Trip to Kidsgrove / Hanley 05-09-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
PE67 XEU	Fenton	Kidsgrove	Charter	Shelton Care Group
PE67 XEU	Kidsgrove	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
67152	Fenton, adj Royal Oak	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
67151	Hanley BS	Fenton, Tirley Street	23	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going out on the bus later on. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst waiting for time to got to the day centre Matthew spent time in his room watching buses. We saw First Potteries 67656 on a #11 to Newcastle. Around 09:00 we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw Temple Street church RX18 GZW. We carried on along Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street and to the day centre. At the day centre we saw Shelton Care Group PE67 XEU.

Shelton Care Group PE67 XEU in Fenton

In the morning we went to Kidsgrove in Shelton Care Group PE67 XEU. We got on the bus and we set off onto Glebedale Road. We turned left onto City Road and we ran down the hill into Stoke. We went under the railway line and we joined the Northbound A500. We ran through Etruria and Longport and we came off the A500 at Talke. We joined the Northbound A34 and we ran up towards the Caudwell Tavern. We followed the A34 to the right and we turned right into St Saviors Street. We ran forwards onto Mitchell Drive and we crossed over Mitchell Avenue onto Harecastle Avenue. We ran forwards onto Grove Road and we arrived at our destination. Once off the bus Matthew went around Clough Hall Park. We used the playground and we walked around the park. When we had finished we returned to Fenton. Transport for the trip it was Shelton Care Group PE67 XEU. We got on the bus and we set off along Grove Road. We ran forwards onto Harecastle Avenue and forwards again onto Mitchell Drive. We ran forwards onto St Saviours Street and we turned left onto the A34. We followed the A34 to the left and we headed South. We joined the Southbound A50 and we ran through Longport and Etruria. We came off the A500 at Stoke and we turned left onto City Road. We turned left onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street. We turned right onto Christchurch Street and back to the day centre. For dinner Matthew had a cheese oatcake followed by a Bakewell Tart. In the afternoon Matthew went out to Hanley on the bus. We set off out of the day centre on to Christchurch Street. We waited for the bus to appear and a few minutes later we saw Intercity DV10 JCZ.

Intercity DV10 JCZ in Fenton

A short while later we saw a bus approaching. The bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67152 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67152 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road. and we joined the A52 to go under the railway line. over the A500. We continued onto Church Street and into the centre of Stoke. After a brief stop we continued around the one-way system onto Elenora Street and right onto Copeland street. We turned left onto Glebe Street and we went under the railway line before turning left onto Station Road. We went past the railway station and we turned right onto 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 where we got up and got off the bus. We set off onto Lichfield Street and and went forwards onto Tontine Street. We walked through Tontine Square to the Intu Potteries shopping centre. We had a walk around the shops and afterwards we walked through Tontine Square onto Tontine Street. we saw First Potteries 65705 on a #3 to Crewe. We walked onto Lichfield Street and back to the bus station. We waited for a bus towards Fenton. we saw Edwards Coaches National Express liveried coach BV67 JYD on a #528 to Haverfordwest. After a short while the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67151 on a #23 to Newstead.

First Potteries 67151 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before we sat down. We set off onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We crossed over the ring road and we ran down onto Regent Road and forwards onto Cleveland Road. We ran down though Shelton along College Road and we ran down to the railway station. We turned right onto Glebe Street and under the railway line an we ran around the one-way system in Stoke and stopped by Stoke Minster. We turned left onto Church Street and we crossed the A500 and we ran under the railway line. After climbing up the hill into Fenton we turned right into Christchurch Street where we got up and got off the bus. We then walked back to on we returned to the residential unit. We set off onto Christchurch Street and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out on his computer and watch buses. We saw D&G Bus 53 on a #1A to Wood Lane.

