Trip to Leigh / Bolton 18-09-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
143	Leigh BS	Tyldesley, The Gatehouse	594	Tyrer's
1033	Tyldesley, The Gatehouse	Farnworth BS	129	Vision Travel
40801	Farnworth, (Stop F)	Bolton Interchange	37	Rotala Diamond
40728	Bolton Interchange	Salford, Rossall Way (stop F)	8	Rotala Diamond
40815	Salford, Rossall Way (stop G)	Farnworth, (Stop F)	8	Rotala Diamond
40813	Farnworth, (Stop F)	Bolton Interchange	8	Rotala Diamond
2683	Bolton Interchange	Horwich, The Crown (Stop C)	575	Arriva NW&W

Today was the first day of a 2 day break away. We were stopping in a suite at a Best Western Hotel. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice. He chilled out in his room until we came to collect him from the residential unit. Matthew got his face mask and bag and got ready to go. We came around 11:30 and Matthew came downstairs and got in the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. We checked the bag and Matthew realised that he had no batteries so we returned to the residential unit to pick them up. We set off onto Wheildon Road and we turned left onto Smithpool Road and we saw Travel Express BG61 KTK. We turned right onto Temple Street and we stopped at the residential unit. We collected his batteries and and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto City Road. We ran down the hiull into Stoke and we went under the railway line. We crossed over the the A500 and we turned right onto Northbound A500. Travelling up the A500 we saw black coach like reg M8 doh (murgatroid?), Daish's BU18 YND, Parks of Hamilton LSK 501 and preserved Primrose Motors RCJ 211M. We ran to the North end of the A500 and we turned right onto the Northbound M6. As we travelled NOrhwards on the M6 we saw Flixbus FX28, Selwyn's (NX) 250 (#121), white minibus NJ04 LRU, white coach reg like WA53 ???, red minibus WX64 YNL, Happy Al's MA14 ALS, Hollinshead DH13 HOL, preserved Routemaster RM887 and an unidentified silver minibus. We left the M6 at junction 22 onto Winwick lane and we travelled North to Lowton. We turned right onto Newton Road and we crossed over the A580. Newton Road became St Helens Road and we continued North over the A579 and into Leigh town centre. We turned right onto Spinning Jenny Way and we ran around onto gas Street and onto the main car park. We parked up and Matthew sued the toilet in the block outside the shopping centre. We walked through the shopping centre and when we got to the bus station. Matthew went to the toilet. We walked back to the food van for dinner. Matthew had a bacon and egg with a few fries washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and we headed to the bus station. We had a walk around to see what we might catch. We saw Network Warrington 223 on a #28 to Warrington.

Network Warrington 223 in Leigh bus station

Matthew wanted to do the Warrington bus, but it was going in the wrong direction so we decided not to do it. We walked around the bus station and a few minutes later we saw Tyrers 143 on a #594 Tyldesley circular service.

Tyrer's 143 in Leigh bus station

The bus was not ready for service so we stood at the end of the bus station for 10 minutes watching other buses coming and going. We walked back to the stand and the driver got on the bus. Once the bus was ready we got on the bus and and we purchased System One bus only tickets at £6.00 each. The lower saloon ws empty so Matthew took a picture inside Tyrer's 143.

Inside Tyrer's 143

We went upstairs and Matthew took a picture inside the top deck of Tyrer's 143 before we sat down.

Inside Tyrer's 143

We set off out off the bus station onto the B5215 and we headed Northwards. We turned right into The Avenue and we ran East before turning right onto the B5215. We turned left onto the A572 and we ran Eastwards out of town. We traveled around 1/2 a mile to the Canal Turn pub and we followed the road around the corner to the left onto Manchester Road. Another few hundred yards at the mini roundabout we followed Manchester Road to the right. We crossed the roundabout onto the A5082 and we turned left onto Stour Road. We ran past the Co-op and we turned right onto Bodmin Road. We turned left onto Hough Lane we crossed over the guided busway and turned left onto the A577. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Tyrer's 143 before it continued on it's journey.

Tyrer's 143 in Tyldesley

We had a look on the bustimes.org map to see what services were due. We saw that there was a #129 to Farnworth due in a few minutes across the road. Whilst we waited for the bus we spotted a few intereesting bricks in the wall by the bus stop. We also looked at the map to see what bus was approaching. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As expected it was Vision Travel 1033 on the #129 to Farnworth.

Vision Travel 1033 in Tyldesley

We got on the bus and we placed the System One bus tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off Eastwards along the A577 and we headed down to Mosley Common. We turned left onto Thornton Road and right onto Lindale Road. We turned right onto Kendall Road and we completed the square by turning right onto Garrett Hall Road. We re-joined the A577 and we crossed over the A580. We continued Southwards and we ran forwards onto the A577. We turned left onto Ellenbrook Road and we crossed back over the A580. We ran Northwards up the B5232 for a mile or so and into the centre of Walkden. We turned left onto the A6 and we ran North Westwards for a while. We turned right onto Eastham Way and we ran through a housing estate. At the end of the road we turned right onto the A5082. We turned right onto old Lane and right onto Newcome Drive. We turned left onto Anchor Lane and we crossed over the M61. We turned left onto Starling Drive and at the roundabout we went forwards onto Windermere Road. We turned right onto Highfield Road and left onto Wildman Lane. We turned right onto Plodder Land and we ran forwards onto Glynne Street. We turned right onto the Southbound A575 and left onto King Street. At the end of the road we turned right into the bus station. Where we got up and got off the bus. We decided to have a bit of a walk around before we caught the next bus. As we set off towards Market Street we saw Rotala Diamond 40746 on a #501 to Higher Folds.

