Trip to Shelton / Leek 26-09-2020

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67151	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Shelton, Cauldon College	23	First Potteries
118	Bucknall, Finney Gardens	Leek BS	16	D&G Bus
108	Leek BS	Macclesfield BS	109	D&G Bus
4404	Macclesfield BS	Congleton BS	38	Arriva NW&W
4402	Congleton BS	Macclesfield BS	38	Arriva NW&W
2934	Macclesfield BS	Bollington, High Street	10	Arriva NW&W
2500	Bollington, High Street	Macclesfield BS	10	Arriva NW&W

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going out on the bus and The route of the new link road in Congleton. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw Afford Rent-A-Car MK67 UEP.

Afford Rent-A-Car MK67 UEP in Fenton

Also seen was white minibus SE17 DTN going towards Hanley.

SE17 DTN in Fenton

For a late dinnnr we had a sausage sandwich. Later on we went downstairs and we set off onto City Road and we saw Afford rent-a-car KV19 NUK outside there yard.

Afford rent-a-car KV19 NUK in Fenton

We stood at the bus stop outside the flats and we waited for a bus to Shelton. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 63097 on a #11 to Newcastle. A short time later we saw First Potteries 67151 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67151 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we flashed the First Network ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down City Road and we joined the A52 to go under the railway line and over the A500. We continued onto Church Street and into the centre of Stoke. After a brief stop we continued around the one-way system onto Elenora Street and right onto Copeland street. We turned left onto Glebe Street and we went under the railway line before turning left onto Station Road. We went past the railway station ans we turned right onto College Road where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we we walked down College Road and we went into Hanley Park and parked in the car park. We walked to the pavillion and we brought a chocolate tiffin and a bottle of Coke. Matthew ate his sausage bap a bottle of Coke. After we ate the food and we walked onto the canal. We ran through Bucknall. we waited for a bus towards Leek. A short time later we saw D&G 118 on a #16 to Leek. We got on the bus and we brought a day ticket before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off the A52. and up Ash Bank. We travelled through Warrington and up the Cellerhead where we turned left onto the A520. We ran through Wetley Roacks and Cheddleton and we climbed the hill into Leek town centre. We turned right outta Compton and then right again into the bus station. When we got off the Once we had finished eating we returned to the bus station where we saw D&G Bus 126. A short time later the bus appeared and it was D&G Bus 108 on the #109 to Macclesfield. We got on the bus and we brought a day ticket before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto the A523 and we continued onto the Southbound A53. We turned left into Compton. We turned right into Selborne Road we turned right into Junction Road. We turned left onto the A53 and right onto Wallbridge Drive. We turned left onto Wetenhall Drive left onto Westwood Park Drive. We turned right onto Westwood Park Avenue and we turned right onto Oakwood Road. We turned right onto Westwood Heath Road and we ran forwards onto Westwood Road. We ran forwards onto West Street and we ran forwards onto Church Street. We turned left onto the A523. We continued down the valet past Sainsbury's and we climbed out of Leek towards Poolend. We turned left onto Rudyard Road. We ran through Rudyard. We turned left onto Green Lane and we turned left onto the A523. We continued into Ruston Spencer before We crossed over the A54 at Bosley and we continued North into Macclesfield. In town we continued onto the A536 and we turned left onto Sunderland Street. We turned left onto Queen Victoria and we entered the bus station and we entered the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. In the bus station we saw Arriva NW&W 703. A few minutes later the bus to Congleton arrive. It was Arriva NW&W 4404. We got on and we brought Arriva Day Saver tickets before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off out of the bus station and we ran through town onto the A536. We ran out of town through Warren in Rode Heath. We ran to the edge of town and we turned left onto the A54. We entered the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked down onto Market Street and we turned right onto Bridge Street past of the old RBS bank a new use. We continued along Bridge Street and we visited WH Smith. We brought a couple of bottle of soft drinks and 3 chocolate bars. We walked onto Walked Street and Matthew visited the toilet at the top end of the bus station. We returned to the bus stop and Matthew ate a Bounty. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As expected it was Arriva NW&W 4402 on a #38 to Crewe. We got on and we brought Arriva Day Saver tickets before we went upstairs and sat down. the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto market Street and we ran down the hill onto Mountbatten Way. We turned right onto the A34. We ran North through Lower Heath. We turned right onto the A538. We ran Northwards up to Eaton. We ran north through Rodeheath and Highlane up towards Gawsworth past the A 2 B Taxis. We continued along A536 and we ran into Sutherland Street. We turned left into Waters Green where we saw Andrews PJ03 TFF. and Queen Victoria Street. When we got to the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew visited the toilet. Afterwards, we had a look around to see what we could catch next. we spotted Arriva NW&W 2934 on a #10 to Bollington. We got on the bus and we booked Arriva NW&W Day Savers before The bus set off out of the bus station and across Mill Street onto Roe Street. We turned right onto Chuchill Way. We turned right onto the A537. We turned left onto the A538. We ran north through Tytherington. We turned right onto Brocklehurst Way. We turned left onto Tytherington Drive. We turned left onto Marlborough Drive. We turned right onto the A538. We turned right onto Tytherington Lane. We continued onto Bollington Road and we ran forwards onto Henshall Road. we went over Wellington Road. We ran into Bollington along Palmerston Street we left the bus empty before we got up. Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2934 before we got off it.

