Trip to Joiners Square / Trent Vale 02-10-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Joiners Square	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
60175	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way (Unmarked)	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going to the pub for his tea, but not before he had been out with his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Just before 09:00 his transport to his day service turned up and it was Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Blurton

We set off onto the A5035 and we turned left and went into Trentham. We picked up another service used before going back onto the A5035 and towards Blurton. We headed through Dresden to Longton. after crossing the A50 we went along the Strand before heading onto Anchor Road via Market Street. At the top of Anchor Road we turned left onto Dividy Road. After picking up another service user we went onto the A52 at Bucknall where we saw M&A Travel SC08 BWB. We followed the road around to the left and we went to Joiners Square. We turned left onto Victoria Road and we went to the top before turning Sharp right onto City Road. We turn left onto Glebedale Road and to our destination. In the morning Matthew went into the sensory and spent time using a computer. We went to fetch dinner from the chip shop. For dinner he had sausage chips and gravy from the chips shop. After dinner we went to the pub. Today we went to the pub in a Lucky Seven taxi. We set off onto Christchurch Street and straight across City Road onto Manor Street. At the end we turned left onto Victoria Road. At the Joiners Square roundabout we went straight across and onto Lichfield Street. At the pub Matthew went to the toilet and had a drink of Coke. Whilst at the pub we saw a number of interesting buses. First bus seen was Intercity minibus ND58 EDJ.

Intercity ND58 EDJ in Joiners Square

Shortly afterwards we saw Scraggs Stoke City Council owned Optare Versa YJ59 GHH on a #50 to Hanley.

Scraggs YJ59 GHH in Joiners Square

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 63171 on a #6 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63171 in Joiners Square

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 63175 on a #6 to Meir.

First Potteries 63175 in Joiners Square

We listened to music on the Jukebox, and when it was time to leave they were picked up by Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. The bus set off onto Palmerston Street and then left onto the A52. At Limekiln Bank we followed the A52 to the right and into Bucknall. We took Dividy Road up to Bentilee and we dropped off another service user. We carried on up to Adderley Green and we turned right onto Anchor Road. We went clockwise around Longton town and onto the A5035. We headed through Dresden and into Blurton and Matthew got home around 15:15. Matthew took a picture of Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU before it left.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Blurton

Matthew had some toast and a drink of orangeade and used his computer whilst we waited for time to pass. At 16:20 we set off on foot to the bus stop all the way over on Magdalen Road. We didn't have to wait long before a Scania came around the corner. As it got closer we saw that it was dud First Potteries 60175.

First Potteries 60175 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Harpfields Road before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We turned right onto the A5035 and we headed over the railway line into Trentham. The bus emptied out at the back and so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 60175.

Inside First Potteries 60175

The bus carried on through Trentham and we turned right into New Inn Lane passing 42894 on a #22 to Longton. In Hanford we passed First Potteries 53119 on a #21 to Trentham. We joined the A34 and we went under the A500 into Trent Vale. At Harpfields Road we turned right and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 60175 as it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 60175 in Trent Vale

We walked onto the A34 and we headed towards the pub. Traffic going South was very heavy. Going Northwards we saw ABC Supreme minibus BV51 BNZ on a hospital shuttle.

ABC Supreme BV51 BNZ in Trent Vale

At the bus stop there were a large crowd of kids waiting for the bus. I heard one of them mention that there hadn't been a #10 for over an hour and a half! Mum drove passed as we got to the pub and we went inside whilst we waited for her to park up. Matthew had a brunch with bread and butter followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses were Global Travel HUI 6822 & Stanton's of Stoke ONZ 1128. We also saw ABC Supreme BV51 BNZ going back Southwards on a hospital link service. After we had finished eating we went to the car and Matthew called uncle Dave to tell him we were on the way. We set off down the A34 and we we into Trentham where we saw Stanton's of Stoke tri-axle coach 614 WEH. We dropped some things off in Trentham before going back onto New Inn Lane and onto the A5035. In Blurton We turned left onto Stanley Matthew Way and we saw Stanton's of Stoke KN61 EYG running in front of us. We headed though Heron Cross and into Fenton where we saw First Potteries 53405 on a #23A to Blurton. After picking uncle Dave up we went back up to Heron Cross and over the A50 into Blurton. We travelled through Blurton along Blurton Road and Church Road and we turned onto the A5035. We dropped something off at one of the houses and as we turned towards home we saw First Potteries 66839 on a #22 to Longton. We got home at 18:20. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 23:30... Mark

Trip to Trent Vale 25-04-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
60193	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Hanford, adj Mayne Street	22	First Potteries
60175	Hanford, adj Mayne Street	Trent Vale, adj Riverside Road	22	First Potteries

