Trip to Newcastle / Meir 28-09-2026

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63356	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11X	First Potteries
63356	Newcastle BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew in the residential unit and was going out for tea, but first he was going out on the bus. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Matthew chilled out in his room until it was time to go out. We saw City Centre Central BF60 WCP parked up outside. Later on we went downstairs and we set off onto City Road. On the way to the bus stop. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63356 on a #11X to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63356 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre along Church Street. After a brief stop in Stoke we continued along church Street and onto Hartshill Road and past the former pub where we are building a new convenience store. We ran up the hill and into Hartshill. We ran forwards onto George Street and we ran down the hill into Newcastle. We turned left at the roundabout onto Barracks Road and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. We walked out of the bus station and we saw First Potteries 63346 on a #39 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63346 in Newcastle bus station

We set off onto Hassell Street and we turned right onto High Street and we stopped at Cash Converters. We walked up High Street and we stopped at Subway and Matthew had a chicken Sub with a cup of Coke and a cookie. We crossed over and we walked across to the bowling alley and then Matthew had a few games of bowling. We walked back onto High Street and we walked onto Hassell Street. We continued down Castle Walk and we stopped Bristish Heart Foundation Home and Fashion and Matthew bought some boots. We walked down Castle walk and stopped at Cancer Research. We continued up Castle Walk and we went down to the bottom end of the bus station. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 63352 on a #101 to Stafford. A few minutes later a bus appeared and it was First Potteries 63356 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63356 in Newcastle bus station

Whilst we waited for the bus sto be readied for service, we saw Hotspur 573 on a #64 to Shrewsbury.

Hotspur 573 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto Barracks Road and we ran up to the Jubilee roundabout. We ran onto the A53 and around the one-way system onto the A52. We ran up George Street into Hartshill and we ran down the hill into Stoke town centre. After a brief stop we continued along Church Street out of Stoke and over the A500. We ran under the railway line and we continued onto City Road. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. We crossed over city Road and walked back to the residential unit. Matthew went back upstairs to chill out in his room and use his computer and watch buses out of the window and we saw Safeguard HX70 FUT. We went downstairs and we got in a car. We set of onto temple street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. We turned right onto Station Bridge Road and we turned right onto Heron Street. We ran forwards onto Blurton Road and we turned left onto the Eastbound A50. We ran up to Meir and we turned left onto the A520. We turned right onto Woodville Road and we ran onto Meir Square. We continued onto Colclough Road and we parked up. We went into the village and Matthew had a can of Coke. Matthew went to the the toilet and afterwards we returned to Blurton. We set off along Colclough Road and we turned right onto Staunton Road. We turned left onto the A520 and we turned right to join the Westbound A50. We came off at Longton and we ran onto Roslyn Road. We turned left onto the A5035 and we ran through Dresden into Blurton around 15:12. Matthew chilled out on his computer and had a red velevet cheesecake and a can of Cherry Coke. We wrote the Blog and watch TV. Around 16:49 we got ready to return to the residential unit. We got in the car and we set off through Burton and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive where we saw silver minibus D11 SCX parked up. We turned left onto Church Street and left onto Blurton Road. We went through the traffic lights onto Heron Steeet. We carried on forwards onto Station Bridge Road we turned left onto Christchurch Street and we turned left onto Masterson Street and we turned right onto Watkin Street and we continued onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto City Road. We ran down the hill and under the railway line into Stoke. We crossed over the A500. We turned left onto Church Street and we ran around the one-way system. We turned right onto Campbell Place and left onto Hartshill Road. 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. We continued onto the Southbound A34. We headed down to the Cherry Tree where we had tea. Matthew had a glass of Coke. Afterwards he had hunters chicken and fries followed by cheesecake and ice cream. Once we had finished eating we set off and we carried on along the A34 and we turned right onto Barracks Road. We turned left onto Ryecroft and we pulled up. We dropped out our friend and we continued along Ryecroft and onto the one-way system. We ran up George Street to Hartshill and we went forwards onto Shelton New Road past the site of the former furniture shop where they are now building new houses. We ran into the valley and we joined the Southbund A500. We ran to Stoke and we turned left onto the A500 at City Road. We ran under the railway line and up the hill into Fenton. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs and Matthew went to his room. Matthew spent time in his room watching television and using his computer. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Newcastle / Crewe 16-11-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63103	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
63345	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	38	First Potteries
112	Newcastle BS	Crewe BS	85	D&G Bus
573	Crewe BS	Newcastle BS	85	D&G Bus
67181	Newcastle BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to Crewe on the bus. 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. Later on we went downstairs and we set off onto City Road. We walked down to the bus stop outside the flats. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63103 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63103 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat 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 turned right onto Shelton Old Road and we saw Travel Express LK67 FWJ parked up th the depot. We ran forwards onto Stoke Road. We ran under the railway line and up through Shelton. We ran up Broad Street and we turned right onto the anti-clockwise ring road. We turned left onto Bethesda Street and right onto John Street. We climbed the hill and up into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew visited the toilet. Once of the bus Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we went across Lichfield Street and we saw they were setting up Winter Wonderland, At the near end of the site was a Helter Skelter. We saw Sovereign Coaches WJ17 EZK.

