Trip to Middleton / Rochdale 27-02-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3003	Middleton BS	Rochdale Interchange	17	Go North West
67430	Rochdale Interchange	Kirkholt, Hogarth Road	6	First Manchester
67424	Kirkholt, Hogarth Road	Rochdale Interchange	6	First Manchester
67408	Rochdale Interchange	Oldham BS	409	First Manchester
37431	Oldham, Lord Street	Uppermill Commercial Hotel	184	First Manchester
33687	Uppermill Commercial Hotel	Oldham BS	84	First Manchester

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going out to re-visit Middleton. The long-running ‘fire and rehire’ dispute between bus drivers at Go North West and their bosses escalated further over the weekend, with the announcement staff would be staging indefinite strike action. 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 D&G Bus 111 on a #1A to Meir.

D&G 111 in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 63096 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63096 in Fenton

Later on we went to Bury 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 right onto City Road. We turned sharp left at the roundabout onto Victoria Road and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed over the roundabout onto Lichfield Street and we ran up the hill towards Hanley. We ran anti-clockwise around the ring road and we went Northwards out of town along Town Road. We joined the Northbound A5272 and we ran through Sneyd Green and Smallthorne. We crossed over the roundabout and we continued up to Chell. We turned right onto the A527 and we ran north through Brindley Ford and Brown Lees up towards Biddulph. We went West of Biddulph on the by-pass and we continued North towards Congleton and through the town onto the Northbound A536. We ran Northwards up to Macclesfield and we went through the town onto the A523. We continued Northwards to Hazel Grove and we joined the Northbound A6. We continued Northwards into Stockport and under the M60. We came off the M60 onto the Northbound A576 and we ran the 2 or so mile into Middle town centre. We ran forwards onto Limetrees Road and we turned right into the car park. Once we had parked up we walked through the shopping centre to the toilets at the other end. Once we had finished in the shopping centre we went down the stairs and out and round the corner to the food van on the pavement opposite to the bus station. we went outside to a newish cafe called Sub Station. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and we walked over to the bus station. We saw First Manchester 37470 on a #59 to Manchester. We walked back to the toilet and it was still occupied. We decided to catch a bus to another local town with a bus station so that we find another toilet. As we thought about where we could go we saw Go North West 3003 on a #17 to Rochdale. We got on the bus and we booked System One bus only tickets at £5.20. We went upstairs and we sat down. The bus set off out of the We set off out of the bus station and we turned left and ran past the Middleton Arena. We turned onto the A664. North up Long Street and then Rochdale Road. The road turned due North by the canal and we carried on under the M62 and into Castleton. We joined the A58 and we traveled Eastwards into town. We turned right onto Drake Street and we approached the interchange from the South. We got off the bus and we headed straight for the toilet. So we headed out of the bus station and up the steps onto this elevated walkway. parked up next to the steps in between doing #6 Kirkholt circulars was dud First Manchester 67430. It turned out it took around 30 minutes. We carried on down the walkway and we saw required Rotala Diamond 40740 on a #471 to Bolton. Afterwards we had a walk around the bus station to see what we could catch. We saw First Manchester 67430 on a #6 to Kirkholt. We got onto the bus and we flashed the System One tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the interchange. We went down River Street and onto Water Street. We turned left onto the A6223. We turned left onto Oldham Road. We turned right onto the A664. We turned left onto Daventry Road. We continued into Kirkholt and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked up Daventry Road. We went to use the disabled toilet on Daventry Road but it was in use so Matthew went to the gents. Having used the toilet we walked down to Daventry Road Matthew used the Gents. Afterwards we waited for a bus towards Rochdale. Whilst we waited we saw Transdev Rosso 1616 on a R7 to Castleton. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67424 on a #6 to Rochdale. We got onto the bus and we flashed the System One tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along Daventry Road. We turned right onto the A664. We turned left onto Oldham Road. We turned left onto Milnrow Road. We turned right onto Drake Street. We turned right onto Water Street and into the Interchange where we got up and got off the bus. We walked to the Interchange and we waited for a bus towards Oldham. After a while we saw First Manchester 67408 on a #409 to Ashton. We got onto the bus and we flashed the System One tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the interchange. We went down River Street and onto Water Street. We turned left onto the A6223. We turned left onto Oldham Road. We continued into Balderstone. We continued Westwards along the A671 under the M62 and into Royton. We continued straight up Long Sight. We continued Southwards past thr Royal Oldham Hospital and we turned left onto St Mary's Way. We travelled Eastwards for a short distance and we turned right into Oldham bus station. We walked down to the other part of the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus. and we saw