Trip to Oakengates / Telford 12-04-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2962	Oakengates BS	Telford BS	7	Arriva Midlands
3311	Telford BS	Madeley Centre (Stand A)	4	Arriva Midlands
3312	Madeley Centre (Stand A)	Telford BS	4	Arriva Midlands
2145	Telford BS	Boseley, adj Garage	8	Arriva Midlands
2141	Boseley, opp Garage	Madeley Centre (Stand C)	8A	Arriva Midlands
3332	Madeley Centre (Stand C)	Telford BS	2	Arriva Midlands

Today we decided to re-visit Telford. Research consisted of looking on the Arriva Website to look at tickets and checking where we could eat and checking the weather which was for mainly dry and sunny weather. Matthew woke up around 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had apple juice and toast for breakfast. We got ready and we set off to pick up uncle Dave around 11:50. We set off through Blurton and onto 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. We ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. After picking up uncle Dave we continued down Wheildon Road and under the railway line. We crossed over the canal and we joined the Northbound A500. we turned right onto City Road and back onto the Southbound A500 and we ran through Hanford to the end of the A500. We turned left onto the A519 and we passed Longmile Coach 800 XPG coming the other way. We continued Southwards through Eccleshall and we ran down to the A41 Newport bypass. We joined the Southbound A518. We turned left onto the A4640 and we headed inti Oakengates. We park up in the the centre of town and we walked onto New Street and we turned left onto Market Street. We were looking for a cafe called the outpost. The map said it was behind market Street so we walked down a passageway. The cafe turned out to be on the 1st floor of a council building. We enetered the building and we went upstairs. Matthew went to the toilet and mum ordered the food. Matthew had a small breakfast with an extra sausage washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we wend out of the building and directly back to the car to pick up the trip bag. We said goodbye to mum and we walked back past the theatre and through to shopping arcade back to the bus station. We went to check out the toilets and they looked closed down. The disabled toilet still looked to be open so we used the key and we were surprised to see that this was being used as some kind of store room. We walked back to the bus station and we waited for a bus towards Telford. Whilst we waited we saw Arriva Midlands 3330 on a #4 to Leegomary.

Arriva Midlands 3330 in Oakengates bus station

A few seconds later we saw a suitable bus approaching. We saw it was Arriva Midlands 2962 on a #7 to Telford.

Arriva Midlands 2962 in Oakengates bus station

We got on the bus and we booked a Shropshire and telford Duo Day Saver tickets at £15 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We ran down Uxacona Way and by the railway station we turned left onto station Road. We crossed over the A442 and we ran East along the B5061 until we got to the A5. We went South over the M54 and we headed to Telford railway station. There we nobody there to get on or off the bus so we came straight back out and onto the roundabout. We crossed over the A442 and onto Hollinsgate before going forwards onto Grange Central. We turned right onto Northfield street and we ran into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we did a lap of the bus station and took a few bus pictures. We saw Arriva Midlands 3323 on a #4 to Leegomery.

Arriva Midlands 3323 in Telford bus station

We headed into the shopping centre and Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we returned to the bus station and we had a look wat we could catch. We decided to head towards Madeley. A shirt time later we saw a bus on stand. As we got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 3311 on a #4 to Madeley.

Arriva Midlands 3311 in Telford bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Shropshire and telford Duo Day Saver ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Northfield Street and Near to the ice rink. We ran forwards onto St Quintins Gate and we crossed the roundabout onto Stirchley Avenue and we ran down to the A442. We ran fast for 2/3rd of a mile and then forwards onto the A4169. We turned onto the Southbound B4373 and then right onto Woodside Avenue. We ran around the woodside housing estate and then forwards onto Eastbound B4373. At the roundabout we went onto Mound Way and we ran to the edge of Madeley. At the next roundabout we went onto Parkway and we past an Aldi. We bypassed Madeley town centre and we came in from the other end up High Street. When we got to the top we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3311 before it carried on towards Leegomery.

Arriva Midlands 3311 in Madeley

Once off the bus Mattew went to the toilet block around the corner and used the toilet. We spotted a gost sign on Court Street so we went over to investigate and we headed past the former Wesleyan church which is going to be converted into flats. On the way back to the bus stops we saw Arriva Midlands 3742 on a #2 Sutton Hill circular.

Arriva Midlands 3742 in Madeley

We went back to the bus stop by the toilet block. We considered catching the 100 service, but we saw it go up the High Street and miss the stop for some reason, It was Chaserider 6501 on the #100 to Wellington. We then waited for the #1 which for some reason also didn't turn up. We decied to go around the corner and catch the next #4 as we had been in Madeley for almost an hour. We went around the corner and a few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 3312 on a #4 to Leegomery.

