Trip to Stafford / Uttoxeter 14-12-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
44514	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
63363	Newcastle BS	Stafford, Chell Road	101	First Potteries
67145	Stafford BS	Newcastle BS	101	First Potteries
67142	Newcastle BS	Fenton	11	First Potteries
65	Uttoxeter BS	Weston, Old School Close	841	Chaserider
499	Weston, Old School Close	Uttoxeter BS	841	Chaserider
736	Uttoxeter BS	Derby BS	SW	Trent Barton

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to Stafford. 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 Temple Street Church RX18 GZW. We went downstairs and we set off onto City Road. On the way to the bus stop we saw Afford Rent-A-Car HK22 WCJ. A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was First Potteries 44514 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 44514 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. We returned to the bus station and we waited for a bus to Hanley. A short time later we saw a bus to Hanley arrive on stand. It was First Potteries 63363 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 63363 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Stafford before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road. We ran Southwards onto the A34 and we ran down through Trent Vale and into Hanford. We continued down through to Trentham and then we got onto the fast section of the A34. We ran through Tittensor to Darlaston and we continued down to the North end of Stone. We Veered left onto Newcastle Road and we ran into Stone town centre. After going around the one-way system and onto Stafford Road. We crossed over the A34 onto Eccleshall Road. We turned left onto Tilling Drive and we ran onto the industrial estate. We saw former Wolverhampton Council minibus WX56 WWB. We rejoined the A34 at the roundabout where the A51 goes Eastwards and we ran Southwards through the fast section on the A34 to the A513 roundabout. We ran the last couple of miles into town down the A34 onto Foregate Street and we turned right onto Chell Road where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked Westwards along Chell Road and we turned left onto Broad Street. We continued onto Stafford Street and we turned right onto Gaolgate Street. We continued through the Market Square and forwards onto Greengate Street. We crossed over the roundabout onto Bridge Street and we saw Laser Travel YS62 EHR.

Laser Travel YS62 EHR in Stafford

Whilst we waited we saw Chaserider 5202 on a #826 to Lichfield.

Chaserider 5202 in Stafford

We crossed over the bridge. We stopped at a pub and Matthew had a chickenburger and fries washed down with a glass of Coke. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had a chocolate fudge cake and custard. when we had finished we walked down Bridge Street and forwards onto Greengate Street and forwards through Market Square onto Gaolgate Street. At the top end we turned right and into the bus station. We saw Chaserider 610 on a #74 to Cannock.

Chaserider 610 in Stafford bus station

A short time later we saw Chaserider 670 on a #826 to Lichfield.

Chaserider 670 in Stafford bus station

A short time later we saw Chaserider 180 on a #826 to Rugeley.

Chaserider 180 in Stafford bus station

Another vehicle seen was Select Bus 5 on a #9 to Highfields.

Select Bus 5 in Stafford bus station

Also seen was Select Bus 10 on a #8 to Parkside.

Select Bus 10 in Stafford bus station

Whilst we waited we saw Chaserider 498 on a #841 to Uttoxeter.

Chaserider 498 in Stafford bus station

Afterwards we saw Select Bus 31 on a #875 to Cannock.

Select Bus 31 in Stafford bus station

We waited for the next bus towards Newcastle. Whilst we waited we saw Select Bus 16 on a #12 to Doxey.

Select Bus 16 in Stafford bus station

A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67145 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67145 in Stafford bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We left the bus station onto the A34 and we ran Northwards to the edge of town. We continued up the fast section of the A34 to the edge of Stone and then we turned left onto the industrial estate. We ran around the estate and onto Tiling Drive. We turned right onto Eccleshall Road and we crossed the A34 onto Stafford Road. We turned left onto Crown Street and we stopped at the main stop in Stone. We ran North up Newcastle Road and we re-joined the Northbound A34. We ran Morth through Meaford and Tittensor and up into Trentham. We continued North through Hanford and Trent Vale and we past the City General hospital before going into Newcastle. We turned right onto Barracks Road and we entered the bus station from the South end. Once we got ot the bus station we got up and got off the bus. In the bus station we stopped at the toilet. Afterwards we waited for a bus back to Fenton. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 63102 on a #38A to Crackley.

