Trip to Hanley / Stafford 10-01-2026

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67146	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
63171	Hanley BS	Stafford, Station Road	101	First Potteries
63118	Stafford, Station Road	Newcastle BS	101	First Potteries
67157	Newcastle BS	Longton, Market Street	11	First Potteries
6009	Longton, Market Street	Meir, Late Shop	1	D&G Bus
67153	Meir, Late Shop	Fenton, Victoria Place	6	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus. Matthew got up around 09:00 and had toast and juice for breakfast. He chilled out in his room and watched buses out of the windown until it was time to go out. Whilst we waited to go out we saw First Potteries 69155 on a #11 to Hanley. When it was time to go out we went downstairs and onto Temple Street. We turned cut through onto City Road and we headed towards the bus stop. On the way we saw Afford rent-a-car BD74 XYG parked up at their garage.

Afford rent-a-car BD74 XYG in Fenton

A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was First Potteries 67146 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67146 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down City Road and we joined the A52 to go under the railway line and over the A500. We continued onto Church Street and into the centre of Stoke. After a brief stop we continued around the one-way system onto Elenora Street 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 ans 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 once in the bus station we got up and we got off the bus and Matthew visited the toilet. Once of the bus Matthew went to the toilet. A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was dud First Potteries 63171 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 63171 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus bus and we booked to Stafford before We sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off through the bus station. and onto John Street. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and left onto Broad Street. We ran down the hill and over the ring road onto Snow Hill Before we turned right onto Shelton New Road. We ran down through Etruria an up into Hartshill before joining the A52. We ran into Newcastle down George Street. We joined the one way system and we turned left on the roundabout onto Barracks Road. As we got to the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We ran Southwards onto the A34 and we ran down through Trent Vale and into Hanford. We continued down through to Trentham and then we got onto the fast section of the A34. We ran through Tittensor to Darlaston past the Darlaston Inn which closed. We continued down the A34 to the North end of Stone. We Veered left onto Newcastle Road and we ran into Stone town centre. After going around the one-way system and onto Stafford Road. We crossed over the A34 onto Eccleshall Road. We turned left onto Tilling Drive and we ran onto the industrial estate. We rejoined the A34 at the roundabout where the A51 goes Eastwards and we ran Southwards through the fast section on the A34 to the A513 roundabout. We ran the last couple of miles into town down the A34 onto Foregate Street and we turned right onto Chell Road. We crossed the roundabout onto Tenterbanks and we turned right onto Victoria Road. We turned left onto Station Road and we got up and got off the bus. We continued to the park and and Matthew decided he wanted to go to the toilet. Once out of the staion we walked to the pavillion and we brought a sausage bap and a bottle of Coke. Matthew ate his sausage bap a can of Coke. When we had finished eating we went back onto Water Street and we cut through Victoria Park and back to the bus stop outside the railway station. We waited for a bus back to Newcastle. A short time later we saw white minibus WG24 BMY.

WG24 BMY in Stafford

A few minutes later the bus appeared around the corner and it was dud First Potteries 63118 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63118 in Stafford

