Trip to Hanley / Stafford 04-10-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67146	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
35943	Hanley BS	Stafford, Chell Road	101	First Potteries
35950	Stafford BS	Hanley BS	101	First Potteries
67146	Hanley BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	23	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to Stafford later on. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw Temple Street church RX18 GZW parked up in the Street. We went downstairs and we cut through onto City Road. We walked to the stop opposite the flats and we saw blue minibus DG52 CXP. We waited for a bus towards Hanley. A short time later we saw First Potteries 63146 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63146 in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67157 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67146 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down City Road and we joined the A52 to go under the railway line and over the A500. We continued onto Church Street. and into the centre of Stoke. After a brief stop we continued around the one-way system onto Elenora Steet and right onto Copeland street. We turned left onto Glebe Street and we went under the railway line before turning left onto Station Road. We went past the railway station 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. We entered the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. bus. In the bus station we saw First Potteries 44511 on a #7 to Kidsgrove. The bus appeared and it was First Potteries 35943 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 35943 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Stafford before we went upstairs. 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 Arriva Beds and Bucks minibus BF67 WGW. 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 crossed over Chell Road and we visited the toilet in Sainsburys. We crossed over onto Chell Road and we ran down to Victoria Park. We walk northwards through the park and into the North West corner to the sensory play area. We walked through the park. After spending a while there we walked back to the South East corner of the park. We returned back into St Mary's into the town centre We walked over market Square onto Gaolgate Street. We walked through the shopping centre and back onto Broad Street we visited Home Bargains. We brought a bottle of Coke. Once we had finished we crossed over 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. At the top we turned right and we stopped at the bus station. In the bus station we saw Chaserider 5202 on a #74 to Cannock.

Chaserider 5202 in Stafford bus station

After a while we saw Select Bus 40 on a #8A to Redhill.

Select Bus 40 in Stafford bus station

We waited for a bus back towards Hanley. A short time later we saw Select Bus 7 on a #876 to Wolverhampton.

Select Bus 7 in Stafford bus station

After a short while the bus back to Hanley appeared. It was First Potteries 35950 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 35950 in Stafford bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we went upstairs. 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 we saw First Potteries 65033 on a #11 to Hanley. We continued along onto Barracks Road and 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. Once off the bus we walkd down to the bottom of the bus station. Matthew used the toilet. We waited for a bus back to Fenton. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was First Potteries 67146 on a #23 to Newstead.

First Potteries 67146 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton 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. We ran up the hill into Fenton and we got up and got off the bus. We crossed over City Road and we walked onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew upstairs and Matthew went to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. Matthew went downstairs to do his shopping. Outside we saw Shelton Care Group WF24 BCE. We went to do the shopping. transport for the trip was a Lucky Seven taxi. We set off onto City Road and we crossed over and onto Manor Street. At the end of Manor Street we turned left onto Victoria Road and we continued down Victoria Road and we stopped at McDonalds. Matthew went to the toilet and had a burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. We got an ABC Supreme taxi back to the residential unit. We set off up Victoria Road. We turned right onto City Road and left onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room and chilled out in his room and use his computer and watch buses out of the window. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. Matthew used his computer and watched music videos on the television. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Newcastle / Stafford 29-06-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
23	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	1	D&G Bus
35946	Newcastle BS	Stafford, Chell Road	101	First Potteries
35935	Stafford BS	Newcastle BS	101	First Potteries
67153	Newcastle BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus. A new link road has opened in the Little Horton area of Bradford. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We went downstairs and we and we cut through onto City Road to wait a bus to Hanley. Behind us we saw First Potteries 44514 on a #11 to Hanley. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was D&G Bus 23 on a #1A to Wood Lane.

D&G Bus 23 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 Safeguard YJ19 ARU. 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 walked out of the bus station and we waited for a bus towards Trentham Gardens. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 35941 on a #25 to Keele.