Rotala Diamond 40746 in Farnworth

We walked past the former RBS bank which is currently to let. We walked past Home of Bargainz and to the main Northbound bus stop. A few minutes later we saw Rotala Diamond 40801 on a #37 to Bolton.

Rotala Diamond 40801 in Farnworth

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only tickets to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Rotala Diamond 40801.

Inside Rotala Diamond 40801

The bus set off Northwards up the A6053 and we went past Moses Gate railway station before running alongside the A666. We continued onto B6536 and We ran Northwards into Bolton. We ran forwards onto the A575 and we turned left onto Great Moor Street. We turned left onto Newport Street and we turned left into Bolton Interchange. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew used the facilities and then we had a walk around to see what we could catch. We saw Rotala Diamond 30857 on layover.

Rotala Diamond 30857 in Bolton Interchange

We walked up to the exit of the bus station to take a few bus pictures. We saw Rotala Diamond 30977 on the Employee Staff Bus.

Rotala Diamond 30977 in Bolton Interchange

Also seen was Rotala Diamond 40744 on a #582 to Leigh.

Rotala Diamond 40744 in Bolton Interchange

Another vehicle seen was Rotala Diamond 40728 on a #8 to Manchester.

Rotala Diamond 40728 in Bolton Interchange

We decided to catch this bus so we walked into the bus station and waited for the bus to be readied for service. We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only tickets to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Rotala Diamond 40728.

Inside Rotala Diamond 40728

We set off out of the bus station and onto Great Moor Street and we turned right onto the A575. We headed Southwards past the railway station and we ran fowards onto the B6536. We ran through Burnden then along side the A666 before going forwards onto the A6053. We ran through Farnworth and we crossed the Kearsley Spur of the M61 and forwards onto the A666. We ran through Kearsley and Clifton and we crossed over the M60. We ran through Newton and Pendlebury and we crossed over the A6. We ran alongside the A6 for a short while before turning right onto Langworthy Road. We turned left onto the A576 and we went under the A6 and onto the roundabout at Pendleton. We turned right by the police station and we ran towards Salford Shopping centre where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took a picture of Rotala Diamond 40728 before it continued on towards Manchester.

Rotala Diamond 40728 in Salford

Once off the bus we needed to head back Northwards to meet up with mum. We decided to do a bus back towards Bolton. Whilst we waited we took a few bus pictures. We saw Go North West 3254 on a #67 to Cadishead.

Go North West 3254 in Salford

A few minutes later we saw Go North West 6152 on a #53 to Cheetham Hill.

Go North West 6152 in Salford

A few minutes later we saw our bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Rotala Diamond 40815 on a #8 to Bolton.

Rotala Diamond 40815 in Salford

We decided to do this bus as far as Farnworth then to get off and to catch a following bus. We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only tickets to the driver before we went upstairs. The bus set off out off the shopping centre area and onto the Westbound high level A6. We veered left onto the A576 and we turned right onto Langworthy Road. We ran along side the A6 towards Irlam O' Th' Heights. We crossed over the A6 onto the A666 and we ran Northwards through Pendlebury and Newton. We crossed the M60 and we ran through Clifton and Kearsley. We crossed the Kearsley Spur of the M61 and we ran forwards onto the A6053. We ran into Farnworth and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Rotala Diamond 40815 before it continued on towards Bolton.

Rotala Diamond 40815 in Farnworth

Within in minute or so the following #8 appeared. As it got closer we saw it was Rotala Diamond 40813 on a #8 to Bolton.

Rotala Diamond 40813 in Farnworth

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only tickets to the driver before we went upstairs. The bus set off Northwards up the A6053 and we went past Moses Gate railway station before running alongside the A666. We continued onto B6536 and We ran Northwards into Bolton. We ran forwards onto the A575 and we turned left onto Great Moor Street. We turned left onto Newport Street and we turned left into Bolton Interchange. We got up and got off the bus. We waited for a bus to Horwich. Whilst we waited we saw Stagecoach Lancashire 15236 on a #125 to Preston. A short time later the bus arrived on stand. We saw it was Arriva NW&W 2683 on a #575 to Wigan.

Arriva NW&W 2683 in Bolton Interchange

We flashed the System One Bus Only Day tickets to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto the A575. We turned left onto Deansgate and right onto Bridge Street. We turned left onto the B6205 and we crossed the ring road onto the B6226. We veered left onto the A673 and we ran Westwards out of town. We ran through Heaton and Lostock and we continued Northwards for the last couple of miles. When we got to the North end of town in familiar territory, we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took a picture of Arriva NW&W 2683 as it continued towards Wigan.

