Trip to Sutton Coldfield / Chelmsley Wood 19-07-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4408	Tamworth bus interchange	Sutton Coldfield, Stop SH	110	Arriva Midlands
1900	Sutton Coldfield, Stop SH	Erdington, Fire Station	66	NX West Midlands
752	Erdington, Fire Station	Chelmsley Interchange	96	NX West Midlands
4888	Chelmsley Interchange	Castle Bromwich, Manor Park Road	94	NX West Midlands
755	Castle Bromwich, Manor Park Road	Erdington, Fire Station	96	NX West Midlands
E288	Eardington, Wilton Road	Falcon Lodge, Churchill Parade	X4	NX West Midlands

Today we decided to re-visit Sutton Coldfield. No research was done other than to check the weather, which was for rain clearing up by mid afternoon. Matthew woke up around 08:00 and had his medication. He got up around 10:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We got ready to go out and we left arounbd 11:50. We set off thr Blurton onto Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and into Heron Cross and over the A50. At Heron Cross lights we turned left onto Grove Road. We ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. Once we had picked up uncle Dave, we continued down Wheildon Road and we joined the Northbound A500. We turned right onto City Road so that we could joined the Southbound A500. We joined the Southbound A500 and we ran Southwards through Hanford down to the M6. We joined the Southbound M6 and we headed through Staffordshire. As we travelled down the M6 we saw an unidentified Alfa coach, an undentified Nash's coach and Walsall Wedding Lighting LJ57 ???. We came off the M6 at junction 12 and we joined the Eastbound A5. We went for a couple of miles before stopping at the Truckers Rest truck stop. We sat down and mum ordered dinner for us. For dinner Matthew had a full English breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. Afterwards Matthew went to the toilet. We order cake and custard for Matthew which he took to have later on. In the car park we saw white minibus FJ67 FPF parked up.

FJ67 FPF in Four Crosses

We set off out of the car park onto the A5 and we headed Eastwards. We ran to the South of Cannock and through Brownhills past the former Rising Sun pub. We Crossed the A38 we ran through the HS2 roadworks. We came off the A5 and we ran Northwards past the retail park onto the A51. We turned right onto Lichfield Street and we headed into the town centre. We turned left onto Aldergate and we turned right into the car park. After parking up we said goodbye to mum and we walked across the car to the bus station. We saw Arriva Midlands 3806 on a #65 to Nuneaton. Matthew had already indicated that he wanted to head into the West Midlands. We looked on stand and we saw it was Arriva Midlands 4408 on a #110 to Birmingham.

Arriva Midlands 4408 in Tamworth bus interchange

We got on the bus and we booked singles to Sutton Coldfield at £3 each before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off out of the interchange before turning right to head towards Lichfield. Just after the fire station we turned left to go down towards ventura Park. We turned left following the Eastbound A51 before turning right onto the A4091. We crossed under the A5 and then we crossed the canal. At Fazeley we turned right for the run down to Mile Oak. At Mile Oak we turned left onto the A453. We carried on South over the A38 at the Bassetts Pole roundabout and we carried on into town. When we got to Sutton Coldfeld the bus pull into the main thoroughfare were all the buses stop on The Lower Parade. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 4408 before it carried on towards Birmingham.

Arriva Midlands 4408 in Sutton Coldfield

Matthew headed into town and we stopped at a cake shop. Matthew had a slice of Oreo Cheesecake and a small bottle of Coke. Afterwards Matthew went to the toilet. When we had finished we headed outside and back up the road to the bus stops. We saw a bus parked up between duties. As we got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 1900 on a #66 to Birmingham.

NX West Midlands 1900 in Sutton Coldfield

We got on the bus and we booked to nBus group ticket at £9.50. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 1900 before we sat down.

Inside NX West Midlands 1900

We set off along Lower Parade and we turned left onto South Parade past fromer pub. We turned right onto the A5127 and we ran up to Boldmere. We turned right onto the A453 and we turned right the B4142. We crossed the Boldmere and we turned right onto the A452. We ran through Short Heath and we turned left onto Court Lane and we turned left onto Goosemoor Lane and we re-joined the B4142. We ran around to the B4531 and into Erdington and we continued down through Edwards Road. As we were travelling towards Erdington, I had worked out that we were going to be passing a bus towards Chelmsley Wood. Which has a small bus station and a shopping centre. I thought it would be a good place to take Matthew. We turned right onto Orphanage Road and we got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of National Experss West Midlands 1900 before it carried on towards Birmingham.

