Trip to Newcastle / Stafford 26-07-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
6008	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	1A	D&G Bus
63176	Newcastle BS	Stafford, Station Road	101	First Potteries
3792	Stafford, Station Road	Stafford, Castle Church	5	Arriva Midlands
3772	Stafford, Castle Church	Stafford, Kingsway	5	Arriva Midlands
63176	Stafford, Station Road	Hanley BS	101	First Potteries
67153	Hanley BS	Fenton, Albert Square	23	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to Stafford. 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 Temple Street Church RX18 GZW. Later on we went out on the bus. We went downstairs and We walked onto Temple Street and left onto Christchurch Street. We stopped at the Co-op and Matthew had a bottle of Coke. We turned left onto Temple Street and we cut through onto City Road to wait a bus to Newcastle. At the Afford garage we saw Afford rent-a-car BG72 UEU parked up. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 6008 on a #1A to Wood Lane.

D&G Bus 6008 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre. We continued along Church Street onto Hartshill Road and into the centre of Hartshill. We turned left into the Avenue and left again onto Hilton Road before turning right into the City General Hospital. hospital. As we travelled through the hospital we saw ERS Medical YJ71 DWG and Intermediate Care YX22 MLZ. Once through the hospital we turned right onto the A34 and we ran into Newcastle. We crossed the roundabout and we ran up Barracks Road and into the bus station from the South end. Once we got to the bus station we got up and got off the bus. We set off on foot up Hassell Street and we turned right onto High Street and we visited Wright's Pies. Matthew brought at sausage roll. We continued along High Street and we stopped at the benches at the end to eat the sausage rolls followed by a Viscount biscuit and drink the can of Fanta orange. When we had finished we set off onto High Street. We turned right onto Ironmarket and we turned right onto Castle Walk and into the bus station and we waited for a bus towards Trentham Gardens. Eventually the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 63176 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 63176 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Stafford before we went upstairs and down towards. We set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We ran Southwards onto the A34 and we ran down through Trent Vale and into Hanford. We continued down through to Trentham and then we got onto the fast section of the A34. We ran through Tittensor to Darlaston and 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 Nexus Move minibus MX67 GYW. We rejoined the A34 at the roundabout where the A51 goes Eastwards and we ran Southwards through the fast section on the A34 to the A513 roundabout. We ran the last couple of miles into town down the A34 onto Foregate Street and we turned right onto Chell Road. We crossed the roundabout onto Tenterbanks and we turned right onto Victoria Road. We turned left onto Station Road and we got up and got off the bus. We continued to the railway station and and Matthew decided he wanted to go to the toilet. Once out of the staion we walked to the pavillion and we brought a sausage bap and a bottle of Coke. Matthew ate his sausage bap a can of Coke. When we had finished eating we went back onto Water Street and we cut through Victoria Park and back to the bus stop outside the railway station. We waited for a bus to the Stafford Castle. As we got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 3792 on a #5 to Telford. We got on the bus and we booked to the Castle before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Station Road and at the end we turned left onto the A518. We got up and got off the bus. We crossed over A518 and we cut through to the Stafford Castle. We visited The visitors centre and Matthew needed to toilet. Once we let the bus go we walked up the A518 and the bus stop. A few minutes later we saw Arriva Midlands 3754 on a #5A to Telford. We saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was Arriva Midlands 3772 on a #5 to Stafford. We got on the bus and we booked to the Kingsway before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off Northwards up the A518 and we approached the main junction we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked into the pub on the corner and Matthew went to the toilet and I went to the bar to order drinks. Mathew had a glass of Coke and we sat down in the main seating area. When we had finished we went outside and we crossed over the A518 and we went under the railway line before turning left onto Station Road and we waited for a bus to Hanley. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63176 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63176 in Stafford

