Trip to Hanley / Stafford 08-10-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63034	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Stoke, adj stop Q	11	First Potteries
32648	Stoke, stop N	Stoke, Hancock Street	25	First Potteries
65032	Hanley BS	Stafford, Station Road	101	First Potteries
65033	Stafford, The Sun PH	Shelton, Howard Place	101	First Potteries
65041	Stoke, Railway Station	Stoke, stop Q	25	First Potteries
63100	Stoke, adj stop M	Fenton, Smithpool Road	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was 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. 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 right onto Smithpool Road and right onto City Road. We walked down to the bus stop outside the flats. We waited for a bus to Hanley. A short time later we saw a bus turn around the corner. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63034 on a #11 to Newcastle. We got on the bus and we booked to Stoke 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 where we got up and got off the bus and we crossed obver the road to the stop opposite to wait for a #25 to Hanley. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As soon as it cam into view we knew it was First Potteries 32648 on a #25 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley. before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off out of Stoke town centre and across the A500. We crossed under the railway line before turning left onto the A52 and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked up to the A52 and we went forwards onto onto Boughey Road and we stopped on The Avenue. we walked around Hanley Park for a while. We walk along The Pkwy. We turned right onto Harding Road and we saw we saw City Centre Central NK15 CXP parked up. We turned right onto Regent Road. We turned left onto Lower Bethesda Street and we crossed over the ring road and to the bus station. We waited for a bus to Stafford. A short time later we saw First Potteries 67150 on layover. Matthew decided to go to the toilet. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 67156 on a #7A to Biddulph. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 65032 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 65032 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus bus and we booked to Stafford before We sat down towards the back of the bus and the bus loaded quickly and departed almost immediately we saw Park's of Hamilton BF68 LBN on a #548 to Edinburgh. 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 in Newcastle we saw required First Potteries 67179 on a #22 to Longton. 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 closed. 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 onto Eccleshall Road. We turned left onto Tilling Drive and we ran onto the industrial estate. We saw former Souls minibus SF59 BXR. 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 crossed the roundabout onto Tenterbanks and we turned right onto Victoria Road. We turned left onto Station Road and we got up and got off the bus. We continued to the railway station and and Matthew decided he wanted to go to the toilet. Once out of the sttaion we walked along Victoria Road and we crossed over the roundabout and we continued past St Mary's into the town centre We walked over market Square onto Gaolgate Street and we walked up to the North end. We stopped at pub. For dinner Matthew had a mixed grill washed down with a glass of Coke. For afters Matthew had a slice of chocolate fudge cake with ice cream. Once we had finished eating we set off onto Gaolgate Street. We turned the corner onto Crabbery Street and we crossed over into the market hall. We walked around the market looking for toilets. We set off along the path through to Crabbery Street and we turned right onto Gaolgate Street. We crossed the Market Square and we continued onto Greengate Street. 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 Select Bus 27 on a #875 to Cannock.

Select Bus 27 in Stafford

A short time later we saw Chaserider 198 on a #74 to Cannock.

Chaserider 198 in Stafford

Whilst we waited we saw Chaserider 62 on a #74 to Cannock. Also seen was Chaserider 194 on a #826 to Lichfield. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 65033 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 65033 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. After a brief stop we continued towards Hanley. We set off onto Barracks Road and we ran forwards onto the one-way system. We continued onto the A52 and we ran into Hartshill. We veered left onto Shelton New Road and we stopped briefly near to the old Gilberts furniture shop. We continued down Shelton New Road. We crossed over the A500 and we ran up to Snow Hill. We got up and got off the bus and we walked to Stoke. We continued onto Snow Hill and we headed towards Stoke along Stoke Road. We went under the railway line and we turned left onto Station Road. We passed near to the railway station. As it got closer we saw it was dud First Potteries 65041 on a #25 to Keele. We got on the bus and booked to Stoke before sitting down. The bus set off along Station Road and we past the railway station. We ran forwards onto the A52 and we ran alongside the railway line before turning right onto City Road. We crossed over the A500 and we ran into Stoke town centre where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we crossed over Church Street and we waited for a bus back to Fenton. A short time later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 63100 on a #11 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off 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 back to the residential unit and we saw Shelton Care Group SH71 KMZ outside. We upstairsWe went upstairs and Matthew went to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. For tea Matthew had Pizza followed by a butterfly cake. this was all washed down with a can of Tango Orange. 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 Newcastle / Hanley 31-12-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
43876	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Newcastle BS	22	First Potteries
32632	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	25	First Potteries
194	Hanley BS	Bentilee, adj Cowley Way	1	Bakerbus
198	Bentilee, opp Cowley Way	Hanley BS	1	Bakerbus
2224	Hanley BS	Longton TI	X51	Wardle Transport

