Trip to Hanley / Newcastle 25-03-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67156	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
65033	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	101	First Potteries
159	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	9	D&G
67153	Hanley BS	Fenton, opp Albert Square	23	First Potteries
LB11 LVV	Fenton	Hanley Park	Charter	City Cabs
LB11 LVV	Hanley Park	Fenton	Charter	City Cabs

Today Matthew was in residential and he was going to his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Today Matthew was going out on a local trip from the residential unit. We set off onto City Road and we walked down to the bus stop to wait for a bus to Hanley. Whilst at the bus stop we saw First Potteries Solo 53122 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 53122 in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw the approaching.. As it got closer we saw that it was dud First Potteries 67156 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67156 in Fenton

We got on the bus and booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we joined the A52 and ran under the railway line. After crossing over the A500 we ran into Stoke town centre along Church Street. We followed the one-way system around onto Elenora Street and right onto Copeland Street. We turned left onto Glebe Street and we ran under the railway line before turning left onto Station Road. After stopping briefly outside the railway station we turned right onto College Road and we ran up the hill through Shelton. We continued onto Cleveland Road and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We crossed over the ring road and we continued along Bethesda Street before turning right onto John Street. We ran up the hill into the bus station and onto stand. Once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. In the bus station we saw required D&G Bus 146 on a #16 to Leek.

D&G 146 in Hanley bus station

A few minutes later we spotted First Potteries 65033 on a #101 to Stafford, which we decided to do. We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto John Street. At the bottom of the hill we turned right onto Bethesda Street before turning left onto Broad Street. We saw Arriva Midlands 3692 on a #164 to Hanley. We continued onto Snow Hill and at the roundabout we turned right onto Shelton New Road. We ran down the hill and over the canal and railway line and we climbed up the hill into Hartshill. After crossing the traffic lights on Victoria Street we continued to the edge of Newcastle. At the roundabout we ran onto george street and we ran down the hill into Newcastle and onto the one-way system. After crossing the Jubilee roundabout we turned left onto Barracks Road and we turned right into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and in the bus station we saw D&G Bus 115 on a #73 to Park Site.

D&G 115 in Newcastle bus station

On Stubbs Street we saw First Potteries 66303 which appeared to have broken down and was receiving attention from a bus fitter.

First Potteries 66303 in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes later we saw it was D&G 159 on a 'Nines' service to Biddulph.

D&G 159 in Newcastle bus station

We decided to do this bus so we got on it and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We ran down to the A34 and we headed South to the hospital where we turned left. We saw City Centre Central minibus SD10 BMZ. We ran through the hospital grounds and out the other side onto Hilton Road. At the roundabout we went left onto Newcastle lane and we ran up the hill into the centre of Penkhull. We turned left onto St Thomas Place and forwards onto Princes Street. We past the old school on the left which is now a new soft play area and the old North Staffs Royal Infirmary. At the end of the road we turned right onto the A52 and we ran down into Stoke. We passed through Church Street and we crossed over the A500. after running under the railway line we followed the A52 around to the left running parallel to the railway line. We then turned left onto to station Road. After stopping briefly outside the railway station we turned right onto College Road and we ran up the hill through Shelton. We continued onto Cleveland Road and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We crossed over the ring road and we continued along Bethesda Street before turning right onto John Street. We ran up the hill into the bus station and onto stand. Once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we saw The Travellers Choice National Express liveried coach PO62 LMK on a #333 service to Bournemouth.

The Travellers Choice PO62 LMK in Hanley bus station

Matthew then went for dinner at McDonalds. We set off on foot onto Lichfield Street and at the top we turned right onto Old Hall Street. We turned left onto parliament Row and we went into McDonalds Matthew used the toilet and then had a burger meal with fries and a cup of Coke. After we had finished eating we walked back to the bus station. We set off onto Parliament Row and we turned right onto Old Hall Street. We turned left onto Lichfield Street by Blackburn House and we walked down to the bus station. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 67153 on the #23 to Blurton. 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 onto john Street. At the bottom of the hill we turned left onto Bethesda Street and we crossed over the ring road. We continued to the end of Bethedsa Street and we turned right onto Regent Road. We ran forwards onto College Road and we ran down the hill through Shelton. We turned left onto Station Road and we stopped briefly outside the railway station. At the end of station road we turned right onto Glebe Street. We ran onto the one-way system and we followed it onto Church Street. After crossing over the A500 we ran under the railway line onto City Road. We ran up the hill and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. When we got to Albert Square we got up and got off the bus. We then walked back to the residential unit. Once inside matthe went up to his room and chilled on on his computer as well as watching buses out of the wind. We saw First Potteries 32647 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 32647 in Fenton

We also saw Magnum taxi minibus SF54 LPP on the road opposite.