NX West Midlands 1900 in Erdington

We crossed the road and within a few seconds the bus to Chelmsley Wood appeared. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 752 on a #96 to Chelmsley Wood.

NX West Midlands 752 in Erdington

We got on the bus and we placed flashed the nBus group ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off back down Orphanage Road and we turned right onto Holly Lane. We ran forwards onto the A38 and we turned right onto Wood Lane. We turned left onto Wingfoot Way and we crossed a roundabout and then we took the next left into Fort Shopping Centre. We left the bus station area and we crossed turned right onto A47 and through Bromford and we turned right onto the A452. We ran for quite a distance out of town and we crossed over the M6. We continued Eastwards along the B4147 and we ran through Buckland End and we turned right onto Heathland Avenue. We turned left onto Brook Meadow Road and we turned right onto Heath Way and we turned left onto Brownfield Road. We turned left onto Timberley Lane and we turned right onto the B4114. We turned left onto Hurst Lane North and Smith’s Wood. We turned right onto Green Lane and we turned left onto Lanchester Way. We turned right onto Auckland Drive and we turned left onto Kingfisher Way. We went forwards onto Burtons Way and we turned right onto Windward Way and we turned left onto Buckingham Road. We turned left onto the B4114 and we ran through Kingshurst, Bacon’s End and Chelmsley Wood. We re-joined the B5074. We turned right onto the chelmsley interchange and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of National Experss West Midlands 752 returned to Kingstanding.

NX West Midlands 752 in Chelmsley Interchange

Also on layover in the bus station was National Express West Midlands 4891.

NX West Midlands 4891 in Chelmsley Interchange

Once off the bus we headed into the shopping centre. We went into Home Bargains and we bought some drinks and chocolate. We came out and sat outside. Matthew had a can of Dr Pepper and a single Twirl. As we walkd back towards the bus station Matthew stopped at the ice cream van and had an ice cream. He also indicated that he needed the toilet so we went into Subway. I bought a bottle of Coke for later and Matthew used the toilet. We went to the bus stop and we saw National Express West Midlands 1828 on a #71 to Sutton Coldfield.

NX West Midlands 1828 in Chelmsley Interchange

Another bus came into the bus station which we worked out we could do part way back towards Sutton Coldfield. We saw it was all over Party Rings advertiser National Express West Midlands 4888 which was on layover in between runs on the #94 to Birmingham.

NX West Midlands 4888 in Chelmsley Interchange

A lady who had seen Matthew waiting for the bus decided to give Matthew a Cabdbury's Caramel Ice Cream. Whilst we waited for the bus to be readied for service we saw National Express West Midlands 4932.

NX West Midlands 4932 in Chelmsley Interchange

When the bus was ready for service we got on the bus and we flashed the nBus ticket to the driver. The lower saloon was empty so Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 4888.

Inside NX West Midlands 4888

The top deck was also empty so Matthew took another picture inside National Express West Midlands 4888.

Inside NX West Midlands 4888

After a few minutes we set off along Chelmsley Circle and we turned left onto Chelmsley Road. We did a u-turn at the roundabout and we headed Eastwards alonf Chelmsley Road. We turned left onto Moorend Avenue and we headed Northards. At the roundabout we veered left onto the the B4114. We turned right onto Birmingham Road and we turned left onto Auckland Drive. We continued onto Green Lane and we turned left onto Hurst Lane North. We turned right to re-join the B4114 and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 4888 as it continued towards Birmingham.

NX West Midlands 4888 in Castle Bromwich

Once off the bus we only had a couple of minutes to wait for the bus to Erdington. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 755 on a #96 to Kingstanding.

