Trip to Middleton / Cheetham Hill 05-08-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
37282	Middleton BS‎‎	Harpurhey, Harpurhey Rd	18	First Manchester
63148	Harpurhey, ‎‎Pleasant St	Higher Crumpsall, Crumpsall Way/NMG Hospital (Stop C)	53	First Manchester
36075	Higher Crumpsall, Crumpsall Way/NMG Hospital (Stop C)	Miles Platting, Whitley Road	57	Stagecoach Manchester
66868	Miles Platting, Osborne Street	Middleton BS	17	First Manchester
30935	Middleton BS‎‎	Cheetham Hill, Bury Old Road/Seymour Road (Stop H)	59	First Manchester
37553	Cheetham Hill, Bury Old Rd/Shopping Centre (Stop J)	Middleton BS	59	First Manchester
37442	Middleton BS‎‎	Miles Platting, Osborne Street	17	First Manchester
37431	Miles Platting, Osborne Street	Middleton BS	163	First Manchester

Today we decided to re-visit Middleton. I had checked the weather for today and it appeared that the weather was going to be better North of Manchester. than it would be throughout the Midlands. As such we gave Matthew a list of places from the North West and from the list Matthew chose Middleton. What we did not check was the roads... Matthew got up around 10:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:45 and we ran onto the A5035. We turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way and we joined the Westbound A50. We turned right onto the A500 and we travelled North up to Shelton. We were on our way to Shelton new Road when the car died and cut out whilst on LPG. We got the car started again on Petrol. We decided to divert to a petrol station instead of filling up with gas so we carried on along Shelton New Road to Snow Hill. We went up Broad Street and we tuned left onto the clockwise ring road where we saw National Express liveried The Travellers Choice FN63 PXB on a #333 to Bournemouth. We stopped at Tesco and we filled up with petrol. Once we had filled up we ran down to Etruria Road and then onto the Westbound A53. In Etruria we turned right onto the Northbound A500. We travelled North to the M6 and we hit a little bit of traffic. As we got on the M6 traffic seemed to be moving well and we got to the first matrix sign that said M^ Junction 19-20 closed... Mum checked the Internet only to that there had been an accident and road closure. The first sign said junction 19 was 20 minutes away, when we got to the next one it said 200 minutes away! As we travelled North was saw an unidentified Bostocks Neoplan doubled decker coach and an unidentified Ava Coaches coach. We decided to come off at junction 18 and go cross country. The Sat Nav on mum's phone was trying to take us Westwards on the A54, but logically as we were going North East of Manchester it made sense to me to go East to the A34 and then North to the M60. We travelled Eastwards along the A54, and as we were sat in traffic we put the gas back on. We passed to the South of Holmes Chapel before going north Eastwards up the A535. We passed through Twemlow Green and then we kept seeing signs the the A535 was closed ahead due to roadworks. As we got to Jodderll bank we saw signs that the road was closed but other cars were turning left so we assumed they knew where they were going. We ran Westwards to Blackden and then we re-joined the A535 further North. At Chelford we ran Eastwards along the A537 to Monks Heath. We turned left onto Bollington lane and then we got to the A34 and we ran Northwards. Traffic was now free flowing and we got onto the Alderley Edge by-pass. We continued up the A34 bypassing Wilmslow and Handforth. There were some steep hills so we decided to switchback to petrol for the rest of the journey. We ran north to the M60 and we got onto the anti-clockwise carriageway. As we headed towards Stockport we saw Stagecoach Manchester 37146 going the other way round. We ran through Stockport and we headed North ans as we we passed near to Ashton-under-Lyme we started to turn Westwards. We ran around to junction 19 and we came of the M60 onto the Northbound A576. We ran the last couple of miles into town and we attempted to park by MacDonalds but the spaces were not only full but the were car and taxis doubled parked and trying to turn and go out onto Limetrees Road. We went on top of the shopping centre and it took a while to park there as 1/2 the car park had been shut. We eventually parked up around 14:15! We went into the shopping centre and then we headed to the toilets. After using the facilities we went down to ground level and we walked out to the bus station and the cafe on the pavement opposite to it. On the corner stand was required Stagecoach Manchester 10863 on a #112 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 10863 in Middleton bus station

We stopped for dinner at the pavement cafe and the sun was quite warm. Matthew had a sausage and eggs barm with a few fries washed down with a can of Coke. Once we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and we left her to pay whilst we went of towards the bus station. Before we entered the bus station we saw First Manchester 37469 on a #59 to Manchester.

