Trip to Shrewsbury / Telford 04-03-2023

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2522	Shrewsbury BS	Wellington BS	17	Arriva Midlands
2994	Wellington BS	Telford BS	4	Arriva Midlands
3792	Telford BS	Oakengates BS	6	Arriva Midlands
3753	Oakengates BS	Telford BS	5	Arriva Midlands
3338	Telford BS	Telford railway station	4	Arriva Midlands
3780	Telford railway station	Telford BS	5A	Arriva Midlands
3790	Telford BS	Shrewsbury BS	X5	Arriva Midlands

Today we decided to re-visit Shrewsbury. Matthew had initially asked to go to Oswestry, becasue Arriva are considering closing the depot. We ended up picking Shrewsbury instead. Research consisted of Looking up the ticket, looking at possibly places to eat and checking the weather which was for dry grey weather but quite cold. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Mum returned home from work and we set off just after 12:00. We set off and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and into Heron Cross and over the A50. At Heron Cross lights we turned left onto Grove Road. We ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. Once we had picked up uncle Dave, we continued down Wheildon Road and we joined the Northbound A500. We came off the A500 at Stoke and we turned right onto City Road. We turned right to join the Southbound A500 and we ran through Sideway and Hanford down to the A519. We headed Southwards for a few hundred yards before turning right onto the A5182. We headed Westwards for a few miles and at the end of the road we turned left onto the Southbound A53 We ran through Whitmore and Balwins gate and we crossed over the A51 by The Swan With Two Necks. We continued through Loggerheads and to the North of Market Drayton and on the other side of town we stopped in a layby. Matthew had a sausage sandwich from Jim's Butty Van and washed it down with a can of Cherry Coke from the boot. When we had finished eating we continued down the A53 to Tern Hill. We waited at the roundabout for the 4-way light in the roadworks, and whilst we waited we saw Mawley Oak KM16 KOB. We continued through Edge Bolton and Shawbury and at the North end of Shrewwsbury we joined the A5112. We ran into town and we turned right under by the railway station onto the A458. We ran past the bus station and we turned left onto Roushill. We turned left onto Raven Meadows and we parked up at the Raven Meadows car park (expensive!). We said goodbye to mum and we went down the lift to the street. We headed towards the bus station and we crossed over to look what was parked up in the layover area. On layover we saw Lakeside YJ61 CKD parked between duties.

Lakeside YJ61 CKD in Shrewsbury bus station

We crossed back over Raven Meadows and we had a look in the bus station. We saw Arriva Midlands 3790 departing on a X5 to Oswestry. Afterwards we saw saw Arriva Midlands 2959 on a #24 to Harlescott Tesco.

Arriva Midlands 2959 in Shrewsbury bus station

We walked into the bus station and we saw there was a bus to Wellington due to go shortly. It was Arriva Midlands 2522 on a #17 to Wellington.

Arriva Midlands 2522 in Shrewsbury bus station

We decided that we were going to do the bus to Wellington. Whilst we waited for the driver we saw Tanat Valley 281 arrive into the bus stations and afterwatfs go on layover.

Tanat Valley 281 in Shrewsbury bus station

We got on the bus and we brought a West Midlands Day Saver Duo ticket at £12.50 before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station onto the A458 and we went left onto Chester Street. We turned right onto Cross Street and right onto Castle Foregate and past the railway station. We headed up the hill past the castle and we turned left onto St Mary's Street. We continued down the hill and we veered left onto Wyle Cop. We crossed over the English Bridge and we went under the railway line onto Abbey Foregate. We continued Southwards onto the A458 and we turned right onto Sutton Way. We turned left onto Sutton Road and we crossed over a former railway line which is now a footpath. We turned left onto Tilsrock Crescent and we ran around the Sutton Farm housing estate. We rejoined Sutton Road and we turned left onto the B4380. We crossed over the A458 and we crossed over the A5 at the Salop Leisure roundabout. We ran out of town through Emstrye and Atcham and we ran forwards onto the B5061. We continued through Norton and Uckington and we crossed the A5 at Blue Bell. We ran through Overley and we veered left to stay on the B5061. We turned left at The Wickets Inn and we ran Northwards up Wrekin Road. We turned right onto Victoria Road and we ran up the East side of town before turning left into the bus station. Once off the bus Matthew got another picture of Arriva Midlands 2522 before it returned to the depot.

