Trip to Burton-on-Trent / Ashby 20-08-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
20	Burton upon Trent, (stand 9)	Swadlincote bus park	8	Midland Classic
26	Swadlincote bus park	Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Market Street	19	Midland Classic
4501	Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Market Street	Swadlincote bus park	29	Arriva Midlands
7	Swadlincote bus park	Burton upon Trent, New Street (stand 4)	9	Midland Classic

Today we decided to revisit Burton-on-Trent. I heard that the Midland Classic was in the process of being sold to Rotala, and as we hadn't been to Burton for a long time, I thought it would be a good idea to visit. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice. Mum returned from work and we got ready to go out. We got in the car and we set off around 11:45 and we ran through Blurton onto Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the mini roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road. We ran down into the valley and up the other side and we saw FJ22 FZA. We continued into Heron Cross and we crossed the A50 and we turned left onto Grove Road. We ran forwards onto Whieldon Road and past the former Regent pub which is back up for sale. We stopped to pick up uncle Dave. We turned around and we headed back up Wheildon Road and forwards onto Grove Road. At the lights we turned right onto Blurton Road before joining the Eastbound A50. We ran through Longton and Meir and we saw white minibus NA06 BVM, Coopers R888 JCS, Warrington'd of Ilam DX54 WBT, Rayners YJ58 FDM, GH Watts WW22 GHW, JH Coaches JH19 COM and an unidentified Robinson coach. We came off the A50 onto the A511 and we headed into Hatton where we saw Eazy Travel GN04 NWY parked on the corner. We parked up at The Slt Box cafe and Matthew went to the toilet whilst mum ordered the food. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a bottle of Cherry Coke. Whilst we ate we saw Trent Barton 502(V1) & 503(V1), Midlands Classic 16(401) & 75. Once we had finished we got back into the car and we rejoined the A511. We ran through Hatton and along the Tutbury bypass and we ran through Horningglow and into the town. We crossed over the railway line and the North edge of the town. We turned right onto Guid Street. We ran forwards onto Union Street and we turned left into the car park. Once we had parked up we said goodbye to mum and we cut through between the shops and we walked along side Coopers Square shopping centre and came out on New Street by the bus stops. We immediately turned right and we saw Midland Classic 37 on layover.

Midland Classic 37 in Burton upon Trent

We crossed over the road and and we saw Midland Classic 14 on a #9 to the Hospital.

Midland Classic 14 in Burton upon Trent

We turned the corner and we headed along Lichfield Street to see where we saw Midland Classic 82 on layover. We crossed back over New Street and we waited for a while for a bus towards Swadlincote. Whilst we waited we saw Arriva Midlands 3768 on a X38 to Derby.

Arriva Midlands 3768 in Burton upon Trent

We decided to move to the other stops in the attempt to get a bus to Swadlincaote a little quicker. There was one due from that stop in 10 minutes we waited there. A few minutes later we saw Midland Classic 20 on a #8 to Swadlincote.

Midland Classic 20 in Burton upon Trent

We got on the bus and we booked a Network Duo Day ticket at £7 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along New Street and we turned left onto High Street and we joined the Eastbound A511. We crossed over the River Trent and we turned left onto Newton Road. We turned right onto Bearwood Hill Road and we headed into Winshill. We turned right onto Hawfield Lane and we turned right onto Empire Road. We ran up the hill and we ran forwards onto Bretby Lane. We turned left onto the A511 and we headed Eastwards past the Stanhope Arms. We turned right onto Wood Lane and we continued onto Bretby Road. We ran past the Freehold Tavern with it's glazed bricks and we turned right onto Main Street. We turned left onto Oversetts Road and left onto Meadow View Road. We continued onto Meadow Lane and we turned left onto South Drive. We turned rihght onto Parliament Street and we headed Eastwards. We continued onto Robinson Road and we crossed the High Street and went forwards onto Wellwood Road. We ran forwards onto Chestnut Avenue. We turned onto Springfield Road and we headed Southwards. We turned right onto Newhall Road and left onto Darklands Road. We turned right onto the A514 and we entered Swadlincote bus park where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Midland Classic 20 before it returned the the hospital.

Midland Classic 20 in Swadlincote

We spotted Arriva Midlands 3567, which was on layover in between runs on the #2 to Derby.