We got on the bus and we gooked to Newcastle before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Station Road and at the end we turned left onto the A518. We ran around the South end of town and over the river onto Cope Street. We ran up Eastgate and along North Walls and into the Gaol Square bus station. We left the bus station onto the A34 and we ran Northwards to the edge of town. We continued up the fast section of the A34 to the edge of Stone and then we turned left onto the industrial estate. We ran around the estate and onto Tiling Drive. We turned right onto Eccleshall Road and we crossed the A34 onto Stafford Road. We turned left onto Crown Street and we stopped at the main stop in Stone. We ran North up Newcastle Road and we re-joined the Northbound A34. We ran Morth through Meaford and Tittensor and up into Trentham. We continued North through Hanford and Trent Vale and we past the City General hospital before going into Newcastle. We turned right onto Barracks Road and into Newcastle bus station. After a brief stop we continued towards Hanley. We set off onto Barracks Road and we ran forwards onto the one-way system. We continued onto the A52 and when we got to Hartshill we veered left onto Shelton New Road. We ran over the railway line and canal and we went up to Snow Hill. We turned left and ran up Broad Street. We turned right onto the ring road and left onto Bethesda Street. We turned right onto John Street and we ran up to the bus station. Once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Matthew used the toilet. Once off the bus we walkd down to the bottom of the bus station. Once off the bus we set off up Lichfield Street. We turned righ onto Old Hall Street and we turned the corner onto and we walked up McDonalds and we had dinner. Matthew had a burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. Once We walked along Parliament Row and we walked onto Old Hall Street. We walked up Lichfield Street and back to the bus station. We waited for a bus back towards Fenton we saw Belle Vue YG25 FEU on a #076 to Birmingham. A short time later we saw a bus turn around the corner. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67153 on a #23 to Newstead

First Potteries 67153 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Blurton 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. We turned left onto Broad Street and we ran down the hill and over the ring road onto Snow Hill Before we turned left onto Copeland Street. We continued forwards onto Glebe Street and we followed the road around onto Church Street. We crossed the A500 and we ran under the railway line and we continued onto City Road 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 walked back to to the residential unit. We set off onto Christchurch Street and we walked back into Temple Street and into the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to use his computer and watch buses. He also ate the a bottle of Coke and a toffee Crisp. Later on Matthew had a bath and had toast for supper. Matthew went on his computer until bedtime around 23:00... Mark..

Trip to Cannock / Wolverhampton 07-12-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
498	Cannock BS	The Scotlands, Leason Lane	70	Chaserider
835	The Scotlands, Leason Lane	Wolverhampton BS	11	NX West Midlands
3792	Wolverhampton BS	Compton, Square	9	Arriva Midlands
2006	Compton, Square	Wolverhampton BS	10	NX West Midlands
6792	Wolverhampton BS	Walsall St Pauls BS	529	NX West Midlands
2132	Walsall St Pauls BS	Bloxwich, Samuel Street	31	NX West Midlands

Today we decided to go to Cannock. We had seen the weather warnings for storm Darragh so we wnated to go somewhere close to home. We didn't pick until Saturday morning and appart from looking at the weather we did no research. Matthew got up around 10:30 and had toast and apple juice for breakfast. We got ready to go out and we left arounbd 11:50. We set off thr Blurton onto 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 turned right onto City Road so that we could joined the Southbound A500. Whilst we waited to joined the A500 we saw former Shelton Care Group minibus DY08 FFX going the other way. We joined the Southbound A500 and we ran Southwards through Hanford down to the M6. We joined the Southbound M6 and we headed through Staffordshire. Travelling down the motorway we saw an unidentified Jones Coaches, white minibus YS22 ZZE, 2 unidentified adventure coaches, an unidentified Ferris coach, an unidentified coachleasing.com coach, an unidentified Bennetts (blue and orange) coach, Alfa 103 / 117 and Selwyns BV23 ZWB(#540) / BV67 JXN(#120). We came off the M6 at junction 12 and we joined the Eastbound A5. We went for a couple of miles before stopping at the Truckers Rest truck stop. Matthew went to the toilet and mum ordered dinner for us. For dinner Matthew had a full English breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we headed out to the car park and we saw GJG Travel MC19 MMX parked up outside.

