Trip to Newcastle / Trent Vale 25-10-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67157	Fenton, Adj Traver Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
67177	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	39A	First Potteries
67175	Fenton, Adj Traver Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
35942	Newcastle BS	Newcastle, o/s Cherry Tree PH	25	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going to visit Grandma and going to Blurton, but first he was going out on the bus. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. In the morning Matthew went out on the bus. We set off downstairs and we cut through onto City Road. We walkes to the bus stop outside the flats. We waited for a bus towards Newcastle. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67157 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67157 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle 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. After a brief stop in Stoke we continued along church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road. We ran up the hill and into Hartshill. We ran forwards onto George Street and we ran down the hill into Newcastle. We turned left at the roundabout onto Barracks Road and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we cut through onto the High Street and we went to the chip shop. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy and a can of Coke. When we had finished eating we walked up the High Street and we turned right onto Hassell Street. We went to the bus station and we waited for a bus towards Hanley. A short time later we saw a bus on stand, It was First Potteries 67177 on a #39A to Hanley.

First Potteries 67177 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down near to the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We crossed the Jubilee Roundabout and onto the A53. We ran into Basford and over the A500. We ran down into Etruria and over the A500. We continued along the A53 and we turned left onto Forge Lane. We ran out along the Lane and we crossed over the canal before we returned back into Etruria along festival Way. We crossed under the A53 onto Etruria Road. We turned right onto the ring road and we ran around anti-clockwise to Bethesda Street. We turned right onto John Street and we ran up the hill to the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew visited the toilet. Whilst in the bus station we saw D&G Bus 797 on a #100 to Stone. We decided to get a taxi back to Fenton. We went outside the bus station and we got in a Lucky Seven taxi. We set off down Lichfield Street and over the roundabout towards Joiner's Square. We croosed the roundabout and onto Victoria Road. We turned right onto Manor Street and we ran to the other end. We ran forwards Christchurch Street and right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We got out of the car and Matthew went upstairs to chill out and wait for me to arrive. Arund 15:00 I came in the car with mum and Matthew came downstairs. We said goodbye to mum and we cut through onto City Road. We walked to the bus stop all the way by the flats. As we got to the stop we saw a bus pull up. We saw it was First Potteries 67175 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67175 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle 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. After a brief stop in Stoke we continued along church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road. We ran up the hill and into Hartshill. We ran forwards onto George Street and we ran down the hill into Newcastle. We turned left at the roundabout onto Barracks Road and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we headed down to the bottom of the bus station and we waited for the bus towards the hospital. Whilst we waited for the bus we saw D&G Bus 45 on a #94B to Bradwell.

D&G Bus 45 in Newcastle bus station

Almost immediately we saw a bus approaching. It pulled on stand and we walked up to it. As we got closer we saw it was First Potteries 35942 on a #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 35942 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to the hospital before we went upstairs and sitting down. We set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road. We ran Southwards onto the A34 and we got up and got off the bus by the Cherry Tree. We got off the bus and Matthew took a picture of First Potteries 35942 as it continued towards Hanley.

First Potteries 35942 in Newcastle

Once off the bus we headed along the A34 and we went up the hill towards Grandma's. At Grandma's Matthew had toast and a can of Irn Bru and used her computer. When it was time to go we went to the pub in the car and we headed down Victoria Street. We turned left onto the A34. We continued southwards into Trent Vale. We continued through Trent Vale and we stopped at the pub. We walked into the pub and we sat down at our one our normal tables. Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Highlights of the bus sightings included Leons 239 and First Potteries 63365 on a #101 to Hanley. Once we had finished eating we set off We carried on along the A34 through Hanford and into Trentham and we turned left onto the A5035. We crossed over the railway line and into Blurton. We got back around 19:00. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we sorted a few things out. After Matthew had his medication we went to Longton to get a some shopping and to fill up with petrol. We got in the car and we set off through Blurton. We headed onto Finstock Avenue and we turned right onto Ripon Road. We turned left onto the A5035 and we headed through Dresden into Longton. We joined the high level A50 and we turned right onto Baths Road and into Tesco. We parked up and we went into Tesco and bought some shopping. We then got back in the car and we headedv to the petrol station. When we had filled up we turned right at the roundabout onto the A50. We turmed left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton. We veered right onto Church Road and right onto the A5035. We got back around 20:44. Later on we did some more of the Blog and had some mini battenburgs. We chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Hanley / Kidsgrove 12-09-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67155	Fenton, Lordship Lane	Hanley BS	6A	First Potteries
63356	Hanley BS	Kidsgrove, Queen Street	7	First Potteries
35944	Kidsgrove, St Johns RC	Hanley, stop S7	39	First Potteries
44514	Hanley BS	Bucknall, Trent Tavern	11	First Potteries
63357	Bucknall, Trent Tavern	Hanley BS	11B	First Potteries
67152	Hanley BS	Fenton, Albert Square	23	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going the bus later on. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. A short time later we saw Travel Express GN14 DVX. Matthew got ready to go to Newcastle. Whilst getting ready we saw Stafford & District Community Link DK05 ERU heading towards Stoke. We went downstairs and we saw First Potteries 63349 on a #11 to Hanley. We set off onto Temple Street. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we crossed over City Road onto Manor Street and we turned left onto Victoria Road. As it got closer we saw that it was dud First Potteries 67155 on a #6A to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked the Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down Victoria Road and towards Joiners Square. At the roundabout we went forwards onto Lichfield Street. We turned left onto the ring road and we turned right onto Bethesda Street and right onto John Street and into the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards Matthew visited the shop and brought a bottle of Coke and a toffee Crisp. We waited for a bus to Kidsgrove. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63356 on a #7 to Kidsgrove.