Arriva Midlands 2522 in Wellington bus station

Once off the bus Matthew wanted to go to the toilet. We headed to the adjacent toilet block but it was closed. We crossed over The parade and we cut trough the passageway next to BBQ Station onto New Street. We went to the pub and Matthew used the toilet before having a small glass of Coke. When we had finished we went over to Sofia's Cafe. Matthew wanted a cake, but they had sold all of their stock. We returned back up the passageway and over The Parade and we saw a Telford bound bus on stand. AS we got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 2994 on a #4 to Madeley.

Arriva Midlands 2994 in Wellington bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Arriva West Midlands Day Saver Duo under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out off the bus station onto Victoria Road and we turned right onto King Street and we ran through town and onto the B5061. We ran East for a couple of miles and we ran into Oakengate. We turned left onto Hartshill and we ran into town. By the railway station we turned left onto Uxacona Way and around the North end of town before entering the bus station. We ran down Uxacona Way and by the railway station we turned left onto station Road. We crossed over the A442 and we ran East along the B5061 until we got to the A5. We went South over the M54 and we headed to Telford railway station. There we nobody there to get on or off the bus so we came straight back out and onto the roundabout. We crossed over the A442 and onto Hollinsgate before going forwards onto Grange Central. We turned right onto Northfield street and we ran into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and we had a walk around the bus station to take a few bus pictures. We saw Arriva Midlands 3793 on a #1 to Sutton Hill.

Arriva Midlands 3793 in Telford bus station

We continued around the bus station and we saw Arriva Midlands 2993 on a #12 to Hollinswood.

Arriva Midlands 2993 in Telford bus station

On the way back into the bus station we saw Arriva Midlands 2144 on a #19 Lightmoor service.

Arriva Midlands 2144 in Telford bus station

We visited the toilet and afterwards Matthew wanted to go get something from Costa Coffee. I said we would get some cake from somewhere else. I gave Matthew the choice of doing a few more buses in Telford or catching the next X5 back to Shrewsbury. Matthew chose to do a few more buses in Telford. I thought it would be a good idea to go to Oakengates and back and visit the Co-op there to get some cake. We had a look around for a bus heading towards Oakengates. We saw there was one on stand. As we got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 3792 on a #6 to Donnington.

Arriva Midlands 3792 in Telford bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Arriva West Midlands Day Saver Duo under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Northfield Street and we turned left onto Grange Central. We ran forwards onto Hollingsgate and we crossed the A442 and we turned into the railway station. After stopping outside the station we returned back to the roundabout and we joined the Northbound A5. We turned left onto the B5061 and we ran West past Wickes and back over the A442. We joined Station Road and we ran North to Oakengates. We turned right onto Uxacona Way and we ran along the Eastern side of town before turning left into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3792 as it continued towards Donnington.

Arriva Midlands 3792 in Oakengates bus station

We headed ober to the nearby Co-operative Food shop and Matthew had a can of Coke, Some choclate bars and a cake. The cake was a fudge cake so he would have to wait until he got home before he could eat it! We headed back towards the bus station and we saw a bus already on stand. As we got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 3753 on a #5 to Telford.

Arriva Midlands 3753 in Oakengates bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the West Midlands Duo Day Saver tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We ran down Uxacona Way and by the railway station we turned left onto station Road. We crossed over the A442 and we ran East along the B5061 until we got to the A5. We went South over the M54 and we headed to Telford railway station. There we nobody there to get on or off the bus so we came straight back out and onto the roundabout. We crossed over the A442 and onto Hollinsgate before going forwards onto Grange Central. We turned right onto Northfield street and we ran into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. We had about 3/4 of an hour before the X5 to Shrewsbury was due. We walked around the bus station and we saw A Banga Travel bus. As we got closer we saw Banga Travel YD63 UZY on a #891 to Wolverhampton.

