Trip to Wigan / Standish 26-10-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4107	Wigan BS	Beech Hill, Dawson Avenue	605	Go North West
4020	Beech Hill, Dawson Avenue	Wigan BS	606	Go North West
4109	Wigan BS	Standish Police Station	632	Go North West
4105	Standish Police Station	Wigan BS	632	Go North West
40761	Wigan BS	Hindley Green, Lincroft Road	132	Rotala Diamond
40728	Hindley Green, Lincroft Road	Hindley, Waverley Road	132	Rotala Diamond
3408	Hindley, Council Offices	Wigan BS	607	Go North West

Today we decided to re-visit Wigan. We asked Matthew where he wanted to go on Friday night and he chose to go to Wigan. Research for the trip was looking at the weather, which was for dry weather with some sunshine and we also researched a new place to eat. Matthew woke up around 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast for breakfast. Later on he had a can of Irn Bru. We got ready to go out and we went out around 11:45. We got in the car and we set off through 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 saw a S.A,S Travel CV68 TBX, blue minibus FG73 YBR, Z Carz YT17 GXA, taxi minibus SF67 BNV and Roseville KR16 SOA. Traffic was moving quite slowly as we headed up to the M6. As we got on the M6 we saw Excelsior 14 carrying Southampton fans to their away fixture at Man City.

Excelsior 14 on the M6

Continug up the M6 we saw an unidentified Keepings midicoach, an unidentified Chandlers coach, an unidentified Masons coach, an unidentified Whittle coach, an unidentified Just Go! coach, unidentified National Express liveried coaches on #121 and #540 and an unidentified Stagecoach Megabus on a M82 service. We came off the M6 at junction and we joined the A49. We followed the road to the edge of town and we ran forwards onto the A577. We crossed the big roundabout and we crossed ovrt the Leeds and LIverpool canal before turning left onto Wilcock Street. We stopped for dinner and we headed into a cafe. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards had an English Breakfast washed down with a can of Cherry Coke. When we had finished we went to the counter and Matthew had a slice of Bakewell cake to take away. We got in the car and Matthew started to eat his cake. We set off along Wilcocks Streetand we turned left onto Miry Lane and right onto Prescott Street. We turned right onto Frog Lane and we went under the railway bridge. We turned right into Deanery Court and left into Richmond Street. We turned left into the car park and we could not find a space. We came out of the car park and we turned left onto Dorning Street. We turned left onto Ricmond Street and right onto Hallgate. We parked up and we put an hour on the car. We said goodbye to mum and we saw Go North West 4030 on layover.

Go North West 4030 in Wigan

We walked into the bus station and we took a few pictures, We saw Go North West 4107 on a #605 Beech Hill circular.

Go North West 4107 in Wigan bus station

We headed into the bus station and Matthew went to the toilet. When he had finished he came out and we decided to do Go North West 4107 on the #605 Beech Hillcircular service. We got on the bus and we purchased Bee Network any bus day tickets at £5.00 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the Northern end of the bus station and we turned left onto Frog Lane and we turned left onto the B5375. We travelled Northwards for a while and turned left onto Springfield Road. We turned left onto Beech Hill Avenue and we turned right onto Shaftesbury Street we ran forwards onto Acacia Crescent and we turned right onto Gidlow Lane and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we headed into The Shop. Matthew had a bottle of Coke and a flake. We went outside and we crossed over the road to wait for the bus. Matthew ate his flake whilst we waited. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was dud Go North West 4020 on a #606 Beech Circular.

Go North West 4020 in Beech Hill

We got on the bus and we placed the Bee Network anybus day tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. This was a bus that we last had on the #53 from Ordsall to Salford back in March 2023. The bus set off along Gillow Lane and we turned left onto Acacia Crescent. We ran forwards onto Shaftsbury Street and we turned left onto Beech Hill Avenue. We turned right onto Springfield Road past new school. We turned left onto Woodhouse Lane and we crossed over Frog Lane. We turned right and entered the bus station from the Northern end and got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked up to the end to take a few pictures whilst we decided what to catch next. We saw Arriva NW&W 4587 on a #320 to St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 4587 in Wigan bus station

Also seen was Rotala Diamond 30673 on a #132 to The Trafford Centre

Rotala Diamond 30673 in Wigan bus station

Another vehicle seen was Go North West 4109 on a #632 to Chorley.

Go North West 4109 in Wigan bus station

We decided to do this bus so we headed ibnto the bus station. We got on the bus and we flashed the Bee Network anybus day tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station out of the North West exit and onto New Market Street and we ran forwards onto the B5375. We turned right onto Mesnes Street and we ran forwards onto Crompton Street. We turned left onto the A49. We ran down through Swinley and into Marylebone. We continued down through to Lower Standish. We ran through Standish and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Go North West 4109 as it continued towards Chorley.

