Trip to Hanley / Newcastle 18-07-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
35944	Hanley BS	Fenton, Victoria Place	6	First Potteries
6012	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	1A	D&G Bus
35940	Newcastle BS	Newcastle, O/s Cherry Tree PH	101	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going to Blurton and going to see grandma, but first he was going out on the bus. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up and had crumpets and orange juice for breakfast. Matthew chilled in his room and saw white minibus . In the morning Matthew had a taxi to Hanley. We went downstairs and we cut through onto City Road. We saw Afford rent-a-car BD24 NNC parked up in their garage.

Afford rent-a-car BD24 NNC in Fenton

We got in the taxi and we set off along City Road. We ran towards Stoke and we turned right onto the A52. We ran past the railway station and university and we turned left onto Cauldon Road. We turned right onto Boughey Road and right onto Ridgway Road. We ran forwards onto The Parkway and we stopped at Hanley park. We went into the park and we saw Central Cheshire Buddy PO22 MUE parked up.

Central Cheshire Buddy PO22 MUE in Hanley

Once in the park we headed to the playground and Matthew used the equipment. When we had finished we headed onto Regent Road and we turned left onto Lichfield Road. We stopped at the chip shop and Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with can of Coke. When we we had finished we crossed over the ring road and Lichfield Street and we headed into the bus station. We waited for a bus towards Fenton. We saw First Potteries 67146 on a #25 to Keele.

First Potteries 67146 in Hanley bus station

A short time later we saw a a bus come on statnd. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 35944 on a #6 to Parkhall.

First Potteries 35944 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto the ring road and we turned right onto Lichfield Street and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed the roundabout onto Victoria Road and we ran up the hill into Fenton. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we set off on foot on the road at the back of Victoria Road. We went sharp right onto City Road. We turned left onto Glebedale Road and we walked along Baker Street. We turned right onto Christchurch Street. We returned onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. When Matthew got back we went upstairs and went up to his room to chill out and use the computer. a short time later we came to pick up Matthew. He came downstairs and we said goodbye to mum. We cut through onto City Road and we headed to the bus stop. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 6012 on a #1A to Wood Lane.

D&G Bus 6012 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre. We continued along Church Street onto Hartshill Road and into the centre of Hartshill. We turned left into the Avenue and left again onto Hilton Road before turning right into the City General Hospital. Once through the hospital we turned right onto the A34 and we ran into Newcastle. We crossed the roundabout and we ran up Barracks Road and into the bus station from the South end. Once we got to the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we had a look around. We saw Leons 241 heading Northwards. A short time later we saw a suitable bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 35940 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 35940 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to the hospital before we went upstairs and sitting down. We set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road. Due to roadwork we headed North and did a u-turn at the roundabout. We ran Southwards onto the A34 and we got up and got off the bus by the Cherry Tree. We got off the bus and Matthew took a picture of First Potteries 35940 as it continued towards Stafford.

First Potteries 35940 in Newcastle

We crossed over the A34 and we walked up to the hill towards grandma's. On the way we saw white minibus YX02 FTD. We continued up the hill and into grandma's house. At Grandma's Matthew had toast and a can of Irn Bru. When it was time to go we said goodbye to Grandma and we got in the car. We set off just before 18:00 and we ran down Victoria Street. We turned left onto the A34. We continued southwards into Trent Vale past the Greggs. We continued through Trent Vale and we stopped at the pub. We walked into the pub and we sat down at our one our normal tables. Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Highlights of the bus sightings included First Potteries 35950 on a #101 to Hanley and ABC Supreme KP25 EHB going Northwards. Once we had finished eating we set off We carried on along the A34 through Hanford and into Trentham. We turned left onto the A5035. We crossed over the railway line and into Blurton. We got back around 19:00. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we sorted a few things out. We wrote the Blog and sent a couple of e-mails. We chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Hanley / Newcastle 29-03-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63345	Joiners Square, Berry Hill Road	Hanley BS	6A	First Potteries
44511	Hanley BS	Fenton, Lordship Lane	6	First Potteries
67146	Fenton, Lordship Lane	Hanley BS	6A	First Potteries
8701 VT	Hanley BS	Fenton, Victoria Place	50	Stanton's of Stoke
63346	Fenton, Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
35939	Newcastle BS	Newcastle, opp Cherry Tree	25	First Potteries

Today Matthew was returning to Blurton and he was also going to see Grandma. He was also going out on the bus. Mattew woke up at 0800 and had his nedication. Matthew got up at 09:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. In the morning Matthew went out to catch a few buses. We went downstairs and we saw Shelton Care Group WA73 BMO. We set off on foot onto City Road and we crossed over the road and headed along Manor Street. We walked to the end and we turned left onto Victoria Road. We walked down past Aldi and McDonalds to the next bus stop and we waited for a bus towards Hanley. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63345 on a #6A to Hanley.