Today we decided to go out for a spin on a few local buses. I checked the weather the night before and it was for clear dry weather. When I got back from work Matthew was up and already dressed and just eating his dinner of chicken popcorn and fries. I grabbed a cup of tea and a pot noodle and we set off to the bus stop on Magdalen Road. On the way we saw Z Carz coach CNZ 3828 parked up by the church. We got to the stop just before time and the Longton bus must have already gone past. We only had to wait a minute or two for dud First Potteries 43876 to round the corner on it's Newcastle bound service #22.

First Potteries 43876 in Blurton

We got on the bus and sat down near the back. This was our second run on this bus, the last time being between the exact same two points back in October. The bus turned onto the A5035 and we headed towards Trentham. We turned into New Inn Lane where we passed one of the last two Marshall Darts in the First Potteries fleet, 41070 on the #21A to Trentham. We carried on through into Hanford and down Church Lane. At the bottom of Church Lane we passed one of the 'new' additions to the First Potteries fleet, R reg 65572 on a #21 to Trentham. On the A34 we passed First Potteries 40011 on one of the other #22 turns and we also saw Wardle Transport 2131. When we got to Newcastle we saw 3 double deckers in the bus station all with different operators. We waited for the bus to empty and Matthew got a picture inside First Potteries 43876.

Inside First Potteries 43876

There was a Wardle Transport double decker which quickly departed on the #91 to Bradeley. There was also First Potteries 37156 on a #25 Keele Service and Bakerbus 265 was just departing on the #94 to Biddulph.

Bakerbus 265 in Newcastle bus station

We walled to the top end of the bus station to see what was about. Wardle Transport 3614 was on layover, presumably to work the next #91 to Bradeley. There were one or two required Scania's about such as First Potteries 60215 on the #34A to Hanley. We also saw D&G Scania 130 on the #85 to Hanley, and Versa 173 on the opposite working towards Crewe. We then spied required First Potteries 32632 on the #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 32632 in Newcastle bus station

I asked Matthew if he wanted to do this bus and he said 'yes'. We walked down to the stand and waited whilst the new driver readied the bus for service. Eventually we got on the bus and we went upstairs.The top deck was empty so Matthew got a picture inside the bus before we sat down.

Inside First Potteries 32632

A few minutes the later the bu set off out of the bus station and we headed out of town and up George Street. We trundled through Hartshill and down the bank into Stoke town centre. By Stoke railway station we saw Wardle Transport 2409 on the X51 to Hanley. We climbed the hill past the college and we headed into Hanley via Hind Street. At the Hind Street bus layover area we saw Bakerbus 194 and also a Scragg Blue buses V356 EKY that we couldn't remember seeing before. We carried on into hanley town centre and then we headed into the bus station. Matthew visited the toilet before we started to head out to John Street car park to take a few bus pictures. On the way we saw Wardle Transport 1404 outside the bus station which was operating the bus driver shuttle bus service.

Wardle Transport 1404 in Hanley

Matthew took his picture and then went to say hello to the drivers. We then headed of to John Street car park. We stoped in our usual spot on the corner of level 3 of the car park. In the afternoon the sun is nearly in the right place to take good pictures from here. One such picture was of First Potteries 65730 which had just worked in on a #34 from Wereton.