Go North West 4109 in Standish

There were a couple of pubs near to where we got off, we decided to cross over the road and visit The Globe. We went into the pub and Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we went to the bar and we had a 1/2 of Coke each and Matthew made friends with the bar staff. We sat at a table and had our drinks. When we had finished we said goodbye and we headed outside to uncle Dave. The bus stpop was a short walk away so we headed to the bus stop. There were a few people waiting so we knew there was a bus due. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was required Go North West 4105 on a #632 to Wigan.

Go North West 4105 in Standish

We got on the bus and we placed the Bee Network anybus day tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off back down the A49 we ran through Lower Standish and down the hill towards Marylebone. We ran up the hill into Swinley and we continued up to Wigan. We turned right into Crompton Street and we ran forwards onto Mesnes Street. We turned left onto the B5375 ans we entered the bus station for the North End. We got up and got off the bus. We headed outside again to take a few more pictures. We saw Go North West 3435 on a #610 to Leigh.

Go North West 3435 in Wigan bus station

Another vehicle seen was Arriva NW&W 4600 on a #320 to St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 4600 in Wigan bus station

We headed into the bus station whilst we decided what to catch. We saw a bus on stand on the #132. As we got closer we saw it was required Rotala Diamond 40761 on a #132 to The Trafford Centre.

Rotala Diamond 40761 in Wigan bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Bee Network anybus day tickets under the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off along the bus station onto Hallgate and we continued onto Dorning Street. We turned left out of King Street. We turned left into Wallgate and then right into Library Street. We turned Left onto Millgate and we crossed over the A49 before turning left onto Warrington Lane. We passed Lidl and we turned left onto Darlington Street East. We headed through Ince and we carried on into Hindley. We paused at the main stop for a minute or so before we along Atherton Road. We headed into Hindley Green where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took a picture of Rotala Diamond 40761 before it continued on towards The Trafford Centre.

Rotala Diamond 40761 in Hindley Green

We crossed over the road and we got to Tesco and Matthew sat down on the wall. He wanted to go inside so we headed into the shop and Matthew bought a bottle of Dr Pepper and a twirl duo. We walked along the road to the bus stop and Matthew ate the Twirl. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was dud Rotala Diamond 40728 on a #132 to Wigan.

Rotala Diamond 40728 in Hindley Green

We got on the bus and we placed the Bee Network anybus day ticket under the scanner before we went upstairs and we sat down. This was a bus we first had on a #8 from Bolton to Salford back in september 2021. We set and the bus went West along Atherton Road and through Hindley. We decided to break the journey to get another bus in so we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took a picture of Rotala Diamond 40728 before it continued on towards Wigan.

Rotala Diamond 40728 in Hindley

Once off the bus we walked back a stop to the centre of Hindley. We waited for a bus back to Wigan. A short time later we saw a bua approaching from around the corner. As it got closer we saw it was Go North West 3408 on a #607 to Wigan.

Go North West 3408 in Hindley

We got on the bus and we placed the Bee Network anybus day ticket under the scanner for the final time today before we went upstairs and we sat down. We set off along the A577 and we crossed under the railway line and past Walmesley park and we continued into Ince. We followed the road to the left and we ran the last 1/2 mile to the eastern edge of Wigan town centre. We crossed the A49 onto King street and we ran into the town centre. We crossed Wallgate onto King Street West and we ran into the bus station up Dorning Street. Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we took a few pictures whilst we waited for mum to appear. We saw Arriva NW&W 4585 on a #320 to St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 4585 in Wigan bus station

We walked onto Hallgate and we met up with mum who had driven up to Hallgate to meet us. Matthew had a can of Irn Bru. We set off along Hallgate and we followed the one-way system onto Dorning Street. I accidentally turned left onto King Street West so I followed the one-way system onto Crawford Street and back around onto Dorning Street. We followed the road around to the right past the old Uncle Joe's Mintball factory and we ran forwards onto Deanery Street. We turned left onto Frog Lane and went under the railway bridge before turning left onto Prescott Street. We turned left onto Miry Lane and right onto Herbert Street. We turned left onto the A577 and we ran around the one-way system and around Wigan Pier. We crossed under the Liverpool line and we past the big roundabout. We continued Southwards to the A49 and we stopped at a chip shop. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with can of Cherry Coke. After we had eaten our food we set off along the Southbound A49 and we ran the last few miles down to the motorway. Travelling back along the M6 we saw an unidentified Malbank minibus, an unidentified Brethertons coach and an unidentified Just Go! coach. We came off the M6 at junction 16 and we joined the Southbound A500. We ran through Talke, Longport, Etruria and Stoke. We came off the A500 at Stoke and we veered off onto Whieldon Road and into Fenton. We dropped off uncle Dave and Matthew got out of the car to use the toilet, drink some of uncle Rob's Irn Bru and update his calendar. We got back in the car and we conrinued along Wheildon Road past the former Regent which is back 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 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. We chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Leigh / Manchester 18-03-2023