First Manchester 37469 in Middleton bus station

We also saw First Manchester 37442 on a #17 to Manchester.

First Manchester 37442 in Middleton bus station

We went around to the other side of the bus station and we spotted required First Manchester 37282 on a #18 to Manchester.

First Manchester 37282 in Middleton bus station

We decided to do the bus so we got on and we brought System One bus only day tickets at £5.20 each. We went upstairs and we sat down and the bus pulled out of the bus station. We joined the Eastbound A576 and then we went Southwards down the A664. We climbed up the hill out of town and then we ran down hill over the M60 and into Blackley. Further down the road we passed Blackley service station and then we saw a road that we recognised... We passed Old Market Street and the West end of Boggart Hole Clough. We continued Southwards into Harpurhey and we stopped outside the 'World famous Embassy Club' with the mosaic of Bernard Manning on he side! We decided to go another couple of stops South and then get off the bus. We got up and got off opposite to the Kebab King. Once of the bus Matthew took another picture of First Manchester 37282 before it carried on towards Manchester.

First Manchester 37282 in Harpurhey

Once off the bus we walked Southwards down the road to the traffic lights. We crossed over the road and we were going to go further South to the next stop. We saw a bus approaching so we decided to go North as the bus stop was closer. I flagged the bus down and Matthew took a picture of required First Manchester 63148 on the #53 to Cheetham Hill

First Manchester 63148 in Harpurhey

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We ran North through Harpurhey and into Blackley. As we veered left onto Old Market Street we wet into familiar territory. We guessed we were towards the North Manchester General Hospital. We asked Matthew if he wanted to go to the hospital or Cheetham Hill and Matthew chose the hospital. We ran forwards onto Delaunays Road and then we turned left into the hospital. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of First Manchester 63148 before it carried on towards Cheetham Hill.

First Manchester 63148 outside the NMGH

We crossed over the road to get get a picture of required Stagecoach Manchester 36075 which was on a #57 service to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 36075 outside the NMGH

We also saw required First Manchester 66855 on a #42 to Manchester. We also saw required Stagecoach Manchester 10858 on a #156 to Middleton.

Stagecoach Manchester 10858 outside the NMGH

We decided to do the Stagecoach Manchester 36075 so we got on it and flashed the System One ticket to the driver. Matthew took a picture inside and then we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 36075

We set off onto Delaunays Road and we went eastwards towards Blackley. We turned right onto Lion Street and we went Southwards. We went forwards onto Slack Road and forwards again onto Waterloo Street. We continued onto Hazelbottom Road and at the end we turned left onto Smedley Road. We turned left onto the A6010 and we ran Eastwards for around 1/4 of a mile until we got to the A664. We turned right to go South and travelled for around another 1/2 mile. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Manchester 36075 as it carried on towards Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 36075 in Miles Platting

Right behind us was required Stagecoach Manchester 10853 on a #118 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 10853 in Miles Platting

We crossed over the road to catch a bus Northwards back towards Middleton. A few minutes later required First Manchester 66868 on a #17 to Rochdale.

First Manchester 66868 in Miles Platting

We decided to do this bus so we flagged it down. We got on the bud and we flashed the System One ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off Northwards up the A664 we we travelled through Harpurhey past the World Famous Embassy Club. We paused for a short while and then we continued North past Boggart Hole Clough and Into Blackley. We crossed over the M60 and we ran the last mile or so into Middleton. We crossed over the A669 and we entered the bus station. Once we got off the bus Matthew indicated he wanted to go to the toilet. On the way to the toilet we saw dud First Manchester 42941 on layover in between #415's to Oldham.

First Manchester 42941 in Middleton bus station

Whilst Matthew was in the toilet I saw a First Manchester ALX400 pull up on stand. Matthew finished in the toilet and we walked over to discover that the bus was required First Manchester 30935 on a #59 to Manchester.

First Manchester 30935 in Middleton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside First Manchester 30935 before we sat down.

Inside First Manchester 30935

We set off out of the bus station and we turned onto the A576. We ran the couple of miles down to the M60 and we crossed over and into Blackley we past the East side of Heaton Park. We carried on for another couple of miles and we turned left onto Bury Old Road where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another First Manchester 30935 before it carried on towards Manchester.

