Trip to Bromsgrove / Kidderminster 21-11-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
33042	Bromsgrove BS	Rubery, Opp St. Chads Church	144	First Worcester
33405	Rubery, Adj St. Chads Church	Bromsgrove BS	144	First Worcester
30801	Bromsgrove BS	Kidderminster, Town Hall (Stand 2)	X3	Rotala Diamond
20854	Kidderminster BS	Kidderminster, Opp Comberton Hill	10	Rotala Diamond
30383	Kidderminster, Adj Comberton Hill	Kidderminster BS	192	Rotala Diamond
YJ57 XVW	Kidderminster BS	Kidderminster, Opp Comberton Hill	125	Central Buses
30637	Kidderminster, Adj Comberton Hill	Kidderminster, Town Hall (Stand 2)	X3	Rotala Diamond

Today we decided to re-visit Kidderminster. Research consisted of checking the weather which was for a cold sunny day slightly warmer to the South. We also checked car parking and cafe locations and opening times. Matthew got up around 10:30 and he had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off a little after 12:00 and we went onto the A5035. We stopped at the BP garage to put in some diesel for the trip as it was one of the two days of the week when the prices are dropped. We carried on to the A34 and we went North up the A5035. We turned left at Whitmore Road and then we joined the Southbound M6. Traffic was moving well and we made good time. Going South we saw an Eastville Coaches coach, a Marchants double decker Neoplan coach and we were overtaken by Park of Hamilton National Express liveried LSK 807.

Parks of Hamilton LSK 807 on the M6

We hit the roadworks at junction 13 and we were slowed to 50 mph. The roadwork only go as far as the M6 toll road now and then we did OK down to Junction 9. As we waited in the queue for the M5 we realised that we would not get to Kidderminster in time for the cafe we researched, so we decided to divert to Bromsgrove and eat there catching a bus across to Kidderminster later on. We joined the Southbound M5 and we came off at junction 4, where the roadworks that we have encountered there on the past have been lifted. We joined the Southbound A38 and we passed Dudley's R726 TYC & Leon's 216 going the other way. We turned left onto Birmingham Road and we ran the last mile or so into town before parking up on the council car park adjacent to Asda. We parked up and we went to cross the A448 to go to the cafe. Whilst we waited we saw Ashwood Travel Coach SJ04 KAU going Southwards.

Ashwood Travel SJ04 KAU in Bromsgrove bus station

Matthew used the the toilet and we walked over to the Market Plaice Fish Bar for dinner. It was busy inside so kt looked like we were going to have to sit outside under the shelter in near freezing temperatures. Luckily a tble for 4 opened up inside just as mum was served. We sat inside and Matthew had sausage chips and gravy with a bap washed down with a small bottle of Coke. When we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and we walked the 20 or so yards over to the bus station. We had just missed the X3 to Kidderminster so we decided to do another bus to fill in whilst we waited. At the bottom end of the bus station we saw dud Clearway minibus PEZ 3058 on the #99 to Charford.

Clearway PEZ 3058 in Bromsgrove bus station

We also saw required Rotala Diamond 20837 on a #202 to Halesowen.

Rotala Diamond 20837 in Bromsgrove bus station

A few minutes later we saw a Plaxton President double decker approaching from the South. As it got closer we saw that it was required First Worcester 33042 on a #144 to Birmingham.