inside Arriva NW&W 2934

Once off the bus we walked up to Palmerston Street onto Wellington Road and we went to The Little Dessert Shop. For afters Matthew had a red velvet cheesecake with custard. when we had finished we walked along Wellington Road onto Palmerston Street. We waited at the bus stop for a bus to Macclesfield. A short time later we saw a bus turned the corner. When it got closer we saw it was Go-Goodwin 1947 on a #392 to Macclesfield. Right behind this was the #10 service. It was dud Arriva NW&W 2500. We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva NW&W Day Saver ticket to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along Palmerston Street. We continued onto Wellington Road. We continued onto Henshall Road and we ran forwards onto Bollington Road we continued onto Tytherington Lane. We carried on up A538. We ran north through Tytherington. We turned left onto Marlborough Drive. We turned right onto Tytherington Drive. We turned right onto Brocklehurst Way. We turned left onto the A538. We turned right onto the A537. We turned left onto Churchill Way. We turned left onto the A536 and we ran into Sunderland Street where we saw MP Travel ME10 BUS. We turned left onto Queen Victoria and we entered the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. In the bus station we saw High Peak 296 on a #19 to Prestbury. We walked down MIll Street and we turned left onto Park Green. Matthew wanted to go to toilet so we took him to the toilet in the block by the traffic lights. Once he had done we walked onto park Green and we saw required Arriva NW&W 4406 on a #38 to Crewe. We went back to the car and mum was waiting for us with Greggs sausage rolls and a can of Irn Bru for Matthew. We set off out of town onto the A523. As we left town The Arriva bus turned right down a lane and went straight towards Bosley. We ran through Rushton Spencer and Rudyards and we came into the North West corner of Leek. We turned right into St Edwards Street. At the end of St Edwards Street. We papped and waved as we went through the light into Compton. We ran through Leekbrook and into Cheddleton. We continued through Wetley Rocks and we saw D&G Bus 118 on a #16 to Leek. We continued through Cellaread to Meir. At Meir we crossed over the roundabout onto the A520 and we turned right onto Waterhead Road. We continued onto Grosvenor Road. We ran through to Upper Belgrave Road. We down to Florence. Lightwood Road and into Longton to see what was parked at Z Carz tonight. We turned left onto Willow Row In the compound was Z Carz Volkswagen minibus LJ07 PXW parked up. We came off onto the high level A50 and we turned right onto Baths Road. We ran down King Street. We continued down onto City Road and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple street and we we returned to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew returned to his room to chill out. For a late tea Matthew had chicken nuggets and chips with carrots followed by a carrots cake with custard. Matthew used his computer and watched music videos on the television. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to St Helens / Liverpool Airport 24-06-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2500	Earlestown BS	St Helens BS	34	Arriva NW&W
2979	St Helens BS	Hunts Cross Station, (Stop B)	89	Arriva NW&W
4114	Hunts Cross Station, (Stop B)	Liverpool John Lennon Airport	81A	Arriva NW&W
4825	Liverpool John Lennon Airport	Liverpool South Parkway	86A	Arriva NW&W
4565	Hunts Cross Station, (Stop B)	Liverpool John Lennon Airport	86A	Arriva NW&W
4462	Liverpool John Lennon Airport	Hunts Cross station, Stop A	81A	Arriva NW&W
2977	Hunts Cross station, Stop A	St Helens BS	89	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to re-visit St Helens. We had checked the weather for today and it was for mainly cloudy weather with the possibility of some rain. Matthew also found out that First Dart 41521 had moved from the Potteries fleet down to Essex. Matthew got up around around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off onto the A5035 and we passed First Potteries 41493 on a #22 to Longton. We turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way and we ran past the Bet365 Stadium. We joined the Westbound A500 and then we went North up the A500 passing Spacebus P246 UCW. We ran up the A500 and as we travelled North we passed an unidentified Malbank Coaches coach. As we got onto the Northbound M6 traffic was a little slow until we passed a broken down vehicle that was blocking lane one. After that traffic was flowing well. As we went North we saw Ogdens BX62 BYC, Woodgrove Community Transport BU02 OTV & an unidentified Safeguard Coaches coach. At junction 21A we got onto the Westbound M62 and we ran to the next junction. Once off the M62 at Winwick we ran Northwards up the A49 into Newton before going West along the A572 into earlestown. We parked up in the free car park near to Market Street and we walked past the bus station to the pub where we had dinner. As we passed the bus station we saw required Arriva NW&W 2714 on a #20 service to St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 2714 in Earlestown bus station

