Trip to Stoke / Newcastle 18-02-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
69169	Fenton, Travers Court	Stoke, adj stop Q	11	First Potteries
174	Stoke, adj stop X	Blurton, Bellringer Road	24	D&G Bus
47519	Blurton, Crowcrofts Road	Newcastle BS	22	First Potteries
65039	Newcastle BS	Cross Heath, Redmine Close	4	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus due to Storm Eunice. Been Ill try and get a couple at Newcastle. My priority is getting to Chesterton and getting the car. 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 Sandford Hill Primary School DK68 BWV.

Sandford Hill Primary School DK68 BWV in Fenton

Matthew chilled out in his room until dinner time we saw D&G Bus 100 on a #40 to Longton. For dinner and had sausage chips and gravy followed a couple of slices of chocolate cake. Matthew also had a bottle of Coke. In the afternon Matthew had a nap. He woke up and used his computer whilst he waited for me to pick him up to return to Blurton. He also watched buses out of the window. We saw First Potteries 67154 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67154 in Fenton

When he was ready we went downstairs and we walked through onto City Road. We walked to the bus stop but we weren't quick enough to get to the D&G bus. It turned the corner and as it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 69169 on a #11 to Newcastle. We got on the bus and we booked to Stoke 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 along Church Street where we got up and got off the bus. We set off along Church street and we saw D&G Bus 158 on a #9 to Biddulph. We turned left onto Glebe Street and we waited for a bus to Blurton. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 174 on a #24 to Longton. We got on the bus and we booked to Blurton before sitting down at the back of the bus. We set off along Glebe Street and under the railway line an we ran around the one-way system in Stoke and stopped by Stoke Minster we veered left onto Lonsdale Street. We continued onto Campbell Road and we crossed over the A500 and past the Dunelm. We we wheeled around over the Northbound A500. At Sideway we turned right onto the A50. We came off the A50 by the BET365 Stadium and we ran Southwards down Stanley Matthews Way. We got up and got off the bus and we continued past the Hem Heath pub. We crossed over the A5035 and we waited at the bus stop. A few minutes later the bus appeared and as it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 47519 on a #22 to Newcastle. We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle and sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto the A5035 and we went over the railway line into Trentham. As we turned right into the Northbound A34. We ran through Hanford and Trent Vale and we turned right into Harpfields Road and saw First Potteries 65004 on the final #22 turn. We continued forwards on Hilton Road and we turned into the hospital. We ran through and we saw First Potteries 31782 on a #25 to Hanley and ABC Supreme YO69 AZA. 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. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 47519 before it continued towards Longton.

First Potteries 47519 in Newcastle bus station

We walked onto Stubbs Street and we saw First Potteries 67147 on a #99 to Chell Heath. We went down to the bottom of the bus station and we sat on the bench. Matthew had a Milky Way and we watched the buses coming into the south end of the bus station. When we had arrived into the bus station we saw required First Potteries 65039 on a #4 to Wereton. We got on the bus and we booked to Cross Heath and we sat down. We set off out ofthe bus station onto Barracks Road. At the roundabout we went left onto the A52 and we veered left onto Merrial Street. We turned right onto High Street and then forwards onto Liverpool Road. We rejoined the A52 and at the roundabout we turned right onto the Northbound A34. We ran North through Cross Heath and we turned left onto Brymbo Road where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 65039 before it carried on towards Wereton.

First Potteries 65039 in Cross Heath

Once off the bus we crossed over Brymbo Road and we found our car in the car park. We got in the car and we set off along Brymbo Road and we turned left onto the Northbound A34 and we ran towards Newcastle. We turned left onto Ryecroft and right onto Barracks Road and we ran past the bus station. We continued down to the A34. We continued southwards into Trent Vale past the site of a new Greggs. We parked up at Tesco and Matthew did some shopping. When they had finished we set off onto the A34 and we stopped at the pub. We walked into the pub and we sat down at our one our normal tables. Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with custard. Highlights of the bus sightings included First Potteries 65038 on a #101 to Hanley. Once we had finished eating we set off We carried on along the A34 . We turned left onto the Northbound A500. At Sideway we turned right onto the A50 heading Eastwards. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and we turned left onto Blurton Road. We went through the traffic lights onto Heron Steeet. We carried on forwards onto Station Bridge Road and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Masterson Street and we turned right onto Watkin Street. We continued 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. Matthew also drank a can of Cherry Coke. 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 Longton / Hanley 24-12-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
69155	Blurton, adj Ladybank Grove	Longton TI	22	First Potteries
63099	Longton, Strand	Hanley BS	6	First Potteries
65039	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	101	First Potteries
69172	Newcastle BS	Blurton, Magdalen Road	22	First Potteries

