Trip to Accrington / Blackburn 08-10-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
227	Accrington BS	Blackburn BS	6A	Transdev Lancashire United
1305	Blackburn BS	Darwen, Argyle Street (adj)	1	Transdev Lancashire United
1877	Darwen, by Earnsdale Road	Blackburn BS	1	Transdev Lancashire United
2760	Burnley BS	Clayton-le-Moors, by Hare and Hounds	152	Transdev Lancashire United
2755	Clayton-le-Moors, by Hare and Hounds	Burnley BS	152	Transdev Lancashire United
228	Blackburn BS	Accrington BS	7	Transdev Lancashire United

Today we decided to re-visit Accrington. It has been a while since our last visit. There wre now new bus stations in Accringting and Blackburn, and recently we heard that M&M Coaches had ceased trading at the end of September. We checked the weather for today and it was forecast for dry weather with sunny intervals all over the Midlands and North West. We gave Matthew a list of destination from the Midlands and the Nrth Wesr and from the list unsurprisingly Matthew chose accrington. Matthew got up around 10:15 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:30 and we ran down to the A5035. We turned right into Stanley Matthews Way and we ran north past the Bet365 stadium. We went West on the A50 and then North onto the A500. As we joined the A500 we saw an unidentified BSS Coaches coach joining the Eastbound A50. We carried on North through Stoke passing an unidentified Dublin liveried ALX400 double decker (Paul's of Stoke?). We came off the A500 at Shelton on to Shelton New Road. We went along past the old Twyfords factory un to Etruria where we filled the car with gas. Once we had filled up we went onto the Westbound A53 and we re-joined the Northbound A500, going North up to the M6. As we traveled North up the M6 we passed National Express BX16 CJJ, black minibus L6 WEY and an unidentified Pride of the Clyde coach. At Junction 21A we went East along the M62 and then forwards onto the clockwise M60. On the M60 we passed an unidentified Tetley's coach, an unidentified Acklams coach, Cochrane Travel 54 FWY and an unidentified white & black Plaxton President double decker. We joined the North M66 past Bury and forwards onto the A56. We followed the road along the Haslingden by-pass and the when we got to the A680 we went North West into Accrington. We parked outside The Abbey Friar and we went in for dinner. Matthew went up to the toilet and afterwards he had sausage chips and gravy with bread and butter washed down with a can of Coke. On the way out we paid for the stuff and Matthew picked another couple of small bottles of pop. Matthew decided to get back in the car and have a lift to the bus station. We didn't know exactly where it was but we had seen pictures taken nearby under the arches of the railway line. We headed back onto the A680 we parked in a car park on King Street which was right next to the new bus station. We sid goodbye to mum and we walked over to the bus station. On layover near to the exit of the bus station was Pilkington Bus Dennis Dart R10 PLK.

Pilkington Bus R10 PLK in Accrington bus station

We walked into the bus station and Matthew had to try out the toilet. We walked around what appeared to be a triangular shaped building. At the Southern end was an entrance to the bus station along School Street from Blackburn Road. We walked up to the end where we could see the buses on stands 5 through 9. On these stands were Pilkington Bus BA52 GHS on a #2 Dill Hall circular and Transdev Burnley & Pendle 1859 on a M3 to Trawden.

Transdev Burnley & Pendle 1859 in Accrington bus station

A few minutes later we saw required Rossendale 124 on a #484 to Bury.

Rossendale 124 in Accrington bus station

We also saw required Transdev Lancashire United 227 on a #6A to Blackburn.

Transdev Lancashire United 227 in Accrington bus station

We decided to do this bus, so we walked back into the bus station and over to the stands on the North side. We queued up to get on the bus and we purchased Blackburn area tickets at £4.30 each. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Blackburn Road. We headed West for around 1/2 mile and we briefly joined the A679. before turnning left onto Market Street. We ran under the railway line and we ran through the centre of Oswaldtwistle. The B6231 continued straight onto the B6234 and we ran out into the countryside and over the M65. We turned right onto Windsor Road and we ran into Knuzden. We re-joined the A679 and we travelled West through Intack. Near to Tesco we joined the A678 and we ran into the town center. We ran past Thwaites brewery and Morrisons and we entered the new bus station for the first time. We let the bus enmpty and Matthew took a picture inside Transdev Lancashire United 227.

