Trip to Crewe / Newcastle 04-03-2020

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
N44 DMV	Fenton	Newcastle	Charter	Lucky Seven

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going to Newcastle later on. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw First Potteries 67650 on a #23 to Hanley. We went downstairs and we set off onto City Road and we crossed over and onto Manor Street. At the end of Manor Street we turned left onto Victoria Road and and we stopped at Aldi to pickup Matthew's weekly shop. Once Matthew had finished shopping we returned to the Burslem in Autocabs taxi. We set off up Victoria Road and we ran down the hill. We crossed over the roundabout at Joiners Square onto Lichfield street and we ran up the hill towards Hanley. We went around the ring-road and we got onto the A50. We ran through Burslem past the site of the old data company which is going to be a new Lidl supermarket. and around the back of Tunstall High Street past the police station. We re-joined the High Street and ran through Sandyford. We ran through Goldenhill and down the hill into Kidsgrove. We went under the railway line and into Cheshire and we crossed over the A34 onto the B5077. We continued into Alsager and we ran forwards into Radway Green. We continued up Slaughter hill and we ran up to Haslington before running towards Crewe along the A534. We ran inti the town and past the railway station before turning right into Edleston Road. We ran into the centre of Crewe and we followed the road around onto Delamere Street. We walked past the bus station and we saw Arriva NW&W 4489 on a #38 to Macclesfield. We sat down in the chip restaurant and we order our food. Matthew went to the toilet and the food arrived. He had Chips beans and sausage with 2 round of bread and butter washed down with a cup of Coke. After we had finished eating headed back to the bus station. After we had finished we walked back through the bus station and we saw Arriva NW&W 4170 on a #84 to Chester. When we had finished we returned We got in the car and we set off onto Edleston Road and we turned left onto the A534. We ran past the railway station and we continued up towards Haslington. We turned right onto Slaughter Hill and we ran back through Radway Green and into Alsager. We continued over the A34 and into Staffordshire and we ran under the railway line into Kidsgrove. We ran up the hill into Goldenhill and we continued into Sandyford. We joined Tunstall High Street and then we ran around the town centre and joined Scotia Road near to Asda. We ran up into Burslem and we continued along the A5o into Cobridge. We ran down the hill to the edge of Hanley and we went around the ring road to Lichfield Street. We ran down the hill to Joiners Square and we turned right onto the A52. We ran forwards past the railway station and we veered left towards Fenton. We turned left onto City Road and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and we returned to the residential unit. Mathew went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses before going out later on. We saw D&G Bus 112 on a #1 to Meir.

D&G 112 in Fenton

Also seen was First Potteries 65705 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 65705 in Fenton

Another vehicle seen was First Potteries 63173 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63173 in Fenton

Afterwards we saw Britannia Travel S100 KKE heading towards Heron Cross.

Britannia Travel S100 KKE in Fenton

For tea Matthew had pizza and chips followed by a piece of cake. Later out Matthew went out to Newcastle our space. We went downstairs and set off on foot onto Temple Street. We walked onto Christchurch Street and we waited for a taxi. We saw transport for the trip was Lucky Seven minibus N44 DMV. We got on the bus and we set off along Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Baker Street and left onto Glebedale Road. We turned left onto City Road and we ran down the hill towards Stoke. We joined the A52 and we ran under the railway line before turning right onto the Northbound A500. We ran up a couple of junctions and we came off at Shelton New Road. We ran along the B5045 and through Hartshill and we ran forwards onto the A52 and at the roundabout we ran forwards onto Ryecroft. We continued onto Knutton lane and we turned left onto Dunkirk. We turned right onto Poolside and we arrived at Our Space. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards used the play equipment. He also had a can of Coke. When it was time to go home we returned to Fenton in a Lucky Seven taxi. We walked out of the entrance and we got in the taxi we set off along Stanier Street. We turned right onto John O' Gaunt's road and left onto Silverdale Road. We turned left onto the A525 and we ran past the dancing Octopus. We turned right onto the Southbound A34 and we turned left onto the A527. We ran past the bus station and we crossed over the roundabout onto the A53. We ran around the one way system and we went along the A52 into Hartshill. We ran down the hill into Stoke and we went around the one-way system in Stoke. We turned left onto Liverpool Road and we veered right onto Elenora Street. We turned right onto Copeland Street and we turned left onto Glebe Street. We turned right onto Lytton Street and we ran through onto City Road. We ran under the railway bridge and we ran up the hill into Fenton. We turned right into Smithpool Road and we turned left onto Temple Street past the new building under construction and back to the residential unit. 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 / Crewe 15-02-2020