First Potteries 63102 in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67142 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67142 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the 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 got in the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto City Road and we headed down the road into Stoke. We ran under the railway line and we crossed the A500. We ran Southwards to Sideway and we got onto the Eastbound A50. We ran towards Blythe Bridge and we continued towards Uttoxeter. We turned right onto Ashbourne Road and we turned left onto the A522 and at the main roundabout we entered the bus station. A short time later the bus appeared and it was Chaserider 65 on a #841 to Stafford. We got on the bus and we booked to Weston before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Bradley Street. We turned right onto the A522 and we turned left onto Heath Road. We turned left onto Holly Road and turned right onto onto Byrd's Lane. We turned right onto the B5027 and we ran up the hill and into Bramshall. We turned left onto Loxley Lane and turned right onto onto the A518. We ran through Lower Loxley to Grindley and we turned left onto Station Road. We ran down the hill to Stowe and and we went forwards on Stowe Lane and left onto Back Lane. We continued North through Hixon and we ran through High Street and we went forwards onto Smithy Lane and we turned right onto Martins Way. We turned left onto New Road and we ran up the hill and into Shirleywich and we turned right onto the A51 and we ran up the hill and into Weston. We turned left onto the A518 end we got up and got off the bus. We returned to the bus stop. Back at the bus stop Matthew shared a Crunchie with me and uncle Dave and afterwards had a can of Orange Fanta. As short time later we saw the bus come around the corner. As expected it was Chaserider 499 on a #841 to Uttoxeter. We got on the bus and placed the Knot ticket on the scanner before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A518 and we headed the Westwards A51 and we ran up the hill and into Shirleywich and we turned left onto New Road and we turned right onto Martins Way and we turned left onto Smithy Lane and we went forwards onto High Street and we turned left onto Back Lane. We turned right on Stowe Lane and we went forwards Station Road. We ran through Grindley to Lower Loxley and we turned right onto onto the A518. We turned left onto Loxley Lane and we ran up the hill and into Bramshall. We turned right onto onto the B5027 and turned left onto onto Byrd's Lane we turned left onto Holly Road. We turned left onto Heath Road and we continued towards Uttoxeter. We turned right onto the A522 and at the main roundabout we entered the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we saw Chaserider 73 on a #63 to Cannock. A short time kater Trent Barton 736 appeared on a Swift service to Derby. We got on the bus and we booked our a Zig-Zag duo ticket at £11 before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of town and past the bakery before forking right and crossing the A50 by MacDonalds. We headed out of town towards Rocester and we turned into town. We came out of the other side of Rocester and then we headed into the B5030 and we turned right onto Ashbourne Road. We turned right onto the B5030 and we turned left onto the B5031. We turned left onto College Road and we turned right onto Alton Road. We turned right onto Alton Road and we turned right onto the B5032. We ran up the hill and into Quixhill and we ran up the hill and into Ellastone. We ran up the hill and into Mayfield and we turned right onto the A52. We ran Northwards up the A515 through Ashbourne. We turned left onto the A515 and we turned left into King Edward Street and we turned left into Station Road. We turned left onto the A515 and we turned right onto Derby Road. We turned right onto Springfield Ave and we turned right onto Old Derby Road. We turned left onto Wyaston Road and we turned left onto Willow Meadow Road. We turned right onto Old Derby Road and we turned right onto Derby Road. We turned left onto the A52 and we ran into Commonside. We turned into Brailsford Green and we turned into Kirk Langley. We turned into Markeaton and we turned onto the A52. As we went along Friar Gate and we ran up the hill and into Derby and we turned left into Cheapside. We turned left into Bold Lane and we continued onto Jury Street and forwards onto Cathedral Road. We crossed over onto Full Street and we turned the roundabout into Morledge and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. We crossed the road to head back to the car park. We met mum at the bottom of the stairs and we went to the second floor to pay the car parking. We continued in the lift the the 4th floor and we got into the car. Matthew had a Greggs sausage roll and a can of Fanta orange. We set off out of the car park and onto the inner ring Road. We wen Southwards down the A6 over the site of the old railway works and near to Derby County's new ground. We got onto the outer ring road and we went clockwise around to the A38. We travelled along the A38 for a short while and we got onto the Southbound A516. We ran out of town and we joined the Westbound A50. Travelling back along the A50. We continued Westwards near to Uttoxeter. We stopped at the McDonalds. Matthew ate burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. When I had finished eating we continued towards home. We set off onto the B5030 and turned right onto the Westbound and Blythe Bridge and we came off the A50 and Longton an we came off the A50 at Heron Cross. We turned right onto Blurton Road. We ran through Heron Cross onto Heron Street and we followed the road around onto Station Bridge Road. We turned left onto Christchurch street and left again onto Masterson Street. We turned right onto Watkin Street and right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room and chilled out 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 Cannock / Wolverhampton 07-12-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
498	Cannock BS	The Scotlands, Leason Lane	70	Chaserider
835	The Scotlands, Leason Lane	Wolverhampton BS	11	NX West Midlands
3792	Wolverhampton BS	Compton, Square	9	Arriva Midlands
2006	Compton, Square	Wolverhampton BS	10	NX West Midlands
6792	Wolverhampton BS	Walsall St Pauls BS	529	NX West Midlands
2132	Walsall St Pauls BS	Bloxwich, Samuel Street	31	NX West Midlands