required First Manchester 44189 on layover. We went back to the other part of the bus station and we saw Go North West 4006 on a #415 to Middleton. Whilst we decided what to do next Matthew had a Milky Way washed down with a small bottle of cola. We saw that there was #184 to Uppermill due in a few minutes. we walked up West Street and the nearest toilet was in The Spindles shopping centre. and we turned the corner and went up a floor and the toilet where at the near end. We continued through the Market Place and forwards onto Yorkshire Street. A few minutes later we saw it approaching and it was required First Manchester 37431 on a #184 to Huddersfield. We got on the bus and we flashed the System One ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off down Yorkshire Street. We continued through the Mumps. We entered Oldham Transport Interchange. After a brief stop we ran out onto the A62. We turned right onto Soho Street. We turned left into Greenacres Road. We ran up the hill and into Top of Moor. We ran forwards onto Dunham Street. We turned right onto Stamford Road. We headed through Lees. We joined St John Street. we went across onto Elliott Street. We turned left into High Street. We ran through Springhead. We turned into the A669. We ran down into Grotton. We ran through Grasscroft. We continued into Uppermill. we went onto the High Street and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked up to High Street. We stopped at the Co-op and Matthew had a bottle of Coke and some chocolate bar. We crossed over the road and we headed to the bus stop. We waited for a bus back to Oldham. Matthew also ate one of his milky Way bars. We went back down to the bus stop and we saw First Manchester 69529 on a #350 to Ashton. As it got closer we saw that it was required First Manchester 33687 on a #184 to Oldham. We got on the bus and we flashed the System One tickets to the driver for the final time today before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off down High Street. We ran through Grasscroft. We ran down into Grotton. We turned into the A669. We ran through Springhead. We ran onto the High Street. We turned right onto Elliott Street. We joined St John Street. We headed through Lees. we went across onto Stamford Road. We turned left into Stamford Road. We ran up the hill and into Top of Moor. We turned left into the A62. We entered Oldham Transport Interchange. We continued through the Mumps. We continued onto Union Street. We turned right onto Greaves Street. We turned right onto Yorkshire Street. We turned left into St Mary's Way. we turned left into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we saw First Manchester 37428 on a #57 to Shaw. Once off the bus we waited for mum to arrive and we took a few more bus pictures. We saw required First Manchester 33657 on a #409 to Ashton. Mum appeared and we got in the car. Matthew had a sausage roll and a can or orange Fanta. We set off along St Mary's Way. We turned left into Rochdale Road. We turned right onto Middleton Road. We went under Oldham Way and we ran forwards around a mile into Chadderton. We continued forwards into Mills Hill and we went under the railway line. We ran the last mile or so into Middleton and we ran past the bus station. we ran Westwards towards the A576. We ran the 2 or so miles down to the M60 and we joined the clockwise carriageway. We ran South around Manchester and through Stockport. We came off the M60 and we went along the Handforth by-pass down to Wilmslow. We past near to Alderley Edge and and over Monks Heath crossroad. We continued Southwards through capesthorne and we ran to the West of Congleton town centre and through Talke down to the A500. At Talke we got onto the Southbound A500 and we ran through Longtport and Etruria into Stoke. WE came off the A500 in Stoke onto City Road and we went under the railway line. We ran up City Road onto Fenton and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room. For a late tea Matthew had a chicken burger from kfc. He also had some fries and a cup of Coke followed by a a slice of chocolate gateau and custard. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. Matthew used his computer and watched music videos on the television. When it was time to go to uncle Dave's we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street and at the end we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We went across the spare ground onto Willowdale Avenue and onto Whieldon Road and into uncle Dave's. Later on he had a few digestive biscuits and and some Irn Bru. Uncle Dave now has a biscuit tin. Matthew chilled out in uncle Dave's house using his computer and watching television. Uncle Dave also did his DJ set. A couple of hours later staff came to escort Matthew back home. We set off onto Whieldon Road and we turned onto Willowdale Avenue. We crossed the spare ground and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Temple Street past the new building under construction, which is now getting near to completion. We continued back to the residential unit. Matthew went back to the room and went on his computer. 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 Lichfield / Burntwood 06-12-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
YJ59 PKC	Lichfield BS	Pipehill, Opp Pipehill Farm	35B	Central Buses
JJD 411D	Pipehill, Adj Pipe Marsh	Burntwood Town Centre, Adj Victory Avenue	66	Central Buses
JJD 411D	Burntwood Town Centre, Adj Victory Avenue	Lichfield BS	66	Central Buses
YX63 ZXK	Lichfield BS	Freeford, Adj Horse and Jockey PH	X55	Central Buses
BU12 LJO	Freeford, Opp Horse and Jockey PH	Lichfield BS	X55	Central Buses
CUV 220C	Lichfield BS	Burntwood Town Centre, Adj Victory Avenue	66	Central Buses