We got on the bus and we gooked to Newcastle before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Station Road and at the end we turned left onto the A518. We ran around the South end of town and over the river onto Cope Street. We ran up Eastgate and along North Walls and into the Gaol Square bus station. We left the bus station onto the A34 and we ran Northwards to the edge of town. We continued up the fast section of the A34 to the edge of Stone and then we turned left onto the industrial estate. We ran around the estate and onto Tiling Drive. We turned right onto Eccleshall Road and we crossed the A34 onto Stafford Road. We turned left onto Crown Street and we stopped at the main stop in Stone. We ran North up Newcastle Road and we re-joined the Northbound A34. We ran Morth through Meaford and Tittensor and up into Trentham. We continued North through Hanford and Trent Vale and we past the City General hospital before going into Newcastle. We turned right onto Barracks Road and we entered the bus station from the South end. Once we got ot the bus station we got up and got off the bus. In the bus station we stopped at the toilet. Afterwards we waited for a bus back to Fenton. A few minutes later we saw D&G Bus 3012 on a #85 to Nantwich. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67157 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67157 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto Barracks Road and we ran up to the Jubilee roundabout. We ran onto the A53 and around the one-way system onto the A52. We ran up George Street into Hartshill and we ran down the hill into Stoke town centre. After a brief stop we continued along Church Street out of Stoke and over the A500. We ran under the railway line and we continued onto City Road and we continued forwards onto King Street and we passed through Foley We ran forwards into Longton. We went under the railway line into Longton town centre. The bus stopped on Market Street and we got up and got off the bus. The bus stopped on Market Street and we got up and got off the bus. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was D&G Bus 6009 on a #1 to Meir. We got on the bus and we booked to Meir before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We carried on along onto Market Street. We turned left onto Anchor Road and right onto Sutherland Road. We ran to the other end of the road and we turned left onto Weston Coyney Road. We ran up the hill past Matthew's old respite place and at the end we turned right onto the A520 and we turned left onto Brookwood Drive. We turned right onto Stansmore Road and we turned left onto Leason Road. We paused in the Square before going onto Woodville Road. We turned left onto the A520 and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we visited the cafe. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. It was First Potteries 67153 on a #6 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley and we sat down. We ran back down to the A520 and we headed through Meir and we turned right into Waterhead Road. We ran through to Upper Belgrave Road onto Lightwood Road and into Longton. We crossed over the A50 and we ran down The Strand. After a brief stop we ran down under the railway bridge onto King Street. We ran down through Fenton and forwards onto City Road past the new petrol station and coffee shop. We turned right into Victoria Road and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked back to the residential unit. We set of around the corner onto City Road and we crossed over. We turned left into Manor Street. At the end of Manor Street we turned left onto Victoria Road and we continued down Victoria Road and we stopped at McDonalds. Matthew went to the toilet and had a burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. We got an ABC Supreme taxi back to the residential unit. We set off up Victoria Road. We turned right onto City Road and left onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room and chilled out in his room and use his computer and watch buses out of the window. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. Matthew used his computer and watched music videos on the television. 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 Newcastle / Trentham 14-10-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
6002	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	1A	D&G Bus
67146	Newcastle BS	Trentham Gardens	101	First Potteries
67146	Trentham, Poachers Cottage PH	Newcastle BS	101	First Potteries
67148	Newcastle BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	11	First Potteries
67158	Fenton, Victoria Place	Hanley BS	6	First Potteries
63100	Hanley BS	Fenton, Adrian Street	6	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus later. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst waiting to go to the day service we saw AJS Passenger Travel AJ56 BUZ.

AJS Passenger Travel AJ56 BUZ in Fenton

Whilst getting ready we saw Travel Express SM65 DMY heading towards Stoke. We went downstairs and we and we cut through onto City Road to wait a bus to Hanley. At the Afford garage we saw Afford rent-a-car HK22 WCU parked up. A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was D&G Bus 6002 on a #1A to Audley.

D&G Bus 6002 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre. We continued along Church Street onto Hartshill Road and into the centre of Hartshill. We turned left into the Avenue and left again onto Hilton Road before turning right into the City General Hospital. As we travelled through the hospital we saw Travel Express KV63 ODM and ABC Supreme HV22 HKK. Once through the hospital we turned right onto the A34 and we ran into Newcastle. We crossed the roundabout and we ran up Barracks Road and into the bus station from the South end. Once we got to the bus station we got up and got off the bus. We waited for a bus towards Hanley. A short time later our bus appeared. Once we got to the bus station we got up and got off the bus. We waited for a back to Talke Pits. After a short while we saw D&G Bus 797 on a #104 to Hanley.

D&G Bus 797 in Newcastle bus station

Once off the bus we had a look around. We saw First Potteries 35947 on a #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 35947 in Newcastle bus station

Whilst we waited we saw D&G Bus 3012 on a #85 to Nantwich.

D&G Bus 3012 in Newcastle bus station

The bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67146 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 67146 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Trentham Garden before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road. We ran Southwards onto the A34 and we ran down through Trent Vale and into Hanford. We continued down through to Trentham where we saw ABC Supreme KX64 AFF. Near to the old entrance to the gardens we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we went to across the road the road and into Trentham Gardens. We walked around the North end of the lake and we went to Totally delicious. Matthew had a ham sandwich washed down with bottle of Coke. After finishing eating Matthew went to the toilet. Once we had finished eating we walked back through the main gate and onto the A34 opposite the A5035. We turned left and walked along the A34 to the old Gardens entrance where the bus stop is situated. We waited for a bus back towards Newcastle. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67146 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67146 in Trentham

