Trip to Stone / Stafford 24-02-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
44514	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Stoke, adj stop Q	11	First Potteries
100	Stoke, adj stop Q	Newcastle BS	1	D&G Bus
35939	Newcastle BS	Stone, Radford Street	101	First Potteries
35946	Stone, Radford Street	Stafford, Station Road	101	First Potteries
35944	Stafford BS	Newcastle BS	101	First Potteries
35943	Newcastle BS	Stoke, Lytton Street	25	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going the bus 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. We went downstairs and we set off onto City Road. On the way to the bus stop we saw Autocabs DU70 XKM. We stood at the bus stop outside the flats 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 44514 on a #11 to Newcastle. We got on the bus and we booked to Stoke 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 we got up and got off the bus. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 67151 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67151 in Stoke

We crossed the road to wait for the next station bound bus. As it got closer we saw that it was D&G Bus 100 on a #1 to Park Site.

D&G Bus 100 in Stoke

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down 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 ABC Supreme YA67 VBB. 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. Once off the bus we saw First Potteries 35944 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 35944 in Newcastle bus station

We sat at the bottom of the bus station to wait for a bus towards Stone. A short time later we saw First Potteries 63362 on a #22 to Longton. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 35939 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 35939 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Stone 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. When we got to the main stop we got up and got of the bus. Once off the bus we walked down the high Street. We crossed over the ring road and we continued Southwards down the B5027. We turned around and we headed back up the High Street. We stopped at Superdrug and we did some shopping. Later on we went to a cafe. It was busy so we continued up the High Street and we went to pub. Matthew had a burger and fries washed down with a Coke. For afters he had chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. He went to the toilet and afterwards we set up Station Road. We crossed back over the road and we waited for the bus to Stafford. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 35946 on a #101 to Stafford. We got on the bus and we scanned the Knot day tictes before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off around the one-way system past Morrisons and we continued down the A520 and 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. 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 station we walked along Victoria Road and we went back past St Mary's into the town centre and we walked over market Square onto Gaolgate Street. At the top we turned right and we stopped at the bus station. In the bus station we saw Select Bus 41 on a #9 to Highfields.

Select Bus 41 in Stafford bus station

Also seen was Select Bus 22 on a #8 to Parkside.

Select Bus 22 in Stafford bus station

Also in the bus station was Select Bus 18 on a #875 to Cannock.

Select Bus 18 in Stafford bus station

We saw a bus turn the corner. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 35944 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 35944 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 35943 on a #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 35943 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station onto barracks Road and we ran down onto the Southbound A34. We turned left into the hospital and we ran through the grounds and onto Hilton Road. We continued onto Albany Road and we turned right onto The Avenue. At the end of the road we turned right onto the A52 and we ran through Hartshill and down the hill into Stoke town centre. We went forwards onto Church Street and the bus topped in the town centre. After a brief stop we continued over the A500 and we got up and got off the bus just before the railway bridge. We walked up City Road and we cut across onto Temple Street and into the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and use his computer. We went downstairs and Matthew had a plaster on his hand. We went out onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road. We stopped at the kebab shop and we brought burger and fries. When we brought the food we walked back down City Road and we turned left into Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and use the computer. For tea Matthew had Pizza followed a couple of slices of syrup sponge puddinge. Later on Matthew went downstairs. We set off onto Temple Streeet and onto Christchurch Street and into the Co-operative food store. Matthew brought a Milky Way before setting off back to the house. We went onto Christchurch Street and onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew went back to his room to chill out. 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 Hanley / Keele 09-05-2020

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
164	Fenton, adj Royal Oak	Hanley BS	23	D&G Bus
63114	Hanley BS	Keele, Sneyd Arms PH	25	First Potteries
41	Keele, Sneyd Arms PH	Newcastle BS	85	D&G Bus
63115	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	4	First Potteries
63117	Hanley BS	Biddulph BS	7A	First Potteries
115	Biddulph BS	Hanley BS	9	D&G Bus
63172	Hanley BS	Fenton, adj Travers Court	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also to do a local trip. 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

