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

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

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

FJ67 FPF in Four Crosses

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

Arriva Midlands 4408 in Tamworth bus interchange

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

Arriva Midlands 4408 in Sutton Coldfield

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

NX West Midlands 1900 in Sutton Coldfield

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

Inside NX West Midlands 1900

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

NX West Midlands 1900 in Erdington

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

NX West Midlands 752 in Erdington

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

NX West Midlands 752 in Chelmsley Interchange

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

NX West Midlands 4891 in Chelmsley Interchange

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

NX West Midlands 1828 in Chelmsley Interchange

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

NX West Midlands 4888 in Chelmsley Interchange

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

NX West Midlands 4932 in Chelmsley Interchange

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

Inside NX West Midlands 4888

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

Inside NX West Midlands 4888

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

NX West Midlands 4888 in Castle Bromwich

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

NX West Midlands 755 in Castle Bromwich

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

NX West Midlands 755 in Erdington

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

NX West Midlands E288 in Erdington

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

NX West Midlands E288 in Falcon Lodge

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

Trip to 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 Uttoxeter 24-07-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
SN04 GBZ	Uttoxeter BS	Catchems Corner	184	Phil Smiths Travel
61246	Blythe Bridge, adj Greenacres Avenue	Meir Broadway	6	First Potteries
4895	Meir Broasdway	Uttoxeter BS	X50	Wardle Transport
2221	Uttoxeter BS	The Wharf, nr The Fire Station	4	Arriva Midlands
4212	Uttoxeter BS	Sudbury, adj Portway Head	1	Arriva Midlands
4776	Sudbury, opp Portway Head	Fenton, adj Travers Court	X50	Wardle Transport

Today I had a day off work so that we could go to Uttoxeter and cover the #184 service. Matthew got up a little after 10:00 and had toast and orange juice. Matthew got dressed and we set off around 12:30. As we left we saw one of our neighbours and we discussed the new X5 service starting next week. We headed towards Longton on the A5035 and then we dropped down onto the Eastbound A50. We headed out towards Blythe Bridge and then onto towards Uttoxeter. We got off the A50 and and onto the A522 into town. When we reached the town centre we turned left past the bus station and then parked in the car park behind the Co-op. We walked through to the bus station and we immediately saw Ashbourne Community Transport HF55 FPN was parked up between duties.

Ashourne Community Transport HF55 FPN in Uttoxeter bus station

Also making a slightly unusual appearance on the #32 as opposed to the normal Scania Omnicity was First Potteries 60061.

First Potteries 60061 in Uttoxeter bus station

We waited by the stop where the usual crowd waited for the #184 and a few minutes later SN04 GBZ which is new to the Phil Smiths fleet made an appearance.

Phil Smiths Travel SN04 GBZ in Uttoxeter bus station

The driver put the correct number in the front window and we got on and sat near the back. The journey was pleasant as always, passing the JCB factory and traveling through Denstone, Stub Wood and Hollington before heading into Cheadle. We then went to Blythe Bridge via Forsbrook and then up to Cresswell before returning to Catchems Corner where we got off the bus. Before we got off Matthew got a picture of the inside of this well fitted Mercedes.

Inside Phil Smiths Travel SN04 GBZ

He also got a close-up of the front when we got off.

Phil Smiths Travel SN04 GBZ at Catchems Corner

We then we walked across to Uttoxeter Road to wait for a 6A back to Meir. We saw First Potteries 61246 go up towards Blythe Bridge on time. We decided to have a little roadside picnic and Matthew ate 1/2 a sausage roll and drank a can of Irn Bru. The bus turned up pretty much on time and Matthew got a picture as we flagged down the bus.

First Potteries 61246 in Blythe Bridge

We sat down near the back and the bus headed along the A50 into Meir. This was a bus that we had last done in April 2012 from Victoria Place to Stoke. The journey was swift and we were there just a few minutes later. When we got off Matthew got a quick picture of 61246 before we headed off across the road to catch the X50.

First Potteries 61246 in Meir

We crossed the road and we only just made catching the bus. First 60073 was on the stop in front of us. The bus was dud Wardle Transport 4895. We got on and sat upstairs near the front. Matthew took a picture of the inside of this bus.