Arriva Midlands 3312 in Madeley

We go on the bus and we placed the West Midlands Day Saver Duo ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We ran onto Court Street and we turned left onto Parkway. At the roundabout we went forwards onto Mound Way. At the roundabout we went West along the B4373 before turning ritgh into Woodside Avenue. We ran around the Woodside estate before turning left onto the Northbound B4373. We ran up the the big roundabout and we turned right onto the A4169. We ran forwards onto the A442 and at the next junction we came off onto Stirchley Avenue. At the next roundabout we ran forwards onto St Quentins Gate and then forwards agin onto Northfield Street and into the bus station. We got off the bus and we got off the bus. We had a look around the bus station and we headed down to the bottom end. We saw Arriva Midlands 2145 awaiting time to work a #8 to Bridgnorth.

Arriva Midlands 2145 in Telford bus station

We had a walk around but it seem Matthew wanted to do the Bridgnorth service so we waited around for 20 odd minutes. Whilst we waited for the bus sto be readied for service, we saw Banga Travel YD63 UZY on a #891 to Wolverhampton.

Banga Travel YD63 UZY in Telford bus station

When it was time for the Bridgenorth bus it was as expected Arriva Midlands 2145. We go on the bus and we placed the West Midlands Day Saver Duo ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bu station and we turned right onto Northfield Street. We turned left onto Milners Lane and left onto Cemetery Road. We continued onto Bank Road and we turned right onto Concorde. We turned left onto Station Road and Right onto Martingale Way. We turned left onto the B5072 and we headed Westwards. We ran forwards onto Peppermill and into an unsual modern housing estate. We turned left onto Glendale and we followed the road to the left and headed Southwards. We turned right into a little triangle junction on which the bus stop was situated. We turned right onto the other side of the traingle and left to rejoined Glendale. We turned left onto Smallhill Road and we ran forwards onto The Crescent. We crossed a roundabout and we ran forwards onto Dawley Road. We continued onto Heath Hill and we turned right onto the B4373. We turned right on to Station Road and we ran past the Telford Steam Railway. We continued onto Bridge Road and we headed Eastwards. We ran forwards onto Wellington Road and we continued onto Ellens Bank. We ran onto Little Flin and forwards onto Lightmoor Way. We turned left onto the A4169 and we ran fast to the edge of Madeley. We turned right onto the B4373 and we turned left onto Parkway. We turned left onto Maddocks and left onto Park Avenue. We ran forwards onto High Street and after a brief stop we turned left onto Court Street. We turned left onto Parkway and we ran to the roundabout. We turned left onto the B4373 and we ran down the hill into Ironbridge Gorge. At the bottom of the hill there was a sharp left turn. In order to do the turn tou have to go around the rouandabout once as it would be impossible to do the turn otherwise. We continued Eastwards along the B4373 and we cross over the River Severn on the modern suspension bridge. We turned left onto Lloyds Head and we ran over a form railway level crossing onto Calcutts Road. We turned left to re-join the B4373 and we ran into Boseley. As wewere unsure where the bus coming the other way was we got up and got off the bus by the garage. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 2145 as it continued towards Bridgenorth.

Arriva Midlands 2145 in Boseley

Once off the bus we crossed over the road to wait for the bus back towards Madeley. Whilst we waited we saw red minibus BG57 JTO parked up. We saw our bus heading into Pound Lane. After running to the end and turning around at turned back out onto the B4373. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 2141 on a #8A to Telford.

Arriva Midlands 2141 in Boseley

We go on the bus and we placed the West Midlands Day Saver Duo ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off Northwards up the B4373 and we ran towards Ironbridge Gorge. We turned right onto Calcutts Road and we headed back across the former railway level crossing onto Lloyds Head. We re-joined the B4373 and we crossed over the river Severn. We headed towards Ironbridge and at the roundabout we did the sharp right turn to continued along the B4373 and out of the valley. WE ran up the hill towards Madeley and at the roundabout we turned left onto Parkway. We turned left onto Maddocks and left onto Park Avenue. We ran forwards onto High Street where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 2141 as it continued towards Telford.

Arriva Midlands 2141 in Madeley

Once off the bus we walked along Court Street to the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we headed into the bar. Matthew had a glass of Coke and we sat and watch the Aresenal vs Brentford match on the TV for a while. When we had finished our drink we headed back along Court Street. We saw Chaserider 6502 awaiting time on a #100 to Wellington.