Arriva Midlands 3567 in Swadlincote

There wasn't much else about, so we headed towards the town centre. On the way we stopped at the bus park toiet block and Matthew used the toilet before we cut through the alleyway adjacent to the Sir Nigel Gresley pub. We stopped at the Nisa shop, and Matthew had a can of Irn Bru, a Flake and a Freddo. We returned back down the alleyway into the bus park and we saw Midland Classic 35 on a #24 town circular service. Matthew indicated that he wanted to go on towards Ashby. The next bus was due in around 10 minutes. Matthew drank his can of Irn Bru and ate his Freddo. We crossed over to the relevent stand and we waited for the next Asby bound bus. A short time later we saw Midland Classic 26 on a #19 to Ashby.

Midland Classic 26 in Swadlincote

We got on the bus and we scanned the Network Day Duo ticket before sitting down towards the bcak of the bus. We set off out of the bus park and we turned right onto the A514. We turned right onto Sir Herbert Wragg Way and we turned left onto Coppice Side. We continued onto Bridge Street and we ran forwards onto Main Street and into Albert. We turned right onto Occupation Road and we ran forwards onto Park Road. We turned left onto the A444 and we headed Southwards into Overseal. We turned right onto LUllington Road and we ran forwards onto Gunby Hill. We ran forwards onto Main Street and we ran into Netherseal. We turned left into Church Street and we headed Eastwards. We ran forwards onto Acresford Road and we ran into Acresford. We turned right onto the A444 and we turned left onto Measham Road. We turned left onto Acresford Road and we headed Northwards. We veered right onto Chirch Street and we ran into Donisthorpe. We turned right onto Measham Road and we headed Southwards. We turned right onto New Street and we turned right onto Main Street. We continued forwards onto Coronation Lane and we turned left onto Measham Road. Wee stopped briefly outside of Winfields Outdoor store and we ran under the A42. We continued onto Burton Road and we ran into town. We turned left onto High Street and we headed Northwards. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took a picture of Midland Classic 26 before it returned to Burton on a #19 service.

Midland Classic 26 in Ashby-de-la-Zouch

We had a look at when the next bus was due to return to Swadlincote and we had time for a visit to the pub. Across the road was Midland Classic 5 on a #129 to Loughborough.

Midland Classic 5 in Ashby-de-la-Zouch

We went into the pub and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards we had a glass of Coke each. When we had finished we went outside and we joined uncle Dave. We had a bit of time spare so we went for a short walk. We set off along Market Street and we turned left onto Bath Street. We turned left onto South Street and we crossed over a car park and cut back through onto Market Street though Union Passage. We sat back down near to the bus stop. The was an Arriva bus due before the next Midland Classic bus, and as the bus tickets were cheap, we decided to do the Arrive bus. A short time later the bus appeared and we saw it was Arriva Midlands 4501 on a #29 to Swadlincote.

Arriva Midlands 4501 in Ashby-de-la-Zouch

We got on the bus and we purchased single tickets to Swadlincaote at £3.30 each before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 4501.

Inside Arriva Midlands 4501

We set off along Market Street and we turned right and headed Northwards up Derby Street. We turned left onto Malrborough Way and we headed through a new housing estate. We turned right onto Burton Road and left onto Bishop Hall Road. We turned right onto Moira Road and we headed Westwards. We ran into Norris Hill and we turned right onto Bickfordby Lane. We ran fowards onto Drift Side and we turned left onto Butt Lane. We turned left onto Forest Road and right onto Hepworth Road. We turned left onto the A511 and we ran into Woodville. We turned seconfd Left onto the A514 and we ran around the North side of Swadlicaote bus entering the bus park from the East end. We got up and got off the bus and we saw Alfa 119 enter the bus park.

Alfa 119 in Swadlincote

Matthew also found out that Shaun the Sheep is to fly to the moon on Artenmis 1. We waited for the next bus to Burton. Whilst we waited Matthew had a can of Irn Bru and a Flake. A short time later a bus appeared. It was Midland Classic 7 on a #9 to Burton Hospital.

Midland Classic 7 in Swadlincote

We got on the bus and we placed the Duo ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto the A514 and we went West. We turned right onto Darklands Road and at the top we turned right onto Newhall Road. We turned left onto Sringfield Road and as we got close to the A511 we saw an unidentified Ausden Clark double decker coach go by. We turned left onto Limetree Avenue and we ran through the estate down to the high Street in Newhall. We turned right onto Bretby Road and we continued onto Wood Lane. We turned left onto the A511. After travelling West for around a mile we turned right onto Bretby Lane. We ran through the Winshill estate along Melbourne Avenue and Vancouver Drive before turning left onto Hawfield Lane. At the roundabout we turned left onto Church Hill Street. We continued onto Bearwood Road and we travelled west for around a 1/3 of a mile before we re-joined the A511. We crossed over the river Trent and we turned left into the High Street. In the centre of town we turned right New Street and we got up and got off the bus. Once we got off the bus Matthew took another picture of Midland Classic 7 before it carried on towards the hospital.