Magnum SF54 LPP in Fenton

later on Matthew had sausages and chips for tea followed by cake. After tea Matthew went out. We took a City Cabs minibus LB11 LVV to Hanley Park. we set off down City Road and at the bottom of the hill we turned right onto the A52. We continued past the station and we turned left onto Cauldon Road. We turned right onto Boughey Road and we stopped on The Avenue where we got off out of City Cabs minibus LB11 LVV. Matthew then walked around Hanley Park for a while. We walk northwards through the park and into the North West corner to the sensory play area. After spending a while there we walkd back to the South East corner of the park. We returned back to Fenton in a City Cabs minibus LB11 LVV. We set off along The Avenue and otno Boughey Road. We turned left onto Cualdon Road and we ran down to the A52 where we turned right. We continued along the A52 past the railway station and onto City Road. We ran u the hill and to the residential unit. We went back inside and then Matthew had a bath and got ready for bad. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Fenton / Longton 07-03-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DV10 JCU	Benitlee	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Benitlee	Charter	Shelton Care Group
BV60 BAA	Benitlee	Longton	Charter	Roseville
BV60 BAA	Longton	Benitlee	Charter	Roseville

Today Matthew was in respite and he was going into his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Matthew at in his room whilst he waited for his transport to appear. On the ,main road we saw First Potteries 53122 on a #13 to Hanley.

First Potteries 53122 in Bentilee

we also saw Stanton's of Stoke minibus RUI 2486.

Stanton's of Stoke RUI 2486 in Bentilee

Matthew transport appeared and it was Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Bentilee

We got on the bus an we set off onto Dividy Road. We continued down the A5272 to Bucknall and we joined the A52. We saw First Potteries 37159 on a #32 to Uttoxeter. At the traffic light we followed the A52 to the left. At Joiners Square roundabout we turned left onto Victoria Road and we saw D&G Bus 139 on a Free Asda bus to Bucknall. At the top of the hill we turned sharp right onto City Road and then left onto Glebedale Road and to the day centre. In the morning Matthew watched a DVD. For dinner Matthew had cheese oatcakes followed by a Bakewell tart. In the afternoon Matthew went for a walk. We set off onto Christchurch Street and we went into the post office. Matthew brought a chocolate bar. We set off along Christchurch Street and we turned right onto Clifton Street. We went forwards onto Crawford Street and we walked on to the back Street of Welby Street adjacent to the railway line. We turned left onto Smithpool Road and we saw D&G Bus 199 on a #40 to Longton.

D&G 199 in Fenton

We carried on to the park and we went into the park and part way around the pool. After returning onto Smithpool Road we went back along the back of Welby Street and left onto Watkin Street. We turned right onto Masterson Street and across Christchurch Street and back to the day centre. when it was time to go back to respite we got back on Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned right onto City Road. We continued through Fenton onto King Street. We turned left onto Clarence Street. We crossed over Ashwood onto Longley Road and at the end we turned right onto Heathcote Street. We turned left onto Anchor Road and we ran up the hill to Adderley Green. We turned right onto the A5272 and we down to Bentilee and into respite. Matthew took another picture of Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU before it returned to the day centre.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Bentilee

Matthew returned to his room and watched the buses coming and going. We saw Stoke-on-Trent welfare bus FJ59 OES.