D&G 53 in Fenton

For tea Matthew had chips and beans followed by a Bakewell Tart. We went to his room to get ready to go out. Whilst we waited Matthew used his computer in his room. Tonight Matthew went out to the disco in a car. We went downstairs and got in the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Baker Street and left onto Glebedale Road. At the end we turned right onto City Road. At the roundabout we turned sharp left onto Victoria Road. We ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We turned right onto the A52 and we ran up to Bucknall. At the lights we went straight on, forwards onto the A5009 and we ran through Abbey Hulton. We turned left onto Birches Head Road and we stopped at the disco. Matthew went to the toilet and had a drink of Coke and did some dancing. When it was time to go back to Fenton we travelled back on car. We set off onto Birches Head Road and we turned right onto the A5009. We ran down though Abbey Hulton and into Bucknall where we went straight onto the A52. We ran through Joiners Square and towards Stoke railway station we continued along the A52 along side the railway line and we then turned left onto City Road. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out. He 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 Newcastle / Crewe 29-06-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
114	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	1	D&G
100	Newcastle BS	Crewe, Railway Station	85	D&G
110	Crewe, Crewe Arms Hotel	Newcastle BS	85	D&G
63179	Newcastle BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. Matthew was also going out on the bus to Crewe and we were going for a train ride later on. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

When it was time to go we went downstairs and we set off on foot towards the bus stop on City Road. Whilst we waited for the bus to Newcastle we saw Herdman Coaches OIB 3514. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was D&G Bus 44 on a #1 to Park Site. 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. The seat in front was empty so Matthew took a picture inside D&G 114.

Inside D&G 114

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. Matthew took a picture of D&G 114.

D&G 114 in Newcastle bus station

We waited for a bus to Crewe. A short while later D&G 100 appeared on a #85 to Nantwich.

D&G 100 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Crewe before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto Barracks Road and we ran down onto the A34. We went Northwards to the next roundabout and then we turned left onto the Southbound A53. We turned right onto Blackfriars Road and we continued up the A525. We ran through Thistleberry and past Hampton's scrap yard. At the roundabout went straight and went up the hill towards Keele. We turned left into the campus and onto University Drive. At the end we turned left and ran through the university. We came out into Keele village and after a brief stop we continued along Station Road and we re-joined the A525. We headed Westwards into Madeley we saw D&G Bus 138 on a #85 to Hanley. We ran past the pool and we turned right into Izaak Walton Way. We turned right onto Moss Lane and we re-joined the Eastbound A525. We turned left onto New Road and we headed Northwards up the the A531. We ran through Wrinehill and Betley and we ran forwards onto Main Road. We ran through Weston and we turned left onto Weston Road. At the roundabout we ran forwards onto the A532 and we ran into Crewe and we saw D&G Bus 53 on a #85 to Hanley. At the roundabout we turned left onto the A534 and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we headed along the A534. We saw Arriva NW&W 2611 on a #37 to Northwich. We continued along the road to the cafe. Matthew had a can of Coke. Afterwards he had a burger and chips. hightlights of the buses we saw whilst eating include First Potteries 67656 on a #3 to Hanley. When we had finished eating we set off back towards the bus stop. we saw Arriva NW&W 2544 on a #37 to Crewe. Once at the bus stop we waited for a D&G bus back towards Newcastle. A short while later we saw D&G Bus 110 on a #85 to Hanley.

D&G 110 in Crewe

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along the A534 and we turned right at the roundabout onto the A523. We continued straight onto Weston Road and we turned right onto Main Road. We ran through the village of Weston and out of the other side. At the roundabout we ran forwards onto the A531. We continued Southwards through Betley and Wrinehill and we turned right onto New Road. We joined the Westbound A525 and we ran into Madeley village. We ran past the pool and we turned right onto Izaak Walton Way. We turned right onto Moss Lane and we re-joined the Eastbound A525. We ran out of town and we veered right onto Station Road and into Keele village. We ran into the campus and past the student union before turning right onto University Drive. We re-joined the A525 and we ran down the hill towards Newcastle. We past Hampton's scrapyard and Thistleberry. We ran forwards onto Blackfriars Road and we turned left onto the A53. We turned right on to the Southbound A34 and at the next roundabout we turned left onto Barracks Road. We ran into the bus station and we entered the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we waited for a bus back to Fenton. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 63179 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63179 in Fenton