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67159	Blurton, adj Ladybank Grove	Stoke, Adj stop Q‎	23	First Potteries
63118	Stoke, Stop N	Hanley BS	25	First Potteries
67658	Hanley BS	Crewe BS	3	First Potteries
4489	Crewe BS	Congleton BS	38	Arriva NW&W
125	Congleton BS	Biddulph BS	94	D&G Bus
67653	Biddulph BS	Hanley BS	7A	First Potteries

Today we decided 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. Storm Dennis was due to come through the area from dinnertime onwards. Matthew got up around 10:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We decided to catch the #23 to Stoke and have dinner in Stoke. We set off just after 11:30 and we walked to the stop all the way on Beaconsfield Drive to wait for a bus to Stoke. We didn't have to wait for long and we saw a bus come around the corner. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67159 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67159 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked a Network Day ticket at £7.50. We sat down towards the back of the bus and we set off along Beaconsfield Drive. We ran to the end we turned left onto Church Road. We ran to Critchlow's Corner and we veered left onto Blurton Road running through Blurton. We crossed the A50 and at Heron Cross lights we went forwards onto Heron Street. We followed the road around onto Station Bridge Road. We turned left at Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road. and we joined the A52 to go under the railway line and over the A500. We continued onto Church Street where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked along Church Street to Stoke Cafe. Matthew went to the toilet and I ordered the food. For dinner Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. Once we had finished eating we set off onto Church Street. I asked Matthew if he wanted to do a #25 up to Hanley and he agreed. We crossed over the road and we waited at the Hanley bound stop. Opposite we saw First Potteries 67662 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67662 in Stoke

A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63118 on a #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63118 in Stoke

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 passed the railway station and we turned right onto Stoke Road and we turned right onto Avenue Road. At the roundabout we turned left 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 into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we had a quick look around the bus station. We saw required First Potteries 32643 on a #6A to Blythe Bridge.

First Potteries 32643 in Hanley bus station

We waited for the next Crewe bus. A short time later we saw First Potteries 67658 on a #3 to Crewe.

First Potteries 67658 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Network Day ticket to the driver before sitting down towards 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 63177 on a #3A to Hanley. and we continued North onto the A50. We ran through Goldenhill and down the bank into Kidsgrove. We ran under the railway line and we passed the site of the new Lidl being built. 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. Once off the bus we saw Arriva NW&W 2619 on a #31 to Northwich.

Arriva NW&W 2619 in Crewe bus station

We decided to have a quick walk around town for a break from buses. We set off around the corner onto Charles Street and right onto Victoria Street past the former Wetherspoons pub which closed down as part of the new bus station development that will be starting soon. We turned right on to Market Street and left onto Earle Street. We walked past the market which is under renovation, and we stopped at the pub on the end of the road. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we had a glass of Coke. Whilst we gad our drink we asked Matthew hwere he wanted to go next. He wanted to go to Congleton so we looked at the time of the next bus. there was a departure in just less than 20 minutes so we finished our drinks and walked back to the bus station. We set off down Prince Albert Street and we turned right onto Crewe Street. We followed the street to the left onto and we turned right onto Moss Square. We re-joined Prince Albert Street and we turned left onto Chester Street and we turned right onto Market Street. We turned left onto Delamere Street and we entered the bus station from the Southern End. We walked into the main station and we saw Arriva NW&W 2934 on a #31 to Northwich.

Arriva NW&W 2934 in Crewe bus station

On layover was Arriva NW&W 4489 which was about to work the #38 to Macclesfield.