Stoke-on-Trent city council FJ59 OES in Bentilee

For tea Matthew had jacket potato with cheese followed by triffle. After tea Matthew went out shopping to Longton on Roseville minibus BV60 BAA. We set off onto Dividy Road and we ran East to Adderley Green where we stopped at the petrol station. We turned right onto Anchor Road and we ran down the hill to Longton and under the railway line. We went around the one-way system onto Commerce street and the Strand and we turned into the car park to visit B&M. Matthew went in the shop and brought a can of Coke. When we had finished shopping we returned to Roseville minibus BV60 BAA for the returned trip back to respite. We set off onto The Strand and we followed the one-way system onto Market Street. We turned left onto Anchor Road and we went under the railway line and up the hill to Adderley Green. At the roundabout we turned left onto the A5272 and we an into Bentilee and back to respite. Once back in respite Matthew played on a PS4 and chilled out. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. Matthew went to bed around 23:00...Mark

Trip to Joiners Square / Trent Vale 04-11-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DV10 JCU	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Joiners Square	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
67632	Blurton, opp Ladybank Grove	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going to the pub for his tea, but not before he had been to his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had a sausage sandwich and orange juice for breakfast. Just before 09:00 his transport to his day service turned up and it was Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Blurton

We got on the bus and we set off onto the A5035. We crossed over the railway line into Trentham. We turned right into New Inn lane and right again into Pacific Drive. After we picked up another service user we headed back onto New Inn Lane and then onto the A5035. We turned left at Church Road and then we went Forwards onto Blurton Road through Blurton and across the A50. We went through Heron Cross and onto Heron Street. Having crossed the railway line we went forwards onto Glebedale Road and to our destination. In the morning Matthew made a chocolate cheesecake. For dinner Matthew walked to KFC. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned right onto City Road. At the roundabout we turned right onto KFC. Matthew had a chicken burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. After we had finished eating we got a Intercity taxi to the pub. We set off ono the roundabout and turned left onto City Road. We turned right into Fountain Street and we followed the road around onto William Street. We turned right onto Manor street and at the end we turned left onto Victoria Road. We ran down the hill through Fenton to Joiners Square. We wen straight across onto Lichfield street and to our destination. When we got to the pub Matthew went to the toilet and then had a drink of Coke. Highlights of the bus sightings included Scraggs Buses YJ59 GHH on a #50 to Hanley, First Potteries 63098 on a #6A to Blythe Bridge and grey minibus PO16 WCD. Matthew listened to the Jukebox with tracks including a Steps song. When it was time to go we climbed aboard Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU for the return journey. We set off onto Palmerston Road and we turned right onto the A52. We turned left onto Victoria Road and we then turned right onto Warrington Road before re-joining the A52. We ran towards stoke passing near to the railway station. We continued along the A52 alongside the railway line and at the roundabout we turned left onto City Road. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and then left onto Temple Street. We then turned right onto Christchurch Street and we stopped briefly at the day centre. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we continued onto Station Bridge Road. We followed the road around onto Heron Street and we went through to Heron Cross. We traveled through Blurton along Blurton Road and we went forwards onto Church Road. At the end we went right onto the A5035. We crossed the railway into Trentham and then right into New Inn Lane. We saw St Dominics Academy minibus YS65 EYT parked up by the Trentham Hotel. After dropping of a service user we got back onto the A5035 and we ran into Blurton. We got home just before 15:00. Matthew had toast and orangeade whilst he waited for the time to go out and catch the bus. Today we decided we were going to try to travel to the pub via Stoke, so we set off onto Beaconsfield Drive. The bus to Stoke was due at 16:31. Whilst we waited for the bus we saw First Potteries 67601 on the #22 that we would usually do, running a few minutes late.

First Potteries 67601 in Blurton

A minute or to later we saw First Potteries 67632 on a #22 to Longton. In the meantime 10 minutes had passed and we hadn't seen a bus go towards Newstead, so the bus to Stoke was going to be at least another 10 minutes. At 17:05, 34 minutes after we should have caught to bus to Stoke, we decided to abandon the Stoke move and go direct catching the #22 to Trent Vale which we knew would be First Potteries 67632 and would only be running a few minutes late. We crossed over the road to the stop opposite and we we saw Mencap minibus EK03 GXH go past. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching and as it got closer we saw that it was First Potteries 67632 on the #22 to Newcastle, complete with poppy on the front.