Chaserider 6502 in Madeley

We decided the next bus due that we hadn't already been on was a #2 service so we waited at the appropriate stop. A short time later the bus came around the corner. We saw it was Arriva Midlands 3332 on a #2 Sutton Hill circular service,

Arriva Midlands 3332 in Madeley

We go on the bus and we placed the West Midlands Day Saver Duo ticket under the scanner for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off onto Park Avenue and we ran onto Court Street and we turned left onto Parkway. We re-joined the Northbound B4373 and we crossed the A4169 ponto Majestic Way. At the end of the road we re-joined the Northbound B4373 before turning left onto The Old Vicarage. We turned right onto Trinity Road and we followed the road around onto Deepfield Road. We turned left onto Manor Road and right onto Webb Crescent. We crossed over Finger Road onto New Street and we continued onto King Street. We turned right onto Johnston Road and left onto Eyton Road. We turned left onto Mount Road and right onto Brunel Road. We ran to the edge of town and we turned right at the roundabout onto Malinsgate and past the Severn Gorge pub. We ran onto Northfield Stre and we entered the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we had a walk around and took a few pictures. We headed out onto the road and as we were approaching mum appeared in the car. We got in the car and we set off along Northfield Street. We turned left onto Grange Central and we ran forwards onto Hollingstgate. We crossed over the A442 onto the A5 and we saw Brit Coaches BU18 YMP. We turned left onto Redhill Way and we crossed the roundabout onto Donnington Wood Way. We followed the road into Muxton and we stopped at Wellington Road and into the car park. I went across the road and bought food. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Irn Bru. After I had finished eating we turned right onto Wellington Road and right onto Donnington Wood Way. We turned right onto the A518 and we headed towards Newport. At the edge of town we turned left onto the A41 on the Newport bypass. After a couple of junctions we turned right onto the A519. We headed through Forton and Woodseaves and into Eccleshall. We continued along the A519 through Cotes Heath and Beech. We reached Hanchurch and we joined the Northboud A500. We ran through Hanford and into Stoke and we turned right onto City Road. We headed back South on the A500 and we veered left onto Whieldon Road past the old Board Products factory which is being converted into a new soft play place. We stopped at uncle Dave's so that Mattew could use the toilet and update uncle Dave's calendar with today's trip. He also had some of uncle Rod's Fanra orange. When we had finished we got in the car and we set off back to Blurton. We set off onto Wheildon Road and past the former Regent pub which is now being set up as an Indian Restaurant. We ran forwards onto Grove Road and we saw green minibus R482 NDM parked up. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Street. We turned right onto the A5035 and back to Blurton just after 20:00. Matthew had his medication and afterwards 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. Matthew got ready for bed. Later on Matthew had a french fancy and a can of Irn Bru. Matthew settled down around 00:00... Mark

Trip to St Helens / Old Swan 20-01-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2981	Earlestown BS	St Helens BS	34	Arriva NW&W
2962	St Helens BS	Eccleston, Broadway	37	Arriva NW&W
2939	Eccleston, Bleak Hill Road	St Helens BS	38	Arriva NW&W
4614	St Helens BS	Old Swan, Belfast Road	10A	Arriva NW&W
4690	Old Swan, Chilcott Road	Hunts Cross station, Stop F	81	Arriva NW&W
4608	Hunts Cross station, Stop A	St Helens BS	89	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to re-visit St Helens. We checked the weather for today and it was for cold snowy weather clearing up in the afternoon. The weather seemed to be better in the North West. We gave Matthew a list of destinations from the North Midlands and North West and from the list Matthew chose St Helens. Matthew got up around 10:00 and got ready to go out. We set off around 11:30 and we realised that we had forgotten to give Matthew his toast and orange juice. We ran onto the A5035 and we turned right onto Stanley Matthew Way. We passed D&G Bus 33 on a #14 to Stafford. Outside the BET365 stadium we passed Linburg coach IIG 7842. We joined the Westbound A50 which we did down to Sideway and then we joined the Northbound A500. We ran up to Wolstanton and then we came off to get petrol at Asda. After topping up with petrol we re-joined the Northbound A500. AS we headed up towards the motorway we saw Stanton's of Stoke 5658 RU. We joined the Northbound M6 at junction 16 and today the road was relative clear. It was probably the poor weather that was keeping many from venturing out. As we travelled Northwards we saw an unidentified City Circle coach, red minibus reg like PN60 TWN, an unidentified JAK Travel coach, 7 unidentified Stott's coaches (presumably on the way to the BET365 with Huddersfield fans) and unidentified Redline coach. We came off the M6 onto the Westbound M62 and we ran to the next junction. We came off the M62 and we went Northwards up the A49 to Newton-le-Willows. We stopped the the railway station to buy Saveaway tickets and then we continued into Earlestown. At the mini roundabout we turned left onto the A572 and we ran for a couple of miles before we turned shap left onto Market Street. At the roundabout we turned right onto Tamworth Street and we went past the bus station on Lord Street. We turned right onto Leigh Street and after turning the car around we parked outside The Nine Arches pub. We went into the pub and Matthew used the toilets. Once we had been to the facilities mum went to the bar to order the food. Matthew had a chicken fillet on a bap with fries washed down with a glass of Coke. He also helped to eat 1/2 of my chicken burger. Once we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum. We went outside to the bus station and we saw required Arriva NW&W 2900 on a #34 to Leigh.

