Trip to Newcastle / Biddulph 08-10-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
49	Newcastle BS	Biddulph, South View	94	D&G Bus
63098	Biddulph BS	Hanley BS	7A	First Potteries
63176	Hanley BS	Fenton, Victoria Place	6	First Potteries
67155	Fenton, Royal Oak	Hanley, stop J1	23	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus later on. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw white minibus SV59 ZRT. Later on we went to Newcastle in the car. We went downstairs to the car and we set off onto Temple Street where we saw Temple Street Church RX18 GZW. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we turned left onto City Road. We ran down the hill and under the railway line into Stoke. We crossed over the A500. We went around the one-way system. We ran up the hill into Hartshill where we saw Intercity HX17 OSU. At the roundabout we ran forwards onto George Street and into Newcastle where we saw First Potteries 69148 on a #11 to Hanley. We ran forwards onto Ryecroft and we turned left onto the Southbound A34. We turned inti Hassell Street and we parked up in the Roebuck Centre car park. We walked through the Roebuck Centre and onto High Street. Matthew went for dinner in a chip shop. We set off along Hassell Street. We sat on a bench in Ironmarket. We turned left down High Street. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Coke. Once we had finished eating we returned to the bus station along Castle Walk. At the bus station we saw Arriva Midlands 2980 on a #64 to Market Drayton. Matthew went to the toilet and then returned into the bus station. Whilst we waited for the bus to Biddulph we saw First Potteries 69154 on a #22 to Longton. We waited for the next bus to Biddulph it was D&G Bus 49 on a #94 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We crossed the Jubilee roundabout onto the A527. We turned left onto Wulstan Drive and we turned right onto the Hempstalls Lane. We continued onto Hoon Avenue and forwards again onto Hassam Parade. We turned left onto the B5369 and right onto Oldcastle Avenue. We turned left onto Hanbridge Avenue and we turned left onto Bradwell Lane. We turned right onto Bursley Way and at the roundabout we went forwards onto Arnold Grove. We turned left onto Bradwell Lane and we went past the Potters Wheel pub. We continued left to the roundabout and we ran down Porthill Bank and crossed over the A500. As we crossed over the A500. We ran forwards onto the A5271 and we veered left onto Brownhills Road. We went to the top of the hill and we ran forwards onto Tunstall High Street and we turned right onto Furlong Road. We ran up to the A527 and we ran through Turnhurst and down the hill towards Fegg Hayes. We ran up the hill into Brindley Ford and we continued up to Knypersley. We turned right into Park Lane left into Woodlands Street. We turned right onto Church Close and we turned left onto Church Road. We continued onto Princess Street and we turned left onto Well Street. We turned right onto Biddulph High Street we got up and got off the bus. We walked a few paces down the High Street to the Biddulph Kebab & Pizza shop where we brought some fries. We walked back to the bus station around the corner to the bus station and we saw required D&G Bus 157 on the #9 to Hanley. A short while later we saw another First Bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was First Potteries 63098 on a #7A to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off onto the High Street and we turned left at the roundabout onto St John's Road. We ran around the estate and we crossed over the A527 at Knypersley. We ran through Brown Lees and we rejoined the A527 by the industrial estate. We ran down through Brindley Ford and to Fegg Hayes. We ran up the hill to Chell and we turned left onto High Lane. We ran back through Smallthorne & Sneyd Green into Hanley. When we got back to the bus station we waited for a bus back to Fenton. A short time later we saw First Potteries 63176 on a #6 to Coalville. We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto the ring road and we turned right onto Lichfield Street and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed the roundabout onto Victoria Road. and we ran up the hill into Fenton. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we set off on foot up Victoria Road and we went sharp right onto City Road. onto Glebedale Road and we walked along Baker Street. We turned right onto Christchurch Street. We returned onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. When Matthew got back we went upstairs and went up to his room. Later on we went out on the bus. We went downstairs and we walked out onto Temple Street. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we waited for a bus to Hanley. We saw a a bus approaching and as it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67155 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67155 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road. down under the railway line and into Stoke. After a brief stop we continued around the one-way system onto Elenora Steet and right onto Copeland street. We turned left onto Glebe Street and we went under the railway line before turning left onto Station Road. We went past the railway station and we turned right onto College Road. After running the hill through Shelton we continued onto Cleveland Road and forwards onto Regent Road. We turned left onto Lower Bethesda Street and we crossed over the ring road onto Bethesda Street. We turned right onto John Street and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew got another picture of First Potteries 67155 before it continued into the bus station.