NX West Midlands 755 in Castle Bromwich

We got on the bus and we placed flashed the nBus group ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off the B4114 and we turned left onto Timberley Lane. We turned right onto Brownfield Road and right onto Heath Way. We turned left onto Brook Meadow Road and right onto Buckland End. We crossed over the roundabout Heathland Avenue and e re-joined the Westbound B4114. We ran forwards onto the B4147 and we joined the Northbound A452. We went under the M6 and over the railway line and we turned left onto the A47. We ran past the former Fort Dunlop which has been converted into a Travelodge. We crossed the roundabout onto the Fort retail park and we stopped at the bus stop after the bus driver persuaded the cars that were parked in the bus stop to leave! We left the reatila park and we turned left onto Wingfoot Way. We turned right onto Wood Lane and left onto Holly Lane. We turned right onto the A38 and left onto Kingsbury Road. We turned right onto Holly Lane and we headed Northwards. We ran to the roundabout and we turned left onto Orphanage Road. We ran into Erdington and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 755 before it continued to Kingstanding.

NX West Midlands 755 in Erdington

Once off the bus Matthew indicated that he wanted to go to the toilet and then get a drink. We hadn't been in a pub all day so it was bound to happen. We walked forwards onto High Street and we turned right onto Wilton Road. We headed into a pub and Matthew used the toilet. We went to the bat and Matthew had a glass of Coke. We sat down near to the pool table and we soaked in the atmosphere of the pub. When we had finished our drinks we went outside and we met up with uncle Dave. We crossed over Sutton New Road and we waited for a bus Northwards. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands E288 on a X4 to Falcon Lodge.

NX West Midlands E288 in Erdington

We got on the bus and we placed flashed the nBus group ticket to the driver for the final time today before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus off Northwards up Sutton New Road. We decided to do this to Falcon Lodge and get mum to come and meet us as we knew there was a chip shop near to the bus terminus as we had accidentally found it back in March 2025. We ran Northwards up the A5127 through Wylde Green and Driffold and we headed into Sutton Coldfield. We ran clockwise around the town on the one-way system and we turned right into South Parade. We followed the road onto Lower Parade and we had a brief stop in Surron Coldfield. We continued Northwards and we turned right onto the one-way system and we turned left onto Riland Road. We continued onto Rectory Road and we headed out of town. We turned right onto the B4148 and we turned left onto Reddicap Heath Road. We turned left onto Fairfax Road and we ran forwards onto Falcon Lodge Crescent. We ran aroud the housing estate and we turned right onto Churchill Road. We turned right onto Carhampton Road and we reached the terminus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands E288 before it returned on a X4 to Birmingham.

NX West Midlands E288 in Falcon Lodge

We walked away from the bus stop and we waited for mum to arrive. We waited for a few minutes and mum appeared in the car. Matthew had sausage and chips washed down with some Cherry Coke. When I had finished eating we set off along Churchill Road and we turned right onto Carhampton Road. We turned right onto Rectory Road and left onto Lindridge Road. We turned right onto the B4148 and right onto the A453. We crossed over the M6 toll and at Bassett's Pole roundabout we turned left onto the Northbound A38. We ran North for a few miles and at the roundabout we ran forwards onto London Road. On the edge of Lichfield we turned left onto the A461 and right onto the A5127. We ran forwards onto the A51 and we ran out of Lichfield. We ran through Longdon and Brereton Cross and we ran to the East of Rugeley. We ran through the roadworks where they are constructing a new link road. We continued out of town through Wolseley Bridge and Great Haywood. We continued through Weston and Sandon and we joind the A34 South of Stone. We ran to the West of Stone and past Darlaston Roundabout and the new petrol station. We continued through Titensor and Trentham and we turned left onto the A5035. We ran over the canal and railway line into Blurton and we got back just after 20:00. Matthew had his medication and bottle of Coke. I took uncle Dave home and Matthew uploaded his pictures to the computer. He also ate the chocolate cake and custard from the Truckers Rest. Later on we did the Blog and Matthew had a ice lolly. We did an e-mail and we went to bed just after 00:00... Mark.

Trip to Hanley / Crewe 24-07-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
65029	Fenton, adj Royal Oak	Stoke, Adj stop Q	23	First Potteries
63171	Stoke, Stop N	Hanley BS	25	First Potteries
63113	Hanley BS	Crewe BS	3	First Potteries
2534	Crewe BS	Winsford, Asda	31	Arriva NW&W
2491	Winsford, Siddon Street	Crewe BS	31	Arriva NW&W
2933	Crewe BS	Congleton BS	38	Arriva NW&W
2931	Congleton BS	Crewe BS	38	Arriva NW&W