Later on we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw Temple Street church minibus RX18 GZW. We carried on along Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We waited for a bus towards Hanley. After a short wait we saw D&G Bus 164 on a #23 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we brought The Knot ticket to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Christchurch Street. We turned left onto 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 ans we turned right onto College Road. After running the hill through Shelton we continued onto Cleveland Road and forwards onto Regent Road. We turned left onto Lower Bethesda Street and we crossed over the ring road onto Bethesda Street. We turned right onto John Street and we saw First Potteries 63118 on a #7A to Biddulph. We entered the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. we saw First Potteries 63176 on #32 to Uttoxeter. Once off the bus we walked up Lichfield Street and forwards onto Tontine Street. We stopped at Wrights Pies and Matthew had a sausage roll, can of Coke and a Manchester Tart. We had a walk around Tontine Square. We sat down and Matthew ate his sausage roll washed down with a can of Coke and a Manchester Tart. we returned down Tontine Street and onto Lichfield Street and back to the bus station. We waited for a bus to Keele. A short time later we saw First Potteries 63114 on a #25 to Keele. We got on the bus and we flashed The Knot ticket to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto john Street and left onto Bethesda Street. We crossed over the ring road and we ran down through Shelton along Regent Road and College Road. We passed the railway station and we continued forwards onto the A52. We followed the road to the right under the railway line. We crossed over the A500 we saw Intercity LD68 ZZC. entering 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. 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 at the roundabout. We came into the bus station onto Barracks Road we turned right onto Ryecroft. We veered left onto Merrial Street and after a brief stop we ran forwards onto Church Street. We crossed over the roundabout and we ran forwards onto the A525. We turned right into Orme Road and we saw St Giles And St George's academy MF68 AFJ. We continued along Orme Road before we re-joined the Westbound A525. We climbed the steep hill up to Keele and we turned left into the campus. We turned left onto University Drive we did a u-turn and headed into the campus. At the main roundabout we turned left and we ran around the shops and student union bar. We ran through the campus past the back of the library and out the other side into the village. We got up and got off the bus. We got to the stop and we were about to have a picnic. Matthew had a Milky way and we checked the time of the next service, 1357. At this point I hadn't checked the time, because if I had we would have started to eat... we saw it was D&G 41. We got on the bus and flashed out The Knot ticket before siting down. A525. We ran out of town and we veered right onto Station Road and into Keele village. We ran into the campus and past the student union before turning right onto University Drive. We re-joined the A525 and we ran down the hill towards Newcastle. We past Hampton's scrapyard and Thistleberry. We ran forwards onto Blackfriars Road and we turned left onto the A53. We turned right on to the Southbound A34 and at the next roundabout we turned left onto Barracks Road. We ran into the bus station and we entered the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. the bus and we considered what bus to do next. We saw dud First Potteries 44514 on a #22 to Longton. As we got off the bus we spotted First Potteries 63115 on a #4 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we placed our The Knot ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We crossed the Jubilee Roundabout and onto the A53. We ran into Basford and over the A500. We ran down into Etruria and over the A500. We continued along the A53 and we turned left onto Forge Lane. We ran out along the Lane and we crossed over the canal before we returned back into Etruria along festival Way. We crossed under the A53 onto Etruria Road. We ran into Hanley and into the When we got to the bus station we got up and got off the bus and Matthew used the toilet. We decided that if we were going to go to Biddulph on the bus we would have to do it almost immediately and not got up to the car park to take bus pictures. Matthew went to the toilet and then we went to the Spar shop and brought a can on Coke and some chocolate bar. to the Biddulph bus stop. At the top end of the bus station we saw First Potteries 63117 on a #7A to Biddulph. We got on the bus and we flashed the The Knot ticket to the driver 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 before we went across onto Marsh Street and then we turned right into Trinity Street. We turned left into Stafford Street and we continued forwards to Quadrant Road and we left Hanley along Town Road. We travelled through Sneyd Green and over Smallthorne roundabouts to Chell. At the roundabout we turned right and we ran down the A527 through Brindley Ford. We turned left to run through Brown Lees. We crossed over the A527 at Knypersley and we ran around through the housing estates of Biddulph before running into town via St John's Road, Colliers Way and up Wharf Road to the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we went to the toilet. Matthew wanted to do the next #7A back to Hanley. We decided to go to the kebab shop and buy some fries and a can of Tango Orange. We walked down the High Street to the shop and we returned back up to Wharf Road. We ate the chips and we saw D&G Bus 115 on a #9 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we flashed the Knot tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off onto High Street and we turned left at the roundabout onto St John's Road. We ran around the estate and we crossed over the A527 and we ran down through Brindley Ford into Fegg Hayes. We turned left onto Oxford Road and we ran forwards into Chell Heath. We passed Matthew's old school site which is going to be a new sheltered housing site. We ran through Bradeley to the traffic lights. We turned right and we ran up the hill through Smallthorne. At the top of the hill we turned left onto the A5272 and into Hanley. We ran into town along Town Road and we crossed over the ring road. We turned right onto Quadrant Road and we went under the Intu Potteries shopping centre. We ran forwards onto Stafford Street and we passed the town hall. We ran along Bagnall Street and into the bus station. We went outside and we waited for a bus back to Fenton. A short time later we saw First Potteries 63172 on a #11 to Newcastle. We got on the bus and we flashed the Knot tickets to the driver for the final time today we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off up Lichfield Street and we turned right onto Birch Terrace. We followed the road around onto Charles Street and we turned right onto Old Hall Street. We crossed over the ring road onto Bucknall New Road. We ran down the hill through Limekiln lights and we turned right onto Dividy Road. We turned left onto Beverley Drive and right onto Dawlish Drive. We ran through the estate and back onto the A5272. We ran up to Adderley Green. At the roundabout we turned right onto Anchor Road. system onto Commerce Street and right onto The Strand. After a brief stop we ran down the Strand and under the railway line onto King Street. We continued down through Fenton and forwards onto City Road. We went past KFC and we got up and got off at the Travers Court bus stop outside the block of flats. Once off the bus we walked onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. we went upstairs to his room to chill out. whilst there he ate a can of Fanta orange. He also watched buses out of the window. Later on we went downstairs and we set off onto City Road and we saw Afford rent-a-car KV19 NUK outside there yard.