Arriva NW&W 4489 in Crewe bus station

The bus pulled onto the stand and the driver got the bus bus ready for service. We got on and we brought Arriva Day Saver tickets at £5.50 each before we went upstairs. The top deck was empty was so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 4489.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4489

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 where we saw Arriva NW&W 4162 on a #37 to Crewe. 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 we stopped for a short while and we saw Arriva NW&W 4164 on a #37A to Sandbach. We set off out of 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 open countryside. We carried on through open countryside and we crossed over the Arclid crossroads. 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 and we took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4489 before it carried on towards Macclesfield.

Arriva NW&W 4489 in Congleton bus station

We knew that the next #38 to Crewe was due and we went down to the stand to wait for it. A short time later it appeared and it was Arriva NW&W 2499 as expected.

Arriva NW&W 2499 in Congleton bus station

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 B&M and we brought a bottle of Coke, some chocolate bars and a cup of pick and mix sweets. 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. Whilst we were eating we saw D&G Bus 125 on a #94 to Newcastle.

D&G 125 in Congleton bus station

We got on the bus and we brought singles at £2.20 each before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Market Street and we turned right into High Street. We continued onto Lawton Street. We turned right onto the A527 and we ran out of town past Congleton railway station. We ran through Mossley and White More and into Biddulph. We set off along the by-pass before turning right into Wharf Road where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of D&G Bus 125 before it continued to Newcastle.

D&G 125 in Biddulph bus station

Once off the bus we used the toilet and turned the corner onto the High Street. We walked down to the kebab shop and we ordered some food. We picked up a couple of portions of fries and a can of Vimto and we returned onto Wharf Road. We returned to the bus stop to eat the fries. After we had eaten we had around 10 minutes to wait for the next #7A to Hanley. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67653 on a #7A to Hanley.

First Potteries 67653 in Biddulph bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the First Network Day ticket to the driver for the final time today. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 67653 before we sat down.

Inside First Potteries 67653

The bus set off onto the High Street and we turned left at the roundabout onto St John's Road. We ran around the estate and we crossed over the A527 at Knypersley. We ran through Brown Lees and we rejoined the A527 by the industrial estate. We ran down through Brindley Ford and to Fegg Hayes. We ran up the hill to Chell and we turned left onto High Lane. We ran back through Smallthorne & Sneyd Green into Hanley. The bus came in through Quadrant Road and forwards onto Stafford Street. We ran past the town hall and we ran along Bagnall Street and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and we spotted First Potteries 65004 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 65004 in Hanley bus station

We visited the toilet and afterwards we left the bus station and we crossed Lichfield Street. We walked along Birch Terrace and we met up with mum and her friend. We got in the car and Matthew had a can of Coke. We set off along Birch Terrace and we turned left onto Lichfield Street. We crossed over the ring road and we ran down Lichfield Street and into joiners Square. We crossed over the roundabout onto Victoria Road and we ran up the hill. We got onto the A50 link road and then we ran Eastwards along the A50 to Longton where we came off to see what was parked up at Z Carz this evening. There was nothing on the spare ground as is usual these days so we turned left into Willow Row and we saw Z Carz Iveco minibus YJ53 WPD parked up in the compound.

Z Carz YJ53 WPD in Longton

We turned around and got back onto the A50 and we went Westwards to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton. We ran forwards onto Church Street and we turned right into Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 19:15. For a late tea we had bangers and mash and carrots followed by millionaire's shortbread squares. We spent time doing the e-mails and doing the Blog. Later on we went to take uncle Dave home and Matthew came with me. We set off through Blurton and onto Beaconsfield Drive. We turned right onto Finstock Avenue and we followed the road around onto Magdalen Road. At the end we turned right onto the A5035. We turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way and we ran to the end. We turned right onto the Eastbound and we ran up to Heron Cross. We turned left into Grove Road and we dropped uncle Dave off at home. Having adjusted uncle Dave's calender we set off back home. We ran up Wheildon Road and forwards onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and at the roundabout we turned right onto the Westbound A50. We came off at the next junction and we joined Stanley Matthews Way. We ran to the other end and we turned left onto the A5035. We got home around 22:45. We chilled out on the computer and watching telly until 01:00... Mark

Trip to Stockport / Congleton 09-05-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
YX19 ONR	Stockport BS	Hazel Grove, Chester Road	392	MCT
2951	East Didsbury, Wilmslow Road	Macclesfield BS	130	Arriva NW&W
4489	Macclesfield BS	Congleton BS	38	Arriva NW&W
37	Congleton BS	Biddulph BS	94	D&G
67635	Biddulph BS	Hanley, stop S3	7A	First Potteries
67155	Hanley BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	23	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 for breakfast. Matthew chilled out in his room for a while whilst waiting to go out. We saw First Potteries 67155 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67155 in Fenton

Around 09:00 we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw silver minibus CU10 CCA.