Sovereign Coaches WJ17 EZK in Hanley

We continued along Tontine Street. We continued onto Tontine Square and we visited the Card Factory. After we had finished we walked across Tontine Square onto Parliament Row. We stopped at Poundland and Matthew brought a bottle of Coke. We walked along Parliament Row and we went to the Pound Bakery and Matthew had a sausage roll and a bottle of Coke in a bag. We set off along Parliament Row and we turned right onto Old Hall Street. We turned left onto Lichfield Street and we returned to the bus station. At the bus station Matthew ate his sausage roll and drank his bottle of Coke. A few mninutes later the bus appeared. It was First Potteries 63345 on a #38 to Kidsgrove.

First Potteries 63345 in Hanley bus station

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 road we turned right onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto Broad Street and then we joined the clockwise ring road. At the end we turned left onto Etruria Road before going under the A53 onto Festival Way. We ran past Waterworld and we turned left onto Forge Lane past a new minibus building by the Brindley Farm pub. We looped under the A53 and we joined the Westbound A53. We crossed over the A500 at Etruria and and we ran up the hill into Basford and we ran down hill to the edge of Newcastle and we got onto the one way system. At the jubilee roundabout we turned left onto Barracks Road before turning right into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew used the toilet and we walked out of the bus station onto Castle Walk and we turned left onto Ironmarket. We turned left onto High Street and left onto Hassell Street. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we waited for a bus towards Crewe. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 67181 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67181 in Newcastle bus station