First Potteries 67155 in Hanley

We walked along Bagnall Street and Cheapside and we turned right onto Piccadilly. We turned left onto Stafford Street. We continued forwards onto Bryan Street and we went to Cineworld. Matthew had a hot dog and Coke. He went to the toilet and afterwards he saw No Time To Die at the cinema. When he had finished we set off back down Bryan Street onto Stafford Street we saw Autocabs DX57 LMK.

Autocabs DX57 LMK in Hanley

We turned left onto Lichfield Street and we saw Intercity BFZ 2692.

Intercity BFZ 2692 in Hanley

we returned to the residential unit in a Lucky Seven taxi. We set off onto Lichfield Street and into joiners Square. We crossed over the roundabout We turned right onto the A52 and we ran towards Stoke. By the railway station we veered left along the A52 and we ran parallel to the railway line. We turned left onto City Road and right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his roon to watch TV and chill out. Matthew went up to his room to use his computer and watch buses. He also ate the a toffee Crisp. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Shrewsbury / Bicton Heath 13-02-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3699	Harlescott, Sentinel	Shrewsbury BS	64	Arriva Midlands
2995	Shrewsbury BS	Bicton Heath, Worrow Drive Jct	11	Arriva Midlands
2980	Bicton Heath, Worrow Drive Jct	Shrewsbury BS	11	Arriva Midlands
3328	Shrewsbury BS	Telford BS	19	Arriva Midlands
2967	Telford BS	Shrewsbury, Bridge	X5	Arriva Midlands
2996	Shrewsbury, Bridge	Bayston Hill, Garden Centre	27	Arriva Midlands
2522	Bayston Hill, Garden Centre	Shrewsbury BS	27	Arriva Midlands
2976	Shrewsbury BS	Harlescott, Tesco	24	Arriva Midlands

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. We ask Matthew to pick somewhere a little closer and he chose Shrewsbury. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw Temple Street Church RX18 GZW.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

Out of the other window we saw Adam Travel DT15 GVR.