First Manchester 30935 in Cheetham Hill

Once off the road we went into Kashmir Mart world food shop. We brought a can of Coke and a couple of chocolate bars and then we went back outside. As we came back out of the shop we saw First Manchester 30945 heading Northwards on a #59 service. We crossed the road and we just missed a bus on a #163 to Bury. We decided to sit at the bus stop and wait for the next #59. Whilst we waited Matthew had a can of Vimto and a chocolate bar. Whilst we were at the bus we saw Stotts MX60 BWZ on a #151 to Hollinwood.

Stotts MX60 BWZ in Cheetham Hill

A few minutes later the bus to Middleton appeared. It was dud First Manchester 37553 on a #59 to Oldham.

First Manchester 37553 in Cheetham Hill

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside First Manchester 37553 before we sat down.

Inside First Manchester 37553

The bus set off up Bury Old Road and we turned right the A576 where we stopped for a short while. We continued North Eastwards past Bowker Vale tram stop and to the East of Heaton Park. We crossed the M60 and we ran the couple of miles into town. We entered the bus station. Once in Middleton bus station we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we crossed over to the other side of the bus station and we saw First Manchester 37442 on a #17 to Manchester.

First Manchester 37442 in Middleton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One ticket to the bus driver. We went upstairs and we sat down and the bus pulled out of the bus station. We joined the Eastbound A576 and then we went Southwards down the A664. We climbed up the hill out of town and then we ran down hill over the M60 and into Blackley. Further down the road we passed Blackley service station and then we saw a road that we recognised... We passed Old Market Street and the West end of Boggart Hole Clough. We continued Southwards into Harpurhey and we stopped outside the 'World famous Embassy Club'. We then continued Southwards down the A664 crossed over Queens Road. We got back into familiar territory so we decided to get up and get off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Manchester 37442 as it carried on towards Manchester.

First Manchester 37442 in Miles Platting

We crossed over the road and we waited at the bus stop for a bus back towards Middleton. As we waited we saw required Stagecoach Manchester 10849 on a #112 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 10849 in Miles Platting

We also saw First Manchester 67419 on a #81A to Manchester.

First Manchester 67419 in Miles Platting

A few minutes later a bus appeared and it was dud First Manchester 37431 on a #163 to Bury.

First Manchester 37431 in Miles Platting

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One ticket to the driver for the final time today before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off Northwards up the A664 we we travelled through Harpurhey past the World Famous Embassy Club. We paused for a short while and then we continued North past Boggart Hole Clough and Into Blackley. We crossed over the M60 and we ran the last mile or so into Middleton. We crossed over the A669 and we entered the bus station. Once we got off the bus we had one last walk around the bus station to see what was about before we returned to the car. We saw required First Manchester 60274 on a #58 to Oldham.

First Manchester 60274 in Middleton bus station

We also saw Stagecoach Manchester 10848 on a #112 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 10848 in Middleton bus station

We walked outside onto the main road whilst we waited for mum to arrive and we saw First Manchester 39207 on a #18 to Langley.

First Manchester 39207 in Middleton bus station

We walked across the the police station and mum pulled up outside. We got in the car and there were sausage rolls and a bottle of Irn Bru waiting for Matthew. We set off onto the A664 and we ran up the hill and down towards Blackley. We joined the anti-clockwise M60 and as we joined up with the M62 we saw Rigby's coach RIG 1083. We continued along the M60 and then took the Westbound M62. We carried on Westwards for a few miles and then we took the Southbound M6. As we travelled Southwards we saw and unidentified AVA Coaches coach. We came off the M6 at the A500 and we ran Southwards through Stoke. At Sideway we went Eastwards along the A50 to Longton. We went to Z Carz to see what was parked up this evening. In the front row was Z Carz Iveco minibus GK02 NWJ.

Z Carz GK02 NWJ in Longton

Also in the first row was Z Carz Renault minibus DS07 LSN.

Z Carz DS07 LSN in Longton

Also in the front row was Z Carz Vauxhall minibus DG10 VMO.

Z Carz DG10 VMO in Longton

In the second row was Z Carz Ford minibus HK57 LFY.

Z Carz HK57 LFY in Longton

Nearest in the second row was Z Carz Ford minibus LG09 JVX.

Z Carz LG09 JVX in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row to see what was parked in to compound today. In the compound we saw Z Carz Renault minibus YE52 UZX.

Z Carz YE52 UZX in Longton

Also in the compound was Z Carz Renault minibus PE10 MJK.