Afford rent-a-car KV19 NUK in Fenton

On the way to the bus stop the flat we saw First Potteries 63172 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63172 in Fenton

We continued down City Road past the new sheltered housing complex. We crossed over the A500 and went into Stoke town centre. After a short while we saw First Potteries 63114 on a #25 to Keele. We walked around the corner onto Campbell Place. We walked down Wolfe Street and we turned onto Boothen Road and we saw Adams Travel EG16 FYD parked up opposite the old police station.

Adams Travel EG16 FYD in Stoke

We walked onto Church Street and we crossed over the A500 and went along the Trent & Mersey canal towpath and we walked down around 1/2 mile and onto Whieldon Road. We went under the railway line and we climbed up the hill. Part way up we saw Stanton's of Stoke Mercedes minibus KY12 YGC. We carried on up Whieldon Road and we turned left onto Willowdale Avenue and we went across the spare ground and onto Smithpool Road. We crossed over the railway line and we turned right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew went to his room to chill out. He used his computer and watched buses out of the window. We saw Stanton's of Stoke LK53 KVU going towards Longton. Later on Matthew went downstairs to attend a tea. He had Pizza followed by a butterfly cake. this was all washed down with a can of Tango Orange. Once the party had finished Matthew went back upstairs to his room. Matthew spent time in his room watching television and using his computer. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Tunstall / Newcastle 15-10-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Tunstall	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Tunstall	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Newcastle	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Newcastle	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going out in the minibus today. the lady boys of bangkok: the greatest showgirls tour! Sanisbury's Newcastle. Matthew got up and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst waiting for time to got to the day centre Matthew spent time in his room watching buses. Whilst waiting to go out we saw First Potteries 67152 on a #23 to Hanley. We went downstairs and We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street where we saw D&G Bus 41 on a #40 to Longton.