First Worcester 33042 in Bromsgrove bus station

We got on the bus and we booked Worcestershire Connecta day tickets at £7 each. We went upstairs and we sat down in the well loaded bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and up the B4091 Stourbridge Road. We passed the hospital and we went under the M42 before we entered Catshill. We travelled through the village along the B4185 and we paused outside the Clearway bus depot where we could see 3 different Mercedes minibuses. In the adjacent Harris Coaches yard we saw a tri-axle coach as well as a mini coach. We continued along the B4185 ans we joined the Northbound A38. Wewent past Junction 4 on the M5 and we ran along a stretch of dual carriageway up to the Southern edge of Rubery. After a couple of visits here we now know the bus doubles back on itself to cross over the A38 which is to the East of the A38. We crossed over the A38 and we entered the town of Rubery from the South where we got off the bus, still just about in Worcestershire. As we approached town we had passed Southbound bus, so we knew we might have up to half an hour to wait. We walked Northwards up New Road to the West Midlands end, and we saw National Express West Midlands double decker 4378 turning onto Callowbridge Road. We visted the local Co-operative Food store where Matthew purchased a can of Coke and a small bottle of Irn Bru, as well as a few chocolate bars to top up the stocks in the trip bag. We walked back to the stop outside St Chads Church in Worcestershire and we looked at the timetable. There should have been a bus a couple of minutes ago and we hadn't seen one. We turned and saw a bus approaching! As it got closer we saw that it was dud First Worcester 33405.

First Worcester 33405 in Rubery

We got on the bus and we flashed the Worcestershire Connecta day tickets to the driver before going upstairs. The top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Worcester 33405 before we sat down.

Inside First Worcester 33405

We sat down and the bus set off Southwards down New Road. We joined Whetty Lane and then onto the A38. We passed a lay-by and we saw Elgar Coaches mini coach presumed to be HEK 965. We passed the M5 junction 4 and we carried on down the A38 until we reached the right hand turn onto the B4185. We travelled through Catshill and onto the B4091. We crossed under the M42 and passed the hospital. As we approached the bus station we saw required First Worcestershire 32067 going Northwards on a #144 to Birmingham. We got into the bus station and we got off First Worcester 33405. We had around 30 minutes to kill before the next bus to Kidderminster. We saw dud Clearway PEZ 3058 which was about to do another lap of Charford and we turned it down. On a terminating #143 service we saw former Wrightbus Streetlite demonstrator Rotala Diamond 30168.

Rotala Diamond 30168 in Bromsgrove bus station

A few minutes later we saw another Streetlite. It was Rotala Diamond 30160 on a #143 to Redditch.

Rotala Diamond 30160 in Bromsgrove bus station

A few minutes later we saw a Plaxton Centro approaching... It was required Rotala Diamond 30801 on the X3 to Kidderminster.

Rotala Diamond 30801 in Bromsgrove bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Worcestershire Connecta day tickets to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station onto the A448 for the fast journey of nearly 10 miles that took only around 25 minutes. We crossed under the M5 and we passed through Chaddersley Corbett and we crossed the A450. We passed through Stone and we entered Kidderminster from the East, passing the railway station. We crossed the ring road and we went around the one way system before crossing a branch of the river Stour and into the town centre. We also saw Rotala Diamond 30905 on a #3 service. We got off the bus and we walked across the road to get another picture of Rotala Diamond 30801 before it carried on down towards Arley Kings.

Rotala Diamond 30801 in Kidderminster

We decided to walk up to the bus station from the town hall. On the way we saw Rotala Diamond 20853 which was on layover outside the town hall. When we got to the bus station there were another couple of buses on layover. Coniston Coaches white Solo X165 NWR was the first bus in the row.

Coniston Coaches X165 NWR in Kidderminster bus station

Also in the middle was Rotala Diamond 20854 which was about to work a #10 circular service to Spennels.

Rotala Diamond 20854 in Kidderminster bus station

A few minutes later the bus pulled onto the stand and we decided to do this bus up to the railway station. We got on the bus and we flashed the Worcestershire Connecta day tickets to the driver. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside Rotala Diamond 20854.

Inside Rotala Diamond 20854

We sat down towards the back of the bus and the bus set off out of the bus station and onto Exchange Street. We stopped outside the town hall before carrying on around the corner into Oxford Street. We crossed the ring road and we climbed the A448 out of the valley and up to the railway station where we got up and got off. We then saw Rotala Diamond 30906 go by. It took a while to cross the busy road and once we did Matthew wanted to go to the toilet, so I took him to the disabled toilet at the nearby Severn valley Railway. Once Matthew had been we returned to the bus stop on the main road. We saw Central Buses YJ57 XVX on a #125 to Bridgenorth whizz by. When the following bus turned up we flagged it down. As it got closer we saw that it was required Rotala Diamond 30383.