The bus turned the corner and as it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 112 on a #85 to Nantwich. 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 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 ran towards Crewe railway station. We past the railway station and we continued for around 1/2 mile before turning right into Edlestone Road. We ran into town crossing over the railway line and forwards onto Chester Bridge. We followed the road around onto Delamere Street and we turned right into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we saw D&G Bus 582 on a #31 to Northwich. We waited for the next bus back to Newcastle. A few mninutes later the bus appeared. It was D&G Bus 573 on a #85 to Newcastle. We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before we sat down. We set off out of the bus station onto Delamere Street and we followed the road around onto Chester Bridge. We ran forwards onto Edleston Road and we turned left onto 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 it was required First Potteries 67181 on a #11 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto Barracks Road and we ran up to the Jubilee roundabout. We ran onto the A53 and around the one-way system onto the A52. We ran up George Street into Hartshill and we ran down the hill into Stoke town centre. After a brief stop we continued along Church Street out of Stoke and over the A500. We ran under the railway line and we continued onto City Road. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. We crossed over city Road and walked back to the residential unit. Matthew went back upstairs and Matthew went to his room to chill out. Later on Matthew went out to KFC. Matthew went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and right onto City Road, We walked past Philpots and at the roundabout we turned right into KFC. Matthew had a chickenburger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. Once we had finished eating we walked back along City Road and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to chill out in his room. He watched television and used his computer. Matthew had a drink of orange. 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 Accrington 01-03-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
N195 LFV	Accrington BS	West End, opp Percy Street	46	M&M Coaches
MC53 MMC	West End, by Percy Street	Accrington BS	46	M&M Coaches
N201 UHH	Accrington BS	Laneside, by Haywood Road	19	M&M Coaches
1304	Accrington, o/s Victoria Hospital	Accrington, opp Lister Street	7	Transdev Lancashire United
N379 PNY	Accrington, by Lister Street	Accrington BS	1	M&M Coaches
1828	Accrington BS	Great Harwood, by Towngate	7	Transdev Lancashire United
1306	Great Harwood, by Holgate Street	Accrington BS	6	Transdev Lancashire United
573	Accrington BS	Oswaldtwistle, by Rhyddings Street	6A	Transdev Lancashire United
205	Oswaldtwistle, opp Rhyddings Street	Accrington BS	7A	Transdev Lancashire United

Today we decided to pay another visit to Accrington. I gave him a list of places to go of which first choice this week was Sale so he could do a few Finglands buses before they left the First Manchester fleet, but Matthew chose Accrington. We did no research for today other than to check local football fixtures and to check the weather. The weather was forecast for a cool day with sunny intervals. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 11;40 today, going onto the A5035 and then onto Stanley Matthews way. We saw 2 unidentifed Barkerbus coaches on the car park near the Britannia Stadium before going around the roundabout behind Optare bodied Commandery Coaches YX54 BHD. We went West on the A50 and then North on the A500 up to Shelton New Road so that we could take on LPG. After gassing up went West on the A53 and then back onto the Northbound A500. We turned onto the Northbound M6 and traffic was moving quite well. In Cheshire we passed two Copeland's Tours coaches heading South. First we saw MIB 236 followed by MIB 229 a few minutes later. It was the first time we had seen MIB 229 on the road since arriving at Copeland's Tours. We carried on North up through the roadworks on Thelwall Viaduct and then onto the Eastbound M62. We took the clockwise M60 and just after the M61 junction we passed Stagecarriage S467 GUB. We carried on until we reached the M66 which we did North up to the A56. When we reached the A680 we turned right towards Accrington and drove the last few miles into town. We parked up on the car park near the railway station and we walked into town. On the way we stopped to take a few pictures. We saw Pilkington Bus R846 VEC on the #20 Hyndburn circular service.

Pilkington Bus R846 VEC in Accrington bus station

We also saw required M&M Coaches N201 UHH on the #2 service and required M&M Coaches MC53 MMC on the #46 to Blackburn. After using the toilet we crossed over the road to the bus stop cafe on Peel Street. Matthew had breakfast washed down with a glass of Coke. Whilst we ate we also saw required M&M Coaches N379 PNY on the #1 Oswaldtwistle - Clayton-le-Moors circular service. Three out of Three required buses seen with only one left to view. hen we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and headed off to the bus stops. As we needed MC53 MMC we decided to check out the final M&M Coaches bus on the #46 which we could do up to the West end for MC53 MMC back. Whilst we waited we saw Transdev Lancashire United 401 on the X41 to Blackburn.

Transdev Lancashire United 401 in Accrington bus station

We also saw required Transdev Lancashire United 205 on the #7A to Blackburn. We didn't have to wait long before required M&M Coaches N195 LFV appeared on the #46 to Blackburn. Four out of Four bus out today required!

M&M Coaches N195 LFV in Accrington bus station

We got on the bus and booked a return to the West End. The bus was almost empty when we got on and Matthew was able to get a picture inside the bus straight away.