First Potteries 63356 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Kidsgrove before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we ran down John Street. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and we crossed Broad street onto Marsh Street. We turned right onto Trinity Street and we stopped on Stafford Street to to pick up more passengers before we left town along Quadrant Road. We crossed over the ring road and we headed out of town towards Sneyd Green along Town Road and we continued to Smallthorne roundabouts and we continued forwards onto High Lane. At the end of High Lane the end we turned left onto the A527 where we saw Crosslow Lane Coaches E343 TYD. We turned right onto Turnhurst Road and we ran up to Packmoor. We continues into Newchapel and onto the High Street. We turned left onto Pennyfields Roads and at the roundabout we went onto Newchapel Road. We ran through the estate via Galleys bank and we ran into Kidsgrove and the bus terminated on King Street where we got up and got off the bus. We continued along Market Street and we went to Dougie Mac charity shop. Matthew brought a can of Coke and a couple of chocolate bars. When we had finished we went out and Matthew decided he needed the toilet. There was a pub next door so we visited the pub. Matthew used the toilet and then we brought a glass of Coke. After Matthew had finished his drink we went outside to wait for the next bus back to Hanley. We walked back onto Market Street and we turned left onto Attwood Street and we turned left onto Liverpool Road and we turned into the B5371 and we saw First Potteries 63114 on a #38A to Crackley.

First Potteries 63114 in Kidsgrove

Whilst we waited we saw D&G Bus 45 on a #95 to Biddulph.

D&G Bus 45 in Kidsgrove

A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 35944 on a #38 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 35944 in Kidsgrove

We set off along The Avenue. We turned left onto Lower Ash Road and right onto Mitchell Avenue. We turned left onto Harecastle Avenue and we turned left onto The A34. We ran up to the traffic lights and we crossed over the junction on Coalpit Hill. We ran forwards onto Swan Bank and we turned left onto Chester Road. We ran around the estate and we Ashenough Road. We turned left onto Monument Road and left onto High Street. We ran down to the roundabout and we ran forwards onto Talke Road. We ran through Red Street and we past community centre. We continued down Crackley Bank to Dragon Square and into Chesterton. We ran down the High Street and we turned left onto Wolstanton Road. At the roundabout we joined the Southbound A34. We ran through Milehouse and as we headed towards Newcastle we were passed by Abbott's of Leeming coach XL13 AOL. We turned left onto Liverpool Road and left onto Ryecroft. At the roundabout we turned right onto barracks Road and we entered Newcastle bus station. After a brief stop we set off onto Barracks Road. We crossed the Jubilee Roundabout and onto the A53. We ran into Basford and over the A500. We ran down into Etruria and over the A500. We continued along the A53 and we turned left onto Forge Lane. We ran out along the Lane and we crossed over the canal before we returned back into Etruria along festival Way. We crossed under the A53 onto Etruria Road. We ran up the hill into Hanley and we ran forwards onto Trinity Street. We turned right onto Stafford Street and we got up and got off the bus. We continued along Stafford Street and we walked up Piccadilly into Tontine Square and we stopped at Greggs. Afterwards we walked back along Tontine Square and we walked down Tontine Street and forwards onto Lichfield Street and we stopped at the bus station to use the toilet. We waited for a bus towards Bucknall. A short time later we saw a bus come on stand. It was First Potteries 44514 on a #11 to Newcastle. We got on the bus and we booked to Bucknall before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off up set off onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto the ring road and left onto Lichfield Street and we turned right onto Birch Terrace. We followed the road around onto Charles Street and we turned right onto Old Hall Street. We crossed over the ring road onto Bucknall New Road. We ran down the hill through Limekiln lights and we turned right onto Dividy Road. We got up and got off the bus. Once off up Dividy Road and we crossed. We waited for a bus to Hanley and a short time later we saw . A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63357 on a #11B to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto Dividy Road and we turned left onto the A52 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 and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew was given a Firstbus bag. Matthew walked into the bus station and went to the toilet. Afterwards we waited for a bus to Sneyd Green. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67152 on a #23 to Newstead.

First Potteries 67152 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus waited for time before setting off out of the bus station. We went down John Street and onto Bethesda Street. The road in front of the museum was closed so we turned right onto the the ring road. We turned right onto Broad Street. We ran down the hill and over the ring road onto Snow Hill Before we turned left onto Copeland Street. We continued forwards onto Glebe Street and we followed the road around onto Church Street. We crossed the A500 and we ran under the railway line and we continued onto City Road. After climbing up the hill into Fenton we turned right into Christchurch Street where we got up and got off the bus. We then walked back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. Later on we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned left onto Smithpool Road. We crossed over the railway line and we walked down to the entrance of the park. The new visitor unit. Matthew had washed down a can of Irn Bru. In the park Matthew walked up to the playground. Once we had finished in the park we walked back along Grove Road and we went into Heron Cross. We turned left onto Heron Street and we continued onto Station Bridge Road. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we turned left onto Temple Street. We went upstairs and Matthew went to his room. For tea Matthew had a chilken fajitas and chips followed by cake. He also ate the a bottle of Coke and a toffee Crisp. Later on Matthew had a bath and had toast for supper. Matthew went on his computer until bedtime around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Scarborough / Redcar 07-01-2023

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
376	Ramshill, St Andrews	Scarborough, (Stop S)	10	East Yorkshire
7401	Scarborough, (Stop S)	Whitby BS	X93	Arriva North East
1434	Whitby BS	Brotton, The Queens Arms	X4	Arriva North East
4725	Brotton, The Green Tree	Redcar, Stop P	X3A	Arriva North East
4704	Redcar, Stop N	Marske, Roundabout (stop A)	62	Arriva North East
1435	Marske, Roundabout (stop C)	Whitby BS	X93	Arriva North East
1563	Whitby BS	Scarborough, (Stop S)	X93	Arriva North East
288	Scarborough, Railway station	Weaponess, Adj Adelaide House	10	East Yorkshire

Today was the second day of the short break in Yorkshire. Research for today consisted of looking up the various dat tickets for the local operators and checking the weather. It was due to rain all morning with high winds, clearing up in the afternoon and mild for the time of year. Matthew woke up around 10:00 and had toast for breakfast. A little later on he had a glass of Coke. I asked Matthew idf he wanted to do more Arriva, Transdev or East Yorkshire buses and he chose Arriva. Just after 11:00 we set off onto the A165 and we waited for a bus towards Scarborough. As short time later we saw a bus approaching As it got closer we saw it was East Yorkshire 376 on a #10 to Scalby.

East Yorkshire 376 in Ramshill

We got on the and we booked Scarborough local day tickets at £4.50 each before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off up the A165 and we headed over the river into town and we saw white minibus YJ07 UEY parked up. We turned right onto Somerset Terrace and we ran forwards onto Falconers Road. We turned left onto St Nicholas Street and we ran forwards onto St Thomas Street. We turned left onto Castle Street we saw Shoreline Suncruisers was 45 to the right of us on a #777 service to Eastfield. We conituned through town turning left onto Aberdeen Walk. We turned left onto Abelmarle Crecent and right Westborough. We ran forwards onto the A64 where we got up and got off the bus. We waited for the X93. As few minutes later it cam around the corner. As expected it was Arriva North East 7401 on an X93 to Middlesborough.