Arriva NW&W 2683 in Horwich

We crossed over the road and we visited the pub whilst we waited for mum to come and pick us up. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had a glass of Coke. We went outside and mum arrived a few minutes later. We got in the car and we headed Southwards down Chorley New Road and we turned right onto De Havilland Way. We turned right and joined the Northbound M61 and we saw York Pullman BU14 EGY. We came off the M61 at junction 8 and we joined the Westbound A674. We joined the Southbound A6 before turning right onto Euxton Lane and running past Chorley and South Ribble Hospital. We ran into Euxton and we turned left onto Wigan Road. We ran Southwards through Charnock Green and we turned right onto Mill Lane. We continued onto Park Hall Road. We turned right into the hotel grounds and we parked up near reception. Matthew had a bottle of Irn Bru and mum collected the key to the room. We couldn't park any closer so we dragged the suitcase through the hotel grounds to our allocated room. We settle in the room and we got the laptop out. Matthew used the computer whilst I drove down to Coppull to get chips for tea. I returned a short time later with sausage chips and gravy for Matthew. After a late tea will chilled out in the room. Matthew watched TV and we did some work on the Blog. Later Matthew had a shower and then got into his pyjamas before settling to bed around 11:30... Mark

Trip to Birkenhead / West Kirby 09-06-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4533	Birkenhead BS	West Kirby, West Kirby Station (Stop B)	437	Arriva NW&W
255	West Kirby, West Kirby Station (Stop B)	Heswall BS	22	Avon
4503	Heswall BS	Prenton, Osmaston Road	472	Arriva NW&W
2958	Prenton, Curzon Road	Woodside BS	413	Arriva NW&W
2601	Woodside BS	Seacombe Ferry	411	Arriva NW&W
2545	Seacombe Ferry	Birkenhead BS	409	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to re-visit Birkenhead. We gave Matthew a list of place to visit in the Midlands and North West and from the list he chose Birkenhead. Research consisted of checking the weather, which was for warm suuny weather mainly dry and finding the Walrus cards. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and apple juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:45 through Blurton and we turned left onto Church Road. At the roundabout we turned left onto Blurton Road. We stopped at the shop to drop off toilet rolls and then we continued up Blurton Road into Heron Cross. We join ed the WEstbound A50 and at Sideway we went Northwards up the A500. Traffic was quite light and we made good time up to the M6. As we travlled up the A500 we saw Sids HK58 ECV & Roseville WF11 WHC. We joined the Northbound M6 and we made good time up to junction 20. Seen on the M6 were TM Travel YJ17 CXW & black minibus KR18 HVZ. We joined the Westbound M56 and as we travelled Westwards we saw silver minibus YL14 MGJ, Atlantic Executive BN08 OOG & an unidentified E Jones and sons coach. We joined the Northbound M53 and we ran upn to junction 3. We came into Birkenhead along the A552 and we saw Arriva NW&W 2582 on a #413 to Seacombe Ferry and Stagecoach Merseyside 10887 on a #472 to Heswall. We veered left onto Woodchurch Road. We ran onto the A5029 and we turned right onto Claughton Road. We ran to the end and we parked up near to Wilko's. We headed up to the Market to go and get something to eat, On the way we saw required Arriva NW&W 2545 on #409 to New Brighton.

Arriva NW&W 2545 in Birkenhead bus station

We headed into the market and the first food van we came to had no sausages! We went further into the market and we found annother food place. Matthew had a full breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. Once we had finished we headed out of the market and into the bus station. Whilst I got the Walrus cards Matthew took a few bus pictures. We saw required Stagecoach Merseyside 27271 on a #2 to Liverpool.

Stagecoach Merseyside 27271 in Birkenhead bus station

Once we had charge the cards up we spotted dud Arriva NW&W 3007 on a #414 to New Brighton. We considered doing this but we weren't quick enough. We also saw Arriva NW&W 4533 on a #437 to West Kirby.

Arriva NW&W 4533 in Birkenhead bus station

We decided to do this bus so we walked down the bus station and got on the bus. We placed the Walrus passes on the ticket machine and we went upstairs ans sat down. We set off out of the bus station and onto Conway Street. We ran North Westwards out of town and past the end of Dale Street near to Birkenhead Park railway station. We continued onto Laird Street past the Arriva depot and we turned left onto Mallby Street. We turned right onto Park Road North and we ran through Claughton. We continued onto Upton Road and we crossed over the M53 near to Upton railway station. We turnd right onto Ford Road and into Upton town centre. We continued out of the other side onto Old Greasby Road and forwards onto the B5139. We turned left onto Breasby Road and we ran through the village before re-joining the B5139. We continued throgh Frankby and Newtown and we ran forwards onto Greenbank Road. We past West Kirby football club and we turned left onto Anglesey Road before turning tight onto Bridge Road. We crossed over the railway line and we ran into town. We got to the main stop and the bus emptied out. Matthew took a picture inside Inside Arriva NW&W 4533 before we got off the bus.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4533

Once off the bus we walked across to the librbary. Matthew used the toilet and I picked uo a couple of bus timetables. We walked back to the bus stop and as we arrived we saw required Avon Buses 255 on a #22 to Chester.

Avon Buses 255 in West Kirby

We decided to do this bus so we got on and we put the Walrus cards on the card reader before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A540 and we turned left onto Orrysdale Road. We ran forwards onto Anglesey Road and we turned sharp right by West Kirby football club. We ran along Greenbank Road and forwards onto the B5139. We passed through Newton and Frankby and we turned right onto Greasby Road. We ran through Greasby Road and forwards onto Arrow Road. We ran forwards onto Arrowe Brook Road before turning right onto the A551. We turnbed right into Arrowe park hospital and we stopped briefly before continuing South through Thingwall. We continued Southwards through Pensby and into Heswall. We turned left onto the A540 and left into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Avon 255 as it continued towards Chester.

