Trip to Newcastle / Leek 13-08-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
60083	Longton TI	Newcastle BS	26A	First Potteries
4808	Newcastle BS	Bradeley, adj main entrance (Unmarked)	91	Wardle Transport
4692	Bradeley, adj main entrance (Unmarked)	Hanley BS	19	Wardle Transport
2406	Hanley BS	Leek BS	16	Wardle Transport
28	Leek BS	Sainsbury's	SFB	D&G
28	Sainsbury's	Leek BS	SFB	D&G

Today we decided to have a local day out today to see if we could get any new First step entranced buses from 30031/31518/34285. Matthew got himself up just before 09:00 and he had some toast and orange juice. Just after 11:00 we went for a late breakfast at Go Eat. We got in the car and went along the A5035 until we reached to cafe. Matthew had a small breakfast with oatcakes with a glass of orange Tango. We finished eating around 12:00 and mum drove us up to Longton. on the way in we passed Z Carz and we saw D104 XAN, W344 WNS, W221 CDN and M372 NWN. Mum dropped us off in the Tesco car park by the interchange.. We decided to head of to Newcastle as this is where First step entranced deckers are allocated. We didn't have to wait very long at all before first Potteries 60083 turned up on a #26A to Newcastle.

First Potteries 60083 in Longton TI

We got on the bus and sat down near the back. The bus was reasonably well filled compared to the journey we made the other day when the bus was empty by the time we reached stoke. The bus headed out to Anchor Road and then took the diversionary route to King Street. The diversion was due to the preparation and treatment to railway bridge in Longton. The bus carried on into stoke long city Road and then we headed into Newcastle via Hartshill Road. We e-mailed the Staffordshire and Merseyside bus group to ask if anyone had seen any buses working. When we got to Newcastle matthew waited for the bus to empty before getting a picture inside First Potteries 60083.

Inside First Potteries 60083

When we got off we saw dud Wardle Transport 4891 in Newcastle bus station. We decided it would be a good time for Matthew to visit the toilet as there was nothing particularly good in the bus station. Whilst he was in the toilet an e-mail came back from the group. The only step entranced First bus out today was First Potteries 34311 which we had been on a couple of times before. We did find out the was a required bus out on the #91 from Newcastle - Bradeley, as one of the new W reg DAFs from London was working. We walked back down to the bottom of the bus station and Matthew got a picture of Wardle Transport 4891 just before it went on stand to work the next #91 to Bradeley.

Wardle Transport 4891 in Newcastle bus station

Behind this bus was the Bakerbus 251 on the X75 service. This service is rumoured to be coming to an end.

Bakerbus 251 in Newcastle bus station

Just then required Wardle Transport 4808 arrived on Stubbs Street on a #91 service and Matthew got a picture.

Wardle Transport 4808 in Newcastle bus station

As we walked down to the bottom of the bus station we saw step entranced Bakerbus 164 arrive on a #94 service. I asked Matthew if he wanted to do the #94 with Bakerbus 164 or do the #91 with Wardle Transport 4808, and he chose to do 4808. We had a few minutes before the #91 was due off and we walked back up to the exit of the bus station. whilst there Matthew took a picture of Bakerbus 164 as it departed.

Bakerbus 164 in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes before its departure time we saw the driver get in Wardle Transport 4808 an drive it onto the stand. We walked down to the stand and got on it. After booking to Bradeley, we went upstairs where Matthew got a picture inside this recently refitted bus.

Inside Wardle Transport 4808

We set off through the Bramptons and into Wolstanton. We passed First Potteries 40153 on a Newcastle bound #99A. At the bottom of Porthill Bank we passed Wardle Transport 2204 on a #91 to Newcastle. Further on we passed Wardle Transport 4891 returning to Newcastle on a #91 too. There were major roadworks on Biddulph Road and we had to wait for a few minutes on St Michaels Road for we could proceed down to Fegg Hayes. We got to Bradeley village and we went downstairs. As the bus to Hanley wasn't due immediately we st downstairs for a short while and chatted to the driver. Matthew then decided he wanted to go into the sheltered housing. When he realised the door was locked he saw someone in the office ad tapped on the window for them to let him in. Surprisingly they did. He sat in the main lounge and I gave him a can of Coke from out of the bag. After he had finished the can he visited the toilet. When we left we waved to the lady in the office so that she knew we had left and then we went back to the bus stop. We watched Wardle Transport 4808 depart back to Newcastle. A few minutes later the #19 came around and it was Wardle Transports step entranced decker 4692.