Arriva North East 7401 in Scarborough

We got on the bus and we booked an Attiva North East Duo ticket at £13.50 before we went upstairs. The top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside of Arriva North East 7401.

Inside Arriva North East 7401

We set off down the A64 and we ran forwards onto Falsgrave Road. At the ring-road we turned right onto the A171. We headed up through Scalby and up over Burniston and we ran up the hill into Cloughton. We ran through Flask Inn and down the bank into Fylingthorpe. We continued into Robin Hood's Bay and into Hawsker. We continued into Whitby and we crossed over the A174 onto Bagdale. As we travelled into town we saw Arriva North East 1563 on an X93 to Scarborough. We up Victoria Square and we entered the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew got another picture of Arriva North East 7401 before it continued towards Middlesborough.

Arriva North East 7401 in Whitby bus station

We crossed the road and we went to Greggs. With used the toilet and I went to the counter to get food. We btought some sausage rolls and drinks. We sat in and Matthew ate a sausage roll and had some of his bottle of Coke. When we had finsihed we crossed the road to wait for another Northbound bus. As short time later we saw Arriva North East come into the bus station on a X4 to Middlesborough.

Arriva North East 1434 in Whitby bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva North East day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto Victoria Square and we ran Bagdale. We turned right onto the A174. As we travelled up we saw Arriva North East 1561 on a X4 to Whitby. We ran through Raithwaite and then we joined East Row. We ran fast up to Sandsend and we came Lythe onto Ellerby. We turned left onto Ellerby Lane and up over Runswick Bay. We turned left onto Runswick Lane and we ran into Hinderwell. We turned right onto the A174 and and we ran up towards Staithes. We ran through Easington into Loftus. After a brief stop in Loftus we saw former school which is going to be a new pub. We continued up Mill Bank and we ran onto Lorne Terrace into Brotton. We decided to get off here and go to the pub. At the other end of the village we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva North East 1434 as it continued towards Middlesborough.

Arriva North East 1434 in Brotton

We went to visit The Queens Arms but the pub appeared to be closed. We walk back up the High Street and we went to The Green Tree. Matthew went to the toilet and I went to the bar to get the drinks. We sat down and Matthew had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we left the pub and we crossed over the road to wait for another Eastbound bus. There were 2 buses due around the same time. There was an #5 to Middleborough via Guisborough and a X3A via Redcar. We decided that we were going to go to Redcar. Whilst we waited for our bus we saw Arriva North East 1484 on a #5 to Middleborough.

Arriva North East 1484 in Brotton

A short time later we saw our bus approaching. It was Arriva North East 4725 on a X3A to Middlesborough.

Arriva North East 4725 in Brotton

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva North East day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the high Street and we ran past the Queens Arms pub. We joined the A174 and we headed Eastwards. We turned left into Pleasant Fields Lane and we entered Skelton Retail Park. We ran to the roundabout at the end and we turned around passing Tees Flex 44031. We ran back down to the A174 and we headed Southwards towards the roundabout. We turned right onto Vaughan Street and we ran trough North Skelton. We turned right onto Byland Road and left onto Station Lane. We turned left onto Saltburn Lane and right onto High Street. We continued into Skelton-in-Clevelad and we turned right onto Marske Lane. We ran forwards onto the Northbiound A174 and we turned right onto Hob Hill Lane. We turned left onto Marske Mill Lane and right onto Marske Road. We ran forwards onto Windsor Road and we turned left onto Station Street. We turned around by the railway station and we stopped near to the station. After a brief stop we ran up Station Road and we turned right onto Windsor Road. We ran forwards onto Marske Road and we turned right onto the Northbound A1085. We ran into Marske-by-the-Sea and we turned left at the roundabout onto Redcar Road. We turned right onto Greenstone Road and we ran through the estate. At the end we turned onto Redcar Lane and we ran up to the level crossing and stopped. We waited for a few minutes before we saw 66004 roar past on a potash train. The level crossing clear and we continued Northwards before turned left onto High Street where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we headed into the Crown & Anchor pub and Matthew went to the toilet and I went to the bar to get the drinks in. We sat down and drank our drinks and afterwards we went back onto the High Street. We crossed over the road and headed to stop N to wait for an Eastbound bus. Whilst we waited we saw Arriva North East 1564 on X4 to Middlesborough.

Arriva North East 1564 in Redcar

We wait for quite a while. There seemed to be plenty of buses headed Westwards but nothing going Eastwards. Whilst we weaited we saw Arriva North East 4703 on a #63 to Middlesborough.

Arriva North East 4703 in Redcar

A few minutes later we saw a distant bus approaching. It was Arriva North East 4704 on a #62 to Marske.

Arriva North East 4704 in Redcar

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva North East day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the High Street and at the roundabout we went straight on to the Esplanade. We continued onto Coast Road before veering right onto Lilac Grove. We joined Borough Road and we went past Redcar East railway station. We turned right onto Redcar Lane and rioght on Warwick Road. We ran forwards onto Castle Road and we ran around a loop and back onto Warick Road. We re=joined Redcar Lane and we ran down to the A174. We joined the Eastbound A174 and we turned right onto Longbeck Lane. We turned left onto Birkdale Road and left onto Gleneagles Road. We ran forwards onto St Andrews Road and we turned right onto Longback Lane. We crossed over the A174 and we ran forwards onto Longbeck Road and we crossed over the railway line. We turned onto Redcar Road and we ran to the roundabout before doing a u-turn and stopping at the terminus where we got up and got off the bus. We headed back towards the roundabout on foot and we stopped at the toilets. Afterwards we crossed over the road to wait for the X4. A couple of minutes later we saw a bus turn the corner. It was Arriva North East 1435 on a X4 to Whitby.