First Potteries 65730 in Hanley bus station

Scraggs Blue Buses V356 EKY also made an appearance running up from Hind Street. It appears to be on a #31 to Werrington.

Scraggs V356 EKY in Hanley bus station

We didn't wait too long because it was quite chilly today. We saw Bakerbus 194 appear from Hind Street and we decided to walk back to the bus station. When we got back to the bus station I asked Matthew if he wanted to do this required bus and he said yes. He took a picture though the bus station door and we got on.

Bakerbus 194 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and sat down near the back. The bus left town and down Limekiln Bank before crossing over Leek Road and onto the A52. We turned right at the petrol station and we headed up into Bentilee. The bus turned by Twigg Street and up Dawlish Drive. By the time the bus had passed the community centre it had emptied out. As we had not done this service before I confirmed that it turned by the Wagon and Horses and we stayed on the bus until just before we reached the roundabout. As we got off the bus Matthew photographed the inside of this bus with it's fine GM Buses style 'diced carrot' moquette.

Inside Bakerbus 194

We watched the bus turn at the roundabout and head back towards Hanley as a #2. We didn't have to wait for long before we saw Bakerbus 198 arrive from Hanley having worked a #2 service. We took a picture of the bus as it paused on the other side of the road.

Bakerbus 198 in Benilee

The bus turned at the roundabout and came back as a #1 to Hanley. We got on the bus and Matthew insisted on peeping the horn (which is why we don't do Solo's very often...!). The bus was empty and Matthew got a picture inside.

Inside Bakerbus 198

The bus headed back down Dawlish Drive and onto the A52, before climbing into Hanley up Limekiln Bank. As we entered Hanley we saw 37160 on the #37 to Meir Square. This service also serves the Potteries Centre going around onto Stafford Street and past the town hall. When we got to the bus station Matthew went the toilet and had a bit of a wander around the bus station before we headed back to john Street car park before it went too dark to take anymore pictures. We took a few more picture and one such picture was of First Potteries 60215 that we had seen earlier in Newcastle.

First Potteries 60215 in Hanley bus station

Also we saw ALX200 Dart 40155 on the #7A service. The 'T' reg ones are now getting a little thin on the ground with only 40030/140/153/154/155 still in operation.

First Potteries 40155 in Hanley bus station

behind 40155 was Wardle Transport 4803 on the #19 to Bradeley.

Wardle Transport 4803 in Hanley bus station

We didn't hang around in the car park for long this time as it was getting cold and dark. We walked back to the bus station to see if we could catch another bus. We considered doing Wardle Transport 4895 which was on the #46 to Blurton. Matthew considered doing Scania on the #20A to Talke but it was going in the wrong direction and had pulled out just after he had taken a picture anyway. We had also considered doing required 40173 on the #23 to Blurton but he had turned that one down. Required 43875 was on the #24 which we could have done to stoke, but next to this was required Wardle Transport 2224 on the X51 to Cheadle.

Wardle Transport 2224 in Hanley bus station

We decided to do this as it was roughly in the direction of home and of course it's always better to do the older buses as they are most likely to be scrapped first. We sat down near the back and the bus set off through town.The bus headed out past the museum and down Broad street. We turned at the top of College Road and down through Shelton. We passed the railway station and headed into Fenton where we saw 40173 in front of us heading into Christchurch Street. We got onto the A50 via the A50 Link road and we went express into Longton. At the interchange we saw Wardle Transport 4805 going towards Hanley on the #46 and and 4895 going towards Blurton. Also in the interchange was Bennetts Dennis Dart DCZ 7648 having worked in from Stone on the #250.

Bennetts DCZ 7648 in Longton Interchange

We walked around the interchange to the car as mum had come to meet us. As we were in Longton we decided to go home via Z Carz to see what was there. The majority of the coaches were there today. First in the row was silver Van Hool Scania CNZ 3828 which we had seen earlier in the day in Blurton.