Arriva NW&W 2900 in Earlestown bus station

As there wasn't a st helens bound bus we returned briefly to the car to drop something off and pick up a pack of tissues. We went into the bus station to wait for the next bus to St Helens. Whilst we waited we saw dud Arriva NW&W 2972 on a #34A to Acorn Street. A few minutes later we saw required Arriva NW&W 2981 on a #34 to St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 2981 in Earlestown bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Saveaway Day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto St John Street. We went through the housing estate to the West of the bus station before coming out on the A572. We ran West and into to St Helens through Parr and past the community fire station. Just outside of town we joined the A58. We turned right onto Corporation Street and we ran over the railway line by St Helens Central before entering the bus station along Bickerstaffe Street. Once we got off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2981 before it returned to Acorn Street on a #34A service.

Arriva NW&W 2981 in St Helens bus station

Once we let the bus go we had a look around to see what we could catch next. It was raining lightly and we wanted to catch another bus quickly to get out of the weather. As we went to loo at was was going of the middle stands we saw Halton Transport 10 departing on a #17 to Widnes.

Halton Transport 10 in St Helens bus station

On the middle stands we saw dud Arriva NW&W 4603 on a #89 to Liverpool Airport and dud Arriva NW&W 4612 on a #10A to LIverpool. As we were considering catching one of these buses Matthew spotted required Arriva NW&W 2962 on a #37 to Eccleston.

Arriva NW&W 2962 in St Helens bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Saveaway Day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station along Bickerstaffe Street and forwards onto Cotham Street. We turned right onto Baldwin Street and we stopped to pick up more passengers. We crossed over The Landings and we continued onto Duke Street. We continued out of town for around 1/4 of a mile and we joined the westbound A570. As we travelled towards Dentons Green the road split into two creating a small one-way system. At the top end of the one-way system we turned left into Kiln Lane. As we turned the corner we saw Arriva NW&W 2493 on a #38 to St Helens. We ran for around 1/2 mile and we turned left onto Millbrook Lane into the centre of the village. We crossed over Broadway onto Springfield Lane and we turned right onto Walmesley Road. At the end of the road it seemed like a good place to get up and get off the bus. The bus was now empty so Matthew to a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2962.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2962

We got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2962 before it returned to St Helens on the #37 service.

Arriva NW&W 2962 in Eccleston

I had checked the time table so I knew the next #37 wasn't for nearly 30 minutes. We went into the one stop shop and Matthew had a can of Coke as well as a couple of chocolate bars and some Digestives biscuits. Once we had finished shopping we went outside and we tried to work out if the #38 service was in walking distance so we could get back into town a little quicker. Using nextbuses.mobi we were able to work out the #38 passed around the corner of Bleak Hill Road and Kiln Lane. Using the map we set off onto Broadway and we turned right onto Gunning Avenue. At the end we crossed over and we got a little disoriented. We stood at the wrong stop and the timetable said the next bus was a #37. A quick check of the map and we needed to be on the stop around the corner on Kiln Lane. We also saw Arriva NW&W 2493 going to other way around the corner towards Rainford. A few minutes later the bus came around the corner and it was required Arriva NW&W 2939 on a #38 to St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 2939 in Eccleston

We got on the bus and we flashed the Saveaway Day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Kiln Lane and we ran to the end where we turned right onto the A570. We ran around the one-way system before the two carriageways joined up further South. As we ran towards town we passed a single decker on the following #37 service to Eccleston. We continued onto Duke Street and we crossed over The Landings onto Baldwin Street. We turned left onto Cotham Street and we ran forwards onto Bickerstaffe Street. As we ran towards the bus station we passed pink Arriva NW&W 4438 on a #10 to Liverpool. we turned onto Corporation Street and we ran past the buses on layover where we saw Arriva NW&W 3014 on a #31 to Parr Stocks. We turned right onto hall Street and we turned right into the middle stands of the bus station. We got off the bus and we had a look a round to see what we could catch. On Bickerstaffe Street was Halton Transport 14 on a #17 to Widnes.

Halton Transport 14 in St Helens bus station

We also saw required Arriva NW&W 2580 on a #329 to Warrington. In the middle stands we saw required Arriva NW&W 4614 on a #10A to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4614 in St Helens bus station

We decided to do the double decker so we got on the bus and we flashed the Saveaway Day tickets to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 4614.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4614