Arriva North East 1435 in Marske

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva North East day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A1085 and we headed Southwards we turned left onto Marske Road. We ran into Saltburn and we turned left onto Station Street. We did a u-turna dn stopped at the main stop before turning onto Windsor Road. We continied onto Saltburn Road and we crossed Skelton Beck before climbing out of the town and heading up the hill into Brotton. We turned right onto Coach Road and we turned right onto Laburnham Road. We turned left onto Linden Road and we continued onto Willow Drive. We joined the Skelton Road and we ran through the centre of Btotton onto Lome Terrace. We joined the A174 and we ran towards Easington along Boulby. We went through Staithes to Hinderwell. We turned left turned left onto Runswick Lane and into Runswick Bay. We continued Hinderwell Lane onto Ellerby Lane and we turnd right onto the A174. As we travelled up we saw Arriva North East 1434 on a X4 to Middlesbrough. We headed down the hill into Ellerby and Lythe and we went up to Sandsend. We ran Northwards into Boulby and we continued up Raithwaite. We continued through Whitby and we turned left onto Bagdale. We up Victoria Square and we entered the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we crossed the road and we visited The Station Inn. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we had a small glass of Coke. When we had finished we went outside and our bus was in the bus station. We crossed over the road and around the corner to Bargain Booze to buy choclate and pop for later on. We walked back into the bus station just as the driver was getting the bus ready for service. It was Arriva North East 1563 on an X93 to Scarborough.

Arriva North East 1563 in Whitby bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva North East day ticket to the driver for the final time today before we went sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto Victoria Square and we ran Bagdale. We turned left onto the A174 and onto the A171. We ran through into Hawsker and into Robin Hood's Bay. We ran through Fylingthorpe and down the bank into Flask Inn. We headed up through Cloughton and up over Burniston and we ran up the hill into Scalby. We headed down the hill into Scarborough. We turned left onto Falsgrave Road and and we ran forwards onto the A64 and we turned into the railway station and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva North East 1563 before it returned to Middlesborough on the X93.

Arriva North East 1563 in Scarborough

Once off the bus Matthew indicated that he needed to go to the toilet We crossed over the A165 onto Westbrough and we visited Wetherspoons. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards Matthew had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we crossed over the A165 and went back to the railway station and we waited for a bus up towards the apartment. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. It was East Yorkshire 288 on a #10 to Eastfield.

East Yorkshire 288 in Scarborough

We got on the bus as we flashed the Scarborough Day ticket to the driver for the final time today before we we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Westbrough and turned left onto Northway. We turned right onto the B1364 and we turned right onto Queen Street. We turned right onto Newbrough and right onto St Thomas Street. We re-joined the B1364 and we turned right onto Aberdeen Walk. We turned right onto Abermarle Crescent and we ran to the end and turned right onto Westborough. We turned left onto the A165 and we crossed the bridge over Valley Road and we ran up the hill into Ramshill. We veered left onto West Street and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we headed back onto the the A165 and we crossed over the road to the chip shop. Mum had phoned in the order and we picked up the food and payed for it. We walked back to the apartment and we had our food. Matthew had a battered sausage, chips and gravy washed down with a glass of Coke. WE chiulled out at the apartment and did some of the Blog and wrote e-mails. Later on Matthew had a bath. We got ready for bed and Matthew went to bed around 00:00... Mark.

Trip to Hanley / Kidsgrove 02-01-2023

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67175	Shelton, Beresford Street	Hanley BS	25	First Potteries
67156	Hanley BS	Kidsgrove, Queen Street	7	First Potteries
67179	Kidsgrove, Town Hall	Sandyford, Hollywall Lane	3A	First Potteries
67172	Sandyford, Hollywall Lane	Hanley BS	3	First Potteries
65031	Hanley BS	Fenton, adj Travers Court	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus. 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 D&G Bus 45 on a #23 to Hanley. We went downstairs and we and we cut through onto City Road to wait a bus to Stoke. At the Afford garage we saw Afford rent-a-car BT22 LDE outside there yard.

Afford rent-a-car BT22 LDE in Fenton

Whilst we waited we saw Stanton's of Stoke WSV 530 going towards Stoke.