Midland Classic 7 in Burton upon Trent

Once off the bus we met up with mum. Matthew needed the toilet so we walked up New Street to the Anchor Inn. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had a glass of Coke. When we had finished in the pub We met back up with everyone. I went to the chips shop and Matthe sat down on the bench opposite. Whilst I was getting food we saw Trent Barton 745 on a X38 to Derby.

Trent Barton 745 in Burton upon Trent

Once we had the food we set off back down New Street towards the passage to the car park. On the way we saw Midland Classic 27 on a #9 to Burton Hospital.

Midland Classic 27 in Burton upon Trent

We walked through the passgeway and back to the car. Matthew had sausage chips and beans washed down with a can of Coke. We set off out of the car park onto Union Street and we ran forwards onto Guid Street. We turned left onto the A511 and we ran out of town through Horninglow. We continued through Beam Hill and along the Tutbury by-pass. We ran through Hatton and past the Salt Box Cafe. WE turned left to continue following the A511 and we joined the Westbound A50. As we travlled Westwards along the A50 we saw a lot of coach activity. We saw Silverdale BV19 YJB / BV71 HZD (2 of 3 coaches seen), Glovers AIG 1518, an unidentified AOT Ccoaches coach, Freeway LIG 2152 / K11 PSV, Skills BV19 YJC / YS22 JGX (2 of 4 seen), Marshalls YT22 EWN, Butler Brothers ??? PCT, Redfern Travel 63 RT. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and we turned right onto Blurton Road. We turned left onto Grove road and we ran forwards onto Wheildon Road. We dropped off uncle Dave and Matthew used the toilet and update the calendar. We got back in the car and we sett off up Wheildon Road and forwards onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we saw Staffs Travel HJ20 CCV. We turned right onto Church Road and we turned right onto the A5035. We got back to Blurton around 20:30. Later on we did some more of the Blog and we chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Shelton / Hartshill 14-12-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
37156	Stoke, stop N	Shelton, Beresford Street	25	First Potteries
32633	Shelton, Beresford Street	Hanley BS	25	First Potteries
65034	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	101	First Potteries
65732	Newcastle BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	11	First Potteries
111	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Hartshill, Richmond Street	1A	D&G Bus
69174	Stoke, stop I	Hanley BS	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus later on. 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 First Potteries 69174 on a #11 to Newcastle. Later on we went downstairs and we set off onto City Road and we saw Afford rent-a-car RJ21 YTD outside there yard. We continued down City Road past the new sheltered housing complex. We crossed over the A500 and went into Stoke town centre. We crossed the road to wait for the next station bound bus. When it turned up it was required First Potteries 37156 on a #25 to Hanley. We got on the bus and booked to Shelton before going upstairs. 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. At the eother end of the road we turned left onto Station Road. We went past the railway station. We ran up Stoke Road and we turned right College Road where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we we walked down College Road and we turned right into Avenue Road. We walked around Hanley Park for a while. We walked to the pavillion and we brought a sausage bap and a bottle of Coke. Matthew ate his sausage bap a bottle of Coke. After we ate the food and we walked onto the canal. We headed Northwards up to Botteslow Street and afterwards we headed back to the pavaillion to use the toilet. After spending a while there we walked back to the South East corner of the park. we walked down Avenue Road. We returned back into College Road. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 32633 on a #25 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before going upstairs. We set off continued down 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 before we turned right onto John Street and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew went to the toilet. we saw required D&G Bus 158 on a #9 to Clayton. We headed down the bus station and Matthew decided to go to Newcastle. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 65034 on a #101 to Biddulph. We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle and sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we ran down John Street and left onto Bethesda Street. We turned right onto the clockwise ring road and we turned left onto Broad Street. We ran down to snow hill and at the roundabout we turned Shelton New Road. We ran over the canal and railway line. We ran through the cross road up to Hartshill and at the roundabout we ran into Newcastle down George Street. We joined the one-way system and at the next roundabout we turned left onto Barracks Road. We turned right into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. We waited for the bus to Stoke ans a short time later we saw First Potteries 65732 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 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 walked back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew went to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window on his computer. We saw Lucky Seven DK11 BVX going towards Heron Cross.