Adam Travel DT15 GVR in Fenton

When it was time to go out We went downstairs and we got in the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We crossed City Road onto Manor Street and we ran to the end where we turned left onto Victoria Road to Joiners Square and we turned left onto Warrington Road. We turned left onto the A52. we ran towards Stoke. We ran forwards onto Glebe Street and we followed the one-way system onto Church Street. We crossed over the A500 and we got onto the Southbound A500 right to the end and then we turned left onto the A519. We ran for a couple of hundred yards and then we turned right onto the A5182 by the Eddie Stobart depot. We ran Westwards along the the road until the end until we joined the Southbound A53. we ran through Whitmore and Baldwin's gate and then we joined the A51 by The swan with Two Necks. A couple of hundred yards later we turned left onto the A53 again. We ran through Loggerheads and then we went around the North side of Market Drayton. We crossed the A41 at Tern Hill. We were now out in open countryside and we ran along the fast newer sections of the road to Shawbury. Once we passed through the village we ran to the edge of Shrewsbury. We turned right onto Morrisons and we parked up. We went into the supermarket and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards we went into the cafe and we had dinner. Matthew had a sausage bap with extra sausage washed down with a cup of Coke. For afters Matthew had a slice of lemon meringue pie. When we had finished we said goodbye to mum friend and we cut through onto Whitchurch Road. we walked to the bus stop. We waited for a bus to Leek. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was Arriva Midlands 3699 on a #64 to Shrewsbury. we got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus before the bus set off out off the A5191 and we ran Southbound. We ran into Shrewsbury town centre. We went under the railway line and we turned right onto the A458. We came up alongside the river and we turned left into the bus station. Once off the bus we crossed over to the layover area. Once off the bus Matthew visited the toilet. We then returned to the outside stops to take a few pictures. we saw Arriva Midlands 2535 on a #20 to Radbrook. A few minutes later we saw Arriva Midlands 2501 on a #8 to Sutton Farm. Whilst we waited we saw Arriva Midlands 2960 on a #511 to Whitchurch. After a while we decided to return to the bus station to catch another bus. We went into the bus station and it was Arriva Midlands 2995 on a #11 to Bicton Heath. We got on the bus and and we flashed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus before the bus set off out off the bus station onto the A458. We went around the Welsh Bridge. We turned left onto Copthorne Road. We ran down Mytton Oak Road where we saw Tanat Valley 281 on a #558 to Shrewsbury. We turned into the hospital and as we travelled through the hospital the Hospital. We turned right onto Mytton Oak Road. We continued through Bowbrook. We turned right onto Gains Park Way. We headed down the hill into Bicton Heath. We turned right onto Gains Avenue where we got up and got off the bus. We walked down Gains Avenue. We turned right onto Gains Park Way. Once off the bus we walked along onto the A458 and we went to see the site where the new Starbucks, Subway and petrol station will be built. where we saw Celtic Travel BV18 YCC on a X75 to Rhayader. We walked back up We walked down along onto the A458. We turned right onto Gains Park Way. We turned right onto Gains Avenue. we waited for a bus towards Shrewsbury. A short time later we saw Arriva Midlands 2995 on a #11 to Shrewsbury. We got on the bus and and we flashed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus before the bus set off down Gains Avenue. We turned left onto Gains Park Way. We continued through Bowbrook. We turned left onto Mytton Oak Road and we turned into the hospital. We turned left onto Mytton Oak Road. We ran down Copthorne Road. We ran forwards onto the A458. We went around the Welsh Bridge. We turned left onto the A458 and we turned right into the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we crossed over to the layover area. We saw Arriva Midlands 3328 on a #19 to Telford. we got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus before the bus set off out off the bus station onto the A458. We joined the A528. We turned right onto the A5191. We went around the English Bridge Gyratory and we crossed over the bridge. We ran forwards onto Abbey Foregate. We turned right onto A5064. we continued onto Emstrey. We carried on up A5064 were we passed Arriva Midlands 2546 on the #19 to Shrewsbury. We continued onto Emstrey Bank and we ran past Salop Leisure Centre. We headed through Atcham. We ran forwards onto the B5061. We went into Wroxeter. We went through Lower Longwood. We ran into Overley. We continued along the B4380. We ran through Leighton. We went through Buildwas. we crossed over the A4169. We turned right onto Much Wenlock Road. We turned left into Buildwas Road and we turned onto Wharfage. We ran up the hill and into Coalbrookdale. We turned left into Dale End. We ran forwards onto Wellington Road. We ran forwards onto Jiggers Bank. we ran into Horsehay. We turned right onto the A4169. We turned right onto Lightmoor Way and we ran forwards onto Little Flint. We turned left onto Little Meadow Mews and we ran forwards onto Ellens Bank. We ran forwards onto Wellington Road. We climbed the hill into Horsehay. We ran forwards onto Bridge Road. We ran forwards onto Station Road. We turned left onto Springhill Road and We ran into Heath Hill. we ran forwards Dawley Road. We ran down into Lawley. We turned right onto Proctor Ave. We turned left onto Bryce Way before turning right onto the ring road. We ran down into Lawley Bank. We turned left onto Station Road. We ran down the hill towards Overdale. We turned right into Milners Lane. We ran up Concorde. we turned left onto Bank Road. We ran forwards onto Cemetery Road. We turned right Milners Lane. We turned right onto W Centre Way and we ran towards Telford. we turned right at the roundabout onto Malinsgate wehere we saw Arriva Midlands 3701 on the #19 to Shrewsbury. We ran onto Northfield Street. and we entered the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we decided to catch something quite quickly. The old entrance to the shopping centre so we walked up and down to try and find a way into the shopping centre. We went out of the bus station where we saw Arriva Midlands 3734 on the #5 to Stafford. we visited Costa Coffee. Matthew had a piece of millionaire's shortbread and a cup of Coke. Once we had used the facilities we walked back into the bus station we looked for nsomething suitable to catch and we spotted Arriva Midlands 2967 on a X5 to Shrewsbury. we got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Northfield