First Potteries 67632 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Harpfield Road before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down Beaconsfield and we turned right onto Finstock Avenue. We followed the road around onto Magdalen Road and at the end we turned right onto the A5035. On the way up to the railway museum we passed First Potteries 53122 on a #22 to Longton and First Class Travel RO62 LTU. We ran over the railway line into Trentham and we saw silver patient tranfer minibus SF16 EPP. We turned right into New Inn Lane and we saw First Potteries 67156 on a #21 to the Trentham Hotel. We went past the main in Space and we climbed the hill and we A2B Airport WF11 MOA outside the Co-operative food store. We turned right into Wilson Road and we turned left Church Lane and we ran down the hill and joined the A34. As we joined the A34 we saw First Potteries 65033 on a #101 to Hanley and Anytime Airports PE11 RXA at the petrol station. We crossed under the A500 into Trent Vale and we passed First Potteries 42552 on a #21 to the Trentham Hotel. We were then passed by ABC Supreme NUI 1582 which was heading towards the hospital. We turned right into Harpfields Road. We got up and got off the bus and we walked back onto the A34 where we saw E-zec patient transport YN15 FFD. behind this was First Potteries 65042 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 65042 in Trent Vale

We got to the pub and mum was already inside. Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses included First Potteries 37160 on a #22 service to Longton and D&G Bus 142 running Southwards not in service towards the depot. When it was time to go we got in the car to go home and we went South down the A34 and we turned left onto the A500 and ran North. We continued up to Sideway and at the roundabout we saw Lucky Seven SH57 NHU go past us. We turned right onto the A50 where we saw Phil Smith's Travel minibus HN62 FMJ. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross dropping down into Fenton to pick uncle Dave up. Once we had picked him up we ran back up to Heron Cross and over the A50. We ran into Blurton along Blurton Road and We turned right into Church Road and right again onto Beaconsfield Drive where we saw First Potteries 41495 on a #22 to Longton. We got home around 18:45. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we sorted things out. Later on we had a slice of Matthew's chocolate cheescake. We chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Leek / Stoke 26-07-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DV10 JCU	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Leek	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Leek	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
41520	Stoke, adj stop X	Blurton, opp Ladybank Grove	23A	First Potteries

Today we had decided to renew the bus pass, but not before he had been to his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00. He got dressed and had a giant crumpet and orange juice for breakfast. Just before 09:00 his transport to his day service turned up and it was Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Blurton

We set off onto the A5035 and we went over the railway line and into Trentham. We turned right into New Inn Lane and we picked up another service user before. We rejoined the A5035 and we ran over the railway into Blurton before turning left into Church Road. We ran down through Blurton along Blurton Road and we joined the A50. We came off at the link Road and we ran up the hill to City Road. We ran down City Road and we turned left onto Glebedale Road and to our destination. In the morning Matthew chilled out in the sensory room and then used the computer. For dinner Matthew had pizza followed by cake. After dinner Matthew went our for a drive. For the trip we climbed aboard Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We set off onto Glebedale Road and right onto City Road. At the roundabout we turned left onto Victoria Road and we ran down to Joiners Square. We turned right onto the A52 and we ran to the traffic lights. We followed the road around to the right and we ran through Bucknall. We turned left onto Eaves Lanes Bucknall Grange and continued onto Greasley Road. Before we joined the A5009 we saw Stanton's of Stoke PSU 988 in a side street. We turned right onto the A5009 and we ran past the Cemetery to Milton and we turned left. We then ran through to Newford Crescent and onto the Northbound A53. We ran up through Stockton Brook and we saw First Potteries 65001. We continued North through Endon and Longsdon and we ran down the hill and over the Churnet and into Leek. We ran into the town centre and parked up and walked to The Cock Inn. In the pub Matthew went to the toilet and then had a drink of Coke. When it was time to go we climbed back aboard Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU for the driver home. We rana round the one way system an onto the A523 to the centre of town. We turned left onto the A53 and we ran near to the bus station and down to the A520. We went 'straight outta Compton' and forwards onto Cheddleton Road. We ran through crossed under the Ipstones branch of the railway and back over the Churnet Valley Railway and through Cheddleton to Wetley Rocks we saw M&A Travel minibus BG08 AET. At Cellarhead we turned right onto the A52 and we ran through Werrington and onto Ash Bank. We turned left onto Salters Lane and we ran through Hulme and onto Park Hall Road. In Adderley green we ran past the Scraggs depot and we saw Scraggs 8416 VT. At the roundabout we turned left onto Anchor Road and we saw First Potteries 41496 at the back of the depot. We ran down the hill and we turned right near to the bottom. We weaved our way around the back of Longton and we joined King Street West of Longton. We continued down onto City Road and then left into Glebedale Road and to our destination. After a brief stop we set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned right onto City Road. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A50 link road and then onto the Westbound A50 and we ran down to the Bet365 stadium. We ran along Stanley Matthews Way and we turned right onto the A5035 and we ran over the railway line in Trentham and we turned right into New Inn Lane. After dropping off another service user we came back towards Blurton. Matthew got home just before 15:00. Matthew took another picture of Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Blurton