Lucky Seven DK11 BVX in Fenton

Also seen was City Cabs DG55 FLK heading towards Stoke.

City Cabs DG55 FLK in Fenton

Later on we went to Hartshill. We went downstairs and we set off onto City Road. We walked down to the bus stop outside the flats. On the way we saw Afford rent-a-car YR69 GPX parked up in there depot.

Afford rent-a-car YR69 GPX in Fenton

We continued to the stop and we waited for a bus towards Hartshill. A short time later we saw D&G Bus 111 on a #1A to Wood Lane. We got on the bus and we booked to Hartshill 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. We went over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre along Church Street. After a brief stop in Stoke we continued along church Street and we ran forwards onto Hartshill bank. Approximatley half way up the bank we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of D&G Bus 111 as it carried on towards Wood Lane.

D&G 111 in Hartshill

As we went to cross the road we saw grey minibus NU65 YNL going towards Newcastle. We set off down the hill and we ran into Stoke. We ran along Church Street and we waited at the bus stop. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 69174 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 69174 in Stoke

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley 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. We ran past the site of the new Burger King and we went forwards onto King Street. We ran through Foley and we under the railway line into Longton town centre. We ran up Market Street and we turned left onto Anchor Road. We ran up the hill to the top and ran down to the roundabout in Adderley Green. At the roundabout at the East end of Bentilee we turned right onto Beverley Drive and then left onto Dawlish Drive. We ran to the end and we turned left 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 and 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 Road and we turned right onto John Street and we saw D&G Bus 20 on a #9 to Westbury Park. Once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Once off up Lichfield Street and across onto Tontine Street and we stopped at the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. For tea Matthew had For dinner Matthew had a beef burger and fries followed by chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. Once we had finished eating we went up Tontine Street onto Lichfield Street and back to the bus station. We waited for the next taxi back to Fenton. We crossed over Lichfield Street. We got in a City Cabs taxi and we set off along onto Lichfield Street. We crossed over the A52 and onto Victoria Road. we turned onto Manor Street. We turned right onto City Road and left onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street past the new building under construction and back to the residential unit. Matthew went back upstairs. Matthew returned to his room to chill out and drink his bottle of Coke. 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 Bucknall / Hanley 07-11-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
69168	Fenton, Sixth Form College	Hanley BS	6	First Potteries
65041	Hanley BS	Stoke, Seven Arches	25	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 waiting for time to got to the day centre Matthew spent time in his room watching buses. We saw Shelton Care Group BL69 RFF out of the window. For dinner he had chicken, potatoes and carrots followed by a slice of red velvet cake. After dinner Matthew went to Bucknall. We went downstairs We got in the car and we set off onto onto Temple Street we turned left onto Christchurch Street and crossed over City Road set off onto Temple Street we turned left onto Christchurch Street and crossed over City Road onto Manor Street. We turned left onto Victoria Road we saw First Potteries 69168 on a #6 to Coalville. and we ran down to Joiners Square. We turned right onto the A52 and we ran towards Bucknall. At Limekiln we turned right to follow the A52 we saw First Potteries 63103 on a #11 to Newcastle. We turned left onto Finney Green and we parked up. After spending some time at the gardens we returned to Fenton. We got in car we set off onto Finney Green and we turned right onto the A52. At Limekiln Light we followed the A52 to the left. At Joiners Square. we turned left onto Victoria Road and we ran up the hill into Fenton. We turned right onto Manor Street and right onto City Road. We turned left onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and wait for us to pick him up. Whilst he waited he used his computer and watched buses out of the window. We saw Lucky Seven SJ13 DLE going towards Longton. We out to catch a bus to Hanley. We went downstairs We set of on foot onto City Road and we crossed over onto Manor Street. At the end of the street we turned left onto Victoria Road and we walked down the hill to the bus stop. We saw blue minibus BD06 VTM. A few minutes later a bus appeared and it was First Potteries 69168 on a #6 to Hanley.

First Potteries 69168 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked the Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down Victoria Road and towards Joiners Square. At the roundabout we went forwards onto Lichfield Street. We turned left onto the ring road and we turned right onto Bethesda Street and right onto John Street and into the bus station we saw First Potteries 67658 on layover. We got up and got off the bus. A short time later we saw First Potteries 65035 on a Kingfisher service to Cheadle.