Today we decided to go to Cannock. We had seen the weather warnings for storm Darragh so we wnated to go somewhere close to home. We didn't pick until Saturday morning and appart from looking at the weather we did no research. Matthew got up around 10:30 and had toast and apple 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. Whilst we waited to joined the A500 we saw former Shelton Care Group minibus DY08 FFX going the other way. 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. Travelling down the motorway we saw an unidentified Jones Coaches, white minibus YS22 ZZE, 2 unidentified adventure coaches, an unidentified Ferris coach, an unidentified coachleasing.com coach, an unidentified Bennetts (blue and orange) coach, Alfa 103 / 117 and Selwyns BV23 ZWB(#540) / BV67 JXN(#120). 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. Matthew went to the toilet and mum ordered dinner for us. For dinner Matthew had a full English breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we headed out to the car park and we saw GJG Travel MC19 MMX parked up outside.

GJG Travel MC19 MMX in Four Crosses

We got back into the car and we re-joined the Eastbound A5. Just before we got to the A4601 we turned left onto the A4601 and we headed Northwards into town. We ran forwards onto the A34 and we ran past the bus station. We pulled up next to the bus station and we said goodbye to mum before heading into the bus station. On the way in we saw Chaserider 198 on a #74 to Stafford.

Chaserider 198 in Cannock bus station

We headed into the shopping centre and Matthew went to the toilet. Once we had finished we came out and had a look around to see what we might catch. We saw a bus on the bottom standing heading inti the West Midlands. As we got closer we saw it was Chaserider 498 on a #70 to Wolverhampton.

Chaserider 498 in Cannock bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to singles to Wolverhampton at £2 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we turned around at the roundabout and we went Eastwards along the A34. At the roundabout we turned left onto the B5012 and we ran through Dartmouth Road. We turned right onto Hatherton Road and we turned left onto Gorsey Lane. We turned left onto Oaks Drive and we ran North Eastwards through Bideford Way and we turned left onto Ascot Drive. We turned right onto Longford Road and we turned right onto Delta Way. We turned left onto the A5 and we turned right onto Walkmill Lane and we ran forwards onto Mill Lane and we ran forwards onto Coppice Lane and we ran through Cheslyn Hay. We turned right onto the B4156 and and we turned right onto High Street and we turned left onto onto Wolverhampton Road. We turned right onto the A462 and we ran forwards onto the A460 and we ran through Shareshill. We turned right onto New Road and we turned left onto onto Baneberry Drive and we turned left onto onto Turnstone Drive. We turned right onto New Road and we turned left onto onto Baneberry Drive and we turned left onto onto Brookhouse Lane and we continued onto The Avenue. We turned right onto the A460 and we headed up to Westcroft. We ran up the hill and into Underhill and past the fromer Berry Brook Farm pub. We ran down the hill into The Scotlands and we got up and got off the bus. We had a walk around to see what we might catch. We saw Veezu SG74 LKU. As we got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 835 on a #11 to Wolverhampton.

NX West Midlands 835 in The Scotlands

We got on the bus and we booked nBus day tickets at £4.80 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down Cannock Road and we crossed under both railway lines. We passed nearby to the railway line and we ran forwards onto Stafford Street. We turned left onto Broad Street and we turned left onto a special bus lane that runs alongside the inside of the ring road contraflow to the traffic. We then emerged from the cutting at the entrance of the bus station. We got up and we got off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. We came out of the toilet and we saw Woods Coaches 380 on a #210 service to Gatwick Airport.

Woods Coaches 380 in Wolverhampton bus station

We had a look around for something to catch. Matthew noticed there was a #9 to Bridgenorth due. We waited at the stand for around 10 minutes and the bus appeared. As it arrived on stand we sw it was dud Arriva Midlands 3792 on a #9 to Bridgnorth.

Arriva Midlands 3792 in Wolverhampton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus ticket to the driver. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 3792 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3792

This is a bus that we first had back in March 2023 from Telford to Oakengates on a #6 service. The emergency door open alarm was going off, so the driver attempted to silence the alarm by opening and closing all the door but to no avail. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto the ring road we came back inside the town along Broad Street and we turned right into princes square and left into Lichfield Street. We ran out of town stopping on Lichfield street and Darlington Street and we crossed the ring road onto Chapel Ash. We continued West along the A454 and road very quickly became rural. About 2 miles West of the ring road we came into village of Compton. As we approached the main junction we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took a picture of Arriva Midlands 3792 before it continued on towards Bridgnorth.