First Potteries 35941 in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes later a bus appeared and it was First Potteries 35946 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 35946 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 East Riding Council minibus DG63 MXT. 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. In Stafford we saw Select Bus 33 on a #7 to Moss Pit.

Select Bus 33 in Stafford

Once off the bus we walked Westwards along Chell Road and we turned right onto Gaolgate Street and past the Market Square. We stopped at Greggs on Greengate Street and Matthew had a sausage roll and and a bottle of Coke. Once we had finished in the shop we walked back to the square and we ate the sausage roll and drank the Coke. Once we had finished eating and drinking we walked through the shopping centre and back onto Gaolgate Street. At the top we turned right and we stopped at the bus station. In the bus station we saw Chaserider 64 on a #74 to Cannock.

Chaserider 64 in Stafford bus station

A short time later we saw Select Bus 6 on a #9 to Highfields.

Select Bus 6 in Stafford bus station

Another vehicle seen was Select Bus 27 on a #877 to Wolverhampton.

Select Bus 27 in Stafford bus station

A short time later we saw Select Bus 5 on a #12 to Doxey.

Select Bus 5 in Stafford bus station

We waited for a bus back towards Newcastle. A short time later we saw Select Bus 40 on a #875 to Cannock.

Select Bus 40 in Stafford bus station

Afterwards we saw Chaserider 625 on a #828 to Lichfield.

Chaserider 625 in Stafford bus station

A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 35935 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 35935 in Stafford bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We left the bus station onto the A34 and we ran Northwards to the edge of town. Due to roadworks on the A34 roundabout we turned left onto the M6 link road and at the first roundabout we did a 180' turned and rejoined the A34. 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. Once we got ot the bus station we got up and got off the bus. In the bus station we stopped at the toilet. Afterwards we waited for a bus back to Fenton. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67153 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67153 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto Barracks Road and we ran up to the Jubilee roundabout. We ran onto the A53 and around the one-way system onto the A52. We ran up George Street into Hartshill and we ran down the hill into Stoke town centre. After a brief stop we continued along Church Street out of Stoke and over the A500. We ran under the railway line and we continued onto City Road. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. We crossed over city Road and walked back to the residential unit. Matthew went back upstairs to chill out in his room and use his computer and watch buses out of the window. Later on Matthew went downstairs to do his shopping. Outside we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We went to do the shopping. transport for the trip was a Lucky Seven taxi. We set off onto City Road and we crossed over and onto Manor Street. At the end of Manor Street we turned left onto Victoria Road and we continued down Victoria Road and we stopped at McDonalds. Matthew went to the toilet and had a burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. We got an ABC Supreme taxi back to the residential unit. We set off up Victoria Road. We turned right onto City Road and left onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room and chilled out in his room and use his computer and watch buses out of the window. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. Matthew used his computer and watched music videos on the television. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Brownhills / Cannock 29-04-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
BG61 KTK	Fenton	Westbury Park	Charter	Travel Express
BG61 KTK	Westbury Park	Fenton	Charter	Travel Express

Today Matthew was going back to the residential unit, but first we had to go and pick up mum from work and do his weekly shop. Matthew had his medication and got up around 08:30. Matthew had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We got ready and we set off around 09:30. We got in the car and we ran through Blurton and we ran down to the A5035. We turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way and we ran to the other end and joined the Westbound A50. We ran to Sideway and joined the Southbound A500. We ran down to Hanchurch and we joined the Southbound M6 As we travelled Southwards we saw an unidentified Johnsons coach, an unidentified silver minibus, an unidentified white minibus, A Line Coaches WA07 BHE, Hearns YD23 FOK, 2 x unidentified Masons coach and Lochs & Glens SJ73 HWA. We came off the M6 at junction 11 and we joined the A460. We ran to the South of Cannock before joining the Eastbound A5. We ran for a few mile before turning right onto the A452. We ran to Brownhill and we turned left onto Lichfield Road. We saw National Express West Midlands 2140 on a #8 to Walsall. We ran down to mum's work and we picked her up. Afterwards we turned around and we joined the Northbound A5. We ran to the big interchange with the A34 and we continued along the A5 and we turned right onto Delta Way. We turned left onto Longford Road and parked up. We walked back along Delta Way and we saw Chaserider 67 come into the depot. We walked through the gates of Chaserider and we went to the Pit Stop Cafe. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished eating Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we went outside and Matthew took a picrure of Chaserider 40 parked up in the bus garage.