GJG Travel MC19 MMX in Four Crosses

We got back into the car and we re-joined the Eastbound A5. Just before we got to the A4601 we turned left onto the A4601 and we headed Northwards into town. We ran forwards onto the A34 and we ran past the bus station. We pulled up next to the bus station and we said goodbye to mum before heading into the bus station. On the way in we saw Chaserider 198 on a #74 to Stafford.

Chaserider 198 in Cannock bus station

We headed into the shopping centre and Matthew went to the toilet. Once we had finished we came out and had a look around to see what we might catch. We saw a bus on the bottom standing heading inti the West Midlands. As we got closer we saw it was Chaserider 498 on a #70 to Wolverhampton.

Chaserider 498 in Cannock bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to singles to Wolverhampton at £2 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we turned around at the roundabout and we went Eastwards along the A34. At the roundabout we turned left onto the B5012 and we ran through Dartmouth Road. We turned right onto Hatherton Road and we turned left onto Gorsey Lane. We turned left onto Oaks Drive and we ran North Eastwards through Bideford Way and we turned left onto Ascot Drive. We turned right onto Longford Road and we turned right onto Delta Way. We turned left onto the A5 and we turned right onto Walkmill Lane and we ran forwards onto Mill Lane and we ran forwards onto Coppice Lane and we ran through Cheslyn Hay. We turned right onto the B4156 and and we turned right onto High Street and we turned left onto onto Wolverhampton Road. We turned right onto the A462 and we ran forwards onto the A460 and we ran through Shareshill. We turned right onto New Road and we turned left onto onto Baneberry Drive and we turned left onto onto Turnstone Drive. We turned right onto New Road and we turned left onto onto Baneberry Drive and we turned left onto onto Brookhouse Lane and we continued onto The Avenue. We turned right onto the A460 and we headed up to Westcroft. We ran up the hill and into Underhill and past the fromer Berry Brook Farm pub. We ran down the hill into The Scotlands and we got up and got off the bus. We had a walk around to see what we might catch. We saw Veezu SG74 LKU. As we got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 835 on a #11 to Wolverhampton.

NX West Midlands 835 in The Scotlands

We got on the bus and we booked nBus day tickets at £4.80 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down Cannock Road and we crossed under both railway lines. We passed nearby to the railway line and we ran forwards onto Stafford Street. We turned left onto Broad Street and we turned left onto a special bus lane that runs alongside the inside of the ring road contraflow to the traffic. We then emerged from the cutting at the entrance of the bus station. We got up and we got off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. We came out of the toilet and we saw Woods Coaches 380 on a #210 service to Gatwick Airport.

Woods Coaches 380 in Wolverhampton bus station

We had a look around for something to catch. Matthew noticed there was a #9 to Bridgenorth due. We waited at the stand for around 10 minutes and the bus appeared. As it arrived on stand we sw it was dud Arriva Midlands 3792 on a #9 to Bridgnorth.

Arriva Midlands 3792 in Wolverhampton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus ticket to the driver. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 3792 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3792

This is a bus that we first had back in March 2023 from Telford to Oakengates on a #6 service. The emergency door open alarm was going off, so the driver attempted to silence the alarm by opening and closing all the door but to no avail. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto the ring road we came back inside the town along Broad Street and we turned right into princes square and left into Lichfield Street. We ran out of town stopping on Lichfield street and Darlington Street and we crossed the ring road onto Chapel Ash. We continued West along the A454 and road very quickly became rural. About 2 miles West of the ring road we came into village of Compton. As we approached the main junction we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took a picture of Arriva Midlands 3792 before it continued on towards Bridgnorth.