Arriva Midlands 3792 in Compton

Once off the bus we walked into the pub on the corner and Matthew went to the toilet and I went to the bar to order drinks. Mathew had a glass of Coke and we sat down in the main seating area. When we had finished we went outside and we crossed over Bridgenorth Road and headed to the bus stop. It was raining and the wind was blowing hard so we huddled in the bus shelter to wait for a bus back to Wolverhamptom. There should have been an Arriva Midlands bus first but it must have been running late. A few minutes later we saw a bus turn the corner. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 2006 on a #10 to Wolverhampton.

NX West Midlands 2006 in Compton

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We ran back into town down the A454 and passed the Harley Davidson Shop on Chapel Ash. We crossed the ring road onto Salop Street and we ran forwards onto Cleveland Street. We turned left onto Garrick Street and we then turned right onto Bilston Street. We ran past the police station and onto the ring road and then enter the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Once we got off the bus Matthew indicated that he wanted to have another drink. We walked across the road to the premier shop and we bought some chocolate bars and a bottle of Coke. We crossed back over to the bus station and we waited for a bus towards Walsall. We formulated a plan to meet up with mum in Bloxwich. Whilst we waited we saw National Express West Midlands 2077 on a #82 to Dudley.

NX West Midlands 2077 in Wolverhampton bus station

Whilst we waited Matthew ate some Cadbury's Snack which had just bought from the shop. A few minutes later a bus came on stand. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 6792 on a #529 to Walsall.

NX West Midlands 3792 in Wolverhampton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the bus station. We left towards the tram station and we crossed over the ring road and onto the A454 and we ran through Monmore. We continued into Moseley and we Northwards into Portobello. We ran through Willenhall and we walked past thre former HSBC Bank. We ran through Bentley and out the other side and down into Reedswood. We travelled through Pleck and over Walsall and we ran forwards onto the A4148. We turned right onto Wolverhampton Street and we ran past the Crown Wharf Shopping Park. We ran forwards onto Townend Street and we crossed the roundabout into St Paul's Street and into the bus station. Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. We decided to have a qiuick walk around and take a few picture before we caught something up to Bloxwich. We saw APP Carz AV11 UFZ stopped outside the bus station on St Pauls Street.

APP Carz AV11 UFZ in Walsall bus station

We walked back to the bus station just as a driver was getting a bus ready for service. As we got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 2132 on a #31 to Mossley.

NX West Midlands 2132 in Walsall bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We messaged mum to tell her to set off and meet us at Bloxwich. The bus set off out of the bus station and we went North up Stafford Street. We crossed over the A4148 continuing North up Stafford Street and we ran the 2 miles or so up to Bloxwich. When we got to town we went up the High Street and we turned left onto Wolverhampton Road where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked down Wolverhampton Road and we crossed over the High Street and we went into the pub. Matthew went to the toi;et and afterwards we had a can of Coke. Mum called to say she was outside so we went outside to the car. Mum needed to drop something off at work so we headed up to Brownhills. We turned around and we headed North up Park Road. We turned right and we headed Eastwards aklong the A4124. We ran through Pelsall and over the Wyrley and Essington Canal and we headed to the roundabout at the top of Brownhills. We crossed over the roundabout onto the B4155 and we turned right onto Great Charles Street. We stopped for a few minutes near to mums work and Matthew had the bakewell tart we bougt at the Truck Stop Cafe earlier. When mum was ready to go we headed home via the chip shop. We turned left onto the Sadler Road and left onto the B4155. We stopped at the chip shop and Matthew had sausage chips and gravy. After I had finished eating we set off along the B4155 and we turned right onto the A452. At the roundabout we joined the Westbound A5. We ran to the bottom of Cannock and we joined the Westbound A460. We ran to the south of Cannock and we joined the Northbound M6. As we battled our way Northwards through the winds and we rain we saw an unidentified Bruce's Coaches BF21 CZV(#590) and Woods Coaches 335(#120). We came off the M6 at junction 15 and we joined the Northbound A500. We came off at Stoke and we turned right onto Wheildon Road. We stopped at uncle Dave's house and dropped uncle Dave off. We got back in the car and we set off for Blurton. We set off onto Wheildon Road and we ran forwards onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto the A5035 and we got back to Blurton around 19:40. Matthew chilled out on his computer. Matthew had his medication and we did some of the Blog. We also wrote a few emails and generally used the computer to entertain ourselves. Matthew had a can of Cherry Coke. Matthew settled down around 01:00... Mark