Inside Transdev Lancashire United 227

Once we got off the bus we decided to go for a walk around. We went outside the bus station and we saw an area to the South of the bus station where there were 3 very large and long steps where all the skater kids hung around on. It was also the perfect platform for looking into the bus station and getting pictures of the buses on layover on the East side of the bus station. On layover was Transdev Lancashire United 3604 resting between runs on the X41 to Manchester.

Transdev Lancashire United 3604 in Blackburn bus station

We walked back to the bus station and Matthew used the toilet. We saw required Transdev Lancashire United 1305 on a #1 to Darwen so we decided to do it.

Transdev Lancashire United 1305 in Blackburn bus station

Whilst we waited for the bus to be readied for service we saw required Stagecoach Lancashire 15910 on a #59 to Preston.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15910 in Blackburn bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Blackburn area day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and through town past the railway station. We left town heading South under the railwayline and past the retail park. We ran down the A666 past the site of the old hospital and over the canal. We ran down Bolton Road avoiding Alan Shearer Way and then past Ewood Park. This was as far in this direction as we had been before. We continued South under the M65 and we ran into Darwen. For some reason based on the shops on the road I thought we were in the centre on Darwen, but we later found out this was not the case! We got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Transdev Lancashire United 1305 as it carried on down to the town centre.

Transdev Lancashire United 1305 in Darwen

The original plan was to go to Darwen town centre, but for some reason we got off early, to make sure we didn't to go outside the boundary of the ticket. Just as we got up to get off we passed a Co-operative food store on the other side of the road, so we decided to take Matthew there to do some shopping. Matthew brought a can of Coke and a small bottle of Irn Bru, as well as a couple of bars of chocolate. We walked down to the stop outside the Conservative Club and we waited for the next bus back into town. Matthew had a Milky Way whilst we waited fo the next bus. We saw Transdev Lancashire United 1305 going back towards Blackburn running out of service and a couple of minutes later we saw a bus further down the road heading towards us. As it got closer we saw that it was required Transdev Lancashire United 1877.

Transdev Lancashire United 1877 in Darwen

We got on the bus and we flashed the Blackburn area day ticket to the driver to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus traveled North up the A666 under the M65 We passed ewood park and we ran into Blckburn under the railway line. We ran through the town centre and past the railway station for running into the bus station from the South end. When we got back to the bus station we let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Transdev Lancashire United 1877.

Inside Transdev Lancashire United 1877

When we got back to the bus station we went outside and we stood on the steps by the skaters. We had a quick look at what was about to work and there was a choice of a required bus on the X41 towards Accrington or a Hot LIne branded double decker on the #152 service to Burnley. We walked back into bus station and matthew decided he wanted to do the double decker on the #155 service. As we went to get on it we discovered it was dud Transdev Lancashire United 2760.

Transdev Lancashire United 2760 in Blackburn bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Blackburn area day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. We set off out if the bus station and we ran up past the brewery onto the A678. In Intack we followed the road past MacDonalds and we passed ab unidentified Cranberry Coachways coach on the opposite carriageway through the trees. Crossed over the big roundabout onto Blackburn Road and under the railway line. We ran into Rishton and we stopped for a short whilw whislt we waited time. We then continued along the A678 past a large building site on the left hand side of the road. We then ran up the hill adjacnet to the M65 and into the centre of Clayton-le Moors where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Transdev Lancashire United 2760 before it carried on towards Burnley.

Transdev Lancashire United 2760 in Clayton-le-Moors

We asked Matthew if he wanted to do another #152 back to Blackbrn or to go around the corner and travel back via Great Harwood. He chose to do another #152, so we had to run the gauntlet of going across two main roads to get to the other bus stop. We crossed over the A680 and then the A678 before walking down to the bus stop. The M65 was behind us down an embankment and we could hear the traffic racing by. Last time we went to Burnley we would have done a #152 the Altham Business park as the buses used to pass somewhere between the business park and Clayton-le-Moors. If the timetable was anything like it was there should be a bus due very soon. There was a gentleman already at the stop waiting for the bus so the signs were good. Matthew had a packet of Milky Stars as the best best way to ensure the bus turns up promptly is to give Matthew somethinfg to eat! Pretty much as soon as Matthew had polished of the chocolate we saw a double decker coming down the hill on the other side of the crossroads. As it got closer we saw that it was Transdev Lancashire United 2755.

Transdev Lancashire United 2755 in Clayton-le-Moors

We got on the bus and we flashed the Blacburn area day tickets to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was almost empty, I don't think Matthew spotted the young man hiding behind the plush leather high backed seats...