Wardle Transport 4692 in Bradeley village

We got on the bus and booked to Hanley. We went upstairs and it was empty, and so Matthew got a picture of the inside of this bus.

Inside Wardle Transport 4692

The bus set off to Smallthorne and then turned into Community Drive. The bus wound its way through to Sneyd Green having crossed the A53 the bus turned at the Berwick Arms‎ and headed up Milton Road. On the way into Hanley we passed required Wardle Transport 4896 on another #19 service. When we got to Hanley I asked Matthew if he wanted to catch a bus straight away or to go get something to eat and he chose to get something eat. As we walked down to the chips shops we saw Wardle Transport 4895 running out of service.

Wardle Transport 4895 in Hanley bus station

We carried on towards the chip shop and we got a photograph First Potteries 65729 on an inbound #20 service.

First Potteries 65729 in Hanley

After we had got the chips we sat down on a bench in John Street to watch buses. Matthew washed this down with a can of dandelion and burdock. We walked back towards John Street car park and we saw Bakerbus 265 on a #9 to Biddulph.

Bakerbus 265 in Hanley bus station

We went to the first floor and we watched and photographed bus out of the side. Whilst we were there we saw a number of interesting workings. Bakerbus 194,215,227,265,266 & 246 have all been on the #9 service. Scraggs had VT 9284 working the #5 and 42 & 80 working on the #31 with the others being Primo's. First Only step entranced double decker out today as far as we were aware was 34311 which was on either a #34 or #34A around 16:00.

First Potteries 34311 in Hanley bus station

Around 16:15 we went down to the bus station so that we could decided what we were going to catch. Having turned down required Bakerbus buses 215 & 265 on Biddulph service. Matthew decided he wanted to do Wardle Transport 2406 on the #16.

Wardle Transport 2406 in Hanley bus station

The bus was quite full so we got on and sat down in the middle of the bus on the off side.We set off towards Leek down Limekiln Bank and through Bucknall. We climbed the hill up to Werrington and then when on to Cellarhead. At cellarhead we turned left and headed through Wetley Rocks and Cheddleton up to Leek. At the end of the A520 we turned 'right outta Compton' and then right again to reached the bus station in Cromwell Terrace. When we got to the bus station we let all the other passenger get off and then Matthew got a picture inside Wardle Transport 2406.

Inside Wardle Transport 2406

He also got another picture of the outside of the bus too.

Wardle Transport 2406 in Leek bus station

We had called to mum to meet us at the bus station. Matthew went to the toilet and then we saw D&G 28 arrived working it's designated turn, the Sainsbury's free bus.

D&G 28 in Leek bus station

Matthew decided he wanted to do it so we jumped on sat down near the back. The driver took Matthew's picture for him and then we set off towards Sainsbury's. The bus headed through town and then down the A523 into the Churnet Valley and then to the stop in front of the store. We decided that we were going to go straight back as mum had just arrived in town as we left on the bus. The bus waited for it's scheduled time and we had a quick chat to the driver whilst we waited. The bus set off bang on time and we headed back up the A523 into town. When we got back we waited for the bus to empty and he got a picture inside this bus too.

Inside D&G 28

We got back in the car and we headed back towards Home along the A53 via smallthorne. We also visited someone in Birches Head before going around Hanley and up Victoria Road. We stopped here to visited MacDonalds. After we had picked up the food we headed home via Victoria Road, City Road, The a50 link Road and then through Heron Cross back to Blurton. We got home around 19:00 and Matthew ate his chicken nugget meal and had his plain cheeseburger. After this he chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 11:30...Mark

Trip to Hanley 19-01-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
40375	Ladybank Grove, Blurton	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
2203	Hanley BS	Birches Head, adj Shops	41	Wardle Transport
41500	Birches Head, adj Shops	Hanley BS	38	First Potteries
4692	Hanley BS	Tunstall, adj stop M	61	Wardle Transport
60173	Tunstall, adj stop M	Hanley BS	21	First Potteries
183	Hanley BS	Biddulph, adj South View	9	Bakerbus