First Potteries 63345 in Joiners Square

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down. We set off down Victoria Road. crossed over the A52 at Joiners Square. We ran up Lichfield Street and we turned left onto the ring road. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and right onto John Street and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. A short time later we saw D&G Bus 21 on a #32A to Uttoxeter. We set off out of the bus station onto Lichfield Street and we walked down Stafford Street and we went into the former Wilko's. We continued along Tontine Street and into Parliament Row. We headed towards the shopping centre and we went down into the market. Afterwards we came up into the shopping centre and we went to No 22's and Matthew had a bottle of Coke. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we went usptairs and out of the shopping centre onto Stafford Street and we visited Cash Converters to get some new headphones. We continued along Stafford Street and onto Lichfield Street. We crossed over the ring road and we went to the chip shop. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with can of Coke. Afterwards we headed back to the bus station to wait for a bus towards Fenton, A short time later we saw it was First Potteries 44511 on a #6 to Coalville.

First Potteries 44511 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto the ring road and we turned right onto Lichfield Street and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed the roundabout onto Victoria Road and went half way up the bank and got up and got off the bus. We crossed the road and we waited for a bus back towards Hanley. A short time later we saw First Potteries 67146 on a #6A to Hanley.

First Potteries 67146 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down. We set off down Victoria Road. crossed over the A52 at Joiners Square. We ran up Lichfield Street and we turned left onto the ring road. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and right onto John Street and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. We went to the shop in the bus station and Matthew had toffee crisp. We waited for a bus back to Fenton. A short time later we saw First Potteries 67144 on a #7A to Biddulph. A short time later we saw a bus come on stand. It was Stanton's of Stoke 8701 VT on a #50 to Longton.

Stanton's of Stoke 8701 VT in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto the ring road and we turned right onto Lichfield Street and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed the roundabout onto Victoria Road and we ran up the hill into Fenton. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we set off on foot down City Road and we cut through back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to chill in bhis room. Just after 15:00 we came to pick up Matthew. We said goodbye to the staff and mum and we cut through onto City Road. As we got to the road we saw a bus approaching so we ran to the bus stop. We turned and saw it was First Potteries 63346 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 and we saw blue minibus V604 MBL. We ran up the hill and into Hartshill. We ran forwards onto George Street and we saw Leon's 241. 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 headed to the bottonm end of the bus station and Matthew got a picture of First Potteries 63346 before it returned on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63346 in Newcastle bus station

We waited for a bus towards Grandma's. There was a bus on layover in Stubbs Street that was going to be going in the that direction. Whilst we waited for the bus to be readied for service we saw Arriva Midlands 3698 on a #64 to Market Drayton. The bus pulled off of Stubbs Street and onto the stand. We saw it was First Potteries 35939 on a #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 35939 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to the hospital before we went upstairs and sitting down. We set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road. We ran Southwards onto the A34 and we got up and got off the bus by the Cherry Tree. We got off the bus and Matthew took a picture of First Potteries 35939 as it continued towards Hanley.

First Potteries 35939 in Newcastle

Once off the bus we headed along the A34 and we went up the hill towards Grandma's. At Grandma's Matthew had toast and a can of Irn Bru and used her computer. When it was time to go we set off just after 18:00 to the pub. We got in the car. We set off and we ran down Victoria Street. We turned left onto the A34. We continued southwards into Trent Vale past the Greggs. We continued through Trent Vale and we stopped at the pub. We walked into the pub and we sat down at our one our normal tables. Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Highlights of the bus sightings included First Potteries 35945 on a #101 to Stafford and ABC Supreme YB73 VZV going Northwards. Once we had finished eating we set off We carried on along the A34 through Hanford and into Trentham. We turned left onto the A5035. We crossed over the railway line and into Blurton. We got back around 19:00. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we sorted a few things out. Matthew also had a can of Cherry Coke. We wrote the Blog and sent a couple of e-mails. He also had sponge cake and custard. We chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Oswestry / Chirk 01-04-2023

