Trip to Hanley / Bradwell 15-01-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
41496	Fenton, Victoria Place	Hanley BS	11	First Potteries
67647	Hanley BS	Fenton, Victoria Place	6A	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going to hanley on the bus and out for tea. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw First Potteries 67649 on a #11 to Newcastle. we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street where we saw First Potteries 67158 on a #23 to Hanley. We continued along Christchurch Street. At the day centre we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

In the morning Matthew went on the computer. For dinner Matthew had a jacket potato with tuna followed by a Bakewell tart. In the afternoon Matthew went to Hanley on the bus. We set off on foot onto City Road. We crossed over City Road and walked up to the bus stop near to Philpots. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was First Potteries 41496 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 41496 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We carried on along City Road and we continued forwards onto King Street. We ran through Foley and we under the railway line into Longton town centre. We stopped outside the old job centre as the #11 no longer calls in the Interchange. We ran up Market Street and we turned left onto Anchor Road. We ran up the hill to the top and ran down to the roundabout in Adderley Green. At the roundabout at the East end of Bentilee we turned right onto Beverley Drive and then left onto Dawlish Drive. We ran to the end and we turned left onto Beverley Drive. At the end we turned right onto Dividy Road and we ran down the hill to Bucknall. We turned left onto the A52 we saw First Potteries 67699 on a #11 to Newcastle. We ran to limekiln lights and we went across onto Bucknall New Road. We climbed the hill up to Hanley and we joined the clockwise ring road. We turned right onto Bethesda Road and right onto John Street and into the bus station. Once off the bus we walked up Lichfield Street onto Stafford Street. We saw First Potteries 43875 on a #5 to Abbey Hulton. We continued onto Tontine Street and through Tontine Square to the Intu Potteries shopping centre. We walked to BB coffee and we came back out of the shopping centre into Tontime Square and we visited Harley's. We carried on to the little dessert shop and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards he had a slice of Red Velvet Cheesecake with custard. When we had finished we walked down Stafford Street and forwards onto Lichfield Street and back to the bus station. We waited in the bus station for a bus back to Fenton. A short while later we saw First Potteries 67647 on a #6 to Coalville.

First Potteries 67647 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. Whilst we waited for departure time we saw First Potteries 65705 on a #3 to Crewe. We set off out of the bus station onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto the ring road and we turned right 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 we returned to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. We saw First Potteries 63171 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63171 in Fenton