Today was going to be a walk at Westport Lake. Matthew was due to go to Heathfield in the morning and we were going to go walking in the afternoon. But the event at Heathfield was canceled the day before due to the heavy snowfall. We knew Matthew wouldn't be happy stuck at home on a Saturday, so we decided to travel on a few local buses. Matthew got up at 08:00 which is very unusual for him. We checked the weather and there was no more snow due today. I also checked the First Staffordshire sight to see if buses were running. The site showed that al services were running but there were some minor diversions around un-gritted or impassable roads. we also checked the Arriva site and there was no disruptions noted on their site either. Matthew had some toast for breakfast washed down with orange juice. I decided it would be a good idea to take some sandwich in case of emergency but we didn't have any sandwich meat in, so I waked to Aldi to pick some up. Whilst I was out i was able to check out how the buses were running locally and all seemed fine. Whilst out I saw Wardle Transport 2998 on the Plumline, Wardle Transport 2224 on a #350 to Newport. First Potteries 40147 & 40150 were out on #22's and 40175 on a #23 service. Back home today I decided it would be a good idea to have some hot food before we left. Matthew had a bacon sandwich and me and Uncle Dave had a stir fry. Matthew got dressed and we left home around 13:20. As we walked to the bus stop we spotted the 3rd #22 turn and it was First Potteries 40145. Matthew got a picture on the corner of Finstock Avenue.

First Potteries 40145 in Blurton

We carried onto the stop on Beaconsfield Drive missing a new Solo on a #23. As 40145 was still at the stop I asked Matthew if he wanted to go to Hanley or Longton and he chose Hanley. Whillst we waited we saw 40375 heading towards Newstead which we thought would probably our bus to Hanley. we also saw required First Potteries 42727 on a #23 to Longton. A few minutes later 40375 rounded the corner and Matthew got a picture.

First Potteries 40375 in Blurton

We tried to book a Smart ticket but the driver didn't have any of the protective wallets so one of us had a free ride to Hanley at least for now. We sat down near the back to enjoy our journey. It was the third time in the last year we had been on this bus, the last time was on a similar trip to Hanley back in November. We travelled through Blurton and Heron Cross, and through Fenton to Stoke. In Stoke we passed required First Potteries 32635 on a #25 Keele - Hanley service. We taveeled around the stoke one way system and on to the railway station. There were 2 coaches parked outside the station, presumebly on rail replacement work these were Global Travel T5 XLA and Hanley Travel G97 RGG. We carried on up past the college and then into Hanley. when we reached the bus station we entered the bus station but there were no empty stands so we went back out of the bus station onto Birch Terrace and back onto Lichfield street before re-entering the bus station to get onto a stand. The bus emptied and Matthew got a picture of the inside of the now empty 40375.

Inside First Potteries 40375

We went up on the balcony to look at buses. It was clear in part but there was some ice on the steps so we had to be careful going up and down. I went to fetch some chips whist Matthew and Uncle Dave stopped on the balcony. Dud Wardle Transport 4898 was on the X50 which is unusual, but not unusual enough for us to catch it over eating chips. However, he did get a picture of this bus.

Wardle Transport 4898 on the X50 in Hanley

We finished off our chips and we contemplated what to do next. Wardle transport 4687 was on the #61 which is unusual to get a decker on a Saturday, but we had been on this twice on New Years Eve. It was very cold and we knew had to do something quickly or get very cold indeed. We also saw Wardle Transport 2230 on the Northbound #500 to Norton. I tried to steer Matthew on one of the #25's so he could do one of the newer double deckers all of which are required. Eventually, we decided to do a #41 to Birches Head with Wardle Transport 2203. Matthew got a picture of this bus before we carefully went down the steps into the bus station to get on this bus.

Wardle Transport 2203 in Hanley bus station

We tried once again to get a Smart day ticket but the driver didn't have a wallet so that was another free journey! This was a bus that Matthew had done previously back in June last year. Whilst we waited to depart I noticed First Potteries 41500 was on stand on a #38 to birches Head. Also we saw Wardle Transport 3611 arrive on a #62 which is not an everyday sight. We had never done a Birches Head service before which is unusual considering all the interesting bus that have worked on the #38 in previous years. Also there has been some good buses working on the #41 with RML, D&G and latterly Wardle Transport too. We weren't familiar with the route but I thought the end of the route was circular, down through the newer houses and back through the terrace streets to edge of Hanley. As we left Hanley we saw required wardle Transport 4692 arrive on a #61 service. It is a bus that we have missed on a couple of occasions, on New Years Eve and the Wardle Transport running day. We saw a point which looked like the end, it was some shops on Diane road so we got off here. Not before Matthew had taken a picture of the empty bus.