First Potteries 65035 in Hanley bus station

We set off out of the bus station onto Lichfield Street and we turned right onto Old Hall Street. We went into B&M and we brought a bottle of Coke. Once we had finished we went out of the shop. We walked down Stafford Street. We saw D&G Bus 20 on a #1B to Newcastle.

D&G 20 in Hanley

We continued onto Stafford Street. We continued forwards onto Bryan Street and we went to Cineworld. Matthew had a hot dog and Coke. He went to the toilet and afterwards he saw Eternals at the cinema. When he had finished we set off back down Bryan Street onto Stafford Street we saw British Tiger SF15 GUG. We turned left onto Lichfield Street. We headed into the bus station and we waited for a bus back towards Fenton. A short time later we saw First Potteries 65041 on a #25 to Keele.

First Potteries 65041 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Stoke before we sat down. We set off out of the bus station onto john Street and left onto Bethesda Street. We crossed over the ring road and we ran down through Shelton along Regent Road and College Road. We passed the railway station and we saw Northwich Travel PE11 KHL. We continued forwards onto the A52. We got off the bus. Once off the bus we crossed over the A52 and we ran alongside the railway line before turning left onto City Road into Fenton. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to chill out in his room. 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 Wolstanton / Hanley 12-04-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
65733	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
44511	Newcastle BS	Wolstanton, St Margaret's Church	98	First Potteries
67152	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. It was also mum's first Day at her new job and Matthew was going out on the bus. D&G Bus have taken delivery of reg T TYB ex Bournemouth buses. 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 First Potteries 67156 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67156 in Fenton

Whilst getting ready we saw Afford rent-a-car CN68 JXL.

Afford rent-a-car CN68 JXL in Fenton

Whilst getting ready we saw First Potteries 69167 on a #11 to Hanley. We went downstairs and we and we cut through onto City Road. We waited for a bus towards Newcastle. A short time later we saw First Potteries 65733 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. 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 Wolstanton. A short time later we saw D&G Bus 29 on a #9 to Westbury Park. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 44511 on a #98 to Ball Green. We got on the bus and we booked to Wolstanton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We crossed the Jubilee roundabout onto the A527 and headed through Wolstanton and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked A527. We turned left onto the A527 and we ran down the hill into the retail park and we ran into Asda. After parking up we went in the supermarket. Matthew used the toilets and afterwards we went around and did the shopping. When we had finished we decided to go have dinner. We left the retail park and we joined the Southbound A500. We came off at Etruria and we went onto the Eastbound A53. We veered left onto Garner Street. We stopped at the food van by the builders yard and Matthew had a Cumberland sausage bap washed down with a can of Coke. once we had finished we got a taxi back to the residential unit. We set off along Garner Street and we turned right onto the A500. We headed South through Stoke and we turned left onto City Road. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to chill out in his room. For dinner Matthew had a Cumberland sausage bap washed down with a can of Coke. Later on we went to Newcastle on the bus. We went downstairs and we set off on foot to the bus stop. We walked onto Temple Street and left onto Christchurch Street. We continued up City Road the new sheltered housing complex. We waited for a bus towards Hanley. Whilst we waited we saw green minibus GX54 EYR. past of the new housing being built on the site of the old outdoor market. A short time later we saw D&G Bus 21 on a E1 to Alton Towers.

D&G 21 in Fenton

We walked up to Victoria place and we turned left onto Victoria Road where we saw Z Carz YJ12 SGV parked up on Victoria road.

Z Carz YJ12 SGV in Fenton

Whilst we waited we saw silver minibus SB21 HCZ heading towards Longton.