Inside M&M Coaches N195 LFV

We sat down near the back and the bus set off out of town. As we got on the bus we saw dud but interesting Pilkington BUs G306 UYN on an #20A Hyndburn circular service. We set of out of town and onto Blackburn Road. We passed Transdev Lancashire United Optare Tempo 1307 on a #7 service and we turned to the right and continue on Blackburn Road. When we reached the West end of town we got off N195 LFV and it climbed the hill into the distance towards Blackburn. We crossed over the road and we didn't have to wait for long before we saw MC53 MMC appear over the horizon. As the bus approaches Matthew got a picture of this fine Mercedes minibus.

M&M Coaches MC53 MMC on Blackburn Road

We got on and flashed our return tickets and sat down near the back of the bus. The bus had really nice high backed coach seat fitted throughout. We headed back down the hill and we veered right at the junction to head into town. When we got back to Accrington Matthew waited for the bus to empty before taking a picture inside of M&M Coaches MC53 MMC.

Inside M&M Coaches MC53 MMC

We decided to take a few pictures whilst we waited for N201 UHH to make another appearance. On the X41 to Blacburn was Transdev Lancashire United 440.

Transdev Lancashire United 440 in Accrington bus station

Whilst we had the chance we also took another picture of M&M Coaches MC53 MMC whilst it was stationary.

M&M Coaches MC53 MMC in Accrington bus station

We then saw required Pilkington Bus X591 USC on a clockwise hyndburn circular. We visited the toilet and M&M Coaches N379 PNY appeared on the Clayton-le-Moors bound #1.

M&M Coaches N379 PNY in Accrington bus station

We turned it down for now, as we were going to try and do it up to Oswaldtwistle a bit later. There was quite a bit of activity in bus station at this time. Pilkington Bus X374 NNO was on an anticlockwise Hyndburn Circular and Rossendale Easyride 206 was on the #464 to Rochdale.

Rossendale 206 in Accrington bus station

'Rosso' branded 100 was photographed on the #484 to Bury.

Rossendale 100 in Accrington bus station

We had a quick drink of Cherryade and then we walked around to the stop to wait for the #9 Laneside circular. A few minutes before departure time, required M&M Coaches N201 UHH made an appearance as predicted with our driver friend at the wheel.

M&M Coaches N201 UHH in Bridge Street

We worked out which direction the bus was going in, and booked a single up to the hospital. The plan was now to do this to the Hospital for a Transdev bus back, and then do N379 PNY up to Oswaldtwistle. The bus set off out of town and as we headed up Whalley Road towards the hospital we passed M&M Coaches N379 PNY going the other way... Drat! A couple of minutes later and we would have been on it. The bus turned the corner into Queens Road and we got off. We walked back around the corner and stood at the stop by the hospital to wait for a bus back. We didn't have to wait for long before we saw a required bus approaching. We knew it was required because we had never been on a Transdev Optare Tempo. As it got closer we saw it was required Transdev Lancashire United 1304.

Transdev Lancashire United 1304 on Whalley Road

We got on we booked local day tickets before we sat down near the back. We decided to do this bus through to Oswaldtwistle to try and head off N379 PNY. We headed back down Whalley Road and into town along Abbey Street. We waited in Accrington for a few minutes and then we set off along Blackburn Road. Time was getting on and we didn't know when the bus was due back the other way. A family got on the bus and they were messing about getting on the bus and sorting money and tickets. We decided to cut our losses and get off at the next stop to make sure we didn't miss our final required M&M Coaches bus of the day. We got off crossed the road.A quick look at the bus stop revealed we had around 5 minutes to wait so we could have gone a little further. Pretty much bang on time the final required M&M Coaches bus of the day made it's appearance on the #1 service.

M&M Coaches N379 PNY on Blackburn Road

We got on and sat down near the back. The bus went back into town along Blackburn Road and we turned into Peel Street at the end of our journey. Matthew waited for the bus to empty before getting a picture inside M&M Coaches N379 PNY.