Street. We turned right onto Hall Park Way and we ran down to the motorway. We joined Westbound M54 and forwards onto the A5. We ran fast for around 20 minutes to the edge of Shrewsbury on to the Southern by-pass. We turned right onto A5064 and we headed Northwards into town. We ran past Lord Hill's Column and we saw Arriva Midlands 3695 on a #8 to Sutton Farm. We ran forwards onto Abbey Foregate and as we approached the Abbey. We went around the English Bridge Gyratory and we crossed over the bridge. We ran forwards onto Wyle Cop where we got up and got off the bus. We walked down the road to the bus stop and we waited for a bus to Bayston Hill. A few minutes alter we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was Arriva Midlands 2996 on a #27 to Bayston Hill. We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus before the bus set off down A5191. We went around the English Bridge Gyratory and we crossed over the bridge. We turned right onto Old Potts Way. We turned left onto the A5191 and we ran into Meole Brace. We turned right onto Moneybrook Way. We turned left onto the A5112/49. we ran into Bayston Hill where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus. We crossed the road and we went to the stop opposite for the return journey, Whilst we waited Matthew ate a bag of Milky Stars. Matthew visited the toilet and afterwards he had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we went outside and met up with uncle Dave. We walked down Chorley New Road to the bus stop and we waited for the next bus towards Shrewsbury. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 2522 on a #27 to Shrewsbury. We got on the bus and and we flashed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus before the bus set off down A49. We crossed over the A5. We continued onto the A112. we ran into Meole Brace. We turned left onto Moneybrook Way. We turned left onto the A5191. We went around the English Bridge Gyratory and we crossed over the bridge. We ran forwards onto Wyle Cop and we passed Arriva Midlands 2980 on a #27 to Bayston Hill. We followed the one-way system around town and we turned right onto Barker Street. We turned right onto the A458 and we turned right into the bus station. We looked up the time of the next #24 or #25 bus up to Harlescott. A few minutes later we saw Arriva Midlands 2976 on a #24 to Harlescott. We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Shrewsbury Day Saver ticket to the driver for what turned out to be the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. Whilst we waited for departure time we saw Arriva Midlands 3512 on a X70 to Oswestry. We set off of the bus station onto the A458. We joined the A528 and we followed the one-way system under the railway line. We turned left onto the A5191 and we ran Northwards. We turned right onto Newpark Road. We turned left onto Sultan Road and at the end we re-joined the Northbound A5191. We ran North to the roundabout and we turned right on the B5062. We turned left onto Featherbed Lane and right onto Alberbury Drive. We follwed the road through the estate and we turned right onto Featherbed Lane. We turned right onto Arlington Way and we crossed over the A5191 and we ran forwards onto road past the bus garage and Tesco. We stopped behind Tesco and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we we walked up towards the car. Matthew wanted to go to the toilet, but the toilet block by the Park & Ride was locked up. We got in the car and we drove to Tesco. Matthew used the toilet. We got back in the car and we decided to drive up to Shawbury to get some chips. We set off out off the Park & Ride sight onto the Northbound A5112. We joined the Northbound A53 and we travelled through Upper Astley for around 5 miles and into Shawbury. We parked up and mum and Matthew went to the Co-operative food store and I went to the chip shop. Matthew brought a bottle of Coke. We met back up at the car and we continued our drive Northwards. As we ran up towards Market Drayton we passed an unidentified Alfa coach. We ran along the Market Drayton by-pass and we continued Northwards towards Loggerheads. we crossed over the A51 and up through Whitmore. We ran Northwards towards Newcastle and we turned right onto Trentham Road. We turned left onto the A519. We joined the Northbound A500 and we ran up towards Sideway. We joined the Eastbound A50 and we ran up Longton. We came off the A50 at Longton and we headed for Z Carz. We turned into Willow Row and we saw Z Carz Peugeot minibus SJ61 OPK. We came off onto the high level A50 and we turned right onto Baths Road. We ran down King Street. We continued down onto City Road and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple street and we we returned to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out and use the computer. He also watched buses out of the window. He watched television and used his computer. For a late tea Matthew had a chicken burger from kfc. He also had some fries and a cup of Coke. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to St Helens / Huyton 05-03-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2575	Earlestown BS	St Helens BS	34	Arriva NW&W
2707	St Helens BS	Ashtons Green, opp Mount Pleasant Ave	31	Arriva NW&W
2976	Ashtons Green, adj Havannah Lane	Earlestown BS	34	Arriva NW&W
2496	Earlestown BS	St Helens BS	20	Arriva NW&W
4597	St Helens BS	Prescot, adj Church Street	10	Arriva NW&W
2980	Prescot BS	Huyton BS	89	Arriva NW&W
2713	Huyton BS	Prescot BS	89	Arriva NW&W
4620	Prescot, Adj Stanley Crescent	St Helens BS	10A	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to revisit St Helens. After last weeks expense we decided to travel to an area where there was a multi-operator ticket. We checked the weather and it was was for mainly cloudy with an odd shower. We gave Matthew a list of destinations with Multi-operator tickets and from the list he chose St Helens. Matthew got up around 10:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off a little after 12:00 and we drove onto the A5035. We turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way, following D&G 33 which was on a #14 service to Hanley. We joined the Westbound A50 and then we went North onto the A500. We ran up to Wolstatnton where we came off the A500 to get some diesel. At the Wolstanton retail past we saw First Potteries 41514 on #97 service to Newcastle. After rejoining the A500 we made good time up to the M6. On the way North we saw silver minibus BK15 WBF. Intercity KX09 DGY, Stagecoach (Magic Bus) 17639 and an unidentified Kingsley's coach. We came off the M6 at Junction 22 where we went along the A49 link road to the A49 at Winwick. We went North into Newton and we stopped at the railwat station to get Saveaway Day Tickets. Whilst there we saw JR's Airport Express minibus YJ03 LVK dropping off passengers at the railway station.