CU10 CCA in Fenton

We continued along Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street and in the distance we saw Z Carz Vauxhall minibus DG10 VMO parked up.

Z Carz DG10 VMO in Fenton

Parked up on Albert Square we saw red minibus LD56 JCO.

LD56 JCO in Fenton

We continued to the day centre and we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX parked up.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

In the morning we went to Stockport by car. We got in the car and we set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned right onto City Road. We turned sharp left at the roundabout onto Victoria Road and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed over the roundabout onto Lichfield Street and we ran up the hill towards Hanley. We ran anti-clockwise around the ring road and we went Northwards out of town along Town Road. We joined the Northbound A5272 and we ran through Sneyd Green and Smallthorne. We crossed over the roundabout and we continued up to Chell. We turned right onto the A527 and we ran north through Brindley Ford and Brown Lees up towards Biddulph. We went West of Biddulph on the by-pass and we continued North towards Congleton and through the town onto the Northbound A536. We ran Northwards up to Macclesfield and we went through the town onto the A523. We continued Northwards to Hazel Grove and we joined the Northbound A6. We continued Northwards into Stockport right into the centre of town and we stopped near to the bus station. Once out of the car we went into the bus station to catch a bus Southwards. We saw it was MCT YX19 ONR on a #392 to Macclesfield. We got on the bus and we brought a System One bus only ticket before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus and we turned right onto the A6. We headed Southwards for nearly 3 miles and we turned right onto Hatherlow Lane and we turned left onto Station Street. We stopped outside Hazel Grove railway station and we continued along Station Street. We turned right onto Chester Road and we continued Southwards. We continued Southwards for another 1/2 mile and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we headed over to a cafe to get something to eat. We set off onto Lyndhurst Avenue and we turned left onto Mostyn Road. We turned right onto Marsham Road and right onto Bramhall Moor Lane. We turned left onto Pepper Road and we stopped at the cafe on the first corner. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. Once we had finished eating we set off on foot over to East Didsbury to head off the #130 to Macclesfield bus. We set off back down Pepper Street and onto Bramhall Moor Lane. and we turned right onto Bridge Lane. We turned left onto Bramhall Lane South and right onto Carrwood Road. We went forwards onto Manor Road and forwards again onto Station Road. We walked past Cheadle Hulme railway station and Northwards towards the town centre. We turned left onto Albert Road and right onto Cheadle Road. We continued Northwards into Cheadle and we turned right onto the A560. We turned left onto B5095 and we headed North to the A34 to the interchange. It took quite a while to walk across to the terminal and when we arrive we saw Arriva NW&W 2951 on a #130 to Macclesfield. We got on the bus and we flashed the System One Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down the B5095 and headed into Cheadle. We turned right onto the A560 and left onto Cheadle Road. We turned right onto Turves Road and crossed the A34. We turned left onto Wilmslow Road. We ran Southwards into Handforth. We Headed Southwards down Hanford Road and we turned right Dean Row Road. We turned right onto Colshaw Drive and we ran around the Colshaw Farm estate. We re-joined Dean Row Road and we turned left onto Manchester Road. We ran into Wilmslow and we continued Southwards through town. We ran down Alderley Road and down towards Fulshaw park. We continued South passing required Arriva NW&W 2932 on a #130 East Didsbury. which we would have done had we gone straight back towards Macclesfield when we got off in Alderley Edge. We ran into Alderley Edge before running around 2 miles onto onto the A34. At Monk's Heath crossroad we turned left onto the A537 and we ran Eastwards to Broken Cross. At the roundabout we veered leftwards onto Fallibroome Road. We continued onto Victoria Road and we went past the hospital. We ran into town along Chester Road and Chestergate and turned right into Churchill Way. We turned left onto the A536 and we ran into the bus station via Sutherland Street, waters Green and Queen Victoria Street. When we got to the bus station we got up. We waited for the next bus to Congleton. A few minutes later we saw the bus arrive. It was Arriva NW&W 4489 on a #38 to Crewe. We got on the bus and we booked to Congleton before going upstairs and sitting down. We set off out of the bus station and we ran through town onto the A536. We ran out of town through Warren in Rode Heath. We ran to the edge of town and we turned left onto the A54. We entered the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we waited for the Biddulph. A few minutes later we saw D&G Bus 54 on a #42 to Crewe. Eventually the bus. It was D&G Bus 37 on a #94 to Newcastle. We got on the bus and we brought a day ticket before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Market Street and we turned right into High Street. We continued onto Lawton Street. We turned right onto the A527 and we