Today we were going out on the bus on a short local trip. As it was Christmas Eve and the buses were finishing early hours on Christmas Day, we decided to stay local. We noticed that ex First South Yorkshire buses have appeared in the list for First Potteries on bustimes.org, which probably means they are about to be transferred to AG. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and apple juice for breakfast. We took Covid tests and we got ready to go out. We set off around 11:20 and we dropped a Chrsitmas card off at a neighbours before continuing to the bus stop all the way over on Beaconsfield Drive. Wew waited bat the bus top and we coupld see on the map that First Potteries 67153 was on a #23 to Newstead. We could also see that First Potteries 65001 was on a #22 to Newcastle and 69155 was on a #22 to Longton. We waited at the stop for the next bus to Longton and after a few minutes it came around the corner. As expected it was First Pottereies 69155 on a #22 to Longton.

First Potteries 69155 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Longton before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Beaconsfield Drive and at the end we turned right onto Church Road. We followed the road around to the left onto Blurton Road and at the bottom of the hill we turned right onto Longton Hall Lane. We climbed the hill into Longton and onto the A50. We crossed the roundabout onto Baths Road and we entered Longton Transport Interchange. We got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 69155.

First Potteries 69155 in Longton Interchange

Once off the bus we cut through by the side of Wrights Pies onto The Strans and we turned right. We headed up to Britannia Cafe to get some dinner. It had unexpectedly closed for the day, so we walked back down the Strand to Cafe Paradise to have dinner. On the way to the cafe we saw First Potteries 65004 on a #6A to Hanley.

First Potteries 65004 in Longton

We went into the cafe and we sat at a table in the window. Matthew had a couple of sausage and cheese oatcakes washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we went outside and we headed to the bus stop on the Strand. As we got to the bus stop we saw First Pottereies 63099 on a #6 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63099 in Longton

We decided to do this bus so we got on and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We bus set off down The Strand and we ran under the railway line onto King Street. We ran through Foley into Fenton and forwards onto City Road past the site of the new Burger King. We turned right into Victoria Road. We continued down the hill and we crossed over the A52 at Joiners Square. We ran up Lichfield Street and we turned left onto the ring road. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and right onto John Street and into the bus station. we got up and got off the bus. At the bus station Matthew used the toilet. We headed up to the bus station to take a few bus pictures. On the way to John Street car parked we saw First Potteries 31782 on a #8 to Ball Green.

First Potteries 31782 in Hanley bus station

We climbed the steps up to the approriate level to get pictures and we saw D&G Bus 135 departing on a #16 to Buxton.

D&G 135 in Hanley bus station

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 65033 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 65033 in Hanley bus station

Also seen was First Potteries 63177 on a #4A to Kidsgrove.

First Potteries 63177 in Hanley bus station

Also seen was D&G Bus 158 on a #9 to Westbury Park.

D&G 158 in Hanley bus station

We headed back to the bus station and we decided that we would go to Newcastle before returning to Blurton. We turned down the #4 to Audley which was First Potteries 63103. We decided to wait and we saw First Potteries 69148 on a #5 to Abbey Hulton. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 63101 in the new orange colours. A short time leter the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 65039 on the #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 65039 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 65039 before we sat down.

Inside First Potteries 65039

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. We got to the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Whilst we waited for the next #22 we walked around and we took a few pictures. We saw D&G Bus 119 on a #1 to Meir.

D&G Bus 119 in Newcastle bus station

Also see was First Potteries 65032 on a #72A to Clayton.

First Potteries 65032 in Newcastle bus station

Another vehicle seen was D&G Bus 161 on a #9 to Westbury Park.

D&G 161 in Newcastle bus station

A short time later we saw First Potteries 63173 on a #99 to Chell Heath. After a short layover it ran around onto the stand. It was Fist Potteries 69172 on a #22 to Longton.

First Potteries 69172 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Blurton. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 69172 before we sat down.

Inside First Potteries 69172

We set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road and we ran Southwards onto the A34. We turned left into the hospital and we ran through the the grounds. As we travelled through the hospital we saw First Potteries 32634 on a #25 to Keele. We turned right onto Hilton Road and forwards onto Harpfields Road we saw First Potteries 63112 on a #22 to Newcastle. We ran to the end and we turned left onto the Southbound A34. We ran under the A500 into Hanford and we turned left onto Church Lane. We climbed to the top of the hill and we turned right onto Wilson Road. We turned left onto New Inn Lane and we ran into Trentham. We turned left onto the A5035 and we crossed over the railway line into Blurton. We passed the end of Stanley Matthew Way and we turned left onto Magdalen Road where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 69172 before it continued towards Longton.