Z Carz PE10 MJK in Longton

Last bus in the compound was Z Carz Ford minibus YS09 LWV.

Z Carz YS09 LWV in Longton

It appears that Z Carz may have brought the field behind the shed and are extending the depot so they don't have to park the buses on the spare ground. We turned around and ran down Edensor Road. We turned left onto Spring Garden Road and we ran to the end. We went past a new building which appears to being built by the old Somerfield supermarket. We joined the A5035 towards Longton and we did a u-turn at the roundabout. We stopped at the Longton Fisheries chip shop to pick up tea. Matthew decided to visit the bookmakers next door to use the toilet. We picked up the food and we ran along the A5035 through Dresden into Blurton. We got home around 19:30. For a late tea Matthew had sausage chips and gravy followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. We then chilled out at home and uploaded pictures and did some of the Blog. Matthew chilled out om the computer until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Rochdale / Royton 06-09-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
60275	Rochdale Interchange	Jericho (Bury), Rochdale Old Road/Jericho (opp Service Station)	468	First Manchester
241	Jericho (Bury), Bury and Rochdale Old Road/Jericho (Church)	Rochdale Interchange	468	Rossendale Easyride
37463	Rochdale Interchange	Wrens Nest (Shaw), by Milnrow Road/Wrens Nest	182	First Manchester
30956	Wrens Nest (Shaw), by Milnrow Road/Wrens Nest	Royton, High Barn St/Park St (Stop H)	181	First Manchester
37553	Royton, High Barn Street/Park Street (Stop E)	Wrens Nest (Shaw), adj Smallbrook Road/Wrens Nest	181	First Manchester
37469	Wrens Nest (Shaw), at Smallbrook Road/Wrens Nest	Rochdale Interchange	182	First Manchester

Today we decided to re-visit Rochdale. We left the choice until the morning again, the weather had been forecast for Cloudy weather with an occasional shower. Matthew got up just after 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Just before 12:00 we set off onto the A5035 and we turned right onto Stanley Matthew Way. We went West on the A50 and then North up the A500. There was a broken down van at Sideway and the police had cone off part off the sliproad for Stoke. We carried on North and we got onto the Northbound M6. We caught up with a couple of Richardson's coaches, the rear one of the convoy was YN57 BWE. The coaches turned of onto the M56 before we caught back up with them. Near to Thelwall viaduct we passed Z Carz W221 CDN going South. We turned onto the Eastbound M62 and then forward onto the M60. As we passed the M61 it started to rain. We saw ABC Supreme VK06 LTV and Transdev Burnley & Pendle 2776,which was on a X43 to Burnley. We carried onto the M62 and the windscreen wiper jumped out of its holder, so we turned into Birch services to effect a repair. Wiper back on we carried on along the M62 and we came off onto the A627(M). We turned righ onto the A58 and we headed into town passing First Manchester 37298 on a #471 service. We parked up near to the town hall and we walked into town to get something to eat. As we walked alongside the main road we saw Rossndale Easyride Solo 60 on a #448 service.

Rossendale 60 in Rochdale

We spotted a Yates that seemed to have good meal deals, so we went into to inquire about them. Matthew headed downstairs to use their toilet. Mum had been informed that there was going to be at least a 30 minute wait on food, so we walked around the corner to the chicken place. There wasn't a free table here, and it was raining anyway, so we walked back to Yates. Matthew had a bacon cheeseburger with fries and a glass of Coke. After we had finished eating we walked up to the interchange. As we walked in we saw Yorkshire Tiger Solo 311 on a #528 to Halifax. We walked up to the top of the interchange so that we could get a few pictures. We saw required Rossendale Easyride Volvo B7RLE 216 on a #464 to Accrington.

Rossendale 216 in Rochdale Interchange

Parked up between #6 Kirkholt circulars was First Manchester 60240.

First Manchester 60240 in Rochdale Interchange

We walked down the other side of the interchange and we saw First Manchester 60275 on a #468 to Tottington.

First Manchester 60275 in Rochdale Interchange

I asked Matthew if he wanted to do the Citaro and he said yes. As we went to catch the bus we saw First Manchester Solo 40331 on layover between duties.

First Manchester 40331 in Rochdale Interchange

We got on the bus and booked System One bus tickets at £5.20. The bus was nearly empty, so before we sat down Matthew took a picture of the empty rear of First Manchester 60275.