ran out of town past Congleton railway station. We ran through Mossley and White More and into Biddulph. We set off along the by-pass before turning right into Wharf Road where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we waited for a bus to Hanley. A short time later we saw First Potteries 67635 on a #7A to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked First Day tickets before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off onto the High Street and we turned left at the roundabout onto St John's Road. We ran around the estate and we crossed over the A527 at Knypersley. We ran through Brown Lees and we rejoined the A527 by the industrial estate. We ran down through Brindley Ford and to Fegg Hayes. We ran up the hill to Chell and we turned left onto High Lane. We ran back through Smallthorne & Sneyd Green into Hanley. The bus came in through Quadrant Road and forwards onto Stafford Street where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we crossed over the road to the dessert board. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had a slice of red velvet cheesecake and a bottle of Coke. When we had finished we walked along Stafford street and we turned right onto Lichfield Street and back to the bus station. We waited for a bus to Fenton. A short time later we saw First Potteries 67158 on layover. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 67155 on a #23 to Newstead. We got on the bus and flashed the First Day tickets to the driver for the final time. We sat down towards the back of the bus. Whilst we waited for departure time we saw First Potteries 37158 on a #25 to Keele. We set off onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We crossed over the ring road and we ran down onto Regent Road and forwards onto Cleveland Road. We ran down though Shelton along College Road and we ran down to the railway station. We turned right onto Glebe Street and under the railway line an we ran around the one-way system in Stoke and stopped by Stoke Minster. We turned left onto Church Street and we crossed the A500 and we ran under the railway line. After climbing up the hill into Fenton we turned right into Smithpool Road where we got up and got off the bus. We walked back up Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew chilled out in his room. He used the computer and watched buses out of the window. we saw was First Potteries 67652 on a #11 to Newcastle. For tea Matthew had chips followed by a Bakewell tart. Later on we went to Festival Park by car. We went downstairs and got in the car and set off onto Temple Street. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and left onto City Road. At the bottom of the hill we turned right onto the A52. We ran alongside the railway line and we ran forwards onto Station Road. We turned right onto College Road and we ran to the very end. We turned left onto Broad Street and right onto St Marks Street. We stopped at the pub and Matthew went to the toilet. Matthew had a glass of Coke. Once Matthew had finished his drink we set off back to Fenton. We set off along Rectory Road and we turned right onto Etruria Vale Road. We ran forwards onto Snow Hill and we turned right onto Stoke Road. We turned left onto Station Road and we ran forwards onto A52 and we ran along side the railway line. We turned left onto City Road and we ran up the hill into Fenton. We turned right into Smithpool Road and we stopped at the chip shop. We continued along Smithpool Road and we stopped at the end. Matthew ate his sausage from the chip shop. When he had finished eating we set off back along Smithpool Road and we turned right into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs and 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 Crewe / Nantwich 21-12-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4156	Crewe BS	Nantwich BS	84	Arriva NW&W
3615	Nantwich BS	Tarporley, opp Community Centre	84	Arriva NW&W
4078	Tarporley, o/s Community Centre	Nantwich BS	84	Arriva NW&W
2609	Nantwich BS	Crewe BS	84	Arriva NW&W
4490	Crewe BS	Sandbach, o/s Military Arms PH	38	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to go to Crewe to try and get a ride on step entranced double decker Arriva NW&W 3615. Matthew had been in respite this week and we didn't decide where we were going until Friday night. Very little planning was done for the trip other than to check the weather which was forecast for sunny and dry with rain later. Matthew got up just after 10:00 today and had toast and blackcurrant juice for breakfast. We set off at around 12:15 today. We drove onto the A5035 and onto Stanley Matthew Way. We then got onto the A50 passing an unidentified Aimee's coaches minibus going the other way. We got onto the Northbound A500 which we did up to the A5020. We then drove into Crewe. There was some traffic around the railway station as usual and then we turned into Edlestone Road and drove into the town centre parking in Delamere Street around 13:00. We walked through the bus station towards Les's Fish Bar. On the way we saw Arriva NW&W 4078 on stand about to work the 13:00 to Chester. We sat down in the chip restaurant and we order our food. Matthew went to the toilet and the food arriweved. He had Chips beans and sausage with 2 round of bread and butter washed down with a cup of Pepsi. After we had finished eating headed back to the bus station were we saw Arriva NW&W 4156 about to work the #84 to Nantwich.

