2038 on a service #61 (Matt)

He directed us towards required 60072 on a #34A. By the time we got down to it it pulled away so Matthew decided he want to do unrequired 60201 on the following #34.


60201 on a #34 in Hanley bus station (Matt)

we did the bus to Newcastle and at this point he decided to misbehave a little. We decided to do required 40137. This Ex Chester bus is the last of the batch allocated locally that he needed.


40137 in Newcastle bus station (Matt)

on the way out of town we passed Bakerbus 215 on a #94A service. We did the bus to Tunstall at which point he was able to get another picture of these beast.


40137 in Tunstall (Matt)

After that we had a few minutes in Tunstall High street. The following service on the same corridor was worked by ALX200 40142.


40142 in Tunstall (Matt)

With 40137 already head back towards Newcastle, the next bus back was likely to be another ALX Dart and indeed it was. required 40147 appeared.


40147 in Tunstall (Matt)

At this point we formulated a plan to get home. We called mum to meet us at the BP garage in Longport so we could be picked up and we could also pick up some LPG at the same time. When we alighted from the bus in Longport, Matthew got another picture.


40147 in Longport (Matt)

We saw another couple of buses whilst we waited. 40148 was heading away from Newcastle and 40151 was heading towards Newcastle. we also saw Wardle Transport 2410 on a Britannia stadium shuttle. When mum arrived we filled up with LPG and then headed home. We got caught slightly in football traffic and saw 40007 doing #22's. also seen was Bakerbus 163 on #350's. not a bad day out today, made better with 43437, a well fought draw with Manchester United afterwards...Mark