Rotala Diamond 30383 in Kidderminster

We got on the bus and we flashed the Worcestershire Connecta day ticket and we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down the hill and then across the ring road. We went around the one way system down Green Street past the Museum of Carpet and then right onto Dixon Street. We turned right again onto New Road and then we turned left onto Corporation Street to enter the bus station. We let the bus empty and then Matthew took a picture inside Rotala Diamond 30383.

Inside Rotala Diamond 30383

We got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Rotala Diamond 30383.

Rotala Diamond 30383 in Kidderminster bus station

Across the way there were another couple of buses on layover. The nearest one to us was Hollands Volkswagen minibus SN03 GNP.

Hollands SN03 GNP in Kidderminster bus station

We also saw Arriva Midlands 2725 on layover from the #297 service to Bridgenorth. Across the way was the central Buses bus that we had seen earlier on the #125 to Bridgenorth. Whilst we were there we saw Central Buses YJ57 XVW on a #125 to Stourbridge. I asked Matthew if he wanted to do it and he said yes so he went with uncle dave to get a picture whilst I checked the bus went up the hill to the railway station.

Central Buses YJ57 XVW in Kidderminster bus station

Matthew and uncle Dave joined me on the bus and we flashed the Worcestershire Connecta day tickets to the driver. The back of the bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Central Buses YJ57 XVW.

Inside Central Buses YJ57 XVW

We sat down near to the back of the bus and the bus set off onto Exchange Street and passed the town hall. We followed the road around onto Oxford Street and we crossed the ring road and we went onto the A448. When we got up to the railway station w got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Central Buses YJ57 XVW before it carried on towards Stourbridge.

Central Buses YJ57 XVW in Kidderminster

We crossed the road and whilst we were there we saw a bus enter the yard in front of the railway station. It was a #303 to Worcester. We decided to check out the bus to see if we could get on it before it left. Unfortunately it came straight in and out of the yard and we we didn't make it. We walked back to the main road and we waited for the next service, which due to be the X3 to Arley Kings in a few minutes time. Sure enough the bus made an appearance and it was dud Rotala Diamond 30637.

Rotala Diamond 30637 in Kidderminster

We got on the bus and we flashed the Worcestershire Connecta day ticket to the driver for the final time today. We sat down towards the back of the bus and the bus set off down the hill into town. We crossed the ring road and we went around the one way system of Green Street, Dixon Street and New Road. We turned left onto to Corporation Street and then right onto Exchange Street. The bus pulled up outside the town hall and we got up and got of the bus. We got off the bus and we crossed over the road to get a picture of Rotala Diamond 30637 and the illuminated town hall behind it.

Rotala Diamond 30637 in Kidderminster

We walked back to the bus station to wait for mum and to see what was around before we left town. On layover from the #303 service was Rotala Diamond 30202.

Rotala Diamond 30202 in Kidderminster bus station

We walked over to Tesco to wait for mum and we saw another bus arrive. Uncle Dave stayed on the corner to wait for mum and me and Matthew walked over to the bus station again. In the bus station was ex First Worcester bus Rotala Diamond 30930 on a #2L service to Ludlow.

Rotala Diamond 30930 in Kidderminster bus station

Mum appeared and we all got in the car. Matthew had his Greggs sausage rolls and a bottle of Irn Bru. We set off out of town and up the hill along the A448. When we got to the A450 we turned left and we ran up to Hagley. We joined the Northbound A456 and we stopped at a traffic lights where we saw Newbury Travel W18 NEW. We also saw National Express West Midlands 6112 on a #9 service. We carried on up to the M5 and we went Northwards up to the M6. The road was quiet and we got up through the roadworks and up to Junction 15 quite quickly. We joined the Northbound A500 and then at Sideway we went Eastwards on the A50 up to Longton. By now we were seeing snow on the grass verges again a sign that we were back in tropical Stoke-on-Trent! We went to Z Carz to see what was parked up this evening. In the front row we saw Silver LDV minibus Z Carz CN57 HWA.