Inside First Manchester 60275

A few minutes later the bus set off out off the interchange and across the A58. W headed out of town towards Spotalnds before turning back South towards Jericho and along War Office Road. At the bottom we turned right onto Bury and Rochdale road and we passed the Church in Hooley Bridge where we had done Rossendale Easyride 163 out for 139 back in July 2014. It was still a little damp so we were looking for a stop on the opposite of the road with a shelter. About half a mile down the road we spotted a shelter opposite so we got up to get off the bus. The bus pulled off from the stop and was stopped at some temporary roadworks.

First Manchester 60275 in Jericho

We crossed the road and headed for the stop. We could see a 'Rosso' bus on the other side of the roadworks so we walked quickly to the stop... So much for needing a bus shelter! The bus got closer and we saw it was required 'Rosso' 241.

Rossendale 241 in Jericho

We got on the bus and we flashed our System One tickets. The bus was nearly empty so Matthew took his picture inside 'Rosso' 241 there and then.

Inside Rossendale 241

The bus headed of down Bury and Rochdale Road and we turned left onto War Office Road. We went past Spotlands and then into town past Asda and across the A58. When we got back into the interchange we got off and Matthew got another picture of 'Rosso'241.

Rossendale 241 in Rochdale Interchange

We walked up to the toilet and after Matthew had done we had a look around to see what we could catch. Looking around we spotted required First Manchester 37463 on a #182 to Manchester. As we had done a #182 before and we knew where it went, I asked Matthew if he wanted to do this bus and he said yes. He took a quick picture before we went to get on this bus.

First Manchester 37463 in Rochdale Interchange

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One tickets to the driver. We went upstairs and it was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside First Manchester 37463 before we sat down.

Inside First Manchester 37463

We came out of the interchange and we stopped at the tram track to let Metrolink trams 3008 and 3061 go passed on their way to East Didsbury. We followed the tram up Drake Street and then turned onto Milnrow Road. We passed through Newbold and the Kingsway Retail Park and carried on South to Milnrow. We went down the high street under the M62 motorway. Here we reached a more rural part of the route crossing over and back over the Metrolink tramway. Just North of Shaw we stopped at triangular junction with a green in the middle. As we stopped we saw required First Manchester 30956 park opposite on a #181 service. we also saw required 30959 whizz past on a #59 service. Damn! Two good buses that we wouldn't of minded doing go past us in less than 30 seconds. The driver then shuts the engine down on the bus that we were on and says that the bus was going out of service and we would have to get on the bus opposite when it come around. That was well timed. The bus opposite had just terminated and it was about to form a #181 back to Manchester... We would have never have dared got off to catch it by ourselves but now we were being asked to do so. We got of First Manchester 37463 and we took another picture of this bus.

First Manchester 37463 in Shaw

A quick check of the timetable revealed First Manchester 30956 was due off in a few minutes. When it was time the bus came around the triangular green and pulled up at the stop.

First Manchester 30956 in Shaw

We got on the bus and flashed our System One tickets. We went upstairs and as the bus was empty Matthew took his picture inside First Manchester 30956 immediately.

Inside First Manchester 30956

We sat down and the bus set off down through Shaw along the high street. The #181 take a slightly different route into Royton, and we went along Oldham Road and Blackburn Lane before going onto High Barn Street. Just before we got to Royon we passed another Volvo B7TL on a #181.. This was First Manchester 30963. We rang the bell as we approached Royton, and we got up and got off the bus. As the bus carried on towards Manchester we took another picture of this fine bus.

First Manchester 30956 in Royton

We decided to got and visit the Co-op Food store, so we crossed over the two roads and went into the shop. Matthew had a can of Coke and a bottle of cherry Coke to drink now. He also had a six pack of Milky Ways. We paid for the thing and went down Oldham Road to take a few pictures and to look at the timetable at the bus stop. There was a #181 to Shaw in around 15 minutes so we decided to wait for that. Matthew had his Cheryy Coke and a Milky Way and whilst we waited we let First Manchester 33755 go on a #409 to Rochdale.

First Manchester 33755 in Royton

Just after this we saw First Manchester 30955 going South on #64 service. After Matthew had finished his bus stop picnic We decided to go back to High Barn Street to wait for the #181. As we got to high barn Street we saw a heritage liveried First Manchester bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was required First Manchester 37451.