Today we were meeting up with mum in Trent Vale for tea. Matthew got up around 09:30 having toast and orange juice for breakfast. I had been popping out to see what buses were working on the various #22 or #22A turns to see if any of the buses were required. by dinner time I had seen that required First Potteries 60175 was going to be out on the 15:20 from Longton - Newcastle. For dinner we had half of a large omelet each and some fries. By just after 14:00 I had also seen that required First Potteries 60193 was also out on the #22A, and this bus would be returning to Newcastle on the 15:05 departure from Longton. We got ready and left the house just after 15:00. It had been raining for most of the afternoon but at this point it was just damp. In the distance we saw D&G 171 working the Blurton Plumline towards Hanley. The bus was due just after 15:15 and bang on time it rounded the corner into Magdalen Road.

First Potteries 60193 in Blurton

We got on the bus and booked to Trent Vale. As the bus was empty at the back, Matthew took a picture inside as we got got on.

Inside First Potteries 60193

We sat down and then bus set off onto the A5035. In Trentham we turned into New Inn Lane, passing required First Potteries 41494 o a #21A as we did. Further up the road we passed required first Potteries 40367 on a Trentham bound #21. This helped to make the decision to get off in Hanford. Further into Hanford we passed dud First Potteries on on of the other #22 turns. When we got to the A34 we got up and rang the bell. we got off and Matthew got another picture of First Potteries 60193 as it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 60193 in Hanford

Whilst we waited in Hanford there was quite a bit of bus and coach related action. We had followed first Potteries 40383 down Church Lane onto the A34, and then we saw dud First Potteries 65033 on a Stafford Bound #101.

First Potteries 65033 in Hanford

We then saw required First Potteries 41494 agai on the #21A to Hanley.

First Potteries 41494 in Hanford

On a Trentham bound #21A was dud First Potteries 41500.

First Potteries 41500 in Hanford

On the other side of the A34 we saw Leons Coach Travel tri-axle coach 205 going Northwards.

Leons Coach Travel 205 in Hanford

First Potteries 40367 was the next bus due on the #21, but required First Potteries 60175 appeared on the #22 so we decided to do this.

First Potteries 60175 in Hanford

We got on the bus and booked to Trent Vale. Once again the bus was empty at the back and Matthew got a picture inside this bus.

Inside First Potteries 60175

We sat down near the back and the bus turned through 180' and onto the Northbound A34. As we headed North we saw First Potteries 40367 on the following #21 service. We decided to get off in Trent vale to try and get this bus. We crossed over the A500 and we headed north up the A34. When we got to riverside we rang the bell and got up to get off. Matthew got another picture of First potteries 60175 and First Potteries 40367 pulled behind it.

First Potteries 60175 in Trent Vale

We weren't able to go on 40367 as it pulled off before we could get to it. The school opposite was unusually open this and the extra people getting on 60175 had delayed Matthew getting a picture. As we had missed the Dart we decided to walk to the pub. Matthew was about to get a picture of the other #22 turn, which was 60015 but it was on the other side of the road and he couldn't get a picture. However, we turned and saw required First Potteries 65035 going North on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 65035 in Trent Vale

We were crossing the A34 at the junction of London Road, when Matthew brought to my attention a coach on London Road. We crossed the road and before the traffic started to Move on London Road Matthew was able to get a picture of Aimée's coach KAZ 777.

Aimée's KAZ 777 in Trent Vale

We went around to the front of the pub and we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 536 going North. We were unable to get a picture due to someone walking past at the same time! We went into the pub and Matthew sat down whilst I got some drinks. Mum arrived just after 16:00 and Matthew had his usual meal of 2 sausage, egg, chips and beans with extra bacon and two rounds of bread and butter followed by toffee sponge pudding and ice cream. Whilst we were eating our meals matthew spotted a double decker on the #101 so we went outside to take a picture. It was required First Potteries double decker 32634 on a Stafford bound #101.

First Potteries 32634 in Trent Vale

After we had finished we called uncle Dave and Matthew spoke to him on the phone to tell him we were coming around. We drove onto the Southbound A34 and onto the Northbound A500. We did this to the A50 which we did into Heron Cross. We headed into Fenton and picked up uncle Dave. We went back up to Heron Cross and into Blurton. We got home at a little after 17:15. Matthew then chilled out at home watching MTV Rocks and bus DVD's. He then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:00...Mark

Trip to Trent Vale 21-02-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
60015	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way (Unmarked)	22	First Potteries

Today was the last weekday of the college holiday. For the last 3 week or so the #22 service had now turned into a mainly Scania worked service, with Darts and Solos becoming quite rare. I had been to work in the morning and I had driven to Fenton along Blurton Road and had seen First Potteries 40180 on the early #22A turn. Matthew got up around 09:30 this morning and had some toast and orange juice for breakfast. He used his computer and watched his telly for a few hours before having half an omelette for dinner. I viewed the #22 buses but there weren't any required buses out today. First Potteries 40180 was on the #22A turn and was going to be passing through Blurton around 15:15. First Potteries 60196 was going to be working the bus through Blurton around 15:30 and First Potteries 60015 was going to work the 16:00. The other bus on the #22 was dud First Potteries 60013. We decided to go out on Scania First Potteries 60015 because of the time. It was an OK day with regards to weather. We set off just after 15:50 and we decided to walk to the stop on Magdalen Road. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 60013 on the Longton bound #22.