We went into the pub and went to the toilet. When we sat down mum ordered the food and Matthew had a class of Coke. Matthew'd dinner arrived and it was a chicken burger and chips. After we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and we went outside. As we got to the bus station we saw Arriva NW&W 2500 arrive on the #34 to St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 2500 in Earlestown bus station

We got on the bus and we purchased Arriva Day Saver tickets at £5.50 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto Tamworth Street. We ran out of town along Market Street and at the end we turned left onto the A572. We ran West for a few miles into Parr and we joined the A58 on the eastern edge of town. We ran into the centre of town along Corporation Street and we followed the one way system around onto Bickerstaffe Street where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2500 before it returned to Newton-le -Willows on the next #34A service.

Arriva NW&W 2500 in St Helens bus station

Once off the bus we decided to have a walk around to see what we could see in the bus station that we could catch. We walked onto Corporation Street to see what was on layover. By the time we got there most of the buses had departed. We saw Arriva NW&W 2973 on stand about to depart with the #329 to Warrington, complete with all-over Viola Beach tribute. We walked back into the bus station to try and walk across to the Liverpool bound stands but we noticed that the walkway that we want to cross on had been removed. On the way over to the other side we saw Arriva NW&W 4604 on a #10 to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4604 in St Helens bus station

We also saw Hatton's Travel dart EU04 BVD on a #12 town circular service.