SB21 HCZ in Fenton

We turned left onto Manor Street. At the end we crossed over City Road. We continued to the stop outside the flats and we waited for a bus to Hanley. A short time later we saw 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. 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 Street 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 where we saw D&G Bus 27 on a #9 to Westbury Park. We turned left onto Lower Bethesda Street and we crossed over the ring road onto Bethesda Street where we saw D&G Bus 20 on a #16 to Buxton. We turned right onto John Street and once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. We left the bus station and we walked up Lichfield Street and onto Tontine Street we walked through Tontine Square. We continued to the Intu Potteries shopping centre. We had a walk around the shops and afterwards we walked through Tontine Square onto Tontine Street. We walked onto Lichfield Street. We returned to Fenton in a Z Carz taxi. We set off down Lichfield Street and we ran down to Joiners Square. We turned right onto the A52 and we ran towards the railway station. We ran alongside the railway line and we turned left onto City Road and up the hill into Fenton. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to chill out in his room. For tea matthew had chicken and chips. 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 Wolstanton / Longton 23-12-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63114	Longton, stop C	Fenton, adj Travers Court	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in Blurton, and we were going out to do some shopping later on. We were also going to uncle Dave for a Christmas party. Matthew got up around 10:15 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Mum arrived home around 10:30 and we sepnt time chilling out before going shopping. Around 11:45 we got in the car and we set off through Blurton. We ran along Beaconsfield Drive and we passed First Potteries 67650 on a #22 to Newcastle. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we turned left onto Blurton Road. We joined the Westbound A50 and we saw The Traveller Choice 7 HXP going Eastwards. At Sideway we joined the Northbound A500 where we saw Arriva Midlands 2988 on the #164 to Hanley. We continued Northwards and we turned left onto Adsa. After parking up we went in the supermarket. Matthew used the toilets and afterwards we went around and did the shopping. When we had finished we decided to go have dinner. We decided to go to Britannia Cafe in Longton. We set of out of the retail park and we joined the Southbound A500. As we ran through Stoke we saw an unidentified Ridleys coach and First Potteries 44514 on a #23 to Newstead. We came off the A500 at City Road we saw First Potteries 67159 on a #23 to Hanley. We ran up City Road and we saw First Potteries 67665 on a #11 to Newcastle. We ran past KFC and forwards onto King Street. As we approached Longton we saw First Potteries 65706 on a #6 to Hanley. We turned right onto Baths Road and we ran past Longton Interchange where we saw D&G 173 on a #50 to Hanley. We joined the hight level A50 and we cam off at the next junction and parked up by Matalan. We walked along Gold Street and we stopped at the sweet shop. Matthew brought a bag of spearmint chews. We went around the corner onto The Strand and we went into the The Britannia Cafe. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards he had 2 sausage and cheese oatcake washed down with a can of Coke. Highlights of the bus sighting include D&G Bus 20 on an Engineering test and First Potteries 63173 running out of service. We went outside and we spotted a bus we fancied catching. We saw it was First Potteries 63114 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63114 in Longton

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down The Strand and we ran under the railway line onto King Street. We ran through Foley into Fenton and forwards onto City Road. As we approached the flat we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we had arranged to go to the residential unit to pick up some presents. We walked up City Road and we saw D&G Bus 113 on a #1A to Wood Lane.

D&G 113 in Fenton

We cut through onto Temple Street and we went upstairs to Matthew's room. We collected the presents and afterwards went downstairs and we met mum outside. We got in the car and we set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. We turned right onto Station Bridge Road and we ran forwards onto Heron Street. We ran through the Heron Cross lights and forwards onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and we turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got back to Blurton around 14:00. We saw The Lambourne NC57 TXH parked by the pub.

The Lambourne NC57 TXH in Blurton

In the afternoon we chilled out and we started the Blog entry for today. Outside we saw white minibus KS08 ATE.

KS08 ATE in Blurton

Later on we went to uncle Dave's. We dropped something off near to home and we set off onto Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Finstock Avenue and we turned right onto Ripon Road. We stopped at the flat to drop something off and we continued along Ripon Road. We turned right onto the A5035 and we ran into Trentham. We turned right onto New Inn Lane and we turned right onto Pacific Drive. We turned left onto Constance Avenue and we stopped to drop something off. We turned around and we turned right onto Pacific Drive. We turned right onto New Inn Lane and left onto Trentley Road and we ran to the end. We turned left onto Allerton Road and left onto the A34 and we caught up First Potteries 65041 on a #101 to Stafford. We turned right onto Whitmore Road and right onto Fairway. We dropped off something and we turned the car around. We ran down Whitmore Road and we turned left onto the Northbound A34. We ran up to Hanford roundabout and we joined the Northbound A500 and we ran up to Stoke where we saw First Potteries 32649 on a #25 to Keele. We ran up Wheildon Road and we stopped at uncle Dave's. We lit a fire and we set up a buffet. Matthew ate sausages and sausage rolls as well as a can of orange Fanta. He also are chocolate fingers and viscount biscuits. Matthew played computer games and afterwards we made fire cooked toast! We had music videos followed by a DJ set. Around 21:00 we said goodbye to uncle Dave and we set off onto Wheildon Road. We ran forwards onto Grove Road and we turned right onto Blurton Road. We crossed over the A50 and we ran back through Blurton. We turned right onto Church Road and right onto the A5035. We got back to Blurton around 21:15. Matthew chilled out and we finished off the Blog before bedtime around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Newcastle / Biddulph 21-12-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67155	Blurton, adj Ladybank Grove	Stoke, Adj stop Q	23	First Potteries
119	Stoke, adj stop P	Newcastle BS	1	D&G Bus
37156	Newcastle BS	Tunstall, Stop A	99	First Potteries
37156	Tunstall, Stop B	Newcastle BS	99	First Potteries
63174	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	4A	First Potteries
65732	Hanley BS	Biddulph BS	7A	First Potteries
20	Biddulph BS	Hanley BS	9	D&G Bus

