Trip to Fenton / Hanley 27-09-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67648	Fenton, Victoria Place	Hanley, Lichfield Street	6A	First Potteries
41494	Hanley BS	Fenton, Victoria Place	6	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in residential and he was going to his day service. Matthew was also going to visit his uncle Dave later on. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst waiting to go to the day service we saw First Potteries 67602 on a #11 to Hanley. We saw Autocabs WJ12 GNY going towards Hanley.

Autocabs WJ12 GNY in Fenton

We also saw Lucky Seven minibus DX57 LMK.

Lucky Seven DX57 LMK in Fenton

Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street. At the day centre we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

In the morning we went on the bus to Hnaley. We set off on foot onto City Road and we crossed over. On the way to the bus station we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 279 going towards Stoke.

Copeland's Tours MIB 279 in Fenton

We walked around the corner onto Victoria Road and we waited at the bus stop for a bus to Hanley. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67648 on a #6A to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down. We set off down Victoria Road and we crossed over the A52 at Joiners Square. We ran up Lichfield Street and we crossed over the ring road. We then got up and got off the bus at the stop outside the bus station. Once off the bus we set off up Lichfield Street and across onto Tontine Street. We turned right onto Parliament Row and we walked across Old Hall Street onto Charles Street. We went to Iceland to do some shopping. Matthew went shopping brought a toffee cheesecake. We walked onto Birch Terrace and onto Lichfield Street and back to the bus station. We waited at the stop outside the bus station for a bus back to Fenton. A few minutes later First Potteries 41494 made an appearance on the #6 to Weston Coyney. We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off up Lichfield Street and we turned right into Birch Terrace. We followed the road around to the left onto Charles Street. At the top we turned right onto Old Hall Street before turning right onto the ring road. We turned left onto Lichfield Street and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed the roundabout onto Victoria Road and we ran up the hill into Fenton. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. One off the bus we set off on foot onto City Road and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned right onto Temple Street and back to the day centre. For dinner Matthew had a ham sandwich followed by a Bakewell Tart. in the afternoon Matthew watched a DVD. When it was time to go back to the residential unit we set off on foot onto Christchurch Street. We turned right onto Temple Street and back to the back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out and use his computer. We also watched buses out of the window. We saw Meadows minibus DX65 DMZ going towards Stoke.

Meadows DX65 DMZ in Fenton

Later on Matthew went to uncle Daves in a car. We set off along Temple Street and left onto Smithpool Road. We turn right onto Wheildon Road and we stopped at uncle Dave's house. For tea Matthew had chicken potatoes and carrots. later on he had a drink of Tango orange and a few custard creams. Matthew chill out in uncle Dave's house using his computer and watching television. A couple of hours later staff came to escort Matthew back in a car. We ran up Wheildon Road and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went back to the room and went on 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 Fenton / Joiners Square 25-08-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
NH57 HRO	Fenton	Joiners Square	Charter	ABC Supreme
DY08 FFX	Joiners Square	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group

Today Matthew was in residential and he was going to his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst waiting to go to the day service we saw First Potteries 41494 on a #11 to Hanley. Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. A few minutes later we saw Stanton's of Stoke GSU 344 going towards Stoke. We walked onto Temple Street and onto Christchurch Street. In the morning Matthew made some cup cakes with butter icing. For dinner Matthew had KFC. We saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

We went onto Glebedale road and we turned right onto City Road. We walked up top the roundabout and we turned right into KFC. Matthew had chicken popcorn and fries washed with a cup of Coke. Matthew went to the pub in a ABC Supreme minibus NH57 HRO. We set off onto the roundabout and straight onto Victoria Road. We ran down the hill to Joiners Square and we crossed over the roundabout onto Lichfield street and to our destination. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. highlights of the bus sightings included First Potteries 63098 on a #6 to Weston Coyney and Stanton's of Stoke EGZ 2534. Matthew then listened to Steps on the jukebox .When it was time to go we walked down Lichfield Street and across joiners Square onto Victoria Road Berry Hill Road and we got on board Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We went up Victoria Road and at the top we turned sharp right onto City Road. We turned left into Glebedale Road and we stopped briefly at the day centre When it was time to go back back to the residential unit Matthew set off on foot onto Christchurch Street and left onto Temple Street. Matthew had toast and a drink of dandelion & burdock. waiting at the residential unit. Matthew went to the room and we saw Meadows minibus DX65 DMZ going towards Stoke.