JR's Airport Express YJ03 LVK in Newton-le-Willows

After getting the tickets we continued North up the A49 through Newton Village before turning left onto the A572. We continued West before entering Earlestown down Market Street. We parked up in the free shoppers car park so that we could heave dinner in Crumpets. Matthew had a breakfast and a small bottle of Coke. Whilst we ate we were entertain by some locals who sat on the table near to us. The little who was with them was handing these little flowers which one of the blokes thought were sweets. They were actually rubber pendants with metal ring on which thy could be threaded onto a necklace. The bloke proceeded to eat the pendant.much to everyone's amusement! when we had finished eating we walked down to the toilet block and Matthew used the toilets. We said goodbye to mum and we walked back to the bus station. As we turned the corner we saw required Arriva NW&W 2575 on a #34 to Earlestown.

Arriva NW&W 2575 in Earlestown bus station

We got on the bus and flashed the Saveaway Day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and we headed onto the A572. We ran into town through Ashton Green and Parr and we came into the town centre along Corporation Street and over the railway line and then in Bickerstaffe Street. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2575.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2575

Once of the bus Matthew took a few pictures of buses in Bickerstaffe Street. One of the buses adjacent to the station station was dud Arriva NW&W 2978 which we had been on before from Golborne to Wigan last month.

Arriva NW&W 2978 in St Helens bus station

We also saw dud Arriva NW&W 2501, a bus we had from Nantwich to Crewe back in March 2011.

Arriva NW&W 2501 in St Helens bus station

We walked over to the Coporation Street side of the bus station and we saw that the tardis style toilet was out of order. We would have to go for a walk or catch a bus to somewhere else with a toilet. We noticed that required Arriva NW&W 2707 was about to work a #31 to Parr Stocks. Whilst we waited for the bus to come onto stand, we took a few pictures in Corporation Street. We saw Arriva NW&W 4602 on layover between #10's.

Arriva NW&W 4602 in St Helens bus station

Also on layover we saw Hatton's Travel Dart Y538 XAG.

Hatton's Travel Y538 XAG in St Helens bus station

A few minutes later required Arriva NW&W 2707 came on stand and whilst we waited to board Matthew took a picture of it.

Arriva NW&W 2707 in St Helens bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Saveaway Day tickets to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Corporation Street and over the railway onto the A58. We turned right onto the A572 and we ran out of town through Parr, before turning right onto Fleet Lane. Opposite to the The Duckeries we went around Concourse way, a small crescent of the lane where the bus stop is located. We got back onto Fleet lane and we continued East to Derbyshire Hill Road where we turned left. We traveled North for a few hundred yard before turning right onto Mcminnis Avenue. The bus emptied out a little and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2707.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2707

The bus turned left into Mount Pleasant Avenue and when we got to the end and turned right into Waring Avenue we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2707 as it carried on back towards St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 2707 in Ashtons Green

Once off the bus we walked up Waring Avenue and onto the A572. As the toilet in St Helens was broken we decided to return to Earlestown where we knew there was a walking toilet. As we started walking towards the bus stop I spotted a bus in the distance approaching. I asked Matthew and uncle Dave if they were up for a run to try and catch the bus and they said yes. I Started running with Matthew and it looked like we might not make it. So I left Matthew jogging with uncle Dave and I sprinted ahead. I got to the bus stop with a few seconds to spare and a flagged the bus down. Matthew took a picture of required Arriva NW&W 2976 before we got on it.