Inside Transdev Lancashire United 2755

We sat down and the bus set off down the A678 and into Rishton. We crossed over the roundabout and up the hill into Intack, where we followed the road to the right as we went passed Tesco. We ran into the town centre past the brewery and morrison and we entered the bus station once again. As we went on stand we spotted an interesting looking Merceds minibus on layover. We got off the bus and we walked up the big steps next to the skaters so we could get a better look. It was required Darwen Coach Services BX06 UMM.

Darwen Coach Services BX06 UMM in Blackburn bus station

We went back into the bus station and Matthew used the toilet again. We saw on the display that the next bus back to Accrington was the 16:55 #7 service. We had a few minutes and we visited the kiosk where Matthew brough a caramel flapjack and a milky Way. We walked out of the other end of the bus station and we got a picture of required Transdev Lancashire United 228, which was now starting to load up for the trip up to Acrington.

Transdev Lancashire United 228 in Blackburn bus station

We got in the queue to get onto the Accrington bus and we saw Darwen Coach Services minibus BX06 UMM pull onto san adjacent stand to work a #3 service to Sunnybower. We wren't sure if we could do this service and get back so we turned it down for now, hopefully to get it at some point in the near future. We got on Transdev Lancashire United 228 and we flashed the Blackburn area day ticket to the driver for the final time today before we sat down near to the front of the bus. The bus was packed and there were sveral standees as we left the bus station. We headed past the brewery onto the A678 and outside Tesco we carried on straight on to the A679, As we went through Intack and on to Knuzden the bus statrted to empty out. We carried on under the M65 and went we got into Church we turned right onto Thwaites Road. At the end we turned left onto the B6234 and into the centre of Oswaldtwistle. As we ran down towards Market Street and the junction A679 the bus was almost empty. We turned right onto Blackburn Road and we ran into Accrington. We went under the railway line and we turn left into School Street and into the bus station from the Southern End. The bus unloaded and we walked out of the bus station to try and get another picture. Whilst we waited we saw Rossendale 234 on a #464 to Rawtenstall.

Rossendale 234 in Accrington bus station

Mum appeared and parked in the layby on King Street outside the Bistro, so we decided to head over to the car where she was waiting with a Greggs sausage roll and a small bottle of Irn Bru. We turned around via Blackburn Road, Oxford street and Hyndburn Road before getting onto the A680 and going around the town centre and down through Baxenden. We stopped at the Shell garage for gas and matthew used the toilet. We carried across the A56 and stopped at the entrance of Winfields so we could see if we could see an industrial shunter, but the gates were closed. We got back onto the A56 and we ran Southwards down to the M66. We passed another Cranberrys Coachways coach going the other way. At the end of the M66 we joined the Westbound M60. Traveling home along the M60 we passed 2 unidentified Tyrer's Coaches an an unidentified Shearing's Grand Tourer. We also passed two gold coloured coaches, the operator name escapes me. Further around the ring road we saw also saw black minibus EX66 FTF and a Playbus. We came of the M60 and went WEst along the M62 to the M6. As we travelled down the M6 we saw white LDV DL04 UWX. At junction 16 we came of the M6 onto the Southbound A500 which we did down to Sideway. We went East along the A50 and we came off to check out was was parked up at Z Carz this evening. Today we got there and it was properly dark! In the front row was Z Carz Ford minibus FP06 WTW.

Z Carz FP06 WTW in Longton

Also in the front row we saw Z Carz minibus YS09 LWV.

Z Carz YS09 LWV in Longton

At the near end of the front row was Z Carz Airport Division minibus MJ03 DPU.

Z Carz MJ03 DPU in Longton

In the second row was Z Carz minibus MV53 KKO.

Z Carz MV53 KKO in Longton

We turned into Willow Row see what was in the compound. Outside was Z Carz Ford minibus BN03 OVS.

Z Carz BN03 OVS in Longton

We also saw Z Carz Ford minibus LG09 JVX.