We waited for the bus to be readied for service and we got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we ran onto Barracks Road. We turned right at Jubilee roundabout onto the A53 and we ran around the one-way system onto the A52. We ran up George Street and into Hartshill we saw First Potteries 63178 on a #11 to Newcastle.. We ran through the village and down the hill into Stoke town centre. After a brief stop in Church Street we continued into Fenton up the A52, over the A500 and under the railway line. We ran up City Road and near to the top we got up and got off the bus. We crossed the road and we walked onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew chilled out in his room. Matthew chilled out in his room on his computer. we we saw First Potteries 67663 on a #11 to Newcastle. Matthew waited in his room because we were going to take him out to a barbecue and on a train ride. We arrived around 17:00 and we went downstairs and got in the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. We turned right onto Station Bridge Road and we ran forwards onto Heron Street. At the lights we went straight onto Blurton Road before turning left and joining the Eastbound A50. We ran through Longton and Normacot and we came off the A50 at Meir. We joined the Northbound A520 and we ran through Weston Coyney and up to Cellarhead. We turned right onto the A52 and we ran out to Kingsley Moor before we veered left to continued along the A52. We ran through Kingsley and we went down the hill to Froghall. At the bottom of the road we turned right into the railway station and we parked up. Matthew visited the toilet and afterwards he sat down whilst I queued up to get his barbecue food. Matthew had a burger and a sausage bap. he washed this down with a bottle of Irn Bru from the car. Just before 18:30 we went and sat down on the train to wait for departure. Locomotive for the journey was Whiston, an Austerity tank engine usually based at Foxfield. We sat down in the Tourist Second Open coach 4354. We waited for the engine to run around the carriages and then we set off. It was the first time that Matthew had been on a train with me for at least 2 years! We set off Northwards and ran non stop through Consall. The train stopped at Cheddleton for the crossing gate to be opened and for the steam engine to take on more water. We continued Northwards up to Leekbrook Junction. After a brief stop we continued Northwards onto the Ipstones Branch. This was the first time Matthew had been on this part of the line. We set off up the steep 1 in 40 gradient and the engine really had to work hard to pull the 4 carriages up the hill. As we battled up the large chunks of ash came through the windows and covered the tables. We ran flat out up the hill past the site of the old Bradnop station and out into the open moorland. Before we reached Apesford Crossing we came to a stand for around 15 minutes and we appeared to run out of steam. After the wait we continued to the crossing. We stopped at threshing barn crossing as booked due to poor visibility. The guard watches the train through the crossing before getting back on the train. We continued to the current end of the line just short of the B5053 and Whiston ran around the carriages for the journey back. Whilst we were stopped I went to the brake van and purchased another bottle of 7up for me and Matthew to share. We set off down the hill and we stopped for Threshing Barn crossing. We also stopped at Apesford. We started the steep decent and we made another unscheduled stop. We continued down the hill and into Leekbrook Junction station. We travelled back South through the tunnel towards Cheddleton. After running through the tunnel we stopped in Cheddleton station. We had a stop for around 25 minutes and some of the passengers took advantage of the stop to go to the pub. The locomotive took on water and me and Matthew got off the train and had a look around. We got on the front coach and walked back through the train to our coach. We got back on and waited departure time. The locomotive back onto the train and sounded the whistle for about 30 seconds. Everyone came scurrying back from the pub! We set off and we continued South to Consall. We then did the last couple of miles back down to Froghall and then we got up and got off the train. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards went to the other end to have a look at the locomotive. We met back up with mum and then we went back to the car. Matthew enjoyed his train ride and perhaps we will do it again some time soon. Once in the car we drove off the car park onto the A52 and we went Westwards to Cellarhead. We turned left onto the A520 and we ran South to Meir. We joined the Westbound A50 and we ran through Normacot and Longton to Heron Cross. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we continued onto Heron Street. We continued onto Station Bridge Road and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Masterson Street and right onto Watkin Street. We turned right onto Temple Street and we returned to the residential unit. We went up the stairs and Matthew went to his room to chill out. We said goodbye and Matthew settled down in his room. 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 Lichfield / Burton upon Trent 15-04-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
53	Lichfield BS	Burton upon Trent, Adj High Street	X12	Midland Classic
31	Burton upon Trent, New Street (Stand 6)	Winshill, St Marks Church	3	Midland Classic
114	Winshill, Bladon Street	Burton upon Trent, New Street (Stand 4)	3	Midland Classic
8	Burton upon Trent, New Street (Stand 2)	Horninglow, Horninglow Road North	2	Midland Classic
8	Horninglow, Horninglow Road North	Burton upon Trent, New Street (Stand 8)	2	Midland Classic
57	Burton upon Trent, New Street (Stand 3)	Uttoxeter BS	401	Midland Classic