First Potteries 69172 in Blurton

We had seen on the map that the #24 to Longton was just around the corner heading towards Longton. We waited on the corner of the street ans as expected we saw D&G Bus 164 on a #24 to Longton.

D&G 164 in Newcastle bus station

We walked back to the house and we spent some time in the house. Later on we went out to pick up the cake from Longton. We got in the car and we set off onto the A5035. We ran through Dresden into Longton and we crossed over the A500 and we ran down the Strand. We turned right onto Market Street and right onto Commerce Street. We turned right into Kingcross Street and we parked up. Once parked up we headed back to Market Street and we picked up the cake order that mumn had ordered the day before. Once we had picked up the cake we headed back to the car. We returned to the car and we headed back to Blurton. We set off onto Commerce Street and we went around the roundabout and onto The Strand. We turned left into Baths Road and ran past the bus station, but it was empty. We ran around the roundabout and we headed West on the A50. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and we turned left onto Blurton Road. As we ran through Blurton we saw blue minibus DU69 GXK. We turned right onto Church Road and we turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive. We saw First Potteries 69155 on a #22 to Longton. We turned left onto Finstock and we saw Eddie's Private hire YJ61 GYZ and Z Carz YN11 AHJ. We got back home around 15:35. Later on after exchange present with a friend we went around to uncle Dave's for a buffet tea. We set off through Blurton onto Beaconsfield Drive and we turned left onto Church Road. We ran forwards onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. At the lights we turned left onto Grove Road. We ran down into Fenton and stopped at uncle Daves. Matthew played on uncle Dave's computer and I lit the coal fire. A short time later we srtaed the buffer. Matthew had cocktail sausages and sausage rolls as well as some chicken sandwiches. He wash washed it down with a glass of Coke. Later on after the fire was right, we had toast cooked on the open fire. For dessert Matthew had Viscount biscuits and a slice of chocolate roll. We watched TV and listened to music until it was time to returned to Blurton. We said goodbye to uncle Dave and we got in the car. We set off onto Wheildon Road. We ran forwards onto Grove Road and we turned right onto Blurton Road. We crossed over the A50 and we ran back through Blurton. We turned right onto Church Road and right onto the A5035. We got back to Blurton around 21:15. Matthew chilled out and we finished off the Blog before bedtime around 00:30... Mark

Trip to Longton / Hanley 04-11-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
113	Fenton, Christchurch Street	Longton Interchange	1	D&G Bus
47520	Longton, stop C	Hanley BS	6A	First Potteries
63111	Hanley BS	Biddulph BS	7A	First Potteries
63113	Biddulph BS	Hanley BS	7A	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus and to visit uncle Dave. 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 dentist and we saw First Potteries 31782 on a PC7 to Cheadle. We went downstairs and we walked through onto City Road. We crossed over at the crossing and we headed to the stop outside the shops. We waited for a bus towards Longton. Whilst we waited we saw Sandford Hill Primary School DK68 BWV.

Sandford Hill Primary School DK68 BWV in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 113 on a #1 to Meir.

D&G 113 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Longton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We carried on along City Road. We ran past the site of the new Burger King and we went forwards onto King Street. We ran through Foley and we under the railway line into Longton Transport Interchange and we got up and got off the bus. Once of the bus we saw D&G Bus 116 on a #40 to Fenton. Once off the bus we walked around the corner onto The Strand and went to the Cafe Delight. Matthew had a brunch washed down with a can of Coke. Once we came out we waited for a bus back to Fenton. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 47520 on a #6A to Hanley.