Avon Buses 255 in Heswall bus station

Once the bus had left we stood at the end of the bus station whilst we considered what to do next. We spotted a double decker to the South of us in the distance. Eventually it came North. As it got closer we saw that it was required Helms 223 running out of service.

Helms 223 in Heswall bus station

A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required Arriva NW&W 4503 on a #472 to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4503 in Heswall bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Walrus cards on the ticket machine before we went upstairs. The bus set off out of the bus station onto the Northbiound A540. We turned right onto the B5138 passing Helms 135 running out of service. We ran through Pensby and up to Arrowe Park Road. We joined the Northbound A551 and by the Arrowe Park pub we followed the A551 to the left. We turned into Arrowe Park hospital and we stooped briefly to pick up passengers. Other vehcile seen in that area include Arriva NW&W on a #418 and Stagecoach 10883 on a #472 to Heswall. We left the hospital and we ran Southwards back down the A551 to a roundabout. We went Westwards along the A552. We passed the Asda near to Woodchurch where they appear to be building a small building in the car park. We crossed over the M53 at junction 3 and we ran up the hill into Prenton. It was a little warm on the bus so we decided to get up and get off the bus in Prenton to have a break from buses. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4503 as it continued up towards Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4503 in Prenton

We walked into Sainsburys and Matthew used the toilet. After he had finished using the facilities we brought a bottle of Coke and a pack of 4 flakes. After paying for the stuff we went outside and walked towards the next bus stop. Matthew had other ideas and he walked into a coffe shop and sat down. He had a plapjack and a glass of Coke with ice. When he finished that we went outside to meet uncle Dave again. Whilst we waited at the bus stop for a Birkenhead bound bus, we saw Arriva NW&W 4516 on a #471 to Heswall.

Arriva NW&W 4516 in Prenton

A few minutes later we saw n Arriva single decker approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required Arriva NW&W 2958 on a #413 to Woodside.

Arriva NW&W 2958 in Prenton

As we got on the bus we were passed by an unidentified Helms double decker bus on the Wirral Ale Trail service. We placed the Walrus cards on the ticket machine before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A552 into Birkenhead past the Pyramids shopping centre. We stopped at the back of the shopping cente by Clifton Road and we turned left at the roundabout onto Argyle Street. We turned right into Canning Street. We went around the roundabout and we entered the Woodside bus terminal. WE let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2958.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2958

As we were getting off the bus we spotted another bus in the terminal. It was required Arriva NW&W 2601 on a #411 to New Brighton.

Arriva NW&W 2601 in Woodside bus station

We decided to do this bus so we got on and we put the Walrus cards on the card reader before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus terminal and we went around the roundabout onto the A554. We turned left onto Argyle Street and we ran past Hamilton Square. We turned right onto Conway Street and we entered the main bus station. After loading up til the bus was nearly full, we set off onto Claughton Road. We turned right onto Hemmingsford Street and we continued along Conway Street for another 1/2 mile or so. We turned right into Duke Street and we past Birkenhead Park railway station. WE passed Happy Als depot and inthe yard opposite there were lots of other buses, including LJ03 MOV. We crossed over the bridge and we turned right onto Dock Road. At the roundabout we veered left onto the A554 and we ran up to and entered Seacombe Ferry bus terminal. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2601 before it crried on to New Brighton.

Arriva NW&W 2601 in Seacombe Ferry

We also saw Arriva NW&W 2993 on layover. We went into the ferry terminal and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards, we came out to wait for a bus back to Birkenhead. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. It was required Arriva NW&W 2545 on a #409 to Woodside.

Arriva NW&W 2545 in Seacombe Ferry

We got on the bus and we placed the Walrus passes on the ticket machine for the final time today. As the rear of the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2545 before we sat down.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2545

We set off out of the bus station and onto the Southbound A554. We turned right onto Dock Road past the new bridge under construction and left onto Duke Street. After we crossed over the bridge we turned left onto Corporation Street. We turned left onto the A554. We picked up passengers and we ran towards the other side of the bridge. We did a u turn on the roundabout and we went back down the A554 to Woodside bus terminal. After a brief stop we headed back into the centre of Birkenhead. We ran up to Argyle Street and past Hamilton Square. We turned right onto Conway Street and we entered the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and we crossed over to the car park. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2545 as it carried on to New Brighton.

Arriva NW&W 2545 in Birkenhead bus station

We walked back to the car and mum had popped out to Wilko's, so matthew decided he wanted to go to the pub. AS we crossed over Conway Street we saw Arriva NW&W 2909 on a #410 to Woodside.

Arriva NW&W 2909 in Birkenhead

We crossed over the road and we went into The Crown. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we headed back across Conway Street to the car. On the way we saw Arriva NW&W 4534 on a #407 to Moreton.