Stanton's of Stoke WSV 530 in Fenton

The walked along A52 and we turned right onto Lordship Lane and we University Student Accommodation. We went around the corner The Catalyst Building. When we had finished and we said goodbye and we returned to Shelton in a taxi. We set off along the A52 and we turned right onto Boughey Road. Once off the bus we we walked down College Road and we went into Hanley Park for a while. We walk northwards through the park. We returned back into College Road. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67175 on a #25 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off continued down 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 where we got up and got off the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Lichfield Street and forwards onto Tontine Street and we visited Poundland for a chicken sandwich and a bottle of Coke. After we had finished shopping we walked back down Tontine Street and Market Square to the shopping centre. In the shopping centre Matthew sat down and ate his chicken sandwich washed down with a can of irn bru. We went down to the market level and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards we walked out of the shopping cebtre across Tontine Square and onto Tontine Street. We went forwards onto Lichfield Street and we entered the bus station. Once off the bus we visited the toilet. We waited for a bus back to Fenton. A short time later we saw First Potteries 67173 on a #6 to Coalville. We waited for a bus to Chell. A short time later we saw it was First Potteries 67156 on a #7 to Kidsgrove. When it was time the bus set off out of the bus station. We went down John Street and onto Bethesda Street before we went across onto Marsh Street and then we turned right into Trinity Street. We turned left into Stafford Street and we continued forwards to Quadrant Road and we left Hanley along Town Road. We travelled through Sneyd Green and over Smallthorne roundabouts and we continued forwards onto High Lane where we saw First Potteries 69162 on a #7A to Hanley. At the end of High Lane the end we turned left onto the A527. We turned right onto Turnhurst Road and we ran up to Packmoor. We continues into Newchapel and onto the High Street. We turned left onto Pennyfields Roads and at the roundabout we went onto Newchapel Road. We ran through the estate via Galleys bank and we ran into Kidsgrove and the bus terminated on King Street where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we saw blue minibus SF70 LWT parked up. We walked down Attwood Street and Matthew used the toilet. We turned left onto Liverpool Road and up to the bus stop. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 67179 on a #3A to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Sandyford before we sat down. We set off along the A50. We ran up the hill into Goldenhill and we saw Hollinshead JH22 HOL. We continued into Sandyford and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we crossed over the A50 and onto the A527 past the new BP petrol station. There was a pub next door so we visited the Costa Coffee. Matthew used the toilet and then we brought a glass of Coke. After Matthew had finished his drink we went outside to wait for the next bus back to Hanley. We headed back towards the A50 and up to the bus stop. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 67172 on a #3 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down. We set off along the A50. We ran up the hill into Tunstall. We ran down the High Street. We continued down the High Street an we turned left onto Williamson Street. At the roundabout we turned right onto Scotia Road and past the the old bus garage before running up the hill into Burslem Town centre. We ran through the light onto Waterloo Road and up the hill into Cobridge. We ran down the hill towards Hanley and then up into town along Hope Street and Stafford Street. We turned right at the end past the town hall and onto Bagnall Street before entering the bus station where we got up got off. Once off the bus we visited the toilet. We waited for a bus back to Fenton. A short time later we saw First Potteries 69174 on a #11 to Newcastle. We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto the ring road and left onto Lichfield Street and we turned right onto Birch Terrace. We followed the road around onto Charles Street and we turned right onto Old Hall Street. We crossed over the ring road onto Bucknall New Road. We ran down the hill through Limekiln lights. We turned right onto Dividy Road and we saw Travel Express BG61 KTK. We turned left onto Beverley Drive and right onto Dawlish Drive. We ran through the estate and back onto the A5272. We ran up to Adderley Green. At the roundabout we turned right onto Anchor Road. system onto Commerce Street and right onto The Strand. After a brief stop we ran down the Strand and under the railway line onto King Street. We continued down through Fenton and forwards onto City Road. We went past KFC and we got up and got off at the Travers Court bus stop outside the block of flats. Once off the bus we walked onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to use his computer and watch buses. Later on Matthew went downstairs to do his shopping. Outside we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We went to do the shopping. transport for the trip was a Lucky Seven taxi. 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 we continued down Victoria Road and we stopped at McDonalds. Matthew went to the toilet and had a burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. We got an ABC Supreme taxi back to the residential unit. We set off up Victoria Road. We turned right onto City Road and left onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room and chilled out in his room and use his computer and watch buses out of the window. 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 Congleton / Newcastle 19-10-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67177	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to Belper he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to Belper and we saw First Potteries 67181 on a #11 to Hanley. After tea Matthew went for a walk to Aldi to get some shopping. 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 we saw First Potteries 63034 on a #6 to Hanley. We went down the hill to Aldi. Matthew brought his shopping and then we got a lucky Seven taxi back to the residential unit. We set off onto Victoria Road. We ran down the hill to Joiners Square and we ran across the roundabout onto Lichfield Street and we joined the anti-clockwise ring road. We turned right onto Waterloo Road and we ran through Cobridge. We continued through to Burslem onto Scotia Road and forwards onto the Tunstall by-pass. We ran past the police station onto the top end of Tunstall High Street. We continued through Goldenhill and down the hill to Kidsgrove. We continued under the railway line and over the A34. We followed the A50 to the right and we ran Northwards to Arclid. We turned right onto the A534 and we ran forwards into Congleton town centre. we stopped at the pub and Matthew went to the toilet. For dinner Matthew had a Fried buttermilk chicken burger with fries followed by cheesecake. When it was time to go back we set off Westwards out of town and onto the A34. We turned around and went back into town and we joined the Southbound A527. We travelled back down the road around Biddulph and through Brindley Ford. We ran up the hill to Chell and we turned left onto High Lane. We ran into through Smallthorne and we ran through Sneyd Green and Birches Head. We followed the road to the left down the hill through Northwood and onto Limekiln Bank. We joined the A52 and we ran to Joiners square where we turned left onto Victoria Road. and we ran up to the top of the hill. We turned sharp right onto City Road and we ran down to Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window whilst he waited for us to take him out for tea. We saw Warrington's of Ilam DX54 WBT.

Warrington's of Ilam DX54 WBT in Fenton

We went downstairs and we cut through onto City Road. We walked to the stop opposite the flats and we saw blue minibus DG52 CXP. We waited for a bus towards Newcastle. A short time later we saw First Potteries 67177 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67177 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle 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. After a brief stop in Stoke we continued along church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road. We ran up the hill and into Hartshill. We ran forwards onto George Street and we ran down the hill into Newcastle. We turned left at the roundabout onto Barracks Road and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once we got off the bus we saw D&G Bus 45 on a #94 to Congleton.

D&G Bus 45 in Newcastle bus station

We set off onto Hassell Street and we turned right onto High Street and we stopped at McDonalds. Matthew had a burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. Once we had finished we walked down High Street and we turned left into Church Street. We turned left onto the Southbound A34 and we went under the subway on to the A34. We turned left onto the A525 and we turned right onto Stanier Street. When we got into the building Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards Matthew in the soft play area. When we had finished we said goodbye and we returned to Fenton in a taxi. We set off onto Stanier Road and we saw Autocabs SY67 WLC. After he had done his shopping we went to Sandbach in a Lucky Seven taxi. We set off along Stanier Road and we turned left onto John O'Gaunt's Road. We turned left onto the B5044. We turned left onto the A525 and left onto the Northbound A34. We turned right onto Ryecroft and we ran forwards onto the one-way system. We continued onto the A52 and we ran into 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 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. Matthew went up to his room to chill out on his computer and watch buses out of the window. Matthew spent time in his room watching television and using his computer. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Fenton / Newcastle 06-09-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63101	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
63173	Newcastle BS	Fenton, Christchurch Street	11	First Potteries
67634	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Stoke, adj stop Q	11	First Potteries
63176	Stoke, adj stop M	Fenton, Christchurch Street	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in residential and he was going to his day service. He was also going to visit uncle Dave later on. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst waiting to go to the day service we saw First Potteries 67603 on a #11 to Newcastle. Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street and to the day centre. At the day centre we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX parked outside.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

In the morning Matthew went out on the bus. We set off on foot onto Christchurch Street and we turned left onto City Road. We walked down the road to the bus stop outside the flats and we waited for a bus to Newcastle. A few minutes alter we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was First Potteries 63101 on a #11 to Newcastle. We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle 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. After a brief stop in Stoke we continued along church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road. We ran up the hill and into Hartshill. We ran forwards onto George Street and we ran down the hill into Newcastle. We turned left at the roundabout onto Barracks Road and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. We saw D&G Bus 42 on a #2 to Westbury Park. We set off on foot along Castle Walk and we stopped at Greggs to pick up a sausage roll. Afterwards we continued up towards Ironmarket and we stopped at the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a drink of Coke. Once we had finished in the pub we walked along Ironmarket and we turned left into High Street. We stopped at Wrights Pies and we picked up a Manchester Tart. We set down outside the Vue and Matthew had his dinner. He had a sausage roll followed by a Manchester Tart. We then walked along Hassell Street and back to the bus station. We the saw First Potteries 65036 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 65036 in Newcastle bus station