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to stay fairly local. In light of the weather forecast it was perhaps a good idea. We didn't do any research for the trip other than to check the weather. 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. 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. The bus appeared and it was First Potteries 65029 on a #23 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Stoke before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road. down under the railway line and into Stoke. We got up and got off the bus and we went around the corner into Church Street to Stoke Cafe. Uncle Dave escorted Matthew downstairs to the toilet and I ordered the food. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. After we had finished eating we walked down Church Street. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63171 on a #25 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we flashed the Network Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Church Street 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 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 69155 on a #7A to Biddulph. We entered the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. We walked down to the stand for the Crewe bus and we waited for the next one. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 63113 on a #3 to Crewe. We got on the bus and we flashed the First Day ticket to the driver before we sat down near to the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto John Street. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and we went straight across onto Marsh Street. We turned right up onto Trinity Street and we went past the former RBS now a new shop. We turned left onto Stafford Street. After picking up more passenger outside of Debenhams we followed the road around to the left and then back onto marsh Street. At the roundabout we went straight on onto Waterloo Road and we ran up the hill into Cobridge. We continued into Burslem and through the traffic lights onto Scotia Road. We went past the old Burslem PMT garage and we followed the road around to the left onto Williamson Street. At the corner we turned right onto Tunstall High Street We saw First Potteries 63034 on a #3 to Hanley. We continued North onto the A50 and we passed the site of the new Costa Coffee being built. We ran through Goldenhill and down the bank into Kidsgrove. We ran under the railway line and we past Lidl. We into Cheshire and we crossed over the A34. We continued into Church Lawton and then into Alsager. We continued Westwards along the B5077 under the M6 and into Radway Green. We followed the road to the right up Slaughter hill and we continued straight up into Haslington. We turned left onto Crewe Road and we re-joined the B5077 towards Crewe Green. We crossed over the roundabout onto the Westbound A534 and we ran towards Crewe railway station. We past the railway station where we saw an unidentified Majestic coach. We continued for around 1/2 mile before turning right into Edlestone Road. We ran into town crossing over the railway line and forwards onto Chester Bridge. We followed the road around onto Delamere Street and we turned right into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 63113 as it continued towards Hanley.