The bus set off out of the bus station through town following Hatton's Dart N60 RFL. We went past the new Nando's and Cinema. We joined the A58 and we ran Westwards. We followed a black minibus with reg like YY63 KYT going out of town. before we turned off the main road to head towards Thatto Heath down Lugsmore Lane. We continued South through Nutgrove and over the railway line at Rainhill. Here we joined the A57 for the run towards Prescot. We passed Whiston hospital and we went around the town to the North. We decided to go further East on the service that we had ever done before in order to explore a new section of Merseyside. We ran forwards onto the A58 and we crossed over the M57. We continued a further mile or so into Page Moss. We travelled along the dual carriageway for a further mile or so and we entered the Dovecot area and we continued for another mile past Alder Hay hospital and into the bustling region of old Swan by the out ring road. We crossed the ring road and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4614 as it continued towards Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4614 in Old Swan

As we hadn't research this area I had quickly looked up where we could intersect with other bus service that we were familiar with. A quick look on the map revealed that we could go onto the ring road and catch either a #81 or #81A down towards Hunts Cross. We walked back to the ring road and then we preceded to cross over which was quite a mammoth task. As we crossed over we saw Avon Buses 354 come off the ring road and go eastwards along the A57 towards Page Moss. Eventually we crossed over the road and we saw a Southbound #81A. We ran down the road to try and catch it but we were able to get to the bus stop quick enough which was around 200 yards down the road! We checked the bus stop and there was another Hunts Cross bound bus due in just over 10 minutes. Whilst we waited for that bus we saw Avon Buses 354 return Southwards on a #204 to Dingle Mount.

Avon Buses 354 in Old Swan

Around 5 minutes later as expected we saw another bus approaching from across the other side of the A57. As it got closer we saw that it was required Arriva NW&W 4690 on a #81 to Speke Morrisons.

Arriva NW&W 4690 in Old Swan

We got on the bus and we flashed the Saveaway Day tickets to the driver before we went upstairs. The bus set of down the ring road and we ran southwards towards Broadgreen. instead of continuing along over the fly over the bus diverts down onto the roundabout below where we saw Arriva NW&W 4661 on a #68 to Aigburth Vale. We rejoined the A5058 and we ran South into Childwall. At Childwall Fiveways we ran onto Childwall Prior Road. We ran forwards onto Childwall Park Avenue and at the roundabout we went left onto Woolton Road. We ran forwards for another 1/2 mile and then we came back into familiar teritory as we passed Gateacre Brow where the #89 turns towards Belle Vale. We continued along the road into Woolton and we ran forwards for a further mile into Hunts Cross. I was hoping the the bus would stopped near the the railway station but the bus turned right onto the A562 and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4690 as it carried on towards Speke Morrisons.

Arriva NW&W 4690 in Hunts Cross

Once of the bus we crossed over Woodend Avenue and the the A562 and we saw village taxi minibus MJ65 VUB. We went to the shell petrol station and Matthew used the toilet. Once Matthew came out after around 10 minutes we brought a can of Coke and a Bounty. Once we had finished in the garage we walked across to the main road and we crossed over Speke Road. Wewaited at the bus stop for a #89 back to St Helens. We didn't have to wait long before we saw an #89 service approaching in the distance. As it came closer we saw that it was required Arriva NW&W 4608 on a #89 to St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 4608 in Hunts Cross

We got on the bus and we flashed the Saveaway day tickets to the driver for the final time before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 4608.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4608

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 where we saw EU08 FHD on a #3 to Huyton. We left the 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. 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 straight through onto Hall Street and into the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. We walked back onto hall Street and we turned left onto Corporation Street up to the line of buses on layover. We saw required Stagecoach Merseyside 27714 in between runs on the #10A to Liverpool.

Stagecoach Merseyside 27714 in St Helens bus station

We also saw required Arriva NW&W 4596 about to work a #10A back to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4596 in St Helens bus station

We walked along Corporation Street and we met up with mum. Once we got in the car Matthew had a small sausage roll from the Pound Bakery and a bottle of irn Bru. Mum wasn't able to get the usual sausage rolls from Greggs as they had run out. The small Pound Bakery sausage roll came with a carton of juice and a cake for a £1. We set off along Corporation Street and we joined the Eastbound A58. On the edge of town we turned right onto the A572 we continued through Parr and out of the Western edge of St Helens and we ran into Earlestown. We continued to the North of the town centre and we turned right onto the A49. Just South of Newton village before newton-le-Willows railway station we passed Network Warrington 104 on a #22 to Vulcan. We continued Southwards to Winwick and we turned left onto the dual carriageway. We had a sligh issue in the back seat so we stopped at a lay-by to sort this out. Uncle Dave though some rubbish in the bin in the layby and whilst we were there we saw BSS coaches C17 BSS go past. Once we had sorted the problem out we continued along the A49 to the M6. We got onto the South M6 and we ran down to junction 16. As we travelled South we saw an unidentified NPC Coaches coach. We came off the M6 onto the Southbound A500 and we ran down to Sideway. We went Eastwards along the A50 as far as Longton and then we came off it. We went over to Z Carz to see what was parked up there this evening. There was nothing on the spare ground but we saw Lucky Seven minibus PE61 HHL parked in their yard. We turned left into Willow Row. The only thing visible in the compound this evening was Z Carz Citroen minibus LV59 DZC.