Inside M&M Coaches N379 PNY

We decided to go to the papershop and get some food in. Matthew brought a bottle or Irn Bru and some chocolate and a Millionaire Shortbread. We sat on the seats outside the shop an Matthew ate the shortbread. We decided we would use the Transdev day ticket to go after Transdev Lancashire United 205. It is a bus we have seen about and one that used to be a Park and Ride bus in Norwich many years ago. At this point I had forgotten it was on the it was on the 7A. I had also forgotten that the #7A and #6A only run on the Oswaldtwistle side of the run. After going to the toilet Transdev Lancashire United 1828 was on the #7 circular service.

Transdev Lancashire United 1828 in Accrington bus station

We got on and sat down near the back. A check of the Blog revealed that this bus was dud! We had been on this bus back from Knuzden back in December 2013. We decided to do this to Great Harwood in the hope of getting Transdev Lancashire United 205 back! The bus set off up Whalley Road and into Clayton-le-Moors. The bus emptied out a little and Matthew took a picture in the bus facing forwards.

Inside Transdev Lancashire United 1828

We turned into Harwood New Road and then we turned into Park Road and Queen Street. When we reached the familiar Towngate area of town we got off the bus and got another picture of Transdev Lancashire United.

Transdev Lancashire United 1828 in Great Harwood

When we got off we didn't have to wait for long before required Transdev Lancashire United 1306 appeared. I was going to turn it down to wait for 205 to turn up. I would have been waiting for a long time... Matthew insisted on doing the bus and he was right...

Transdev Lancashire United 1306 in Great Harwood

We got on and unusually Matthew wanted to sit on the seat behind the driver. We set off back passed Tesco and out of town before turning right towards Clayton-le-Moors. When we got back we we saw Mercedes minibus V53 EWB parked up. We decided to wait for either a #7 or #7A towards Oswaldtwistle. Going in the other direction towards Great Harwood was required Transdev Lancashire United 1827.

Transdev Lancashire United 1827 in Accrington

Required Transdev Lancashire United 573 made an appearance on the #7A so we decided to do this in the hope of heading off 205. Whilst the bus was loading we crossed over the road so that we could get a good picture of 573.

Transdev Lancashire United 573 in Accrington bus station

The bus had filled up and we sat down near the back. The bus set off out of town along the Blackburn Road. About a mile out of town we took the left turn into Market Street. We headed through Oswaldtwistle and we passed Transdev Lancashire United Optare Versa 258 on an inbound #7A. At least that one was out of the way... As we traveled through Oswaldtwistle Matthew took a picture of an empty seat on this bus.

A seat on Transdev Lancashire United 573

We decided to get off near the monument, and we crossed over the road to wait for the bus back. The next bus back was a #7A so perhaps if we were lucky it would be 205. A few minutes later the bus was due and we could see it sweep down into the valley. Unbelievably it just happened to be the bus we were hoping for Transdev Lancashire United 205.

Transdev Lancashire United 205 in Oswaldtwistle

We got on and we sat down near the back. The bus passed through Oswaldtwistle and back onto Blackburn Road. The inside of this bus was unusual with its blue seats and grey handrails. When we got back to Accrington Matthew waited for the bus to empty before getting a picture inside this bus.

Inside Transdev Lancashire United 205

Matthew wanted the toilet and the public toilet on Peel Street had closed for the day. So we took him into a pub called The Calder on Blackburn Road. After he had used the toilet he insisted on going to the bar for a drink. He had a bottle of Coke which he took back to the car. In the car he had his sausage roll and we set off out of town. We went around the time on the A680 and headed down to the A56. We continued onto the M66 and then onto the anti-clockwise M60. The matrix sign were flashing for delays on the M60 between junction 13-10. I knew junction 10 was beyond where we needed but I wasn't sure if 13 was back towards the M62. It turned out that it was and we were stuck in traffic for a short while. Whilst there we saw South Lancs Travel 71 on a #300 service. We joined the M62 and the traffic problems eased as we headed West to the M6. It was now fully dark and w went south to the A500. On the A500 we passed Z Carz CN57 HWA. We went down to the A50 which we did to Longton so that we could check out the Z carz depot. At first we could only see 3 vehicles parked up but Z Carz D104 XAN was maneuvering back into the row. First in the row was Z Carz M534 RSO.