Today we decided to re-visit Lichfield. We had checked the weather for today and it was for mainly dry sunny weather with some showers, with more chance of rain in the North West. We were also trying to avoid the bank holiday weekend traffic. We gave Matthew a list of destinations from North West and Midlands and from the list Matthew chose Lichfield. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange for breakfast. We set off around 12:00 and we ran through Blurton along Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and left again onto Blurton Road. We stopped at the shop to drop something off and also for Matthew to have an Easter Egg off mum's friend... Whilst we were stopped we saw First Potteries 67159 on a #23A to Newstead. We then continued on our way back up Blurton Road and right onto Church Road. At the ens we turned right onto the A5035. As we ran towards Trentham we caught up with First Potteries 53208 on a #22 to Newcastle. We also saw First Potteries 42554 on a #21A to Hanley. At the roundabout we turned left onto the Southbound A34. As we travelled down towards Stone we saw First Potteries 65037 on a #101 to Hanley. We continued South just to the West of Stone and then we went Eastwards along the A51. The road through Colwich and past Rugeley was unusually quiet and we didn't see a single bus coming the other way. I was beginning to think that maybe there was a Sunday service in these here parts... We continued into town and we followed the A51 Southwards and then left onto Birmingham Road. We stopped in the car park at the rear of the chip shop and we picked up dinner. Whilst in the chip shop we saw Middleton's coach YJ06 LGC going towards Tamworth and also Arriva Midlands 2368 on a #60 to Cannock. Once we go the food we carried on along Birmingham road and we parked at the car park at the rear of the bus station whilst we ate our food. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy with a bap. Once we had finished eat we said goodbye to mum and we went to the toilet. Whilst at that end of the bus station we saw required Midland Classic 5 on a #821 Lichfield town service.

Midland Classic 5 in Lichfield bus station

We decided to have a wander around before we caught something. We saw Midland Classic 83 on a X12 to Burton upon Trent.

Midland Classic 83 in Lichfield bus station

We had seen a coach parked up at the other end of the bus station when we arrived. Closer inspection revealed it to be National Holiday coach NH13 BWH.

National Holidays NH13 BWH in Lichfield bus station

We decided sit for a while at the western end of the bus station whilst we decided which buses to do next. We saw required Central Buses Solo 151 arrive on what was to form the next #35B to Walsall. We decided to go for a bit of a wander back to the other end of the bus station and we saw required Arriva Midlands 2745.

Arriva Midlands 2745 in Lichfield bus station

We sat up by the stop for the #35B as we think Matthew was eying up doing the Solo towards Walsall. Whilst there we saw required Midland Classic 3 on a #822 Lichfield town circular service.

Midland Classic 3 in Lichfield bus station

The time was coming close to departure for Central Buses 151. Just when we thought we might be doing that Midland Classic double decker 53 appeared on the X12 service to Burton upon Trent.

Midland Classic 53 in Lichfield bus station

Whilst we waited for the bus to be readied for service we saw dud Arriva Midlands 2372 on a #60 to Cannock.

Arriva Midlands 2372 in Lichfield bus station

People started to board the X12 so we queued up to get on the bus. Once on the bus we purchased a daysaver plus ticket at £4.90 before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off onto Birmingham Road and we continued North-Eastwards up the A5127 out of town. We past over the railway line near to Lichfield Trent valley station and we continued a bit further before joining onto the A38. We then had a very spirited run Northwards up the A38. We cams off the A38 just South of Burton onto the A5121 and then we turned right onto the B5018 and we ran through Branston into the centre of Burton. We turned left onto the A5189 and then right onto Uxbridge Street. We turned right onto New Street and we got up to get off the bus. We left the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Midland Classic 53.

Inside Midland Classic 53

Once we got off the bus we walked up New street towards the market hall so that Matthew could use the toilet. At the side of the Octagon Shopping Centre we saw Midland Classic 58 running out of service.

Midland Classic 58 in Burton upon Trent

We crossed over the High Street and we walked through the shopping arcade towards the Market. In the square to the left there appeared to be some kind of event going on, and there was also a bouncy castle. We went into the market and Matthew used the toilet before we returned onto the High Street. On the High Street we saw Arriva Midlands 3768 about to work a X38 service to Derby.

Arriva Midlands 3768 in Burton upon Trent

We returned onto new Street and as we got there we saw dud Midland Classic double decker 42 about to work a #19 service to Ashby-de-la-Zouch.