Arriva Midlands 3792 in Compton

Once off the bus we walked into the pub on the corner and Matthew went to the toilet and I went to the bar to order drinks. Mathew had a glass of Coke and we sat down in the main seating area. When we had finished we went outside and we crossed over Bridgenorth Road and headed to the bus stop. It was raining and the wind was blowing hard so we huddled in the bus shelter to wait for a bus back to Wolverhamptom. There should have been an Arriva Midlands bus first but it must have been running late. A few minutes later we saw a bus turn the corner. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 2006 on a #10 to Wolverhampton.

NX West Midlands 2006 in Compton

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We ran back into town down the A454 and passed the Harley Davidson Shop on Chapel Ash. We crossed the ring road onto Salop Street and we ran forwards onto Cleveland Street. We turned left onto Garrick Street and we then turned right onto Bilston Street. We ran past the police station and onto the ring road and then enter the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Once we got off the bus Matthew indicated that he wanted to have another drink. We walked across the road to the premier shop and we bought some chocolate bars and a bottle of Coke. We crossed back over to the bus station and we waited for a bus towards Walsall. We formulated a plan to meet up with mum in Bloxwich. Whilst we waited we saw National Express West Midlands 2077 on a #82 to Dudley.

NX West Midlands 2077 in Wolverhampton bus station

Whilst we waited Matthew ate some Cadbury's Snack which had just bought from the shop. A few minutes later a bus came on stand. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 6792 on a #529 to Walsall.

NX West Midlands 3792 in Wolverhampton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the bus station. We left towards the tram station and we crossed over the ring road and onto the A454 and we ran through Monmore. We continued into Moseley and we Northwards into Portobello. We ran through Willenhall and we walked past thre former HSBC Bank. We ran through Bentley and out the other side and down into Reedswood. We travelled through Pleck and over Walsall and we ran forwards onto the A4148. We turned right onto Wolverhampton Street and we ran past the Crown Wharf Shopping Park. We ran forwards onto Townend Street and we crossed the roundabout into St Paul's Street and into the bus station. Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. We decided to have a qiuick walk around and take a few picture before we caught something up to Bloxwich. We saw APP Carz AV11 UFZ stopped outside the bus station on St Pauls Street.

APP Carz AV11 UFZ in Walsall bus station

We walked back to the bus station just as a driver was getting a bus ready for service. As we got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 2132 on a #31 to Mossley.

NX West Midlands 2132 in Walsall bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We messaged mum to tell her to set off and meet us at Bloxwich. The bus set off out of the bus station and we went North up Stafford Street. We crossed over the A4148 continuing North up Stafford Street and we ran the 2 miles or so up to Bloxwich. When we got to town we went up the High Street and we turned left onto Wolverhampton Road where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked down Wolverhampton Road and we crossed over the High Street and we went into the pub. Matthew went to the toi;et and afterwards we had a can of Coke. Mum called to say she was outside so we went outside to the car. Mum needed to drop something off at work so we headed up to Brownhills. We turned around and we headed North up Park Road. We turned right and we headed Eastwards aklong the A4124. We ran through Pelsall and over the Wyrley and Essington Canal and we headed to the roundabout at the top of Brownhills. We crossed over the roundabout onto the B4155 and we turned right onto Great Charles Street. We stopped for a few minutes near to mums work and Matthew had the bakewell tart we bougt at the Truck Stop Cafe earlier. When mum was ready to go we headed home via the chip shop. We turned left onto the Sadler Road and left onto the B4155. We stopped at the chip shop and Matthew had sausage chips and gravy. After I had finished eating we set off along the B4155 and we turned right onto the A452. At the roundabout we joined the Westbound A5. We ran to the bottom of Cannock and we joined the Westbound A460. We ran to the south of Cannock and we joined the Northbound M6. As we battled our way Northwards through the winds and we rain we saw an unidentified Bruce's Coaches BF21 CZV(#590) and Woods Coaches 335(#120). We came off the M6 at junction 15 and we joined the Northbound A500. We came off at Stoke and we turned right onto Wheildon Road. We stopped at uncle Dave's house and dropped uncle Dave off. We got back in the car and we set off for Blurton. We set off onto Wheildon Road and we ran forwards onto Grove Road. 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 19:40. Matthew chilled out on his computer. Matthew had his medication and we did some of the Blog. We also wrote a few emails and generally used the computer to entertain ourselves. Matthew had a can of Cherry Coke. Matthew settled down around 01:00... Mark