First Potteries 63113 in Crewe bus station

Once off the bus we saw Arriva NW&W 4699 on layover. We whilst we waited for a bus to Winsford. A few minutes later we saw Arriva NW&W 2534 on a #31 to Northwich. We got on the bus and we flashed Arriva Day Saver tickets at £5.50 each driver before we sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station. We turned onto West Street we turned North onto Underwood Lane. We turned left onto the B5076 and then we turned Northwards again onto Mablins Lane. We turned left onto Parkers Road before rejoining the B5076. We crossed a roundabout and then we took the next left into Leighton Hospital grounds. At the hospital there was a small bus station. We left the bus station area and we crossed the A530 at Bradfield Green before we continues up to Church Minshull crossing the Shropshire Union canal and the river Weaver. We continued North through the centre of Cheshire, Darnhall. We came into town along Beeston drive and we stopped opposite the shopping centre outside Witherspoons where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we set off around the corner and into the pub. Matthew visited the toilet and afterwards he had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we went outside and met up with uncle Dave. We walked down Dene Drive and we turned right onto the A54. There were a few buses parked up there. On bus pulled off before we got there but the other we saw Arriva NW&W 3161 which was about to work a X29 to Northwich. Across the road. So we crossed under the road in the subway and we came out and we saw dud Arriva NW&W 2491 on a #31 to Crewe. We decided to do the bus anyway so we got on and we flashed the Arriva North West Day Saver tickets to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off the A54 before turning left into the housing estate and heading back South through Darnhall. Somewhere between Darnall and Church Minshull. We passed through Church Minshull and just before we crossed the A530. At the hospital there was a small bus station and we the B5076 and Underwood Lane and West Street. We passed the Fung Lung Chinese takeaway, which I always thought sounded like some kind of medical condition and we turned onto Hightown to run into the bus station. when we got back into the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus and we saw a few buses parked up on layover. Opposite was Arriva NW&W 4407 parked up. After a short while we saw Arriva NW&W 2933 on a #38 to Macclesfield. We got on the bus and we booked Arriva Arriva Day Saver before The bus set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto Delamere Street. We followed the road around to the right onto Chester Bridge and we crossed the railway line and onto Edleston Road. At the end of the long straight road we turned left onto the A534 and we ran past the railway station ans past B&Q. We traveled Eastwards along Crewe Road. We went through Haslington and Winterley and further North through Wheelock Heath. We crossed the A534 and we ran through Wheelock. We ran over the canal and into Sandbach town center past Sandbach School. When we got to the Common onto Congleton Road. We joined the A534 and past the site of the new development by the M6. We continued along the A534 and we crossed over the M6 and into Arclid. We carried on through Medhurst Green and we crossed over the Wall Hill roundabouts. On the edge of Congleton we joined the A34 and we ran East along the road for a short while before going onto West Street. We entered town along Antrobus Street, Mill Street and Mountbatten Way. We turned right into Market Street, past the Bear Grills cafe and into the bus station. We got off the bus. We walked up to the top end of the bus station and Matthew visited the toilet. Afterwards we continued up Market Street and we turned right on to Bridge Street. We stopped at Costa Coffee. Matthew had a piece of millionaire's shortbread and a bottle of Coke. We walked along Bridge Street and left onto Market Street and back to the bus station. We sat in one of the bus stops and Matthew ate a couple of fun sized Milky Way bars. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As expected it was Arriva NW&W 2931 on a #38 to Crewe. We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva NW&W Day Saver ticket to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto market Street and we ran down the hill onto Mountbatten Way. We turned left onto Mill Street and we climbed the hill, turning right onto West Street. At the roundabout we went straight onto the A34 and at the following junction we went straight ahead onto the A534. We went out of town through West Heath and then out into open countryside. We crossed the A50 at the Arclid crossroads. On the west side of the M6 we left the A534 and turned right onto Congleton Road and we ran into Sandbach Common where we saw Arriva NW&W 4408 on a #37A to Northwich. After a brief stop we continued on our journey. After a brief stop we went Westwards out of the town onto Crewe Road and through Wheelock. We crossed the A534 and we ran through Wheelock Heath and Winterly, passed the pond. We continued into Haslington and turned left onto Crewe Road and we re-joined the B5077 towards Crewe Green. We crossed over the roundabout onto the Westbound A534 and we ran towards Crewe railway station. We past the railway station and we continued for around 1/2 mile before turning right into Edleston Road. We entered Crewe town centre and we followed the road around onto Delamere Street. When we got into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked onto Victoria Street. We headed back to the car and we met up with mum who had left her car keys back at home. She was waiting with sausage rols and a bottle of Irn Bru for Matthew. We got in the car and we set off onto the Eastbound A532 and we turned right onto Vernon Way. We turned left onto Earle Street and we continued onto Manchester Bridge. We turned right onto Macon Way and we we crossed over the roundabout onto Weston Road. We turned right onto David Whitby Way and left onto the A500. We ran under the M6 and as we continued South we came to an incident on the road and the road narrowed to a single lane. We passed the broken down vehicle and we passed Bullocks RB11 BUL, Alfa 72, Terry Bushell A13 TBT, and unidentified National Express liveried coach (#540), MT Travel HK58 ECV, an unidentified white minibus and an unidentified grey coach as we travelled Southwards. We turned left onto City Road. We ran up the hill into Fenton and we turned right onto Smithpool Road, We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his roon to watch TV and chill out. Matthew went up to his room to use his computer and watch buses. For tea Matthew had a chicken burger from kfc. He also had some fries and a cup of Coke followed by a jam filled sponge. Later on we saw First Potteries 44514 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 44514 in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 69162 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 69162 in Fenton

Matthew used his computer and watched music videos on the television. When it was time to go to we went downstairs and and we got in the car. We set off onto Temple Street and at the end we turned left onto Smithpool Road and we turned right onto Whieldon Road and into uncle Dave's. Later on he had a few digestive biscuits and and some Irn Bru. Uncle Dave now has a biscuit tin. Matthew chilled out in uncle Dave's house using his computer and watching television. Uncle Dave also did his DJ set. A couple of hours later staff came to escort Matthew back home. We set off onto Whieldon Road and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Temple Street past the new building under construction, which is now getting near to completion. We continued 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 Tamworth / Sutton Coldfield 18-04-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4409	Tamworth bus interchange	Sutton Coldfield (Birmingham), Gracechurch Shopping Centre (Stop SD)	110	Arriva Midlands
4408	Sutton Coldfield (Birmingham), Gracechurch Shopping Centre (Stop SH)	Tamworth bus interchange	110	Arriva Midlands
3001	Tamworth bus interchange	Coton Green, Opp Helingham	3A	Arriva Midlands
3808	Coton Green, opp Fox Inn	Lichfield BS	X60	Arriva Midlands
3807	Lichfield BS	Tamworth bus interchange	X60	Arriva Midlands
4410	Tamworth bus interchange	Fazeley, Adj The Square	110	Arriva Midlands
4412	Fazeley, Nr The Square	Tamworth bus interchange	110	Arriva Midlands