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
B10	Oswestry BS	Pant, Tregarthen Lane Junction	T12	Lloyds Coaches
292	Pant, Cross Guns Inn	Oswestry BS	T12	Tanat Valley
3791	Oswestry BS	Ruabon, Station Road	2A	Arriva Midlands
2945	Ruabon, Station Road	Cefn Mawr, o/s Tesco	2C	Arriva Midlands
3786	Cefn Mawr, opp Tesco	Chirk, Chappel Lane	2	Arriva Midlands
3762	Chirk, St Mary's Church	Oswestry BS	2C	Arriva Midlands

Today we decided to revisit Oswestry. Matthew had been wanting to visit here for the last month or so, but this is the first time we were able to organise this. Research consisted of looking at the Arriva Midlands site, looking for places to eat and places to park and checking the weather. The weather was forecast to be mainly dry with some sunshine. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast and orabge juice for breakfast. We got in the car and we set off and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and into Heron Cross and over the A50. At Heron Cross lights we turned left onto Grove Road. The road was closed so we turned around and we turned left onto Heron Street. We continued onto Station Bridge Road and left onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Masterson Street and we ran to the end before turning left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. Once we had picked up uncle Dave, we continued down Wheildon Road and we joined the Northbound A500. As we headed towards Stoke we saw B&N Coaches BN18 BXN. We came off the A500 at Stoke and we turned right onto City Road. We turned right to join the Southbound A500 and we ran through Sideway and Hanford down to the A519, passing Country Lion T99 JSF. We headed Southwards for a few hundred yards before turning right onto the A5182. We headed Westwards for a few miles and at the end of the road we turned left onto the Southbound A53 We ran through Whitmore and Balwins gate and we crossed over the A51 by The Swan With Two Necks. We continued through Loggerheads and to the North of Market Drayton and on the other side of town we stopped in a layby. Matthew had a sausage sandwich from Jim's Butty Van and washed it down with a can of Cherry Coke from the boot. When we had finished eating we continued down the A53 to Tern Hill. We turned right onto the A41 and we headed Northwards towards Whitchurch. We followed the road around the Western side of town and we turned left onto the A525. After a few mile we turned left onto the A495. As we travelled Westwards we saw Siesta Holidays YJ12 KFV. We passed Ellesmere and we ran into Whittington. We followed the road around the castle and over the level crossing and to the edge of town. We ran forwards onto the B5490 and into town. We ran under the bridge and we turned left onto the road into town. We ran straight on to the one way system amd we turned right into the car park of the old Morrisons supermarket and we parked up. As we parked up we saw Tanat Valley 290 on a T12 to Wrexham. We walked into the bus station and there wasn't anything about. So we walked down to The Cambrian Railway to have a look at their Sprinters. We walked back into the bus station and we saw Arriva Midlands 3756 come in on a service from Wrexham.

Arriva Midlands 3756 in Oswestry bus station

The bus went off out of service. It appeared that the bus ran back to the depot or somewhere for a driver change, so there wasn't anything around for a while. We walked along Beatrice Street and we turned left onto King Street. We turned right onto the B5069 and we turned left onto Black Gate Street. We visit Sainsburys and Matthew used the toilet. When we came out of the shop we saw Tanat Valley 373 on a #400 town circular service.

Tanat Valley 373 in Oswestry

We walked back along Black Gate Street and we turned right onto the B5069. We walked into the bus station and we just missed an Arriva Wrexham service. As short time later we saw Lloyds Coaches B10 on a T12 service to Machynlleth.

Lloyds Coaches B10 in Oswestry bus station

We decided to do this bus so we got on the bus and we booked to Pant before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Beatrice Street around to the Covid testing site and afterwards onto Beatrice Street and we turned right onto Oswestry Road. We turned left onto Black Gate Street to to pick up more passengers before we left town along the B4579. We turned left onto English Walls and we turned right onto the Smithfield Street. We turned left onto Church Street and we went straight onto Upper Church Street and we headed up to Morda. We went forwards onto Morda Road and turned right onto the A483. We travelled through Sweeney and though Llynclys. We carried on for another mile or so into Pant where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Lloyds Coaches B10 as ito Continued towards Machynlleth.