Z Carz LV59 DZC in Longton

We returned onto the A50 and we ran up the Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton and forwards onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we got back home around 19:30. When we got back we downloaded photos off camera, wrote e-mails and worked on the Blog. For a late tea we had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a few Cornflake cakes. Later on we chilled out and watched television. I took uncle Dave home and Matthew chilled out on the sofa. later on Matthew went to bed around 00:30... Mark.

Trip to Trent Vale 03-01-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
42894	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way (Unmarked)	22	First Potteries

Today we decided to catch a bus and travel up to meet mum. Matthew got up around 11:30, just after I got back home from work. He had some toast for breakfast washed down with blackcurrant juice, and later he had some sauaseg and tomato paste sandwiches for a late dinner. We had planned to catch the 15:50 from Longton to Newcastle #22 bus as far as Trent Vale where we were going to meet up with mum. We set off just before 16:00 and walked all the way to the stop on Magdalen Road. Whilst we waited for our bus we saw one of the other three buses on the #22, Longton bound First Potteries 66851.

First Potteries 66851 in Blurton

This was followed shortly by Wardle Transport 2962 on the Plumline service. Today is the last day of Wardle Transport working the Plumline. From tomorrow it will be operated by D&G of Crewe. A few minutes later our bus appeared from around the corner and it was dud First Potteries 42894.

First Potteries 42894 in Blurton

The bus was fairly quiet today. We got on and the rear of the bus was empty some Matthew took a picture of the empty rear seats.

Inside First Potteries 42894

We sat down near the back. The bus turned onto the A5035 and headed towards Trentham and past the Toby Inn. We turned into New Inn Lane and we paused for a short while outside the Man in Space. we passed First Potteries 41494 on the #21A to Hanley and then we headed into Hanford. We passed First Potteries 60061 on a Trentham bound #21 and then we passed 60128 on another one of the #22 truns. We headed along Wilson Road and then down the hill to the A34 down church Lane. At the A34 we saw welafre bus OU11 YCX. We carried on towards Newcastle and crossed the A500 and headed through Trent Vale. We turned the corner off the A34 and onto Harpfields Road. At this point we decided to get up and get off. We got off the bus and Matthew got another picture of First Potteries 42894 going off into the distance.

First Potteries 42894 in Trent Vale

We then walked back onto the A34 and towards the pub. As we walked to the pub we saw JayJay's Travel RX57 POV go past us. We got to the pub around a minute before mum arrived in the car park. Matthew had his usual meal of two sausage, chips egg and beans with extras of bacon and two rounds of bread and butter. The was followed by toffee sponge pudding and ice cream. After we had finished we headed off to pick up Uncke Dave. We got back on the A34 and headed South. At the roundabout of the A500 we saw First Potteries 41070 Heading towards hanley on the #21A. We headed North on the A500 and then East on the A50 which we did to Heron Cross. We headed into Fenton and picked up uncle Dave. We headed back to Heron Cross and we passed First Potteries 40173 on the #23A to Hanley. We headed back along Blurton Road and onto the A5035. We got home around 17:30. Matthew then chilled out on his computer and watched buses DVDs before going to be around 00:00...Mark

Trip to Newcastle/Stoke 08-05-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
1450	Blurton	Abbey Hulton	Charter	Wardle Transport
NIL 3944	Abbey Hulton	Cheddleton	Charter	Procters
NIL 3944	Cheddleton	Abbey Hulton	Charter	Procters
1450	Abbey Hulton	Blurton	Charter	Wardle Transport
40003	Ladybank Grove, Blurton	Newstead	23	First Potteries
40003	Newstead	Church Street, Stoke	23	First Potteries
66841	Church Street, Stoke	Newcastle Town Centre, adj Alma Inn PH	25	First Potteries
61553	Newcastle Under Lyme, adj Seagrave Street	Church Street, Stoke	26	First Potteries
40024	Church Street, Stoke	Stoke railway station	23	First Potteries
66849	Stoke railway station	Church Street, Stoke	25	First Potteries
2962	Stoke railway station	Stanley Matthews Way	500	Wardle Transport

Todays was Matthews first day back at college after the bank holiday weekend. He was also having a trip out on the Beatrice today aswell. Matthew was up shortly after 07:00 and on his college bus at 08:00. It was the usual bus Wardle Transport 1450.