First Potteries 60013 in Blurton

That was followed shortly after by D&G 174 on the Plumline.

D&G 174 in Blurton

We didn't have to wait for long before First Potteries 60015 appeared from around the corner.

First Potteries 60015 in Blurton

We got on the bus and booked to Trent Vale. We sat down near the back. The bus urned on along the A5035 and into Trentham and then onto New Inn Lane. We carried on to Hanford passing First Potteries 40373 on the #21 and dud First Potteries 60074 on the peak #22 turn. We carried on down to Trent vale and onto the A34 where we passed 40024 on the #21A. The bus was maybe 1/3 full but people were spread out in the bus. After a few people had got off the rear of the bus Matthew took a picture towards the back of the few seats that were empty there.

Inside First Potteries 60015

The bus then turned into Harpfields Road to head towards the hospital and we got off, Matthew getting another picture of First Potteries 60015 as the bus drove away.

First Potteries 60015 in Trent Vale

We walked back onto the A34 and along towards the pub. Mum texted us to let us know she had beaten us into the pub today and we walked straight in to meet her. Matthew had two sausages, egg, chips and beans with bacon and 2 rounds of bread. For after he had toffee sponge pudding and ice cream. When we had finished we went to pick up uncle Dave. We headed onto the A34 and then onto the Northbound A500. We then went east on the A50 to Heron Cross and down into Fenton. When we picked up uncle Dave we headed back to heron Cross where we saw a few buses. First Potteries 41540 and 40367 were on #23/23A's and we saw a visitor at the Lightning Travel house YN04 CUY. We got back home around 17:45 and Matthew spent the night on his computer, watching bus DVD's and watching telly. He went to bed around 00:00...Mark

Trip to Trent Vale 01-11-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
60015	Newstead, adj Crowcrofts Road	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way (Unmarked)	22	First Potteries

Today was the last weekday of the college holiday. I had been to work in the morning and I had driven to Fenton along the A5035 and then past Z Carz depot where there were 3 buses visible today. The two coaches M534 RSO & D104 XAN were side by side and Mercedes minibus S952 was behind these. Matthew got up around 10:00 this morning and had some crumpets and orange juice for breakfast. He used his computer and watched his telly for a few hours before having half an omelette for dinner. I viewed the #22 buses and there were 2 required buses out today. First Potteries 60015 was on the #22A turn and was going to be passing through Blurton around 15:15. First Potteries 43875 was going to be working the bus through Blurton around 15:30. The other 2 buses on the #22 were dud First Potteries 40304 and 43876. We decided to go out after required Scania First Potteries 60015. It was a terrible day with regards to weather and it had been raining all day. We set off just after 15:00 and we decided to walk to the stop on the A5035 as it had a shelter. On the way there we saw an unusual working. Wardle Transport 2962 was on the Plumline instead of the usual dedicated Plum coloured bus 2963.

Wardle Transport 2962 in Blurton

We walked to the stop to wait for the bus. Wardle Transport 2962 came past us again this time heading towards Hanley. Around 15:20 (a minute or two late) the bus appeared in the distance on Magdalen Road and we could see it was a Scania. As it got closer we saw it was required First Potteries 60015 as expected.

First Potteries 60015 in Blurton

We got on the bus and booked to Trent Vale. We sat down near the back. The bus was maybe 1/3 full but people were spread out in the bus. Matthew took a picture towards the back of the few seats that were empty there.

Inside First Potteries 60015

The bus carried on along the A5035 in Trentham and then onto New Inn Lane. We carried on to Hanford passing First Potteries 41521 on the #21A and First Potteries 60060 on the #21. At the top of church Lane First Potteries 61555 was stopped and it appeared that it had been in a minor collision where someone had run into the back of the bus. We carried on down to Trent vale and onto the A34. Sometimes when a Scania works this service the bus goes straight along the A34 to avoid the tight turns in the hospital. Today however the bus turned into Harpfields Road to head towards the hospital. Had we not been meeting up with mum it would have been nice to do this rare trip of a Scania through the hospital. The bus turned and we got off, Matthew getting another picture as the bus drove away.