Meadows DX65 DMZ in Fenton

Also going towards Stoke was Intercity minibus SF11 GNX.

Intercity SF11 GNX in Fenton

we also saw First Potteries 63097 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63097 in Fenton

For tea Matthew had shepherds pie and Chips followed by cheesecake. Later on Matthew went to the Funfair on the car park off City Road. We set off onto Temple Street and we crossed over Christchurch Street and through the alleyway onto the car park. Matthew went on a few rides. He went on the Miami Trip style ride and the Waltzers. He also visited the burger van and had a burger. Later on Matthew walked back to the residential unit and chilled out in his room and use his computer. Matthew then watched some television and used his computer. 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 10-05-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63096	Fenton, Victoria Place	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
63097	Newcastle BS	Fenton, Christchurch Street	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. Around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst waiting to go out we saw First Potteries 67157 on a #23 to Hanley. Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street and to the day centre. At the day centre we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX parked outside.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

In the morning Matthew went out on the bus. We set off on foot onto Glebedale Road and we turned right onto City Road. As we walked up the bus stop we saw First Potteries 63101 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63101 in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw dud D&G Bus 114 on 'The Orange ONE' to Newcastle, which we decided mot to catch.

D&G 114 in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 63096 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63096 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off down City Road and we ran over the old Leek railway line before joining the A52. We continued under the railway line and over the A500. We went forwards on Church Street and into the centre of Stoke. After stopping to pick up passengers we continued up the hill into Hartshill. We ran forwards into George Street and we dropped down into Newcastle. At the Jubilee roundabout we turned left onto Barracks Road and we entered the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once we got off the bus we saw First Potteries 65705 on a #4A to Kidsgrove.

First Potteries 65705 in Newcastle bus station

Once off the bus we set off to the pub. We walked up Castle walk and we turned right onto Ironmarket. Once in the pub Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. When we had finished in the pub walked down Ironmarket and onto the High Street. We turned left onto Hassall Street and back to the bus station. We sat at the bottom end of Stubbs Street and watched buses for a while. We saw Arriva Midlands 3697 on a #164 to Market Drayton.

Arriva Midlands 3697 in Newcastle bus station

A short while later we saw First Potteries 32634 on a #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 32634 in Newcastle bus station

We also saw First Potteries 67637 on a #97 to Wostanton.

First Potteries 67637 in Newcastle bus station

A short time later we saw First Potteries 41494 on a #98 to Ball Green

First Potteries 41494 in Newcastle bus station

It was time to return to Fenton so we decided to do the next First Potteries bus back in that direction. Onstand was D&G Bus 112 on 'The Orange ONE' to Meir.

D&G 112 in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes later a bus appeared and it was First Potteries 63097 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63097 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we ran onto Barracks Road. We turned right at Jubilee roundabout onto the A53 and we ran around the one-way system onto the A52. We ran up George Street and into Hartshill. We ran through the village and down the hill into Stoke town centre. After a brief stop in Church Street we continued into Fenton up the A52, over the A500 and under the railway line. We ran up City Road and near to the top we got up and got off the bus. We crossed the road and we across the car park and back to the day centre. For dinner Matthew had a ham sandwich followed by a Bakewell tart. In the afternoon Matthew went on the computer. When it was time to return to the residential unit We set off on foot onto Christchurch Street and left into temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went to his room and chilled out on his computer and watched buses out of the window. We saw D&G Bus 113 on 'The Orange ONE' to Newcastle.

D&G 113 in Fenton

For tea Matthew had fish fingers and chips followed by a lemon meringue pie. After tea Matthew went in a Lucky Seven taxi to Burslem to go to the pub. We set off onto City Road and we went down to the A52. We ran adjacent to the railway line and we went forwards onto Station Road. At the end of the road we turned right onto Stoke Road and we ran up to Hanley. We went forwards onto Broad Street and left onto Marsh Street. We ran up the Waterloo Road and we ran through Cobridge and up to Burslem. At the pub Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. When it was time to go back to the residential unit we returned in a Lucky Seven taxi. We ran back down the A50 into Cobridge and onto the ring road. We ran around to Lichfield Street and we ran down to Joiners Square. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A52 and we ran past the railway station and into Fenton. We turned left onto City road and we ran up the hill before turned right into Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple street and back to the residential unit. Back in the unit Matthew had a bath and then chilled out in his room. For supper Matthew had toast before going to be around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Fenton / Newcastle 03-05-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63100	Fenton, Victoria Place	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
37159	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	25	First Potteries
67156	Hanley BS	Fenton, opp Albert Square	23	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst waiting to go out we saw First Potteries 67152 on a #23 to Hanley and AT Travel CM52 BUS. Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and we saw Wints coach F705 PAY.