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off Northwards through Trentham. We continued North through Hanford and Trent Vale and we past the City General hospital before going into Newcastle. We turned right onto Barracks Road and we entered the bus station from the South end. We got up and got off the bus. Once in the bus station we waited for a bus back to Fenton. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 67143 on a #38 to Butt Lane. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67148 on the #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67148 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto Barracks Road and we ran up to the Jubilee roundabout. We ran onto the A53 and around the one-way system onto the A52. We ran up George Street into Hartshill and we ran down the hill into Stoke town centre. After a brief stop we continued along Church Street out of Stoke and over the A500. We ran under the railway line and we continued onto City Road. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. We crossed over city Road and walked back to the residential unit. Matthew went back upstairs to chill out in his room and use his computer and watch buses out of the window. Later on we went downstairs and we set off onto City Road and we saw First Potteries 63113 on a #11 to Hanley. We continued up City Road. We walked up to the roundabout and around the corner onto Victoria Road to wait for the bus to Hanley. Whilst waiting we saw Safeguard YX67 YDT going towards Hanley. Eventually we saw another bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was dud First Potteries 67158 on a #6 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 down Victoria Road and we crossed over the A52 at Joiners Square. We ran up Lichfield Street past the site of the new housing development. We turned left onto the ring road and we turned right onto Bethesda Street and right onto John Street and into the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. We waited for a bus towards Crewe. We left the bus station and we walked up LIchfield Street. We walked down Tontine Street and onto Tontine Square and we stopped at Greggs. Afterwards we walked back along Tontine Square to the Intu Potteries shopping centre where Matthew had a chicken sandwich washed down with can of Coke. We had a walk around the shops and afterwards we walked through Tontine Square onto Tontine Street. We walked back down Lichfield Street and back to the bus station and Matthew used the toilet. A few mninutes later the bus appeared. It was First Potteries 63100 on a #6 to Coalville. We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before we sat down. 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 past the site new Lidl. We crossed over 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. We turned left onto Manor Street for We stopped at the Fenton Community Hall and Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we had a drink of Coke. Matthew had a ham sandwich and sausage rolls. After we had finished we returned to the residential unit. We walked along Manor Street and we crossed over City Road and we turned right onto onto Temple Street and we returned to the residential unit. We went upstairs and back into his room. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. He watched television and used his computer. 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 / Old Swan 24-11-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3012	Earlestown BS	St Helens BS	34	Arriva NW&W
11112	St Helens BS	Prescot, Church Street	10A	Stagecoach Merseyside
10547	Prescot, Church Street	Old Swan, Queens Drive	10A	Stagecoach Merseyside
4557	Old Swan, Clayford Crescent	Woolton, Kings Drive	81A	Arriva NW&W
4605	Woolton, Manor Road	St Helens BS	89	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to re-visit St Helens. We had checked the weather for today and it was cool cloudy weather. We gave Matthew a list of destinations in the North West and Midlands and from the list he chose St Helens. Other than check the roads on AA road watch we did no other research. Matthew got up around 10:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. After getting ready we set off around A5035 onto the Westbound A5035. We ran past Stanley Matthew Way into Trentham and we stopped at the BP garage to top up with petrol. Whilst we filled up we saw D&G 171 on a #14 to Hanley. Once we had filled up we we set off onto the Eastbound A5035 and we turned left onto Stanley Matthews Way. We past past the BET365 stadium where preparations were on their way for the Stoke City vs QPR game. We got onto the Westbound A50 and at Sideway we joined the Northbound A500. Travelling up the A500 we saw silver coach YD67 MKO & Carvers DF57 UON. We joined the M6 at Junction 16 and we ran Northwards through the roadworks. Travelling up the M6 we saw Kier WR17 JFU, Shearings 138, an unidentified National Express liverried coach on a #539 to Bournemouth, Happy Days 229 & silver minibus DG68 OMH. We came off the M6 at junction 21A and went Westwards along the M62 for one junction. Once off the M62 we went Northwards up the A49 into Newton. We past through the town and we turned left onto the A572. We ran for a couple of miles and we turned left onto Market Street by the Texaco petrol station. We turned right onto Tamworth Street and right onto Lord Street and into the car park. We parked up and we walked along Lord Street and around the corner onto Legh street and into the pub. Due to a problem the pub wasn't serving food today. Matthew went to the toilet and then we went through the bus station to Tamworth Street to Crumpets, where we used to eat in Earlestown before the pub was opened. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. He also helped mum to eat her sausage and cheese toastie. Once we had finished we said goodbye to mum and we went out and around the corner to the bus station. We only had to wait a few seconds and we saw dud Arriva NW&W 3012 approaching on a #34 to St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 3012 in Earlestown bus station