Arriva NW&W 4156 in Crewe bus station

We decided to do this bus so we could see what was working the #84 service a bit quicker. Arriva NW&W 4156 was a bus we last did back in February 2013. We got on the bus and booked our Arriva Daysaver tickets. We then went and sat upstairs. The bus set off out of town and along Edleston Road. Part way along we passed the bus we come for, Arriva NW&W 3615 working an inbound #84 service. We turn right onto Nantwich Road and we headed out of Crewe. We then turned left into Willaston before retuning onto the A534 and heading into Nantwich. When we got to Nantwich the bus empties out and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 4156.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4156

We got off Arriva NW&W 4156 and we saw saw GHA SL13 which was on layover. We took a picture of this and then started to walk out of the bus station.

GHA SL13 in Nantwich bus station

We also took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4156 too.

Arriva NW&W 4156 in Nantwich bus station

We knew Arriva NW&W 3615 would be on the next Chester bound service so we decided to wait at Nantwich. Whilst we waited we decided to go and use the toilet in the Market and to pick up some spearmint chew from the still opposite the toilets. We walked back to the bus station and we only had a few minutes to wait. Whilst we waited we saw D&G 124 and GHA Solos SL06 & SL14 arrive before required Arriva NW&W 3615 rounded the corner and entered Nantwich bus station on the #84.

Arriva NW&W 3615 in Nantwich bus station

We got on the bus and went upstairs. As it was the shortest day of the year and we knew we wouldn't have long before it went dark we decided to do the bus to Tarporley before returning back towards Crewe. The bus stormed through the Cheshire countryside along the A51 and then onto the A49. We then turned into Tarporley village. we saw a petrol station with a Spar shop so we decided to get off there.

Arriva NW&W 3615 in Tarporley

After we had taken a picture of Arriva NW&W 3615 we crossed over the road and went to the Spar shop. Matthew brought some chocolate bars as well as some of the cheap bottles of pop and a can of Coke. We walked back to the bus stop and the bus towards Crewe was now due. A few minutes later dud Arriva NW&W 4078 reappeared.

Arriva NW&W 4078 in Tarporley

We got on the bus and went upstairs. We decided to stagger our journey and to do this to Nantwich. 4078 put in a really spirited performance... It seemed to travel quite quickly along the A51 toward Nantwich. We had only been on this bus once before when we did the bus from Littleton to Chester on the #84 back in November. When we got to Nantwich we got off and we got another picture of this fine beast.

Arriva NW&W 4078 in Nantwich bus station

We also got a picture of GHA SL06 which was now on layover in the bus station.

GHA SL06 in Nantwich bus station

We decided to visit the toilet again and when we retuned to the bus station we saw dud Arriva NW&W 4042 on the next #84 to Chester.

Arriva NW&W 4042 in Nantwich bus station

Also in the bus station was one of D&G MCV Evolution buses on the #45 to Crewe. It was required D&G 132.

D&G 132 in Nantwich bus station

Behind D&G 132 was Arriva NW&W 2609 on the #84 to Crewe. I asked Matthew if he wanted to do this bus back to Crewe and he said yes.