Wints F705 PAY in Fenton

We right onto Christchurch Street and to the day centre where we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

In the morning Matthew went out on the bus. We set off on foot onto Glebedale Road and we turned right onto City Road. We waited at the bus stop for a bus to Newcastle. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 63100 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63100 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off down City Road and we ran over the old Leek railway line before joining the A52. We continued under the railway line and over the A500. We went forwards on Church Street and into the centre of Stoke. After stopping to pick up passengers we continued up the hill into Hartshill. We ran forwards into George Street and we dropped down into Newcastle. At the Jubilee roundabout we turned left onto barracks Road and we entered the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Across the bus station on the top stands we saw National Express liveried Selwyn's coach BD65 JEU on a #370 to Clacton-on-Sea.

Selwyns BD65 JEU in Newcastle bus station

Once off the bus we went to the pub for a quick drink. We walked up Castle Walk and right onto Ironmarket and into the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. On the way back to the bus station we stopped at Greggs to pick up a jam filled shortbread biscuit for later. After we had finished in Greggs we walked back up Castle walk and onto Ironmarket. We walked down the High Street and into the arcade by the Vue cinema. After we had finished there we walked along Hassall Street and back to the bus station. We saw D&G Bus 160 on a 'Nines' to Biddulph.

D&G 160 in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes later we saw required First Potteries 32650 on a #25 to Keele.

First Potteries 32650 in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes later a bus to Hanley appeared and it was dud First Potteries 37159 on a #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 37159 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we went upstairs. The top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 37159.

Inside First Potteries 37159

When it was time to go the bus set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We turned left at the roundabout onto the A34 and we ran South as far as the hospital where we turned left. As we travelled through the hospital we saw ABC Supreme mini coach KX13 DZL and First Potteries 32630 on a #25 to Keele. We came out of the hospital and turned left onto Hilton Road. We ran into Hartshill and we turned right onto the A52. We ran down the hill into Stoke town centre and along Church Street. After a brief stop we continued along the A52, over the A500 and under the railway line. We followed the A52 to the left and we ran alongside the railway and onto Station Road. We passed the railway station and we turned right onto College Road. We ran up the hill through Shelton and we followed the road to the right onto Cleveland Road and Regent Road. We turned left onto Lower Bethesda Street and we crossed over the ring road, continuing onto Bethesda Street. We turned right onto John Street and we ran up the hill into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. We went to catch a bus back to Fenton, as we saw First Potteries 67156 on a #23 to Newstead.

First Potteries 67156 in Hanley bus station

Whilst we waited for the bus to be readied for service we saw First Potteries 41494 on an #8A to Endon.

First Potteries 41494 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 67156 before we sat down.

Inside First Potteries 67156

The bus set off out of the bus station onto John Street, and we ran down the hill. We turned left onto Bethesda Street and we crossed over the ring road. At the end of Lower Bethesda Street we turned right onto Regent Road. We went forwards onto Cleveland Road and College Road and we ran down the hill to the railway station. We turned left onto Station Road and we ran forwards onto the A52. We ran adjacent to the railway line and we turned left onto City Road. We ran up the hill over the old Leek railway line and we turned right into Christchurch Street. When we got to the Square we got up and got off the bus and walked back to the day centre. For dinner Matthew had sausage rolls followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. In the after noon Matthew went onto the computer. When it was time to go we set off on foot onto Christchurch Street and we saw First Potteries 67153 on a #23 to Newstead. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew chilled out in his room on his computer and watching buses out of the window. Grandma & Grandad came to visit and spent some time with Matthew a stick of rock from Yarmouth. After Grandma & Grandad left Matthew had fish fingers & chips for tea, followed by cake. After tea Matthew went for a walk. We set off onto Temple Street and at the end we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We had a walk around the pool and then we returned along Smithpool Road and Matthew had a can of Coke from the chip shop. We turned right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. later on Matthew had a bath and then chilled out in his room. He had toast for supper and went to bed around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Newcastle / Biddulph 21-05-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
42892	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trentham, adj Man-in-Space	22	First Potteries
42553	Trentham, adj Man-in-Space	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop R	21	First Potteries
65039	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop Q	Newcastle BS	25	First Potteries
32627	Newcastle BS	Tunstall, adj stop A	99	First Potteries
67635	Tunstall, adj stop B	Hanley BS	3	First Potteries
37159	Hanley BS	Biddulph BS	7A	First Potteries
41494	Biddulph BS	Hanley BS	7A	First Potteries
161	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	Nines	D&G