Inside Wardle Transport 4895

This was another of the bus we had been on back in April 2012 albeit on a different day. We sat back and relaxed for the journey to Uttoxeter. From next week the short journeys on the X50 will be diverted to Cheadle and renumbered X51. Out by Meir Heath we passed dud 4891 on a Hanley bound X50 service from Derby. We carried on through Blythe Bridge and Tean, through Fole and into Uttoxeter. As we entered town we saw Arriva 2221 on the town service. When we got to Uttoxeter Matthew got a picture of this fine bus.

Wardle Transport 4895 in Uttoxeter bus station

We met up with mum and Matthew had another 1/2 of sausage roll and a small bottle of cola. Between bites, we saw First Potteries 65033 on the #32A to Hanley.

First Potteries 65033 in Uttoxeter bus station

We formulated a plan on how to finish the day. We could catch the town service at 15:25 for a couple of stops out of town and then walk back for the 15:40 to Burton. We could get off near Sudbury for the X50 back to Fenton. A few minutes later Arriva Midlands 2221 returned on the town service. Behind that was Trent Barton 738 on the swift service. Matthew got a picture of 2221 before we got on it.

Arriva Midlands 2221 in Uttoxeter bus station

We got on and sat down near the back. We did the bus 2 stops up the A522 and then got off outside the Fox's biscuits factory. He got anther picture of Arriva Midlands 2221.

Arriva Midlands 2221 outside Fox's biscuits

All was still going to plan We started to walk back to the us station and we saw the Trent Barton 738 on the Swift service that we had seen in the bus station a few minutes earlier.

Trent Barton 738 on Uttoxeter High Street

We got back to the bus station and Arriva Midlands 4212 was n stand ready to work the 15:40 to Burton. Also arriving was Arriva Midlands 2227 which then went on layover. Matthew got a picture of Arriva Midlands 4212.

Arriva Midlands 4212 in Uttoxeter bus station

We talked to mum for a few minutes whilst we waited for 4212 to be ready for service. We also saw Arriva Midlands 2227 as it came off layover presumably to work the town service.

Arriva Midlands 2227 in Uttoxeter bus station

The driver was now ready for passengers and we got on the bus and went upstairs. Matthew went passed the last passenger to take a picture inside Arriva Midlands 4212.

Inside Arriva Midlands 4212

The plan was still working. We set off at 15:40 and we headed out of town. We headed into Doveridge and after we had navigated the tight turn in the village we headed out along Derby Road towards our destination. we didn't pass the X50 so it was all looking good. The bus was bang on time as we got off so Matthew got a picture of the bus before we crossed over to wait for the X50.

Arriva Midlands 4212 in Sudbury

We hope that this bus was going to be Arriva Midlands 4802, which is currently on loan to Wardle. 4802 was working this exact same service on Saturday. A few minutes later it rounded the corner and it was dud Wardle Transport 4776.

Wardle Transport 4776 in Sudbury

We got on and sat upstairs near the back. As it was quite warm this turned out to be a good move. In Uttoxeter We saw Arriva Midlands 2221 on layover and Wardle transport 4891 was heading out towards Derby on the X50. We carried on through Tean and Blythe Bridge and we passed Wardle Transport 4895 on the X50 to Uttoxeter. From Meir Heath we followed First Potteries 60083 down to Meir before we dropped down onto the A50 for a quick run down to Fenton. We came of the A50 and headed into Fenton along the link road. We then turned onto City Road and we got off outside Travers Court.

Wardle Transport 4776 in Fenton

We walked onto Smithpool Road and met up with mum who had picked up uncle Dave from work. We headed back hoe through Heron Cross and we saw Lightning Travel FD53 UNX parked up. We got home around 17:30. I went to the chip shop to get a portion of chips between us and Matthew had a sausage and gravy too. Uncle Dave looked after Matthew for an hour whilst we went out for a while and just after 20:00 we went to Uncle Dave's to take him home. We headed through Blurton and into Fenton via Heron Cross. After listening to music and eating custard creams and drinking Fanta we headed home around 22:00. We headed into Stoke and we got onto the A500 down to the A519. We then went along Whitmore Road, onto the A34 and we headed home along the A5035. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:00...Mark