First Potteries 47520 in Longton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down The Strand and we ran under the railway line onto King Street. over the roundabouts and we turned right onto Victoria Road. We continued down the hill 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 where we saw white minibus OU04 XGH. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and right onto John Street and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus and Matthew used the toilet. We waited for a bus to Biddulph. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 63111 on a #7A to Biddulph. We got on the bus and we booked to Biddulph before we sat down towards the back of the bus. and we set off out of the bus station and we ran down John Street. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and we crossed Broad street onto Marsh Street. We turned right onto Trinity Street and we stopped on Stafford Street to to pick up more passengers before we left town along Quadrant Road. We crossed over the ring road and we headed out of town towards Sneyd Green along Town Road. We continued to Smallthorne roundabouts and we continued forwards onto High Lane. At the end of High Lane we turned right onto the A527 and we ran down the hill through Fegg Hayes and up into Brindley Ford. We continued up towards Knyperlsey and we turned left onto Brown Lees Road. We ran through the estate and we crossed over the A527 and into the Biddulph estate. We went passed the barley Mow and we turned left onto St John's Road. At the end we re-joined the A527 and we entered the town at Wharf Road and we stopped at the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked across the High Street and onto West Street. We turned left onto Kingsfield Road and left onto Lawton Street. We turned right onto Congleton Road and right onto Thames Drive and we stopped at the Leisure Centre. Matthew went to the cafe and had a bottle of Coke. Afterwards Matthew went to the toilet. After the visited to the leisure centre Matthew returned to the bus station. We set off along Thames Drive and we turned left onto Congleton Road. We walked up the A527 and we veered left onto the High Street. We turned right onto Wharf Road and we waited for the next bus back to Hanley. A short while later we saw First Potteries 63113 on a #7A to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off onto the High Street and we turned left onto St Johns Road. We ran around the estate and onto Woodland Street. We crossed over the A527 at Knypersley. We ran through Brown Lees and we rejoined the A527 by the industrial estate. We ran down through Brindley Ford and to Fegg Hayes. We ran up the hill to Chell and we turned left onto High Lane. We ran back through Smallthorne. At the top of the hill we turned left onto the A5272 and into Hanley. We ran into town along Town Road and we crossed over the ring road. We turned right onto Quadrant Road and we went under the Intu Potteries shopping centre. We ran forwards onto Stafford Street and we passed the town hall. We ran along Bagnall Street and into the bus station. Once off the bus Matthew visited the toilet. After using the facilities we headed out of the bus station and we crossed over Lichfield Street onto Birch Terrac. We set off onto Lichfield Street and over the ring road. We ran down to Joiners Square and we went over the roundabout onto Victoria Road. Victoria Road and we ran up the hill into Fenton. At the roundabout we turned sharp right onto City Road and left onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and we went to his room and chilled out. We went upstairs and Matthew had a can of Irn Bru. When it was time to go to uncle Dave's we went downstairs and we set off onto 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. Matthew had some cheesecake and a can of Fanta orange. For tea Matthew had chicken potatoes and carrots with gravy followed by a slice of toffee cheesecake. Later on he had a drink of Fanta orange and a few digestive biscuits. 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 and we saw silver minibus DK53 VRE parked up. We crossed the spare ground and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Temple Street past the Queen Elizabeth II Court. 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 Fenton / Newcastle 29-10-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
69160	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
37158	Newcastle BS	University Hospital, Chapel	25	First Potteries
31782	University Hospital, Chapel	Newcastle, opp Cherry Tree PH	25	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and going on the bus. Later on Matthew was going to Blurton for the weekend and also visiting his Grandma. Matthew got up around 09:00 and had toast and juice for breakfast. In the morning Matthew went to the doctor. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Baker Street and past the former Day Centre. We turned left onto Glebedale Road. After Matthew had seen the doctor we went to the chip ship via the Co-op. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned right onto Baker Street. We turned right onto Christchurch Street and we went to the Co-op. We visited the cash Machine and we carried on to the chip shop. We crossed the road and we continued onto Temple Street. We turned left onto Smithpool Road and we stopped at the chip shop. We picked up the food and we headed back to the residential unit. We turned right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs and chilled out in his room. For dinner Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down a can of Dr Pepper. At 13:00 we arrived at the residentail unit to attend Matthew's annual review. Matthew has done really well during the past 2 years and coped really well with the lockdown's. We discussed things that we might do in the future. When we had finished Matthew transferred his pictures back onto the camera and got his batteries and bus pass. Matthew came downstairs and We went outside and said goodbye to staff. We said goodbye to mum too who was driving to Grandma's. We cut through onto City Road and we headed for the bus stop. On the way to the stop we saw Afford rent-a-car WM70 DXB pasrked up in their garage.

Afford rent-a-car WM70 DXB in Fenton

We continued to the bus stop and we waited for the bus. A quick check of the timetable revealed there was a bus to Newcastle due in 10 minutes. Whilst we waited we saw white minibus EF17 UEU. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching, As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 69160 on a #11 to Newcastle

First Potteries 69160 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 we passed First Pottereies 31782 on a #25 to Hanley going the other way. We went over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre along Church Street. After a brief stop in Stoke we continued along church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road. We ran up the hill and into Hartshill. We ran forwards onto George Street and we ran down the hill into Newcastle. We turned left at the roundabout onto Barracks Road and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we went down to the bottom end of the bus station and we saw Arriva Midlands 3691 on a #64 to Market Drayton.