Chaserider 40 in Cannock

We walked onto Delt Way and we turned left onto Longford Road. We got back in the car. We set off along Longford Road and we continued onto Hatherford Road. We turned continued onto Parkside Lane and we turned left onto the B5012. We turned left onto Wolgarston Way and we turned right on to the Northbound A449. We ran through Penkridge and we joined the M6 at junction 13. We ran Northwards to junction 15 and we came off the motorway. We ran forwards onto the A500 and we ran through Hanford and Stoke. We ran through Etruria and we came off the A500 at Wolstanton. We entered the retail park to go towards Asda and we saw blue minibus SG71 YLU parked up. We parked up and went to do Matthew's weekly food shop. Afterwards we returned to Blurton. We got in the car and we saw beige minibus N704 SDV.

N704 SDV in Wolstanton

We ran out if the retail park and we joined the Southbound A500. We ran through Etruria and Stoke and we came off the A500 at Sideway and onto the Eastbound A50. We came off the A50 onto Stanley Matthews Way and we saw D&G Bus 174 on a #24 to Hanley. We turned left onto the A5035 and we came back to Blurton. In them afternoon we chilled out writing the Blog. Matthew had a can of Cherry Coke. Mum went upstairs to rest black jogging bottoms. Just after 16:30 we got ready and we set off back to the residential unit. We set off onto Beaconsfield Drive passing silver minibus WR14 YAK. We continued along Beaconsfield Drive and we turned left onto Church Road and left again onto Blurton Road and wwe caught up with First Potteries 67144 on the #23 on to Hanley. We went through the traffic lights onto Heron Steeet. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we turned left onto Masterson Street and we saw silver minibus YR11 OJC. We turned right onto Watkin Street and we continued onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs to his room and we put all his shopping in his cupboard or in the kitchen. Matthew had a bottle of Coke. Matthew chilled out on his computer and watched buses out of the window. we saw Cabability WJ65 BKE. For a late tea Matthew had sausage and potatoes followed by a slice of lemon meringue pie. Matthew then went out to catch a bus to Westbury Park. We went downstairs and we saw it was Travel Express BG61 KTK. We got on the bus and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we crossed over City Road. We ran down the into Stoke and we went under the railway line. We crossed over the the A500 and we turned left onto Southbound A500. We ran past Sideway to Hanford. We turned right onto the A519 and we turned left onto Westbury Road and to the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a a glass of Coke. After we had finished in the pub we returned to Fenton in Travel Express BG61 KTK. We set off onto Westbury Road and we turned right to run anti-clockwide around the estate. We turned right onto Wye Road and we crossed over Seabridge Lane and we turned left onto the Northbound A519. We ran into Newcastle and we went around the roundabout onto Barracks Road and past the bus station. We crossed the Jubilee Roundabout onto the A53 and we ran through Basford to Etruria. We got onto the Southbound A500 at Stoke. We turned left onto City Road and we went under the raileay line and up into Fenton. We continued up City Road before turning right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs to his room and chilled out in his room and use his computer and watch buses out of the window. Matthew also drank a can of Cherry Coke. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. Matthew used his computer and watched music videos on the television. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Stafford / Weston 17-02-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63173	Blurton, Magdalen Road	Hanford, Mayne Street	22	First Potteries
47520	Hanford, Mayne Street	Stafford, Chell Road	101	First Potteries
40	Stafford BS	Weston, Old School Close	841	Chaserider
40	Weston, Old School Close	Stafford BS	841	Chaserider
625	Stafford BS	Pottall Pool, Broadhurst Green Road	74	Chaserider
99	Pottall Pool, Broadhurst Green Road	Stafford BS	74	Chaserider
9	Stafford BS	Trinity Fields, Crab Lane	8	Select Bus
35932	Trinity Fields, Crab Lane	Trent Vale, Riverside Road	101	First Potteries
63173	Trent Vale, Riverside Road	Blurton, Magdalen Road	22	First Potteries