We got on the bus and we brought Arriva NW Day saver ticket at £5.50 each before we sat down near to the back of the bus. The bus set off back onto Tamworth Street and we turned left onto Market Street. We joined the A572 and we went Westwards through Ashton Green and Parr. In Parr we passed dud Arriva NW&W 2525 on a #31 Parr service. We joined the A58 and we came into the town centre along Corporation Street. The bus emptied out on Bickerstaff Street where we got up and got off the bus. Also on Bickerstaff Street was Arriva NW&W 2902 on a #20 to Earlestown.

Arriva NW&W 2902 in St Helens bus station

We had a walk around the bus station whilst we decided what bus we could do next. We saw required Stagecoach Merseyside 11112 on layover in between runs on the #10A to Liverpool.

Stagecoach Merseyside 11112 in St Helens bus station

We walked onto Corporation Street to look at the vehicles on Layover. We saw required Arriva NW&W 4441 on layover in between runs on the #10A to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4441 in St Helens bus station

We continued around the bus station and into the middle stands. We saw Hatton's Dennis Dart MX06 ULP on the #12 St Helens town centre circular.

Hatton's MX06 ULP in St Helens bus station

We made a quick enquiry in the office to see if the #10A was still a quality bus partnership. With the fact checked we decided to do Stagecoach double decker 11112 on the #10A as we had never seen a Stagecoach double decker work this service before. We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Day Saver tickets to the driver. The lower saloon was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach Merseyside 11112 before we went upstairs and sat down.

Inside Stagecoach Merseyside 11112

The bus set off out of the bus station through town and past the new Nando's and Cinema. We joined the A58 and we ran Westwards before we turned off the main road to head towards Thatto Heath down Lugsmore Lane where we passed Stagecoach Merseyside 24180 on a #10 to St Helens. 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 where we saw silver shuttle buses 2, We went around the town to the North and we got up and got off the bus just to the North of the bus station. Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Merseyside 11112 before it continued on towards Liverpool.

Stagecoach Merseyside 11112 in Prescot

Once off the bus, we popped into the Sun Inn where Matthew went to the toilet before we had a can of Coke from behind the bar. After Matthew had drank the Coke we went back outside to meet uncle Dave. We decided to go back to the same bus stop and catch another #10A further on towards Liverpool. There was a display at the bus stop and it said that the next #10A would be a Stagecoach one. A few minutes later we saw a Stagecoach double decker approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required Stagecoach Merseyside 10547 on a #10 A to Liverpool.

Stagecoach Merseyside 10547 in Prescot

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva NW Day Saver ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We ran out of Prescot and 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 Stagecoach Merseyside 10547 as it continued towards Liverpool.

Stagecoach Merseyside 10547 in Old Swan

Once off the bus we walked towards the Woolton bound stop. On the way we saw Arriva NW&W 2667 on a #61 to Bootle.

Arriva NW&W 2667 in Old Swan

We walked around the corner and we waited for the next Southbound bus. there was a bit of a gap in the service and we had to wait around 20 minutes. Whilst we waited Matthew had a Milky Way. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was required Arriva NW&W 4557 on a #81A to Liverpool Airport.

Arriva NW&W 4557 in Old Swan

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva NW Day Saver 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. 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 as we approached we saw the town was incredibly busy. We decided to get up and get of the bus here. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4557 as it continued towards the airport.

Arriva NW&W 4557 in Woolton

Once off the bus we fought our way through the crowds and we turned left onto Kings Drive. We went to Sainsbury's through the back entrance and Matthew used the toilet. We brought a bottle of Coke and a couple of chocolate bars and we paid for the them at the kiosk. We went out of the back entrance and up Kings Drive. We turned left onto Speke Road and we walked Southwards to the next bus stop. We waited for a few minutes for the next St Helens bound bus. A few minutes later we saw a double decker approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required Arriva NW&W 4605 on a #89 to St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 4605 in Woolton

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva NW Day Saver ticket to the driver for the final time today before we went upstairs and sat down. 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. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4605 before it returned to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4605 in St Helens bus station

We continued along Corporation Street and we saw Arriva NW&W 713 on layover.

Arriva NW&W 713 in St Helens bus station

Also seen was Arriva NW&W 4414 on layover in between runs on the #10A.