Arriva Midlands 3691 in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes later we saw Megabus 54216 on a M34 service to Newcastle on Tyne.

Megabus 54216 in Newcastle bus station

We waited for a bus towards grandma's house. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 37158 on a #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 37158 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to the hospital before going upstairs. As the rear of the top deck was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 37158.

Inside First Potteries 37158

When the bus was ready we set off ouf of the bus station and we turned right onto Barracks Road. We turned left on to the A34 and we meant to get up near to the Cherry Tree pub, but we decided to go to the hospital and intercept First Potteries 31782 which was coming the other way. We turned left into the UHNS and we got up and got off the bus near to the chapel. Once off the bus we crossed over the road and we walked around the chapel to get to the bus stop. We waited for 31782 which we saw was in Hartshill. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 47519 on a #22 to Newcastle. A few minutes later as predicted we saw First Potteries 31782 on the #25 to Keele.

First Potteries 31782 in the UHNS

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before going upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 31782 before sitting down.

Inside First Potteries 31782

The bus set off out of the hospital and we turned right onto the Northbound A34. We passed First Potteries 37156 on a #25 to Hanley and D&G Bus 134 on a #1 to Meir. We passed the Cherry Tree and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 31782 as it continued towards Keele.

First Potteries 31782 in Newcastle

We crossed over the A34 and we walked up to the hill towards grandma's. On the way we saw white minibus YX02 FTD.

YX02 FTD in Newcastle

We continued up the hill and into grandma's house. At Grandma's Matthew had toast and a can of Irn Bru and used her computer. Later on he had a carton of orange juice. When it was time to go we said goodbye to Grandma and we got in the car. We set off just before 18:00 and we ran down Victoria Street. We turned left onto the A34. We continued southwards into Trent Vale past the site of a new Greggs. We continued through Trent Vale and we stopped at the pub. We walked into the pub and we sat down at our one our normal tables. Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Highlights of the bus sightings included First Potteries 32648 on a #101 to Stafford, and Leons 239 heading Southwards. Once we had finished eating we set off to Blurton. We got in the car and we ran down the A34 and Crossed under the A500 into Hanford. We continued down to Trentham and we saw black minibus OU19 CCN. We turned left onto the A5035 and we ran over the railway line in to Blurton and back to the house. Matthew chilled out and had a can of Irn Bru. We wrote some of the blog and sent a few e-mails. Later on Matthew got into his pyjamams and watch some TV. Matthew went to be around 00:30... Mark

Trip to Hanley / Newcastle 27-10-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
LR15 PFN	Fenton	Fenton Aldi	Charter	Lucky Seven
67151	Fenton, adj Royal Oak	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
65041	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	101	First Potteries
63099	Newcastle BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going on the bus later on. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw First Potteries 67159 on a #23 to Hanley. Later on Matthew was going out. We went downstairs and out of the residential unit. Transport for the trip was Lucky Seven LR15 PFN. We got on the bus and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we crossed over City Road onto Manor Street. We turned left onto Victoria Road. We turned left into Aldi and Matthew went into the shop to do some shoppping. Once Matthew had finished shopping we returned to the residential unit in Lucky Seven taxi. We set off up Victoria Road and we turned onto Manor Street. We turned right onto City Road and left onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street past the new building under construction and back to the residential unit. Matthew went back upstairs to his room to wait for us to come and pick him up. He watched buses out of the window. After waiting for the mask results we went downstairs to the car and we set off onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street and right onto Station Bridge Road. We followed the road around onto Heron Street. At Heron Cross we went Eastwards along the A50 and we joined the Eastbound and we ran up to Meir. We came off the A50 and we turned left at roundabout onto the Northbound A520. We ran through Weston Coyney and we continued up to Cellarhead. We turned left the A52 and we headed Eastwards towards Kingsley Moor. We followed the road to the left and we ran into Kingsley village. We turned right onto Holt Lane. We ran through Kingsley Holt and we turned right onto the A521. We ran into Cheadle and we ran forwards onto the A522. We turned left onto Ashbourne Road and we turned right onto Allen Street and we stopped at the leisure centre. Once there Matthew we to use the largest inflatable play park and Matthew used the toilet. For dinner Matthew had sausage chips and gracy with bread and butter washed down with a glass of Coke. After we had finished we went back to Fenton by car. We set off along Allen Street and we ran forwards onto Plant Street. We turned right onto the A522 where we saw Stanway's L66 BAY. We turned left onto the A521. We turned right onto High Street and we turned left onto the A521. We ran into Kingsley Holt and we crossed the A52. We ran through Cellarhead crossroads. We turned left onto the A520 and we continued down up to Weston Coyney. We continued down into Meir and we at the roundabout we turned right onto the Westbound A50 and we ran through Normacot and Longton to Heron Cross. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we continued onto Heron Street. We continued onto Station Bridge Road and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Masterson Street and right onto Watkin Street. We turned right onto Temple Street and we returned to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew went to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window we saw Stanton's of Stoke VT18 SOS. Later on we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw Temple Street church minibus RX18 GZW. We turned left onto Christchurch Street. We waited for a bus towards Hanley. After a short wait we saw blue minibus SF20 HHL. We waited for a bus towards Stoke. After a short wait we saw First Potteries 67151 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67151 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road. down under the railway line and into Stoke. After a brief stop we continued around the one-way system onto Elenora 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 we entered the bus station where we got up and got off the bus and we set off onto Lichfield Street. We continued along Tontine Street. We continued through the square onto Parliament Row and we walked up McDonalds and we had tea. Matthew had a burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. Once We walked along Parliament Row and we continued into the Intu Potteries shopping centre. We went through the shopping centre. We had a walk around the shops and afterwards we walked through Tontine Square onto Tontine Street. We walked onto Lichfield Street and we entered the bus station. We saw First Potteries 65041 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 65041 in Hanley bus station