Today we decided to re-visit Lichfield. Earlier in the week we had found out that Central Buses were operating their two Routemaster buses on the #66 Lichfield - Burntwood service as a 'Vintage running Day'. It would also give an opportunity to get some of other buses they operate in the Lichfield area. Matthew got up around 10:15 today and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. research consisted of looking at the timetables online for the #35B, the #66 and the X55 services. We also looked up tickets. The Central Buses Staffordshire Day bus ticket costs £5 and cover these three service thought for an entire day. Today we set off around 12:15. We saw First Potteries 60068 on a Longton bound #22 service before we drove onto the A5035. We did the A5035 to the end on the A34 and then we turned South towards Stone. Just South of Trentham we passed First Potteries 65035 on a Hanley bound #101 service. We passed around the outskirts of Stone before turning left onto the A51. As we headed South through Colwich we passed Arriva Midlands 3764 on a #825 to Stafford. Just North of Rugeley we headed off the A51 to visit the chip shop just off Green Lane as we had done on our previous trip to Lichfield back in August 2014. Matthew had a large sausage chips and gravy. Due to a bit of an ordering mix up it took nearly 20 minutes to get the food but they were really nice chips! We ate the food in the car and then we headed back up to the A51 and we carried on going East. We skirted the North end of Rugeley and then carried on towards Lichfield. We then passed Arriva Midlands 3760 on another #825 to Stafford. When we got closer to town we passed Midland Classic 1 on a X12 to Sutton Coldfield service. We also saw one of the Routemasters turn off the road ahead of us on the 13:55 departure to Burnwood. We pulled up in the car park behind Lichfield bus station around 14:00. After we had parked up used the toilets at the end of the bus station, we had around 20 minutes to take pictures before our first bus. On an X65 to Tamworth we saw dud Arriva Midlands 3003.

Arriva Midlands 3003 in Lichfield bus station

There were also five coaches parked up in the bus station today, presumably visiting on Chritmas shopping trips. First in the row off three adjacent to the bus stops was former Brighton & Hove coach Viking R501 HUF.

Viking R501 HUF in Lichfield bus station

Behind the Viking coach was Airshuttle Neoplan coach X7 OPC.

Airshuttle X7 OPC in Lichfield bus station

At the back of the row of three coaches was Alan Davies Travel's tri-axle coach A2 ADT.

Alan Davies Travel A2 ADT in Lichfield bus station

We then got a picture of the first bus we were going to catch, Central Buses Solo YJ59 PKC.

Central Buses YJ59 PKC in Lichfield bus station

This service was worked by a single bus and only departed every two hours... If we were going to get all 5 buses in for the day we had to catch this bus first. We had some time still before it was due to depart, so we went to take picture of the remaining two coaches on the end of the bus station. Closest to the car park end of the row was Warrington's of Ilam Bova coach OIJ 721.

Warringtons of Ilam OIJ 721 in Lichfield bus station

Behind this was another Bova bodied coach, Eclipse EXZ 7243.

Eclipse EXZ 7243 in Lichfield bus station

As we waited for the Central Buses Solo to be readied for service, Arriva Midlands 3733 arrived on their competing #35 service.

Arriva Midlands 3733 in Lichfield bus station

We also saw the other of the two Routemasters on the #66, required Central Buses CUV 220C.

Central Buses CUV 220C in Lichfield bus station

We were letting this bus go for now as we had plans to get this bus in later... When YJ59 PKC was ready for service we got on and purchased a Staffordshire Day ticket at £5 as we had researched earlier. We sat down and at 14:23 as timetabled the bus set off out of town. It soon became apparent why this service was worked by a Solo. We passed through the Darwen Park housing estate which consists of Large expensive looking Georgian style town houses with green spaces and narrow roads. We had to stop and reverse at one point because a motorist came around the corner a little too quickly and was able to reverse into a parking space. The bus was nearly empty in front of us so Matthew took a picture of the bus in front of us.

Inside Central Buses YJ59 PKC

We came out of the estate at the Southern end nest to a large Waitrose supermarket we turned onto Limburg Avenue and then we turned Westwards onto the A461. The plan was to catch the bus to where the road splits from the A5190 and then to walk back to the A5190 to catch the #66 towards Burntwood. When the bus turned we got up and then driver didn't see us and went a stop further down the road! Matthew honked the horn before we got of the bus and then he took another picture of YJ59 PKC as it headed off towards Walsall.

Central Buses YJ59 PKC in Pipehill

We set off on foot back towards the A5190. We weren't 100% sure we were where we had planned to be (albeit a stop further up the road) so I tried unsuccessfully to use my phone to get our location. We got to the main road and we could see bus stops on opposite sides of the road. The road was busy and we didn't have the timetable on us. I assumed the 14:25 had long gone and that we might be able to catch the inbound bus that would form the 14:55. So we crossed the road by the roundabout and set off the hundred and fifty or so yards to the Lichfield bound stop. pretty mush as we got to the stop we turned and saw the late running 14:25 to Burntwood whizz passed running approximately 15 minutes late! There was quite a bit of bus activity along this stretch of road. We saw a Dart (possibly Arriva Midlands 2277) go past on a #15 service as well as a Cannock bound Wright bodied bus. Going towards Lichfield was dud Arriva Midlands 3741.