D&G 41 in Fenton

We continued along Christchurch Street and on to the day centre. At the day centre we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

In the morning we went to Tunstall. Transport for the trip was Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We got on the minibus and we set off onto Glebedale Road. We turned right onto City Road and sharp left onto Victoria Road. We ran down the hill to Joiners Square and we went straight onto to Lichfield Street. We ran anti-clockwise around the ring road and we turned right onto Waterloo Road. We ran through Cobridge and we saw First Potteries 63096 on a #3A to Hanley. into Burslem and we continued forwards onto Scotia Road. We followed the road to the left onto Williamson Street and we saw Stanways OIG 5670 parked up. we turned right onto High Street. We parked up in the square and we walked around the corner to the Tunstall Cafe. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had Gammon, chips and egg washed down by a can of Coke. This was followed by a slice of toffee cheesecake. When we had finished we returned to the car and we returned to Fenton. We set of up High Street and we turned sharp right onto the by-pass. We ran past Asda and onto Scotia Road. We ran into Burslem and forwards onto Waterloo Road. We ran through Cobridge into Hanley and we ran Clockwise around the ring road. We turned left onto Lichfield street and we ran down to Joiners Square. We turned right onto the A52 and we ran near to the railway station and into Stoke. At the roundabout we turned left onto City Road and up the hill into Fenton. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. Matthew used his computer and watched buses out of the window before going out later on. We saw Stoke-on-Trent city council welfare bus LK17 DXC heading towards Hanley.

Stoke-on-Trent city council LK17 DXC in Fenton

Also seen was First Potteries 63118 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63118 in Fenton

Later on Matthew went to Newcastle. We went downstairs and transport for the trip was Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We got on the bus and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto City Road. We ran down the hill and under the railway line into Stoke. We crossed over the A500 and we saw Aimee's KX05 KGN waiting to come off the Northbound A500. We went around the one-way system. We ran up the hill into Hartshill and we continued to the edge of Newcastle. We ran forwards onto George Street and we saw Fiorst Potteries 65036 on a #101 to Hanley. We turned left onto Barracks Road. After parking up we walked along Hassell Street and we turned right onto High Street. We went forwards onto Liverpool Road. We walked to where the show was taking place and we found our seats. We went to a food van and we had sausage on a roll and a can of Coke. Matthew visited the toilet. Matthew watched the show and afterwards we went back to Fenton on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto barracks Road and we Joined the one-way system. We ran ran onto the A52 and we turned left onto George Street. we ran forwards onto Hartshill Roan and into Hartshill. . 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. We went up to Matthew's room 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.

Trip to Fenton / Newcastle 18-01-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67636	Blurton. Magdalen Road	Newcastle, Opp Cherry Tree PH	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. he was going to see Grandma later on and going to the pub and returning to Blurton for a long weekend. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Around 09:00 we went downstairs and we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX outside in the yard. We set off onto Temple Street We continued along Christchurch Street and to the day centre. we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

In the morning Matthew did baking. For dinner Matthew had sausage chips and gravy. After dinner Matthew went to the pub. We set off onto Christchurch Street and we stopped at the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had a glass of Coke. When it was time to go Matthew walked onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs to his room to get ready to leave. We got things ready and we left the residential unit just after 15:00. We went downstairs and we got into the car. We drove onto Temple Street. We turned right onto Christchurch Street and right onto Station Bridge Road. We followed the road around onto Heron Street and into Heron Cross. We went through the traffic lights and forwards onto Blurton Road. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Street. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 15:00. When we got home Matthew had toast and a glass of Irn Bru. Today we were catching the 15:56 to Newcastle as we were going to the pub via Grandma's House. We set off around 15:45 on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. The bus was a little late due to the weather. Eventually the bus turned the corner and as it got closer we saw that it was First Potteries 67636 on a #22 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67636 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle and sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto the A5035 we saw First Potteries 67632 on a #22 to Longton. We went over the railway line into Trentham and we turned right into New Inn Lane. We ran up the hill towards Hanford passing We turned right into Wilson Road passing First Potteries 63179 on the final #22 turn to Longton. We ran down Church Lane and we continued down onto the A34 catching up with First Potteries 67159 on a #21 to Hanley. We crossed under the A500 and we ran into Trent Vale. We turned right into Harpfields Road. We continued forwards on Hilton Road. we turned into the hospital. We ran through and we saw Falck LT63 UDJ, ABC Supreme HV18 GVU & D&G 41 on a #2 to Birches Head. We turned right onto the A34. A couple of stops down the road we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took a picture of First Potteries 67636 as it continued towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 67636 in Newcastle