Z Carz CNZ 3828 in Longton

Next to this was Blackwood Coaches liveried coach B12 PWS.

Z Carz B12 FWS in Longton

At the back of the land in the shadows were LDV minibus YN03 HHU and Mercedes mini S952 VMY. Also there was Scania coach D104 XAN.

Z Carz D104 XAN in Longton

In the willow row compound was T408 JUX. We headed home along the A50 to Heron Cross and along Blurton Road. We then went onto the A5035 and we got home around 17:30. Matthew had the sausage roll that he should have ate in the car. We then had a late tea of Gammon and mash with beans. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until he went to bed sometime early in the following year...Mark

Trip to the POPS rally 13-05-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
198	Wedgwood	Longton BS	Special	PMT
198	Longton BS	Wedgwood	Special	PMT
62	Wedgwood	Trentham Gardens	Special	Stratford Blue
RM467	Trentham Gardens	Wedgwood	Special	London Transport
55	Wedgwood	Barlaston Green	Special	Bournemouth
A506 FSS	Barlaston Green	Wedgwood	Special	Northern Scottish
10	Wedgwood	Stone	Special	Turner's
10	Stone	Wedgwood	Special	Turner's

Today was the POPS rally, highlight of the North Staffordshire bus calender! We had always planned on being at this event, the Wardle double decker running day was an added bonus. I opened Matthew curtains around 09:00 revealing another fine sunny day. Matthew got up around 10:00 and we were ready just before 11:00. we picked up uncle Dave and then drove onto Wedgwood. When we arrived we brought a program and a local fleet list book. The first hour or so was spent looking at a few of the buses and Matthew was spending his money on books, DVD's and photos. Just before 12:00 we decided to catch a bus The Midland Red Olympian EEH 902Y was heading to Stone, and we just missed it. However behind that was PMT 198 on a mystery tour. The driver said it was going to take approximately 30 minutes and as we have yet to have this bus we decided to do it. We got on required 198 and off we went. the bus took the usual route to the A5035 then turned towards Trentham. We turned at Magdalen Road and then headed through Blurton along Beaconsfield Drive and onto Blurton Road. The bus actually went within a few hundred yards of our house! We then turned up Longton Hall Road and we guessed at this point it was probably going to the transport interchange at Longton. Sure enough we arrived in Longton and the driver said we could jump out and take a picture or two before returning. So we jumped out and did just that.

Mystery destination. PMT 198 in Longton

After getting back on, we rode back via Longton Hall Road, Blurton Road, Church Street, Trentham Road and back to Wedgwood. on the retun journey we worked out could either do required PMT 604 to Hanley (12:30) for dinner or we could required Routemaster RM467 to Trentham (12:35) for dinner. As we were approaching time was passing at it had gone 12:30, We passed 604 at the site entrance. As we turn toward the arrivals stop, we could see the Routemaster ready for departure. We got off and took a picture of PMT 198.

PMT 198 back at Wedgwood

By the time we got to the stop the bus had gone. as there was a small gap, Everyone sat down near the stop whilst i took the shopping back to the car. When I got back Straford blue 62 was at the depart stop. I look at the timetable and realised that this was the next Trentham. So I asked Matthew if he wanted to do this and he said yes. He took a quick shot of this required bus before we jumped on.

Statford Blue 62 at Wedgwood

We sat down over the offside rear axle and off we went. This is a very nice bus and was well filled with enthusiasts. This year the Trentham service was running to the drop off point for coaches by the retail village, as opposed to the old gate. This take a good mile off the journey as the return services used to have to run to Hanford to turn back to Wedgwood. I think if this continues it could be a good thing. It will save on fuel costs plus possibly get a few more passenger visit the event who have just come to Trentham for shopping. The buses when entering the site go around the outside of the car park before heading back to the coach drop off point. Straford 62 when along passed the car park and then turned back. As it turned it clipped the curb and made a loud bang as it dropped off. There then came a loud scraping noise from under the off side rear axle. I thought that perhaps it had tipped the curbstone and then dragged it along under the bus. When we stopped most people jumped out with a few going to inspect the bus. Matthew got off and took his picture.