Arriva Midlands 3741 in Pipehill

It had now gone 14:55 so we had to assume that the 14:55 had already gone past and was on its way back towards Burntwood. We saw Arriva Midlands 3733 in the distance turn the corner towards Brownhills on the #35 service to walsall. We crossed the road to wait for the 14:55 to Burntwood. We didn't have to wait for too long before we saw a routesmaster climbing the hill out of Lichfield. As it got closer we saw that it was as expected required Central Buses JJD 411D.

Central Buses JJD 411D in Pipehill

The bus pulled over and we got on the bus through the open rear platform and went straight upstairs. The bus started up and we carried on along the A5190. Considering how common Routemasters are, this was only the 3rd one on which we have traveled, the other two being RML 2518 at the Newcastle 80 celebration and RM 467 at the POPS rally in May 2012. We continued to Burntwood Green before turning left to head towards Chasetown. The bus was quite bouncy as it went towards Chasetown over some speed bumps. There was a small child at the front of thee bus that bumped his head on the side window. He seemed to enjoy this as he continued to try and bump his head and his dad had to put his had between the boys head and the glass to stop him from doing it again op purpose! At the end of Queens Street we turned sharp right into Chasetown High Street. This time the lad really did give head an bang and cried for a few minutes. Obviously not as much fun as he thought it would be. At the top of the High Street we turned North Eastwards for a short wuhile before going West along Bridge Cross Road and through the main crossroad in Burntwood. We carried on West along cannoack Road before turning North onto Ironstone Road. A few hundred yards along we turned right onto High Street and the Right again onto Rugeley Road. We then approached the crossed road from a different side before turning left to go back towards Lichfield. After as short run on the A5190 we got back onto Chasetown High Street before doing the sharp left turn back onto Queens Street. We carried on towards Burntwood Green and we took on a few more passengers. I heard the conductor say that the last journey from Lichfield back to Burntwood was 17:10 and this information stuck in my head for later use. We carried on through Pipehill and into town before running towards the bus station along the Friar. We passed the other bus in town around 15:42 which must have been running around 15 minutes late. We came into the bus station from the North end and onto the bus stand. We let the bus behind us empty and Matthew got a picture inside Central Buses Routmaster JJD 411D.

Inside Central Buses JJD 411D

We got off the bus and we took another picture of Central Buses JJD 411D.

Central Buses JJD 411D in Lichfield bus station

We had 3 buses left to get in on our Centrel Buses bus ticket. There were 2 buses on the X55 service and the other Routemaster which had only just left town towards Burntwood. As the first of the X55's was due off in less than 10 minutes we decided to go after these 2 buses. Already on stand ready to work the 15:55 was Central Buses YX63 ZXK.

Central Buses YX63 ZXK in Lichfield bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed our Central Buses Staffordshire Day ticket. As it was empty Matthew took a picture as we got on the bus.

Inside Central Buses YX63 ZXK

We didn't have the timetable for this service, but I remember reading that the service was booked to Leave Lichfield at 25 and 55 minutes past the hour and the bus from Tamworth left at 20 and 50 minutes past the hour, with an approximate journey time of 20 minutes. I worked out if we traveled for around 5 minutes out of town we should probably make the other bus coming the other way. At 15:55 the bus left town and we turned left into Upper St John Street. We turned left onto the A51 and we ran along side a section of disused canal. After we had crossed the A38 we saw there was a pub and bus stops on opposite sides of the road. I decided to get up and get off here. Matthew took another picture of Central Buses YX63 ZXK as it continued towards Tamworth.

Central Buses YX63 ZXK in Freeford

We crossed the road and we didn't have to wait for more than a couple of minutes before we saw another Central Buses bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was required Central Buses BU12 LJO.

Central Buses BU12 LJO in Freeford

We got on the bus and we flashed out Staffordshire Day ticket. For once everything seem to have worked out how it supposed to! The bus carried on Westwards along the A51 before turning right into Upper st John Street. We went under the railway and we turned right again before entering the bus station. The bus pulled up on stand and we waited for the bus to empty so that Matthew could get a picture inside the now empty Central Buses BU12 LJO.

Inside Central Buses BU12 LJO

There was only one bus left to get in for the day for Central Buses, and that was the remaining Routemaster CUV 220C. We had around 10 minutes before the bus was due inti the bus station, so we went to the toilet and after Matthew had a bottle of Fanta and a Curly Wurly from out of the trip bag supplies. After he had finished we saw required Arriva Midlands 2702 on a #62 service to Cannock.