We walked up the hill to Grandma's house. At Grandma's Matthew had a can of Irn Bru and used her computer. When it was time to go we went to the pub in the car. We set off just after 18:00 and we ran down Victoria Street. We turned left onto the A34. We continued southwards into Trent Vale and we stopped at the pub. We walked into the pub and we sat down at our one our normal tables. Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with custard. Whilst we ate there was quite a heavy snowfall. Highlights of the bus sightings included white minibus CV68 XVT and First Potteries 65039 on a #101 to Stafford. Once we had finished eating we set off to uncle Dave's to pick him up. We ran down the A34 and we joined the Northbound A500. At Sideway we turned right onto the A50 and we came off the A50 at Heron Cross. We dropped down into Fenton to pick uncle Dave up. Once we had picked him up we ran up to Heron Cross and we joined the Westbound A50. we veered left onto Stanley Matthews Way and we ran to the end. We turned left onto the A5035 and we got home around 19:30. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we composed a few e-mails and sorted a few things out. We then chilled out on the sofa doing e-mails and writing the until bedtime around 01:00... Mark

Trip to Fenton / Newcastle 22-12-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67656	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Newcastle, Opp Cherry Tree PH	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in residential and he was going to his day service. He was also going to see Grandma later on and going to the pub and returning to Blurton for a long weekend. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Outside the residential unit was Shelton care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Christchurch Street and up to the day centre. In the morning Matthew had his day centre Christmas party. They ate party food and watched Christmas DVDs. Matthew had egg sandwiches for dinner followed by a chocolate roll. In the afternoon Matthew went for a walk. We set off onto Christchurch Street and we cut past the houses onto Nelson Street. We turned left onto Watkin Street and left onto Marlborough Street. We turned left onto Clifton Street and back onto Christchurch Street and back to the day centre. Later on when it was time we returned to the residential unit. We set off onto Christchurch Street and we turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. After a short while I came to pick Matthew up. We packed a few essential item and we got in the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. We turned right onto Station Bridge Road and we continued onto Heron Street. We went through the traffic light s and we crossed over the A50 and we saw Lightning Travel W2 DLT. We continued through Blurton along Blurton Road and we turned right onto Church Street. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we got home around 15:00. When we got home Matthew had toast and a drink of Fanta orange. Today we were catching the 15:56 to Newcastle as we were going to the pub via Grandma's House. We set off around 15:45 on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. A few minutes later the bus came around the corner. Our bus approached and we saw it was First Potteries 67656 on a #22 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67656 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle. and as we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto the A5035 and we went over the railway line into Trentham. We passed First Potteries 67603 on a #22 to Longton and we turned right into New Inn Lane. We passed First Potteries 42554 on a #21A to the Trentham Hotel and we turned right into Wilson Road. We turned left into Church Lane and we saw Hanford Manor SV09 ZYH. We joined the A34 and we headed into Trent Vale, passing First Potteries 67152 on a #21A to the Trentham Hotel. We turned right into Harpfields Road where we passed First Potteries 41500 on the final #22 to Longton and D&G Bus 41 on a #9 to Biddulph. We turned left into the hospital and we saw ABC Supreme minibus FV07 UGC and First Potteries 32648 on a #25 to Hanley. We turned right onto the A34 and a couple of stops down the road we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67656 as it continued towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 67656 in Newcastle