Matthew had toast and a drink of orangeade whilst he waited for the time to go out. On a normal Tuesday we would have done the #22 to Grandma's. Between us we had seen all 3 buses... Unusually there was a Solo out today, First Potteries 53122. The other two turns were being worked by First Potteries 67601 & 67602. Around 16:00 we got in the car and we drove onto Beaconsfield Drive and left onto Church Road. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton to the A50. We went West onto the A50 and we passed D&G 112 on 'The Orange One', well off its normal route. We went South on the A500 briefly and we circled over the A500 onto Campbell Road. As we ran towards Stoke we passed Bennett's Mercedes minibus FY52 GOP. We joined the one-way system and we parked up by the market. We went into the One Stop Shop in Stoke and Matthew used the toilet. We got Matthew's pass in record time today. It was the quickest we have ever gotten his pass sorted in the last decade! Once we had sorted it, we went out onto Church Street and we said goodbye to mum. As we were about to set off onto Glebedale Street we saw D&G 171 on the #14A to Hanley.

D&G 171 in Stoke

We also saw First Potteries 53208 on a #23A to Hanley.

First Potteries 53208 in Stoke

We walked around the corner and we sat by the bus stop whilst we waited for the bus to come. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 67631 on a #2 to Newcastle and First Potteries 37146 on the #25 to Hanley. A few minutes later we saw a Dart approaching... As it got closer we saw that it was dud First Potteries 41520.

First Potteries 41520 in Stoke

We got on the bus and we booked to Blurton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along Glebe Street and we turned left onto Church Street. We crossed obver the A500 and we went under the railway line where we saw D&G 161 on a 'Nines' service to Clayton. Part way up city road we were flagged down by passing Alton Towers Transport T743 JHE which was on a E2 service. The driver of the other vehicle was telling our driver about a crash on City Road by the bed shop. The road ahead had been closed. That explained why we saw 'The Orange One' service on the A50 earlier. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and one of the staff member from Matthew's day centre got on the bus. We continued forwards onto Wheildon Road and we ran up to Heron Cross via Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We ran through Blurton along Blurton Road and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Road and when the bus got to the end we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 41520 before it carried on towards Newstead.

First Potteries 41520 in Blurton

We walked home and we got into the house around 17:00. We chiiled outat home and then we went out for MacDonalds. We set off onto Beaconsfield Drive and then left onto Church Road. We ran down through Blurton along Blurton Road and we joined the A50. We came off at the link Road and we ran up the hill to City Road were we saw Intercity SV07 VDL. At the roundabout we turned right onto Victoria Road. We ran down the hill to the Macdonalds Drive Thru, and after we had picked up Matthews food we ran back up the hill to City Road. We stopped at KFC for our tea, and then we joined the A50 link road. Westbound A50 and we ran down to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton onto Church Road. We joined the Westbound A50 and we ran down to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we got home around 19:45. Matthew had a hamburger and chicken nuggets with fries , washed down with a cup of Coke. He then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Newcastle / Biddulph 18-06-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67639	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trentham, adj Man-in-Space	22	First Potteries
41495	Trentham, adj Man-in-Space	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop R	21	First Potteries
41512	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop Q	Newcastle BS	2	First Potteries
32077	Newcastle BS	Tunstall, adj stop A	99	First Potteries
53122	Tunstall, adj stop B	Newcastle BS	99	First Potteries
32078	Newcastle BS	Porthill, Adj St Andrew's Church	99	First Potteries
53155	Porthill, Opp St Andrew's Church	Newcastle BS	98	First Potteries
65042	Newcastle BS	Newcastle BS	101	First Potteries
53041	Hanley BS	Biddulph, Adj Somerfield Store	7A	First Potteries
53122	Biddulph BS	Hanley BS	7A	First Potteries
66838	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	25	First Potteries

Today we decided to do a local trip. We had researched the the weather and it was for mainly cloudy dry weather. We gave Matthew a list of 2 places to choose from and from the list he chose Stoke & Tunstall. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had a giant crumpet and orange juice for breakfast. After he got dressed we set off to the bus stop all the over on Magdalen Road. We decided to go to Stoke for dinner, and we would travel via Trentham and catch a #21 service forwards. We waited at the bus stop for a Newcastle bound #22, and a few minutes later we saw an Enviro300 come around the corner from Finstock Avenue. As it got closer we saw that it was dud First Potteries 67639.