Today we were going to stay reasonably local. Mum was working so we had no support vehicle, so we decided to heade towards Stafford on the bus. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. He got up around 10:00 and had toast for breakfast. We got in the car and we set off around 10:50. We set off through Blurton and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road past the former Coral betting shop. 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 past the former Regent which is now an Indian Restaurant. 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 at the roundabout we veered right onto Church Street. We turned right onto the A5035 and back to Blurton. We got back around 11:20 and we set off and walked to the bus stop all the way over on Magdalen Road, Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 63357 on a #22 to Longton.

First Potteries 63357 in Blurton

A sort time later we saw our bus turn the corner. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63173 on a #22 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63173 in Blurton

We got on the bus and booked Knot Day ticket at £7. This ticket is a multi-operator ticket valid throughout the Staffordshire area. We sat down ear to the back of the bus and the bus set off onto the A5035. We went past the Trentham Hotel we turned right into New Inn Lane where we passed the building site where new housing is being built. At the top of the hill we turned right into Hanford along Wilson Road and left onto Church Lane. When we got to the bottom of Church Lane we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 63173 as it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 63173 in Hanford

We waited for the next bus towards Stafford. We didn't have to wait too long. Whilst we waited we saw silver minibus EY13 AFN heading Southwards.

EY13 AFN in Hanford

A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 47520 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 47520 in Hanford

We got on the bus and we placed the Knot tickets under the scanner befoer we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off Southwards and 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 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. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 47520 as it contineued around Stafford.

First Potteries 47520 in Stafford

We set off past the old Wilko (now Poundland) and we stopped at the toilet block. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we continued into the Guildhall market. We walked to the back corner to the cafe. Matthew and uncle Dave find a table and I ordered the food. Matthew had an English breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we set off out of the market onto Chapel Street. We went forwards onto Broad Street and we turned right onto Stafford Street. We turned left nonto Prince Street and left onto Hunters Row. We turned left onto Gaolgate Streetand we turned right at the end and into the bus station. We originally plnned to go to Cannock but Matthew had other ideas. He was looking at the map and he was tracking Chaserider 40 on the Bustimes.org which was coming down from Uttoxeter to Stafford on a #841. We had a quite a wait before it arrived. In the meanwhile we saw Chaserider 704 which came into the bus station and afterwards went out of service.

Chaserider 704 in Stafford bus station

We had been on that Chaserider bus on one of our last visits to Stafford when we did 704 from Stafford to Rugeley on a #828 Lichfield service. Another vehicle see whilst we waited was Arriva Midlands 3784 on a #5A to Telford.

Arriva Midlands 3784 in Stafford bus station

On the main road we saw a couple of coaches go by including Coachleasing CEC 629 which was going Northwards.

Coachleasing CEC 629 in Stafford bus station

A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Chaserider 40 on a #841 to Hixon as expected.

Chaserider 40 in Stafford bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Knot tickets to the driver. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Chaserider 40 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside Chaserider 40

We set off out of the bus station and we joined the A34 and we turned left onto Chell Road. After a brief stop we continued onto Tenterbanks and we headed onto Bridge Street. We ran through the town centre and we crossed over the A34 onto the Northbound A518. We ran out of town for around a mile and we entered the hospital grounds. We returned to the A518 and we turned right onto Hydrant Way. We turned left onto Tixall Road and left onto Blackheath Lane. We turned right onto the A518 and we ran past the county shiwgriund and out of town. We ran into Weston and we stopped just short of the A51. We decided to get up and get off the bus here. Once off the bus Matthew got another picture of Chaserider 40 as it contimnued towards Hixon.