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 Oswestry / Chirk 15-01-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3693	Oswestry BS	Whittington, Three Trees	X5	Arriva Midlands
3792	Whittington, Three Trees	Oswestry BS	X5	Arriva Midlands
296	Oswestry BS	Llynclys, White Lion Inn	79	Tanat Valley
574	Llynclys, White Lion Inn	Oswestry BS	79	Tanat Valley
3789	Oswestry BS	Chirk, Hand Hotel	2	Arriva Midlands
3787	Chirk, Hand Hotel	Oswestry BS	2	Arriva Midlands

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to Oswestry. Research for the trip consisted of checking the weather, which was for rain. Shropshire Council said it has been pleased with the early feedback from drivers using the Mile End Roundabout. 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 Temple Street Church RX18 GZW.

Temple Street Church RX18 GZW in Fenton

Matthwe went into the living room and we saw Afford rent-a-car MK71 WMF.

Afford rent-a-car MK71 WMF in Fenton

He also watched buses out of the window we saw First Potteries 67155 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67155 in Fenton

We checked the bag and Matthew realised that he had batteries. We came around 11:30 and Matthew came downstairs and got in the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. We set off onto Wheildon Road and forwards onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton along Blurton Road and we turned right onto Church Road. At the end we turned right onto the A5035. We ran over the railway line into Trentham and then we got onto the Northbound A34. We turned left onto Whitmore Road and we ran up to Hanchurch. We crossed over the A519 onto the A5182 and we ran the 3 or so mile Westwards to the A53. We turned left and we went South-Westwards to the junction of the A51. After we got to the Swan With Two Neck we continued Westwards along the A51. We ran up to Woore and then we turned left onto the A525. We ran Westwards through Audlem. We continued to Whitchurch and we ran around the Southern by-pass onto the A495. We ran West to Ellesmere and we continued to Whittington. We turned left onto the A5 and we ran Southwards into Oswestry. We came into town up Salop Road and we stopped at the Salop Fish bar. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy and a can of Coke. We had finished in the cafe we walked down Salop Road and and we turned right onto Black Gate Street. We turned right onto Oswestry Road and to the bus station we saw Lloyds Coaches YJ10 MDF on a T12 to Machynlleth. We decided almost straight away we were going to do the X5 service towards Whittington. A few minutes later we saw required Arriva Midlands 3693 on the X5 to Telford. We got on the bus and we flashed the Multi-Operator Tickets at £4.70 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Beatrice Street around to the Covid testing site and afterwards onto Beatrice Street and we turned right onto Oswestry Road. We turned left onto Black Gate Street to to pick up more passengers before we left town along the B4579 and past the site of the new McDonald's. We turned left onto College Road and we turned right onto Middleton Road. We turned left onto Unicorn Road and we turned right onto Whittington Road we continued forwards onto the A495 and through Whittington and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked back into the centre of the town and we spotted a convenience store. We went in and we brought a can of Coke and chocolate bars as well as a box of Millionaires shortbread. We sat on some seats by the bus stops in the centre of town and Matthew drank a bottle of Irn Bru. Whilst we waited for a bus back towards Oswestry we saw Arriva Midlands 3792 on a X5 to Oswestry. We got on the bus and we flashed the Multi-Operator Tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A495 past the Whittington Senior Citizens Hall which the owners want to re-develop, and we ran through Oswestry. We ran forwards onto Whittington Road and we turned left into Unicorn Road. We turned right onto Middleton Road and we turned left onto College Road. We turned right onto the B4579. We ran around the one-way system and passed the Arriva bus depot and into town along Leg Street. We ran forwards onto Beatrice Street and we ran along Oswald Road and into the bus station. As we got up and got off the bus. On layover just inside the bus station was Arriva Midlands 4106. As it got closer we saw it was Tanat Valley 296 on a #79 to Pentrefelin. We got on