First Potteries 67639 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked a Smart Day ticket at £5.30 before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set of onto the A5035 and we crossed over the railway line into Trentham. We saw Free Spirits white minibus MK52 PXH parked up by the Trentham Hotel and we turned right into New Inn Lane. We saw the man in Space ahead of us and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we saw tat we had around a 10 minute wait for the #21 to Stoke. A few minutes later we saw required First Potteries 41495 on the #21 to the Trentham Hotel, so we knew we ere going to get a required bus. The bus turned into Pacific Drive and appeared again a few minutes later before going right onto New Inn Lane. Whilst we waited for the bus to returned we saw the next #22 to Longton approaching... As I got closer we saw that it was required First Potteries 67637. A minute or so later we saw required First Potteries 41495 reappear up New Inn Lane and we flagged it down.

First Potteries 41495 in Trentham

Just before we got on the bus we saw MJ Travel DE06 WZR go by. We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart day ticket to the driver. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 41495 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside First Potteries 41495

We set off up New Inn Lane and we turned right into Wilson Road an then left into Church Lane. We joined the A34 and we ran under the A500 into Trent Vale. We turned right into London Road and we ran through Oak Hill and the the West End before running into Stoke Town centre and Campbell Place. There was nothing of interest parked up in City cabs and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 41495 before it carried on towards Hanley.

First Potteries 41495 in Stoke

We went to cross the road and we saw First Potteries 53060 on a #21A to Trentham Gardens.

First Potteries 53060 in Stoke

We walked along Campbell Place around the corner and into Church Street. We went in a Matthew went to the toilet and the lady behind the counter sorted out our usual order! Matthew had his breakfast and washed it down with a can of Coke. After we had finished we said goodbye and we walked down to the Newcastle bus stop. A few minutes later we saw a couple of First Potteris Caetano bodied Darts approaching. The leading Dart was First Potteries 41522 on a #23A. Bringing up the rear was First Potteries 41512 on a #2 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 41512 in Stoke

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Church Street and we went forwards onto Hartshill Road. We climbed the hill and we went down into Newcastle down George Street. We turned left onto Barracks Road and we entered the bus station. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 41512.

Inside First Potteries 41512

We got off the bus and we had a look around to see what was about. On layover in Stubbs Street was First Potteries 37159.

First Potteries 37159 in Newcastle bus station

We also saw Arriva Midlands 3695 displaying #164 Newcastle... Service were terminating in Newcastle instead of Hanley due to the Women's tour cycling race.

Arriva Midlands 3695 in Newcastle bus station

We sat on the seat at the bottom of the bus station and Matthew had a Toffee Crisp. Whilst we waited to see if there was a suitable bus to do we saw ABC Supreme BU04 FKE.

ABC Supreme BU04 FKE in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes later we saw an ALX400 double decker enter the bus station at the Northern end off Barracks Road. It came down Stubbs Street and as it got closer we saw that it was dud First Potteries 32077 on a #98 service.

First Potteries 32077 in Newcastle bus station

We decided to do this bus as it was going to become a #99 to Chell via Tunstall. We walked up to the top of the bus station and we waited for the bus to be readied. A few minutes later we got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. As the rear of the top deck was empty, Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 32077 before we sat down.

Inside First Potteries 32077

The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We crossed the Jubilee Roundabout onto the A527 and we ran through Wolstanton and to Porthill. We ran down the hill and we crossed the A500 and we ran into Longport. At Trubshaw Cross we turned left onto Brownhills Road we climbed the hill into Tunstall town centre. We went straight onto Tunstall High Street and we passed First Potteries 37146 on a Newcastle bound #99 service. At the top of the High Street we got up and got off the bus. Matthew then took another picture of First Potteries 32077 before it carried on towards Chell Heath.