Z Carz M534 RSO in Longton

Next to this was now Z Carz D104 XAN.

Z Carz D104 XAN in Longton

This was followed by Mercedes minibus used on school bus work S952 VMY.

Z Carz S952 VMY in Longton

Finally was Z Carz M372 NWN another bus used on school work.

Z Carz M372 NWN in Longton

We turned into Willow Row to look in the compound where we saw SORN LDV minibus T408 JUX. We headed back onto the A50 and into Heron Cross. There we saw Lightning Travel T2 DLT and the current bus being refurbished YN04 CUY. We got back home around 19:10. Matthew had a late tea of bangers and mash with carrots followed by cake. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:30...Mark

Trip to Accrington 14-12-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
L310 YDU	Accrington BS	Barnfield, by Clarendon Street	19	M&M Coaches
L310 YDU	Barnfield, by Clarendon Street	Accrington BS	19	M&M Coaches
N617 VSS	Accrington BS	West End, opp Percy Street	46	M&M Coaches
P350 NKH	West End, by Percy Street	Accrington BS	46	M&M Coaches
401	Accrington BS	West End, by Percy Street	X41	Transdev Lancashire United
405	West End, opp Percy Street	Accrington BS	X41	Transdev Lancashire United
1831	Accrington BS	Knuzden Brook, opp Old Mother Redcap	6	Transdev Lancashire United
1828	Knuzden Brook, by Old Mother Redcap	Accrington BS	7	Transdev Lancashire United

Today we decided to re-visit Accrington. We didn't decided to go to Accrington until the night before so we didn't do any research for this trip except to check the weather. The weather was forecast for mild temperatures (9'), and heavy rain! Matthew got up just after 10:00 and had toast and blackcurrant juice for breakfast. We set off at 11:30 as we had to pick uncle Dave up on the way. We turned onto the A5035 and then onto Stanley Matthews Way. We then headed East into Heron Cross and then into Fenton. We picked uncle Dave up and then headed onto the A500. We did the A500 up to Shelton new road where we came off to get LPG. At the LPG place was a Roseville taxi. Matthew used to have Roseville as his school transport some time around 2002. We then headed West on the A53 and back onto the Northbound A500. We headed onto the Northbound M6 which was busy but moving quite well. There was a little congestion on the Eastbound M62 up to junction 11 as there were some roadworks. After this it was plain sailing. We headed onto the clockwise M60 and then North on the M66. North of Ramsbottom the M66 becomes the A56 and we did this up to the A680. We did the A680 for the last few miles into Accrington and then we found a parking space after a bit of driving around town. The town was busier than we have seen before but not too busy. We started to walk to the bus stop cafe on Peel Street. When we got to the corner of Peel Street we saw Transdev Lancashire United 202, which used to be a Norwich park & ride bus many years ago.

Transdev Lancashire United 202 in Accrington

We walked down the street and we spotted required M&M Coaches N617 VSS on the #46 to Blackburn. After visiting the toilet on Peel Street we went to the cafe where Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. After we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum before heading up onto Bridge Street to see what other M&M Coaches buses were about. Unusually there were 3 Pilkington Bus buses on Bridge Street. R846 VEC, P729 RYL and Boomerang liveried S451 WAT were all doing local services.

Boomerang S451 WAT in Bridge Street Accrington

With there being no M&M Coaches bus in Bridge Street we started to walk back onto Peel Street when we saw our first Transdev Optare Solo. Starship 1256 was on the #9 to Burnley.