Today we decided to re-visit Tamworth. Matthew had also said that he wanted to visit Lichfield too. We had checked the weather and it was for fine and sunny weather all over the Midlands and North West. We gave him a list of places to go and from the list he chose Tamworth. Matthew got up around 10:00 and he had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off at 12:00 and we went down to the A5035 and turned right towards Trentham. At the A34 we turned left and headed South. Near to Stone we passed ABC Supreme VK06 LTV going North towards the hospital. We carried on passed the edge of Stone and we turned left onto the A34 to head towards Rugeley. We passed along through Staffordshire passing Arriva Midlands 3763 on the #825 to Stafford. Instead of heading through Lichfield we decided to drive around it. We went around town on the A5192 and we saw Rotala Diamond 20854 on the #21 service. We headed South on the A38 and we went down A5148 as the A38 route towards Tamworth wasn't signpost until we had already committed to the other road! We joined the Eastbound A5 and we headed East until we got to the Junction by Ventura Park. We came off and headed North up to the A51 and we turned east again to come into town. We parked up in the car park adjacent to Corporation Street and Aldergate. We headed to Cafe Rio and Matthew had a brunch with bread and butter washed down with a can of Coke. After we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and Matthew used the toilet in the Tourist information office. The old toilet block had now closed down. We went back on to Corporation Street to the interchange and we saw required Arriva Midlands 3017 on a #3 to Coton Green.

Arriva Midlands 3017 in Tamworth bus interchange

We headed down the row and we took a few more pictures... In between #82 services was Solus Coaches MX12 CGE.

Solus Coaches MX12 CGE in Tamworth bus interchange

On a #2 to Gillway was required Arriva Midlands 3016.

Arriva Midlands 3016 in Tamworth bus interchange

We decided we were going to do a double decker on the #110 service. We had a few minutes to wait for the next bus on this quarter hourly service. Whilst we waited we saw required Arriva Midlands 3511 on a #785 to Lichfield.

Arriva Midlands 3511 in Tamworth bus interchange

A few minutes later the double decker on the #110 appeared. It was dud Arriva Midlands 4409.

Arriva Midlands 4409 in Tamworth bus interchange

Whilst we were waiting to get on the bus, Matthew pointed to Sutton Coldfield on the side of the bus. This meant that we need an Arriva Midlands Day Saver in stead of a Tamworth and Lichfield one. We got on the bus and we booked the Day Saver tickets at £6.20. We went upstairs and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 4409 too.

Inside Arriva Midlands 4409

The bus set off towards the A51 before turning South towards Ventura Park. The bus announced each stop as we approached it and also displayed this information on a screen. We headed South to Fazeley and then we headed West to Mile Oak. At Mile Oak we headed south again through a ore rural part of the route. We passed Bassetts Pole round about and continued South to Sutton Coldfield. We circumnavigated the one way system into town and we turned into the Grazechurch shopping centre area. We got off the bus and we photographed the Scania Onicity double decker behind us. It was required National Express West Midlands 4780.

NX West Midlands 4780 in Sutton Coldfield

We also saw National Express West Midlands 4299 on a #77 to walsall.

NX West Midlands 4299 in Sutton Coldfield

We crossed over victoria Road and we saw Arriva Midlands 3006 on the next #110 back to Tamworth. We crossed back over the road onto the other side of the shopping centre street ready to return towards Tamworth, and in the mean time we took a few more bus and coach pictures. we then saw Alfa coach 44 dropping off passengers.

Alfa 44 in Sutton Coldfield

Matthew had a Milky Way whilst we were waiting to take more pictures. We then saw National Express West Midlands 4916 on a #902 service to Hill Hook.