First Potteries 32077 in Tunstall

We turned to see Roseville minibus EX57 HKT going North up the High Street.

Roseville EX57 HKT in Tunstall

We walked down to the Tunstall Cafe and Matthew went to the toilet whilst I sort out his food. The lady here also now knows our order by heart! Matthew had a slice of Toffee Cheesecake which he washed down with a can of Coke. One we had finished eating we said goodbye and then we crossed the road to the bus stop opposite. Matthew had indicated that he wanted to do the #99 back to Newcastle, so when First Potteries 67640 appeared on the #3 to Hanley we turned this down. A few minutes later we saw a First Potteries Solo turn the corner. As it got closer we saw that it was required First Potteries 53122.

First Potteries 53122 in Tunstall

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We sat off down the High Street and forwards onto Brownhills Road. We ran down the hill to Trubshaw Cross and we joined Longport Road. We crossed over the roundabout and climbed Porthill bank before turning left onto Wolstanton High Street. We ran through Wolstanton and out the other side and down into Newcastle. We crossed the Jubilee Roundabout and we ran onto barracks Road before we turned into the bus station. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 53122.

Inside First Potteries 53122

Once off the bus we went to investigate the Arriva Midlands Versa. It was required Arriva Midlands 2993 on a truncated #164 service.

Arriva Midlands 2993 in Newcastle bus station

Matthew headed to the toilet. Afterwards we walked back down to the bottom end of the bus station. We then saw D&G Solo SR 101 arrive on a #85 to Crewe.

D&G 101 in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes alter we saw another First Potteries ALX400 come into the bus station from the North. As it got closer we saw that it was required First Potteries 32078 on a #98 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 32078 in Newcastle bus station

It was going to work the next #99 to Chell Heath so we decided to do this bus. We walked to the top end of the bus station and by the time we got there the bus was already loading. We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 32078 before we sat down.

Inside First Potteries 32078

The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We crossed the Jubilee Roundabout and we went forwards onto the A527. We ran through Wolstanton, and we were going out the other side Matthew decided he wanted to get up and get off the bus. Once off the bus, Matthew got another picture of First Potteries 32078.

First Potteries 32078 in Porthill

We crossed the road at the crossing and we walked to the bus stop opposite. We didn't have to wait long at all before we saw a raspberry coloured Solo approaching. As it got closer we confirmed it was required First Potteries 53155 on a #99 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 53155 in Porthill

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We ran back through Wolstanton along the High Street and out the other side into Newcastle. We crossed the roundabout and we went onto Barracks Road before we entered the bus station. In the bus station unusually was a silver coach. We waited for the bus to empty and then Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 53155.

Inside First Potteries 53155

Once off the Solo, We looked across at the silver coach, which was Holmeswood Coaches PO16 HTD which was working a shuttle service to the Ethiad Stadium in Conjunction with The Stone Roses concert in Manchester. The coach departed quickly and we decided to go towards Hanley next. We turned around to see required First Potteries 65042 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 65042 in Newcastle bus station

We decided to do this bus, so we walked over to it and got on. We flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We crossed the Jubilee Roundabout and we went onto the A53 one way system. We followed the road around the one way system onto George Street At the roundabout we went onto Shelton New Road and we ran through Etruria up to Snow Hill. We turned left to go towards Hanley and we queued for a while trying to get into town. At the ring road, instead of going Straight onto Broad Street, we turned right onto the ring road due to the cycling road closures. We ran around to Bethesda Street and we came into the bus station up John Street. The bus didn't unload very quickly, so we skipped getting a picture inside the bus and we got off. Matthew used the toilet and then we headed outside the bus station to go to John Street car park. Outside Matthew spotted a coach... It was Holmeswood Coaches PO16 HTD again making another stop on it's way to the Ethiad Stadium.

Holmeswood PO16 HTD in Hanley bus station

On the way across to the car park we saw a Routemaster outside the Victoria Theatre. It was Routemaster Buses (of Nantwich) RML2515 which was being used for a wedding.

Routemaster Buses RML2515 in Hanley bus station

We carried on towards the car park and we saw what might have been the return of the first through. It was Arriva Midlands 3696 on a #164 to Shrewsbury.

Arriva Midlands 3696 in Hanley bus station

We went into the car park and we took a few pictures. We saw First Potteries 67635 on a #3 to Crewe.