Banga Travel YD63 UZY in Telford bus station

We decided that we would have time to go up to the railway station and back. We could do any of the #4, #5 or #6 buses. We walked into the bus station and we saw a bus on stand. It was Arriva Midlands 3338 on a #4 to Leegomery.

Arriva Midlands 3338 in Telford bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the West Midlands Duo Day Saver tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Northfield Street and we turned left onto Grange Central. We ran forwards onto Hollingsgate and we crossed the A442 and we turned into the railway station. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3338 as it continued towards Leegomery.

Arriva Midlands 3338 in Telford

Once off the bus we walked up the path to the hotel car park to have a look at the 2 mini coaches we had seen earlier in the day. The 1st vehicle we saw was Nova Bussing RE71 AJX.

Nova Bussing RE71 AJX in Telford

Also seen was Nova Bussing RE71 AGU.

Nova Bussing RE71 AGU in Telford

We walked back to the station and Matthew used the toilet. We came out of the station and we just missed Arriva Midlands 3335 on a #4 to Madeley. We got to the stop and we noticed there was a gap in the service. The bus was due at 17:11 and the bus was due off Telford bus station at 17:20. It was going to be very close! A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 3780 on a #5A to Telford.

Arriva Midlands 3780 in Telford

We got on the bus and we placed the West Midlands Duo Day Saver tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus so we came back out and onto the roundabout. We crossed over the A442 and onto Hollinsgate before going forwards onto Grange Central. We turned right onto Northfield street and we ran into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. WE had about 5 minutes to spare so we had a quick walk around the bus station. We saw National Express West Midlands 338 on a #409 service to Aberystwyth.

NX West Midlands 338 in Telford bus station

We saw the bus pull onto the stand at the opposite end of the bus station. We entered the bus station and we walked up to the appropriate stand. As we got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 3790 on the X5 to Oswestry.

Arriva Midlands 3790 in Telford bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the West Midlands Duo Day Saver tickets under the scanner for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Northfield Street. We turned right onto Hall Park Way and we ran down to the motorway. We joined Westbound M54 and forwards onto the A5. We ran fast for around 20 minutes to the edge of Shrewsbury on to the Southern by-pass. We turned right onto A5064 and we headed Northwards into town. We ran past Lord Hill's Column. We ran forwards onto Abbey Foregate. We went around the English Bridge Gyratory and we crossed over the bridge. We ran forwards onto Wyle Cop. We followed the one-way system around town and we turned right onto Barker Street. We turned right onto the A458 and we turned right into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we attempted to use the toilet in the bus station but it had been locked up. We crossed over Raven Meadows to have a look at the coaches on layover. We saw Swains Coaches M19 CJE parked up.

Swains Coaches M19 CJE in Shrewsbury bus station

Also seen were a pair of Lakside coaches. We saw Lakeside BV69 LPL parked up.

Lakeside BV69 LPL in Shrewsbury bus station

The other coach was Lakeside BV69 LPK.