Chaserider 40 in Weston

We crossed the road and we worked out that we would be going back into town on the same bus. We had a quick walk up to the main road to have a look arond and afterwards we returned to the bus stop. Back at the bus stop Matthew shared a Crunchie with me and uncle Dave and afterwards had a can of Orange Fanta. As short time later we saw the bus come around the corner. As expected it was Chaserider 40 on a #841 to Stafford.

Chaserider 40 in Weston

We got on the bus and placed the Knot ticket on the scanner before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A518 and we headed Westwards towards the town. We passed the county showground and we turned left onto Blackheath Lane. We turned right onto Tixall Road and right onto Hydrant Way. We turned left onto the A518 and we continued into town. We turned right into the hospital grounds and after running around the car park we exited the hospital and turned right onto the A518. We ran to the edge of town and we crossed over the A34 onto South Walls. We turned right onto Cope Street and left onto Eastgate Street. We passed the buses on layover and we turned right onto Salter Street. We turned left onto North Walls and we entered the bus station from the East end we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew decided he wanted to go to a pub. We turned left onto Gaolgate Street and as The Butler's Bell was now closed, we went to Hogarth's. We went in the pub and we went upstairs. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we went to the bar. We had a glass of coke each and we sat down to drink the drinks. When we had finished we set off onto Gaolgate Street and as we got to the main road we saw Arriva Midlands 3311 on a #5 to Telford.

Arriva Midlands 3311 in Stafford

We got into the bus station and Matthew spotted another former Firstbus vehicle. As we got closer we saw it was Chaserider 625 on a #74 to Cannock.

Chaserider 625 in Stafford bus station

We got on and flashed the Knot ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. This used to be First Manchester 69200 which passed to Go North West when they sold the business. The bus left town vbia Chell Road and Earl Street and we went onto the Lichfield Road Gyrator before going down the A34 as we got close to the edge of town the driver realised that this service should of called at the railway station too, so he went back around via Riverway, the A518, the A34 Chell Road and back to the station. we didn't pick anyone up the, but we picked up a passenger by Newport Road that we would have missed. We went around the big roundabout and down the A34 and past the site of the new Burger King. We ran down the hill into Bednall Head and we continued into Pottall Pool and We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Chaserider 625 before it returned towards Cannock.

Chaserider 625 in Pottall Pool

We crossed over the road and we walked along the very soft verge to the opposite bus stop. We didn't have to wait too long before we saw the bus approaching from the roundabout. As it got closer we saw it was Chaserider 99 on a #74 to Stafford.

Chaserider 99 in Pottall Pool

We got on the bus and we placed the Knot ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off Northwards up the A34 and we ran through Bednall Head and Brocton. We ran down Radford Bank and past the Queens retail Park and over the railway line. We ran into the town past the Hough Retail Park where there are plans to make a new Burger King. We reached the big roundabout at the South end of town and we went onto the A518. We turned right onto Bridge Street and we turned right onto South Walls. We turmned left onto Cope Srteet an left onto Eastgate Street. We continued onto Salter Street and we turned left onto North Walls and entered the bus station from the East. The bus stoppped in the bus station and we got up sna got off the bus. Also in the bus station was Select Bus 25 on a #12 to Doxey.

Select Bus 25 in Stafford bus station

We decided it was time to head North back towards Stoke. We saw First Potteries 47520 on a #101 to Hanley. We knew we had about 25 minutes to wait for the next bus. We thought about catch a #8 whilst we waited. There was one on stand. As we got closer we saw it was Select Bus 9 on a #8 to Parkside.