First Potteries 67635 in Hanley bus station

We also saw required D&G 100 which was unusually on a #9 service to Clayton.

D&G 100 in Hanley bus station

Matthew drank a small bottle of lemonade followed by a bag of Milky Stars which he shared with me and uncle Dave. We decided to go back down to the bus station and catch something else. We stopped at the Spar shop and Mathew had a can of Coke and a bottle of Irn Bru as well as a couple of bar of chocolate. Once we had finished and paid in the shop Matthew decided he wanted to go towards Biddulph. Matthew turned down required First Potteries 41498 which was on a #7 to Kidsgrove. We could have done this to Chell and caught to following #7A. He also turned down required D&G 157 which was on the #9 to Biddulph. A few minutes later We saw dud First Potteries 53041 get readied for service and come onto stand from one of the layover spaces.

First Potteries 53041 in Hanley bus station

We set off out of the bus station and we ran down onto Bethesda Street. We joined the ring road and we ran around to Etruria Road and we ran up Trinity Street to Stafford Street. We carried on to Quadrant Road and we left Hanley along Town Road. We traveled through Sneyd Green and over Smallthorne roundabouts to Chell. At the roundabout we turned right and we ran down the A527 through Brindley Ford. We turned left to run through Brown Lees. We crossed over the A527 at Knypersley and we ran around through the housing estates of Biddulph before running into town along Well Street. We turned right onto the High Street and left onto South View where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 53041 before it turned around for the journey back to Hanley.

First Potteries 53041 in Biddulph

Behind us was D&G 191, which was on a #94 to Congleton.

D&G 191 in Biddulph

We went to the toilet and afterwards we walked down to the kebab house on the top of the High Street and we brought some fries. On the corner of High Street and Wharf Road we saw D&G 157 returning to Clayton on the #9 service. We went to the bus station shelter and we ate our chips. Matthew also drank a bottle of irn Bru. Whilst we were there we saw First Potteries 37146 on a #7A to Hanley. After we had finished eating we sat outside in the sun whilst we waited 15 minutes for the next #7A. The D&G bus turned up first and it was dud D&G 159 on the #9 service. The #7A turned up and it was dud First Potteries 53122.

First Potteries 53122 in Biddulph bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off onto High Street and we turned left onto Well Street. We ran around the estate and we crossed over the A527 at Knypersley We ran through Brown Lees and we rejoined the A527 by the industrial estate. We ran down through Brindley Ford and Fegg Hayes and then we ran up the hill to Chell. We turned left onto High Lane and we ran back through Smallthorne & Sneyd Green into Hanley. When we got back to Hanley we walked down to the bottom stands to catch something towards Newcastle. On stand was was First Potteries 66838 on a #25 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 66838 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart day ticket to the driver for the final time today. We ran down through Stoke and Hartshill through the hospital and int Newcastle. We got off the bus and we saw First Potteries 32057 on a #98 to Ball Green.

First Potteries 32057 in Newcastle bus station

We also saw Roseville minibus SA05 ENF.

Roseville SA05 ENF in Newcastle bus station

Mum picked us up and we we ran down the A34 to Trent Vale where we saw silver minibus PF15 AHY. We stopped for some chips and then we continued on to the A500 where we went North. At Sideway. We went East on the A50 an we came off the at Longton to see what was parked up at Z Carz today. In the first row was Z Carz Ford minibus YS09 LWV.

Z Carz YS09 LWV in Longton

We also saw Z carz Renault minibus MV53 KKO.

Z Carz MV53 KKO in Longton

We also saw Z Carz minibus Y568 XFV.

Z Carz Y568 XFV in Longton

Nearest on the first row was Z Carz minibus X599 WDY.

Z Carz X599 WDY in Longton

On the second row was Z Carz minibus CN57 HWA.

Z Carz CN57 HWA in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row to see what was in the compound. Amongst the cars was Z Carz Mercedes minibus CE02 LYX.

Z Carz CE02 LYX in Longton

We headed back onto the A50 and we passed Copeland's Tours Bova coach MIB 516. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and we ran through Blurton along Blurton Road. We turned right int Church Road and then right again into Baeconsfield Drive where we saw white minibus NX03 BFP. We got home around 19:00. For a late tea we had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a Manchester Tart. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 01:00... Mark