Lakeside BV69 LPK in Shrewsbury bus station

We crossed back over Raven Meadows and we got in the lift and went back to the car. Matthew had a bottle of orange Fanta and we set off out of the car park. We turned left onto Raven Medows and we turned right onto the A458. We ran forwards onto the A528 and we went under the low arched bridge that had prevented the use of a double decker on the run. We turned left onto the A5191 and we headed North towards Harlescott. We ran forwards onto the A53 and we travelled through Upper Astley for around 5 miles and into Shawbury. We stopped nin Shawbury. Mum went to the chip show and Matthew went to the pub to use the toilet. Afterwards Matthew had a glass of Coke. We went back to the car and Matthew had sausage chips and gravy. We set off onto the A53 and we headed Northwards. We crossed over the A41 and Northwards towards Market Drayton. We ran along the Market Drayton by-pass and we continued Northwards towards Loggerheads. we crossed over the A51 and up through Whitmore. We ran Northwards towards Newcastle and we turned right onto Trentham Road. We turned left onto the A519. We joined the Northbound A500. As we headed Northwards we saw Elite Gold AG53 ???. We ran through Hanford up to Stoke and we came off the A500. We turned right onto City Road and right again to go Southwards onto the A500. We veered left onto Wheildon Road and we went to uncle Dave's. We dropped off uncle Dave and Matthew got out to use the toilet. Uncle Rob wasn't there tonight. He aslo had some Irn Bru and updated the calendar. Once we had dropped off uncle Dave we set off onto Wheildon Road and past the former Regent pub which is now up for sale. We ran forwards onto Grove Road and we saw green minibus R482 NDM parked up. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto the A5035 and we got back to Blurton around 20:00. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we did some of the Blog. We also wrote a few emails and generally used the computer to entertain ourselves. We watched TV and Matthew got ready for bed. Matthew settled down around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Hanley / Stafford 01-05-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
32648	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Hanley BS	6	First Potteries
63118	Hanley BS	Stafford, Chell Road	101	First Potteries
65042	Stafford BS	Hanley BS	101	First Potteries
67158	Hanley BS	Fenton, opp Albert Square	23	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going to Stafford on the bus. A Bus company is operating coach services between the region, Whitby and Scarborough for the summer period - with trips available this weekend. 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. A short while later 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 turned left onto City Road. We waited for a bus towards Stafford. Whilst we waited we saw D&G Bus 112 on a #1A to Wood Lane.

D&G 112 in Fenton

We had to wait for the next Newcastle bus. A short time later we saw First Potteries 32648 on a #6 to Hanley.

First Potteries 32648 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked a First Potteries Network ticket at £8.00 before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off out City Road and we ran down the hill towards Stoke. We joined the A52 and we ran alongside the railway line. We passed near to the railway station and we turned right onto College Road. After running the hill through Shelton we continued onto Cleveland Road and forwards onto Regent Road. We turned left onto Lower Bethesda Street and we crossed over the ring road onto Bethesda Street. We turned right onto John Street and once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked up Lichfield Street and forwards onto Tontine Square. We stopped at the food truck outside of the Intu Potteries shopping centre to buy dinner. Matthew had a burger washed down with a can of Coke. Afterwards we went into Costa Coffee and Matthew used the toilet. We brought a millionaires shortbread and we had a walk around Tontine Square and we returned down Tontine Street and onto Lichfield Street and back to the bus station. we went to the stop to wait for a bus to Stafford. Whilst we waited for the bus Matthew ate his millionaires shortbread. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 63118 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 63118 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus bus and we place a First Potteries Network Day tickets under the scanner before We sat down towards the back of the bus and the bus loaded quickly and departed almost immediately. 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 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 and past the roundabout where the new KFC has been built. We continued down 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 saw former London Councils Borough minibus YX11 CSF. 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 where we got up and got off the bus. We set off along the path through to Mount Street and we continued onto Princes Street. We turned right onto Gaolgate Street and past the Market Square to the Guildhall shopping centre. After a quick stop at Cash Converters, We continued through the Market Square and forwards onto Greengate Street and we went in the Katharine House Hospice Shop. We went o Market Square and we had an ice cream with a flake in it! We continued along Martin Street. Afterwards we cut through onto Eastgate Street. We saw Select Bus 24 on layover.

Select 24 in Stafford

On the way to the car park we saw Chaserider 194 on layover.

Chaserider 194 in Stafford

We down went down Cope Street and to riverside Shopping Centre. When we had finished there we walked across the square to Primark. Matthew did some shopping and then we walked through the waterfront car park onto Waterfront Way. We turned right onto Bridge Street. We stopped at a pub and Matthew had a with a glass of Coke. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had a chocolate fudge cake and custard. when we had finished we walked down Bridge Street and we walked forwards onto Greengate Street. We walked to the North end and we stopped ar Starbucks. Matthew had an orange juice. We then crossed the market Square onto Gaolgate Street and we turned right into the bus station. We waited for a bus back to Hanley. We saw Select 28 on a #12 to Doxey.

Select 28 in Stafford bus station

After a while we saw Arriva Midlands 3753 on a #5 to Telford.