62 at Trentham Gardens

As we were taking a few pictures, we heard someone saying that the exhaust had fallen off and was being dragged along. we decided it was time for dinner and a toilet stop. We headed to the riverside dinner and we ordered dinner. Matthew of course want a cake for afters too. I took a picture of him with a very chocolaty face as he tucked into a slice of fudge cake. We then walked back to the coach drop off point to wait for a return service. we photographed a couple of coaches before required RM467 appeared. Matthew got a picture before we boarded.

LT RM467 at Trentham Gardens

We climbed the stairs and we had an enjoyable trip back. It's nice to view the Staffordshire countryside from an elevated position on a double decker bus. As we traveled along, we passed PMT 860. I had looked for it on the timetable, but it wasn't supposed to be working. A closer look at the timetable revealed that it must have worked the 14:05 to Trentham, taking over from Stratford blue 62's duties!

RM467 at Wedgwood

When we got back mum went off to do a little birthday present shopping whilst we worked out what we could do. We thought that perhaps 860 would work Stratford Blue 62's next duty, which was the 15:00 to Stone. There was a Barlaston circular at 14:30. We could do this and still be back for 15:00 so we decided that this was going to be the move. the circular was going to be Bournemouth 55 & Northern Scottish A506 FSS. we had been on A506 FSS when it was in Glovers colours, so we decided to do the required Bournemouth bus. If there was a stop in the middle, we could always swap. a few minutes later the 2 buses pulled up on the stop. we boarded Bournemouth 55 and off we went. We headed out towards rough close and then swung back into Barlaston, turning when we reached the village green pointing back towards Wedgwood. The buses did stop to allow for pictures and to allow passengers to swap between buses if desired. Matthew got a picture of Bournemouth 55.

Bournemouth 55 at Barlason Green

He took another one for good measure...

Bournemouth 55 at Barlason Green

Then he took one of Northern Scottish A506 FSS before we boarded it for the return journey.

Northern Scottish A506 FSS at Barlason Green

The journey back was down a narrow country lane that has speed bumps, is very dark due to being tree lined and is the same road in which we spun the car on ice back in February. The buses stopped under the tree for an addition driver change. Our bus was then driven past Bournemouth 55 for a photo on the same curve where we had spun the car. The buses then swapped over there order again and we drove back to Wedgwood

A506 FSS at Wedgwood

When we got back it was around 14:50 so we had a short wait for the Stone service. Matthew went on a few buses and took pictures before we saw Turners 10 pull up on stop. We asked the driver if this was going to Stone and it was. there was slight disappointment that it wasn't PMT 860, but it was nice to ride on this double decker again. The route out was via Trentham and the A34. turning into Stone from the roundabout just South of the town centre. There was a quick stop and we got off to take a picture.

Turner's 10 in Stone

We boarded the bus and after a minute or two we set off back North. The return journey was via the A520. we passed through Lightwood before turning by The New Florence towards Dresden. We then took the A5035 back to Blurton before turning left to wedgwood. When we got back Matthew took a further picture of this bus.

10 back at Wedgwood Stone

Back at Wedgwood buses were starting to leave and so we headed back to the car. As we drove uncle Dave back we put the Stoke match on the radio. Stoke were losing 1-2 to Bolton but Stoke drew level after Peter Crouch was allegedly brought down by Bogdan. Walter leveled from the spot and that is how the match ended. Bolton were relegated. We had got home at around 16:30. Matthew started to watch his new DVD's whilst I listened to the end of the match. And that is how this enjoyable but tiring weekend finished...Mark.