Z Carz LG09 JVX in Longton

We turned around and got back onto the A50 and we ran up to Heron Cross. We ran through Blurton along Blurton Road and strangely enough we didn't see a single clown. We followed the road around to the right onto Church Road and we turned right into beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 19:30. For a late tea we had banger and mash with carrots followed by a jam filled shortcake biscuit. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:30... Mark

Trip to Burnley / Padiham 04-04-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2755	Burnley BS	Altham, by Simon Jersey	152	Transdev Lancashire United
404	Altham, by Simon Jersey	Burnley BS	152	Transdev Lancashire United
1869	Burnley BS	Padiham, by St James Place	23	Transdev Burnley & Pendle
2759	Padiham, by Post Office	Burnley BS	152	Transdev Lancashire United
715	Burnley BS	Burnley, by Harold Avenue	1	Transdev Burnley & Pendle
286	Burnley, by Harold Avenue	Burnley BS	1	Transdev Burnley & Pendle

Today we decided to re-visit Burnley. We had checked the weather and the weather was forecast for fare weather in all directions. We gave Matthew a list of destinations from the North West and Midlands and from these he chose Burnley. Matthew got up around 09:45 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off a fraction before 12:00 and we headed onto the A5035. We turned Northwards onto Stanley Matthews Way and we joined the Westbound A50. We went North on the A500 which we did up to the M6. Traffic was a little slow when we joined the M6. We passed through the roadworks and the and the traffic improved a little. As we got close to Knutsford Service we were caught up by Greenline coach 4076 branded for service 758 Brent Cross to Victoria on a Northbound excursion.

Green Line 4076 on the M6

At junction 21A we joined the Eastbound M62. Just before we got to the M60, we were caught up by Plymouth based Target Travel YIL 9895 on a day trip.

Target Travel YIL 9895 on the M62

This Northern Irish registration had been carried by one of their Darts until very recently. We joined the clockwise M60 through the 50mph roadworks and we did this around to the M66. On the M66 we were able to get back up to speed again and we did the M66 / A56 Northwards until we reached the M65. We went eastwards 2 junctions along the M65 before coming into Burnley town centre along the A671. We parked adjacent to the bus station and we set off on foot to the Atlantis cafe for dinner. On the way we took a few bus pictures. The first bus to pass us was Transdev Burnley & Pendle 1861 on a #22 to Padiham.

Transdev Burnley & Pendle 1861 in Burnley

We also saw Transdev Burnley & Pendle 1066 on a #27 to Clitheroe.

Transdev Burnley & Pendle 1066 in Burnley

Outside the exit to the bus station we saw Transdev Burnley & Pendle 1071 on a #25 to Keighley.

Transdev Burnley & Pendle 1071 in Burnley bus station

This was followed by Wrightbus demonstrator ERZ 2028.

Wrightbus ERZ 2028 in Burnley bus station

This bus on loan to Transdev Burnley & Pendle was operating a #1 to the Stoops Estate. Finally we saw another new Wrightbus Streetlite, 601/602/603/605/606/609 which was on a #4 to Harle Syke.

Transdev Burnley & Pendle 605 in Burnley bus station

We headed into the Atlantis Cafe and Matthew as usual headed straight for the toilet at the top of two very long flights of stairs! After he had finished we headed down to the dinner which was quite full... Probably as busy as we have ever seen this place. Matthew had a breakfast Washed down with a cup of Coke. After we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and we headed around the outside of the bus station to take a few bus pictures. We saw required Transdev Burnley & Pendle 2776 on a X43 to Nelson.

Transdev Burnley & Pendle 2776 in Burnley bus station

We then saw required Transdev Burnley & Pendle 1866 on a #22 to Padiham.

Transdev Burnley & Pendle 1866 in Burnley bus station

We also saw dud Transdev Burnley & Pendle 1868 on a #28 to Skipton.

Transdev Burnley & Pendle 1868 in Burnley bus station

We first had this bus back in February 2014 from Whitegate to Burnley on a #22 service. We then saw dud Transdev Burnley & Pendle 2777 on a X43 to Manchester.

Transdev Burnley & Pendle 2777 in Burnley bus station

Transdev Burnley & Pendle 2777 was the first 'Witch Way' double decker we rode on when they were brand new back in November 2013. In the time it took us to eat our dinner, Transdev Burnley & Pendle 605 was back in the bus station on the next working.

Transdev Burnley & Pendle 605 in Burnley bus station

We walked into the bus station and we considered what we could catch. As we though about our next bus we saw dud Transdev Lancashire United 2755 coming into the bus station on a #152 to Preston.

Transdev Lancashire United 2755 in Burnley bus station

We decided to catch this bus despite it being one we had been on before... We last rode on this bus from Blackburn to Accrington back in January 2015. We got on the bus and we booked Burnley area day tickets at £4.20 each. We went upstairs and the bus was nearly empty but people were randomly distributed along the top deck. As we sat and waited departure we saw dud Transdev Burnley & Pendle 1069 on one of the adjacent stands.