Arriva NW&W 4414 in St Helens bus station

We met up with mum and we walked back to the car. We set off along Corporation Street and we joined the Eastbound A58. We veered right onto the A572 and we ran out of town and into Earlestown. We stopped at the Texaco petrol station and we filled up with petrol. Once we had filled up we continued along the A49 to Newton. We turned right onto the A49 and as we travelled Southwards we passed Ogdens S10 JDO & Hilton Trvel 6627 VF. We continued South to Winwick and we veered left onto the A49 link road. We joined the M6 at junction 22 and we headed Southwards. As we travelled Southwards on the M6 we saw an unidentified National Express liverired coach(#540). Travelling through the road work section on the motorway we were passed by Centurion Travel YS17 UFG.

Centurian Travel YS17 UFG on the M6

Further South we were passed by The Kings Ferry WJ16 OHV.

The Kings Ferry WJ16 OHV on the M6

We continued down the M6 and we saw silver minibuses YS18 LHF & DG16 BWY. We were also passed by a 3rd coach, Gwyn Jones BF10 VCK.

Gwyn Jones BF10 VCK on the M6

At junction 16 we joined the Southbound A500. On the A500 we saw Birmingham International BJ15 TWD. We came off the A500 at Sideway and we went Eastwards along the A50 to Longton. At Longton we ran along the high level A50 and we did a u-turn at the East end of town to see what was parked up at Z Carz. We turned left into Willow Row and we saw Z Carz Vauxhall minibus DG10 VMO in the compound.

Z Carz DG10 VMO in Longton

We ran Westwards along the A50 and we cam of at Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton. We continued up to Church Road and we turned right into Beaconsfield Avenue and back home at 19:30. For a late tea bangers and mash with carrots followed by Bakewell tart. We did an e-mail and we wrote some of the Blog. Matthew went to bed around 00:00.... Mark.

Trip to St Helens / Halewood 07-07-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3012	Earlestown BS	St Helens BS	20	Arriva NW&W
4602	St Helens BS	Prescot, Church Street	10A	Arriva NW&W
15	Prescot BS	Wavertree, Glynn Street	61	Halton Transport
49	Wavertree, Hey Green Road	Belle Vale Interchange (Stop B)	61	Halton Transport
4825	Belle Vale Interchange (Stop B)	Halewood Shopping Centre	79	Arriva NW&W
4565	Halewood, Leathers Lane (Stop C)	Belle Vale Interchange (Stop B)	79D	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to re-visit St Helens. No research was done for this trip not even to check the weather, as it has been hot and sunny for a couple of weeks now. 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 had Matthew his toast and orange juice for breakfast. We got ready to go out. We set off around 11:45 onto the A5035 and we turned right onto Stanley Matthew Way. After passing the BET365 stadium, 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 we saw Swans Travel YN14 NRJ. As we travelled up to the M6 we saw coach hire DIW 1386, an unidentified Holmeswood coach, Alfa 86 & white minibus EN67 MWA. Matthew also lost his hat out of the window as we travelled up through Cheshire. At junction 20 we went Westbound along the M62. Seen on the M62 was taxi minibus YG16 AHB. 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. We turned left into Leigh Street and 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 and a burger on a bap with fries washed down with a glass of Coke. When we had finished we said goodbye to mum and we walked to the bus station. We saw Arriva NW&W 2691 on a #34 to Leigh.

Arriva NW&W 2691 in Earlestown bus station

After a quick check of the car just to make sure the hat wasn't there, we saw a bus approaching. It was required Arriva NW&W 3012 on a #20 to Earlestown.

Arriva NW&W 3012 in Earlestown bus station

We got onto the bus and we flashed the Saveaway tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and went onto Market Street. We turned onto the A572 and we turned onto Vista Road. We ran North for around 3/4's of a mile and then we turned left onto the A599. We ran through new Boston into Haydock and we passed the Tesco superstore. We joined the A58 just outside of town and we ran into town and over the railway line along Corporation Street. We followed the one-way system around onto Bickerstaffe Street and into the bus station. We got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 3012 before it returned to Earlestown.

Arriva NW&W 3012 in St Helens bus station

We decided to have a walk around to see what was about before we caught another bus. We walked up to Corporation Street to see what was parked up on layover. We saw Stagecoach Merseyside 27155 about to work a #10A to Liverpool.