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
39242	Leigh BS	Salford, Broad St/Pendleton Church (Stop U)	V1	First Manchester
40838	Salford Shopping Centre (Stop D)	Manchester, Piccadilly Gardens	36	Rotala Diamond NW
2740	Manchester, Piccadilly Gardens	Hulme, Hulme Park	263	Arriva NW&W
11262	Hulme, Hulme Park	Old Trafford, White City	256	Stagecoach Manchester
4020	Ordsall, Clipper Quays	Salford Shopping Centre	53	Go North West
39244	Broad St/Pendleton Church (Stop Q)	Astley Street, Guided Busway Stop	V2	First Manchester
39237	Astley Street, Guided Busway Stop	Leigh BS	V1	First Manchester

Today we decided to re-visit Leigh. We gave Matthew a choice of locations around the North West and he chose Leigh. We wanted somewhere where we knew where to park and where to eat as mum was finishing work in the morning and we just needed to go. We did no research for this trip other than to check the weather. It forecast grey weather with showers and occasional sunny intervals, with hindsight checking the Google Maps App would have saved us an hour of time. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Mum got home later on and we set off just before 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.Running up the A500 we saw Plants P19 NTM, Redline BJ17 RED / SN69 RED, The Traveller Choice reg like 382 NBF, Stanton's of Stoke WSV 530, grey coach ???? GJD and Flixbus BV67 JZJ. We joined the Northbound M6 and as we joined the motorway we saw Lauderdale Coaches CU68 VKE in front of us.

Lauderdale Coaches CU68 VKE on the M6

We continued up the M6 and we saw an unidentified TJ Travel coach, Selwyns (NX) 235(#121), 2 Stagecoach E200MMC's SN65 ???, white minibus SH56 ODT and taxi minibus ML15 TVA. We came off the M6 at junction 22 and we headed Eastwards alonng the A579. A mile or so up the road we hit a queue of traffic. If I had the sat Nav up and running I would have seen the reason why. There were roadworks on the A572 and as such on;y a few cars at a time could get through off the A572. We queued up for nearly an hour before eventually turning right onto the A579. We got through the roadworks and we crossed over the A580. We continued for the last few miles into Leigh and we turned right onto Spinning Jenny Way. We turned left onto Queen Street and left onto Brown Street South. We turned right onto Gas Street and we turned left into the car park. We parked up and we walked through the Spinning Gate Shopping centre and we came out by the bus station. We saw First Manchester 39260 on a V1 to the Manchester Royal Infirmary.

First Manchester 39260 in Leigh bus station

Seen arriving on a V1 service was First Manchester 36279.

First Manchester 36279 in Leigh bus station

Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we met up mum at the food truck. Matthew had a sausage barm washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we said goodbye to mum and we had a walk around the bus station. We saw Stagecoach Manchester 10446 on a #8 to Wigan. We decided to head towards Manchester via Salford. We saw there was a V1 on stand. As we got closer we saw it was First Manchester 39242 on a V1 service to the Manchester Royal Infirmary.

First Manchester 39242 in Leigh bus station

We got on the bus and we booked System One Bus Only Day tickets at £5.80 each. We went upstairs and we sat down near to the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto Spinning Jenny way. We ran forwards onto Princess Street and onto the guided busway. We ran along the busway for approximately 4 miles and we joined the Southbound B5232 in Ellenbrook. We ran South for around 1/4 mile and we turned left onto the A580. We ran fast along the A580 and we crossed under the A580 and the Wardley park and ride car park. We continued Eastwards and the A580 merged with the A6. We continued on to Pendleton and near the the police station we cam off the main A6 and onto a parallel slow lane where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of First Manchester 39242 as it continued towards Manchester.

First Manchester 39242 in Salford

We had a look around to see what bus we might catch towards Manchester. We quickly worked out the Diamond NW & Stagecoach Manchester buses towards Manchester departed from stand D. A short time later we saw Stagecoach Manchester 12186 on a #38 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 12186 in Salford

Matthew decided not to do this bus as he wanted to go to the toilet. We walked into the shopping centre on the Eastern side and we followed the signs towards the toilet. We cam out on the Northern side and there was a small toilet block behind where we have caught buses towards Bolton on stand G. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we cut through onto the North side of the shopping centre. We saw Go North West 4017 on layover in between runs on the #53 to Cheetham Hill.