Arriva Midlands 2702 in Lichfield bus station

Arriva Midlands Centro 3733 made another appearance on the #35 to Walsall, as did Central Buses YJ59 PKC on the #35B to Walsall. A few minutes later that last bus that we wanted came into the bus station, Central Buses CUV 220C.

Central Buses CUV 220C in Lichfield bus station

We waited for the bus to empty and then we got on the rear platform and went upstairs. I thought that it was the 16:25 departure, but looking at the timetable when we got this later departure is not due to go until 16:40. The bus loaded and then sat there for a while. I couldn't understand why it hadn't departed... The bus set off when it was due to at 16:40, although I did bot know this at the time. The plan was to do one round trip before going back to the car... The bus went through the town centre and onto Walsall Road. We joined the Westbound A461 and then onto the A5190. It was now fully dark... We entered Burntwood Green and we turned left towards Chasetown. On Queen Street we made the tight right turn onto Chasetown High Street before heading though Burntwood along Bridge Cross Road / Cannock Road. It was around 17:00 and we passed a Lichfield bound #60 service being worked by a Wright bodied Arriva Midlands bus. The Arriva bus turned out of Rugeley Road left into Bridge Cross Road. As we headed around the loop of the service the conductor asked us where we were going. I said we were just going back to Lichfield. He said "We've got a bit of a problem... The bus only going to Sankey's Corner and then terminates before running back empty!" Oh!... Drat... He talked to the driver and he told he could possibly drop us off somewhere on the way back to Lichfield but he couldn't take us back into town. As we had seen the #60 turn the corner we thought we could catch one of these back and the conductor thought that there was one 5 minutes behind us. The bus emptied and Matthew took a picture inside Central Buses Routemaster CUV 220C.

Inside Central Buses CUV 220C

We got off and we saw the bus go back towards the depot. We looked at the timetable... it was 17:12 and there wasn't a bus back towards Lichfield until 17:45. We decided to call mum to come and rescue us as were only around 15 minutes away. We told her we were going to Sankey Fish Bar to get some chips whilst we waited for her to find us and pick us up. We went into this large chip shop and we ordered a portion of chips between us and 3 cans of pop. We sat down on some seats inside the shop to eat the chips as it was now quite cold out. After we had finished we went outside to see if we could see mum. There was a Barclay bank opposite so we decided to visit the cash machine to get some money whilst we waited. his was one of those rare machines that have £5 notes in them... After we had finished we headed back to the chip shop as that is where we said we would be. We could see what looked like our car about to turn right into Rugeley Road so we waved mum down as she made the turn.She sapped into the passenger seat and I carried on driving... Mum handed out the Greggs sasage rolls and Matthew washed this down with a small bottle of Irn Bru. I turned the car and I headed back towards Lichfield as I knew the way home from there. Thinking about it after the fact, if we had carried on along Rugeley Road we would have probably ended up closer to home in Rugeley and would have cut 5-7 miles off the journey home! We headed back into Lichfield along the A5190 before joining the A51 and going West. We passed North of Rugeley and we stopped in Colwich for diesel. We carried on North through Weston and onto the A34 South of Stone. We by-passed Stone and did the A34 up Trentham before we went North East along the A5035 to Longton. WE dropped mum at a chemist on the Strand before we headed back onto the A50 to go and visit Z Carz, passing Z Carz Mercedes Minibus M372 NWN on the way. There was only one bus on the spare ground tonight and that was Z Carz Ford minibus GL04 CVE.

Z Carz GL04 CVE in Longton

In the compound there were more minibus including Mercedes minibus S952 VMY. We headed back onto the A5035 past the old Somerfield supermarkets and we picked mum up on the Strand before going back on the A5035 again. We got home at 19:00. Mum went out with her friend for a girls night in, and we stopped at home. for a late tea we had bangers and mash with carrots and Matthew helped to chop up some of the carrots. Just after 10 we took uncle Dave home. We went via the A5035, Stanley Matthews Way, Heron Cross and Grove Road. After we had dropped him off we came back via Grove Road, Blurton Road and Beaconsfield Drive. Matthew then chilled out on his computer. Mum came home a little after 23:00 in a Roseville taxi and then Matthew went bed around 00:30... Mark

Trip to Tamworth / Lichfield 07-06-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3003	Tamworth bus interchange	Lichfield BS	X65	Arriva Midlands
9903	Lichfield BS	Tamworth bus interchange	765	Arriva Midlands
4205	Tamworth bus interchange	Fazeley, adj Willowbank	110	Arriva Midlands
4200	Fazeley, adj Bitterscote Lane	Tamworth bus interchange	110	Arriva Midlands
2615	Tamworth bus interchange	Coton Green, adj Danelagh Close	3	Arriva Midlands
3804	Coton Green, adj Shopping Precinct	Tamworth bus interchange	3	Arriva Midlands