We decided to do this bus to Newcastle. We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle and sat down towards the back of the bus. Whilst we waited for departure time we saw First Potteries 67157 on a #23 to Newstead. We set off out of the bus station and we ran down John Street and left onto Bethesda Street. We turned right onto the clockwise ring road and we turned left onto Broad Street. We ran down to snow hill and at the roundabout we turned Shelton New Road. We ran over the canal and railway line. We ran through the cross road up to Hartshill and at the roundabout we ran into Newcastle down George Street. We joined the one-way system and at the next roundabout we turned left onto Barracks Road. We turned right into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. We waited for the bus to Stoke ans a short time later we saw First Potteries 63099 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63099 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. the bus waiting to depart, we saw required First Potteries 31782 on a B1 to Trentham Lakes. 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. 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. Matthew took a picture of First Potteries 63099 as it continued towards Hanley.

First Potteries 63099 in Fenton

We walked back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew went to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window 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 Hanley / Stoke 03-06-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
69172	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Stoke, adj stop P	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going on the bus later on. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We went downstairs and we saw the transport was a lucky Seven Taxi. We got in the taxi and we set off onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw Temple Street church minibus RX18 GZW. We carried on along Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We crossed over City Road onto Manor Street and we ran to the end. We turned left onto Victoria Road and we ran down to Joiners Square. We ran down the hill to Joiners Square and we crossed over the roundabout onto Lichfield Street and we ran up the hill. We headed into Hanley and we saw Stanton's of Stoke FJ66 CYC parked up. Once we had parked up we walked up Lichfield Street and forwards onto Tontine Street. We went to the pub had a glass of Coke. For dinner Matthew had a burger and fries followed by a slice of chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. When we had finished. We walked down Tontine Street and forwards onto Lichfield Street and back to the bus station. In the bus station we saw D&G Bus 109 on a #9 to Biddulph. Once off the bus Matthew visited the toilet. After using the facilities we headed out of the bus station and we crossed over Lichfield Street. We got in the car and we set off down Lichfield Street and past the site new Lidl. We crossed over Joiners Square and we turned right onto the A52. We ran near to stoke station and along side the railway line. We turned left onto City Road and we ran up the hill into Fenton. We turned right into Smithpool Road and left into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs to his room and use his computer and watched buses out of the window. we saw D&G 114 on a #1 to Park Site.

D&G Bus 114 in Fenton

Later on we went out on the bus to Stoke. We went downstairs and we set off onto City Road. We walked down to the bus stop outside the flats. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was First Potteries 69172 on a #11 to Newcastle. 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 along Church Street where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took a picture of First Potteries 69172 as it continued towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 69172 in Stoke

Matthew went to the market and used the toilet. We returned onto Church Street and we saw D&G Bus 159 on a #9 to Biddulph.