Later on we came to pick up Matthew for tea. We went downstairs and we got into the car and we set off Temple Street. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we turned left onto City Road. We ran down the hill and under the railway line into Stoke. We crossed over the A500. We went around the one-way system. We ran up the hill into Hartshill and we continued to the edge of Newcastle. We turned right into Albert Street and we crossed over the A53 onto Sandy Lane. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A527. We ran through Wolstanton and we crossed over the roundabout onto Bradwell Lane and we stopped at the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and had a glass of Coke. For tea Matthew had a burger and chips followed by chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. Highlights of the sightings whilst we ate included D&G Bus 53 on a #94 to Newcastle. Once we had finished eating we set off onto Bradwell Lane and we crossed over the roundabout and ran through Wolstanton. We ran forwards onto the A527 and we ran into Newcastle. We turned right onto Barracks Road and we ran past the bus station and we saw First Potteries 32634 on the B2 service to the BET365 stadium. We continued onto the Southbound A34 and we turned left onto The Avenue. Travelling up towards Hartshill. At the end we turned right onto Hartshill Road. We ran down to Stoke and onto the one way system. We turned right onto Elenora Street and we followed the road around onto Copeland Street. We ran forwards onto Glebe Street and we followed the one way system onto Church Street. We crossed over the A500 as we pulled off from traffic lights we got a puncture so we pulled off City Road onto Lytton Street. Whilst we looked at the puncture we saw Stanways JIG 8878 go past going to the BET365 stadium. The wheel would not come off because the nuts had been over-tightened so we had to call for roadside assistance. We called the residential unit and someone came out to fetch Matthew and me. mum stayed with the car and waited for the breakdown to arrived. before we left We also saw First Potteries 41496 on a #11 to Newcastle. Somebody came to pick us up and we turned left 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 we wrote some of the Blog. Matthew also drank a can of Irn Bru. Mum called to say that the tyre had been changed and she was on her way. I said goodbye to Matthew and went to meet mum outside. 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 Hanley / Stoke 23-10-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67153	Fenton, adj Royal Oak	Hanley, adj stop J1‎	23	First Potteries
63174	Hanley BS	Fenton, Victoria Place	6A	First Potteries
67632	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Stoke, adj stop Q	11	First Potteries
32635	Stoke, stop N	Hanley BS	25	First Potteries
43876	Hanley BS	Fenton, Victoria Place	6A	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going out on the bus later on. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst he was waiting to out we saw First Potteries 65705 on a #11 to Newcastle. we went downstairs and out of the unit. 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 Matthew went on the computer. For dinner Matthew had a ham sandwich followed by Bakewell Tart. In the afternoon Matthew went out to Hanley on the bus. We set off out of the day centre on to Christchurch Street. We waited for the bus to appear and a few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. The bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67153 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67153 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road we saw First Potteries 41496 on a #23 to Newstead. 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 and 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 before we turned right onto John Street where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked up Lichfield Street and onto Tontine Street. We turned left onto Percy Street and we stopped at the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and had a Coke. Once we had finished we returned to the bus station. We set off onto Percy Street and we turned right onto Tontine Street. We went straight onto Lichfield Street and back to the bus station. we saw First Potteries 67654 on a #6 to Coalville. We stood at the stops outside the bus station to wait for a bus back to Fenton. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 63174 on a #6A to Blythe Bridge.

First Potteries 63174 in Hanley

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 we returned to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. We saw Christchurch Primary DU56 DNN going towards Stoke.

Christchurch Primary DU56 DNN in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw D&G Bus 113 on a #1 to Meir.

D&G 113 in Fenton

Also seen was Roseville FL11 TZE going towards Longton.

Roseville FL11 TZE in Fenton

Matthew went out for tea on the bus. We went downstairs and we walked through onto City Road. We waited at the bus stop outside the flats for a bus towards Stoke. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was First Potteries 67632 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67632 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Stoke before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre along Church Street where we got up and got off the bus. We walked to the one stop shop and Matthew visited the library. Matthew went to the toilet. We walked up Church Street and we went to the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. For tea Matthew had a chicken burger and fries followed by a chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. Highlights of the bus sightings included First Potteries 37157 on a #25 to Keele & Stanton's of Stoke FJ13 CUV going towards Newcastle. Once we had finished we went outside to the stop by the Dougie Mac charity shop and we waited for a bus to Hanley. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 32635 on a #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 32635 in Stoke

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off out of Stoke town centre and across the A500. We crossed under the railway line before turning left onto the A52. we turned left onto Station Road. By the railway station We carried on up 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 before we turned right onto John Street and into the bus station. Once off the bus we went to the stop outside the bus station to wait for a bus back to Fenton. We saw First Potteries 67639 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67639 in Hanley

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 43876 on a #6 to Weston Coyney

First Potteries 43876 in Hanley

We got on the bus 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. Once off the bus we set off on foot up Victoria Road and we went sharp right onto City Road. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we turned right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs and back to his room. Matthew used his computer and watched television in his room. 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 Joiners Square / Hanley 19-10-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Joiners Square	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Joiners Square	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
41496	Fenton, Victoria Place	Hanley BS	6A	First Potteries
63174	Hanley BS	Fenton, Victoria Place	6	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. Today was the day the services are planned to start to Aston Lodge and Walton in Stone operated by Community Link Stafford & District. Matthew was also going to the pub and going to Hanley 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 67641 on a #11 to Hanley. A few minutes later we saw Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Fenton