Select Bus 9 in Stafford bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Knot ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We left the bus station onto the A34 and we saw First Potteries 35945 on a #101 to Stafford. We ran Northwards to the edge of town. We turned left into Holmcroft Road and we turned right into Second Avenue. We turned left into Holmcroft Road and we turned right into Second Avenue. We turned right into Woodlands Road and we turned left into First Avenue. We turned right into Crab Lane and we turned left into the A34 and we got up and got off the bus. When we got off the bus Matthew decided he needed the toilet. I wasn't sure where we could go so I thought we coild head to the A34 link road as I was sure there was a pub there. We walked up to the roundbout and we turned left onto the A34 link road. As we waited to cross the road we saw Phillips Travel PT73 PHL headeding towards the motorway.

Phillips Travel PT73 PHL in Trinity Fields

We crossed over the link road and we saw that The Shire Horse was closed for refurbishment. We crossed Mustang Drive and we walked along the link road until we saw a gap we could walk through. We were originally heading for the Brewers Fayre pub but this estate was not design to arrive by foot. In the car park of the pub we saw Alfa 118 parked up.

Alfa 118 in Trinity Fields

We went into Starbucks and Matthew used the toilet. When he came out Matthew had a caramel shortbread and a bottle of cloudy lemonade. Matthew sat down and had the food and drink and afterwards we went outside to uncle Dave. We set off along the link road and we crossed over Mustang Drive We headed back to the same stop that we had got off the bus. The next #101 bus was due at 17:08 b ut it was not showing up on the map. In theory it should be First Potteries 35932 that we had seen earlier on. Whilst we waited we saw Select Bus 22 on a #8 to Parkside.

Select Bus 22 in Trinity Fields

The time was approaching and we kept our fingers crossed that the bus was running and not just missing from the map. A few minute later we saw a double decker approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 35932 on a #101 as expected.

First Potteries 35932 in Trinity Fields

We got on the bus and we laced the Knot ticket under the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off Northwards and over the roundabout. 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. It was raining hard now. We had planned to get off at Hanford and cross over by Oh India to get the #22 to Blurton, but we decided we needed to have a bus shelter to stand under whilst we waited. We continued North through Hanford and Trent Vale and we got up and got off the bus. once off the bus bus we walked to the crossing and we crossed over the A34 and walked back to the bus stop. We only had a few minutes to wait. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 67157 on a #21 to Trentham. A few minutes later the bus appeared. We saw it was First Potteries 63173 on a #22 to Newstead.

First Potteries 63173 in Trent Vale

We got on the bus and we placed the Knot ticket under the scanner for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A34 and we ran under the A500 into Hanford and we turned left onto Church Lane. We climbed to the top of the hill and we turned right onto Wilson Road. We turned left onto New Inn Lane and we ran into Trentham. We turned left onto the A5035 and we crossed over the railway line into Blurton. We passed the end of Stanley Matthew Way and we stopped by the layby at the end of Magdalen Road where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 63173 before it ran empty towards the depot.

First Potteries 63173 in Blurton

We set off along the A5035 and we turned left onto Magdalen Road. We headed back to the house. Once we had settled in I went to the chip shop and got some food. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Ornage Fanta. We got in the car and we set off through Blurton onto Beaconsfield Drive and we turned left onto Church Street. We veered left onto Blurton Road past the former Coral betting shop. 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 Whieldon Road. We stopped at uncle Dave's to Drop him off and Matthew drank some of uncle Rob's Irn Bru. We update his calendar. We got back in the car and we went up Wheildon Road past the former Regent which is now an Indian Restaurant. 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 at the roundabout we veered right onto Church Street. We turned right onto the A5035 and back to Blurton. Later on we did some more of the Blog and wrote an e-mail. Matthew shared a bottle of Cherry Coke. We chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Longton / Sandyford 01-07-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
40	Fenton, Albert Square	Longton Interchange	40	D&G

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going out on the bus and going to tea with me and uncle Dave. It was also the the day that First Group are launching a new bus tour service in Edinburgh. 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.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

Matthew went downstairs and set off to the bus stop. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. We waited for the next bus to Longton. After a short wait we saw D&G Bus 40 on a #40 to Longton. We got on the bus and we booked to Longton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Christchurch Street. At the end we turned right onto Station Bridge Road and we crossed over the railway line. We ran forwards Heron Street and we went through Heron Cross and over the A50. We ran into Blurton along Blurton Road and we turned left onto Longton Hall Road. We ran up the hill and we ran forwards onto Heathcote Street. We turned left onto the high level A50 and at the roundabout we turned right onto Baths Road. We ran past Tesco before turning right into Longton Interchange. Matthew let the bus empty out and took a picture inside D&G Bus 40 before we got off.