Hatton's Travel EU04 BVD in St Helens bus station

We saw required Arriva NW&W 2979 on a #89 to Liverpool Airport so we decided to do it. We raced over to the stand and we got on the bus. We flashed the Arriva Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto Bickerstaffe Street. We ran forwards onto Cotham Street and we turned left onto Ormskirk Road. We followed the road around onto Bridge Street and we stopped at the the bottom of the hill to pick up more passengers. We joined the A58 and we ran out of town as far as Grange park and we turned left into the estate. As we ran up the hill the bus seem to struggle a little with only a few people on board. We ran onto Scholes Lane and we went past the Portico Rugby Club. We turned left onto portico Lane and we crossed over the railway line by Eccleston Park railway station. At the end of the lane we turned left at the roundabout onto the B5201. We came out on the A57 opposite to Whiston hospital and we ran into Prescot. We ran onto the High Street and we turned left into Prescot bus station. We set off out of the bus station and onto Sewell Street. We ran past Tesco and the retail park and past the business park. We turned right onto Carr Lane and at the end we turned left onto Huyton Lane. We crossed over the M57 and we ran into Huyton. We turned left into Lathhom Road running past the shops and police station. We ran around McDonalds and we entered the bus station. We set off out of the bus station and onto Lathom Road. We turned left onto the B5199 and we ran Westwards out of town. At the next roundabout we went left onto the B5080. After around 1/2 milw we turned right onto Wheat Hill Road. We crossed under the M62 and we ran forwards onto Naylor's Road. At the end we turned right onto Childwall Valley Road and then left into Hedgefield Road. We went past Belle Vale shopping centre as well as a small bus interchnage and we continued down onto The B5171. We ran through a small village called Gateacre and then up a steep hill to Gateacre Brow. At the top of the hill we turned left into Acrefiled Road and we ran into the village of Woolton. We were now deep into new territory and almost all the buses we passed were unfamiliar. We went across a crossroad onto Speke Road and we followed it down into Hunts Cross where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2979 as it carried on towards the airport.

Arriva NW&W 2979 in Hunts Cross

We had a few minutes before the next #81A to the airport so we decided to visit the shops. Matthew indicated that he wanted the toilet so we went past the Co-operative Food store and went around the corner. We spotted a Shell petrol station and fortunately it had a toilet. Matthew went to the toilet and then afterwards we brought a can of Coke and a couple of Chocolate bars. We walked back to the bus stop and a few minutes later we saw a double decker bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required Arriva NW&W 4114 on a #81A to Liverpool Airport.

Arriva NW&W 4114 in Hunts Cross

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Day Saver ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Mathew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 4114.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4114

We set off along Speke Road and we crossed over the A562 onto Woodend Avenue. We continued South for around 1/2 mile and then we stopped at the traffic lights to cross over the A561. Whilst there we saw Critchley's minibus RJ02 AYM turn into the road in front of us. As we continued down Western Avenue we passed Arriva minibus YD64 JVK coming the other way. At the end of the road we turned left onto hale Road before we entered the airport grounds. Once we stopped we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we had a look around and we took a few bus pictures. We saw required Arriva NW&W 4574 about to work a #86A to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4574 in Liverpool Airport

We walked to the west end of the area to have a look at the yellow submarine before we returned to the front of the airport to decide what bus to catch next. We saw required Arriva NW&W 2534 on a #82A to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 2534 in Liverpool Airport

We also saw required Arriva NW&W 4829, which came into the airport on a #80A and then went out of service.

Arriva NW&W 4829 in Liverpool Airport

After looking at the bus maps in the bus stops and consulting timetables, we decided to catch a bus up towards Liverpool South Parkway. The next bus in that direction was going to be a #86A. A few minutes later required Arriva NW&W 4825 pulled up on stand.

Arriva NW&W 4825 in Liverpool Airport

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva day saver ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 4825.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4825

We set off out of the airport and we ran onto Speke Hall Avenue. We followed the road to the end and we turned left onto the A561. We ran Westwards for around a mile before we turned right onto Hoorocks Avenue. At the next traffic lights the road veered to the right and then we went into the entrance to the Liverpool South Parkway bus station. Once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4825 before it carried on towards Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4825 in Liverpool South Parkway

Once off the bus Matthew wanted to go to the toilet. We saw a toilet that was out of order so we went into the travel shop which you had to walk through a shop to get in... Whilst I was asking where we could take Matthew to the toilet he decided to do some shopping! After getting the information an paying for Matthews pop an chocolate we went around the corner towards the Northern Line to use the silver tardis style toilet. We got back to the bus station just in time to see required Arriva NW&W 4809 departing back to Liverpool Airport.