Lloyds Coaches B10 in Pant

We had quite a bit of time to kill so we decided to look for and walk to the nearest pub. A quick check of the tri-corder and we could see there was a pub to the South of us down the road. We set off Southwards and we saw Tanat Valley 376 on a #74 to Oswestry. We continued around the corner to the pub and we crossed over the road. We went into the pub and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards we went to the bar and we ordered a couple of glasses of Coke and we sat in the window. After we had finished our drink we went outside and we met up with uncle Dave again. We continued a little further South to the bus stop and we waited for the bus. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Tanat Valley 292 on a T12 to Wrexham.

Tanat Valley 292 in Pant

We got on the bus and we booked single tickets to Oswestry at £2.20 each before we sat down toward the back of the bus. We set off along the A483 through Llynclys and we continued up to Sweeney. We turned left onto the B5069 through Morda and Oswestry. We turned left onto the B4580 and right onto Castle Street. We turned left into Beatrice Street and we ran along Oswald Road and into the bus station. As we got up and got off the bus we saw an Arriva bus to Wrexham depart. We watched the T12 depart towards Wreham and this left a clear view of Tanat Valley 241 which was on layover in the bus station.

Tanat Valley 241 in Oswestry bus station

We saw Tanat Valley 374 depart on a town circular service and a short time later we saw Tanat Valley 374 on a #402 town circular service.

Tanat Valley 374 in Oswestry bus station

We had a bit of a wait for the next service towards Wrexham. After what seemed like quite a long time we saw the bus eneter the bus station. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 3791 on a #2A to Wrexham.

Arriva Midlands 3791 in Oswestry bus station

We got on the bus and we booked Arriva Midlands Day Saver Duo at £12.50 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set out of the bus station onto Beatrice Street and we turned right onto the B5069. weturned left onto Balck Gate Street and we ran past Sainsbury's. We turned right onto the B5479 and left onto English Walls. We followed the road to the right through the Square past the Borderland Farmer Sculpture and we turned right onto Cross Street. We turned left onto the B5480 and we headed Northwards out of town. We veered rght onto the B5479 and we headed through Pentre Pant into Selattyn. We turned right onto Station Road and we ran through Weston Rhyn. We continued to the A5 roundabout and we turned sharp left onto Chirk Road. We crossed the river Ceiriog and we entered Chirk from the South. We passed through the town and we turned right onto Colliery Road. We follwed Colliery Road to the left and we ran through the housing estate before rejoining the Northbound B5070. We turned right onto the A5 and we ran to the A483 where we turned left. We ran fast Northwards over the Dee and we turned left onto the A539. We veered left onto the B5605 and we ran into Rhosymedre. We turned right onto High Street and we ran into Cefn Mawr. We turned left onto Oxford Street and we ran past Tesco. We joined the B5096 and we ran up the hill to the main road. As we approached Ruabon we turned right onto Wynnstay Lane. We turned right onto Hampden Way and we ran Westwards alongside the A539 in to opposite direction that we had just travelled along. We ran forwards onto Oak Road and we turned right onto the A539 and we headed back Eastwards. We ran up to the roundabout and we turned left onto the B5605. We got up and got off the bus outside of the railway station. The driver of the bus was very friendly and realised Matthew was interested in buses. Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3791 as it continued towards Wrexham.

Arriva Midlands 3791 in Ruabon

Once off the bus we crossed over the road and we waited for bus back Westward. Whilst we waited we saw Arriva NW&W 1008 on a #5 to Wrexham.

Arriva NW&W 1008 in Ruabon

Whilst we waited Matthew had a can of Irn Bru. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 2945 on a #2C to Oswestry.

Arriva Midlands 2945 in Ruabon

We got on the bus and we placed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver Duo under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off Westwards along the B5605 and we turned right onto the A539. We turned left onto Wynnstay Lane. We turned right onto Hampden Way and we ran Westwards alongside the A539. A regular passenger pointed out that we wre on a 2C and we were going the wrong way. So the driver turned the bus around and we headed Eastwards along Hampden Way. We followed the road around the estate and we headed Westwards. We turned left onto Whalley's Way and we ran forwards onto Rock Road. We turned right onto Well Street and we turned left onto Oxford Street we saw Tesco so we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 2945 as it continued towards Oswestry.