We saw Abbey taxi's V700 ABY going towards the hospital and E-zec patient transport YN15 FFG going towards Newcastle. We crossed over A34 and we headed up the hill to Grandma's House. At Grandma's Matthew had a can of Irn Bru and used her computer. Matthew also ate some shortbread biscuits. We need to charge the phone so we got a cable out of the car and Matthew got some dandelion & burdock out of the boot which he gave to Grandma to use at Christmas. We said goodbye to Grandma around 17:30. We set off onto Victoria Street and we saw white minibus YK08 PVA. We turned left onto the A34. We ran down into Trent Vale. We stopped at the pub and we went inside. Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with custard. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses included ABC Supreme DX08 FXL going Southwards & First Potteries 37146 on a #101 to Hanley and First Potteries 65041 on a #101 to Stafford & D&G Bus 42 running out of service towards Hanford. When it was time to go we got in the car to go pick up uncle Dave. We ran down the A34 and we joined the Northbound A500. We came off the A500 and Stoke and we returned South down the A500 and into Fenton to pick uncle Dave up. Once we had picked him up we ran up to Heron Cross. We crossed over the A50 and we continued into Blurton along Blurton Road. We turned right onto Church Road and we turned right into Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 19:00. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we composed a few e-mails and sorted a few things out. Later on we dropped mum off in Dresden. We ran onto the A5035 and ran through Dresden to the edge of Longton. We turned left onto Spring Garden Road and we continued to Near the end. After dropping mum off we returned along Spring Gargden Road. We turned left onto the A5035 and we did a u-turn to head back into Dresden and Blurton. We got back around 20:00. We then chilled out on the sofa doing e-mails and writing the until bedtime around 01:00... Mark

Trip on the last Sunday #164 10-07-2011

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
40373	Ladybank Grove, Blurton	Stoke railway station	23	First Potteries
61143	Signal Radio, Stoke Road	Campbell Place, Stoke	21	First Potteries
66845	Church Street, Stoke	Newcastle bus station	25	First Potteries
2902	Newcastle bus station	Hanley bus station	164	Arriva Midlands
61556	Hanley bus station	Longton transport interchange	6B	First Potteries

As Matthew hadn't been out much this month and today was the last running of the Sunday 164, I decided to take him out today to try and get a ride on this service. The original plan was to catch the 14:00 Newcastle - Longton #22 bus to Longton, catch a 6B to Hanley in order to meet the 164 in Hanley bus station. The bus was due through Blurton at 14:22 so we set off to the bus stop on Trentham Road just before 14:10. After waiting for 25 minutes for this bus, we had to assume that this bus had broken down or the driver was unable to complete this turn. So we followed the route through Blurton to the Ladybank Grove stop. the next #23 bus was due at 14:54 so we waited here for the Hanley bus. As we waited it started to rain so the coats cam out of the bag. The #23 turned up at around 15:00 with dud 40373 for power.


40373 in Blurton on the #23 to Hanley (Matt)

At this point the #22 still hadn't come past in either direction so I can only assume that this leg of the diagram did not run. The reason the #23 was running late is because there was a young girl trying to dodge paying her fare. As her mother got off the bus the young girl miraculously found her ticket, which must have been a 'week student' ticket. When asked to produce a student cards she couldn't. The mum came back on to the bus to see if there was a problem and the driver ascertained that the ticket belonged to her. The younger girl was asked to pay the fare of get off the bus! As a result of this action the bus was 10 minutes late when it left Ladybank Grove. Our plan B was to got to Stoke station (15:12) and to pick up the 164 outside Signal Radio (15:20). As we got off the bus matthew took a quick picture.


40373 outside Stoke railway station (Matt)

We jogged the 400 or so yards to the Signal Radio stop on Stoke Road. As the bus had been made late by the fare dodger we weren't able to make this bus. We saw 40022 on a 21A and we let this go, hoping that the #164 still might turn up. it soon came apparent that we had definitely missed the bus so I used the '84268' system to find the next bus time. There was a #21 at 15:46. I thought that this might make the #22 in Trent Vale, which we could catch up to Newcastle (we'll call this plan 'C'...). The bus turned up and it was ex Chester 61143 which was required.