Stagecoach Merseyside 27155 in St Helens bus station

We walkd back through to the other side pf the bus staton and we saw preserved ex Southampton 187 on a tour running aong Bickerstaffe Street.

Southampton 187 in St Helens bus station

We went to the middle stands to see what we sould do towards liverpool and we saw Stagecoach Merseyside 27155 about to do a #10A. By the time Matthew had taken a picture the bus pulled off. Right behind it was Arriva NW&W 4602 on a #10A to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4602 in St Helens bus station

We decided to do this bus. We got on and we flashed the Saveaway tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. A quick check of the buses I have travelled on page revaeled that this was dud. We had been on Arriva NW&W 4602 before when we did it from Belle Vale to Hunts Cross on a #89 back in September 2017. The bus set off out of the bus station through town. We went past the new Nando's and Cinema. We joined the A58 and we ran Westwards. 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 got off the bus by the stop opposite to Tickle Hall Cross. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4602 before it continued to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4602 in Prescot

We turned down dud 4621 which was on the #89 to Liverpool John Lennon Airport and we went to the Sun Inna and Matthew used the toilet. The England vs Sweden game was on the television and the score was still 0-0. We brought a can of Coke and we went outside to uncle Dave. We walked onto Church Street and into the bus station to wait for something going Westwards. The first bus due was Halton Transport 15 on the #61 to Liverpool.

Halton Transport 15 in Prescot 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. The bus set off out of the bus station and we ran down towards the shops and we passed Cumfybus ex Rotala Versa YJ61 JJO on a #139 service. We headed South down Sewell past the shops and forwards onto Hall Lane. We went forwards onto Cross Lane ans at the end we turned right onto Dragon Lane. We ran near to Whiston railwat station and then forwards onto Windy Arbour Road. We continued South over the M57/M62 and onto a large roundabout over the motorways. We turned right onto Tarbock Road and we went North past Huyton Industrial Estate where we saw an unidentified green Routemaster with an all over Crabbies advertisement which we believe to be RMC 1459. We turned right onto Meadow Drive and left onto Manor Farm Road. We turned right onto St John's Road and then left onto Huyton Hey Road. We turned left into Huyton bus station and we asked Matthew if he wanted to carry on a bit further and he said yes. We decided to go further in to Merseyside as far as Wavertree. We came out of the bus station and we turned left onto the B5199. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A5080. We crossed over the M62 and we ran parrallel to the motorway for anout a mile. Near to Broad Green we turned left onto Rocky Lane. We crossed over the A5058 onto Thingwall Road. At the end we turned right the B5178. We crossed over the roundabout onto Wavertree High Street and as we got towards the centre we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Halton Transport 15 as it carried on towards Liverpool.

Halton Transport 15 in Wavertree

We turned and immediately we saw Stagecoach Merseyside 27289 on a #204 to Liverpool. Across the roads we saw Arriva NW&W 5008 on a #79C to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 5008 in Wavertree

We crossed over the road and we saw a shop by the bus stop. Matthew brought a can of Coke and a Flake and a carton of orange. We went outside to wait for the bus. Whilst we waited Matthew had a Milky Way and the carton of orange. A minute or so later we saw a Halton Transport bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was required Halton Transport 49 on a #14A to Runcorn.

Halton Transport 49 in Wavertree

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. The bus set off along Wavertree High Street and fowards onto the B5178 into Childwall. We crossed over the Childwall 5 ways roundabout onto Childwall Valley Road and we continued for around 1 1/2 miles until we cam to the Belle Vale shopping centre where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Halton Transport 49 as it carried on towards Runcorn.

Halton Transport 49 in Belle Vale

We decided to catch the next #79 to Halewood Shoping centre as oopsed to going further into Merseyside. We waited at the bus stop for a few minutes and then we saw a hybrid bus approaching. As we haven't had many Hybrids I thought that there would be a high chance of it being a required one. As it got closer we saw that it was dud Arriva NW&W 4825 on a #79D to Halewood Shopping Centre.