Around 09:00 we went downstairs and we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and onto Christchurch Street. In the morning Matthew made some cup cakes with butter icing. For dinner he had sausage chips and gravy from the chips shop. After dinner we went to the pub. Today we went to the pub. Transport for the trip was Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

We set off onto Glebedale Road and we Fountain Street. We then turned left onto Williams Street and right onto Manor Street. We turned left onto Victoria Road and we headed down to the roundabout at Joiners Square. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A52 and then left to our destination. At the pub Matthew went to the toilet and had a drink of Coke. Highlights of bus sightings included First Potteries 67660 on a #6A to Hanley and Magnum PJ62 BKO heading towards Hanley. Matthew listened to music on the Jukebox including tracks by Jim Finnegan & Steps. When it was time to go Matthew got aboard Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX for the journey home. We set off onto Palmerston Street and we turned right onto the A52. We ran onto the roundabout at joiners Square and we went straight on. We continued along the A52 past the railway station We turned left onto City Road. Glebedale Road and to our destination. When it was time to home home we climbed aboard Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Christchurch Street an right onto Station Bridge Road and Heron Street. Grove Road Smithpool Road. Temple Street and onto Christchurch Street. We returned to the day centre and Matthew did some mopping up. When it was time to go back to the residential unit Matthew set off onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the unit. When we got back Matthew went upstairs. Matthew went up to his room to chill out and use the computer. Matthew also watched buses out of the window. We saw white minibus PF56 SKK going towards Stoke.

PF56 SKK in Fenton

Also seen was Z Carz minibus YJ62 LSX going towards Stoke.

Z Carz YJ62 LSX in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw Magnum taxi minibus BX60 AAK going towards Stoke.

Magnum BX60 AAK in Fenton

Another bus seen was First Potteries 67656 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67656 in Fenton

For tea Matthew had lasagne followed by cheesecake. We went out to catch the bus. We went downstairs and we set off on foot to the bus stop. We walked onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street. We continued up City Road and we walked up to the roundabout and around the corner onto Victoria Road to wait for the bus to Hanley. Whilst we waited we saw ABC Supreme SF11 HZE. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 41496 on a #6 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down Victoria Road and we ran down the hill towards Joiners Square and at the roundabout we went straight across onto Lichfield Street. We crossed over the ring road and at the stop outside the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked up Tontine Street to the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards a had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we returned down Tontine Street onto Lichfield Street and back to the bus station. As we got back onto Lichfield Street we saw First Potteries 37157 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 37157 in Hanley

A short time later we saw First Potteries 63174 on a #6 to Coalville.

First Potteries 63174 in Hanley

We got on the bus 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. Once off the bus we set off on foot up Victoria Road and we went sharp right onto City Road. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we turned right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs and back to his room. Matthew used his computer and watched television in his room. 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 Festival Park / Longport 15-02-2018

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

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. Matthew was also going to visit Funderpark later on. Matthew got up around 08:00 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. We saw First Potteries 41496 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 41496 in Fenton

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

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

In the morning Matthew spent time on the computer. For Dinner Matthew had cheese oatcakes. In the afternoon Matthew went to Festival Park in an Intercity taxi. We set off onto Christchurch Street and we turned left onto City Road. We ran down the hill onto the A52 and we turned right onto the A500. We ran up to Etruria and we joined the Eastbound A53. We turned left into Festival Park. We turned right onto Ridgehouse Drive and we went to Morrisons. Matthew went to the toilet and then went to the cafe. Matthew had a drink of coke. When we had finished we set of onto Pavillion Drive and we joined the Northbound A53. At Cobridge we turned right onto Waterloo Road and we headed towards Hanley. We went clockwise around the ring road and we turned left onto Lichfield Street. At Joiners Square we crossed over the roundabout and onto Victoria Road. We ran up the hill into Fenton and we turned sharp right onto City Road. We turned left onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Back at the residential unit Matthew went up to his room. Matthew also watched buses out of the window where we saw Harry Shaw YN15 ELW going towards Stoke.