Arriva NW&W 2976 in Ashtons Green

We flashed the Saveaway day ticket to the driver to the before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along the A572 and we ran the 2 or so miles into Earlestown along the A572 and Market Street. As we got closer to the bus station Matthew photographed the empty seats behind in Arriva NW&W 2978.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2976

The bus pulled up in the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2976 before it carried on towards Leigh.

Arriva NW&W 2976 in Earlestown bus station

Behind the bus in the picture the building in the background it being refurbished and Matthew researched the fact that it is is being converted into a Wetherspoons! We walked along Tamworth Street to the toilet and Matthew used the facilities. When we had finished we walked back just in time to see required Arriva NW&W 2496.

Arriva NW&W 2496 in Earlestown bus station

A few years ago the #20 used to run forwards into the village, but now it seems to terminate here and go straight back to St Helens. The driver changed the display to St Helens and I asked Matthew it he wanted to do this Cadet and he said yes. We got on the bus and we flashed the Saveaway Day ticket to driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We were doing quite well.. We were on bus #4 already and we had only been on the move for an hour and they were all required. The bus set off onto Market Street up to Vista Road. We headed North for around a mile up to new Boston and we turned left onto the A599. We ran through Haydock and in Blackbrook we turned left onto Park Street. At the end of Park Street we joined the A58 and we ran around 2 miles South West into St Helens. We ran into the town centre along Corporation Street and and the bus turned into Bickerstaffe Street where the bus emptied out. Matthew then took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2496.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2496

We decided it would be a good idea to go towards Prescot for the second half of the afternoon. We walked to the middle stands to wait for an Arriva NW&W double decker on the #10 or #10A. On the way we saw Stagecoach Merseyside 27771 on their #10A service to Liverpool.

Stagecoach Merseyside 27771 in St Helens bus station

Across the way on Bickerstaff Street we saw required Arriva NW&W 2986 arrive in the bus station on a #320 to Wigan.

Arriva NW&W 2986 in St Helens bus station

We also saw Halton Transport 15 about to work a #17 service to Widnes.

Halton Transport 15 in St Helens bus station

We also saw Hatton's Travel Enviro 200 MX61 KOD on a #28 Blackbrook - St Helens - St Helens Junction circular service.

Hatton's Travel MX61 KOD in St Helens bus station

Before the double decker came around onto the stand we saw required Arriva NW&W 2980 on a #89 to Liverpool Airport. The bus came around from off layover and it was required Arriva NW&W 4597.

Arriva NW&W 4597 in St Helens bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Saveaway Day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 4597.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4597

The bus set off through the town centre and we joined the westbound A58. As we went past West Park Rugby club we saw a Selwyns coach. We carried on Westward along the A58 to the edge of Prescot and we went into town along St Helens Road and right into High Street. Near to the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4597 as it carried on towards Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4597 in Prescot

Once the bus had gone off into the distance we walked around the corner into the bus station. On stand was HTL Buses Solo YJ11 EKK on a #139 to St Helens.

HTL Buses YJ11 EKK in Prescot bus station

A few minute later a #89 service turned up, and it was the same bus we saw leaving St Helens earlier, required Arriva NW&W 2980.

Arriva NW&W 2980 in Prescot bus station

We decided to do this bus to a new destination, Huyton. 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. The bus set off South through the town centre and past Tesco. We crossed over the M57 and we went South Westwards along Huyton Lane. After about a mile we turned left into lathom Road and we ran between a shopping centre and a large supermarket. At the end of the road was the bus station. There were around 7 stand with a large layover area next to the bus station by the railway line. When we got onto the stand we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2980.

Arriva NW&W 2980 in Huyton bus station

Once off the bus we asked a Merseytravel employee where the nearest public toilets were and they directed us to MacDonalds. Matthew used the toilets and we brought him a plain Cheeseburger and some fries. We walked back to the bus station we saw required Stagecoach Merseyside 34805 which was on a #227 to Kirby.