Arriva Midlands 3753 in Stafford bus station

Another vehicle seen was Chaserider 52 on a #74 to Cannock.

Chaserider 52 in Stafford bus station

A short time later we saw Select 22.

Select 22 in Stafford bus station

We waited for a bus back towards Hanley. A short time later we saw First Potteries 65042 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 65042 in Stafford bus station

We got on the bus and place a First Potteries Network Day tickets under the scanner before we sat down. 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. After a brief stop into Newcastle bus station we set off onto Barracks Road. We crossed the roundabout onto the A53 and we went onto the one-way system on the A52. We veered left onto George Street and at the roundabout we went onto Shelton New Road. We crossed over the A500 and we ran up to Snow Hill. We ran up Broad Street and we turned right onto the anti-clockwise ring road. We turned left onto Bethesda Street and right onto John Street. We climbed the hill and up into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew visited the toilet. We waited for the bus to Fenton ans a short time later we saw First Potteries 67158 on a #23 to Newstead.

First Potteries 67158 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we place a First Potteries Network Day tickets under the scanner for the final time for today before we sat down. We set off onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We crossed over the ring road and we ran down onto Regent Road and forwards onto Cleveland Road. We ran down though Shelton along College Road. We turned right onto Avenue Road and left onto Stoke Road. We ran down the hill and we turned left onto Station Road and past the railway station. We turned right 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 under the railway line. After climbing up the hill into Fenton we turned right into Christchurch Street where we got up and got off the bus. We then walked back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. Later on Matthew went out to KFC. Matthew went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and right onto City Road. We walked past Philpots and at the roundabout we turned right into KFC for food to take away. Matthew had a chickenburger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. Once we had finished eating we walked back along City Road and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to chill out in his room. He watched television and used his computer. Matthew had a chickenburger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. Later on Matthew went downstairs and we went out in a car. We set off onto Temple street and we turned right onto Chrstchurch Street. We turned left onto Baker Street and left onto Glebedale Road. We turned right onto City Road and we turned right onto the A50 link road and towards Heron Cross. We turned left onto the A50 and we ran up to Longton. We came off the main A50 and we ran along the high level road to the other end of Longton. After crossing over the A50 we turned bcak westwards and we turned left into Edensor Road. We went to see what was parked up at Z carz this ecening. We turned left into Willow Row. In the compound we saw Z Carz Renault minibus YJ12 TNX parked up. We headed back to Fenton. We joined the Westbound A50 and we came off at Heron Cross onto Heron Street and we followed the road around onto Station Bridge Road. We turned left onto Christchurch street and left again onto Masterson Street. We turned right onto Watkin Street and right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew had a can of Irn Bru. 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 Telford / Oakengates 15-10-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3326	Telford BS	Madeley Centre (Stand C)	2	Arriva Midlands
3333	Madeley, opp Court Centre	Telford BS	4	Arriva Midlands
3310	Telford BS	Ketley Bank, Third Avenue (NW bound)	14	Arriva Midlands
3310	Ketley Bank, Third Avenue (NW bound)	Telford, opp Matheson House	14	Arriva Midlands
3753	Telford, opp Matheson House	Oakengates BS	5	Arriva Midlands
3339	Oakengates BS	Wellington BS	4	Arriva Midlands
3338	Welligton BS	Oakengates BS	4	Arriva Midlands
3783	Oakengates BS	Telford BS	5	Arriva Midlands

