Trip to Widnes / Liverpool Airport 28-10-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
5009	Widnes, Green Oaks	Belle Vale Interchange (Stop A)	79C	Arriva NW&W
4436	Belle Vale BS	Liverpool John Lennon Airport	89	Arriva NW&W
4556	Liverpool John Lennon Airport	Liverpool South Parkway	86A	Arriva NW&W
4568	Liverpool South Parkway	Liverpool John Lennon Airport	86A	Arriva NW&W
5010	Liverpool John Lennon Airport	Runcorn BS	82A	Arriva NW&W
2532	Runcorn BS	Widnes, Green Oaks	79C	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to re-visit Widnes. We had checked the weather for today and it was forecast a grey day with mild temperatures for the time of year, even if it was a little windy! A such we gave matthew a list of destinations from the Midlands and North West and from the list Matthew chose Widnes. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 12:00 onto the A5035 and we turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way. We joined the Westbound A50 and then turned right onto the A500. As we ran Northwards we saw Merediths YN63 BYS, white minibus WX56 AEZ & Millers Travel HV06 LZN. We got onto the Northbound M6 and the traffic was running quite slow. We crawled up to junction 17 and eventually we started to move at the roadworks speed. On the M6 we saw an unidentified Gate! Travel coach, civil engineering crew minibus NX16 VHA, Stewart's PO15 AZG, Reay's YJ15 EOW, an unidentified Hartley's coach, an unidentified Leek Link minibus, D Hurst Travel coach N12 RFL and Bruce's Coaches (National Express) FN63 PWO (#539). High winds on GThelwall Viaduct and more roadwork onto the M62 slowed our progress again. As we travelled towards the Widnes exit we were passed by Star Coaches minibus YX56 DJK. At junction 7 we came off the M6a and we headed Southwards down the A557 into widnes. We turned right into the town and we ran up Green Oaks Way up to the car park. After we parked up we headed over to the market. We spotted a minibus outside Morrisons so we wandered over to investigate. As we got closer we saw that it was Halton Community Transport MX58 EHU.

Halton Community Transport MX58 EHU in Widnes

We walked into the market and we went over to the far corner. Matthew used the toilet and then we went into the market cafe. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. After we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and we walked back through the market to the bus stands. We took up our usual position on the North side of the road to catch a bus towards Runcorn and we saw required Arriva NW&W 5009 on a #79C to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 5009 in Widnes

We decided to go in a different direction, so we crossed over the road to catch the gas powered bus. We got on the bus and we booked Arriva NW day Saver tickets at £5.50 each before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off Northwards to the roundabout and we joined the Westbound B5178. We travelled around 2 miles and we crossed over the railway line near to Hough Green railway station. We were now out in open countryside and we ran fast along the B5178 into the village of Tarbock Green. We continued West for around another mile into Netherley and we continued along the B5178 North Westwards for around another mile to Belle Vale. When we got into familiar surroundings and we saw the shopping centre we got up and got of off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 5009 as it carried on towards Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 5009 in Belle Vale

We decided that we would catch a bus towards Liverpool Airport and we knew the bus went from around the corner in the small bus station outside the shopping centre. We walked to the crossroads on the corner and we saw Avon Buses 155 on a #165 Bell Vale circular service.

Avon Buses 155 in Belle Vale

The shopping centre bus station was a little further on than we thought it was, but when we got there We saw Arriva NW&W 4608 on a #89 to St Helens

Arriva NW&W 4608 in Belle Vale bus station

We also saw Selwyns OU08 AYG on a #3 service to Halewood Shopping Centre.

Selwyns OU08 AYG in Belle Vale bus station

few minutes later we saw required Arriva NW&W 4436 on a #89 to Liverpool Airport.

Arriva NW&W 4436 in Belle Vale bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Day Saver ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. We continued down onto The B5171 and 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 went across a crossroad onto Speke Road and we followed it down into Hunts Cross. We continued onto Woodend Avenue and we travelled South along a wide boulevard style road. We crossed the A561 and we travelled further South. We ran Eastwards along Central Avenue which was another Boulevard. The streets if not the houses would not look out of place in a Spanish holiday town. Even though this is a social housing estate there were some unusual features... As well as the ultra wide roads there were brick arch between the houses that were almost the full height of the houses and big enough for a lorry to pass between them! We travelled South down Eastern Avenue and then we turned right onto Hale Road. We ran West for around about 1/2 mile and then we entered into the Airport grounds. We passed through two sets of barriers and then the bus pulled up outside the main departure lounge of the When we got off Once off the bus we had a look around and we took a few bus pictures. We saw required Selwyns PN07 KSE to a #3A to Huyton.