Inside D&G 40

This bus used to be First London 44406. Once off the bus we walked through onto The Strand and we saw First Potteries 67655 on a #11 to Newcastle. We walked up to Bennett Precinct. We stopped at Poundland and afterwards we went to the ping pong forum. Matthew had a game of table tennis. After we had played table tennis we walked out onto The Strand and onto Baths Road. Er continued to the Pheonix retail park and we stopped at McDonalds. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had chicken nuggets and fries and a drink of Coke. After we had finished eating we went to Sandyford in a City Centre Central taxi. We set off onto Baths Road and the A50 and we headed West to Sideway. We joined the Northbound A500 and we ran through Stoke and Etruria. We continued past Longport and we joined the A527. We ran past the North end of Tunstall and we stopped to have a look at the new business park on James Brindley Way. We got out of the taxi and we had a look around. Once we had finished we returned to Fenton in a Intercity taxi. We got in the taxi and we set off along the A527. We ran down to the A500 and we joined the Southbound carriageway. We ran through Longport and Etruria and we came off the A500 at Stoke. We turned left onto the A52 and we went under the railway line. We ran forwards onto City Road and we ran into Fenton. We turned right into Smithpool Road and left into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to wait for me and uncle Dave to turn up. He used his computer and watched buses out of the window. We saw First Potteries 65733 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 65733 in Fenton

Also seen was D&G Bus 112 on a #1 to Meir.

D&G 112 in Fenton

Another vehicle seen was Afford Rent-A-Car YO19 AYT heading towards Hanley.

Afford Rent-A-Car YO19 AYT in Fenton

After a while we saw First Potteries 67154 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67154 in Fenton

Also seen was First Potteries 47520 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 47520 in Fenton

We turned up and we got ready to go out for tea. We went downstairs and we got in the car. we set off onto Temple Street. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we turned left onto City Road we saw Afford Rent-A-Car YR68 EHX inside their garage. We ran down the hill and under the railway line into Stoke. We crossed over the A500 we saw Z Carz YN11 AHJ. We went around the one-way system. We ran up the hill into Hartshill and we continued to the edge of Newcastle. We turned right into Albert Street. We crossed the A53 and we ran forwards onto Sandy Lane. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A527. We ran through Wolstatnton to the top of Porthill bank. We ran forwards into Bradwell and we stopped at the pub. At the pub and Matthew went to the toilet. For tea Matthew had burger and chips washed down with a glass of Coke. For dessert Matthew had chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. Whilst we ate we saw D&G 106 on a #94 to Congleton. When it was time to go we returned to the car for the trip back to Fenton. We set off onto Bradwell Lane and we crossed over the roundabout and ran through Wolstanton. We ran along the A527 through May Bank. We continued along the A527 and into Newcastle. We turned left onto Ryecroft and right onto Barracks Road. We ran past the bus station and we saw First Potteries 37157 on a #99 to Bradeley. We continued along Barracks Road onto the A34. We turned left at the Avenue and we ran up to Hartshill Road. We ran down to Stoke and onto the one way system. We turned right onto Elenora Street and we followed the road around onto Copeland Street. We ran forwards onto Glebe Street and we followed the one way system onto Church Street. We crossed over the A500 onto City Road and we went under the railway line. We ran up the hill into Fenton and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Outside we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX parked up outside. We went up to Matthew's room and we wrote some of the Blog. Matthew also drank a can of Irn Bru. After doing a couple of entries I left and Matthew chilled out in his room watching television and using his computer. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. Matthew used his computer and watched music videos on the television. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.