Harry Shaw YN15 ELW in Fenton

for tea Matthew had sausages & shepherds pie followed by a Bakewell Tart. Matthew saw a poster for Funderpark which runs tonight at Longport. We went out and it was Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street and we turned left onto City Road. We ran down the hill onto the A52 and we turned right onto the A500. We ran up to Longport and we came off the A500 we saw ABC Supreme HN16 XPS. on the Eastbound A5271 and we turned rihght after the petrol station and parked up. Matthew went to the Funderpark and we on some of the rides. After we had finished we returned to Fenton on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto the A5271 and we turned right onto the Southbound A500. We ran through Etruria to Stoke and we came off the A500 onto City Road. We went under the railway line and up the hill into Fenton. We turned right into Smithpool Road and left into Temple Street and back to the reasidential unit. Matthew went upstairs to chil out in his room and use his computer. He also watched television. Later he had a bath and then had toast for supper. Later on Matthew had choclate cake and custard. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Hanley / Basford 29-01-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
41496	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Hanley, stop J1‎	23	First Potteries
67638	Hanley BS	Fenton, Victoria Place	6	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. It was also the first day of D&G bus operating the 130 Macclesfield Alderley Edge Wilmslow Handforth Dean service in between the Arriva buses. 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. Across the road we saw Britannia Travel S100 KKE.

Britannia Travel S100 KKE in Fenton

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. In the morning Matthew went to Hanley on the bus. We set off on foot onto Christchurch Street and we turned left onto City Road. We walked down to the bus stop outside the flats to Wait for a bus to Hanley. The bus appeared and it was dud First Potteries 41496 on a #23 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down City Road and we joined the A52 to go under the railway line and over the A500. We continued onto Church Street and into the centre of Stoke. After a brief stop we continued around the one-way system onto Elenora Steet and right onto Copeland street. We turned left onto Glebe Street and we went under the railway line before turning left onto Station Road. We went past the railway station 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 before we turned right onto John Street where we got up. Once we got off the bus we went inside the bus station to wait for the next #23 to Stoke. Whilst we waited we decided to walk into town to visit Wright's Pies We set off on foot onto Tontine Street and we walked up to the square where the pie shop was situated. From the shop Matthew had a Manchester Tart. We walked back along Tontine Street down through Hanley to the Brewers Fayre pub. Matthew had a burger and fries followed by by a lemon meringue pie. Matthew had a drink of Coke and then went to the toilet. We walked back up to Stafford Street and we went back to the bus station and we waited at the stops outside the bus station for the next bus back to Fenton. A short while later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67638 on a #6 to Weston Coyney. We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off up Lichfield Street and turned right into Birch Terrace. We turned left onto Charles Street and then right onto Old Hall Street. We joined the clockwise ring road and we ran around to the A50. We ran down Lichfield Street to Joiners Square and we ran across the roundabout onto Victoria Road. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked back to the day centre. We crossed over the road and we walked down City Road. We turned left into Glebedale Road and back to the day centre. In the afternoon Matthew went swimming. We set off on past the Co-operative Food store onto City Road and we walked down to the private road on which the swimming baths is situated. On the way down the road we saw Anytime Airport minibus PE11 RWY. We continued to the baths. We stopped at the coffee shop and Matthew had a coke. Matthew went to the toilet and then got changed and had a session in the swimming baths. When Matthew had finished we went outside we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 516.

Copeland's Tours MIB 516 in Fenton in Fenton

We had an Intercity taxi back to the residential unit. We set off along the private road and we turned left onto City Road. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street. Matthew went up to his room and chilled out on his computer and watched buses out of the window. Matthew also ate the Manchester Tart that he brough from Hanley earlier in the day. Matthew was going out for tea so he waited in the toom for us to come and pick him up. We saw First Potteries 67638 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67638 in Fenton

A short while later we saw silver minibus KS57 HYL going towards Hanley.

KS57 HYL in Fenton

After that we saw Northwood Day Centre BX54 OWP going towards Stoke.