Arriva NW&W 4534 in Birkenhead

We continued over the road and back to the car. Mum was just getting back to the car as we did. Matthew had a Greggs sausage roll and a can of Irn Bru. We set off onto Cluaghton Road and we turned right onto Hemmingford street. We turned right onto Conway Street and we ran past the bus statio, We turned right onto SArgyle Street and left onto the Borough Road. We joined the Southbound A41 and we ran through Port Sunlight and Bromborough. We joined the M53 at junction 5. Seen on the M53 returning were Longmynd Travel SF56 KDJ & taxi minibus YC66 KWV. We ran down to the M56 and we ran East towards and we saw an unidentified Arvonia coach. We joined the Southbound M6 and we travelled towards junction 16 we saw an unidentified Llew Jones coach, white minibus MX56 AZL, an unidentified Bullock coach, Shearings 515, an unidentified AXA coach & silver minibus CX07 FHW. We joined the Southbound A500 and we saw taxi minibus MD64 FKZ. At Sideway we went Eastwards up the A50 and we came off at Longton. We went to see what was parked up at Z Carz. The spare ground was empty as expected so we turned left into Willow Row. In the compound we saw Z Carz YN11 AHJ parked up near to the top end.

Z Carz YN11 AHJ in Longton

Also seen was Z Carz Ford minibus DC12 KNG in the corner of the new yard. We went West along the A50 to Heron Cross and we turned left onto Blurton Road. We continued up to Church Road and we turned right into Beaconsfield Drive and we got back home at 19:30. When we got back for a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots and gravy followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. We did an e-mail and we wrote some of the Blog. Matthew went to bed around 00:00.... Mark.

Trip to Joiners Square / Newcastle 01-09-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63098	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Newcastle, Opp Cherry Tree PH	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going to Blurton later. Matthew got up 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 First Potteries 67154 on a #23 to Newstead. Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street. We saw First Potteries 67152 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67152 in Fenton

We continued to the day centre and we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. In the morning Matthew went on the computer. For dinner Matthew had sausage chips and gravy followed by a Manchester Tart. In the afternoon Matthew went to the pub by car. We set off onto Albert Square and we turned left into Gimson Street, We turned left onto Glebedale Road and right onto City Road. At the roundabout we turned sharp left onto Victoria Road. We ran down the hill onto Joiners Square and over the roundabout. We went forwards onto Lichfield Street and we stopped at pub. At the pub Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. When it was time to returned to Fenton we travelled back in a car. We set off onto Palmerston Street and we turned right onto the A52. At joiners square we continued straight along the A52 towards the railway station. We veered left and ran along side the railway line and at the end 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 use his computer whilst he waited for me to pick him up. When I arrived we did some work on his computer and we took some batteries and his bus pass down to the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street and we ran to the end. At the end we turned right onto Station Bridge Road and we crossed over the railway line. We ran forwards Heron Street and we went through Heron Cross and over the A50. We ran into Blurton along Blurton Road and we veered right onto Church Street. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we got back to Blurton around 15:00. When we got home Matthew had toast and a drink of Cola. Today we were catching the 15:56 to Newcastle as we were going to the pub via Grandma's House. We set off around 15:45 on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. A few minutes alter the bus appeared and it was dud First Potteries 63098.

First Potteries 63098 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Trent Vale and we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto the A5035 and we ran over the railway line into Trentham. We passed Z Carz minibus YS09 LWV and First Potteries 67155 on a #21A to the Trentham Hotel. We turned right into New Inn Lane and near we entered Hanford and we turned right into Wilson Road. We turned left into Church Lane and we joined the A34 and we passed First Potteries 41502 on a #22 to Longton. We then headed into Trent Vale and we were passed by Leons coach 223. We turned right into Harpfields Road. We turned left into the hospital and we saw ABC Supreme minibus HN16 YUJ, Abbey Taxis minibus V700 ABY & First Potteries 37159 on a #25 to Hanley. We turned right onto the A34 and a couple of stops down the road we got up and got off the bus. As we got off the bus we were passed by First Potteries 65037 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 65037 in Newcastle