Arriva NW&W 4809 in Liverpool South Parkway

Seeing as we had around 15 minutes for the next bus back we had a bit of a wander round. At the North end of the bus station we saw required Stagecoach Merseyside 10570 on a #86 to Hanover Street.

Stagecoach Merseyside 10570 in Liverpool South Parkway

we walked back into the bus station and we sat down to wait for the next bus.Whilst waiting we saw required Arriva NW&W 4477 which had followed us down from the airport on a #500 to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4477 in Liverpool South Parkway

Whilst we sat down Matthew ate a chocolate bar. A cat wandered pat us and no-one seem to bat an eyelid. We can only assume that the cat is resident in the bus station... A few minutes later the bus appeared an it was required Arriva NW&W 4565 on a #86A to Liverpool Airport.

Arriva NW&W 4565 in Liverpool South Parkway

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva day saver ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 4565.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4565

The bus set off out of the interchange and onto the B5171. We ran forwards onto Woolton Road and forwards again onto Church Road. We turned left onto the A561 and we ran back Eastwards towards the airport. We turned right onto Speke Hall Avenue and we ran down the road before turning left onto Dunlop Road. We ran forwards onto Hale Road and then we turned right to enter into the airport. Once we got back into the airport we saw Arriva NW&W 4462 which was on layover and about to work a #81A to Bootle.

Arriva NW&W 4462 in Liverpool Airport

We knew that the #81A was due to depart any minute. Across the way we spotted Roy McCarthy coach YX65 ZKM parked up so we went over to get a picture.

Roy McCarthy YX65 ZKM in Liverpool Airport

Whilst we were getting the picture of the coach, Arriva NW&W 4462 pulled on stand so we quickly crossed over the road and got on the bus. We flashed the Arriva day saver ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 4462.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4462

We set off out of the airport past the yellow submarine and we turned right onto Speke Hall Avenue. We turned right onto Dunlop Road and then left onto Western Avenue. At the light we saw and unidentified Pulhams coach go past going Eastwards along the A561. We travelled North across the A561 onto Woodend Avenue and we saw an unidentified York Sightseeing Tours open topped double decker in a compound to the East. We crossed over the A562 and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4462 before it carried on North to Bootle.

Arriva NW&W 4462 in Hunts Cross

We waited at the bus stop for the next #89 which we knew would be required Arriva NW&W 2977 as we had seen it at the airport. Whilst we waited for the bus we shared a Bounty between the 3 of us and we also saw required Arriva NW&W 4571 on a #81 to Bootle. A few minutes later we saw a Pulsar II approaching and as it got closer we saw that it was required Arriva NW&W 2977 as expected.

Arriva NW&W 2977 in Hunts Cross

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Day Saver ticket to the driver for the final time today. It was almost 17:30 and we knew we had a 59 minute journey time from this stop according to the information board opposite to us. We ran North up Speke Road into Woolton and we continued forwards the B5171. We followed the road to the right onto Gateacre Brow and we ran down the hill towards Belle Vale. We called at the Belle vale bus station and we turned right onto Childwall Valley Road. We turned left onto Naylor's Road and we ran north under the M62 and forwards onto Wheat Hill Road. at the end we turned left onto the B5080 and we ran North West up to the Crofters Arms. At the roundabout we turned right onto the B5199 before turning right into Huyton Bus station. We sat outside for a brief moment near to the bingo hall before continuing onto the stand. After loading up we ran north up Lathom Road and onto Huyton Lane. We crossed under the M57 and we turned right onto Carr Lane. We ran into Prescot from the South and into the bus station. The bus set off out of town along the A57 down to the hospital where we turned left into Delph Lane. We Zigged and zagged through the street to the South of the A58 and then we joined the A58 at the same junction where saw an unidentified Watkins Coaches coach at the Parkview Hotel. We continued along the A58 and we passed through the town before circling around the bus station on Corporation Street so that we could enter the bus station from the East end. When we got onto corporation Street we let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2977.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2977

Also on layover on Corporations Street was required Arriva NW&W 2984.