Go North West 4017 in Salford

We walked around to the East side to stand D and we waited for a bus towards Manchester. Whilst we waited we saw Arriva NW&W 2948 on a #10 to Manchester.

Arriva NW&W 2948 in Salford

A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Rotala Diamond 40838 on a #36 to Piccadilly Gardens. We got on the bus and we flashed the System One Bus Only Day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off along Hankinson Way and we turned left Rossal Way. We joined the roundabout and we turned right onto the Eastboundd A6. We passed the point where somebody has tagged themselves as being a business on the road which is 'Temporarily closed'. We headed past Salford Crescent to the edge of the city Centre. We ran forwards onto Chapel Street and we turned right onto the A34 past Salford Central station which is temporarily closed for refurbishment. We turned left onto Cross Street and right onto King Street. We turned left onto Spring Garden and we followed the road around onto York Street. We turned left onto Mosley Street and we turned right into Piccadilly Gardens. We pulled up on stand and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew got another picture of Rotala Diamond 40838 before it returned to Bolton.

Rotala Diamond 40838 in Manchester

We had a bit of a walk around to see what we might catch. We saw Stagecoach Manchester 19406 on a #42 to Stockport.

Stagecoach Manchester 19406 in Manchester

Whilst having a look around we saw Little Gem 1968 on a #44 to Altrincham. A short time later we saw an Arriva bus enter the bus station. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 2740 on a #263 to Altrincham.

Arriva NW&W 2740 in Manchester

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only Day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the terminal and we turned right onto Portland Street where we saw Stotts (NX) BV67 JXM(#173) and Ausden Clark BIG 9828. We turned left onto Princess Street and right onto Whitworth Street. We turned left onto Oxford Street and we headed Southwards. We turned right onto Booth Street West. We passed the College of Music and we turned right onto Boundry lane. We decided to get of somewhere we could get on a #53 service so that we could get back to Salford. We turned left onto the A5067 and we ran for about 1/3 of mile and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we had a look at the timetable. We had just missed a Salford bound #53 so we had alomost 30 minutes to wait. We whilst we waited Matthew had a flapjack. We decided to could catch another bus towards trafford and walk over the ship canal to get a #53 forwards. A short time later we saw a bus that we could catch. As it got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Manchester 11262 on a #256 to Flixton.

Stagecoach Manchester 11262 in Hulme

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only Day tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off along the A5067 and we ran for about 1/4 of a mile before we turned right following the A5067. We turned left onto Royce Road and we headed Westwards. We ran forwards onto City Road an we turned left onto the Chester Road. We followed Chester Road to the right and we turned left onto the A56. As we approched the White City Retail Park we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took amother picture of Stagecoach Manchester 11262 as it continued towards Flixton.

Stagecoach Manchester 11262 in Old Trafford

We crossed over the A56 and we saw Angela GX21 ECF heading Westwards. We walked forwards onto Trafford Road and we crossed over the Bridgewater and Manchester ship canals. We walked past Clipper Quay and we stopped at the bus stop. We sat down at the stop and we checked the timetable. The bus was due in 5 minutes. A short time later we saw the bus approaching on the other side of the bridge over the ship canal. As it got closer we saw it was Go North West 4020 on a #53 to Salford.

Go North West 4020 in Ordsall

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only Day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off Northwards passing Britannia DU61 LLC & The Travellers Choice PO18 EES pasrked in a side street. We turned left into The Quays and we followed the road through the Salford Quays area. We crossed the Marinas Canal and we passed petween the North Bay and Huron Basin. We ran past Media City and we ran forwards onto Broadway. We turned left onto Trafford Road and we crossed over the A57. We turned left onto Liverpool Street and right onto Cross Drive where we saw Alfa 107 parked up. We turned left onto Churchill Way and we turned right onto Hankinson Way and we pulled up outside of the shopping centre where we got up and got off the bus. Once of the bus Matthew took another picture of Go North West 4020 before it returned to Cheetham Hill on a #53 service.

Go North West 4020 in Salford

We walked around the cober onto Rossall Way and we saw Go North West 6163 on a #95 to Bury.

Go North West 6163 in Salford

We walked around the corner and down the alleyway to the toilet block. The toilets had clsoed by the time we had got there. We decided to do across the car park to Tesco Extra. We went into the shop and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards we went into the shop and we had a look around. There were very few drinks left with the meal deal section of the shop and there was nothing that Matthew would drink. There wan't much chocolate either and Matthew ended up getting a Kinder Egg. We went to the self service tills and we paid for the egg before meeting up with uncle Dave and walking across the car park. We were now heading back towards Leigh. We walked along Pendleton Way. We walked through the passageway onto the sliproad for the A6 and we waited at the bus stop for a bus towards Leigh. There were 2 buses coming at once. A V2 to Atherton and a V1 to Leigh. The V2 came first and the V1 was right behind it displaying Bus Full. We decided to do the V2 and get off at the junction. As it got closer we saw it was First Manchester 39244 on a V2 to Atherton.