We crossed over the A34 and we saw Abbey Taxis V700 ABY again. We continued up the hill to Grandma's house. At Grandma's Matthew had a can of Irn Bru and used her computer. We said goodbye to Grandma around 17:30. We set off onto Occupation Street and we saw white minibus YK08 PVA. We turned left onto the A34. We ran down into Trent Vale. We stopped at the pub and we went inside. Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with custard. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses included First Potteries 32634 & 41497 on a #22 to Longton, ABC Supreme HN16 YUJ going Southwards & First Potteries 65035 on a #101 to Stafford. When it was time to go we got in the car to go pick up uncle Dave. We ran down the A34 and we turned left onto the Northbound A500. At Sideway we turned right onto the Eastbound A50. We came of the A50 at Heron Cross. We dropped down into Fenton to pick uncle Dave up. Once we had picked him up we returned to Heron Cross. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We ran through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 19:30. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we composed a few e-mails and sorted a few things out. We then chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Winsford / Newcastle 04-08-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Winsford	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Winsford	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
63097	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Newcastle, Opp Cherry Tree PH	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going to Blurton later. We learnt had been partially stripped of seats inside for conversion to a mobile home. Matthew got up 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 First Potteries 63177 on a #11 to Newcastle. Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street. We continued along Christchurch Street and into the day centre. In the morning Matthew went out on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set of onto Glebedale Road and we turned left onto City Road. We turned right onto Manor Street. At the end we turned left onto Victoria Road and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed the roundabout onto Lichfield Street and we ran up the hill towards Hanley. We ran anti-clockwise around the ring road and we turned left onto Etruria Road. At the roundabout we turned left onto the Westbound along the A53. We crossed over the A500 and we ran through Basford into Newcastle. We ran arund the one-way system and at the roundabout we went straight across onto the A52. We turned right onto the A34 and we ran North through Cross Heath. We turned left onto the B5500 and into Chesterton. We ran up Crackley bank and through Red Street. We crossed over the A500 and we joined the Northbound A34 again. We travelled North to the Toby Carvery and we went straight on towards Rode Heath. We ran North upto the A50 and we continued North to Holmes Chapel. Just South of the town we joined the Westbound A54 and we ran over the M6 and into Middlewich. We continued West out of town and into Winsford. We crossed over the river and into the town and up the hill. We stopped at the Queens Arms for dinner. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a can of Coke. Matthew had a Fried buttermilk chicken burger with fries followed by chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. Once we had finished we got back in Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX for the journey home. We set off Nothwards up Dene Drive and we turned right onto the A54. We ran Eastwards out of Winsford and we crossed over the River Weaver before running up the hill. We continued Eastwards along the A54 through Middlewich and over the M6. We continued to the edge of Congleton. We ran North up the A34 and we turned right onto the A54. We ran through the centre of town and then we continued onto the A527. We ran past the railway station and around Biddulph past the new KFC. We continued South through Brown Lees and Knypersley down to Brindley Ford. We continued through Chell and down through Pitshill and North of Tunstall. We continued down the hill into the Chatterley Valley and we joined the Southbound A500. We travelled South for around 3 miles to Stoke and we came off the A500 onto City Road. We ran up the hill an we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out and wait for me to pick him up. A short while later I turned up. Matthew transferred his pictures onto his camera and grabbed his bag and batteries. We said goodbye to his friends and then we headed home. We ran onto Christchurch Street and we ran to the end. At the end we turned right onto Station Bridge Road and we crossed over the railway line. We ran forwards Heron Street and we went through Heron Cross and over the A50. We ran into Blurton along Blurton Road and we veered right onto Church Street. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we got back to Blurton around 15:20. When we got home Matthew had toast and a drink of dandelion & burdock. Today we were catching the 15:56 to Trent vale as we were going to the pub via Grandma's House. We set off around 15:45 on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 67650 on a #22 to Longton.

First Potteries 67650 in Blurton

A few minutes later the bus appeared around the corner and it was dud First Potteries 63097 on a #22 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63097 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Trent Vale and we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto the A5035 and we ran over the railway line into Trentham. We passed First Potteries 67152 on a #21A to the Trentham Hotel. We turned right into New Inn Lane. We entered Hanford and we turned right into Wilson Road. We turned left into Church Lane and we joined the A34 and we then headed into Trent Vale and we turned right into Harpfields Road. We turned left into the hospital and we saw ABC Supreme minibus KX08 UXE & First Potteries 43875 on the final #22 turn. We turned right onto the A34 and a couple of stops down the road we got up and got off the bus.

First Potteries 63097 in Newcastle

Once we had crossed over the A34 we continued up the hill to Grandma's house. At Grandma's Matthew had a can of Irn Bru and used her computer. We said goodbye to Grandma around 17:30. We set off onto Occupation Street and we saw white minibus YK08 PVA. We turned left onto the A34. We ran down into Trent Vale. As we approached the pub we saw Leons Coaches 223 going Northwards. We stopped at the pub and we went inside. Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses included First Potteries 37158 on a #101 to Stafford, ABC Supreme HN16 XPS going Southwards & First Potteries 67648 on a #22 to Newcastle. When it was time to go we got in the car to go pick up uncle Dave. We ran down the A34 and we turned left onto the Northbound A500. At Sideway we turned right onto the Eastbound A50. We came of the A50 at Heron Cross and we dropped down into Fenton to pick uncle Dave up. Once we had picked him up we returned to Heron Cross and we crossed the A50. We ran along Blurton Road and right onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 19:00. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we composed a few e-mails and sorted a few things out. We then chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Rochdale / Bacup 05-07-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
37555	Rochdale Interchange	Royton, Oldham Road/High Barn Street (Stop F)	182	First Manchester
33703	Royton, Oldham Road/High Barn Street (Stop G)	Rochdale Interchange	409	First Manchester
144	Rochdale Interchange	Bacup, St James Gardens (Stand A)	464	Rossendale Easyride
223	Bacup, St James Gardens (Stand B)	Rochdale Interchange	464	Rossendale Easyride
163	Rochdale Interchange	Hooley Bridge, Bury & Rochdale Old Rd/Queens Park Rd (School)	468	Rossendale Easyride
139	Hooley Bridge, Bury & Rochdale Old Rd/Queens Park Rd (Church)	Rochdale Interchange	469	Rossendale Easyride