Inside Wardle Transport 2203

We were considering going to the shop when we saw First Potteries 41500 approaching. I asked Matthew if he wanted to get the bus or go to the shop and he opted for the bus. He got a picture of required 41500 before we got on it.

First Potteries 41500 in Birches Head

On our third journey of the day we managed to get our Smart day ticket. The bus was empty so he got a picture of of the empty 41500 before we sat down.

Inside First Potteries 41500

We set of back into Hanley, and as we reached the townsend area I asked matthew if he wanted to get of and wait for 4692 on the #61 (it was 1459 and I thought the #61 left hanley at 15:00). He said no and it turned out to be a good move by him. We got into hanley bus station around 15:10 and we went up to the balcony to see that 4692 was still over in the parking area. I downloaded the #61 timetable and saw that the Saturday #61 left at half past the hour. By this time we only had around 12 minutes to wait for the bus. So we took a few picture before we saw 4692 move out of the parking area around 15:25. The bus pulled on stand and we got pictures of the bus before we carefully went down the steps again to catch the bus.

Wardle Transport 4692 in Hanley

We got on the bus and waited for time. Matthew got his empty bus picture as we awaited time.

Inside Wardle Transport 4692

As we set off we went down the row and we spotted 41540 'Not in Service' parked up in the parking area along with Wardle Transport 1406 and 1460 and Bakerbus step-entranced Volvo B6 227. We set off to Sneyd Green and then into Smallthorne as we headed to Chell we passed a couple of #21/29s in Bradeley. Dud 60136 was on a hanley bound #29 and 60173 was on a Trentham bound #21. We got to Tunstall and got off at the top of the high street so we could visit the public toilet. Matthew used the disabled toilet and inside there was a leaflet for the park and ride service. The fare was £1 and the bus on the leaflet was a step entranced Mercedes minibus so how old this leaflet is I don't know. I had asked Matthew if had wanted to go to Longport to meet mum and he had said no as he wasn't done for the day yet. That left us with perhaps a trip to Biddulph on a #99 or maybe back to Hanley on either a #20/20 or #21/29. We saw 60189 on a Kidsgrove bound #20A and we also saw 60173 again on the #21 to Trentham. I asked Matthew if he wanted to do 60173 and he said yes. He didn't get a picture of 60173 before we boarded but here is one he took in November 2011.

First Potteries 60173

When we got on 60173 it was almost empty and he got one as we got on.

Inside First Potteries 60173

I texted mum to say we were probably on our penultimate bus, and we would let her know where we were going to be picked up from if indeed we did need picking up. I thought the journey was going to take around 40 minutes and I was surprised when it only took around 25. We got into Hanley bus station just as it was going dark. We got off and Matthew immediately spotted a step entranced Mercedes at the other end of the bus station. It was dud Bakerbus 183 which he hadn't been on since he had a very short run on it in Stone back in June 2011. He got a picture of this bus and then we got on it.

Bakerbus 183 in Hanley bus station

We set of out of Hanley and then down Smallthorne bank. We passed 41498 on a Hanley bound #8 service. It was now fully dark and we headed up through Fegg Hayes and Brindley Ford. I had called up mum to arrange to meet her at Biddulph Sainsbury's. Eventually we pulled up in Biddulph High Street and we got off the bus. Matthew got another picture of this fine beast before we set off towards mum.

Bakerbus 183 in Biddulph High Street

We walked down to the car to meet mum. The plan had been to drop the bag off at the car and then go into sainbury's to get lottery tickets and some food, but Matthew decided to get n the car. We Drove out of Biddulph Southbound on the A527. We passed First Potteries 61237 on a Biddulph bound #7A. We got to the top of high lane and we spotted the Tesco express on the left so we decided to stop here. We saw First Potteries 60063 go past on a 21. In the shop Matthew had some coke, a milky Way and a chocolate cake for later. We got the lottery tickets and Matthew said hello to a couple of people in the shop. We carried on along the a527 nd we decided to take Matthew to the MacDonalds on the A50. After we had picked him up some food from the driver through we got back on the A527 and e did it down to the A500. We did this southbound to the A50 and we went to Longton so he could see what was on the Z Carz depot. There were only 3 buses there, and one of them was Mercedes minibus T131 SGA.