Arriva Midlands 2945 in Cefn Mawr

We went down the steps to Tesco and Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we had a walk around the shop and we brought a meal deal. Afterpaying for the food we went outside and we went to the Wrexham bound stop. We had a look at the buses and we decided that the best thing to do would be to cross over and wait for the Oswestry bound bus. The map was showing Arriva Midlands 3755 on the next Wrexham bound bus and Arriva Midlands 3786 on the next bus towards Oswestry. The following Oswestry bus was initially showing up as Arriva Midlands 2978. Whilst we waited for the Oswestry bus we saw Arriva Midlands 3755 on a the #2A to Wrexham.

Arriva Midlands 3755 in Cefn Mawr

A few minutes later the bus appeared. As expected we saw it was Arriva Midlands 3786 on a #2 to Oswestry.

Arriva Midlands 3786 in Cefn Mawr

We got on the bus and we placed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver Duo under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down Oxford Street and we turned right onto Well Street and we ran forwards onto High Street. We turned left onto Park Road and we ran up to the main roundabout at the South end of Ruabon. We joined the Southbound A483 and we ran fast down to the A5 and we turned right. We turned left onto the B5070 we ran ran Southwards into Chirk. As we have never been into Chirk from the direction before we got up and got off a little to soon. Once off the bus we walked Southwards into town. We stopped at The Stanton and Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards he had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we went outside to meet up with uncle Dave again. We carried on down the Road and we saw Arriva Midlands 3791 coming out of a street. We saw the bus pull up at the bus stop but as we had been on the bus earlier we decided to turn this down. We sat at the stop and Matthew had some cocktail sausages with a tomato sauce dip. He also had a chicken and bacon mayo sandwich. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 3762 on a #2C to Oswestry.

Arriva Midlands 3762 in Chirk

We got on the bus and we placed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver Duo under the scanner for the final time today. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 3762 before we sat down.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3762

We set off along Church Street and forwards onto Chirk Road. We ran through Gledrid and turned left onto the B5070. We turned left onto St Martins Road and we ran through Rhosygadfa back to Rhewl. We ran through Gobowen and turned left onto Whittington Road. We turned right onto Twmpath Lane and we crossed over Gobowen Road into Oswestry. We turned left Oswald Road and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew took a picture of Arriva Midlands 3762 before it continued back to the depot.

Arriva Midlands 3762 in Oswestry bus station

We walked across to the car park and we met up with mum. We got in the car and Matthew had a can of Irn Bru. Afterwards we set off out nof the car park onto Beatrice Street and we joined the Eastbound B5069. We turned righ onto the B5480 and we ran out of town. We crossed the A5 and we ran forwards onto the A495. We crossed over the level crossing and we ran into Whittington. Just after the chip shop we pulled over at the side of the road where we could and I went to fetch food. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Coke Zero. When I had finished eatng we carried on along the A495. We went around the castle and continued around Ellesmere. We continued towards Whitchurch and we turned right onto the A525. At the edge of Ton we joined the A41 and we headed Southwards bypassing the town. As we headed South Matthew indicated that he neede the toilet. As we were near to Tern Hill we carried on for another couopke of miles and we stopped at Tern Hill service. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we brought a small bottle of Dr Pepper. We left the services and we joined the Eastbound A53 and we headed towards Market Drayton. We ran along the Market Drayton by-pass and we continued Northwards towards Loggerheads. we crossed over the A51 and up through Whitmore. We ran Northwards towards Newcastle and we turned right onto Trentham Road. We turned left onto the A519. We joined the Northbound A500. As we headed Northwards we saw black minibus YX15 YLW. We ran through Hanford up to Stoke and we came off the A500. We turned right onto City Road and right again to go Southwards onto the A500. We veered left onto Wheildon Road and we went to uncle Dave's. We dropped off uncle Dave and Matthew got out to use the toilet. Uncle Rob wasn't there tonight. He aslo had some Irn Bru and updated the calendar. Once we had dropped off uncle Dave we set off onto Wheildon Road and past the former Regent pub which is now up for sale. Due to Grove Road being closed we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Alma Street and left onto Watkins Street. We turned right onto Masterson Street and right onto Christchurch Street. We turned right onto Station Bridge Road and we crossed over the railway line. We continuednonto Heron Street and we crossed the lights onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto the A5035 and we got back to Blurton around 20:00. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we did some of the Blog. We also wrote a few emails and generally used the computer to entertain ourselves. We watched TV and Matthew got ready for bed. Matthew settled down around 00:00... Mark.