Today we decided to re-visit Telford. We checked the weather for today and it was generally dry with some sunshine all across the Midlands and North West. Matthew had originally said that he wanted to travel to Hampshire, but I told him that we would have to plan it and we would have to get up very early to travel that far. Matthew then picked Telford having looked at the map of the area that we could travel to within an hour or so. Research consisted of downloading the Telford area Arriva map and looked at the available bus tickets on the Arriva website. Matthew got up around 10:00 and he had toast and orange juice for breakfast. He also wore his Doug Stoke City top for the first time this season in the hope that it would bring the tram some better luck! We set off around 11:30 and we initially went North to get gas for the car. We set off onto the A5035 and then we went North up Stanley Matthews Way past the BET365 Stadium where Stoke were to host Sunderland later today. We went West onto the A50 and we saw Ausden Clark coach BIG 4611 which we followed onto the Northbound A500. As we ran North we saw Bakers Coaches 272 going the other way. We ran up through Stoke and we came off the A500 at Shelton onto Shelton New Road. We ran past the old Twyfords factory and we went to the gas garage to fill the car up with gas. We then got onto the A53 and we went West to the A500. We then turned left onto the Southbound A500 and we ran down to the end where we got onto the Southbound A519. As we crossed the A51 we saw Bennetts mini coach FY52 GOP turn onto the A519 ahead of us. We ran down to Eccleshall where we turned right onto High Street. after turning around we parked up at the side of the road and we went to the Star Cafe for dinner. After using the toilet, Matthew had a brunch with toast which he washed down with a can of orange Tango. After we had finished we got back in the car and we continued south down the A519. Close to newport we got on the A41 to go around town before getting onto the Westbound A518. As we got to the A442 we accidentally took a wrong turn into the village of Trench and we went past a small coach operation, where we saw M&B Coaches X856 HEE & SN11 CTU. We got back onto the A442 via Wombridge Road and Wrockwardine Wood Way and we continued down until we got to past the railway station at Telford. We came off the A442 and we turned right onto Hollinsgate. We went Forwards onto Grange Central and right onto Northfield Street where we turned right into the Brown Elms car park opposite to the bus station. It took a while to get in the car park, not sure what was going on the the barriers weren't letting anyone in. Whilst we waited to get in we noted down National express West Midlands coach BX65 WBD on a #545 to London. We parked up and then we said goodbye to mum before we crossed over the road and entered the bus station area. On layover we saw Arriva Midlands 2748 and on stand was Arriva Midlands 3749 on a #5A to Donnington Asda.

Arriva Midlands 3749 in Telford bus station

We went to the toilet which is situated just inside the Telford shopping Centre and then we returned to the bus station to see what we could catch. There wasn't much in when we got back to the bus station. Down the bottom end was Arriva Midlands Streetlite 3326 on a #2 to Sutton Hill.

Arriva Midlands 3326 in Telford bus station

We decided to do this bus down to Madeley, where the #1, #2 and #4 all converge. We got on the bus and we booked Arriva Local Day Plus tickets at £4.70 each. The rear of the bus beyond the step was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 3326.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3326

As we set off we saw Banga Travel Solo V262 DRC on a #891 to Wolverhampton. We set off out of the bus station onto Malinsgate and we rounded the Taverners pub onto Brunel Road. We headed South towards Dawley. At the end of the road we turned left onto Mount Road and we headed through the estate onto King Street. We ran South along the High Street and onto New Street and we crossed over Finger Road (B4373) onto New Road. We headed around the estate onto Trinity Road and we re-joined B4373 further South. We turned right onto Majestic Way and we ran to the roundabout and crossed over the A4169. We re-joined the B4373 and we turned right onto Woodside Avenue. We ran around the Woodside estate and at the end we turned left onto Ironbridge Road. At the Abraham Darby Academy opposite there was a coach and several minibuses. We ran into the centre of Madeley along Park Street and Park Avenue ans as we got to the town centre we got up and got off the bus. Matthew then took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3326 before it carried on back to Telford via Sutton Hill.

Arriva Midlands 3326 in Madeley

Once we got off the bus we walked around the corner onto Park Street and we turned left on Parkway where we found the nearest bus stop on the #4 route. The #4 was every 15 minutes from Madeley to Telford, Oakengates, Wellington and on to Leegomery. We checked the Traveline site to find there was a bus due immediately. A minute or so later we saw a bus waiting to come out of Court Street. It was required Arriva Midlands 3333 on the #4 to Leegomery as expected.