Today as it is close to Christmas we decided to do a local trip. We didn't do any research other than to check the weather which was for dull, cool and mainly dry conditions. Matthew got up around 10:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off just before 12:00 and we walked to the bus stop all the way on Beaconsfield Drive. We had originally planned to go Longton on a #22, but we were a little late and we would have to wait nearly 30 minutes. We decided to catch the next Hanley bus as far as Stoke. A few minutes later we saw a bus turn the corner. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67155 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67155 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked the Knot ticket at £7 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Beaconsfield Drive and we ran to the end we turned left onto Church Road. We ran to Critchlow's Corner and we veered left onto Blurton Road running through Blurton. We crossed the A50 and at Heron Cross lights we went forwards onto Heron Street. We followed the road around onto Station Bridge Road. We turned left at Christchurch Street. We turned left onto 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 where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67155 before it continued on a the #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67155 in Stoke

Once off the bus we walked along Church Street and we visited the Stoke Cafe. Matthew went to the toilet and I ordered the food. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we set off onto Church Street and we walked up to the Newcastle bus stop. Whilst we waited for the bus we saw First Potteries 67157 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67157 in Stoke

A few minutes later we saw a D&G bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 119 on a #1 to Park Site.

D&G 119 in Stoke

We got on the bus and we flashed the Knot tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off 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 walked onto Stubbs Street and we saw D&G Bus 41 on layover.

D&G 41 in Newcastle bus station

We had a look around to decide what bus we would catch next. We saw First Potteries 32649 on a #98 to Ball Green.

First Potteries 32649 in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes later we saw another double decker approaching. It was first Potteries 37156 on a #99 to Chell.

First Potteries 37156 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed our Knot Day ticket to the driver before going upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 37156.

Inside First Potteries 37156

Whilst we waited for departure time we saw Anthony's minibus DX06 KTJ heading Southwards along Barracks Road. We set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We crossed the Jubilee roundabout onto the A527 and headed through Wolstanton. As we travelled North up the road. We turned right onto Porthill Bank and we we went down the hill and over the A500. We went through Middleport and at Trubshaw Cross we went left onto Brownhills Road. We joined Tunstall High Street and at the top of the Road we got up and got off the bus. we saw D&G Bus 37 on a #94 to Newcastle. We went to Tunstall Cafe and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards he had a can of Coke. When we had finished we crossed the road and we waited for a bus back to Newcastle. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 67658 on a #3A to Talke.

First Potteries 67658 in Tunstall

A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As expected it was First Potteries 37156 on a #99 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 37156 in Tunstall

We got on the bus and we flashed our Knot Day ticket to the driver before going upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 37156.

Inside First Potteries 37156

We set off down the High Street and we stopped at the bottom before joining Brownhills Road. We ran down the hill to Trubshsaw Cross and we continued straight through Longport and over the A500. We went up Porthill Bank and we followed the A527 through Wolstanton & May Bank and into Newcastle. We crossed the roundabout onto Barracks Road and we entered the bus station. As we got off the bus we spotted First Potteries 63174 on a #4A to Hanley.

First Potteries 63174 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we placed our Knot Day ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We crossed the Jubilee Roundabout and onto the A53. We ran into Basford and over the A500. We ran down into Etruria and over the A500. We continued along the A53 and we turned left onto Forge Lane. We ran out along the Lane and we crossed over the canal before we returned back into Etruria along festival Way. We crossed under the A53 onto Etruria Road. We turned right onto the ring road and we ran around anti-clockwise to Bethesda Street. We turned right onto John Street and we ran up the hill to the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew visited the toilet. Once Matthew had been to the facilities we headed towards John Street car park to take a few bus pictures. On the way up there we saw First Potteries 32647 on a #4 to Audley.