D&G 159 in Stoke

Also seen was First Potteries 67699 on a #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67699 in Stoke

We walked up towards Campbell place and on the way we saw First Potteries 69162 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 69162 in Stoke

We went to the Stoke cafe and we brought some bacon and cheese oatcakes to take out. When we had finished we came out of the cafe and we spotted a double decker at the Newcastle bound bus stop. We walked down to find First Potteries 31782 on a #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 31782 in Stoke

Also seen was First Potteries 32643 on a #25 to Keele.

First Potteries 32643 in Stoke

As short time later we saw D&G Bus 44 on a #1 to Meir.

D&G 44 in Stoke

We picked up a birthday card and a balloon for Matthew and we saw D&G Bus 21 on a #24 to Hanley.

D&G 21 in Stoke

We walked around the corner onto Campbell Place and we walked up to Sainsbury's. We in the car. We set off through London Road. We ran forwards onto Campbell Place and we joined the one-way system. We turned left onto Church Street and right onto Liverpool Road. We veered left onto Elenora Street and we followed the road around onto Copeland Street and forwards onto Glebe Street and under the railway line an we ran around the one-way system in Stoke and stopped by Stoke Minster. We turned left onto Church Street and we crossed the A500 and we ran up to Stoke where we saw First Potteries 31782 on a #25 to Keele. We ran up Wheildon Road. We ran forwards onto Grove Road and we turned right onto Blurton Road. We crossed over the A50 and we ran back through Blurton. We turned right onto Church Road and right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we got home around 17:00. Matthew had a drink of Irn Bru and ate his Manchester tart. When it was time to go we went back to the residential unit in the car we saw The Lambourne white minibus NC57 TXH. We set off onto down to the A5035 and we turned into church Road. We carried on into Blurton Road and across the A50. We went through Heron Cross and onto Heron Street. We carried on forwards onto Station Bridge Road we saw First Potteries 67156 On the #23 to Newstead. and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Masterson Street and we turned right onto Watkin Street. We continued onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. When we got there we saw Shelton Care Group BL69 RFF. We went upstairs and Matthew went to his room Matthew had a can of Irn Bru. We went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw Temple Street church minibus RX18 GZW. We carried on along Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. I needed the cash machine so we decided to visit Post Office to use the cash machine we walked back down Christchurch Street and we turned right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window where we saw First Potteries 69160 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 69160 in Fenton

For tea Matthew had bacon and cheese oatcakes followed by a Bakewell tart. 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 Newcastle / Biddulph 03-04-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67155	Fenton, adj Royal Oak	Stoke, Adj stop Q	23	First Potteries
69172	Stoke, adj stop P	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
63116	Newcastle BS	Tunstall, adj stop B	99	First Potteries
44511	Tunstall, adj stop B	Newcastle BS	99	First Potteries
31782	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	4	First Potteries
63178	Hanley BS	Biddulph BS	7A	First Potteries
27	Biddulph BS	Hanley BS	9	D&G Bus

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also to do a local trip. 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 silver minibus DK07 TYV.

DK07 TYV in Fenton

He spent time in the living room and we saw Temple Street church minibus RX18 GZW.

Temple Street church RX18 GZW in Fenton

Whilst in his room we saw D&G Bus 115 on a #1 to Meir.

D&G 115 in Fenton

Later on we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw Temple Street church minibus RX18 GZW. We carried on along Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We waited for a bus towards Stoke. After a short wait we saw First Potteries 67155 on a #23 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we Knot Day ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road. down under the railway line and into Stoke. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked along Church Street and we visited the Stoke Cafe. Matthew went to the toilet and I ordered the food. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we set off onto Church Street and we walked up to the Newcastle bus stop. A few minutes later we saw a D&G bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 69172 on a #11 to Newcastle. We got on the bus and we flashed the Knot Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along Church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road. We ran the mile or so up to Hartshill and to the top of Newcastle. We descended down George Street into Newcastle and we turned left at the roundabout onto Barracks Road. We turned into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we headed down towards the bottom end of the bus station and we saw Arriva Midlands 3699 on a #164 to Market Drayton. As we contemplated doing a bus to Tunstall. A short time later we saw First Potteries 63116 on a #99 to Chell Heath. We got on the bus and we flashed the Knot Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We crossed the Jubilee roundabout onto the A527 and headed through Wolstanton. We turned right onto Porthill Bank and we we went down the hill and over the A500. We went through Middleport and at Trubshaw Cross we went left onto Brownhills Road. We joined Tunstall High Street and at the top of the Road we got up and got off the bus. We went to Tunstall Cafe and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards he had a can of Coke. When we had finished we crossed the road and we waited for a bus back to Newcastle. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 31782 on a #3A to Talke. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As expected it was First Potteries 44511 on a #99 to Newcastle. We got on the bus and we flashed the Knot Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down the High Street and we ran down onto Brownhills Road. We went past the school were there was an unidentified red single decker parked up. We continued down to Trubshaw Cross and as we approached the roundabout. We tiniued down int Longport and over the A500 and up Porthill Bank. We turned left at the roundabout and we ran through Wolstanton and May Bank into Newcastle. We crossed the Jubilee roundabout and we ran down Barracks Road and into New castle bus station. We got off the bus and we headed down to the bottom of the bus station. We considered doing required First Potteries 63116 on a #25, but we decided against it. We went down to the bottom of the bus station whilst we decided what to do next. We then saw First Potteries 32053 on a #99 to Chell Heath. A few minutes later we saw a double decker approaching... It was dud First Potteries 31782 on a #4 to Hanley. We decided to do this bus as it was going to Hanley. We got on the bus and we flashed the Knot Day ticket to the driver before to the driver before we went upstairs. The top deck was empty at the back, so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 31782.