Z Carz T131 SGA in Longton in the snow

We then went down Longton Hall Road and then home, getting in around 18:15. Matthew finished off his MacDonalds and then settled down for the evening. For a late tea he had Sausage carrots and mash and his chocolate cake he brought earlier. He then spent time on his computer before bedtime around 00:00...Mark

Trip to Hanley / Tunstall 31-12-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
40003	Ladybank Grove, Blurton	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
3415	Hanley BS	Endon, adj The Plough Hotel	118	Wardle Transport
40155	Endon, opp The Plough Hotel	Hanley BS	18	First Potteries
4687	Hanley BS	Bradeley, adj Moorland View	61	Wardle Transport
60004	Bradeley, opp Moorland View	Hanley BS	29	First Potteries
4687	Hanley BS	Tunstall, adj stop M	61	Wardle Transport
40020	Tunstall, adj stop M	Longport, adj Longport Road	99A	First Potteries

Today we decided to do a local trip. We had had heard on the Stafforshire and Merseyside bus group that Wardle Transport Scania 3415 had been doing the #118 Hanley - Buxton service. We thought that if we were lucky then the bus would work again today. We checked the weather for today and it was for rain. Matthew got up around 11:15 and he had an oatcake and some orange juice for breakfast. we set off just after 12:00 and we walked to the distance over to the Ladybank Grove stop. We saw a Plaxton bus approaching as we walked to the stop and we decided to run for it. As we got to the stop we turned to see it was dud first Potteries 40003.

First Potteries 40003 'Dinky Donut' #23 favourite!

We got on the bus and booked a Smartday ticket. We sat down near the back of the bus and it was nearly empty. The bus filled up as we headed through Blurton and Heron Cross. At Heron Cross we passed Lightning Travel NX03 JYJ parked up. In Stoke we saw First Potteries 32632 on a Hanley bound #25. We then headed up past the railway station and up College Road. We reached Hanley a little before 13:00 and when we got there we went onto the balcony. I went to fetch some chips and Matthew and Uncle Dave stood on the balcony. Whilst I was getting chips required Wardle Transport 4896 made an appearance on the #30 to Bradwell.

Wardle Transport 4896 at Hanley bus station on a #30

At the same time Wardle Transport 2038 appeared to work the #190 service to Cranberry.

Wardle Transport 2038 at Hanley bus station on a #190

As I walked up with the chips to the balcony, Wardle Transport 3415 made an appearance and it was on the inbound 118 service. So unless it swapped it was going to work the 13:45 to Buxton. We ate our chips and we spent 30 or so minutes taking picture from the Balcony. We saw required Wardle Transport 4652 on the 13:00 #61 to Tunstall. We also saw Wardle Transport 4687 on the 13:30 #61 to Tunstall too. So we had seen 2 of the 3 Wardle double deckers buses that Matthew requires working in a few minutes. Just before 13:45 we decided to walk down to stand W to wait for the #118 service. Matthew got a picture of the bus whilst it waited on the opposite side.

Wardle Transport 3415 at Hanley bus station

Just before time it pulled of the waiting area and did a lap of the bus station and pulled onto the stand. Inside the bus it had been configured for schools work, with 57 seats arranged in a 2 + 3 arrangement, fitted with seatbelts too.

Inside Wardle Transport 3415

With this arrangement its chances of working a service bus are somewhat limited. We deicede to do this bus up to Endon which is the limit of our Smartday ticket. As we pulled off we also saw Wardle Transport 2300 was also parked up by the bus station between duties. As we passed Meigh Street we saw Wardle Transport 4692 on the other #61 turn. This meant that all 3 of Matthew required wardle deckers were working today. The bus sounded really good and hopefully it will have a few more years work left in it. As we approached Endon we shouted to let the driver know we wanted to get off. There appears to be only one bell one this bus and it is at he front. You don't really need bells on a School bus as they generally only have one destination! After we got of we crossed the road to wait for the return service to Hanley. We had around 10 minutes w saw a bus in the distance. A couple of minutes dud First Potteries 40155 appeared.