Today we decided to do a local trip. Wee checked the weather and it was for for cool wet weather, with rain due to fall for most of the afternoon. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We got ready and uncle Dave couldn't find his coat! we said goodbye to mum and we set off on foot to the bus stop all the way over on Magdalen Road. As we waited for the bus we saw dud First Potteries 67632 on a Longton bound #22. We saw mum in the distance approaching in the car and at the same time We saw a First Potteries Dart come around the corner. As our bus got closer we saw mum waving uncle Dave's coat about. I flagged the bus down, Matthew took a picture of dud First Potteries 42892 and uncle Dave ran to the car to get his coat off mum!

First Potteries 42892 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked a Smart day ticket at £5.30. By the time the ticket was sorted uncle Dave had caught us up and jumped on the bus. We sat down towards the back of the bus and the bus set off onto the A5035. We crossed over the railway line into Trentham nad we turned right into New Inn Lane. We saw a First Potteries Caetano Dart in front of us on the #21A and we knew we were unlikely to catch up with his bus. We got up to get off the bus near to the Man in Space and we saw required First Potteries 42553 on a #21 to the Trentham Hotel opposite to us. We got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 42892 before it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 42892 in Trentham

We knew we had a wait of just less than 15 minutes for required First Potteries 42553 to return from it's loop around Trentham. The time passed quickly, mum sent a question about a house in uncle Dave's Street which her friend was considering renting, and we saw City Cabs SF58 UBZ going the other way.

City Cabs SF58 UBZ in Trentham

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 67603 on a #22 to Longton and then we turned to see required First Potteries 42553 again on the #21 to Hanley.

First Potteries 42553 in Trentham

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off up New Inn Lane and we noticed that the bus in front was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 42553.

Inside First Potteries 42553

At the top of New Inn Lane we turned right into Wilson Road and left into Church Lane. At the bottom of Church Lane we joined the Northbound A34 and we crossed under the A500 into Trent Vale. We turned right onto London Road and we ran the last couple of mile through West End into Stoke Town Centre. We passed City Cabs and we saw minibus YN02 UYV parked in the adjacent Street. On Campbell Place we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 42553 before it carried on towards Hanley.

First Potteries 42553 in Stoke

Once off the bus we crossed over the road and we walked through the town centre to Church Street and around the corner to Stoke cafe where we went for our dinner. Matthew used the toilet and when he returned from the basement we ordered him a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. After he had finished eating we went along Church Street to the stop by the Post Office where the majority of the Newcastle bound departures leave from. Whilst we waited for the next bus we saw dud First Potteries 65731 on a #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 65731 in Stoke

Having seen a couple of of #25's, it would seem that today that this usually double decker operated service was in the hand of single deckers... Where were all the double deckers today? A few minutes later we saw another single decker approaching on a Newcastle bound service. It was a Scania Omnicity, an unusual sighting in Stoke town centre. As it got closer we saw that it was dud First Potteries on a #25 to Keele.

First Potteries 65039 in Stoke

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. After a brief wait, we set off along Church Street and off up the hill along Hartshill Road. We passed the Noah's Ark pub, currently being refurbished and re-opening again sometime in late June. Just after the pub we turned left by the Co-operative Food store and we headed to the hospital. We bounced our way through the hospital grounds over the severe speed bumps and we joined the North bound A34. We went around the roundabout at the bottom end of Newcastle and we turned right onto Barracks Road before entering the bus station from the Southern end. It was a through bus to Keele, and it didn't empty out sufficiently for Matthew to take a picture inside. We got off the bus and we saw required First Potteries double decker 37159 departing on a #98 to Ball Green. We deicded to head up the the North end of the bus station to take a few pictures as there was a break in the rain. We then saw dud First Potteries 53063 on a #72 to Clayton.