Trip to Rochdale / Royton 06-09-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
60275	Rochdale Interchange	Jericho (Bury), Rochdale Old Road/Jericho (opp Service Station)	468	First Manchester
241	Jericho (Bury), Bury and Rochdale Old Road/Jericho (Church)	Rochdale Interchange	468	Rossendale Easyride
37463	Rochdale Interchange	Wrens Nest (Shaw), by Milnrow Road/Wrens Nest	182	First Manchester
30956	Wrens Nest (Shaw), by Milnrow Road/Wrens Nest	Royton, High Barn St/Park St (Stop H)	181	First Manchester
37553	Royton, High Barn Street/Park Street (Stop E)	Wrens Nest (Shaw), adj Smallbrook Road/Wrens Nest	181	First Manchester
37469	Wrens Nest (Shaw), at Smallbrook Road/Wrens Nest	Rochdale Interchange	182	First Manchester

Today we decided to re-visit Rochdale. We left the choice until the morning again, the weather had been forecast for Cloudy weather with an occasional shower. Matthew got up just after 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Just before 12:00 we set off onto the A5035 and we turned right onto Stanley Matthew Way. We went West on the A50 and then North up the A500. There was a broken down van at Sideway and the police had cone off part off the sliproad for Stoke. We carried on North and we got onto the Northbound M6. We caught up with a couple of Richardson's coaches, the rear one of the convoy was YN57 BWE. The coaches turned of onto the M56 before we caught back up with them. Near to Thelwall viaduct we passed Z Carz W221 CDN going South. We turned onto the Eastbound M62 and then forward onto the M60. As we passed the M61 it started to rain. We saw ABC Supreme VK06 LTV and Transdev Burnley & Pendle 2776,which was on a X43 to Burnley. We carried onto the M62 and the windscreen wiper jumped out of its holder, so we turned into Birch services to effect a repair. Wiper back on we carried on along the M62 and we came off onto the A627(M). We turned righ onto the A58 and we headed into town passing First Manchester 37298 on a #471 service. We parked up near to the town hall and we walked into town to get something to eat. As we walked alongside the main road we saw Rossndale Easyride Solo 60 on a #448 service.

Rossendale 60 in Rochdale

We spotted a Yates that seemed to have good meal deals, so we went into to inquire about them. Matthew headed downstairs to use their toilet. Mum had been informed that there was going to be at least a 30 minute wait on food, so we walked around the corner to the chicken place. There wasn't a free table here, and it was raining anyway, so we walked back to Yates. Matthew had a bacon cheeseburger with fries and a glass of Coke. After we had finished eating we walked up to the interchange. As we walked in we saw Yorkshire Tiger Solo 311 on a #528 to Halifax. We walked up to the top of the interchange so that we could get a few pictures. We saw required Rossendale Easyride Volvo B7RLE 216 on a #464 to Accrington.

Rossendale 216 in Rochdale Interchange

Parked up between #6 Kirkholt circulars was First Manchester 60240.

First Manchester 60240 in Rochdale Interchange

We walked down the other side of the interchange and we saw First Manchester 60275 on a #468 to Tottington.

First Manchester 60275 in Rochdale Interchange

I asked Matthew if he wanted to do the Citaro and he said yes. As we went to catch the bus we saw First Manchester Solo 40331 on layover between duties.

First Manchester 40331 in Rochdale Interchange

We got on the bus and booked System One bus tickets at £5.20. The bus was nearly empty, so before we sat down Matthew took a picture of the empty rear of First Manchester 60275.