NX West Midlands 4916 in Sutton Coldfield

This was followed by National Express West Midlands 4329 on a #6 to Walsall.

NX West Midlands 4329 in Sutton Coldfield

We also saw National Express West Midlands 4799 on a #914 to Birmingham via the Aston Expressway.

NX West Midlands 4799 in Sutton Coldfield

Next was National Express West Midlands 2111 on a #71 to Solihull.

NX West Midlands 2111 in Sutton Coldfield

Across the road we saw another Scania Omnicity double decker, National Express West Midlands 4778 which arrived and went out of service.

NX West Midlands 4778 in Sutton Coldfield

On a #904 to falcon Lodge was National Express West Midlands 4918.

NX West Midlands 4918 in Sutton Coldfield

Eventually our bus back to Tamworth arrived, and it was required Arriva Midlands 4408.

Arriva Midlands 4408 in Sutton Coldfield

We got on the bus and we flashed the Midlands day saver ticket at the driver. We went upstairs and sat down near to the back of the bus. We set off Northwards around the towns one way system and we passed the graveyard and adjacent Good Hope hospital... We carried on north and into rural Staffordshire. We raced north to Bassetts Pole and up to mile Oak before heading Eastwards towards Fazeley. At Fazeley square we went North and passed Ventura Park. We continued North up to the A51 and then turned by the Fire station and onto Aldergate. We turned into Corporation Street and into the interchange. We got off the bus and we saw a bus going towards Lichfield. Matthew went to the toilet in the Tourist Information office and by the time he had finished the bus to Lichfield had departed. We decided to look what else was working. At the other end of the interchange we saw required Arriva Midlands 3001 on a #3A to Coton Green.

Arriva Midlands 3001 in Tamworth bus interchange

We asked Matthew if he wanted to do Arriva Midlands 3001 and he said yes. Behind us we saw dud Arriva Midlands 3509 on a #115 to Coleshill.

Arriva Midlands 3509 in Tamworth bus interchange

We got on the bus and we flashed the Midlands day saver ticket at the driver. We sat down near to the back of the bus. There was a few minutes to wait for departure time and the bus started to fill up. The bus was still empty behind us so Matthew took a picture of the inside of Arriva Midlands 3001 behind us.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3001

I couldn't remember which way around the loop the #3A went... The bus set off and I saw we were going along the A51 towards Lichfield. I asked Matthew if he wanted to get off the bus at Coton Green and to catch something forwards towards Lichfield and he said yes. A couple of miles out of town we turned of the A51 near to the fox Inn and we decided to get up and get off the bus. As to bus carried on on it's loop towards Lichfield, Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3001.

Arriva Midlands 3001 in Coton

We walked back to the A51 and at the stop we saw there was an X60 bus due at that very moment! A minute or so later we saw a VDL Pulsar II approaching. It was dud Arriva Midlands 3808.

Arriva Midlands 3808 in Coton

We got on the bus and we flashed the Midlands day saver ticket at the driver. The bus carried on Westward along the A51 right to the edge of town. We turned right and we headed under the Lichfield City railway line before turning right again to get to the bus station. We got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3808.

Arriva Midlands 3808 in Lichfield bus station

We decide to take Matthew to the toilet. on the way there we took a picture of National Holidays NH06 NEH which was terminating.

National Holidays NH06 NEH in Lichfield bus station

After he had been we went to the shop around the corner. Matthew had a couple of cans and a chocolate bar to re-stock the bag. Next we saw Midland Classic 87 on a X12 to Burton-on-Trent.

Midland Classic 87 in Lichfield bus station

We decided to walk down the bus station to photographs of the buses and coaches we had seen on the way in to the bus station. On a #23 town service was Rotala Diamond 20840.

Rotala Diamond 20840 in Lichfield bus station

parked up in the bus station was Pulham's Travels brand new coach PU15 HAM.

Pulham's Travel PU15 HAM in Lichfield bus station

We walked to the end of the bus station to see the other coach parked up. It was Garfield Travel Van Hool bodied coach YJ12 KFK which was on a Mystery excursion that end up at Lichfield.

Garfield Travel YJ12 KFK in Lichfield bus station

We then saw Arriva Midlands 2938 on the X25 to Stafford service.