Wardle Transport 1450 in Blurton

Whilst at college, Matthew did Procters NIL 3944 to Chedleton. He had Procters NIL 3944 back to college too. He came home once again on Wardle Transport 1450. Mathew then had his tea which was sausage carrots and potatoes. As it was a nice evening, I asked Matthew if he fancied a jaunt down to Stoke on the bus to which he said yes! We set off a little after 20:00 and we waited for the Hanley bound bus. We saw the bus heading in the other direction so we decided to cross over and do it to Newstead first. As it approached we could see it was first PMT 40003 as it often is on this turn. We got on the bus and took our seat near the back. we noticed that this bus had been refurbished, and the seats were now in first colours. The old grey and salmon zig-zag pattern seats had been replaced. When we got to Newstead I got up and booked back to Stoke station. When we got back to Blurton, an old school friend of Matthew's got on the bus and we chatted to as we headed towards Stoke. As we were late we decided to get off in Stoke town centre so we could see both of the buses we night catch. As we got off Matthew got a good picture of 40003.

First PMT 40003 in Stoke

Matthew immediately decided he need to go to the toilet so we went to the one's by the market. We got back onto church street just in time to see the #26 to Newcastle, which was required 61553. we decided to turn this down for now, and to wait to see what the following #25 was, as we would be coming back on 61553 anyway. We waited a further few minutes and dud 66841 appeared on the Keele bus. As we traveled up to Newcastle we passed 66849 on the Hanley bound #25, a little further up the road than usual. We did it to the edge of Newcastle where Matthew got a picture of this bus.

First PMT 66841 in Newcastle

We got off the bus and crossed over to wait for 61553. sure enough after a few minutes a appeared from around the corner. As we rode on this bus to stoke, we could see how different this bus was internally to some off the Scania's that were original to PMT. We approached stoke and there were 2 possibilities. if we got to Stoke and the #23 hadn't gone past then we would do this to stoke station. Otherwise it would be the #25. as we approached stoke there was a couple of minutes before the #23 was due off. We got to Stoke and it was waiting at the stop. Cool as a cucumber, Matthew insisted on getting a picture of 61553 before walking over to the Solo across the road.

First PMT 61553 in Stoke

After he had taken the picture we ran over to the #23. another lady had already run across in front of us, obviously she didn't have to stop to take a picture of the other bus! We got across the road and jumped straight on it. We sat down and we didn't even know which one we were on. as we got off we made a conscious decision to what we had been on and it was required 40024. Matthew got a picture just as it pulled away.

First PMT 40024 in Stoke

It had now just about gone dark. We crossed the road for the impending #25. As expected it was dud 66849. It was a little late turning up and quite full. The move is usually to stoke town for the Hanley bound #25. As we pulled into Church street we passed 66852. We now had 2 choices... Wait for the #500 in Stoke Town centre, or walk back to the railways station. As we approached the stop in stoke town centre the bell's in Stoke minster were sounding out and Matthew decided he want to catch the bus from by the station. We had 12 minutes to get there. as we passed the end of Kingsway matthew spotted a coach in front of the Kings Hall. We had to go and have a look. It was Leon's Coaches AT61 LCT which was in town with the Stoke city end of season awards ceremony. We also saw a coach behind the north Staffs hotel which we had to go have a look at. It was Simpson's coaches SM12 SON. we got to the stop by the railway station with about a minute to spare! It rounded the corner and we could see it was a Versa so we knew it was probably not going to be a required bus. As it approached we saw it was Wardle Transport 2962. We did the bus to the end as usual, and just before we got off Matthew got a picture of the very brightly lit interior of this bus.

Inside Wardle Transport 2962

We got off and waited for the bus to come back onto the bus stop so we could take a few more pictures of this beast.

2962 on Stanley Matthews Way

We then walked the long walk home, before getting ready to go to bed...Mark

Trip to Tunstall 28-07-2011

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
14	Church Steet, Stoke	Hanley BS	41	D & G
4998	Hanley BS	Smallthorne, Hadfield Green (adj)	61	Wardle Transport
2962	Smallthorne, Hadfield Green (adj)	Sneyd Green, Berwick Arms (opp)	61	Wardle Transport
4607	Sneyd Green, Berwick Arms (opp)	Tunstall, Asda Superstore (adj)	61	Wardle Transport
40149	Tunstall, Woodland Street stop C	Newcastle BS	99	First Potteries
66841	Newcastle BS	Clayton Village, Beechwood Close(opp)	72	First Potteries

It's the first day of the college holidays, and we promised Matthew a local trip out after we had finished our meeting social services. We planned on trying to get a couple of the Wardle Transport double deckers which now work the #61 Hanley - Tunstall service. As we had not had any dinner we gave Matthew a couple of choices where to eat dinner. matthew chose to eat his dinner in Stoke. this would be good because then we could catch a #41 to Hanley. With step entranced bus D&G 6 & 12 regularly working on this service we would have a reasonable chance of riding on one of these beasts! Dinner was a breakfast at the London Grill. We sat on one of the table they now place outside, and Matthew watched buses on the #21 and #21A such as 60079 and 40745. After dinner we walked onto church Street to catch a #41 First bus we saw was D&G 30 on a #41 but it was heading towards Newcastle not Hanley.