Inside First Manchester 60275

A few minutes later the bus set off out off the interchange and across the A58. W headed out of town towards Spotalnds before turning back South towards Jericho and along War Office Road. At the bottom we turned right onto Bury and Rochdale road and we passed the Church in Hooley Bridge where we had done Rossendale Easyride 163 out for 139 back in July 2014. It was still a little damp so we were looking for a stop on the opposite of the road with a shelter. About half a mile down the road we spotted a shelter opposite so we got up to get off the bus. The bus pulled off from the stop and was stopped at some temporary roadworks.

First Manchester 60275 in Jericho

We crossed the road and headed for the stop. We could see a 'Rosso' bus on the other side of the roadworks so we walked quickly to the stop... So much for needing a bus shelter! The bus got closer and we saw it was required 'Rosso' 241.

Rossendale 241 in Jericho

We got on the bus and we flashed our System One tickets. The bus was nearly empty so Matthew took his picture inside 'Rosso' 241 there and then.

Inside Rossendale 241

The bus headed of down Bury and Rochdale Road and we turned left onto War Office Road. We went past Spotlands and then into town past Asda and across the A58. When we got back into the interchange we got off and Matthew got another picture of 'Rosso'241.

Rossendale 241 in Rochdale Interchange

We walked up to the toilet and after Matthew had done we had a look around to see what we could catch. Looking around we spotted required First Manchester 37463 on a #182 to Manchester. As we had done a #182 before and we knew where it went, I asked Matthew if he wanted to do this bus and he said yes. He took a quick picture before we went to get on this bus.

First Manchester 37463 in Rochdale Interchange

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One tickets to the driver. We went upstairs and it was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside First Manchester 37463 before we sat down.

Inside First Manchester 37463

We came out of the interchange and we stopped at the tram track to let Metrolink trams 3008 and 3061 go passed on their way to East Didsbury. We followed the tram up Drake Street and then turned onto Milnrow Road. We passed through Newbold and the Kingsway Retail Park and carried on South to Milnrow. We went down the high street under the M62 motorway. Here we reached a more rural part of the route crossing over and back over the Metrolink tramway. Just North of Shaw we stopped at triangular junction with a green in the middle. As we stopped we saw required First Manchester 30956 park opposite on a #181 service. we also saw required 30959 whizz past on a #59 service. Damn! Two good buses that we wouldn't of minded doing go past us in less than 30 seconds. The driver then shuts the engine down on the bus that we were on and says that the bus was going out of service and we would have to get on the bus opposite when it come around. That was well timed. The bus opposite had just terminated and it was about to form a #181 back to Manchester... We would have never have dared got off to catch it by ourselves but now we were being asked to do so. We got of First Manchester 37463 and we took another picture of this bus.

First Manchester 37463 in Shaw

A quick check of the timetable revealed First Manchester 30956 was due off in a few minutes. When it was time the bus came around the triangular green and pulled up at the stop.

First Manchester 30956 in Shaw

We got on the bus and flashed our System One tickets. We went upstairs and as the bus was empty Matthew took his picture inside First Manchester 30956 immediately.

Inside First Manchester 30956

We sat down and the bus set off down through Shaw along the high street. The #181 take a slightly different route into Royton, and we went along Oldham Road and Blackburn Lane before going onto High Barn Street. Just before we got to Royon we passed another Volvo B7TL on a #181.. This was First Manchester 30963. We rang the bell as we approached Royton, and we got up and got off the bus. As the bus carried on towards Manchester we took another picture of this fine bus.

First Manchester 30956 in Royton

We decided to got and visit the Co-op Food store, so we crossed over the two roads and went into the shop. Matthew had a can of Coke and a bottle of cherry Coke to drink now. He also had a six pack of Milky Ways. We paid for the thing and went down Oldham Road to take a few pictures and to look at the timetable at the bus stop. There was a #181 to Shaw in around 15 minutes so we decided to wait for that. Matthew had his Cheryy Coke and a Milky Way and whilst we waited we let First Manchester 33755 go on a #409 to Rochdale.

First Manchester 33755 in Royton

Just after this we saw First Manchester 30955 going South on #64 service. After Matthew had finished his bus stop picnic We decided to go back to High Barn Street to wait for the #181. As we got to high barn Street we saw a heritage liveried First Manchester bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was required First Manchester 37451.

First Manchester 37451 in Royton

We crossed over High Barn Street and sat down to wait for the #181. A few minutes later we saw it was a modern double decker... As it got closer we saw it was required First Manchester 37553.