Arriva Midlands 2938 in Lichfield bus station

We then saw required Arriva Midlands 3807 on a X60 to Tamworth. We walked back down and it was still in the bus station so we decided to catch it.

Arriva Midlands 3807 in Lichfield bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Midlands day saver ticket at the driver. We sat down near to the back of the bus and then required Arriva Midlands 4217 made an appearance on the #7 to Burton-on-Trent.

Arriva Midlands 4217 in Lichfield bus station

The bus set out and we turned left under the City railway line we traveled a further 1/2 a mile or so southwards and then we turned left onto the A51. We then had a long straight run through Whittington and passed the barracks. We passed Parkington free range Pork Farm or 'Pigs in Space', and through the village of Hopwas. We entered town and we got to the bus interchange. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 3807.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3807

Matthew went to the toilet again before it shut for the evening and when we came back out we saw Stagecoach Midlands 36176 parked up between duties on it's service to Nuneaton.

Stagecoach Midlands 36176 in Tamworth bus interchange

We decided to do one more short out and back on the #110 service. Whilst we waited Matthew sat on the wall and ate some Milky Stars and drank a can of Barr limeade. We also saw Arriva Midlands 3007 on the #6 to Ventura Park whilst we waited too.

Arriva Midlands 3007 in Tamworth bus interchange

The next #110 to Birmingham arrived and it was required Arriva Midlands 4410.

Arriva Midlands 4410 in Lichfield bus station

We queued up to get on the bus and the bus started to load. We got on the bus and we flashed the Midlands Day saver ticket at the driver. We went upstairs as there were people front and back on the bus Matthew took a picture of the empty seats opposite to us.

Inside Arriva Midlands 4410

The bus set off West out of town until we got to the first big roundabout and then we went South. We crossed over the rivers Anker and Tame and we headed East for a short while before continuing South past Ventura Park. At Fazeley Square the bus went westwards and we got up and got off the bus.

Arriva Midlands 4410 in Fazeley

We had just missed one bus going back to Tamworth, so we decided to get some chips from the chip shop on Coleshill Road. We headed back to the square and we sat on a bench and we ate the chips quickly. Matthew also had a can of Vimto. We just finished and went around the corner and then the bus made and appearance. It was required Arriva Midlands 4412.

Arriva Midlands 4412 in Fazeley

We got on the bus and we flashed the Midlands Day saver ticket at the driver for the final time today. We went upstairs and the rear of the top deck was empty, so Matthew took his picture inside the bus immediately.

Inside Arriva Midlands 4412

The bus paused for a short while until it was time to carry on North. We passed Ventura Park and we crossed the rivers Tame and Anker before turning Eastwards past the Fire station on onto Aldergtate. We turned into Corporation Street and into the interchange. We took a couple more pictures before we headed back to the car... We saw dud Arriva Midlands 3509 running out of service, which was passing required Arriva Midlands 3511 which was on the #765 to Lichfield.

Arriva Midlands 3509 in Tamworth bus interchange

We headed back to the car and mum was waiting with some Greggs sausage rolls. I got some Irn Bru out of the boot of the car ans we set off out of town. This time we went back along the A51 to Lichfield. We passed through Lichfield town and we carried on westward along the A51 through Rugeley, Colwich and Weston. Near to Salt we passed Coach Leasing Setra 581 AET. We joined the A34 and we went north past the edge of Stone. North of Stone we saw First Potteries 53405 on a #23 service. We carried on Northwards up the A34 and we turned right onto the A5035. We stopped for diesel at the BP garage and then we continued on to Longton to see what was on Z Carz. On the spare ground there were 3 buses. First we saw Z Carz Volkswagen minibus OV05 WSW.

Z Carz OV05 WSW in Longton

Next to this was Z Carz Mercedes minibus M372 NWN.

Z Carz M372 NWN in Longton

Last in the row was another Mercedes minibus, Z Carz S952 VMY.

Z Carz S952 VMY in Longton

We turned into Willow Row we saw Z Carz Ford minibus BN03 OVS.

Z Carz BN03 OVS in Longton

We got back onto the A50 and we came off it at Heron Cross. We headed through Blurton and we saw First Potteries 60068 on a #22 to Longton. The previous service had been the last #22 to serve Dresden. We got home around 18:50. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by mini doughnuts. He then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 01:00... Mark