We stood in the bus station and we waited for the next First Potteries bus back to Fenton. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 63173 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63173 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before we sat down towards then back of the bus. We set off onto Barracks Road and we ran up to the Jubilee roundabout. We ran onto the A53 and around the one-way system onto the A52. We ran up George Street into Hartshill and we ran down the hill into Stoke town centre. After a brief stop we continued along Church Street out of Stoke and over the A500. We ran under the railway line and we continued onto City Road. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. We crossed over City Road and we walked across the car park to the day centre. In the afternoon Matthew went down to Stoke on the bus. We set off onto Christchurch Street turned the corner onto City Road and down to the bus stop outside the flats to wait for a bus. A few minutes later the bus appeared an it was First Potteries 67634.

First Potteries 67634 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle 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. We got off the bus and walked around the corner onto South Wolfe Street. We crossed over Flemming Road and we went into Sainsbury's to buy a computer game. Once we had finished there we walked along Campbell Place and we stopped at Bargain Buys. We returned to Church Street to wait for the next First Potteries bus back up City Road. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 67157 on a #21A to the Trentham Hotel.

First Potteries 67157 in Stoke

We also saw D&G Bus 114 on a #1 to Meir.

D&G 114 in Stoke

A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was First Potteries 63176 on a #11 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto Church Street out of Stoke and over the A500. We ran under the railway line and we continued onto City Road. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. We crossed over City Road and onto Christchurch Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to chill out before going to uncle Daves. Whilst in his room we saw Premier Travel BX07 KXZ.

Premier Travel BX07 KXZ in Fenton

We also saw Jayjays Travel Ford minibus YM61 PUA going towards Longton.

Jayjays Travel YM61 PUA in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw D&G Bus Solo 45 on a #1A to Meir.

D&G 45 in Fenton

Later on Matthew went to uncle Daves in a car. We set off along Temple Street and left onto Smithpool Road. The people taking Matthew to uncle dave's got a bit lost and turned right onto Wheildon Road. We turned right onto Ainsworth Street and right again onto West Parade. We turned right again onto Ramsey Street and right onto Wheildon Road again. We turned right onto Ridley Street and we went past a site where they are building some new houses. After doing a circular tour of the street on the western Side of Wheildon Road Matthew eventually got to uncle Dave's house! For tea Matthew had chicken potatoes and carrots. later on he had a drink of Tango orange and a few custard creams. Matthew chill out in uncle Dave's house using his computer and watching television. We also saw a City Cabs taxi in the street. A couple of hours later staff came to escort Matthew back in a car. We ran up Wheildon Road and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went back to the room and went on his computer. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Burton-upon-Trent / Swadlincote 04-03-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
53	Burton upon Trent, New Street (stand 9)	Swadlincote bus park	21	Midland Classic
56	Swadlincote bus park	Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Hill Street	9	Midland Classic
56	Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Hill Street	Swadlincote bus park	9	Midland Classic
42	Swadlincote bus park	Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Medical Centre	9	Midland Classic
42	Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Market Street	Swadlincote bus park	9	Midland Classic
111	Swadlincote bus park	Burton upon Trent, New Street (stand 4)	8	Midland Classic

Today we decided to re-visit Burton-upon-Trent. We had checked the weather for today and then best weather appeared to be to the East of the area. We gave Matthew a list of destination from the Midlands and North West and from the list Matthew chose Burton. Research for the trip consisted of going to the Midland Classic website and downloading a route map onto the phone. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 12:00 and we ran down to the A5035. We had to pick up a parcel from the Meir sorting office, so we ran to Dresden and we turned right onto Belgrave Road. We crossed over the roundabout and we caught up with First Potteries sole surviving ALX400 double decker 32081 which was on a #6 to Weston Coyney. We stopped at the sorting office and we noticed there was some traffic on the Eastbound A50. We ran returned onto Belgrave Road and we went forwards onto Meir Road. We passed the Premier Travel depot and we saw FY07 VHK was parked up there. We followed the road round onto Grosvenor Road and Waterhead Road and we turned left onto the A520. At the roundabout we turned right and joined the A50. We passed the Copeland's Tours depot at Meir and we could see orange coach MIB 116 parked up there. We continued East to Blythe Bridge and followed the road to the right and we saw Compass Travel R24 COM / YJ14 BXR / R25 COM / K33 CRT, Sleafordian HCT 990, Blackwood Travel TUI 5949 & Skills SIL 7030. We passed the outskirts of Uttoxter and Midland Classic single decker 76 followed us on to the A50 on the #401 to Burton. A few miles East of Uttoxeter we veered left onto the A511 and we ran the 2 miles into Hatton to the Salt Box cafe where we stopped for dinner. Matthew went to the toilet and mum ordered the food. Matthew had a breakfast as well as eating some of mum's cheese on toast. This was washed down with a small bottle of Coke. Whilst we ate we saw Midland Classic 88 on a #401 to Uttoxeter. When we had finished we got in the car and we continued along the A511. As we travelled towards Tutbury we saw Trent Barton 657 on a V1 Villager service to Derby. We followed the road towards into beam Hill and as we passed The Beacon Hotel we saw Fletchers E689 LBT & P555 TCC. We cotinued into town along the A511 and we crossed the railway line. We turned right into Guild Street and at the crossroad at the end we turned left into Station Street. We turned right into the car park and we parked up. We said goodbye to mum and we walked along the passage into New Street. The first bus we saw was former Arriva Midlands 3716, which is now dud Midland Classic 116 following the takeover last August.

Midland Classic 116 in Burton upon Trent

The former Arriva Midlands single decker was working a #3 to Winshill. Further up the road we spotted a double decker. As we got closer we saw that it was required Midland Classic 53 on a #21 to Swadlincote.

Midland Classic 53 in Burton upon Trent

We decided to do this bus so we quickly walked up to the stop before boarding. We brought a Midland Classic Duo + which cost just £7 for 2 people to travel. We went upstairs and the rear of the bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Midland Classic 53.