First Manchester 37553 in Royton

We got on the bus and we flashed our System One tickets. We went upstairs, and as the top deck was empty behind the stairs, Matthew took a picture there and then on First Manchester 37553.

Inside First Manchester 37553

The bus set off back to Shaw via Blackburm Lane and Oldham Road, and we headed into Shaw up the high street. We went out of the North end of town and then bus terminated at the triangle-shaped green an we got off the bus. The bus moved off and parked on the opposite side of the road in a layover area. Also in this area was Ring & Ride minibus BX58 VCT.

Ring & Ride BX58 VCT in Shaw

We walked over to the other stop where the #58 departs, as well as the #182 towards Rochdale. The first bus due was a #58, we saw that it was a single decker as it went around the green. As it got closer we saw it was dud First Manchester 66858.

First Manchester 66858 in Shaw

This is a bus that we had been on between Moorside and Oldham on the #83 back in September 2013. The was a Rochdale bound #182 due a few minutes later, and we were certain that this would be a double decker. We saw it approaching and it was a double decker. As it got closer we saw it was required First Manchester 37469.

First Manchester 37469 in Shaw

We got on the bus and we flashed our System One tickets for the last time today. We went upstairs and as it was empty Matthew took a picture there and then.

Inside First Manchester 37469

The bus set off into the sticks and we went through Milnrow and Newbold before popping into Rochdale. We dropped into the interchange and we met up with mum. She was in the shop, and Matthew had another couple of pieces of chocolate here. We decided to have a walk around and take a few pictures before we headed back to the car. First Manchester 66912 was parked up on layover between duties.

First Manchester 66912 in Rochdale Interchange

Rossendale Easyride 208 was about to work the next #468 to Bury.

Rossendale 208 in Rochdale Interchange

We walked down to the bottom end of the interchange. Running empty was First Manchester 66880.

First Manchester 66880 in Rochdale Interchange

Also on layover was First Manchester 37371.

First Manchester 37371 in Rochdale Interchange

We waled back up to the top and we saw a First Manchester Solo approaching. Closer inspection revealed it was First Manchester 40319.

First Manchester 40319 in Rochdale Interchange

Then a minibus arrived. Branded for 'Kingway Link' was Manchester Community Transport DX09 KWR.

MCT DX09 KWR in Rochdale Interchange

We headed back to the car where Matthew had got a sausage roll waiting for him. This was washed down with a 500ml bottle of Irn Bru. We drove out of the town centre and onto the A58. We turned left onto the A627(M) and then we joined onto the Westbound M62. We joined the anti-clockwise M60 and then carried on the West bound M62. Just before we got to the M6 we had a minor electrical issue with the car.We turned onto the Southbound M6 and we came off the M6 at the A57 so we could stop somewhere to sort out the problem. We turned the car off for a few second and the problem was cured. We carried on South on the M6 and we caught up with Ridlers YYD 154 around the junction with the A54.

Ridlers YYD 154 on the M6

We left the M6 at the North end of the A500 and we went south through Stoke-on-Trent. At Sideway we took the Eastbound A50 which we did up to Longton. We went passed the Z carz depot today see what was there. first in the row was Z Carz Mercedes minibus S952 VMY, which appears to have had a little accident with the front bumper.

Z Carz S952 VMY in Longton

As we were taking pictures, Z Carz Mercedes minibus M372 NWN arrived at the depot.

Z Carz M372 NWN in Longton

Also at the depot tonight was former Alton Towers Transport coach M534 RSO.

Z Carz M534 RSO in Longton

There were quite a few Ford minibuses at the depot tonight including Z Carz BN03 OVS.

Z Carz BN03 OVS in Longton

At the back was Z Carz FP06 WTW. The last of the buses on the front row was airport transfer bus DL03 HHU.

Z Carz DL03 HHU in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row and there were a few minibuses in the yard. These included long term SORN LDV T408 JUX and Y568 XFV, We headed back onto the A50 and through Heron Cross, At the lightning house was T2 DLT. We went through Blurton we tirned right onto Beaconsfield Road and we saw First Potteries Solo 40016 on the last bus up to Longton. We got home just after 19:20. For a late tea Matthew had sausage, potatoes and carrots followed by a slice of lemon meringue pie. He then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 01:00... Mark