Northwood Day Centre BX54 OWP in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 67157 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67157 in Fenton

Across the road we saw Jayjays Travel YM61 PUA going towards Heron Cross.

Jayjays Travel YM61 PUA in Fenton

Finally we saw red minibus DS61 HFM going towards Stoke.

DS61 HFM in Fenton

We turned up to pick Matthew up and after a short time getting ready we went down to the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road and we ran down the hill onto the A52. We ran down the hill under the railway line and over the A500 into Stoke town centre where we saw First Potteries 32647 on a #25 to Hanley. We ran around the one-way system and we ran up Hartshill Road through Hartshill. We continued along the A52 to the edge of town. We turned right into Albert Street and at the traffic light we turned right onto A53. A short time later we stopped at the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and then we found mum who had saved us a table. I ordered the food and Matthew had a glass of Coke whilst we waited. The food arrived and Matthew had a burger and fries. He also helped us eating the some of our chicken new yorkers. Whilst we ate we saw First Potteries 67653 on a #4 to Audley, Newcastle School DX17 RKN & E-zec patient transport YN15 FJY. For dessert Matthew had ice cream as they had ran out of chocolate fudge cake! After we had finished eating we left the pub and went to the car. We turned left onto the A53 and ran through Basford down to Etruria. We turned left onto the A500. We came of the A500 in stoke and we turned left onto City Road. An we ran up the hill into Fenton. We turned right into Smithpool Road. We turned left Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went up to Matthew's room and we wrote some of the Blog. Matthew also drank a can of Irn Bru. After doing a couple of entries I left and Matthew chilled out in his room watching television and using his computer. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. Matthew used his computer and watched music videos on the television. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Newcastle / Biddulph 26-11-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67601	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trentham, adj Man-in-Space	22	First Potteries
42552	Trentham, adj Man-in-Space	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop R	21A	First Potteries
142	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop Q	Newcastle BS	The Orange One	D&G Bus
32639	Newcastle BS	Tunstall, Adj Stop A	99	First Potteries
41496	Tunstall, Adj Stop B	Newcastle BS	99	First Potteries
37159	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	4A	First Potteries
32630	Hanley BS	Biddulph BS	7A	First Potteries
41495	Biddulph, Tunstall Road (temporary stop)	Hanley BS	7A	First Potteries

Today we decided to to go local as we were going out for tea later. We checked the weather, and it was forecast cold clear and sunny. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Around 11:40 we set off on foot all the way to the stop on Magdalen Road. I hadn't been out to see what was working, so it was going to be a surprise whatever turned up. A few minutes later we saw and older Enviro300 single decker with a flip dot display, so we knew it was a bus out of the 67601-67604 batch. As it got closer we saw that it was dud First Potteries 67601.

First Potteries 67601 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we purchased a Smart Day tickets at £5.30 and First Potteries 67633 went past on a #22 to Longton. We sat down and the bus set off onto the A5035 where we turned right. We passed Stanley Matthews Way and we saw black and white minibus X89 WPT. We crossed the railway line and we entered Trentham before turning right into New Inn Lane. As we approached the man in Space we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67601 before it continued on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 67601 in Trentham

A few minutes later we saw the bus that we would be going to Stoke on. It was dud First Potteries 42552. It sat at the stop opposite for a short while and then it continued towards the Trentham Hotel via Pacific Drive. We also saw First Potteries 67642 on the final #22 turn. A short while later the bus returned off the A5035 and it was as expected First Potteries 42552 on a #21 to Hanley.

First Potteries 42552 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. The bus was already partially loaded when we got on it. The bus set off up New Inn Lane and into Hanford. We turned right into Wilson Road and then we turned left onto Church Lane. We lane down the hill and we joined the Northbound A34. We crossed under the A500 into Trent Vale and we turned right into London Road by the black Lion and we ran the couple of miles into Stoke town centre where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture First Potteries 42552 before it carried on towards Hanley.