Arriva NW&W 2609 in Nantwich bus station

We got on and sat down near the back. Consulting the 'Buses I have travelled on' page It turned out the 2609 was required! We now only need 4 Winsford based Centros. We returned back via Willaston and the A534 and then down Edleston Road into Crewe town centre. When we got into the bus station Matthew waited for the bus to empty before getting a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2609 too.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2609

When we got to Crewe we watched a few buses come in and go out. Arriva NW&W 4078 and now transferred onto the #31 to Northwich, possibly swapping for required Arriva NW&W 2614 which was now on the #84. Matthew decided that he fancied a bit of a walk around town so we headed off into the shopping centre before walking around the town centre and back into the bus station. As we got back into the bus station and we saw required Arriva NW&W 4490 arrive on the #38 from Macclesfield. We decided to do this back out towards Sandbach.

Arriva NW&W 4490 in Crewe bus station

We waited for 5 minutes whilst the driver had a quick break before readying the bus for service at 16:35. We got on the bus and went upstairs. It was empty towards the back so Matthew got a picture inside 4490 too.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4490

The plan had been to do this bus to Wheelock and the catch the #38 back with would almost certainly be required 4491. matthew decided that he needed the toilet again, so we decided we go to Sandbach and use the toilet there. This would mean that we would just miss the #38 and would have to wait 30 minutes for the next bus back Crewe. I phoned mum to tell her our plans and she said she would come up to us and pick us up from Sandbach. We arrived in Sandbach and as predicted we just missed Arriva NW&W 4491 on the #38 to Crewe. We went to use the toilet and then we went to the chip shop and we shared a portion of chips between me, Matthew and uncle Dave. Matthew had a whole jumbo sausage too. This was washed down with a can of Fanta. Whilst we ate we saw Arriva NW&W 2503 on the #37 to Northwich. We also saw D&G 164 on #78 to Nantwich.

D&G 164 in Sandbach

Just after we had finished eating it started to rain, and rain hard. The main stop was filling up with passengers waiting for the next Crewe service so we retreated to the stop for the Macclesfield bus. Mum eventually turned up after around 30 minutes. She had gotten a little lost following the GPS! We walked over to the car and got in. We then saw dud Arriva NW&W 4099 on the #37 to Crewe. We set off home via the A534 which we did East to the M6. We went down the motorway one junction to the A500 and then we headed to Longton on the A50 to see what was parked up at Z Carz. There were a few vehicles parked up here this week. At the front of the row was coach M534 RSO which appeared to be having some work done.

Z Carz M534 RSO in Longton

As can be seen there are a few boy panels missing from nearside of the coach.Next to this was Scania coach D104 XAN.

Z Carz D104 XAN in Longton

Next to this was OV05 WSW which was parked in the shadow of the coach. Besides this was Mercedes minibus BV51 BNO.

Z Carz BV51 BNO in Longton

Behind a few parked cars was Mercedes minibus W221 CDN. In the Willow Row compound was airport transfer minibus DL03 HHU and SORN LDV minibus T408 JUX. We headed back onto the A50 which we did to Heron Cross. We headed home via Blurton Road and the A5035, passing First Potteries 40029 on the #23. We got back home at 18:30. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a Manchester Tart. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:30...Mark

Trip to Crewe 09-06-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2500	Crewe BS	Nantwich BS	84	Arriva NW&W
SL17	Nantwich BS	Nantwich, Millfields Marsh Lane	53	GHA
SL17	Nantwich, Millfields Marsh Lane	Nantwich BS	53	GHA
138	Nantwich BS	Crewe, opp The Brunswick	44A	D&G
4489	Crewe, Crewe Arms Hotel (NE-bound)	Sandbach o/s Common	38	Arriva NW&W
3330	Sandbach o/s Common	Crewe BS	37	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to do a fairly local trip as we have been out a few days this week. Matthew chose to go to Crewe. Today was overcast but dry and fairly cool for the time of year. We set off around 12:00, going North along the A500. We had planned on stopping at the food trailer at the top of the A500 but it wasn't there! So we decided to carry on and see if there was a burger van in the B&Q car park in Crewe. We parked up by the road so Matthew could see if any useful buses went past on the #37 or #38 whilst we waited and ate. Whilst I was getting the food an unidentified Olympian went past towards Crewe. After we ate we drove into Crewe town centre. We passed the Olympian going out on the #37 and it was 3330. After parking up we walked into the bus station. The first bus we saw was GHA SB55 parked up between duties.