Inside Midland Classic 53

A few minutes later we set of along New Street and we turned right onto Lichfield Street. We ran down to the A5189 and we turned right to cross over the river Trent. The river was high and the field were flooded. As we crossed over the river we passed Midland Classic 32 on a #22 to Burton. Once we crossed the river we turned right at the roundabout and into Main Street. We went forwards onto Rolliston Street and we passed Midland Classic 7 on a #2 service to Burton. We turned left onto Brackenwood Road and left again onto Sycamore Road. We turned right onto the A444 and we ran fast down to Castle Gresley where we crossed over the Burton to Coalville railway line. We ran down Linton Road and into Linton before we turned left into Main Street. We turned left onto Linton Heath and we ran down to the A444. After a short run North up the A444 we veered left onto Mount Pleasant Road. We crossed back over the railway line and we ran up Castle Road into Church Gresley past the mothballed garage which still has 3 old cars from the 1980s stored in it. We veered left onto Market Street by the Maurice Lea Memorial Park. At the end we turned left onto York Road and we ran down to George Street where we turned right. We continued onto Gresley Wood Road and we turned right onto Hearthcote Road past an industrial part of town. We ran down to the roundabout and we turned right onto the A514. A few hundred yard along we turned right into Swadlincote bus park. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Midland Classic 53.

Midland Classic 53 in Swadlincote

We had a quick look around to see what was about. At the top end of the bus park Arriva Midlands 3575 was on layover in between workings on the #2 to Derby.

Arriva Midlands 3575 in Swadlincote

Matthew decided he wanted to go to the toilet so we went to the library like we had done last time we had been. We went inside and were told that there wasn't a public toilet in the library. The was however a public toilet block almost opposite to the library so we went over there. After Matthew had used the facilities was walked back to the bus park. We sat on a bench and Matthew ate a double Milky Way. A few minutes later a double decker came in on the #9 to Ashby-de-la-Zouch. As it got closer we saw that it was required Midland Classic 56.

Midland Classic 56 in Swadlincote

We decided to do this bus so we got on it and Flashed the Midland Classic day + Duo ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The bus set off onto the A514 and we ran Eastwards out of town. We travelled for around a mile past the Swadlincote Woodlands & Park and we arrived at a 5 way roundabout. We carried on across along the A514. We ran down the hill for about a 1/3 of a mile and then we turned right into an housing estate. We ran past a small shop along Goseley Avenue and then we turned right onto Brookdale Road. At the end of the road we turned left onto Elmsdale Road and at the end we re-joined Goseley Avenue. We ran back to the A514 and then we went back up the hill to the roundabout. We turned left onto the A511 we we ran through Woodville. As we travelled towards Ashby-de-la-Zouch I had a quick look at the timetables for the #9 and #19. I didn't look at the exact time but it looked like the bus was due in Ashby at 10 past the hour and the return bus was due off Ashby at 5 past the hour. I surmised that the #9 and #19 inter-worked at Ashby to compensate for the differing journey times. We travelled about 2 miles to the Leicestershire border and we turned right onto Ashby Road by the Alpaca farm. We ran for around another 2 miles and at about 15:05 we decided to get up and get off at the next convenient stop. Someone else rang the bell and we spotted two bus stops that were virtually opposite to each other so we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Midland Classic 56 as it carried on towards the centre of Ashby-de-la-Zouch.

Midland Classic 56 in Ashby-de-la-Zouch

Once of the bus we crossed over the road to wait for the return service. I was now able to study the time table a little better... There was no 15:05 #9 departure! The return bus was 10 minutes later at 15:15. Whilst we waited for the bus we saw a Solo approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was MacPherson MX07 JPJ.

MacPherson MX07 JPJ in Ashby-de-la-Zouch

A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching and it was Midland Classic 56 again!

Midland Classic 56 in Ashby-de-la-Zouch

We got on the bus and we Flashed the Midland Classic day + Duo ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Midland Classic 56.

Inside Midland Classic 56

We set off along Ashby Road and we ran the 2 miles or so up to the A511. We ran a further 2 miles through Woodville and we turned sharp right onto the A514. We ran down to the Goseley estate and we ran around the circle along Goseley Avenue. We turned right onto Brookdale Road. At the end of the road we turned left onto Elmsdale Road and at the end we re-joined Goseley Avenue. We ran back to the A514 and then we went back up the hill to the roundabout. We crossed over the roundabout and we continued along the A514 for around a mile into town before we entered Swadlincote bus park. We got off the bus and we saw Midland Classic 57 departing on a #21 to Burton.

Midland Classic 57 in Swadlincote

There were a few buses in the bus station at this time. We saw Arriva Midlands 3571 about to depart on a #2 to Derby.

Arriva Midlands 3571 in Swadlincote

On the North side of the bus station we saw dud Midland Classic 46 on layover. On the East side of the bus station we also saw required Midland Classic 45 on layover in between working on the #21 to Burton.

Midland Classic 45 in Swadlincote

Matthew didn't want to do this bus, but a short while later that next #9 to Ashby-de-la-Zouch turned up and it was required Midland Classic 42.

Midland Classic 42 in Swadlincote

Matthew decided he wanted to do this bus. He was determined to get to the centre of Ashby-de-la-Zouch! We got on it and Flashed the Midland Classic day + Duo ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside Midland Classic 42.

Inside Midland Classic 42

The bus set off onto the A514 and we ran Eastwards out of town. As we left we saw Arriva Midlands 3773 on a #29 and Midland Classic 79 on a #19 to Burton. We travelled for around a mile past the Swadlincote Woodlands & Park and we arrived at the roundabout. We carried on across along the A514. We ran down the hill for about a 1/3 of a mile and then we turned right into an housing estate. We saw Arriva Midlands 3771 on a #29A to Burton. We ran past a small shop along Goseley Avenue and then we turned right onto Brookdale Road. At the end of the road we turned left onto Elmsdale Road and at the end we re-joined Goseley Avenue. We ran back to the A514 and then we went back up the hill to the roundabout. We turned left onto the A511 we we ran through Woodville. This time I was able to check the timetable properly and it seemed that this bus arrived around 16:15 and came back out again at 16:20. We travelled about 2 miles to the Leicestershire border and we turned right onto Ashby Road. We the ran into town past the previous furthest reach point and we ran into town. It was perhaps only a further 1/4 than we had been before. We stopped by a small open space next to a medical centre and it seemed to be the end of the run. We asked the driver if this was the stop from where that bus left town and he told us that the bus left from Market Street in a few minutes. As the bus set off around the end of the loop Matthew took another picture of Midland Classic 42.