Selwyns PN07 KSE in Liverpool Airport

As we headed back to check out where the busback departted we saw another bus approaching. It was Arriva NW&W 4817 on layover.

Arriva NW&W 4817 in Liverpool Airport

We also saw Arriva NW&W 4556 on a #86A to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4556 in Liverpool Airport

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Day Saver ticket to the driver before The lower saloon was empty as we got on the bus so Matthew took a picture of Arriva NW&W 4556.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4556

We went upstairs and we sat down. 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. In the bus station was Cambraco Travel coach PIJ 667 on rail replacement work.

Cambraco Travel PIJ 667 in Liverpool South Parkway

Matthew went to the toilet and after we had done there we walked back to the shop where Matthew brought a bottle of Coke and a couple of chocolate bars. We sat down briefly to wait for a bus back to the Airport and a few minutes later we saw required Arriva NW&W 4568 on a #86A to Liverpool Airport.

Arriva NW&W 4568 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 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 and we saw an unidentified Woods(Leicester) coach by a building adjacent to the road. 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 4444 on a #500 to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4444 in Liverpool Airport

We saw required Arriva NW&W 4858 about to work a #86A to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4858 in Liverpool Airport

Matthew decided he needed the toilet so we went inside the airport to us the facilities. When we came back it was starting to get late so we went to wait for a bus back towards Widnes. We saw Arriva NW&W 4461 on #81A service to Bootle.

Arriva NW&W 4461 in Liverpool Airport

We saw required Arriva NW&W 5015 on a #82A to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 5015 in Liverpool Airport

A coach arrived outside the Hotel and on closer inspection we saw that it was Browns Coaches BC15 EBC.

Browns Coaches BC15 EBC in Liverpool Airport

A bus pulled up in the distance and went into one of the layover bays. Whilst we waited to see what it was we saw Timewells P20 TWL.

Timewells P20 TWL in Liverpool Airport

A few minutes later we saw required Arriva NW&W 5010 on a #82A to Halton Lea Hospital.

Arriva NW&W 5010 in Liverpool Airport

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the airport onto Speke Hall Avenue and we turned right onto Dunlop Road. This service runs around the Speke estate before going Eastwards to wards Hale. We turned left onto Western Avenue and we turned right onto Central Avenue. We ran onto South Parade and forwards onto Central Way. At the end we turned right onto Eastern Avenue and we ran to the end. We turned left onto Hale Road and we headed out into a grassy area adjacent to the banks of the Mersey. We ran into Hale village onto the High Street. We turned left onto Town Lane and we ran up to Hale Bank. We crossed over the main Liverpool to London railway line and we turned left onto Hale Road. We crossed over the A562 and we ran the 1/2 mile or so onto the B5178. We continued Eastwards along the B5178 for the last mile into town. We crossed over the B5419 and we ran into the North end of town. We turned left at the roundabout and we ran around the left hand bend into the Green Oaks bus station area outside and we turned right onto Gerrards Street. We ran forwards onto Milton Road and we turned left onto the B5419. We went through the old town and across the roundabout onto Victoria Road. We got onto the new A533 and we crossed over the new Mersey Gateway Bridge for the time. We then headed back Westwards and then joined Leiria way to run into Runcorn town centre and we saw Grey Volvo coach FHZ 9593. We ran onto the High Street we ran past the bus station before turning right into the bus station so we were pointing the right way to go towards Halton Lea. We got up and got off the bus and we saw Arriva NW&W 2532 on a 79 to Hough Green.

Arriva NW&W 2532 in Runcorn bus station

We got on the bus for what was actually the final time today, and we flashed the Arriva NW Day Saver ticket to the driver. We sat down towards the back of the bus and we set off along the bus station, we set off up the High Street We turned right to go onto the Leiria Way.joined the A533. We crossed over the Mersey on the new bridge. we ran into the old town of Widnes up Victoria Road. We crossed over the roundabout and we ran through a bus lane into the Asda car park. We joined onto Gerrard Street past Marks & Spencers and we turned left onto Green Oaks we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2532 before it carried on towards Hough Green.