Inside First Potteries 31782

The bus set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road. We crossed the roundabout onto the A53 and we ran up and over into Etruria. We crossed the A500 and and we headed up to Festival Park. We left the A53 onto Forge Lane. We came back towards the A53 along Festival Way. We crossed under the A53 and we ran up Etruria Road and into Hanley. We continued onto trinity Street before turning right into Stafford Street. Past the town hall and Radio Stoke. We entered the bus station off Bagnall Street. Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. Once Matthew had been to the facilities we headed towards John Street car park to take a few bus pictures. On the way up there we saw First Potteries 63174 on a #3 to Crewe. We went up the stairs and unusually the car park was busy. We saw First Potteries 63177 on a #7A to Biddulph. A short time later we headed back to the bus station and we visited the Spar shop. Matthew had a can of Coke and a bottle of Irn Bru as well as a couple of chocolate bars. We headed down to the stand to wait for the next #7A to Biddulph. Whilst we waited Matthew ate a Flake. 20 minutes later the bus appeared. It was First Potteries 63178 on a #7A to Biddulph. We got on the bus and we flashed the Knot ticket to the under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus waited for time before setting off out of the bus station. We went down John Street and onto Bethesda Street before we went across onto Marsh Street and then we turned right into Trinity Street. We turned left into Stafford Street and we continued forwards to Quadrant Road and we left Hanley along Town Road. We travelled through Sneyd Green and over Smallthorne roundabouts to Chell. At the roundabout we turned right and we ran down the A527 through Brindley Ford. We turned left to run through Brown Lees. We crossed over the A527 at Knypersley and we ran around through the housing estates of Biddulph before running into town via St John's Road, Colliers Way and up Wharf Road to the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we used the toilet and turned the corner onto the High Street. We walked down to the kebab shop and we ordered some food. We picked up a couple of portions of fries and a can of Vimto and we returned onto Wharf Road. We returned to the benches to eat the fries. It was at this point we realised there was an hour long gap in the #7A service. About 30 minutes int the wait we saw D&G Bus 37 on a #94 to Newcastle. Matthew didn't want to do this bus. A minute or so later we saw D&G Bus 27 arrive to work the next #9 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we placed our Knot Day ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the High Street and we turned left at the roundabout onto St John's Road. We ran around the estate and we crossed over the A527 and we ran down through Brindley Ford into Fegg Hayes. We turned left onto Oxford Road and we ran forwards into Chell Heath. We passed Matthew's old school site which is going to be a new sheltered housing site. We ran through Bradeley to the traffic lights. We turned right and we ran up the hill through Smallthorne. At the top of the hill we turned left onto the A5272 and into Hanley. We ran into town along Town Road and we crossed over the ring road. We turned right onto Quadrant Road and we went under the Intu Potteries shopping centre. We ran forwards onto Stafford Street and we passed the town hall. We ran along Bagnall Street and into the bus station. Once off the bus Matthew visited the toilet. After using the facilities we headed out of the bus station and we crossed over Lichfield Street onto Birch Terrac. We set off onto Lichfield Street and over the ring road. We ran down to Joiners Square and we went over the roundabout onto Victoria Road. Victoria Road and we ran up the hill into Fenton. At the roundabout we turned sharp right onto City Road and left onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and we went to his room and chilled out. We went upstairs and Matthew had a can of Irn Bru. For a late tea Matthew had a chicken burger from kfc. He also had some fries and a cup of Coke. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.