D&G 30 on a #41 to Clayton (Matt)

We only had to wait another 5 or so minute before D&G 14 turned up on the Hanley bound service.


D&G 14 on a #41 to Hanley (Matt)

We got on the bus and immediately notice the very strange moquette design on the Marshall bodied Dennis Dart. When we arrived in Hanley and the bus emptied, Matthew photographed the inside of this strange bus.


Unusual moquette in D&G 14 (Matt)

After arriving, we immediately went on the balcony to watch the buses coming in and out of the bus station. Arriva Midlands 2703 was on the #164 service. There were quite a few Ex Chester Scanias working on local services such as the #21 and then another #41 heading toward Clayton appeared, which was D&G 116.


D&G 116 on a #41 to Clayton (Matt)

At this point we only had 10 minutes to wait for the half hourly service to Tunstall. Wardle Transport double decker 4998 was parked up and we thought that this might be the bus that was going to work the 14;30 departure. about 14:25 the double decker drivered up and then went round the block to come onto stand. Matthew took a picture off the balcony as the bus pulled up.


Wardle Transport 4998 about to work the #61 Tunstall (Matt)

We left the balcony and went down into the bus station to catch the bus. We booked to Tunstall and went upstairs. We sat a couple of seats behind the stairs on the right hand side as the front seats were already taken. As we left Hanley I looked at the timetable to see where we were going to pass other buses on the #61 service. I worked out we should pass a bus just outside Hanley and as I looked this up we passed Northern Counties double decker 4607. Further consultation of the timetable revealed that we could go to Smallthorne, catch another 61 back to Sneyd Green and we be able to catch 4607 up to Tunstall on the following service. When we got to smallthorne we got off the bus and matthew took another picture of 4998 pretty much where he used to stand every afternoon after school back when we used to live around the corner!


Wardle Transport 4998 in Smallthorne (Matt)

We crossed the road and we had about 7-8 minute to wait for the return service. we were hoping for another double decker but instead we got required Optare Versa 2962.


Wardle Transport 2962 in Smallthorne on a #61 to Hanley (Matt)

We did the short trip to Berwick Road and then waited for 4607 to appear. As we hoped 4607 appeared from around the corner. we went straight upstairs and we were able to get the front seats this time. Matthew took a picture of the upper decker from his front seat vantage point.


Wardle Transport 4607 upper deck (Matt)

We did this Tunstall via Smallthorne, The Bradley retirement village, Chell heath and then into Tunstall via Furlong Road. We passed 4998 in Chell Heath and Matthew got a nice picture! When we got to Tunstall, Matthew photographed the lower deck as we left the bus at Tunstall.


Wardle Transport 4607 lower deck (Matt)

Outside he also got a nice picture of the outside too...


Wardle Transport 4607 in Tunstall (Matt)

When we got to Tunstall Matthew seen keen to catch a different bus back. I thought he would want to catch a #20 or #20A into Hanley. We turned down 65732 on a 20A as we thought it was a bit new. The next bus was a 99 to Newcastle. I should have realised that he would want to do this one as he is a big fan of First PMT's ALX200's. The bus appeared and it was required 40149.


First Potteries 40149 on a #99 to Newcastle (Matt)

Another quiet journey, and when we arrived in Newcastle Matthew photographed the empty inside of 40149.


Inside 40149 (Matt)

Now is where the fun starts! Newcastle is a very difficult place to take Matthew as it is very narrow, very crowded and there is lots of choice. Given the choice of about 4 different buses to catch he was pointing at one and running towards another. One bus that I thought he would want to catch is Ex chester Dart 40137 on a #22 to Longton. he went towards it but only wanted to photograph the inside through the front windows.


Inside Ex Chester 40137

Matthew eventually chose 66841 on a #72 Clayton, This was unusual as we had been on this bus earlier this week! I think the choice was made mainly on the people aboard the bus as when we did finally get on it he had to say hello to 3 different people. We sat down and as we were about to leave we saw a First PMT 30034 pulled into the bus station. It was displaying X39 so it was probably having a driver change before running empty to Alton Towers to pick up passengers. Matthew was keen to do this bus and I'm sure we will do so at some point in the near future. We booked this bus to the nearest point to our house and then I called mum to come and pick us up. As the bus emptied out Matthew photographed the empty bus behind us.


Rear seats of 66841 (Matt)

We had about 15 minutes on the bus and then we got off on Ferndown Drive South. Matthew photographed the bus as disappeared into the distance.


66841 powers away into the distance on Ferndown Drive South (Matt)

We sat on Northwood lane for a few minutes and then mum appeared. There was a slight delay as she was in Matalan when I called her up! Stanways F39 ENF is a beast of a bus. We did the short car journey home and then prepared for this evenings European football game and for bangers and mash for tea... Mark