Starship 1256 in Infant Street Accrington

We saw the next #46, which was dud M&M Coaches P350 NKH and then we saw required M&M Coaches L310 YDU heading towards Bridge Street. We followed the bus up there and Matthew got a picture of this fine Mercedes minibus.

M&M Coaches L310 YDU in Bridge Street Accrington

We checked the time and then checked the timetable to see that L310 YDU was about to work a #19 Barnfield circular. The bus was loading up and we got on the bus and booked up to Barnfields. We sat down and waited for the bus to go. The bus set off through town and into an estate of terraced housing. The bus went up a hill for about half a mile before heading across the street and then back down into town. When the bus got back into Peel Street we waited for the bus to empty before Matthew got a picture inside L310 YDU which appears to have been re-upholstered with a more modern Stagecoach moquette that would have been originally on this bus before it was sold on for further use with M&M Coaches.

M&M Coaches L310 YDU

We walked up to the next stop originally with the intention of getting another picture of L310 YDU. As we were about to take the picture, required M&M Coaches re-appeared from its trip up to Blackburn.

M&M Coaches N617 VSS in Accrington bus station

We got on the bus and Matthew was able to get a picture of N617 VSS empty before we sat down.

Inside M&M Coaches N617 VSS

We booked a return to the West End and sat down near the back. Whilst we waited for the bus to depart we saw the 4th M&M Coaches turn which was dud N125 YHH on the #1. When it was the time the bus left town under the railway and headed along Blackburn Road. We joined the A679 and we headed up the hill towards the M65. We got off at the top off the hill by the West end business park. We crossed the road and looked a cross and we noticed a white coach in the business park that was just too far away to see what it was. It was starting to look like st was going to rain now as we waited for the return #46. A few minutes later as expect we saw dud M&M Coaches P350 NKH approaching from up the road.

M&M Coaches P350 NKH on Blackburn Road

We got on and we sat down near the back of the bus. We chilled out as we ran back along the A679 and then along Blackburn Road and under the railway into Accrington town centre. When the bus emptied out Matthew got a picture inside P350 NKH.

Inside M&M Coaches P350 NKH

Now we had covered all of the M&M Coaches turns, I asked Matthew if he wanted to get a Pilkington Bus ticket or a Transdev Ticket. Matthew chose Transdev, although this was probably because required Transdev Lancashire United 401 was sitting on the stand in front of us on a X41 to Blackburn. We got on and booked local day tickets before going upstairs. The bus had people on it front and back upstairs so Matthew took a picture of a few empty seats that were opposite us.

Inside Transdev Lancashire United 401

The bus took the same route as the #46, out under the railway line and onto Blackburn Road passing required Transdev Lancashire United 573 on a #7A. We then joined the A679 about a mile out of town. We decided to get off a few stops earlier that we did on the #46 so we could try and get the X41 going back the other way. When we got off Matthew took a picture of Transdev Lancashire United 401 as it went off into the distance on it's journey to Blackburn.

Transdev Lancashire United 401 in West End

We crossed the road and we spotted the X41 coming down the hill so we trotted down to the stop whilst flagging the bus down. It turned out to be required Transdev Lancashire United 405. We got on the bus and flashed our day tickets before going upstairs. The bus was empty behind us so Matthew got a picture inside empty Transdev Lancashire United 405.

Inside Transdev Lancashire United 405

The bus went down the A679 and the into town along Blackburn Road and under the railway bridge. We passed the end of Peel Street and then went around town so the the bus could face the other way and get onto (Stand O). When the bus stopped we got off and Matthew got a picture of Transdev Lancashire United 405.

Transdev Lancashire United 405 in Accrington bus station

We decided to have a quick break before doing the last couple of buses. We headed to the newsagents on Peel Street to get some food. On the way we saw required Transdev Lancashire United 402 heading North on the X41.