First Potteries 40155 in Endon

We sat down near the back and then relaxed as we did the 20 odd minute journey into town. We got off and went onto the balcony. We decided to do the next #61 as 2 of the 3 buses out were required ones. Unfortunately for us, the next one out at 15:00 was worked by the one bus we had been on before, Wardle Transport 4687.

Wardle Transport 4687 in Hanley bus station

We got on and sat upstairs. Matthew took a picture of the bus which had been re-upholstered since we last did this.

Inside Wardle Transport 4687

We decided to do this to Bradley, hopefully getting one of the other required buses back. We did the bus up to Bradeley but we didn't pass any of the other buses whilst we were out. If I had checked I would have seen the the 15:00 off Hanley only goes to Chell and then comes back. We got and got a picture.

Wardle Transport 4687 in Bradeley

We then crossed the road to wait for the return. I had the idea of catch the #29 back instead of doing the #61. We could always do the #61 back out. The #29 approached and it was dud First Potteries 60004.

First Potteries 60004 in Bradeley

The bus was empty so he got his empty bus picture there and then.

Inside First Potteries 60004

We got back in Hanley around 15:50ish and then a few minutes later Wardle Transport 4687 re-appeared! We thought it was going to be one of the other 2 buses. Matthew want to go to the toilet, but as we tried to go to the tardis at the end it was busy with someone else waiting to use it too. I asked Matthew if he wanted to do 4687 to Tunstall so he could use a toilet there instead and he said yes. So we got back on Wardle 4687 to go to Tunstall. it was now starting to go dark and it rained quite hard for most of the journey up. When we got to Tunstall High Street it was fully dark and raining hard. We got off the bus and jogged down to the toilets. I then arrange with mum to meet us at Longport. We ran back up to the stop and there was an Optare Solo at the stop on a #99A. It was required First Potteries 40020.

First Potteries 40020 in Tunstall

Matthew beeped the horn as he got on and we sat down. It was nearly empty but a couple more people got on before we set off. We went down the road towards Trubshaw Cross, past the potential site of a new Morrisons. We picked up a couple more on the trip down and then we got off at Longport. Mum wasn't waiting for us so we decided to nip to the local off license. Matthew got a big bottle of Coke and a galaxy Caramel. We went back to the stop to shelter from the rain. A few minutes later mum appeared to rescue us from the rain. We headed back down the A500 to stoke where came off on Wheildon Road to drop Uncle dave off home. We then went up to heron Cross and then home. We got home around 17:30. For tea matthew had a fish finger sandwich with a chocolate cake and cream for afters. He then chilled out before welcoming in the New Year...Mark

Trip to Hanley / Biddulph 22-09-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
40373	Ladybank Grove , Blurton	Hanley BS	23A	First Potteries
234	Hanley BS	Smallethorne, Ashman Street	9	Bakerbus
248	Smallethorne, Ashman Street	Biddulph, High Street	9	Bakerbus
185	Biddulph, High Street	Longport, Longport Road	94A	Bakerbus

Today we decided to stay local. Matthew isn't due to go to the Meadows for a few weeks. We had no plan as such, we just decided that we would go to Hanley and then see what was out. Weather forecast for today was for sunshine and then sunny intervals. It had been raining for most of the week and it was forecast for rain from Sunday and so we were quite lucky. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had some toast for his breakfast. We set off around 12:00 and walked all the way to the Ladybank Grove bus stop. Whilst there we saw 40151 heading towards Longton on a #22 service and 40163 heading toward Longton the opposite way on a #23A service.

First Potteries 40163 in Blurton

We didn't have to wait for long before a hanley bus rounded the corner. It was dud First Potteries 40373. This is a bus that we had been on last year.

First Potteries 40373 in Blurton

We got on the bus and brought a Smart Day ticket. We sat on the near side of the bus on the hump, which is the best place to see out of the front window. The journey to Hanley was quite pleasant. In Stoke we passed 2 of the new to the Potteries double deckers. They were First Potteries 32627 and 32635. As we reached the edge of Hanley we saw Bakerbus Volvo B6 227 heading North, presumably on a #9 service. When we got to Hanley Matthew waited for the bus to empty and then got a picture of the inside of our bus.

Inside First Potteries 40373

Matthew and uncle Dave went onto the balcony, and I went to get some chips for diner. New to the Potteries fleet Dart 41499 was seen on a #7 Kidsgrove service. After that in came one of the double deckers.