61143 outside Signal Radio (Matt)

When the bus stopped at the lights over the A500 it vibrated quite a bit! As this bus was also a couple of minutes late, and it was also a bit shaky, I decide to get off in stoke to head towards Newcastle from there. With service #25, #26 and #41, there bound to be something to get us up to Newcaslte for 16:50. When we got off I consulted to bus stop timetables. there was a #25 at 16:22 which should get us to Newcastle with plenty of time to meet the 164 (Plan 'D'). Whilst we waited we were able to take some pictures.


60063 on a Hanley bound #26 (Matt)


D&G 91 on a #41 to Hanley (Matt)

After around 20 minutes and a few buses later, required 66845 turned up on the #25...


First Potteries 66845 on a #25 to Keele (Matt)

When we got to Newcastle we saw Scraggs 80 on the 16:30 to Longtom. It would seem that plan 'D' actually worked and we would finally catch up with the #164. Matthew then got another picture of 66845.


66845 in Newcastle bus station (Matt)

We also saw 40019 on the #72 Clayton and then D&G 41 on the #85 Crewe service...


D&G 41 on #85 Crewe (Matt)

Another bus we saw whilst waiting was D&G 106 on the 94A to Audley.


D&G 106 on a #94A to Audley (Matt)

Shortly after that we eventually saw what we had been waiting for. Arriva Midlands 2902 on the last Northbound Sunday #164 service.


Last Northbound #164; 2902 in Newcastle bus station (Matt)

As we got on Matthew tried to do something that he shouldn't and nearly got us in to trouble. Luckily the driver ignored his bad behaviour. When we got to Hanley he tried to do the same thing again! needless to say he won't be going on a Arriva Midlands bus in Hanley on a Sunday again (unless the timetable changes...). When we got off we were able to take another picture of this beast.


Last Southbound #164; 2902 in Hanley bus station (Matt)

At this point i gave Matthew a choice of a few buses he could catch. he could have done a 21A to Trentham, a #25 to stoke or a 6B to Longton. Matthew choice to do 61556 on the 6B. We left the balcony and waited for the driver to return to this bus.


61556 on a #6B to Blythe Bridge (Matt)

At Longton we were able to get a few more pictures before mum picked us up. 60011 was on a #26...


60011 on a #26 (Matt)

We got another picture of ex Chester 61556...


61556 continues to Blythe Bridge (Matt)

Another ex Chester bus also turned up which Matthew got a picture of...


61554 in Longton transport interchange (Matt)

Also old-school Scania 60073 starting to look it's age...


60073 in Longton transport interchange (Matt)

Shortly after this mum turned up to rescue us. We went home and had Pizza for tea... Mark

Trip to Hanley 28-05-2011

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
40170	Wolstanton	Hanley BS	17	First Potteries
40150	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	34	First Potteries
40136	Newcastle BS	Wolstanton	99	First Potteries
40149	Wolstanton	Newcastle BS	98	First Potteries
41	Newcastle BS	Crewe BS	85	D & G
3360	Crewe BS	Sandbach Common	38	Arriva NW&W
3353	Sandbach Common	Crewe BS	38	Arriva NW&W
7647	Crewe	Nantwich BS	84	Arriva NW&W
2500	Nantwich BS	Crewe BS	84	Arriva NW&W
138	Crewe BS	Newcastle BS	85	D & G

Matthew was in respite and the above is the move he did on Saturday whilst in their care.

Trip to Crewe 22-04-2011

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
27	Crewe BS	Crewe railway station	127	D&G
92	Crewe railway station	Crewe BS	85	D&G
23	Crewe BS	Sandbach, Military Arms PH (o/s)	38	D&G
41	Sandbach Common	Crewe BS	38	D&G

Another short trip out we arranged last weekend after he cam out of respite. Given a choice of Stafford or Crewe, Matthew choose Crewe. I think he was hoping to ride on some more Winsford based double deckers, but unlike anywhere else nearby Chesire East council decided to run a mainly Sunday service on Good Friday. This meant that the 38 would be D&G. Also, the fridays only #127 to Chesteron was down to run today. Having seen what was happening we persuaded Matthew to have a D&G day today. We set off around 12:00 but it took longer than expected to get in to Crewe town centre as people were forced to drive into town by a lack of public transport. As we passed the railway station we passed D&G long Solo 36 on a 38. We parked up in Delamere Street and Walked across to the bus station. As we only has around 25 minutes before the 13:15 chesterton, we could not eat in and we decided to share a potion of chips and 2 cans of coke from Les's fish and chips shop. As ever the chips were very nice! With 3 D&G buses laying over, we guessed correctly that the #127 would be the short Solo 27. A few minutes before it's 13:15 departure, D&G 27 moved onto it's book stand #2.