Transdev Burnley & Pendle 1069 in Burnley bus station

The bus set off through town and out along St James's Street. We joined Westgate followed by Westway. We crossed the M65 and we headed A671 towards Padiham. The bus wasn't emptying out so Matthew took a picture of the seats opposite as we passed through Whitegate.

Inside Transdev Lancashire United 2755

From previous trips we knew we could go to Altham Business Park to catch the bus back. We carried on into Padiham and across the river. We headed up the hill and then we turned to head towards Altham. We headed West and we crossed the A6068 though the set of lights. We carried on a short distance West and we turned into the Business Park. When we got to the appropriate stop we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Transdev Lancashire United 2755 as it headed off towards Preston.

Transdev Lancashire United 2755 in Altham

We had around 5 minutes to wait for the return bus. Matthew had time to eat a Galaxy Caramel which he shared with uncle Dave and I. A few minutes later dud Transdev Lancashire United 404 made an appearance.

Transdev Lancashire United 404 in Altham

We got on the bus and we flashed our Burnley day tickets to the driver. We went upstairs and and we sat down. We had first been on Transdev Lancashire United 404 back in November 2013 from Accrington to Haslingden. The bus set off out of the Business park and we headed East towards Padiham. We crossed over the crossroads with the A6068 and we headed into the East end of town. We we down the hill and over the river before leaving Padiham to headed towards Whitegate. We headed down the A671 and we crossed over the M65 and ran into town. When we got to the bus station we let the bus empty before Matthew took a picture inside Transdev Lancashire United 404.

Inside Transdev Lancashire United 404

We got off the bus and Matthew went to the toilet. Once he had done we had a look to see what we could catch next. There was a required 'Witch Way' double decker on the X43 to Manchester and required Transdev Burnley & Pendle 1869 on a #23 to Accrington.

Transdev Burnley & Pendle 1869 in Burnley bus station

We decided to do Transdev Burnley & Pendle 1869, so we got on the bus and flashed the Burnley day ticket to the driver. We sat down near to the back of the bus. Whilst we waited for departure time, Matthew photographed the required bus on the X43 Transdev Burnley & Pendle 2774.

Transdev Burnley & Pendle 2774 in Burnley bus station

The bus set off through town and out of town along St James's Street the same as the #152. We headed over the M65 and along the A671 Westward out of Burnley. The bus was quite full and Matthew photographed the empty rear seat as we passed through Whitegate.

Inside Transdev Burnley & Pendle 1869

When we got to Padiham we turned left towards the railway just before the river. We got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Transdev Burnley & Pendle 1869 before it carried on towards Accrington.

Transdev Burnley & Pendle 1869 in Padiham

We walked back onto the main road and we saw Transdev Burnley & Pendle 1859 on a #23 to Burnley.

Transdev Burnley & Pendle 1859 in Padiham

We decided to cross the river and walk up the hill to find a shop. As we started to climb the hill we saw Transdev Burnley & Pendle 1839 returning to Burnley on a #22 service.

Transdev Burnley & Pendle 1839 in Padiham

Near the top of the hill on the right hand side of the road was a bargain booze. Matthew had a couple of chocolate bars and a can of Coke and we set off down the hill to have a picnic at the bus stop before we head back to town. On the way down we saw required Transdev Burnley & Pendle 2759 on the #152 to Burnley. It stopped at the bottom of the hill and we walked down towards it. As it the bus was there we decided to forgo the bus stop picnic and catch the required bus, but not before he had taken a picture of it!

Transdev Lancashire United 2759 in Padiham

We got on the bus and we flashed the Burnley day ticket at the driver before we headed upstairs. The bus headed through Whitehead and we paused for a while outside the Tom Bobbin pub. We crossed the M65 and we headed through town before going into the bus station. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Transdev Burnley & Pendle 2759.

Inside Transdev Lancashire United 2759

It had now gone 16:00 so we had time to do one quick out and back before we went home. There were a couple of Darts in the bus station, so we decided to do one of those. Required Transdev Burnley & Pendle 715 was on a #1 to the Stoops estate.