First Potteries 53063 in Newcastle bus station

We also saw one of the last two First Potteries buses in the heritage red and yellow livery. It was dud First Potteries 65026 on a #2 to Hanley via Longton.

First Potteries 65026 in Newcastle bus station

We then saw dud First Potteries 32627 on a #99 to Chell Heath.

First Potteries 32627 in Newcastle bus station

We decided to do the double decker on the #99 as a way of getting to Tunstall quickly so that Matthew could have dessert! Wewalked over to the stand and whilst we waited for the bus to be readied for service we saw Knights Ford Minibus UKZ 9592 heading over to the taxi rank.

Knights UKZ 9592 in Newcastle bus station

When the bus had been readied for service and it started to load, we got on First Potteries 32627 and we flashed our Smart Day tickets to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 32627.

Inside First Potteries 32627

We set off out of Newcastle bus station onto Barracks Road. We crossed the Jubilee roundabout onto the A527 passed the site of a new care home and into Wolstanton. We passed along the High Street to the top of Porthill Bank where we saw ABC Supreme minibus BV51 BNZ. We turned right onto Porthill bank and we went down the hill and across the A500. We traveled through Longport and at Trubshaw Cross we turned left onto Brownhills Road we climbed the hill past the site where it was once mooted there was going to be a Morrison's and into Tunstall. At the top of the High Street we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we headed into the Tunstall Cafe. It was extremely full and we could only find a table for two at the back of the cafe. Matthew went to toilet the and I ordered a slice of Toffee Cheesecake and a can of Coke. After we had finished we said goodbye and we headed back out onto the High Street and across the road. Whilst we waited for a Southbound bus we saw First Potteries 32057 on a #99 to Chell Heath.

First Potteries 32057 in Tunstall

A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching from the North. As it got closer we saw that it was dud First Potteries 67635 on a #3 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67635 in Tunstall

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver and we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down the High Street and we turned left onto Williamson Street. After going past Asda we turned right onto Scotia Road and we ran down to Burslem. We continued South through Cobridge along Waterloo Road and we entered Hanley along Hope Street. We ran along Stafford Street and passed the town all and we entered the bus station Bagnall Street. Once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Matthew went the toilet and then we headed off to the car park to take a few bus pictures. Whilst we were in the car park the rain really started to come down. On layover we saw First Potteries 63099.

First Potteries 63099 in Hanley bus station

A few minutes alter we saw dud First Potteries 66302 on a #25 to Keele.

First Potteries 66302 in Hanley bus station

Whilst we were in the car park Matthew had a Milky Way and drank a small bottle of lemonade. We also saw D&G 158 on a #9 to Biddulph.

D&G 158 in Hanley bus station

The rain died down a little and and we considered going back to the bus station. We then saw D&G Bus 32 on a #43 to Baddeley Green.

D&G 32 in Hanley bus station

We decided to head back to the bus station whilst there was a break in the rain. We stopped in the Spa shop and Matthew had a can of Coke and a couple of chocolate bars. Once we we had paid for the stuff we went into the bus station and we spotted First Potteries 32055 on a #32 to Uttoxeter. We also saw required First Potteries 37159.

First Potteries 37159 in Hanley bus station

We waited for the driver to get into the bus and set the destination. It was just our good luck that it was about to work a #7A to Biddulph. The driver readied the bus for service and we queued up to get on the bus. Once on the bus we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before going upstairs. As the rear of the top deck was empty, Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 37159.

Inside First Potteries 37159

We set off out of the bus station and down John Street onto Bethesda Street. We went onto Marsh Street and we turned right onto Trinity Street. We turned left onto Stafford Street and we went around Quadrant Road under the Intu potteries shopping centre. We left Hanley through Townsend and we saw Stanton's of Stoke TSU 268 and Required First Potteries 32079 on an inbound Hanley service. We continued out of town through Sneyd Green and across Smallthorne roundabouts onto High Lane. At the end of High Lane we turned left onto the A527 and we ran down through Fegg Hayes and up the hill into Brindeley Ford. We left the A527 and we turned left to travel through Brown Lees. We crossed over the A527 at Knypersley and we ran around the housing estate to the east of Biddulph before coming onto the High Street off Well Street. After a short run along the High Street we turned down South View and onto Wharf Road and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 37159 as it carried on Northwards.