Today we decided to visit Tamworth. The decision to go to Tamworth wasn't made until the morning. The weather had been forecast for heavy showers and hail all around us so we put off deciding where we were going until the last minute. Tamworth was chosen because the weather forecast said it would clear up around 14:00 and stay dry for a couple of hours. As we had never been to Tamworth before, research consisted of downloading timetables and maps off the Arriva Midlands site, downloading maps from the Staffordshire County Council site, and checking Arriva Day Saver tickets and areas. After telling mum where the "bus station" was, she did research on parking for us. Matthew got up just after 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 12:30 today as we weren't traveling as far as usual. We had decided to travel via Cannock so we could eat at the truckstop just to the West of town. It was raining as we set off onto the A5035 and we drove towards Trentham. We stopped the BP garage on Longton Road to put some air in the tyres. At Trentham we turned North on the A34 and then we took Whitmore Road up to the A519. Here we joined the Southbound M6. We did the journey south through the rain, and we had slow traffic up to Junction 13 where the roadworks start. As we went though the roadworks we started to gain some speed again, although the was never any chance of speeding through the average speed camera section as we only just about got to 50mph as we turned off the M6 at 12. We did the 2 miles from the M6 along the A5 to the truck stop and we pulled over to have dinner. Matthew used their toilet and mum ordered the food. He a a breakfast with some extra toast washed down with a can of Coke. After we had finished we continued our journey east along the A5. We passed through Brownhills and then we got to the faster section of the A5 for the last couple of miles into town. We turned off the A5 and we got a little lost as we tried to find corporation Street where we had planned to park. A quick check on mum's GPS help us to get the last few hundred yards into town and we parked up near to the bus interchange, a row of six stops on Corporation Street. We had spot a public toilet as we parked up and Matthew wanted to go and visit it before we caught a bus. On the way up to the toilet we saw Arriva Midlands Scania 3807 on a #785 to Shuttington.

Arriva Midlands 3807 in Tamworth bus interchange

When checking out the bus tickets I noticed that the Arriva Tamworth Day Saver ticket was valid up to Lichfield so I thought it would be nice to take Matthew there as he has never been. When we got back from the toilet we spotted Arriva Midlands Mercedes Citaro 3003 on the X65 to Lichfield.

Arriva Midlands 3003 in Tamworth bus interchange

As we were about to crossed over to go catch a bus Alfa Coach 72 came into the bus interchange.

Alfa 72 in Tamworth bus interchange

I asked Matthew if he wanted to do Arriva Midlands 3003 and he said yes. The bus was required as we have never been on this type of Arriva Midlands bus before. We got on the bus and the lady driver was really nice, chatting away to Matthew for good while. We booked out Tamworth Day Saver ticket (£4.20) and we told her that we had never been on one of these before (well not this new and not an Arriva one). She mentioned that she had driven and even newer one the other day that was even better, a 63 reg one... We sat down near the back of the bus, it was nearly empty except for 2 other people. I looked at the timetable on my phone and the journey time to Lichfield was a mere 17 minutes. The bus set off out of town and onto the A51. We crossed the river Tame and the Coventry canal and we went through the village of Hopwas and past Whittington Barracks. we turned into Lichfield and into the bus station. We waited for the bus to empty and Matthew took a picture inside the empty Arriva Midlands 3003.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3003

When we got off there were half a dozen different buses in the bus station to look at. We crossed over the to the middle island of the bus station so we could take a picture of Cannock Based Arriva Midlands 3758 in between services.

Arriva Midlands 3758 in Lichfield bus station

Matthew want to go to the toilet so we went over to the conveniences. As I opened the door for him I heard a voice so I shut the door straight away. I told Matthew he would have to go in the Gents of wait until it was empty. He decided to wait. When it was free again I opened the door for him and he used the toilet. He came out to see Midlands Classic 82 on the X12 to Burton.

Midland Classic 82 in Lichfield bus station

We decided to have a bit of a picnic here. Matthew drank a small bottle of Limeade and ate a double Milky Way. Afterwards we walked over to get a picture of another parked up bus, required Wednesford based Arriva Midlands 2151.

Arriva Midlands 2151 in Lichfield bus station

Another bus just parked up in the bus station from an operator we have never seen before was Central Buses EU06 WGM.

Central Buses EU06 WGM in Lichfield bus station

There seemed to be quite a few buses arriving and and parking up for a short while. Another such vehicle was required Cannock based Arriva Midlands 2732.

Arriva Midlands 2732 in Lichfield bus station

At the top end of the bus station was the colourful Redfern Travel coach 123 RT.

Redfern Travel 123 RT in Lichfield bus station

We did consider catching required Arriva Midlands 3800 on the #765 Warton service, but as we went to take a picture of it it must have turned depart time and off it went. We then saw Midland Classic 83 arrive on X12 from Burton-on-Trent.

Midland Classic 83 in Lichfield bus station

Next we saw dud Burton-on-Trent based Arriva Midlands 4212 on a #7 service from Burton.