Arriva NW&W 2984 St Helens bus station

We walked along the street to the church where mum had parked the car. Mum was waiting with Greggs sausage rolls and a can of Irn Bru for Matthew. We ran out of town onto the A58 passing Arriva NW&W 2705 on a #20 to St Helens. At the next junction we turned right onto the A572 and we ran out of town. We continued out of town along the A572 and to the North of Earlstown. We turned right onto the A49 and we ran through newton-le-Willows and down to Winwick. We ran fast along the Eastbound section of the A49 across to the M6 at junction 22. Once on the M6 we ran South towards junction 16. Travelling back down the M6 we passed an unidentified Holmeswood tri-axle coach and an unidentified Bullocks coach. We came off the motorway onto the A500 and we ran Southwards to Sideway. We then went Eastwards on the A50 to Longton. We crossed over the A50 to check out what was parked up at Z Carz this evening. In the front row we saw Z Carz LDV minibus CN57 HWA.

Z Carz CN57 HWA in Longton

Also in the front row was Z Carz Ford minibus YS09 LWV.

Z Carz YS09 LWV in Longton

At the front of the first row was Z Carz Ford minibus MJ03 DPUY.

Z Carz MJ03 DPU in Longton

In the second row was Z Carz Ford minibus LG09 JVX.

Z Carz LG09 JVX in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row a too what was parked up in the compound this evening. We saw Z Carz Renault minibus PE10 MJK.

Z Carz PE10 MJK in Longton

We also saw Z Carz Mercedes minibus LV52 TZY.

Z Carz LV52 TZY in Longton

Also in the compound was Z Carz Citroen minibus LV59 DZC.

Z Carz LV59 DZC in Longton

We turned around and we turned left onto Edensor Road. We turned left onto Spring Garden Road and at the end we turned right onto the A5035. We turmed right onto Lightwood Road and we ran down to Florence. We stopped at the chip shop and we picked up some chips for tea. Once we had the food We ran back onto Lightwood Road and we turned left onto Belgrave Road. At the end we went left onto the Westbound A5035. We ran through Dresden into Blurton and we got home around 20:00. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy for tea and then chilled out on his computer. Later on we had a jam filled shortbread biscuit. Matthew went to bed around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Crewe 09-06-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2500	Crewe BS	Nantwich BS	84	Arriva NW&W
SL17	Nantwich BS	Nantwich, Millfields Marsh Lane	53	GHA
SL17	Nantwich, Millfields Marsh Lane	Nantwich BS	53	GHA
138	Nantwich BS	Crewe, opp The Brunswick	44A	D&G
4489	Crewe, Crewe Arms Hotel (NE-bound)	Sandbach o/s Common	38	Arriva NW&W
3330	Sandbach o/s Common	Crewe BS	37	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to do a fairly local trip as we have been out a few days this week. Matthew chose to go to Crewe. Today was overcast but dry and fairly cool for the time of year. We set off around 12:00, going North along the A500. We had planned on stopping at the food trailer at the top of the A500 but it wasn't there! So we decided to carry on and see if there was a burger van in the B&Q car park in Crewe. We parked up by the road so Matthew could see if any useful buses went past on the #37 or #38 whilst we waited and ate. Whilst I was getting the food an unidentified Olympian went past towards Crewe. After we ate we drove into Crewe town centre. We passed the Olympian going out on the #37 and it was 3330. After parking up we walked into the bus station. The first bus we saw was GHA SB55 parked up between duties.