Midland Classic 42 in Burton upon Trent

Down the other end of New Street we could see another bus on stand. When we got closer we saw that it was required Midland Classic Solo 31 about to work a #3 service to Winshill.

Midland Classic 31 in Burton upon Trent

We decided to do this bus on the proviso that Matthew behaved himself and didn't try to honk the horn! We got on the bus and we flashed the Daysaver Plus ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back if the bus. We set off up New Street and we turned left onto High Street. We ran onto the one way system and we joined the Eastbound A511. After we crossed the River Trent We turned left onto Newton Road and almost immediately onto bearwood Hill Road. We ran uo the hill through Winshill and we turned right onto Hawfield Lane. We turned right onto Vancouver Drive and at the end we turned right onto Melbourne Avenue. At the roundabout we turned left onto Empire Road.At the end we turned left and re-joined Hawfield Lane. At the end of Hawfield Lane we turned left onto Church Hill Street and we spotted the C-operative food store that we had seen on the way to the estate, so we decided to get up and get off the bus. Once we had got off the bus Matthew took another picture of Midland Classic 31 before it returned to Burton where this bus was finishing.

Midland Classic 31 in Winshill

Once we got off the we wandered down the road to the Co-operative Food store to stock up on supplies. In the shop Matthew picked up a couple of small toffee cheesecakes and a chocolate bars as well as a can of Coke and an orange Calypo. Once we had paid for the stuff we walked down Hawfield Lane to the stop we could catch the return service. We worked out that we weren't at the loop end so crossed back over to the first stop we looked at and Matthew ate his orange Calypo. We saw the bus heading into the estate and it was Midland Classic 114. A few minutes later after it had been around the loop it appeared from round the corner and Matthew took a photo of Midland Classic 114 on the #3 to Horninglow.

Midland Classic 114 in Winshill

We got on the bus and we flashed the Daysave plus ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Hawfield Lane and we turned left onto Church Hill Street. We ran down the hill and we turned left onto Newton Road before we turned right onto the A511. We crossed over the River Trent and then we turned left onto the High Street.We ran into town and we turned right into New Street. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Midland Classic 114 before we got off the bus.

Inside Midland Classic 114

Once we got off the bus we had a look around to see what we could do. New Street was empty when we got there, but we saw a couple of buses on layover around the corner at the side of the Octagon Shopping Centre. At the front of the queue was required Midland Classic 32 and behind that was dud Midland Classic 55.

Midland Classic 55 in Burton upon Trent

We walked back around the corner and there seemed to be a bit of a gap in some of the services at this time. There was a #2 at 16:07 which we thought would be a good option. Staying on the bus should in theory get us back 5 minutes before the next X12 to Lichfield. Across the road we saw Midland Classic 106 on a #3 to Winshill.

Midland Classic 106 in Burton upon Trent

A few minutes before the bus was due Matthew wanted to go around the corner to see another bus on layover. Closer inspection revealed it was Arriva Midlands 3800 on a #29 to Coalville

Arriva Midlands 3800 in Burton upon Trent

We came back around the corner to see required Midland Classic 8 arrive on the #2 to Horninglow.

Midland Classic 8 in Burton upon Trent

We got on the bus and we flashed the Daysave Plus ticket to the driver before we sat down. We set off down New Street and we turned right into Union Street. There was a bit of a delay and the bus started to lose time. We turned left onto Station Street and we went past the railway station before we got onto the one-way system. We turned right onto Waterloo Street and we continued forwards onto the other half of Waterloo Street beyond the one-way system. At the end we continued onto Victoria Crescent and at the end of the road we turned left onto the A511. We ran under the A38 and we turned right onto Harper Avenue. The bus stopped and I flashed the ticket again to the driver for the return journey. We turned left onto St John's Road and right onto St Luke's Road At the end we turned left onto St Mary's drive and then we turned left onto Rolleston Road. At the end we re-joined the A511 and we ran back towards town. We dipped under the A38 and over the canal and we turned right into Victoria crescent. We went straight across onto Waterloo Street and then we turned left onto the one-way system. We joined the A5121 before turning left to go past the railway station. Further up Station Street we turned left onto Union Street. We then turned left onto New Street. In theory we had two minutes to spare and we should have just got off the bus and crossed the road... However, the stand where we should have stopped already had two buses there so we went straight past to the next stop. By the time we got back the X12 was just pulling off. Next to it was Trent Barton single decker 659 on one of The Villager services to Derby.