Arriva NW&W 2532 in Widnes

We crossed over the road and we walked over to the car. Mum was waiting with sausage rolls and a bottle of Irn Bru for Matthew. We set off onto Green Oaks way and we ran South to the roundabout. We got on the Northbound A557 we we ran the 2 miles up to the M62. We continued East for around another 5 miles an then we joined the Southbound M6. As we travelled South we saw an unidentified Dan Wilson minibus & an unidentified Lambs Coaches coach. We made good progress going South apart from a small section where the motorway went down to two lanes through the roadworks. We continued down to junction 16 and then we got onto the Southbound A500. As we travelled South we saw ABC Supreme DV63 FTN. At Sideway we went East up the A50 where we saw Steve Aitkens OU57 CWO. We continued to Longton to see what was parked up Z Carz this evening. Tonight the spare ground had no buses on it all. At Lucky Seven We turned left onto Willow Row to see what was in the Also in the compound was Z Carz Ford minibus HK57 LGW.

Z Carz HK57 LGW in Longton

We also saw Z Carz Peugeot minibus YJ62 RCO. We set off onto the A50 and we ran up to Longton Hall Road. turned left onto Blurton Road and the old railway bridge at Critlow's corner was being removed so we turned left onto Drubbery Lane. At the end we turned right onto the A5035. we turned right onto the Ripon Road. we turned right onto the Finstock Ave. we turned left onto the Beaconsfield Drive. and we got home around 19:30. For a late tea we had bangers and mash with carrot followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. We chilled out on the computer and I went to take uncle Dave home. We watched telly and wrote the blog and Matthew went to bed around 00:30... Mark

Trip to Newcastle/Longton 01-04-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
T131 SGA	Blurton	Lower Milehouse Road	Charter	Z Carz
T131 SGA	Lower Milehouse Road	Blurton	Charter	Z Carz
2532	Ladybank Grove, Blurton	Longton TI	22	Wardle Transport

Today matthew got at 07:00 and had breakfast.At 08:42 we saw Copeland's Tours coach MIB 246 working an excursion to Blackpool. At dinner time we went up to Morrisons for dinner. We saw Z Carz T131 SGA. We went along the A5035 to Trentham onto the northbound A34. We then went passed First Newcastle garage and saw 65729 and 40017. For dinner Matthew had a breakfast and a lemoon meringue cake. He brought some Irn Bru ans dandelion and burdock in the shop itself. We headed South and saw a few more buses as we passed the garage. these were 40015/151 and Scania's 60208/215/61143. We passed the bus station where Volvo 66847 was parked up and double decker 32635 was on a #25 service. On the a34 we passed 65038 on a Northbound #101 followed by 40025 on a #21A we headed North up the A500 and onto the A50 to longton. Z Carz was packed and had D104 XAN.

Z Carz D104 XAN in Longton

Lightning Travel loanee minibus NX03 JYJ was near the front.

Z Carz NX03 JYJ in Longton

Followed by Mercedes minibus T131 SGA.

Z Carz T131 SGA in Longton

Then we saw Mercedes minibus BV51 BNO in Willow Row being washed.

Z Carz BV51 BNO in Longton

In Longton we passed 61246 and 61145 on #6B followed by 60006 on a #6B in Fenton. In Heron cross we passed 41497 on a #23 followed by Wardle Transport 2532 on the Longton bound #22.

Wardle Transport 2532 in Blurton

we got on We went and sat down set off to Longton TI. The bus went along Beaconsfield drive to Blurton Road, and then up Longton Hall Road to Longton. we got off and mum picked him up and he returned back in the car down Longton Hall Road into Blurton and home along the We got home and I did some writing on the blog. For tea we had Omelette and french fries and beans with some desserts chocolate gateau. He then chilled out on his computer before bedtime...Mark.

Trip to Cheddleton / Beatrice 24-06-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
FJ10 BJX	John Street, Hanley	Cheddleton	Charter	Aiming High
FJ10 BJX	Cheddleton	John Street, Hanley	Charter	Aiming High
D104 XAN	John Street, Hanley	Longton BS	Charter	Z carz
T131 SGA	Longton BS	Longton BS	Charter	Z Carz
BV51 BNO	Longton BS	Longton BS	Charter	Z Carz
T131 SGA	Longton BS	Longton BS	Charter	Z Carz
2532	Longton BS	Blurton Ladybank Grove	22	Wardle Transport

Today Matthew was lucky enough to be invited on a second Aiming High trip in two Sundays. As last week we discovered there is no access from John Street we decided to go out a little bit earlier so Matthew could see some buses before he went on his trip. We got up around 08:00 and we set off after breakfast around 09:15. Matthew directed up to Hanley via Milton and back along the A53 to Cobridge before coming into Hanley along Waterloo Road. We parked up in the small car park opposite the bus station and the plan was to spend a few minutes here to get a few bus pictures before we drove around to John Street. Matthew dragged us across to the bus station, but because this wasn't planned we didn't have his pass with us. Whilst there we saw 40025 parked up and 60063. Also wardle Transport 3152 was on the #118 to Buxton. We eventually got back across saw Z Carz W344 WNS Copelands Tours MIB 236 going to Llandudno, but Matthew didn't want to get in the car to fetch his pass or drive around to John Street. I sat with Matthew by the car park whilst mum drove around to John Street to see someone from Crossroads. Mum brought back a member of staff from Crossroads and this time Matthew got in the car and we drove around to the bus. This was Z carz HX51 HRU, one that Matthew has been on a few times before. Matthew got a picture of the minibus. He said hello to a few people before he went. was Aiming high FJ10 BJX waiting.