Today we decided to re-visit Rochdale. After a check of the weather on Friday night it was decided to go North to avoid any possible rain showers. From a list of around 8 Northern destinations Matthew chose Rochdale. No research was done I just packed my Rochdale area bus map in the trip bag. Matthew got up just after 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off at around 11:40 and we headed out onto the A5035 and onto Stanley Matthews Way. We turned onto the A50 where there has been a change of lane markings and then we headed North onto the A500. We turned off the A500 and onto Shelton New Road to get LPG. After we had filled up we got onto the A53 and back onto the Northbound A500. We got onto the Northbound M6 and it was quite busy but it was still moving quite well. AS we headed North of the A556 the road cleared and we got up to full speed. We went North past the M56 and through the 4 lane section over Thelwall Viaduct. When we got to the M62 we headed East and then onto the clockwise M60. We passed Pygalls N564 CHE and carried onto the Eastbound M62. At the M627 we went North and then turned left onto the A664. Here we saw the oldest bendy bus in the First Manchester fleet 10017 on the #471 to Rochdale. We carried on to visit The Mighty Bite in Castleton for dinner. The toilet was out of order and they had run out of sausages! So Matthew had a bacon and sausage barm washed down with a can of Coke. After we had finished eating we set off back along the A664 into Rochdale. I managed to go straight to our intended car park without making a wrong turning and we got into town a fraction before 14:00. This was the first time we had been to Rochdale since the Trams started to run into the town centre. Most of the fencing around town had been removed and the old bus station had been demolished. We said goodbye to mum and we walked towards the bus station. We stopped at the Tardis style toilet so that Matthew could use the facilities before we carried on walking to the bus station. We walked into the bus station an we had a quick look around to see what was about. We saw First Manchester 60269 in the new colours about to work a #454 to Stansfield, and on the opposite side of the bus station required Rossendale Easyride 163 was parked up on layover.

Rossendale 163 in Rochdale Interchange

Back on the Western side of the bus station we considered doing Yorkshire Tiger 310 which was on the #528 to Halifax.

Yorkshire Tiger 310 in Rochdale Interchange

This pulled off after Matthew took the picture. It was the first time we had seen a Yorkshire Tiger bus since the old company Centrebus sold off this part of the business to Arriva. We saw a couple of double decker that were heading towards Royton. Out of the two Matthew chose to do required First Manchester 37555 which was on the #182 to Manchester via Oldham.

First Manchester 37555 in Rochdale Interchange

We got on the bus and booked our system one bus only tickets at £5.20 each. We went upstairs and as it was empty Matthew took a picture inside this bus before we sat down.

Inside First Manchester 37555

We settled down and a few minutes later the bus left the bus station and we climbed up Drake Street on the tram tracks. We then turned towards Newbold and crossed under the railway and tram lines. The road and the tram then ran almost parallel for quite a way with the road crossing over and back over the line in Milnrow we passed former Chester Solo 40683 and then we carried on into Shaw town centre where we saw Checkmate Solo GU52 HXM on the #404 Shaw town circular. We carried on for around another mile and quarter before we got to Royton. On the way we passed First Manchester 36279 going the other way. We turned onto Oldham Road and we got up and got off the bus. In the bright sunshine Matthew managed to get a better picture of First Manchester 37555 before it carried on South towards Oldham and Manchester.

First Manchester 37555 in Royton

As we came through the crossroads we noticed a sizeable Co-op store. As I had forgotten to pack any supplies in the trip bag, we decided to visit the co-op. Matthew got a can of Coke to take home and a bottle of Irn Bru to drink this afternoon. He also picked up a 6 pack of Milky Way. We paid for the thing and we walked back down to the stop opposite where we had got off the bus. Coming around the corner on a #64 towards Oldham was First Manchester 66912. Matthew had his Irn Bru an then we saw a #409 branded Enviro400 approaching. It pulled up at the stop and it was required irst Manchester 33703.

First Manchester 33703 in Royton

I asked Matthew if he wanted to do the bus and he said yes. The #409 goes along the most direct route to Rochdale which is along Rochdale Road and Oldham Road. We got on the bus and we flashed our tickets. We went upstairs and then hte bus set off. The bus climbed the hill to Summit and then we went under the M62 motorway passing a yard on the left where there was a British Airways liveried Leyland National single decker. We carried on down the hill and into Rochdale. When we got to the bus station we let the bus empty and Matthew got a picture inside First Manchester 33703.

Inside First Manchester 33703

Back in the bus station, Matthew decided to go to the toilet. Whilst he was in there we saw dud First West Yorkshire 69585 on the #589 to Burnley. We had a wander up to the top of the bus station to take a few pictures. Whilst we were there we saw required Rossendale East Lancs Spryte Dart 144 on the #464 to Accrington.

Rossendale 144 in Rochdale Interchange

I asked Matthew if he wanted to do this bus and he said yes. We got on and I asked the driver how far we could do the bus on a system one ticket. The driver told we could go as far as Bacup so we decided to go there. We got on the bus and we sat down at the back of the bus. It was almost full as it left the bus station. We also saw required Rossendale Easyride 143. The bus set off Northwards out of town and we passed several unidentified Rosso liveried buses coming the way. We went though the village of Whitworth which is situated in a tight valley. There were sheep feeding at the edge of the road. By now the bus had emptied out a little and Matthew was able to take a picture inside of the seats opposite us.

Inside Rossendale 144

We carried on North and into the town of Bacup. When we got to town we passed a square where most of the bus stops are. The bus went round a roundabout and we went back to the square. When we got off the bus Matthew got another picture of Rossendale Easyride 144.

Rossendale 144 in Bacup

We saw that the adjacent stop was the stop for Rochdale so we sat down and we all had a Milky Way each. By the time we had finished we saw red Scania Rossendale Easyride 223 on the next #464 to Rochdale.

Rossendale 223 in Bacup

I asked Matthew if he wanted to do this bus and he said yes. We got on the bus and flashed our tickets before sitting down near the back of this near empty bus. We set off back South and into Whitworth. We saw Rossendale Easyride 143 again, this time on the #463 to Wallbank. We carried on South and we saw Rossendale Easyride Solo 56 on a #448 service. We went into the bus station and we waited for the bus to empty before Matthew got a picture inside Rossendale Easyride 223.