Trent Barton 659 in Burton upon Trent

We crossed the road whilst we considered what to do next. There wasn't a bus towards Lichfield for over an hour, and it would be gone 18:00 by the time we got back to the car. Just as we thought about what else we could do we saw required Midland Classic 57 on a #401 service to Uttoxeter.

Midland Classic 57 in Burton upon Trent

We got on the bus and we flashed the Daysaver Plus ticket to the driver for what turned out to be the last time today before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Midland Classic 57.

Inside Midland Classic 57

We set off along New Street an we turned right into Union Street. We worked out we could get to Tutbury for another bus back, or we could do as we decided to do and called mum to get her to meet us at Uttoxeter. Mum agreed to pick us so we continued to the end. We turned left onto Station Street and we ran onto the one-way system. Like we had done before we ran up Waterloo Street to the end, but on this service we turned left onto Dallow Street. We ran under the A38 and up to the hospital. We turned at the turning circle on the end of Belvedere Road and then we turn left onto Calais Road. We ran to the end and we turned left onto the A511. We ran past the pub at beam Hill and we ran at high speed for a couple of miles to the edge of Tutbury. We turned left onto Burton Road and we ran down into the centre of Tutbury. At the main junction we turned left onto Ludgate Street and we ran through the housing estate onto Belmont Road. We turned left onto Redhill Lane and ran past Tutbury Castle before we returned onto Duke Street and turned left onto the High Street where we passed dud Midland Classic 111 on the #401 to Burton upon Trent. We ran down the High Street on Bridge Street and we re-joined the A511 for the run into Hatton. We crossed over the railway line and we ran through Hatton village. At the end of the road by The Salt Box Cafe we followed the road to the left and we ran down for another couple of miles to the A50. We ran fast down to the next roundabout until we turned left onto the A515 and then right into Sudbury. We ran through Sudbury and past the stops where we used to swap over when we did the #1 for the X50 back in the day! We then ran past the village of Doveridge before we re-joined the A50. We ran down to the A518 roundabout and we continued to the retail park. We ran past the stop outside Tesco and up to the roundabout by the railway station. We did a u-turn and we went past a new Waitrose supermarket before running back into town up Bridge Street and Church Street. We turned left onto the A522 and we entered Uttoxeter bus station. Once we got to the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Midland Classic 57 before it returned empty back to Burton.

Midland Classic 57 in Uttoxeter bus station

Once we got off the bus we spotted Midland Classic 88 on the return #401 service to Burton.

Midland Classic 88 in Uttoxeter bus station

We walked through the bus station and we walked around the corner to the car park where mum was waiting with Greggs sausage rolls and a bottle of Irn Bru for Matthew. We set off out of the car park onto Church Street and we turned left onto the A522. As we passed the bus station we saw Trent Barton 737 on a Swift service to Derby. We followed the road out of Uttoxeter and we passed minibus DX07 OAV. We joined the A50 and we ran West passing Swiftsure YN14 PLV & Acklams E14 ACK. We came off the A50 and we went to Z Carz to see what buses were parked up at the depot this evening. In the front row was Z Carz minibus DL03 HHU.

Z Carz DL03 HHU in Longton

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

Z Carz OV05 WSW in Longton

Next to the Volkswagen was Z Carz minibus Ford minibus NA06 SUO.

Z Carz NA06 SUO in Longton

Closest vehicle in the front row was Z Carz Ford minibus MJ03 DPU from the airport division.

Z Carz MJ03 DPU in Longton

Nearest vehicle in the second row was Z Carz LDV minibus CN57 HWA.

Z Carz CN57 HWA in Longton

We turned left into Willow row to see what was parked up in the compound this evening. We saw Z Carz Ford minibus HK57 LFY.

Z Carz HK57 LFY in Longton

We also saw Z Carz ford minibus HK57 LGW.

Z Carz HK57 LGW in Longton

We turned around and we also saw Z Carz minibus BN03 OVS which is currently off the road. We rejoined the A50 and we ran West to Heron Cross where came of the A50 and onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we got home around 18:30. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a toffee cheesecake. We then chilled out on the computer until bedtime around 00:00... 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