Midland Classic 42 in Ashby-de-la-Zouch

Once we watched the bus set off up the road we walked onto Brook Street and we turned the corner onto Market Street. As we got to the crossing we saw Midland Classic 42 pull up at the stop ready to return back to Burton. We confirmed with the driver that we had 5 minutes before we had to returned to the bus which was due to depart at 16:20. Matthew decided he wanted to to go to the toilet so we raced up Market Street to the nearest pub which was The lamb Inn. We raced straight to the back of the pub and and Matthew used the facilities. On the way back out we managed to get the barkeepers attention and we asked for a can or something to take away. We ended up buying a Fruit Shoot which cost us an astonishing £1.70! We got outside and we met up with uncle Dave again, before we got back onto the bus. After a quick conversation with the driver he advised us if we found ourselves in a similar situation again that we should take Matthew to the bookies across the road. We flashed the Midland Classic day + Duo ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The bus set off along Market Street before we turned right onto Derby Road. We turned left onto Burton Road and we ran the 2 or so miles up to the A511 on the Leicestershire border. We ran through Woodville to the roundabout and we turned sharp right onto the A514. We ran down to the Goseley estate and we ran around the circle along Goseley Avenue. We turned right onto Brookdale Road. At the end of the road we turned left onto Elmsdale Road and at the end we re-joined Goseley Avenue. We ran back to the A514 and then we went back up the hill to the roundabout. We crossed over the roundabout and we continued along the A514 for around a mile into town before we entered Swadlincote bus park. When we got off the bus we saw Arriva Midlands 3574 about to depart on a #2 to Derby.

Arriva Midlands 3574 in Swadlincote

There were a couple of buses due to go back towards Burton. We saw Midland Classic 54 arrive with what was going to be the next #21 back to Burton. Matthew didn't seem keen to do it, so we decided to take him to the shop to see he changed his mind by the time we got back. We walked out of the bus park past Wetherspoons onto the High Street where we spotted a Nisa store. Matthew had a Can of Coke and a small bottle of pasnda pop as well a s a couple of chocolate bars. We walked back to the bus park and we had a choice of two buses. Required Midland Classic 54 was still in on the #21 to Burton via Castle Gresley and dud Midland Classic 111 which was on the #8 to Burton via Winhill.

Midland Classic 111 in Swadlincote

Matthew chose to do the single decker for some reason. It was a bus that we had done previously from Uttoxeter to Sudbury back in April 2014. We got on the bus and we flashed the Midland Classic day + Duo ticket to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto the A514 and we went West. We turned right onto Darklands Road and at the top we turned right onto Newhall Road. We turned left onto Sringfield Road and as we got close to the A511 we saw an unidentified Ausden Clark double decker coach go by. We turned left onto Limetree Avenue and we ran through the estate down to the high Street in Newhall. The bus in front of us emptied out and Matthew took a picture inside Midland Classic 111.

Inside Midland Classic 111

We turned right onto Bretby Road and we continued onto Wood Lane. As we travelled North we passed Midland Classic Solo 31 on a #8 to Swadlincote. We turned left onto the A511 and we saw Arriva Midlands 3778 on a #29A to Coalville. Further down the road we passed Midland Classic 81 on a #19 to Ashby-de-la-Zouch. After travelling West for around a mile we turned right onto Bretby Lane. We ran through the Winshill estate along Melbourne Avenue and Vancouver Drive before turning left onto Hawfield Lane. At the roundabout we turned left onto Church Hill Street. We continued onto Bearwood Road and we travelled west for around a 1/3 of a mile before we re-joined the A511. We crossed over the river Trent and we turned left into the High Street. In the centre of town we turned right New Street and we got up and got off the bus. Once we got off the bus Matthew took another picture of Midland Classic 111 before it carried on towards Horninglow.

Midland Classic 111 in Burton upon Trent

As we had spent much time in Burton-upon-Trent today We decided to have a quick walk around and take a few bus pictures before we returned to the car. Across the road we saw Midland Classic 21 on a X12 service to Lichfield.

Midland Classic 21 in Burton upon Trent

At the side of the Octagon Shopping Centre we saw Arriva Midlands 3803 about to work a #29A to Coalville.

Arriva Midlands 3803 in Burton upon Trent

Once we had finished taking bus pictures we walked through the alleyway onto the car park of the Copper square shopping centre where mum was waiting for us with Greggs sausage rolls. Matthew also had a small bottle of Irn Bru and a few Arrowroot Thin biscuits. We set off onto Union Street and we went straight across onto Guild Street. At the end we turned left onto the A511 and we ran out of town through Beam Hill. We continued up towards Tutbury and we followed the road through into Hatton. We followed the road around the corner and we ran the last couple of miles to the A50. It was now dark as we ran Westwards. Travelling back towards Stoke we saw an unidentified pink & white coach, Glovers AIG 1346 and Tynedale TGT 889. We came off the A50 at Longton to check out was was parked up at Z Carz this evening. In the front row we saw Z Carz minibus LV10 OTM.

Z Carz LV10 OTM in Longton

Also in the front row was Z Carz Volkswagen minibus OV05 WSW.

Z Carz OV05 WSW in Longton

Also in the front row was Z Carz Ford minibus YS09 LWV

Z Carz YS09 LWV in Longton

Nearest bus in the front row was Z Carz Mercedes minibus CE02 LYX.

Z Carz CE02 LYX in Longton

In the second row we saw Z Carz Ford minibus HK57 LFY.

Z Carz HK57 LFY in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row to see what was parked up in the compound. We saw Z Carz minibus LV59 DZC.

Z Carz LV59 DZC in Longton

We also saw Z Carz minibus YJ53 WPD.

Z Carz YJ53 WPD in Longton

In the road we saw Z Carz Ford minibus BN03 OVS.

Z Carz BN03 OVS in Longton

We turned around and we headed back onto the A50. We crossed over to Tesco and we filled up at the petrol station. We got back onto the A50 and we went Westwards. At Heron Cross we came off the A50 before going onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and right onto Church Road before we turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 19:00. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by millionaires shortbread biscuit. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until 00:00... Mark