GHA SB55 in Crewe bus station

We now had to choose what we were going to do. Arriva NW&W 2499 was on the #31, 2500 was on the #84 to Chester and 4491 arrived in on the #38. Matthew chose to do the one bus he had already been on Arriva NW&W 2500 on the #84. We booked to Nantwich and got on the bus. As we were leaving Crewe bus station we saw First Potteries ALX200 40144 on a #20. These don't work to Crewe very often. The journey down was quite quick and pleasant and we passed several Plaxton Centros on other #84 services. When we arrived in Nantwich, Matthew took a picture of the inside of the bus which was nearly empty.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2500

He also got a good shot of the outside of the bus.

2500 in Nantwich bus station

We decided to go use the facilities in Nantwich market. On the way back we called at the sweet store and picked up some Taveners mint chews. Back at the bus station we now had around 15 minutes to wait for a bus back to Crewe. Matthew was eying up GHA step entranced minibus MB29 which we presumed was being used as the crew mess bus. When the next #84 turned up it was a Centro and Matthew refused to do it! After it had left had dragged me over to MB29 and I told it again it wasn't working. I even asked the driver on the bus and he confirmed it to be the case. Whilst we were there GHA SL17 turned up on one of the town circular. Matthew wanted to do this respite having been on it before so we did a circle around the town on this.

GHA SL17 in Nantwich bus station

After doing the spin around time Matthew photographed the bus empty back at the bus station.

Inside SL17

There was a Crewe bus in the bus station, bus it pulled away before we got off SL17. Behind it was a D&G bus bound for Crewe so we decided to get on this as it wasn't a Centro. It was unrequired D&G 138

D&G 138 in Nantwich bus station

We did this bus back and as it was travelling along Gresty Road I though about getting off to intercept the #37 to Northwich. As we got up Matthew photographed on of the seats on this unusual Marshall bodied Dennis Dart

Inside 138

We got off at the end and Matthew got a picture of the bus.

138 in Crewe

We then crossed over Nantwich Road to wait for the #37. The bus stop looked like a normal bus stop and as we waited for the #37 we saw First Potteries 60194 go past on a #20 and D&G 21 on a #85. As the #37 approached we stuck out our hand to be picked up. The bus driver shook his head and waved and went past. We thought that the bus didn't look full so we guessed that the bus stop must be disused. Later research found that this stop is alight only despite there being no clue to this on the actual stop. We decided to walk to the stop by the railway station to wait for the #38. We had already seen it going towards Crewe and it was dud Arriva NW&W 4489. After around a 15 minute wait we saw 4489 approaching.

Arriva NW&W 4489 near Crewe railway station

We got on and climbed onto the top deck. The journey was swift and when we got off matthe got another picture of this bus.

4489 on Sandbach Common

We used the facilities at Sandbach Market and then went back to the Common. Required Arriva NW&W 2617 was on a Northwich short but Matthew turned it down again. As we had time to kill before the next bus we visited McColls for drinks and lottery tickets. When we got back we had around 15 minutes to wait for the #37 to Crewe, which was the Olympian we seen earlier 3330.

Arriva NW&W 3330 on Sandbach Common

We sat on the front seats. Matthew photographed the empty top deck.

Inside 3330

Matthew had wanted to sit on the seat behind but appeared to be broken. The journey back was swift, we had the top deck virtually to ourselves as we travelled back to Crewe bus station. Back at Crewe we saw 4040 on a #31A pull off as we arrived. We walked around the bus station where matthew said hello to a couple of people before we head back to the car. Not before getting a picture of First Potteries 60015 on a Hanley service.

First Potteries 60015 in Crewe bus station

Back at the car we had sausage rolls and drink before setting off back towards Stoke-on-Trent. We had a quick trip past Longton bus station where we saw First Potteries red and yellow 60171 on a #26 service. We also saw some vehicle parked up at the Z carz site before retuning home a little before 18:00...Mark.