Aiming High FJ10 BJX in John Street Hanley

Matthew got into the bus and was now all smiles after his few minutes of drama and off they went. They went up to Weston Coyney via Dividy road and past the Esso garage. They got to Cheddleton where the Beatrice was waiting for them at her moorings. Matthew got a picture of the barge.

The Beatrice at her moorings in Cheddleton

As far as I can tell from his photo graphs Matthew headed eastwards along the route of the railway towards Consall. They passed through at least one lock as he took a picture of the lock wall through the barge window. Further down the canal they passed this sorry looking barge moored up along side of the canal.

Boat moored by the Cauldon Canal

Somewhere down the canal the turned the boat around and head back towards Cheddleton. Matthew photographed some more boat that where moored o but these appeared to be just resting temporarily.

More boats moored by the Cauldon Canal

Further along there were some more boats having a short rest.

More boats moored by the Cauldon Canal

Back at Cheddleton, they headed back towards Hanley on the Aiming high bus. They arrived back by Z carz coach D104 XAN in Hanley just a little after 15:00 and he was in a far better mood than he had been this morning. As we were low on LPG we decided to have a drive around. We headed to the Shell garage at Festival Park as this was the closet that did LPG. On the way we saw Z carz V690 EBC heading East along the A53 through Cobridge lights. Whilst I filled up mum and Matthew went shopping! Matthew brought some Coke, millionares short bread. We drove back towards Hanley and then headed towards Bentilee so we could drive past the First garage at Adderley Green. We also went past Longton bus station which was empty at the time. we had just passed First PMT 61554 on either a #6 or #26. We then went passed the Z carz garage where we saw D104 XAN which had been to York, W344 WNS to Manchester,BV51 BNO local and T131 SGA local too. Matthew took a picture as we drove past the depot on Edensor Road.

Vehicles parked up at Z Carz in Longton

He then took a couple of trips on the Z carz buses BV51 BNO from Edensor Road depot T408 JUX was out as well as S973 OVP was then and then and from Longton bus station was Z Carz T131 SGA and then back there to the in Longton depot.We saw M283 BLD to Longton Bus station was Wardle Transport 2532 on the #22 service before we headed Home. He also saw PMT MMM120 & PMT SDC863 out and about today. We headed home on 2532 and saw Z carz W591 YBN in Blurton. we also saw First PMT 42727 on the #23 service. We had a homemade Chicken dinner for tea before we settle down for the evening...Mark.

Trip to the Roaches 17-06-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
FJ10 BJX	John Street, Hanley	The Roaches	Charter	Aiming High
FJ10 BJX	The Roaches	John Street, Hanley	Charter	Aiming High
40144	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	34	First Potteries
2203	Newcastle BS	Audley Council Offices	94A	Wardle Transport

Today was an Aiming High trip to the Roaches. We got up around 08:30 and had bacon on toast for breakfast before setting off towards Hanley at 09:30. Because of the construction of the new bus station we had to go into John Street from the other end. We arrived in Hanley just before 10:00. We had a short wait before the bus appeared. It was one of the usual two aiming High vehicles FJ10 BJX. Matthew got a picture of this bus before getting on with his backpack.

Aiminhg High FJ10 BJX in John Street

They set off towards Limekiln bank just after 10:00 and saw 40179 on a #2 service. They then onto the A53 via Abbey Hulton and then through to Baddeley Green. The also went past the Total petrol station and past a Shell petrol station too. The journey would have taken just over 30 minutes. On the way they He also saw 65041 on a #18 Leek service too. beyond leek they did the A53 up to Blackshaw moor and then turned into Tttesworth reservoir. Whilst there Matthew came across and photographed this Staffordshire County Council coach PN57 CVG.