First Potteries 42552 in Stoke

Once off the bus we walked along Campbell Place and around the corner into Church Street and into the Stoke Cafe. Matthew went to the toilet and then we ordered breakfast. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. Whilst we ate we saw First Potteries 63096 on a #11 and D&G Bus 114 on 'The Orange ONE' running towards Newcastle. When we had finished eating we went out onto Church Street. Once we had finished eating we walked back along Church street to wait for a bus to Newcastle. Whilst we waited for the bus we saw First Potteries 67635 on a #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67635 in Stoke

A few minutes later we saw a red D&G Solo approaching from under the railway bridge. As it got closer we saw that it was required D&G Bus 142 on 'The Orange ONE' service.

D&G 142 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. We set off along Church Street and we ran up the hill onto Hartshill Road. We ran through Hartshill and we entered Newcastle down George Street. After running down the one way system we went onto the Jubilee Roundabout and Barracks Road. As we entered Newcastle we saw recent arrival First Potteries 32648 on a #4A service to Hanley. We turned right into the bus station and we let the bus empty before Matthew took a picture inside D&G Bus 142.

Inside D&G 142

Once off the bus we thought about what bus we would do next. We stood at the top end of the bus station and we waited for something interesting to come in. We saw required First Potteries 65730 on a #4, but we decided not to do it. A few minutes later we saw dud D&G Bus 133 on a #85 to Crewe.

D&G 133 in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 32081 on a #98 to Ball Green. So we walked over to the stop to wait for it. Before it had chance to come onto stand , we saw First Potteries 32639 on a #99 to Bradeley, which had recently been repainted with a fushia coloured front.

First Potteries 32639 in Newcastle bus station

We decided not to do First Potteries 32081, but to go directly to Tunstall on First Potteries 32639. Whilst we waited for that to come on stand we saw First Potteries 67637 on a #4A to Kidsgrove.

First Potteries 67637 in Newcastle bus station

The double decker came into the bus station and onto stand and we queued up to get on board. We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The top deck was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 32639.

Inside First Potteries 32639

The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We crossed the Jubilee Roundabout where we saw D&G Bus 44 on a #35 service We continued onto the A527 and we ran through Wolstanton and to Porthill. We ran down the hill and we crossed the A500 and we ran into Longport. At Trubshaw Cross we passed fushia fronted First Potteries 32632 on a #98 to Newcastle. We turned left onto Brownhills Road and we passed fushia fronted First Potteries 32630 on a #99 to Newcastle. We climbed the hill into Tunstall town centre. We went straight onto Tunstall High Street and at the top of the High Street we got up and got off the bus. Matthew then took another picture of First Potteries 32639 before it carried on towards Bradeley.

First Potteries 32639 in Tunstall

We walked down to the Tunstall Cafe and Matthew went to the toilet whilst I sort out his food. The lady here also now knows our order by heart! Matthew had a slice of Toffee Cheesecake which he washed down with a can of Coke. Once we had finished eating we said goodbye and then we saw required First Potteries 41496 at the stop opposite on a #99 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 41496 in Tunstall

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. This was the last bus in this batch that we hadn't previously ridden on. The only other bus of this type that we haven't been on was First Potteries 41492, which was an early withdrawal due to accident damage. We set off down the High Street and we stopped at the bottom before joining Brownhills Road. We ran down the hill to Trubshsaw Cross and we continued straight through Longport and over the A500. We went up Porthill Bank and we followed the A527 through Wolstanton & May Bank and into Newcastle. We crossed the roundabout onto Barracks Road and we entered the bus station. We waited for the bus to empty and Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 41496.

Inside First Potteries 41496

We wanted to catch something up to Hanley quite quickly, because we needed to be back home quite early to get ready to go out later. We saw First Potteries 66962 on a #25 and I thought that we were going to do that bus, but Matthew had other ideas... Matthew decided to go for a walk around and take a few pictures. As we walked down Stubbs Street we saw D&G Bus 139 on layover.