First Manchester 39244 in Salford

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. We decided to go to the Astley Street guided bus way stop and get off to catch the following V1 service. We ran fast along the A580 and we we passed Stagecoach Manchester 10443 on a Leigh bound #34 service. We also passe a silver Mercedes mini coach parked outside a pub on the Southside of the A580. We went under the M60 and we ran up to Worsley where we turned right onto Newearth Road. We went North for a short while and we joined the guided bus way. After running West along the bus way we came to the Astley Street stop so we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Manchester 39244 before it carried on towards Atherton.

First Manchester 39244 in Astley Street

We waited for the next bus to Leigh. A minute or so later the bus that had been full came into the stop. It had now emptied out so we could get on it. As it got closer we saw it was First Manchester 39237 on a V1 to Leigh.

First Manchester 39237 in Astley Street

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set of along the guided bus way and we ran fast to edge of Leigh and we left the guided bus way and we joined Spinning Jenny Way. We past Tesco and the shopping centre and we turned right into Leigh bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Manchester 39237 before it returned to the depot.

First Manchester 39237 in Leigh bus station

Matthew decided that he needed the toilet so we headed to the George and Dragon which was next to the bus station. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards had a glass of Coke. We watched a bit of the Manchester City vs Burnley match and we drank our drinks. When we had finished we headed outside to the bus station and we met up with uncle Dave again. On the way to the road we saw Rotala Diamond 30971 on a #584 to Crankwood.

Rotala Diamond 30971 in Leigh bus station

We walked onto Spinning Jenny Way and we walked around the shopping centre to the car park and we met up with mum. We got in the car and Matthew had a can of Irn Bru before we set off onto Gas Street. We turned left onto Brown Street South and right onto Queen Street. We turned right onto Spinning Jenny Way and we turned left onto the A572. We crossed the A579 and in Lowton we turned right onto Sandy Lane. We followed the road around onto Byrom Lane and we turned left onto Slag Lane. We stopped at Victoria's Plaice and I went to the chip shop whilst Matthew went to the shop next door with mum. He brought a bottle of dandelion & burdock and a bar of chocolate for later on. Matthew had sausage chips and gracy and once I had finished eating we set off onto Slag Lane and we turned left onto Church Lane. We crossed over the A580 and we turned right onto the A572. At the light we turned left onto the A579. The traffic had allo gone and we got to the motorway in a few minutes. We joined the M6 and we headed Southwards. Travelling back along the M6 we saw an unidentified Bibby's of Ingleton coach. At junction 16 we went South down the A500 through Longport and Etruria into Stoke. We came off the A500 and we diverted onto Wheildon Road. We dropped off uncle Dave and Matthew got out to use the toilet. He also had some of uncle Rob's Irn Bru. We updated uncle daves calendar to show recent activity. 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 Walsall / Bloxwich 03-10-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4264	Walsall St Pauls BS	Bloxwich, High St (Stop BK)	301	National Express West Midlands
4021	Bloxwich, High St (Stop BK)	Mossley, adjacent Tintern Crescent	301	National Express West Midlands
1436	Mossley, adjacent Tintern Crescent	Bloxwich, Bulls Head (Stop BD)	301	National Express West Midlands
4017	Bloxwich, Bulls Head (Stop BD)	Walsall St Pauls BS	301	National Express West Midlands
30411	Walsall St Pauls BS	Bloxwich, High St (Stop BK)	301	Rotala Diamond
1447	Bloxwich, High St (Stop BK)	Mossley, adjacent Tintern Crescent	301	National Express West Midlands
1641	Mossley, adjacent Tintern Crescent	Walsall St Pauls BS	301	National Express West Midlands
1755	Walsall St Pauls BS	Bloxwich, Bloxwich Hospital (Stop BG)	302	National Express West Midlands
30832	Bloxwich, Bloxwich Hospital (Stop BF)	Walsall St Pauls BS	302	Rotala Diamond