Arriva Midlands 3333 in Madeley

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Day Saver plus ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The #4 bus was slightly more direct then the #2 that we had caught down to Madeley. The bus did still do a loop of the Woodside estate first though. We ran West along Parkway and we joined onto Ironbridge Road. We turned right onto Woodside Avenue and we ran around the estate before turning left onto the B4373. At the roundabout we turned right onto Queensway and we ran fast around the South East corner of town. We came off the A442 at Stirchley and left onto Stirchley Avenue. We ran into town and forwards onto St Quentin Gate before carrying on to Northfield Street. We got off the bus and we immediately looked for something else to catch. I thought it would be a good idea to go towards Oakengates and Wellington so we looked at bus going this way. Other than the #4 that we had just got off, there was a #5 Stafford service which went via Oakengates, and the board at the stop said the #14 went to Oakengates too. We had a choice between doing Arriva Midlands 3749 on the #5 and 3310 on the #14.

Arriva Midlands 3310 in Telford bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Day Saver tickets to the driver and asked for Oakengates. The driver informed us that this service wasn't going to Oakengates, so we planned to get off somwhere along the route common the the #4 service on Holyhead Road. We set off out of the bus station and we ran North over the A442 and M54 and we turned right onto Priorslee Avenue. We ran into Priorslee and around the estate to the North of Castle Farm Way before descending back towards town along the A5. We turned right onto Snedshill Waya nd right again onto Holyhead Road. This is where we should have got off but, but trying to navigate town using the small Telford Area Arriva Bus map proved to be too difficult. By the time we had crossed the next roundabout and turned onto First Avenue I knew we had gone too far. We ran around the Ketley bank estate and we ran back into town along the A442. I started to recognise where we were so I decided to get off at the first stop after we went over the A442 and I towards town as the rear of the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 3310.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3310

We crossed the A442 and we ran up the hill into town. We got up to get off the bus and it just happened to be the last stop before the bus station! We got off the bus and Matthew took a picture of Arriva Midlands 3310 as it carried on towards the bus station.

Arriva Midlands 3310 in Telford

We crossed the road and we walked over to the stop opposite. The stop had no information, no timetable, no flag on with it's location and we weren't even sure it was actually in use! We though we had seen a #4 stop there as we were getting off the bus bus but we couldn't be 100% sure. Someone else came to the bus stop to catch a bus, we just hoped they weren't waiting there because we were... We tried to look up the bus stop on google maps and there did appear to be buses stopping there. There was a #5 to Stafford via Oakengates due right then. We saw a Streetlite approaching, and it turned out to be required Arriva Midlands 3321 on a #3 to Brookside, which we turned down. A few minutes later we saw a bus turn the corner and it was required Arriva Midlands 3753 on a #5 to Stafford.

Arriva Midlands 3753 in Telford

We got on the bus and we flashed the Day saver Plus ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of town and over the A442 and we turned into the railway station. After stopping outside the station we returned back to the roundabout and we joined the Northbound A5. We turned left onto the B5061 and we ran West past Wickes and back over the A442. We joined Station Road and we ran North to Oakengates. Outside the railway station we Uxacona Way and we ran Northwards around the town centre and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3753 before it carried on towards Stafford.

Arriva Midlands 3753 in Oakengates bus station

Once off the bus we walked out of the bus station just a few yard to the Co-operative food store. Matthew chose a can of Coke and a couple of chocolate bars. We walked back to the bus station and we saw Arriva Midlands 3338 on a #4 to Leegpomery.

Arriva Midlands 3338 in Oakengates bus station

Matthew wanted the toilet so we spotted the toilet block next to the bus station and Matthew used the facilities. We stood at the stop and we decide to catch the next #4 forwards to Wellington, another place we had been to back in 2008. Whilst we waited for the next bus Matthew had a Milky Way and a bottle of Cherryade. The 10 minutes passed quickly and before we knew it the next Leegomery bus appeared... It was required Arriva Midlands 3339.

Arriva Midlands 3339 in Oakengates bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Day Saver Plus ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Uxacona Way and we ran down to the railway station. We turned right onto Lions Street and we ran out of town and we joined the westbound B5061. The back seat of the bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 3339.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3339

We ran West for a couple of miles through Ketley and we went past the Telford United ground where we saw a black and grey coach, possibly FC United Swans of Chadderton MX59 BLZ. We turned right onto Mill Bank and forwards onto King Street. We crossed the railway line and we turned right onto Victoria Road and we crossed back over the railway line. We then turned right into the bus station, a small terminus next to the railway station. We got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3339 before it carried on towards Leegomery.