Z Carz CN57 HWA in Longton

Next to that was Z Carz Ford minibus LG09 JVX.

Z Carz LG09 JVX in Longton

The closest bus in the front row was Z Carz green Ford minibus T418 WYJ.

Z Carz T418 WYJ in Longton

Closest bus in the second row was Z Carz taxi minibus PN06 ONM.

Z Carz PN06 ONM in Longton

We turned into Willow Row to see what buses were parked up in the compound. We saw Z Carz Volkswagen minibuses OV05 WSW next to maroon minibus S973 OVP.

Z Carz S973 OVP in Longton

We headed back onto the A50 and we went up to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and forwards onto church Road. We turned right into Beaconsfield Drive and we got home around 19:00. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 01:30... Mark

Trip to Bromsgrove / Redditch 13-12-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
20850	Bromsgrove BS	Redditch BS	143	Rotala Diamond
30637	Redditch BS	Bromsgrove BS	X3	Rotala Diamond
67664	Bromsgrove BS	Droitwich Spa, Ombersley Street East (Stop 3)	144A	First Worcester
67641	Droitwich Spa, Adj Victoria Square	Bromsgrove BS	147	First Worcester
32405	Bromsgrove BS	Catshill, opp Gibb Lane School	144	First Worcester
67638	Catshill, adj Gibb Lane School	Bromsgrove BS	144	First Worcester

Today we decided to re-visit Bromsgrove. Over the last week or so there had been some extreme weather just to the North of us. This was caused by the 'weather bomb' or Explosive Cyclogenesis that had former in the Atlantic Ocean and moved over the United Kingdom. As such it was best to travel South or Eastwards. Matthew got up at around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We gave him a list of places we could visit and he chose Bromsgrove. Once the decision had been made we checked the weather, which was for cold and sunny conditions and we checked the Worcester County Council bus site for the price of the Worcestshire Connect ticket and also to download the current Bromsgrove area bus map. We set off just before 12:00 and we headed onto the A5035. We turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way and we passed D&G Solo 139 on the Blurton Plumline. At this point I realised we were going in the wrong direction! We turned right onto the Westbound A50 and then we headed South onto the A500. At the A519 roundabout we carried on straight and 13 and then we had the roadworks and we were restricted to 50mph down to Junction 10. It was a little busy around junction 10 to 8 but it was still moving well. At junction 8 we left the M6 and we went onto the southbound M5. There were roadworks once again up to junction 4 which is where we were coming off the M5. There were queues to leave the motorway but once we had gone past the first roundabout there was an almost clear run into town. Going North on the A38 though, there was traffic almost all the way back to Bromsgrove! Just North of town we turned right onto Birmingham road for the last mile or so into the town centre. We parked up in the Asda car park and we walked over to the bus station. Before Matthew used the toilet we saw Leons Coaches new acquisitions 276 loading up in the bus station.

Leons Coach Travel 276 in Bromsgrove bus station

Matthew used the toilet and when he came out we saw iGo KX04 HPU working the #145 to Great Park Morrisons.

iGo KX04 HPU in Bromsgrove bus station

We went to eat at the market Plaice fish bar. This time we managed to get a table inside which was lucky as it was freezing outside. Matthew had sausage and chips with a bap washed down with a can of Coke. After we had finished eating we went back over to the bus station. The next bus that we saw was Rotala Diamond 20850, which was on the #143 to Redditch.

Rotala Diamond 20850 in Bromsgrove bus station

We decided to do this bus as it was required, and we had also never been to Redditch before. We got on the bus and we booked Worcestershire Connecta tickets at £6.90 each, before sitting down near to the back of the bus. The bus set off out of town Southwards. WE went through Charford and then into the Morissons at Aston Fields. We traveled through up the A38 up to the next roundabout before going through the main part of Aston Field. WE passed Bromsgrove railway station and then we crossed over the railway line. At Bromsgrove Rugby Club we saw Barnards Coaches X488 AHE. This Scunthorpe based coach was here as Scunthorpe were playing an away rugby match here. We were now on the A4184, which ran along side the main road between Bromsgrove and Redditch , the A448. We crossed under the A448 and we joined the A4096. A coupe of mile further up the road we crossed back under the A448 and then we turned onto Birchfield Road. We turned left onto Bromsgrove Road and we tralled the last 3/4 of a mile into town. Ahead of us was the Kingfisher shopping centre and the bus went under it into the bus station. We waited for the bus to empty an then Matthew got a picture inside of Rotala Diamond 20850.