Today we decided to visit Walsall, so could take part in the National Express West Midlands 'Heritage bus service'. They were running extra buses on the #301 service from Walsall to Mossley via Bloxwich to the end of 4 bus types in service with the company. We found out about the event as Tony Hunters excellent West Midlands Buses in Photographs website had a picture of the flyer advertising the event on the front page of his website. We didn't do much research for this as we just expected to turn up and catch the buses as they appeared. A quick check of the weather is for a mild day with some sunshine, quite warm for the time of year. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off just before 12:00 onto the A5035 and we went West towards Trentham. We joined the Northbound A34 and we headed up Whitmore Road and onto the M6 at Junction 15. AS we had never been to Walsall before the plan was to eat at the Truckers Rest on the A5 and then head down the A34 to Walsall. On the M6 we passed a number of vehicle coming the other way. These were 2 Aston Manor coaches, a Prospect coach, Parks of Hamilton/National Express LSK 839, Jounson;s YJ04 GYC & Shearings 106. At junction 12 we left the M6 and we joined the Eastbound A5. Just to the South West of Cannock we pulled over into the Truckers Rest Cafe for a dinner stop. Matthew went to the toilet and we ordered him a breakfast which he washed down with a can of Coke. Once we had finished eating we got back onto the A5 and we travelled East until we got to the A34. We headed South through Bloxwich and we passed National Express West Midlands Optare Spectra's 4020 & 4021 on Mossley bound #301's. When we got to Walsall we had a bit of trouble finding the car park we wanted to park at because it wasn't research properly, but we soon got back on track, parking in the multi storey car park right next to the bus station on St Paul's Street. Once parked up we walked out onto the street and we got a good look at the bus station for the first time. Leaving the bus station up St Pauls Street was National Express West Midlands 857.

NX West Midlands 857 in Walsall bus station

This was followed by National Express West Midlands 4600 on a #529 to Wolverhampton.

NX West Midlands 4600 in Walsall bus station

The bus station design could be described as being like a very big petrol station... It was a large canopy supported on legs with 3 rows of stands underneath it. At the near end of the bus station we saw a former Wardle Transport vehicle. It was required Arriva Midlands 2211 on a #19 to Bloxwich.

Arriva Midlands 2211 in Walsall bus station

The one thing I had researched is where the #301 departed from in the bus station. The buses departed from stand D and E depending on which operator's buses you wanted to catch. We wound our way through the stops and across the crossing towards the stop that we needed. Already on the stop was required National Express West Midlands 4264 on a #301 service.

NX West Midlands 4264 in Walsall bus station

We decided to catch this bus so we could see what else was working the route. We got on the bus and we purchased nBus day tickets at £4.60 each. We went upstairs and we sat down in the middle of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Stafford Street. We crossed the ring road and we headed out of town. Stafford Street (B4210) runs parallel to the A34, but serves more housing where the A34 is a fast less built up road. As we left town we passed National Express West Midlands 4020 & 4021 again. Further up the road closer to Bloxwich we passed National Express West Midlands 4017, 1436 & 1447 running together in a short convoy! We rejoined the A34 just South of Bloxwich High Street and a few people got off the bus. Matthew took a picture of the empty seats behind us in National Express West Midlands 4264.

Inside NX West Midlands 4264

When we got to the High Street we waited until the bus turned left into Wolverhampton Road before we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 4264 before it carried on towards Mossley.

NX West Midlands 4264 in Bloxwich

We got off the bus and Matthew decided he wanted to use the toilet. We crossed over the A34 and we went to the toilet block. The public toilet at Bloxwich is only to be used when desperate... It stinks and the cubicles don't have doors on them. Still, it is slightly better than no toilet. We did not know which direction the next heritage service would run in, so we did not know which side of the road to wait on for the best. Whilst we waited we saw required National Express West Midlands 1756 on a #302 to Walsall.

NX West Midlands 1756 in Bloxwich

As we contemplated what to do we saw an Optare Spectra coming up the high street. The road was busy and we couldn't get across. As it got closer we saw that it was required National Express West Midlands 4020.

NX West Midlands 4020 in Bloxwich

We crossed the road and by the time we had gotten to the stop we saw National Express West Midlands 4020 disappearing into the distance. We decided to wait where we were as a far as we knew all the buses at the Walsall end, with the exception of the bus we just missed. Going the other way was required National Express West Midlands 4293 on a #89 to Walsall.

NX West Midlands 4293 in Bloxwich

A few minutes later we saw an Optare Spectra turn the corner... It was dud National Express West Midlands 4021 on a #301 service.

NX West Midlands 4021 in Bloxwich

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off along Wolverhampton Road and we turned right onto Sand Bankk and then left onto Bell Lane. We crossed through some lights at a crossroads and we went forwards onto Sneyd Lane. A few stops up the road we turned right onto Creswell Cresent. We travelled around 1/2 a mile and we could see a main road up ahead. To the right there was a turning circle where 2 buses were lined up. These were National Express West Midlands 4020 and Rotala Diamond 30412. As we pulled up into the turning circle National Express West Midlands 4020 pulled off and went towards Walsall. Our bus pulled up alongside Rotala Diamond 30412 where the other Optare Spectra had stood and the bus terminated. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside the top deck of National Express West Midlands 4021.