the bus and we flashed the Multi-Operator Tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Beatrice Street around to the Covid testing site and afterwards onto Beatrice Street and we turned right onto Oswestry Road. We turned left onto Black Gate Street to to pick up more passengers before we left town along the B4579. We turned left onto English Walls and we turned right onto the Smithfield Street. We turned left onto Church Street and we went straight onto Upper Church Street and we headed up to Morda. We went forwards onto Morda Road and turned right onto the A483. We travelled through Sweeney and over Llynclys where we got up and got off the bus. We crossed over the B4396 before we returned back into the B4396 along the A483. We continued to the bus stop and we waited for a bus back towards Oswestry. Whilst we waited we saw Tanat Valley 574 on a #79 to Oswestry. We got on the bus and we flashed the Multi-Operator Tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off along the A483 and we continued up to Sweeney. We turned left onto the B5069 through Morda and Oswestry. We turned left onto the B4580 and right onto Castle Street. We turned left into Beatrice Street and we ran along Oswald Road and into the bus station. As we got up and got off the bus. We waited for a bus towards Chirk. A short time later we saw Tanat Valley 282 on a T12 to Wrexham. A few minutes later we saw Arriva Midlands 3789 on a #2 to Wrexham. We got on the bus and we flashed the Multi-Operator Tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Beatrice Street around to the Covid testing site and afterwards onto Beatrice Street. We turned left onto Gobowen Road and we crossed over Twmpath Lane into Gobowen. We turned left onto Whittington Road and right onto St Martins Road. We continued through Rhewl and through Rhosygadfa and then we ran out into open countryside. We turned left onto onto the B5070 and into Gledrid. We turned right onto Chirk Road and into Chirk. We entered town along Church Street and we got up and got off. We walked down Church Street and we turned right onto Colliery Road and Matthew visited the toilet. Once Matthew had finished we walked back up Colliery Road and onto Church Street. We went to the stop and we waited for a bus back to Oswestry. A few minutes later we saw Arriva Midlands 3787 on a #2 to Oswestry. We got on the bus and we flashed the Multi-Operator Tickets to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards back of the bus. We set off along Church Street and forwards onto Chirk Road. We ran through Gledrid and turned left onto the B5070. We turned left onto St Martins Road and we ran through Rhosygadfa back to Rhewl. We ran through Gobowen and turned left onto Whittington Road. We turned right onto Twmpath Lane and we crossed over Gobowen Road into Oswestry. We turned left Oswald Road and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and we met up with mum. We past the former Morrisons which the owners want to be re-developed. Once off the bus we we walked up towards the car. On the way we saw Arriva Midlands 3761 on X5 to Telford. We got in the car and Matthew had a Greggs sausage roll and a can of Irn Bru. We set onto the Beatrice Street. We turned left onto Gobowen Road and we turned right onto onto Whittington Road. We turned left onto the A5 and we ran around the Eastern edge of town up the A495. We ran Eastwards through Ellesmere up to Whitchurchand we ran down the hill to MacDonalds. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards he had beefburger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. After we had finished eating we got in the car. We set off out of the Southbound A41. We ran around the Southern by-pass and we went Eastwards along the A525 through Audlem. We continued to Woore where we straight on through Madeley. We went through Keele by-pass and we continued Eastwards into Newcastle. We turned left onto the Northbound A34 and then right onto Ryecroft. We joined the one-way system and we ran up the A53 to Etruria. We turned right onto the Southbound A500. We came of the A500 at Stoke and we ran up the A52 under the railway line. We continued up into Fenton up City Road. We turned right into Smithpool Road and left into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out and use his computer and watched music videos on the Television later on he had a slice of Millionaire's Shortbread. 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