Inside Rotala Diamond 20850

It was our first visit to Redditch so we had a look around. It was a small bus station with approximately 10 stands. Most of the stands were under cover except stand F which was outside on the road that links up the two separate halves of the bus station. There was a small layover area on the in side of the bus station and there were 3 buses parked up here. The bus we had arrived on Rotala Diamond 20850 was at the bottom end of the bus station and Rotala Diamond 30637 was parked up at the top.

Rotala Diamond 30637 in Redditch bus station

Also on layover in between the above two was Rotala Diamond 30831. At the top of the bus station outside in the light was Johnson Ford Transit Johnsons AD07 CXJ. We walked to the bottom of the bus station and we saw Rotala Diamond 30858 on the #58 to Matchborough.

Rotala Diamond 30858 in Redditch bus station

We walked back up to the top of the bus station and we saw that the next bus back to Kidderminster was the X3 at 14:28. We decided to wait out in the daylight. We saw Rotala Diamond Rotala Diamond 20183 and then we saw Rotala Diamond 30831 which came from layover to work a #56 Redditch to Crabbe Cross circular.

Rotala Diamond 30831 in Redditch bus station

Looking South towards Plymouth Road we could see buses parked up in the distance in the Rotala Diamond bus depot. Just before it was time to depart we saw Rotala Diamond 30637 set it's destination to X3 Arley Kings.

Rotala Diamond 30637 in Redditch bus station

We walked to stand F and the bus pulled up. By the time we got aboard the bus and flashed our Connecta tickets the bus was nearly full. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Bromsgrove Road. We turned right onto Birchfield Road and instead of going back along the A4096/A4184 we went 'Express' along the A448. We came into town from the east before sweeping around the bottom of the High Street ans entering the bus station from the Southern end of the Street. The bus didn't empty out as it was going through so Matthew didn't take a picture inside. Also in the bus station at the same time as the X3 was Rotala Diamond 30933 on the next #143 to Redditch.

Rotala Diamond 30933 in Bromsgrove bus station

We turned down required First Worcester 67638, which was on the #144 to Birmingham.

First Worcester 67638 in Bromsgrove bus station

Matthew went to the toilet once again. This was followed shortly by required First Worcester's Midland Red liveried 67664, which was on the 144A to Worcester.

First Worcester 67664 in Bromsgrove bus station

We decided to do this bus and to go in another new direction. We got on the bus and flashed our Connecta tickets and we sat down near to the back of the bus. The bus set off South out of town along the old A38 and we dropped off a few passengers on the way down. Whilst the bus was relatively empty, Matthew took a picture of the seats opposite us.

Inside First Worcester 67664

Further South we pulled into a garden centre / retail park called Webbs of Wychbold. As we pulled in we saw Diamond Rotala 20533 departing. Pulling into this garden centre wasn't easy as it was very busy and people seemed to have parked randomly in places they shouldn't have. We carried on towards Droitwich and we passed another iGo Solo, KX04 HPZ. We went around the centre of Droitwich Spa to the West before coming into town from the West side. Before we got off I asked the driver where the Northbound #144 departed from and she directed me to the bandstand further up the road. We got off and Matthew got another picture of First Worcester 67664.

First Worcester 67664 in Droitwich Spa

Directly behind this was Rotala Diamond 20263 which had just worked a #18 town circular service.

Rotala Diamond 20263 in Droitwich Spa

We passed a Spar shop as we walked towards the bandstand. The only shop close to this bus stop was a WH Smiths. We went in here and brought some pop, but the chocolate selection wasn't up to much so we went outside and Matthew drank some Irn Bru that we had just brought as well as eating a Milky Way from the trip bag. There seemed to be a bit of a gap in the service, but then a #147 service appeared that was running a few minutes late. It was required First Worcester 67641.