D&G 139 in Newcastle bus station

We walked back up to the top of the bus station and Matthew pointed to the stand from which the #4 to Hanley departs. Whilst we waited for the next #4 we saw D&G Enviro200 35 on a #85 to Crewe.

D&G 35 in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes later we saw a double decker approaching the bus station. As it got closer we saw that it was First Potteries 37159 on a #4A to Hanley.

First Potteries 37159 in Newcastle bus station

There were quite a few people waiting to get on this bus so we waited in the queue. First Potteries 67638 pulled up along side which was also on a #4A to Hanley and this split the crowd in two. We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We crossed over the roundabout. and we climbed the hill into Basford. We then dropped down the hill into Etruria and we crossed over the A500. We ran towards Cobridge And we turned left by the Bet365 office and we ran up Forge Lane where we saw a Saffords coach parked up. We then turned right back down Festival Way. Outside Waterworld we saw Travelmaster Holidays coach with reg like E11 WEN. We crossed under the A53 and we ran up the hill past a new building. We saw an unidentified Alfa coach behind the Premier Inn. We continued up the hill and into Hanley along Etruria Road. At the top we crossed over Marsh Street into Trinity Street. We turned right into Stafford Street and we passed the town hall and ran along Bagnall Street and into the bus station. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 37159.

Inside First Potteries 37159

Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet and then headed over to the John Street car park to take a few bus pictures. On the way to the car park we saw the well travelled council owned BU54 ALL now with Scraggs on a #44 to Stanley.

Scraggs BU54 ALL in Hanley bus station

We entered the car park and we went up the stairs. Whilst there Matthew had a bag of Milky Way Stars and a can of Vimto. We then saw D&G Bus 164 on a #16 to Leek.

D&G 164 in Hanley bus station

We also saw De Courcey Travel (National Express) FJ11 GMG on a #325 service to Birmingham. As we were pressed for time we didn't stay long in the car park. I was hoping to persuade Matthew to go in a different direction on the bus than usual. We went in the shop and Matthew had a can of Coke and a small bottle of Irn Bru, as well as a couple of chocolate bars. After we came out of the shop I asked Matthew if he wanted to go towards Longton or Kidsgrove, but we saw First Potteries 32630 on a #7A to Biddulph and the draw was just too great...

First Potteries 32630 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. It had only just gone 15:00, so as long as we didn't hang around and we came straight back we could stick to the plan of getting home for around 17:00. 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 we passed required First Potteries 43875 which was on a #7 to Hanley. We crossed over Smallthorne roundabouts and continued up to Chell. At the roundabout we turned right and we ran down the A527 and as we went down the hill we entered thick fog. We ran through Brindley Ford and we turned left to run through Brown Lees along the diversion route, which the driver did well to negotiate in the fog along Mansfield Drive, Lotus Avenue and Lyneside Road. 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 only to find the the road to the bus station was closed due to the Christmas Fayre and lights switch on. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 32630 as it turned on the roundabout before it carried on back to Hanley.

First Potteries 32630 in Biddulph bus station

We didn't have time to go to the kebab house for fries, so we asked locals where the bus would depart from. After we visited the toilet, we headed in the direction of Tunstall Street along South View. When we came out on the High Street we saw a number of rides in the street. directly in front of us was that back of a ride called Crazy Jungle, which Matthew took an interest in.

Crazy Jungle in Biddulph

We walked past The Bradley Green and we saw another ride. It was an inflatable helter skelter called Frozen Ice Slide.

Frozen Ice Slide in Biddulph

We spotted a bus stop Wells Street, and when we inspected it closely it had a noticed on it saying bus stop for Gillow Heath & Congleton. We saw a group of people waiting at the bus stop further up Wells Street so we went up to see if this was the correct stop. We decided that it was and Matthew said he wanted something to eat. I offered him a Flake out of the bag but it wasn't going to cut it. On the way up we had spotted a Wrights Pies shop on the High Street. As we walked to the Bottom of Well Street we saw D&G 157 stopped on Tunstall Street on a 'Nines' service. It was stopped at a temporary bus stop for Hanley bound buses. At least we wouldn't have to walk back up the hill after we had been to the shop. We went in the Wrights Pies shop and Matthew had a Manchester Tart and a small bottle of Cola. We walked back to the stop on Tunstall Street and Matthew ate his Manchester Tart. Before he had even finished eating it the bus bus turned up and it was First Potteries 41495.