First Potteries 60015 in Trent Vale

We walked back onto the A34 and along towards the pub. Mum texted us to let us know she had beaten us into the pub today and we walked straight in to meet her. Matthew had two sausages, egg, chips and beans with bacon and 2 rounds of bread. He also helped mum with her cheese and sausage toastie! For after he had toffee sponge pudding and ice cream. When we had finished we went to pick up uncle dave. We headed onto the A34 and then onto the Northbound A500. We then went east on the A50 to Heron Cross and down into Fenton. When we picked up uncle Dave we headed back to heron Cross where we saw a few buses. First Potteries 40378 and 40173 were on #23/23A's and we saw JayJays Travel minibus RX57 POV going across the a50 roundabout and on Blurton Road we saw Z Carz T2 DLT. We got back home around 17:15 and Matthew spent the night on his computer, watching bus DVD's and watching telly. He went to bed around 00:00...Mark

Trip to Packmoor / Hanley 16-02-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
GN60 GZM	Packmoor	YMCA Hanley	Charter	Middlehurst
GN60 GZM	YMCA Hanley	Packmoor	Charter	Middlehurst

Today Matthew was going on an Aiming trip to the YMCA in Hanley to do activities such as archery. We got up around 08:30, and then we realised that the activity started at 09:30 so we rushed to get ready and we set off just after 09:00. We drove onto the A5035 and onto Stanley Matthew Way past the Hem Heath pub. We then got onto the Westbound A50 and then the Northbound A500. We got off the a500 and did the Tunstall by-pass up to Packmoor turning left at the top of the hill. We got there just in time and Matthew we down to the computer room as he usually does as he waited for time. When it was time to go he got a picture of his transport which was unusually Middlehurst bus GN60 GZM instead of the usual Aiming High vehicle.

Middlehurst GN60 GZM about to set off for the YMCA

The bus left and went onto the A5272 to the edge of Hanley then around the ring road. They left the rod near the fire station and then drove down to the YMCA. First activity of the day was archery, and reports came came that Matthew did really well at this.

Archery in the YMCA

They then had a stint on the climbing wall, which is something he has done before so we knew he could do this well.

Climbing wall in the YMCA

They then set off back to Middlehurst. They went up to the ring road and back along the a5272 to Chell continuing on to middlehurst. He had a quick session on the computers before we arrived to pick him up at 12:30. Whilst mum talked to staff about his activities I drove him down the car park to get a picture of Aiming High FJ10 BJY in the bottom car park.

Aiming High FJ10 BJY in Middlehurst

We turned around and he got another picture of GN60 GZM before we left.

Middlehurst GN60 GZM back at school

We had decided to go Westport Lake for the afternoon but we had left uncle Dave at home. So we decided to pick up some food and go back before setting off to Westport Lake. We drove down the Tunstall by-pass down to the A500. We then drove south to the A50 and then came off at Heron Cross. We passed Lightning Travel NX03 JYJ and visitor WX06 VSA currently being worked on. We stopped at the new sandwich shop on Blurton Road and ordered some food before returning home passing 41512 on the #23. After eating the food we set off back to Westport Lake. We went along Stanley Matthews Way to the A50 and northbound on the A500, We came off at Longport and we saw 40145 on a Newcastle service. We then went up to Trubshaw Cross and turned towards Tunstall before turning off for Westport Lake. We had brought brown bread and seeds to feed the birds, and we spent around an hour going around the lake and feeding birds.

Ducks and geese in Westport lake

When we got back round to the car there was an ice cream van so mum and Matthew had some ice cream. We then set off on a bit of an extended drive home. We headed North through Tunstall and toward Kidsgrove. We passed 61143 on a Southbound #20 and we could see a Northbound #20 in front of us. We eventually caught it up a mile or so up the road and it was 60015. We carried on up the A50 to Fourlanes End before turning right. We travelled through the village of Smallwood and a few mile on before reaching the A34. We headed South through Scholar Green and Talke. When we crossed the A500 we saw Bakers Coach 3563 RU which we followed down to Milehouse. We passed the Newcastle First depot where we saw 40017/018/60069/205. We the headed up George Street and onto shelton new road before joining the Southbound A500. We did this to the A50, and we got off the A50 at Longton to view the Z Carz depot. There were only 3 buses present today. First we saw Scania coach D104 XAN...

Z Carz D104 XAN in Longton

We the saw coach V690 EBC...

Z Carz V690 EBC in Longton

Last but not least we saw LDV minibus T408 JUX

Z Carz T408 JUX in Longton

We then headed down Longton hall Road, stopping at the shops for lottery tickets, pop and cakes! We passed 40153 on the #22 and passed 41512 on the #23 again. We got home just after 16:00. We had a late tea of bangers and mash and Matthew chilled out on his computer before bedtime...Mark