Arriva Midlands 3339 in Wellington bus station

We had a quick walk around and then we saw Arriva Midlands 3732 on a #7 to Telford. We were considering doing this then Matthew decided to he wanted the toilet. There was a toilet block adjacent to the bus stand so we walked over and used the facilities. When we came out there was a bit of activity in the bus station. At the far end we saw Arriva Midlands 2148 on a #15 service.

Arriva Midlands 2148 in Wellington bus station

At the same time Arriva Midlands 3338 came in on a #4 to Madeley. We decided to do this bus so we walked over to the other side of the bus station and we got on it. We flashed the Arriva Day Saver Plus ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Victoria Road and we turned right onto King Street and we ran through town and onto the B5061. As the back seat of the bus was emnpty, Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 3338.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3338

We ran East for a couple of miles and we ran into Oakengate, As we approached town I asked Matthew if he wanted to go forwards to Telford on this bus, or get off in Oakengates and catch another bus forwards, and he chose to do the latter... We turned left onto Hartshill and we ran into town. By the railway station we turned left onto Uxacona Way and around the North end of town before entering the bus station. We got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3338 before it carried on towards Madeley.

Arriva Midlands 3338 in Oakengates bus station

We got off the bus and we waited for around five minute. We then saw required Arriva Midlands 3783 on a #5 to Telford.

Arriva Midlands 3783 in Oakengates bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Day Saver Plus ticket to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We ran down Uxacona Way and by the railway station we turned left onto station Road. We crossed over the A442 and we ran East along the B5061 until we got to the A5. We went South over the M54 and we headed to Telford railway station. There we nobody there to get on or off the bus so we came straight back out and onto the roundabout. We crossed over the A442 and onto Hollinsgate before going forwards onto Grange Central. We turned right onto Northfield street and we ran into the bus station. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 3783.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3783

As we got off the bus we saw Alfa coach 72 and Arriva Midlands 3343, which was not in service.

Arriva Midlands 3343 in Telford bus station

We met up with mum and we crossed over Northfield Street and we got in the car where Matthew had sausage rolls and a small bottle of Irn Bru. We drove out of the car park onto Southwater way and we left town along hall Park way and onto the M54. We ran East for around 15 miles and as we travelled Eastwards we saw an unidentified Lakeside Coach and Rhiew Valley B3 RVM. We came of the M54 at junction junction 2 and we went North up the A449 to Gailey. We went East on the A5 for around a mile and then we got onto the Northbound M6. As we travelled up the M6 we saw an unidentified Stagecoach Megabus and an unidentified Arriva Midlands Dart. We came off the M6 at junction 15 and we went North up the A500. On the A500 we saw an unidentified Mikro coach. At Sideway we went East along the A50 and we saw Paul's of Stoke Y11 POS. We came of the A50 at Longton to see what was at Z Carz this evening. In Tesco we saw MT Travel parked up DK60 CWY. At Z Carz this evening we saw Z Carz Mercedes minibus CE02 LYX.

Z Carz CE02 LYX in Longton

At the front of the first row was Z Carz minibus BU04 GYW.

Z Carz BU04 GYW in Longton

In the front of the second row was Z Carz minibus HK57 LGW.

Z Carz HK57 LGW in Longton

We turned left into Willow row to see what was parked up in the compound this evening. Outside the depot was Z Carz minibus BN03 OVS.

Z Carz BN03 OVS in Longton

Inside the compound we saw Z Carz Citroen minibus LV59 DZC.

Z Carz LV59 DZC in Longton

We got back onto the A50 and we crossed over onto Baths Road. We stopped at Tesco to take on some petrol and we returned onto the A50. we came of the dual carriageway at Heron Cross and we ran through Blurton along Blurton Road. We turned right onto Church Road and right again onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 18:45. For a late tea we had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:00.... Mark