Arriva Midlands 4212 in Lichfield bus station

This was a bus that we had done on the #1 from Uttoxeter to Portway Head back in July 2013. As we had missed the #785 and turned down Arriva Midlands 3003 on the return X65, we had to wait for around 20 minutes further. Whilst we were waiting we saw Rotala Blue Diamond come in off a #21 North Lichfield circular.

Blue Diamond 30639 in Lichfield bus station

We also saw Cannock based Arriva Midlands 3761 come from Stafford on a #825, ready to work a #60 back to Cannock.

Arriva Midlands 3761 in Lichfield bus station

Going the other way, required Arriva Midlands came from Cannock on a #60 and was about to work a #825 to Stafford.

Arriva Midlands 3759 in Lichfield bus station

Something of a surprise was the appearance of the demonstrator bus that the lady driver had mention earlier, required Arriva Midlands 9903.

Arriva Midlands 9903 in Lichfield bus station

We also saw Rotala Blue Diamond Solo 20831 on Lichfield Circulars. We crossed over and got on the bus, flashing our Day Saver ticket and we sat down near the back. The bus set off out of town and onto the A51. We turned off to go to Whittington village. As the bus emptied out a little Matthew took a picture of the inside of the bus facing forwards.

Inside Arriva Midlands 9903

The bus carried on through Whittington and through Whittington Barracks before rejoining the A51. We passed the free range pig farm and through Hopwas and into Tamworth. When we got into the bus interchange we were delayed slightly whilst our bus waited for it's stand to empty.It was being occupied by dud Stagecoach Midlands 34627 about to work the #766 service to Nuneaton. Eventually it moved and we got off and Matthew got another picture of the demonstrator bus Arriva Midlands 9903.

Arriva Midlands 9903 in Tamworth bus interchange

It was close to 16:00...If we wanted to get at least six buses in today we would have to catch something quickly. On stand was required Arriva Midlands double decker 4205 about to work a #110 to Birmingham.

Arriva Midlands 4205 in Tamworth bus interchange

As we considered whether to do the double decker, we saw Arriva Midlands 3807 on a #785 to Lichfield.

Arriva Midlands 3807 in Tamworth bus interchange

I asked Matthew if he wanted to do the double decker and he said yes. We got on the bus and flashed the ticket. We were going to go to the edge of the Day Saver map South of the Hospital. We went upstairs and the rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew got a picture inside Arriva Midlands 4205.

Inside Arriva Midlands 4205

A check of the timetable revealed that the service was every 15 minutes. We set off out of town and we went West towards the A51. We then turned South and crossed over the rivers before going past the Ventura retail park. We passed Arriva Midlands 4206 going North on a #110. The traffic was heavy going past Ventura retail park so we decided not to go too far. We crossed under the A5 and we were looking for a stop on the opposite side of the road with a shelter in case it started to rain. Eventually we decided to just get off. If it did rain we wouldn't have to wait too long for a bus anyway. We spotted stops on opposite corner of a roundabout so we got up and the bus stopped. We got off and got another picture of Arriva Midlands 4205 as it headed South towards Birmingham.

Arriva Midlands 4205 in Fazeley

We crossed over the busy Fazeley Road and then crossed over the quieter Biterscote Lane. Almost immediately we saw a Mercedes Citaro approaching. It was on the #780 service to the hospital so we let it go. It was required Arriva Midlands 3005.

Arriva Midlands 3005 in Fazeley

Right behind 3005 was a double decker on the #110 so we flagged it down. It was required Arriva Midlands 4200.

Arriva Midlands 4200 in Fazeley

We got on the bus and Matthew said hello to someone on the lower decker before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took his picture inside the bus immediately.

Inside Arriva Midlands 4200

The bus went North under the A5 and back past Ventura retail park before coming into town from the West. When we got back to the bus station Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 4200 before we headed off to the toilet.

Arriva Midlands 4200 in Tamworth bus interchange

The oldest buses that operate from the Arriva Tamworth garage are a small batch of Volvo B6's. I had seen one working on the #3 service earlier in the day so I asked Matthew if he wanted to after one of these buses and he said yes. We sat down on a step whilst we waited for the bus to appear. Whilst we waited we saw Solus Coaches MX10 KNR on a #82 to Clifton Campville.

Solus Coaches MX10 KNR in Tamworth bus interchange

We didn't have to wait for long before a Volvo B6 appeared on the #3 service. It was required Arriva Midlands 2615.

Arriva Midlands 2615 in Tamworth bus interchange

We got on the bus and flashed the ticket. We were second on the bus and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 2615 as we got on.