Trip to Newcastle (Newcastle 80) 15-04-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2405	Blurton, opp Ladybank Grove	Newcastle BS	22	Wardle Transport
66843	Newcastle BS	Newcastle BS	Charter	First Potteries
RML 2518	Newcastle BS	Newcastle BS	Charter	Ex London Transport
66843	Newcastle BS	Newcastle BS	Charter	First Potteries
66843	Newcastle BS	Newcastle BS	Charter	First Potteries

Today was the 80th year celebration for the Newcastle depot. We has know about this event for over a month but it took a while to get firm details this event. Advertised as having a 'shuttle service to the depot' and also a 'free vintage bus service' we thought this day was going to be really good. The main emphasis of the day was that the proceeds from the shuttle service were going to help a young girl go to America to have an operation to help her walk. Matthew was up at an unheard of time of 08:30 today, and we planned on getting to Newcastle on the Wardle Transport #22 service which is 10:32 from Blurton on a Sunday. The weather was fine but a little chilly. We got ready for around 10:00 and we went to fetch Uncle Dave. We missed the #22 going towards Longton so we did not know what it was going to be. The usual bus for this turn is a short Optare Solo. We got back to Blurton around 10:25 and then we waled over to the stop to wait for the bus. After a could of minutes we could see it in the distance and we saw it was for the first time a Dennis Dart. As it got closer we saw it was 2405.

Wardle Transport 2405 in Blurton

A quick check of the page revealed it was required so that was a good start to the day. On the bus was John Lovatt, a bus and railway enthusiast for many years and know to most people locally. We chatted for a while whilst we traveled over to Newcastle. This was the first time we had done this service in this direction and it seemed very strange when the bus drove into Trentham Gardens! After doubling back and traveling through Trentham and Hanford, we headed into Newcastle via the hospital. When we got to Newcastle Matthew waited for the bus to empty before getting a shot of the inside of 2405.

Inside 2405

Early signs were good, Preserved PMT 198 was on the stand next to 2405, and a Routemaster was stabled in the middle of the bus station along with 60069 and 40180. Matthew jumped on 198 and we were told we could sit on the bus but it wasn't going anywhere today and that it was a static display. There was a box of goody bags with a commemorative pamphlet with information about the Depot. Matthew wanted to help himself but I told him he had to wait until he was on the shuttle bus to get one. Someone told us that the depot shuttle was going from stand 7 and it would be about 10 minutes and so we decided to go to the bench at the bottom of the bus station to wait and to take a few pictures. 66843 rounded the corner an we got a picture of it.

First Potteries 66843 in Newcastle bus station

Surprisingly it pulled onto stand 7 and we saw a crow gathering so we knew it was going to be the shuttle. A quick check of the check of the page we could see that it wasn't a required one. The bus loaded up and we set off up to the depot. As we traveled a gentle acted as conductor and we paid for our 3 tickets. We pulled in through the gates and stopped at the edge of the shed. The manager of the depot got onto the bus and then proceeded to give a talk about the depot. Inside the depot there were a number of buses in the main shed receiving attention. 61144 was having its floor rebuilt. 34311 was having new seats for the new school term. 40015 was having it monthly inspection. 40145 was having a gearbox and engine change. 30034 was having a new alternator fitted. 65733 was there with a broken window. There was a also an ex PMT Leyland National 279 which was parked in front of 34311. Outside the depot at the front Were Scania's 60013 & 60015, and the two Ex Chester Dennis Darts with Plaxton bodywork were also there, 40136 & 40137. A few minutes later we left the depot and return to Newcastle bus station. When the bus emptied out Matthew got a picture of the inside of the bus.

Inside 66843

As we were getting off we heard the conductor say, "Shall we go with the double decker on the next trip?". So we decided to go again. As it was a rear entranced bus the bus loaded up in Stubbs Street instead of Stand 7. Whilst we waited we bumped into an old railway friend Steve Cotton. The Routemaster came around and it was required RML 2518. We got on and we went upstairs. We waited for the conductor and we paid our money again. and off we went to the depot again. The manager got on and we had a similar talk to the last trip before returning back to Newcastle bus station. We waited patiently for the top deck to empty and Matthew got a picture of the empty bus.

Inside RML 2518

We then walked around the bus to get a good picture of the outside of the bus.