Inside NX West Midlands 4021

We got off the bus and there were around 1/2 dozen other bus enthusiasts taking pictures. Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 4021 alongside the Rotala Diamond bus.

NX West Midlands 4021 in Mossley

Pretty much as soon as we took the picture we turned to see another bus approaching. It was another one of the buses finishing service later in the day, required National Express West Midlands Volvo B10 1436.

NX West Midlands 1436 in Mossley

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver. The rear of the bus was empty so we took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 1436 just as another Optare Spectra pulled up behind us.

Inside NX West Midlands 1436

The bus set off down Cresswell Crescent and we saw another Volvo B10, required National Express West Midlands 1447. At the end of the Crescent we turned left into Sneyd Lane and we carried on back into Bloxwich town centre via Wolverhampton Road. We turned into the high street and we got up and got off the bus. Adjacent to the toilet parked in Park Road was WMSNT Optare Solo 2012.

WMSNT 2012 in Bloxwich

A few minutes later we saw two buses approaching off Wolverhampton Road. National Express West Midlands Volvo B10 1447 had got in front of the other Spectra, which was required National Express West Midlands 4017.

NX West Midlands 1447 in Bloxwich

We let the single decker go by and waited for National Express West Midlands 4017.

NX West Midlands 4017 in Bloxwich

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty and so Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 4017.

Inside NX West Midlands 4017

We sat down and the bus set off down the High Street. We turned slight left onto the B4210 and we headed the 2 miles or so into Walsall. We crossed the ring road and we headed into the bus station down St Pauls Street. The bus pulled up on the end of one of the adjacent stands and we got up and got off, before it ran off out of service. In the bus station in front of us was National Express West Midlands 4126.

NX West Midlands 4126 in Walsall bus station

We walked around the bus station whilst we thought about what to do. matthew visited the toilet and then we went next door to the shop. Here we brought some pop and chocolate to fill up the truip bag with supplies as well as a bag of egg sweets. At stand D was required Rotala Diamond 30411.

Rotala Diamond 30411 in Walsall bus station

Around the corner from the bus station were another few stands. National Express West Midlands 6755 was on a #934 to Birmingham.

NX West Midlands 6755 in Walsall bus station

There didn't seem to be any other buses about so we thought we would get back up to Bloxwich on Rotala Diamond 30411. 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. The bus was filling up quickly and so Matthew took a picture of the empty back seat behind us.

Inside Rotala Diamond 30411

When we got on the bus we spotted a plastic number plate at the front of the bus with the number 1819 on it. This and the buses blue seat moquette gave away the buses origin of the bus as being a former Transdev Lancashire United bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and across the ring road onto Stafford Road. We travelled 2 miles north before joining onto the A34 and running into Bloxwich town centre. We passed along the high street and we waited before the bus turned left onto Wolverhampton Road before we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Rotala Diamond 30411.

Rotala Diamond 30411 in Bloxwich

We decided to stay put and wait for the next required bus towards Mossley. Required National Express West Midlands appeared but it was going towards Walsall. A few minutes later dud Arriva Midlands 2733 appeared on a #326 service to Bilston.

Arriva Midlands 2733 in Bloxwich

Whilst we waited we saw National Express West Midlands 4017 & 1436 going back towards Walsall and National Express West Midlands 4021 & 1436 going towards Mossley. This flyer for the event stated that buses would b out until around 16:30 and it was now nearly 16:00. We were beginning to think that there wasn't going to be anything else heritage going up towards Mossley when required National Express West Midlands 1447 came around the corner.

NX West Midlands 1447 in Bloxwich

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus ticket to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. There were a few familiar faces on the bus including the dog that appeared on the Cheshire Champion tour back in June 2015! We set off onto the Westbound A4124 before turning right onto Cresswell Crescent and to the turning circle at the end of the road. We got of the bus and the dog somehow got into a fight with a local Pit Bull, with the Pit Bull own having to pick his dog up by the harness and swing it around out of the way to stop the dogs from going at each other. Matthew got another picture of National Express West Midlands 1447 as it carried on towards Walsall.

NX West Midlands 1447 in Mossley

Also at the terminus was Rotala Diamond Plaxton Centro 30825 on a #301 to Walsall.

Rotala Diamond 30825 in Mossley

A few people decided to catch this bus back towards Walsall and we had wondered if the service had now stop running. A few others stayed and these looked like they knew what they were doing. In the distance we saw the first Mercedes single decker that we had seen today. As it got closer we saw that it was required National Express West Midlands 1641.