First Potteries 32635 in Hanley bus station

Also seen for the first time was one of the Bakerbus Streetlites 254 on X75 service. East Lancs bodied Dart 40779 came into the bus station and then parked up. It was displaying #5 Abbey Hulton. We saw Arriva Midland 2706 on a #164 service. I think Matthew was quite keen to ride on this bus because he turned down a few other buses hoping that this would work. One such bus was step entranced Wardle Transport 4692 on a Derby bound X50 which we could have done to Blythe Bridge.

Wardle Transport 4692 on the X50 (Mark)

We saw an interesting Bakerbus 194 on the #9 which seemed to have seats similar to the GM Volvo's and Darts. We also saw Wardle Transport 2260 on a #41 service in the new livery.

Wardle Transport 2260 in Hanley bus station

We had spent an hour in the bus station, and Matthew now wanted to go to the toilet. The green tardis toilet at the end of the bus station was broken and the nearest one was at least 600 yds away through busy streets, so we decided to catch a bus to somewhere else with a toilet. I thought there was still a toilet in Smallthorne so we decided to do the next #9, which just happened to be required Bakerbus Primo 234. We got on the bus and sat near the back. It was the first time we had been on a Primo, despite there being quite a few locally in 2 different fleets. This bus was branded for working the X38 service from Congleton to Sandbach and Crewe. As we left hanley bus station we passed the row of bus parked up between duties. Wardle Transport 1421 & 1460 were 2 of the buses that were here. This bus was only going to Fegg Hayes so we decided to try and do the Smallthorne toilet. We got off and Matthew got a picture of this bus which is unusual in Stoke-on-Trent.

Bakerbus 234 in Smallthorne

We walked up Ford Green Road to the junction of Community Drive only to find a space were the tardis toilet once stood. Drat! So we went back to the bus stop to wait for the next Bidduplh service were we knew there was definitely a working toilet! Whislt we waited we saw a few buses come past. On such bus was Wardle Transport 2301 on a #62A service.

Wardle Transport 2301 in Smallthorne

Going the other way on the same service was Wardle Transport 2408.

Wardle Transport 2408 in Smallthorne

Just after that came a Hybrid double decker 247 going towards Hanley. We the saw another hybrid going towards Biddulph.It was dud Bakerbus 248 which we have been on twice before!

Bakerbus 248 in Smallthorne

We got on and went upstairs. As it was empty Matthew got his picture as we got on.

Inside Bakerbus 248

We then sat down to relax for the journey up. As we turned the corner into Chell Heath Road, we passed bakerbus 250 on a Hanley bound service. By the time we got to Biddulph it was just before 15:00. We went to the toilet and then sat in the bus waiting room. The next bus due was a #7A to Hanley which should have been at 15:13. it still hadn't turned up by around 15:25. When bakerbus 247 turned up just before 15:30 we asked Matthew if he wanted to do this but he said no. He decided now he wanted to go to the cafe in sainnsbury's, which we could have done 30 minutes earlier! We went upstairs to the cafe and he had a chocolate cake and a draught Pepsi. he also bought a millionaire's shortbread and a bottle of Lucozade for later. He then wanted to go shopping, so we went and got some cans of Coke and some cornflake cakes. After our unscheduled stop it was nearly 16:00. there was a 16:05 94A, which I thought we could do to Longport where we could meet mum. This turned out to be unrequired Bakerbus 185 which we had been on almost a year ago to the day!

Bakerbus 185 in Biddulph bus station

The bus was empty and so he got his picture straight away.

Inside Bakerbus 185

I texted mum to meet us at Longport for 16:30, and we sat back and enjoyed the journey. the bus was virtually empty most of the way with only a few people getting on during the entire 30 minute journey. As we went down through Pits Hill we saw Stanways minibus KX51 LWR. We got off and I didn't notice mum was parked up in the adjacent street. She honked the horn and I turned around...eventually. We stooped to pick up LPG at the BP garage in Longport. We got in the car and then headed off towards Longton to go past the Z Carz garage. Most off the coaches were parked up with Matthew getting a picture of V690 EBC.

Z Carz V690 EBC in Longton

We then headed home, and we saw First Potteries 40166 on a #23 service. We got in at approximately 17:00. After sausage mash and carrots for tea we settled for an evening of telly before bedtime...Mark