RML 2518 in Newcastle bus station

When we got back we decided to have a walk down to the Ironmarket to have a look at the other buses on static display. We had a walk around, took pictures and even sat on some of the buses. One of the vehicle parked up was 'Gold Service' vehicle 65026.

First Potteries 65026 in the Ironmarket

After a while we walked back to the bus station via Wrights Pies where we picked up a couple of sausage rolls and some drinks. We walked back to the bus station and sat on the bottom bench whilst eating our food. We also took a few pictures such as 65706 traveling down Stubbs Street.

First Potteries 65706 in Newcastle bus station

After we had eaten, I asked Matthew what he want to do and chose to do another tour. The next tour was 66843 so we got on and did another lap of the depot. When we got back i was expecting Matthew to choose to do another bus, but he wanted to go have a look at the static vehicles on the Ironmarket again. He went and sat on all the buses and coaches on which he could including sitting in the driving seat of a couple of the vehicles. We then returned to the bus station, to try and do another bus out to somewhere. Wardle Transport 2203 was working the #94A to Audley and Wardle Transport 2260 was working the #41 to Clayton. We thought Matthew was going to do 2203 so we called mum to ask her to come out and meet us. Matthew was holding on in the bus station hoping something else would work. We sat on PMT 198 for a while, and we saw RML 2518 arrive back from the depot and then stable up. The conductor said that it had finished for the day. Matthew was holding on and holding on hoping something else was going to work. Just before 13:45 the driver of 66843 asked us if we wanted to go again, and with this probably being the last trip Matthew decided he wanted to do it. He took one last picture as we left the depot of the vehicles at the front and then we headed back to Newcastle.

First Potteries 60013 & 60015 in Newcastle bus garage

We got off 66843 just before 14:00 and we sat at the bottom of the bus station again. Mum called to say she was parked up on the A34 and to ask where she wanted us to meet her. As Matthew could decided what to do we decided to get picked up from the bus station. Within a few minutes mum appeared and we got into the car. We went home via the Chemist in Shelton,Uncle daves house to drop him home, and then Costcutters in Blurton where Matthew stock up with drinks. We got back home around 14:30. I went out around 15:08 to get a picture of 2405 as it was the first Dart on the service #22. As we had had a very busy weekend we decided to call for a take away tea. I spent most of the evening writing the Blog before Bedtime...Mark.

Trip to Kidsgrove 22-05-2009

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
W591 YBN	Blurton	Chell Heath	Charter	Z carz
MIB 978	Chell Heath	Hanley	Charter	Copeland's Tours
MIB 978	Hanley	Chell Heath	Charter	Copeland's Tours
W591 YBN	Chell Heath	Blurton	Charter	Z carz
60183	Smallthorne, Robinson Avenue (opp)	Kidsgrove Town Centre, Queen Street (adj)	6	First Potteries

Matthew had his usual school transport LDV minibus W591 YBN, Whilst at school, he went to Hanley and back on Copeland's Tours Coach MIB 978. He then returned home on W591 YBN.

Back in this part of 2009, we spent a few Fridays after school driving to Smallthorne, where we could choose from a few different services for Matthew to catch. We caught either the 6,21A,29 or even a Bakers 9. On this occasion we set of as per usual after the bus dropped Matthew home from school. just before we arrived at the usual stop, we past a D&G bus on the A53.



D&G Optare Solo 71 on a #19 to hanley (matt)

When we arrived at the stop Matthew took several photos before he choose to ride on a bus...


Bakerbus 198 on a #9 to Biddulph (Matt)


First PMT 40165 on a #21A Ball Green (Matt)


First PMT 40014 (now allocated to Chester) on a 6A Biddulph (Matt)

Eventually, Matthew decided to catch the much travelled 60183 (formerly of Manchester and now allocated to Rock Ferry), with it's distinctive black 'W'.


60183 0n arrival in Kidsgrove town centre (Matt)

Shortly after this 60183 was transfered away... (Mark)