NX West Midlands 1641 in Mossley

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver. We sat down towards the back of the bus and National Express West Midlands 4021 pulled up behind us. We decided that this was probably the last new heritage bus that we were going to be able to get today, so we decided to do this through to Walsall. The bus set off back down the Crescent and turned right onto the main road. We entered Bloxwich town centre along Wolverhampton Road and we turned right into the High Street. At the bottom of the high Street we veered of to the left onto Stafford Road and we ran the 2 miles or so into Walsall. We crossed the ring road and entered the bus station passing National Express West Midlands 4603 along St Pauls Street. The bus emptied out except for one person who wanted to take a picture inside this bus just like Matthew. Its not very often Matthew has competition! They both took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 1641 before getting off.

Inside NX West Midlands 1641

It was now nearly 17:00... Mum needed us back at the car before 17:45 because of the parking, we considered what to do next whilst Matthew went to the toilet. We walked around the outside of the office and we saw Walsall Radio Cars MF52 PPK go by.

Walsall Radio Cars MF52 PPK in Walsall bus station

There was a raised walkway that overlooked the stops outside the bus station, whilst we were there we saw National Express West Midlands 4327 on a #77 to Sutton Coldfield.

NX West Midlands 4327 in Walsall bus station

We walked back inside the bus station and we saw required National Express West Midlands 1755 on a #302 to Lower Farm.

NX West Midlands 1755 in Walsall bus station

We decided to do this bus up to Bloxwich for something back. We got on bus and we flashed the nBus ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. Before the bus filled up Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 1755.

Inside NX West Midlands 1755

We set off out of the bus station and we passed National Express West Midlands 4598 on a #529 service. We crossed the ring road onto Stafford Road and we travelled up to the Southern edge of Bloxwich where we got up and got off the bus. We got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 1755 as it carried on towards Lower Farm.

NX West Midlands 1755 in Bloxwich

We crossed over the road and we waited at the opposite bus stop. We didn't have to wait long before we saw a walsall bound bus approaching. It was required Rotala Diamond 30832 on a #302 service.

Rotala Diamond 30832 in Bloxwich

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver for the final time today before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down B4210 and into Walsall. As we approached the bus station we passed National Express West Midlands 1436 going out again on a #301 service. When we got to the bus station we let bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Rotala Diamond 30832.

Inside Rotala Diamond 30832

As it was now getting late we decided to take a few pictures before going back to the car. it was National Express West Midlands 4597 On a #529 to Wolverhampton.

NX West Midlands 4597 in Walsall bus station

This was followed by National Express West Midlands 1763 on a #29 to Blakenall.

NX West Midlands 1763 in Walsall bus station

After that we saw National Express West Midlands 4125 on a #89 to Wolverhampton

NX West Midlands 4125 in Walsall bus station

We walked around the corner into Hatherton Road which appeared to be a place where vehicle lay over. There were a couple of Arriva Midlands buses parked here. First in the row was required Arriva Midlands Enviro200 2147.

Arriva Midlands 2147 in Walsall

Behind this was required Arriva Midlands 3705.

Arriva Midlands 3705 in Walsall

On the opposite side of the road was a bus stop where there was a bus service to the Amazon Distribution Centre. It was being worked by National Express West Midlands 4300.

NX West Midlands 4300 in Walsall

In front of the bus was a coach, also bound for the Amazon Distribution Centre was Fastline coach FC03 MDN.

Fastline FC03 MDN in Walsall

We walked back to the car and mum was waiting with sausage Greggs rolls. Matthew washed his down with a bottle of Irn Bru. Once in the car we headed out of the car park onto Hatherton Road and forwards onto Hatherton Street. We joined the ring road for a short while before going onto the Northbound A34. We passed through Bloxwich and North through Great Wyrley towards Cannock. When we crossed the M6 toll road, I spotted a sign for the M6 which I had seen before when passing this junction, so today decided to take it see where it went to. It was the A460, and it ran parallel to the M6 toll road right up to the the M6 junction 11. We got onto the Northbound M6 and we made good time running through the roadworks and up to Junction 15 where we joined the Northbound A500. At Sideway we went East following Happy Days Coaches 209 & 226 towards the Britannia Stadium which was carrying Stoke fans returning from Aston Villa. We carried on to Longton along the A50 and we came off to have a look what was parked up at Z Carz this evening. Unusually, The nearest bus was Z carz green Ford minibus T418 WYJ.

Z Carz T418 WYJ in Longton

Also present was Z Carz Iveco minibus HX51 HRU which is receiving some attention. Closest bus in the second row was Z Carz Mercedes minibus M372 NWN.

Z Carz M372 NWN in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row to see what was n the compound this evening. The closest bus to the gate was Z Carz maroon coloured Volkswagen minibus S973 OVP.

Z Carz S973 OVP in Longton

We rejoined the A50 and we went up to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we went onto Church Road and into Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 18:20. For a late tea we had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:30... Mark