Inside Arriva Midlands 2615

With the exception of eleven other buses (2 at Stafford, 4 at Telford and the other 5 based in Tamworth), most of it's brethren have been placed in the reserve fleet. For the non-bus fanatics out there, the reserve fleet are buses which are still serviceable but only come out on special occasions like Shrewsbury flower show or to temporarily cover buses that have been accident damaged. Usually most buses that end up in the reserve fleet quietly go off to the the scrap yard... The only other bus we have had from this batch was Arriva Midlands 2622 which we had for a very short distance in Uttoxeter back in December 2013. At 16:39 when the bus was due to depart we set off onto chuch Street and back past the top of the bus interchange along Aldergate. We passed the Arriva garage and then we crossed over the West Coast main railway line and we turned right into a housing estate. We headed through the Leyfield area of town passing a Scania Omnicity going the other way. We turned onto Cotton Lane before turning back towards town along Fontenaye Road. It looked like we were coming to the circular end of the run so when we passed some shops we got up to get off. The next stop wasn't much further along the road and was outside the pub the Coton Arms which was a timing point on the timetable. We got off in this very spacious estate and we took a picture of Arriva Midlands 2615 as it headed back towards Tamworth.

Arriva Midlands 2615 in Coton Green

We decided to walk the 200 yds or so back to the shops so we could get some supplies for a bus stop picnic. Matthew chose a can of Coke and a bottle of Fanta as well as some chocolate and we headed to the till to pay for them. Matthew said hello to the lady behind the till as well as another lady stocking the shelves. We walked over to the bus stop outside the shops and although there was a shelter there was no seating here. Matthew sat on the ground and drank the Fanta. The rest of the supplies went into the trip bag for future usage... With a 15 minute frequency on this service, between walking shopping and drinking we didn't have to wait very long before the bus back to town appeared. It was a required bus as we have never been on an Arriva Scania Omnicity before. It was Arriva Midlands 3804.

Arriva Midlands 3804 in Coton Green

We got on the bus and flashed the Day Saver. It was empty so Matthew got a picture inside Arriva Midlands 3804 immediately.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3804

The bus set off along Fontenaye Road and back onto Coton Lane. We then headed back the way we came through Leyfeilds and back onto Upper Gungate. We crossed over the railway line and passed the Arriva garage before turning into the bus interchange. We got off the bus and we met up with mum. Matthew decided to take a few more pictures before going to the toilet. On a #116 to Birmingham was required Arriva Midlands Scania 3812.

Arriva Midlands 3812 in Tamworth bus interchange

Behind this was on a #110 to Birmingham was required Arriva Midlands 4202.

Arriva Midlands 4202 in Tamworth bus interchange

Finally we saw required Arriva Midlands 3803 on a #765 to Lichfield.

Arriva Midlands 3803 in Tamworth bus interchange

We walked up to the toilet and Matthew used it. He seemed to take a while. Often when we are waiting for him we wonder if there is another exit and he had gone out of the other door... Eventually he came out and we headed back to the car. The was time to take one more picture as we saw required Arriva Midlands 3802 on a #115 to Coleshill.

Arriva Midlands 3802 in Tamworth bus interchange

We went back to the car where mum had Greggs sausage rolls waiting for us. I was about to get into the car when I saw a step entrance minibus pull up outside the car park. It was Solus Coaches FY02 LDE, but as I saw it from behind I wasn't sure if it was working a service or on private hire. I got in the car and we drove out of town. As we didn't need to eat we could take a different route home. I decided to go North on the A513. We headed out of town over the railway line and past the end of Coton Lane which we had traveled over albeit for a shirt distance whilst on the #3's earlier. We carried on North, passing close to the National Memorial Arboretum. When we got to a recognisable road (the A38) we decided to take this north to the A50. had we carried on along the A513 to King's Bromley we would have been able to do the A515 up to the A50 cutting off a few miles. When we reached the A50 we turned West towards Stoke for a 30 mile run home. We came off the A50 at Longton so that we could go check out what was parked up at Z Carz tonight. There were five buses on the spare ground tonight. First was red LDV DS51 ZJU.

Z Carz DS51 ZJU in Longton

Next was Mercedes minibus S952 VMY.

Z Carz S952 VMY in Longton

Next to this was the white VW minibus OV05 WSW.

Z Carz OV05 WSW in Longton

beside these were a pair of Ford Transit minibuses. The first on was decaled GL04 CVE.

Z Carz GL04 CVE in Longton

The last bus was plain white FP06 WTW.

Z Carz FP06 WTW in Longton

We turned into Willow row where we saw airport transfer taxi YJ61 GYZ. We turned back onto the A50 and from Heathcote Road appeared First Potteries 60072 on a #22 from Newcastle. We carried on along the A50 and e came off at Heron Cross and we traveled through Blurton, At this point it started to bucket down so we slowly went through the estate as the rain came down. By the time we parked up at home the rain had eased off a little so we ran into the house. We got back just before 19:00. We then had a late tea of bangers and mash with carrots followed cake bar. Matthew chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 01:30...Mark