Transdev Burnley & Pendle 715 in Burnley bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Burnely day tickets to the driver. We sat down near to the back of the bus and the bus set off out of the bus station around 16:20. The bus set off through town and out of St james's Street. We then doubled back along towards the bus station on Hammerton Street. We crossed the canal and we joined Trafalgar Street. we turned left by MacDonald onto Burnham gate and we ran parallel to the railway for a short while. We turned left onto Coal Clough Lane and we crossed the railway line. We left the lane to run a round a block of houses and we returned to Coal Clough Lane before we turned left onto the A646. We headed into the Stoops estate and the driver change the blind for the return journey. The bus hadn't emptied so Matthew took a picture of the empty rear seat behind us.

Inside Transdev Burnley & Pendle 715

We got to the edge of the Stoops estate on Harold Avenue so we decided to get off to wait for the next bus. Matthew took another picture of Transdev Burnley & Pendle 715 before it returned towards Burnley.

Transdev Burnley & Pendle 715 in Stoops Estate

Whilst we waited Matthew had a flake and a bottle of coke from out of the trip bag. We went around the corner onto the A646 to see if there were any other buses that we could catch but there wasn't, so we returned to the stop that we got off the bus. The 15 minutes went by quickly and then we saw required Versa Transdev Burnley & Pendle 286 approaching.

Transdev Burnley & Pendle 286 in Stoops Estate

We got on the bus and it was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Transdev Burnley & Pendle 286.

Inside Transdev Burnley & Pendle 286

We flashed the Burnley day tickets to the driver for the final time today and we sat down near to the back of the bus. The bus set off onto the A646 and we headed South Eastwards towards Coal Clough Lane. We turned into the lane the then we headed into the houses on the right hand side before joining back onto Coal Clough Lane closer to town. We crossed the railway line and we joined Burnham Gate. At the end we turned left onto trafalgar Street and we turned left at the roundabout to head into town. So that we run through town via St James's Street we went North Eastwards onto Hammerton Street. We ran into town and we got to the bus station. The bus paused before we went on stand. This gave Matthew the opportunity to take a picture of Holmeswood Dart S9 BOS which was on a #65 service.

Holmeswood S9 BOS in Burnley bus station

We went onto the stand and we got off the bus. We met with mum and we went to the newsagents. Matthew had a can of Coke and a chocolate bar. Matthew used the toilet and we went out of the bus station. Before we went to the car on Croft Street we saw dud First West Yorkshire 66746 on a #589 service.

First West Yorkshire 66746 in Burnley bus station

We got in the car and Matthew ate a sausage roll. We set off out of town via Trafalgar Street and the A671 and we joined the M65. We went two junction up to the A56 and we headed South to the junction with the A680. We filled up with diesel and we got Matthew a bottle of Irn Bru out of the car boot. We re-joined the A56 and we carried on Southwards. The A56 became the M66 and we did the down to the M60. We went anti-clockwise until we got onto the M62. We then saw a coach ahead of us. We caught it up and we saw it was Maynes of Buckie KM12 GSM carrying the david Urquhart livery.

Maynes of Buckie KM12 GSM on the M62

We joined the Southbound M6 and the coach went North. On the M6 we saw another couple of coaches running together. We overtook them and we sat behind a slower car in front of us so the the coaches would go past us. The first coach to pass us was Clynnog & Trefor KBC 1V.

Clynnog & Trefor KBC 1V on the M6

Behind this was another Clynnog & Trefor coach, JSU 986.

Clynnog & Trefor JSU 986 on the M6

The coached headed off onto the M56 and we continued South on the M6. It was a little busy around junction 19 but we picked up speed again until we got to the roadworks at junction 17. We left the M6 at junction 16 and we went Southwards along the A500. As we passed the Wolstanton area we saw Bakerbus 194 going the way. It had been doing rail replacement work earlier in the day. We joined the Eastbound A50 and we did this up to Longton so that we could check out what was on Z Carz tonight. Still under repair was Z Carz Mercedes minibus M372 NWN.

Z Carz M372 NWN in Longton

Next to this was Ford airport transfers minibus Z Carz MJ03 DPU.

Z Carz MJ03 DPU in Longton

Finally we saw Z Carz Iveco minibus GK02 NWJ.

Z Carz GK02 NWJ in Longton

We turned into Willow Row to see if there was anything in the compound. We saw Z Carz Mercedes minibus S952 VMY.

Z Carz S952 VMY in Longton

We headed back onto the A50 and we came off it again in Heron Cross. We went through Blurton along Blurton Road and Church road before turning into Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 19:10. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a Manchester tart. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 01:00... Mark