Marcopolo coach PN57 CVG near the Roaches Street

Matthew had his packed lunch out and they would have left the Roaches around 14:20. After going to the toilet they Left Tittesworth and went back towards Blackshaw Moor. They got back onto the A53 and they went through Leek Badderley Green to Cobbridge. They then traveled along Waterloo Road to the Hanley ring road. They then Travelled up Lichfield street to John Street. We got to Hanley to pick him up. He saw First Potteries 40154 on a #23 service. Around 14:50 they had already got back to Hanley. Back at Hanley Matthew saw 40144 on a #34 service which he wanted to do so we did it to Newcastle. We set off toward festival park and around the industrial units and then onto the A53. The bus then went through Etruria and down into Newcastle. At Newcastle we saw Wardle Transport 2203 on the 94A to Audley so we arranged with mum to pick us up from Audley Council Offices. We travelled up the A34 and through Chesterton to Audley. After a visit to the local Co-operative food store where he picked up some pop and cake. We went back to the car and mum picked us up from Bignall End and we headed home via Chesterton and Newcastle past the First garage. we then went along the A519 stopping at the BP garage. We then went onto Whitmore Road before returning home Via Trentham. We passed Wardle transport 2532 on the #22. Whilst stopped we We go home around 15:30 and later Matthew had a burger for tea...Mark.

Trip to Newcastle 08-04-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2532	Blurton, adj Ladybank Grove	Newcastle BS	22	Wardle Transport
60062	Newcastle BS	Stoke, Church Street	26	First Potteries
60059	Stoke, Church Street	Newcastle BS	26	First Potteries
65732	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	25	First Potteries

Today Matthew wanted to go out and cover the #22 which was 2532. We did 2532 to Newcastle. When we got there 60062 was on a #26 so we decided to do this to Stoke. When we got to Stoke we had a choice of 2 buses back to Newcastle. I t either going to be a #26 or #25. The #26 came first and it was 60059. We did this 2255 back to Newcastle. There was a #25 to Hanley due soon so we decided to wait for this out of Newcastle. When it turned up it was 65732. We then went home for some tea...Mark

Trip to Hanley & Crewe 29-03-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
1450	Ladybank Grove Blurton	Hollybush Estate Blurton	Charter	Wardle Transport
40155	Blurton Blurton Road	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
2320	Hanley BS	Hanley, adj Harding Road	41	Wardle Transport
2304	Hanley, adj Regent Centre	Hanley BS	41	Wardle Transport
66839	Hanley BS	Crewe BS	20	First Potteries
66839	Crewe BS	Tunstall High Street	20	First Potteries
40144	Tunstall High Street	Longport off Longport Road	99	First Potteries

Today to Hanley via Crewe Matthew got up around 07:00 and waited for the #20 his usual bus These things happen..! I have covered the #99 and I also covered the #61 hard job remembering buses from the morning before I type them up later we was Wardle Transport 1450 a Mercedes 413cdi minibus.

Wardle 1450 in Blurton

Matthew did his usual around 08:00 and we also saw Wardle Transport 1626 from as this usually does a pick up of a morning on right across the path of the Hollybush Estate Blurton. was 40373 on a #23. He did it to the Blurton Blurton Road where we got off. around 09:00 he the caught the following #23 which was 40155.On #40 we saw Copelands Tours MIB 797.Seen on #40 the new vehicle at Mr Finneys home He 09:15 also we saw 42726 on a #23 service at Stoke.saw Wardle 2963 seen on the plumline. at saw 2301 on a #41. we saw 3419 seen on a #164. On arrival at Hanley he went onto the balcony. was Bakerbus 181 seen on #350 to Newport. On the #19 we saw Wardle 2532 and also had Wardle 2320 on a #41 before having 2304 back to Hanley.he went onto the balcony.saw 30029 arrive on a #25. we saw Wardle 1423 in Hanley too.saw Wardle 2534 in Seen #58 Hanley. Around 10:00 was 66839 on a #20 around 11:00 which As which was nearly dinner time is unusual,so he decided to do this to Crewe Bus Station.the When he got off we saw Arriva North West & Wales 2503 on a #84 to Chester. the #20 was 66839 Afterwards he saw 60202 on a #20 to Crewe .we saw Stanways PUI 9321 on a return service #315 so he did this as far as.early taken out this afternoon 66839 out whilst in Tunstall he visited ASDA shop. He brought some coke from there around 15:00. When he came out, Within a few minutes 40144 turned up on a Newcastle bound #99 which he did to Longport. We met mum and then went back to the car. and ate sausage rolls. We stopped at the BP garage for LPG before via Wolstanton we saw 40142 on a Newcastle service.we saw 2203. we saw 40140 was which was near the hospital.on a #22 as was 40137 Around 16:15.returning home, We then had bangers and mash for tea...Mark.