GHA SB55 in Crewe bus station

We now had to choose what we were going to do. Arriva NW&W 2499 was on the #31, 2500 was on the #84 to Chester and 4491 arrived in on the #38. Matthew chose to do the one bus he had already been on Arriva NW&W 2500 on the #84. We booked to Nantwich and got on the bus. As we were leaving Crewe bus station we saw First Potteries ALX200 40144 on a #20. These don't work to Crewe very often. The journey down was quite quick and pleasant and we passed several Plaxton Centros on other #84 services. When we arrived in Nantwich, Matthew took a picture of the inside of the bus which was nearly empty.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2500

He also got a good shot of the outside of the bus.

2500 in Nantwich bus station

We decided to go use the facilities in Nantwich market. On the way back we called at the sweet store and picked up some Taveners mint chews. Back at the bus station we now had around 15 minutes to wait for a bus back to Crewe. Matthew was eying up GHA step entranced minibus MB29 which we presumed was being used as the crew mess bus. When the next #84 turned up it was a Centro and Matthew refused to do it! After it had left had dragged me over to MB29 and I told it again it wasn't working. I even asked the driver on the bus and he confirmed it to be the case. Whilst we were there GHA SL17 turned up on one of the town circular. Matthew wanted to do this respite having been on it before so we did a circle around the town on this.

GHA SL17 in Nantwich bus station

After doing the spin around time Matthew photographed the bus empty back at the bus station.

Inside SL17

There was a Crewe bus in the bus station, bus it pulled away before we got off SL17. Behind it was a D&G bus bound for Crewe so we decided to get on this as it wasn't a Centro. It was unrequired D&G 138

D&G 138 in Nantwich bus station

We did this bus back and as it was travelling along Gresty Road I though about getting off to intercept the #37 to Northwich. As we got up Matthew photographed on of the seats on this unusual Marshall bodied Dennis Dart

Inside 138

We got off at the end and Matthew got a picture of the bus.

138 in Crewe

We then crossed over Nantwich Road to wait for the #37. The bus stop looked like a normal bus stop and as we waited for the #37 we saw First Potteries 60194 go past on a #20 and D&G 21 on a #85. As the #37 approached we stuck out our hand to be picked up. The bus driver shook his head and waved and went past. We thought that the bus didn't look full so we guessed that the bus stop must be disused. Later research found that this stop is alight only despite there being no clue to this on the actual stop. We decided to walk to the stop by the railway station to wait for the #38. We had already seen it going towards Crewe and it was dud Arriva NW&W 4489. After around a 15 minute wait we saw 4489 approaching.

Arriva NW&W 4489 near Crewe railway station

We got on and climbed onto the top deck. The journey was swift and when we got off matthe got another picture of this bus.

4489 on Sandbach Common

We used the facilities at Sandbach Market and then went back to the Common. Required Arriva NW&W 2617 was on a Northwich short but Matthew turned it down again. As we had time to kill before the next bus we visited McColls for drinks and lottery tickets. When we got back we had around 15 minutes to wait for the #37 to Crewe, which was the Olympian we seen earlier 3330.

Arriva NW&W 3330 on Sandbach Common

We sat on the front seats. Matthew photographed the empty top deck.

Inside 3330

Matthew had wanted to sit on the seat behind but appeared to be broken. The journey back was swift, we had the top deck virtually to ourselves as we travelled back to Crewe bus station. Back at Crewe we saw 4040 on a #31A pull off as we arrived. We walked around the bus station where matthew said hello to a couple of people before we head back to the car. Not before getting a picture of First Potteries 60015 on a Hanley service.

First Potteries 60015 in Crewe bus station

Back at the car we had sausage rolls and drink before setting off back towards Stoke-on-Trent. We had a quick trip past Longton bus station where we saw First Potteries red and yellow 60171 on a #26 service. We also saw some vehicle parked up at the Z carz site before retuning home a little before 18:00...Mark.