First Potteries 32647 in Hanley bus station

We went up the stairs and unusually the car park was busy. We saw Edwards Coaches BV66 WPR departing on a #528 to Rochdale.

Edwards Coaches BV66 WPR in Hanley bus station

Also seen was First Potteries 65029 which went on layover before working a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 65029 in Hanley bus station

A short time later we headed back to the bus station and we visited the Spar shop. Matthew had a can of Coke and a bottle of Irn Bru as well as a couple of chocolate bars. We headed down to the stand to wait for the next #7A to Biddulph. Whilst we waited Matthew ate a Flake. 20 minutes later the bus appeared. It was First Potteries 65732 on a #7A to Biddulph.

First Potteries 65732 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Knot ticket to the driver. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 65732 before we sat down.

Inside First Potteries 65732

The bus waited for time before setting off out of the bus station. We went down John Street and onto Bethesda Street before we went across onto Marsh Street and then we turned right into Trinity Street. We turned left into Stafford Street and we continued forwards to Quadrant Road and we left Hanley along Town Road. We travelled through Sneyd Green and over Smallthorne roundabouts to Chell. At the roundabout we turned right and we ran down the A527 through Brindley Ford. We turned left to run through Brown Lees. We crossed over the A527 at Knypersley and we ran around through the housing estates of Biddulph before running into town via St John's Road, Colliers Way. We ran past the building site and we turned right up Wharf Road to the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 65732 before it carried on back to Hanley.

First Potteries 65732 in Biddulph bus station

Once off the bus we used the toilet and turned the corner onto the High Street. We walked down to the kebab shop and we ordered some food. We picked up a couple of portions of fries and a can of Vimto and we returned onto Wharf Road. We returned to the benches to eat the fries. It was at this point we realised there was an hour long gap in the #7A service. About 30 minutes int the wait we saw D&G Bus 37 on a #94 to Newcastle. Matthew didn't want to do this bus. A minute or so later we saw D&G Bus 20 arrive to work the next #9 to Hanley.

D&G 20 in Biddulph bus station

It was cold and wet and we did persuade him to do the #9. Whilst we waited for the bus to be readied for service we saw Stanton's of Stoke KBZ 2539 arrive and empty out.

Stanton's of Stoke KBZ 2539 in Biddulph bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Knot tickets to the driver for the final time today. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside D&G Bus 20 before we sat down.

Inside D&G 20

The bus set off onto High Street and we turned left at the roundabout onto St John's Road. We ran around the estate and we crossed over the A527 and we ran down through Brindley Ford into Fegg Hayes. We turned left onto Oxford Road and we ran forwards into Chell Heath. We passed Matthew's old school site which is going to be a new sheltered housing site. We ran through Bradeley to the traffic lights. We turned right and we ran up the hill through Smallthorne. At the top of the hill we turned left onto the A5272 and into Hanley. We ran into town along Town Road and we crossed over the ring road. We turned right onto Quadrant Road and we went under the Intu Potteries shopping centre. We ran forwards onto Stafford Street and we passed the town hall. We ran along Bagnall Street and into the bus station. Once off the bus Matthew visited the toilet. After using the facilities we headed out of the bus station and we crossed over Lichfield Street onto Birch Terrace where mum was waiting for us. We set off onto Lichfield Street and we crossed over the ring road. We stopped in the small car park and mum fetched some food for Matthew. We set off towards Z Carz and Matthew ate his sausage chips and gravy. We ran down Lichfield Street and we crossed over Joiners Square roundabout onto Victoria Road. We ran up into Fenton and forwards onto King Street new petrol station and coffee shop. We turned right onto the A50 link road and we ran down to the A50. We joined the Eastbound A50 and we came off at Longton. We ran up to Z Carz to see what was parked up there this evening. We turned left onto Willow Row and we saw Z Carz Citroen minibus LV59 DZC parked up outside the depot.

Z Carz LV59 DZC in Longton

Inside the compound we saw Z Carz Mercedes minibus CE02 LYX.

Z Carz CE02 LYX in Longton

We turned around and got back onto the A50 and we went Westwards to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton. We ran forwards onto Church Street and we turned right into Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 18:45. We spent time doing the e-mails and doing the Blog. We chilled out on the computer and watching telly until 00:00... Mark.