Transdev Lancashire United 402 in Accrington bus station

We went to the papershop where Matthew purchased a can of Coke and Irn Bru, as well as a few chocolate bars. He also spotted an iced cake which we brought too. Matthew ate the cake and drank the Irn Bru. Whilst he ate we saw Required Pilkington Bus double decker X591 USC on a #20 service, another bus we can perhaps do on a future trip. After eating we headed up to the toilets. We saw required Transdev Lancashire United 1088 on a #7 Blackburn circular.

Transdev Lancashire United 1088 in Accrington bus station

Matthew wen to the toilet and by the time he had finished the bus had gone. We went to the other end of Peel Street as we could see a #6 Blackburn circular. It was required Transdev Lancashire United 1831.

Transdev Lancashire United 1831 in Accrington bus station

We decided to do this bus. Matthew wanted to do it to Blackburn, but it was getting dark and it was raining so We got on the bus and we booked to Knuzden before sitting down near the back. The bus was quite full as it was getting to the busy time of the evening. The bus set off up the Blackburn Road, but unlike the #46 of X41 the bus goes through Oswaldtwistle. The bus went through Oswaldtwistle we seem to take twicw as long as when the bus goes straight up the A679. We eventually joined the A679 in the West End and then bus headed under the M65. The bus had emptied a little and Matthew took a picture of the view forwards Transdev Lancashire United 1831.

Inside Transdev Lancashire United 1831

We saw there were shelters on both sides of the road on the other side of the M65, so we decided to get off there. We got of the bus and watched 1831 disappear into the distance. We crossed the road to wait for the next bus back. According to the Firstbus App (which is useful anywhere with all bus companies) there was a #7 around 15:57 and a X41 at 16:05. We saw a bus approaching in the distance and it turned. This must have been a #7A service. Around 15:57 the bus came up the hill and we saw that it was required Transdev Lancashire United 1828. We got and sat down near the back. This bus was even fuller than the last one as it was coming out of the busier town of Blackburn. We headed along the A679 before turning right and running through Oswaldtwistle. We joined back on the A679 further up and then we went onto to Blackburn Road. Th e bus emptied a little as we approached Accrington but it did not empty completely as it is a circular service. Matthew got a picture of a few seats in the bus just before we got off.

Inside Transdev Lancashire United 1828

We got in Peel Street and Matthew got a picture of Transdev Lancashire United 1828.

Transdev Lancashire United 1828 in Accrington bus station

We saw an unidentified Rossendale bus on the #464 to Rochdale as we walked back towards the car. Matthew decided to visit The Commercial Hotel pub to go to the toilet and say hello to a few people. We walked back to the car which mum had moved across the road where we had sausage rolls waiting for us. We drove out of town along the A679 Burnley Road. We stopped briefly to get some Irn Bru out of the boot for Matthew before carrying on up to the A56. The rain was now lashing down and it was quite windy too. We them headed South towards the M66. We accidentally turn onto the A680 towards Haslingden and we turned around and got back onto the A56. We headed South onto the M66 and then onto the anti-clockwise M60. Stoke were playing in the late kickoff of the day and we were able to listen to the first half of the commentary as we headed home. We Headed West on the M62 and then onto the Southbound M6. We headed South passing the A556 and then down onto the A500. The rain had eased a little as we headed South and the weather much better in Staffordshire. We headed down the the A50 which we did to Longton. At Z Carz tonight there were only 3 buses parked up and they were all poorly positioned for getting photographs. At the very back of the land were Mercedes minibus S952 VMY and LDV minibus M420 UEH.

Z Carz S952 VMY & M420 UEH in Longton

At the front was Mercedes minibus W221 CDN parked behind 2 cars! We turned into Willow Row and LDV minibus T408 JUX was still parked at the back of the yard SORN. We headed back onto the A50 to Heron Cross and back through Blurton. We went onto the A5035 where we passed First Potteries 40028 on a #23A to Newstead. We arrived home around 18:20. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a toffee cheesecake. Matthew Chilled out on his computer before going to bed around 00:45...Mark