27 on the 127, D&G Optare Solo works the FO #127 Chesterton service (Matt)

On the bus Matthew photographed the maroon coloured seat moquette, not dissimalr to some in the bakerbus and Wardle's fleets.


D&G 27 moquette (Matt)

The bus filled up quite well, and Matthew was having trouble with hay fever and runny eye. A kind lady gave Matthew a few tissues to dab his eye with, so if you ever read this thank you again! When we got to The railway station we bailed off not quite sure what we catch back.


27 departs to Staffordshire from Crewe railway station (Matt)

As we got off the bus the Morecombe team coach went past Which Matthew got a picture of.


Options Irizar bodied Scania K2 PRS, the Morecombe team coach (Matt)

We crossed the road and waited for a return bus, We must have already past the 38 due at 13:26 and we worked out that the next bus would be a #85 Newcastle Crewe, fortunately also a D&G bus. As we waited a small contingent of morecombe fans cam out of the station in Hawaiin shirts and shorts. The gave a small chant as they passed...

"we want to go home,
We want to go home.
Crewe's a s**thole,
We want to go home."

Not a chant I wholly agree with, but it did make me smile. D&G 41 went passed on another 38 Macclesfield. A short while later D&G bus 92 appeared on the #85


D&G 92 at Crewe railway station (Matt)

A short journey later we were back at the bus station. As the bus emptied out Matthew took a picture of the inside of the bus.


inside D&G 92 (Matt)

When we got back and realised that there was a 35 minute wait for the next 38, however D&G 23 pulled in displaying 38. We realised that because of the traffic the buses were unable to keep up the correct timing and therefore they were using an extra bus to lay over to make sure the Crewe Macclesfield departure left on time. The bus pulled up and pulled off and sat adjacent until a few minute before 14:35.


23 on the D&G #38 Macclesfield service in Crewe bus station (Matt)

Have D&G been acquiring a few newer vehicles recently then, I don't remember them having so many newer Solos? I was last down in Crewe in 2009 I think and I saw a lot of early low floor Darts and Mercedes minis


23 on the D&G #38 Macclesfield service at sandbach Common (Matt)


2498 on the 37E Northwich service (Matt)

Sorry about the slight delay in replying, it has been a busy weekend...

In a word yes

according to D&G's published fleet list http://www.dgbus.co.uk/fleetlist.htm all 3 buses operating the 38 on Friday are new to D&G as is 27 which was on the Fridays only 127 service. There has been discussion of this on the Yahoo Staffordshire and Merseyside bus group and I believe there is a relatively up to date fleet list available there.

A couple of years ago they had a batch of Solos in Cheshire Connect livery (64-69) which were not new but consecutively registered, presumable on loan from Cheshire East county Council. I'm sure we saw another on Friday (62)

last year in buses magazine in an article on D&G, the boss was talking about the fuel efficiency of Mercedes minibuses and the fact that these were going to have to be replaced probably by then end of 2010. I can only assume that the Solos are giving them a slight competitive edge over running Darts.


37E Northwich (Matt)


41 on the D&G #38 Crewe service (Matt)


inside D&G 41 (Matt)


41 lays over between #38's in Crewe service (Matt)

In the cafe on the town side of the bus station, we bought Matthew a portion of chips, and mum had a Derby scone which Matthew also pinched. During the day and during our snack it had been noted that service seemed to have a few working. We missed as we finished our meal so we waited for the next #X37. this turned out to be another of the Mercedes minibus. A moved was

We up to the bus station, met with mum and went back to the car for sausage rolls...