Stagecoach Merseyside 34805 in Huyton bus station

As we were about to start eating we were politely asked by another Merseytavel employee not to take pictures. They suggested we could take picture from the car park adjacent to the bus station so we headed off to there. Between eating the burger and fries Matthew took a few pictures. We saw Cumfybus Solo MX06 YXV on a Halewood service.

Cumfybus MX06 YXV in Huyton bus station

We also saw required Arriva NW&W 4655 on a #15 service to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4655 in Huyton bus station

We also saw required Halton Transport 50 on a #61 service.

Halton Transport 50 in Huyton bus station

A few minutes alter we saw required Arriva NW&W Volvo B10 2730 on a #89 to Liverpool Airport.

Arriva NW&W 2730 in Huyton bus station

We were considering walking back over to the bus station to catch a #89 back towards St Helens. Just before we went we saw Cumfybus MX53 FDU on a #139 to Prescot.

Cumfybus MX53 FDU in Huyton bus station

We walked over to the bu station and we sat down at the stand to the St helens bound #89. A few minutes later we saw dud Arriva NW&W 2713 on a #89 to St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 2713 in Huyton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Saveaway day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. I asked Matthew if he wanted to go to Prescot on this or St Helens and he said Prescot. The bus set off out of town and onto Huyton Lane. The bus emptied out a little so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2713.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2713

We came into Prescot from the South and when we came into the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2713 as it carried on towards St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 2713 in Prescot bus station

Once off the bus we left the bus station and we headed for the Sun Inn on the corner. Matthew used the toilet and we purchased a can of Coke to takeaway. We then headed across the High Street to wait for the bus back to St Helens. We turned down Stagecoach Merseyside 27713 & 27719 which were both on #10A service. We hoped that the next arivva bus was going to be a #10 and not a #10A so we would get back quicker. Matthew shared a double Milky way with me and uncle Dave whilst we waited for the bus. A few minutes later we saw an Arriva double decker approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required Arriva NW&W 4620 on a #10A.

Arriva NW&W 4620 in Prescot

We got on the bus and we flashed the Saveaway day ticket to the driver for the final time today, before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 4620.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4620

The bus set off up the High Street and we went straight onto the A57. We ran South Eastwards out of town past Whiston Hospital and down towards Rainhill railway station. we turned left onto Rainhall Road and we went North towards Thatto heath. We crossed the railway and we went North to the A58. At the junction we turned right and we ran into the Western end of St Helens. After running though the shopping centre of town and we passed the town hall before running in along Bickerstaffe Street and Corporation Street. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4620.

Arriva NW&W 4620 in St Helens bus station

Before we headed back to the car we took a few more pictures. On layover was Arriva NW&W 2719.

Arriva NW&W 2719 in St Helens bus station

As we walked back to the car we saw dud Ex Winsford cadet Arriva NW&W 2500 on a #33 to St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 2500 in St Helens bus station

We got back to the car and mum was waiting with Greggs sausage rolls. Matthew also had a small bottle of Irn Bru. We set off in the car along Corporation Street and over the railway line. We joined the eastbound a58 which we did to Parr before turning right onto the A572. We ran the few miles past Earlestown and into Newton and we turned right onto the A49. We ran down to the A49 link road and we took the link over to the M6 Junction 22. We headed South and in Cheshire we were caught up by Brighton & Hove coach 502 heading South.

Brighton & Hove 502 on the M6

Presumably it was taking fans home from Brighton's away trip to Preston. We came off the M6 at junction 16 and we went south down the A500. At Sideway we went East up the A50 towards Longton were we came off to see what was parked up at Z Carz. There were only 3 buses on the spare ground tonight, all park quite far back. The closest bus to the road was Z Carz Volkswagen minibus S973 OVP.

Z Carz S973 OVP in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row and the compound was packed tonight. At the front was Z Carz Ford minibus BU04 GYW.

Z Carz BU04 GYW in Longton

we headed back onto the A500 and we crossed the main road to go to the Tesco petrol station to take on some more diesel. Once we had topped up we got back onto the A50 and we went west to Heron Cross. We passed through Blurton Road and forwards onto Church Road. we turned right into Beaconsfield Drive and we got home around 19:15. for a let tea we had bangers and mash followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 01:00... Mark