First Potteries 41495 in Biddulph

We decided we were going to meet mum in Hanley for a change, so 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 First Potteries 41495.

Inside First Potteries 41495

The bus set off through the fog and we turned right onto Wells Street. We ran around the estate and we crossed over the A527 at Knypersley We ran along the diversion along Lyneside Road, Lotus Avenue and Mansfield Drive before rejoining the normal route through Brown Lees and we rejoined the A527 by the industrial estate. We ran down through Brindley Ford and to Fegg Hayes it was still quite foggy and we couldn't really see much. We ran up the hill to Chell and we turned left onto High Lane. The fog lifted on High Lane and we could see the sun had set in the West towards the A500. We ran back through Smallthorne & Sneyd Green into Hanley. When we got back to the bus station we walked down to the bottom end and then out of the entrance adjacent to the ring road. We walked back onto Lichfiled Street to cross over the road and Matthew paused to take a picture of the Winter Wonderland which was lit up with bright lights.

Winter Wonderland in Hanley

We crossed Lichfield Street and we stopped to get a picture of First Potteries 63176 which was at the bus stop outside the bus station on a #6A to Blythe Bridge.

First Potteries 63176 in Hanley

We crossed over the ring road and we walked to the car which mum had parked in the car park adjacent to the ring road. Mum was in the Venus Fish bar getting some chips for the journey back home. We set off down Lichfield Street and we saw City Cabs DN56 HSX. We crossed over the A52 and onto Victoria Road. We climbed to the top of the hill and we joined the A50 link road. We joined the Eastbound A50 and we ran up to Longton. where we came off. Traffic was busy this evening and it took a while to get up the slip road. We then headed to Z Carz to see what was parked up there this evening. In the first row we saw Z Carz minibus BN03 OVS.

Z Carz BN03 OVS in Longton

Also in the first row we saw Z Carz LDV minibus PN06 ONM.

Z Carz PN06 ONM in Longton

The nearest vehicle on the front row was Z Carz Ford minibus PY08 KDX.

Z Carz PY08 KDX in Longton

In the second row we saw Z Carz Renault minibus MV53 KKO.

Z Carz MV53 KKO in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row to see what was parked up the compound. Tonight we saw Z Carz Iveco minibus GK02 NWJ.

Z Carz GK02 NWJ in Longton

We returned onto the A50 and we ran back West to Heron Cross where we came off it again. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton. We passed First Potteries 67633 on a #22 to Longton. We turned right onto Church Road and right again onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 17:30. When we got back we put our picture on the computer and wrote an e-mail before getting ready to go out. We set off around 18:45 and we ran down to the A5035. We turned right and we ran over the railway line into Trentham before we joined the Northbound A34. We ran up through Hanford and Trent Vale and past the hospital and into Newcastle. We went up Barracks Road and past the bus station and we turned left into Ironmarket. We parked up and we went into the Arnold Machin pub. Matthew went to the toilet and then we found a table before mum went to order a meal. We met up with a few friends I used to work with and we ate our meal and chatted. Matthew had a burger and fries washed down with a glass of Coke. Matthew stayed for around 2 hours and then went home with mm & uncle Dave. We went around the Jubilee Roundabout onto Barracks Road and then onto the Southbound A34. We ran through Trent Vale and Hanford to Trentham where we turned left onto the A5035. We ran over the railway line into Blurton and Matthew got home around 21:20. Matthew chilled out on his computer and I stopped at the pub for another couple of hours. I got home just after 23:00 and then we did some more work on the Blog. Matthew went to bed around 00:30... Mark