Arriva NW&W 4825 in Belle Vale

We got on the bus and we flashed the Saveaway Day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. This was a bus that we had been on from Liverpool John Lennon Airport to Liverpool South Parkway back in June 2017. We set off along Childwall Valley Road. We followed the road around the 90' left hand turn into Netherley and we turned right onto Wood Lane. We continued onto Gerrards Lane and at junction we turned left onto Lydiates Lane. We turned riught onto Okell Drive and we ran around the housing estate. At the roundabout we turned right onto Church Road and into the old village. We turned right onto Baileys Lane and we crossed over the railway line. We turned right onto Leathers lane and by the shopping centre we turned left onto Hillingdon Avenue where the bus terminated. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 4825.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4825

Once off the bus we walked around the corner onto Leathers Laneand into the retail park. At the bottom end we could see a line of Arriva double deckers on various services. We went down to the 3 buses stops in the shopping centre. We saw Selwyns LJ08 RJY on a #3A Huyton circular.

Selwyns LJ08 RJY in Halewood

Matthew decided he wanted the toilet so we went into Subway. After using the toilet we brought a bottle of Pepsi and a bottle of water. We walked up to stand C to wait for the next #79/79D to Belle Vale. Whilst we waited we saw required Arriva NW&W 4827 on a #78 to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4827 in Halewood

A few minutes later we saw required Arriva NW&W 4557 on a #75 to Liverpool One.

Arriva NW&W 4557 in Halewood

The bus pulled up from down the bottom end and as it got closer we saw that it was dud Arriva NW&W 4565 on a #79D to Liverpool Dale Street.

Arriva NW&W 4565 in Halewood

We got on the bus and we flashed the Saveaway Day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 4565 before we sat down.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4565

We set off out of the shopping centre and we turned right onto Leathers Lane. We turned left onto Baileys Lane and we crossed over the railway line and ran into the the old village centre. We turned left onto Church Road and at the next roundabout we turned left onto Okell Drive. As we travelled up throught the estate we realised it was getting a bit late. Mum called to say she had finished in town so we arranged to meet up at Belle vale. We turned left onto Lydiate Lane and Right onto Gerrards Lane. We continued onto Wood Lane and at then end we turned left onto Childwall Valley Road. We followed the road through 90' and we ran towards the shopping centre where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4565 as it carried on towards Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4565 in Belle Vale

Once off the bus we waited for mum to arrive and we took a few more bus pictures. We saw required Arriva NW&W 4600 on a #89 to Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

Arriva NW&W 4600 in Belle Vale

A few minutes later we saw required Halton Transport 69 on a #14A to Liverpool.

Halton Transport 69 in Belle Vale

Also seen was Arriva NW&W 4454 on a #79 to Halewood Shopping Centre.

Arriva NW&W 4454 in Belle Vale

Mum appeared and we got in the car. Matthew had a sausage roll and a can or orange Fanta. We set off along Childwall Valley Road and we ran into Netherley. We turned left into Whitefield Lane we saw silver minibus AK66 YZP. We continued into Tarbock village and we turned right onto the A5080. We joined the Eastbound M62 and we saw an unidentified Ashcroft's Travel coach. We ran up to Junction 10 and then we got onto the Southbound M6. Travelling South down the M6 we saw an unidentified Red Rose coach, an unidentified white Mercedes minibus, Alfa 106, silver taxi minibus PL08 JKO, 2 x unidentified Straffords coaches, an unidentified Anthony's Travel coach, foreign minibus HEL 177, an unidentified Omega1 coach. We ran down to junction 16 and we came off the motorway onto the Southbound A500. Seen on the A500 were Paul's of Stoke Y14 POS, preserved PMT 207, Stanways PIL 2678. We ran through Longport and Etruria aand Stoke. At Sideway we came off the A500 onto the A50. Seen on the A50 was grey minibus YM66 UBU. We came off the A50 and Longport and we went to Z carz to see what was parked up there this evening. There was nothing on the spare ground so we turned left into Willow Row. We saw Z Carz new minibus SJ61 OPK parked up near to the gate.

Z Carz SJ61 OPK in Longton

Also seen was Z Carz new minibus SA12 CKO.

Z Carz SA12 CKO in Longton

At the back of the compound was Z Carz Volkswaggen minibus OV05 WSW which is now VOR.

Z Carz OV05 WSW in Longton

Also seen was Z Carz Renault minibus BU04 GYW in the corner of the new yard. We went West along the A50 to Heron Cross and we turned left onto Blurton Road. We continued up to Church Road and we turned right into Beaconsfield Drive. We ran down Finstock Avenue and we stopped briefly for mum to pick up some baps. We continued down Finstock Avenue and we got back home at 19:30. When we got back for a late tea Matthew had sauage baps followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. We did an e-mail and we wrote some of the Blog. Matthew went to bed around 00:00.... Mark.