First Potteries 37159 in Biddulph bus station

We went to use the toilets in the bus station area, and after we had finished we cams out to see D&G Bus 159 about to work a #9 to Clayton.

D&G 159 in Biddulph bus station

We decided to go and get some fried from the Biddulph Kebab & Pizza shop so we walked up the High Street. On the way we saw an unusual coach. It was a maroon coloured coach FNZ 8556. We picked up the chips from the chip shop and we headed back to the bus station main shelter. We started to eat the chips and Matthew heard a bus approaching. We popped outside to see First Potteries 41500 on a #7A to Hanley.

First Potteries 41500 in Biddulph bus station

A few minutes later we heard another bus approaching. It was required First Potteries 32079 on a #7A to Hanley. When we had finished eating the chip we noticed that the coach was parked up down the road. It was Ken's of Congleton coach FNZ 8556.

Ken's of Congleton FNZ 8556 in Biddulph bus station

It was just after 16:00 and we were considering what bus to do back South. There was a #9 at 16:10 and this was followed by a #7A at 16:20. The D&G bus turned up and it was required 161. Matthew didn't fancy doing it at this point, perhaps he had a plan for later...

D&G 161 in Biddulph bus station

The D&G bus departed and a few minutes later dud First Potteries 41494 appeared on the #7A.

First Potteries 41494 in Biddulph bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off back onto the High Street and then left onto Well Street. We whizzed around the estate and we crossed over the A527 into Brown lees. Just before we got back to the A527 we passed required D&G 191 on a #9 to Biddulph. We continued South Through Brindley Ford and Fegg Hayes where we saw D&G 161 again turn towards Chell Heath. We climbed the hill to Chell and we turned left onto High Lane. We ran down through Smallthorne and Sneyd Green in Townsend and into Hanley. When we got to the bus station we lat the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 41494.

Inside First Potteries 41494

As we came into the bus station we noticed one of D&G's 'new' Dart that they acquired from Routemaster Buses with some services that they gained in Crewe. We walked around to the layover area and Matthew got a picture of D&G Bus 162 which was about to do the #43 to Baddeley Green.

D&G 162 in Hanley bus station

Also in the bus station was D&G Bus 145 that was purchased new just before Christmas. It was on the service that it is more often seen on, the #16 to Leek.

D&G 145 in Hanley bus station

We walked back into the bus sgtation and we headed down to the bottom stands to see what we could catch towards Newcastle. Required D&G 161 was about to set off on the #9 to Clayton, so we decided to do that.

D&G 161 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart day ticket to the driver for the final time today. The bus was empty so matthew took a picture inside D&G Bus 161.

Inside D&G 161

The bus set off out of the bus station onto John Street and down onto Bethesda Street. We crossed the ring Road and we went into Shelton and down College Road. By the railway station as we waited at the lights to go onto the A52, we saw a Longmynd Travel coach and CCT minibus 123 TKM. We went onto the A52 and we followed it around into Stoke town Centre. After we had stopped we continued along Church Street and up the hill into Hartshill. We turned left into Princes Road and we went into the centre of Penkhull and onto Newcastle Lane. We turned right onto Hilton Lane and then left into the hospital. After traveling through the hospital we went onto the A34 and into Newcastle. Once in the bus station we tried to go to the toilet but they were all locked up. Mum came and picked up up and we ran up to the Jubilee roundabout and back down the A34. We stopped at the Riverside Chip and we had a couple of potions of real ships between the 4 of us. We re joined the A34 and we turned left onto the A500. At Sideway we went east up the A50 Longton to see whhat was parked up at Z Carz today. Due to 3 way temporary traffic lights on Ednesor Road we couldn't stop by Z carz. We saw Z Carz PN06 ONM as we traveled South past the spare ground.

Z Carz PN06 ONM in Longton

We turned into Willow Row and we saw Z Carz Volkswagen minibus S973 OVP in the compound.

Z Carz S973 OVP in Longton

We turned around and as we waited for the traffic light we saw Z Carz silver minibus HK57 LGW on the spare ground.

Z Carz HK57 LGW in Longton

We headed back onto the A50 and we ran up to Heron Cross befor traveling though Blurton along Blurton Road. We followed the road around to the right and onto Church Road, and we turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got back home around 18:00. For a late tea we had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a piece of millionaire shortbread. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:00... Mark