Inside Rossendale 223

We decided to have a walk up to the top of the bus station to take a few pictures. We saw Rossendale Easyride Dart 332 came into the bus station and went on layover.

Rossendale 332 in Rochdale Interchange

We then saw First Manchester 66865 on a #6 Kirkholt circular.

First Manchester 66865 in Rochdale Interchange

We then saw dud First Manchester 37556, a bus which we had been on from Oldham to Watershedding back in January of this year.

First Manchester 37556 in Rochdale Interchange

Finally we saw First Manchester 40320 on another #6 Kirkholt circular.

First Manchester 40320 in Rochdale Interchange

We decided to visit the McColls shop where Matthew brought a bottle of Fanta and a can of Coke as well as some chocolate. He then visited the toilet and we considered which bus to catch next. On the bottom stand was required Rossendale Easyride Dart 163 on a #468 to Bury.

Rossendale 163 in Rochdale Interchange

I asked Matthew if he wanted to do this and he said yes. We got on the bus and flashed the tickets. The bus was nearly empty so Matthew walked past the last person on the bus and took a picture of the back.

Inside Rossendale 163

We sat down and the bus pulled out of the bus station. The bus went North West out of town and past Spotland football ground. We passed through Bagslate Moor and Bamford where we joined back on the route of the #469. When we got on Bury and Rochdale Old Road we decided to get off. We saw a junction with stops on both sides of the road and we got up and got off. Before the bus carried on West Matthew got another picture of Rossendale Easyride 163.

Rossendale 163 in Hooley Bridge

We crossed the road and and we sat down in front of a war memorial in front of the bus stop. A quick check on Nextbuses.mobi revealed we had a 10 minute wait for the next buses which was a #469 to Rochdale. As we had 10 minutes Matthew had a Kinder Egg and a drink of Fanta. When the bus came surprisingly it was required Rossendale Easyride Dart 139.

Rossendale 139 in Hooley Bridge

We got on and sat down near to the back. The bus set off along the road before turning up War Office Road.We turned at the turning circle before going back down to the main road. At the bottom we passed th following First Manchester operated #469 with Mercedes single decker 60262 in charge. I asked Matthew if he wanted to get off and wait for that bus but he didn't. The bus carried onto along Bury Road before passing Asda and the college and coming into town. When we got to the bus station Matthew let the bus empty before getting a picture inside Rossendale Easyride 139.

Inside Rossendale 139

The bus didn't stop for long and Matthew got another picture of Rossendale easyride 139 as it went off into the distance.

Rossendale 139 in Rochdale

We decided to have one last walk around the bus station and to take a few pictures. We noticed there was an elevated walkway along side the bus station and we went to see if we could take bus pictures from there. The area was fenced off at the moment but the position looks as if it would be great to take pictures from in the future. On the way back into the bus station we took a picture of 'Rosso' liveried 237 on the #464 to Accrington.

Rossendale 237 in Rochdale Interchange

We then saw First Manchester 40318 on the #456 to Hollingworth Lake.

First Manchester 40318 in Rochdale Interchange

Just as we were about to leave we saw the most interesting bus of the day, First West Yorkshire 30856 on the #590 from Halifax.

First West Yorkshire 30856 in Rochdale Interchange

Slightly disappointed that it was home time, we walked back to meet mum near the car. As Matthew hadn't had much dinner, we stopped at a local burger shop for a portion of fries. Whilst we waited for the fries, Matthew sat down and was reading his copy of Buses magazine. We walked back to the car and Matthew had his shared his fries with uncle Dave and then had a sausage roll was down with a can of Irn Bru. We drove out of town onto the A58 and we passed another bendy bus on the #471, required First Manchester 12010. We turned onto the M627 and then we took the Westbound M62. We continued west until we reached the M6. On the way back we overtook 3 different mini coaches. First we overtook Whitegate Travel BIG 6693 followed by Mawley Oak Travel Iveco minibus MX58 LYZ further down towards the A54 we overtook Wicksons minicoach WT09 WCT. Going the other way we passed a group of First liveried Wright Streetlites with the door forward configuration. We turned at the A500 and we carried on South to the A50. When we passed the Britannia stadium we could see a fire somewhere along Stanley Matthews Way. We did the A50 to Longton so we could go check out what was parked up at Z Carz tonight. There were 5 vehicle on the spare ground tonight. First in the row was former Alton Towers Transport coach M534 RSO.

Z Carz M534 RSO in Longton

We then saw VW minibus OV05 WSW which was parked in front of Mercedes minibus W221 CDN.

Z Carz OV05 WSW in Longton

Next was plain white Ford minibus FP06 WTW.

Z Carz FP06 WTW in Longton

The last bus on the site was Mercedes minibus M372 NWN.

Z Carz M372 NWN in Longton

We turned into Willow row where the only bus there was long term SORN LDV minibus T408 JUX. We headed back onto the A50 and off at Heron Cross. We saw Lightning Travel T2 DLT before carrying on through Blurton. We Passed First Potteries 60068 on the #22 to longton and then we saw First Potteries 40367 on the #23. We got home at 19:00. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots which I burnt a little, followed by a slice of Victoria Sponge. Matthew then chilled out on his computer before going to be around 00:30... Mark