First Manchester 37451 in Royton

We crossed over High Barn Street and sat down to wait for the #181. A few minutes later we saw it was a modern double decker... As it got closer we saw it was required First Manchester 37553.

First Manchester 37553 in Royton

We got on the bus and we flashed our System One tickets. We went upstairs, and as the top deck was empty behind the stairs, Matthew took a picture there and then on First Manchester 37553.

Inside First Manchester 37553

The bus set off back to Shaw via Blackburm Lane and Oldham Road, and we headed into Shaw up the high street. We went out of the North end of town and then bus terminated at the triangle-shaped green an we got off the bus. The bus moved off and parked on the opposite side of the road in a layover area. Also in this area was Ring & Ride minibus BX58 VCT.

Ring & Ride BX58 VCT in Shaw

We walked over to the other stop where the #58 departs, as well as the #182 towards Rochdale. The first bus due was a #58, we saw that it was a single decker as it went around the green. As it got closer we saw it was dud First Manchester 66858.

First Manchester 66858 in Shaw

This is a bus that we had been on between Moorside and Oldham on the #83 back in September 2013. The was a Rochdale bound #182 due a few minutes later, and we were certain that this would be a double decker. We saw it approaching and it was a double decker. As it got closer we saw it was required First Manchester 37469.

First Manchester 37469 in Shaw

We got on the bus and we flashed our System One tickets for the last time today. We went upstairs and as it was empty Matthew took a picture there and then.

Inside First Manchester 37469

The bus set off into the sticks and we went through Milnrow and Newbold before popping into Rochdale. We dropped into the interchange and we met up with mum. She was in the shop, and Matthew had another couple of pieces of chocolate here. We decided to have a walk around and take a few pictures before we headed back to the car. First Manchester 66912 was parked up on layover between duties.

First Manchester 66912 in Rochdale Interchange

Rossendale Easyride 208 was about to work the next #468 to Bury.

Rossendale 208 in Rochdale Interchange

We walked down to the bottom end of the interchange. Running empty was First Manchester 66880.

First Manchester 66880 in Rochdale Interchange

Also on layover was First Manchester 37371.

First Manchester 37371 in Rochdale Interchange

We waled back up to the top and we saw a First Manchester Solo approaching. Closer inspection revealed it was First Manchester 40319.

First Manchester 40319 in Rochdale Interchange

Then a minibus arrived. Branded for 'Kingway Link' was Manchester Community Transport DX09 KWR.

MCT DX09 KWR in Rochdale Interchange

We headed back to the car where Matthew had got a sausage roll waiting for him. This was washed down with a 500ml bottle of Irn Bru. We drove out of the town centre and onto the A58. We turned left onto the A627(M) and then we joined onto the Westbound M62. We joined the anti-clockwise M60 and then carried on the West bound M62. Just before we got to the M6 we had a minor electrical issue with the car.We turned onto the Southbound M6 and we came off the M6 at the A57 so we could stop somewhere to sort out the problem. We turned the car off for a few second and the problem was cured. We carried on South on the M6 and we caught up with Ridlers YYD 154 around the junction with the A54.

Ridlers YYD 154 on the M6

We left the M6 at the North end of the A500 and we went south through Stoke-on-Trent. At Sideway we took the Eastbound A50 which we did up to Longton. We went passed the Z carz depot today see what was there. first in the row was Z Carz Mercedes minibus S952 VMY, which appears to have had a little accident with the front bumper.

Z Carz S952 VMY in Longton

As we were taking pictures, Z Carz Mercedes minibus M372 NWN arrived at the depot.

Z Carz M372 NWN in Longton

Also at the depot tonight was former Alton Towers Transport coach M534 RSO.

Z Carz M534 RSO in Longton

There were quite a few Ford minibuses at the depot tonight including Z Carz BN03 OVS.

Z Carz BN03 OVS in Longton

At the back was Z Carz FP06 WTW. The last of the buses on the front row was airport transfer bus DL03 HHU.

Z Carz DL03 HHU in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row and there were a few minibuses in the yard. These included long term SORN LDV T408 JUX and Y568 XFV, We headed back onto the A50 and through Heron Cross, At the lightning house was T2 DLT. We went through Blurton we tirned right onto Beaconsfield Road and we saw First Potteries Solo 40016 on the last bus up to Longton. We got home just after 19:20. For a late tea Matthew had sausage, potatoes and carrots followed by a slice of lemon meringue pie. He then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 01:00... Mark