First Worcester 67641 in Droitwich Spa

We got on the bus and flashed the Connecta tickets before we sat down at the back of the bus. The bus set off straight out of town before going North on Worcester Road. We went North along the A38 and once again the bus called into Webbs... Once again it was difficult to get in and out. Makes you wonder why nobody associated with the business does anything about the patrons poor parking habits. We carried on North and then we came into town and into the bus station. When we got off Matthew took another picture of First Worcester 67641 before it carried on it way to Halesowen.

First Worcester 67641 in Bromsgrove bus station

It was now starting to go dark. Matthew went to the toilet once again and whilst we waited we saw a monitor in between two chrome poles. This was our third visit and it was the first time we had noticed the departure monitor. The next two departure were at 16:16. There was a #144 to Birmingham and a #144 to Worcester. The #144 to Birmingham in and it was required First Worcester 33405.

First Worcester 33405 in Bromsgrove bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed our Connecta tickets. We went upstairs and as the back of the bus was empty Matthew took a picture.

Inside First Worcester 33405

As we waited for departure time we saw required First Worcester 33043. At departure time we left the bus station before going North West along the B4091. On the left as we went North was a former pub which has now been turned into a Sainsbury's local store. We crossed under the M42 and we turned right into Meadow Road. We passed the Clearway bus garage and the Harris Coaches garage and then we got off the bus on Gibb Lane. Matthew took another picture of First Worcester 33405 as it carried on towards Birmingham.

First Worcester 33405 in Catshill

We crossed the road to the bus stop and consulted the timetable with the aid of a small torch! The bus back to Bromsgrove was due in five minutes so we didn't have time on this occasion to visit the local Premier shop. Matthew used the time to test exposure times on his camera to see how earlier he would have to take the picture in order not to crop the moving bus. The bus appeared and Matthew got a picture and it was required First Worcester 67638.

First Worcester 67638 in Catshill

We got on the bus and flashed the tickets for the last time. The bus set off onto Meadow lane and onto the B4091. We texted mum to tell her we would be ten minutes or so and the bus carried on South under the M42. Before long we were in town and entering the bus station from the Southern end. The bus still had passengers on it as the bus was going through to Worcester, but Matthew was able to take a picture of the empty rear of the bus.

Inside First Worcester 67638

We got off and Matthew got another picture of First Worcester 67638.

First Worcester 67638 in Bromsgrove bus station

We headed off to the car park and mum was paying the ticket. We got in the car where Matthew had a Greggs sausage roll and a Greggs doughnut washed down with a bottle of Irn Bru. We set off out of town along Birmingham Road and then onto the A38. It was busy up to the M42 and then we had a clear run right the way up to the M5. We joined the M5 ans we headed North. As we went North we were passed by 2 coaches. First we were passed by Hodson Coaches SUI 3825 and later we were passed by National Express liveried Parks of Hamilton coach LSK 870. WE joined the Northbound M6 and we went through the roadworks from junctions 10 through to 13. North of here we made good time. We came off the M6 and we briefly joined the A519 before going down Whitmore Road on the A34. At Trentham we went onto the A5035 which we did up to Longton. We visited Z Carz. There 3 buses on the spare ground today. First we saw silver Z Carz LDV minibus CN57 HWA.

Z Carz CN57 HWA in Longton

Then there was white Volkswagen minibus Z Carz OV05 WSW.

Z Carz OV05 WSW in Longton

Then we saw white Mercedes minibus Z Carz CE02 LYX.

Z Carz CE02 LYX in Longton

We turned around in Willow Row and there were no working minibuses in the compound only a single LDV minibus. We went back onto the A50 and we came off it again at Heron Cross. We went up Blurton Road and through the Blurton estate along Beaconsfield Drive. We got home at around 18:30. For a late tea Matthew had bangers & mash with carrots followed by a lemon drizzle cake. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:30... Mark