Trip to Joiners Square / Trent Vale 21-08-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DV10 JCU	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Joiners Square	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Joiners Square	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
37158	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 blackcurrant 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 the bus set off onto the A5035. We went over the railway line into Trentham before turning at New Inn Lane. We turned into Pacific Drive and we picked up another service user before going back onto New Inn Lane. We returned along A5035 before turning left into Church Toad and forwards onto Blurton Road. We stopped at the BP before carring on to Heron Cross. We turned right to go through the traffic lights and onto Heron Street. After crossing over the railway we turned left onto Christchurch Street before reaching 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 Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Glebedale Road before turning right onto City Road. At the roundabout we went left onto Victoria Road. We continued Victoria Road to the roundabout where we went straight across onto Lichfield Street and to our destination. Matthew went to the toilet and had a drink of Coke. The best of the bus sighting included First Potteries 63175 on a #6 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63175 in Joiners Square

Matthew listened to music on the Jukebox including some Black Lace! When it was time to go we climbed back aboard Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We went down Palmerston Street and onto the A52. We turned left onto Victoria Road and went to the top turning sharp right onto City Road. We turned left into Glebedale Road and to our destination. When it was time to home home we climbed aboard Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Christchurch Street an right onto Station Bridge Road and Heron Street. In Heron Cross we went straight across onto Blurton Road and over the A50. We carried on into Blurton along Blurton Road and forward onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Road and arrived home just before 15:00. Matthew had toast and a drink of cherryade whilst he waited for the time to go out and catch the bus. Today we went to catch the 15:48 as it was booked to be First Potteries 37158! We set off on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. As expected First Potteries 37158 turned the corner on time.

First Potteries 37158 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Harpfield Road. We went upstairs and Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 37158.

Inside First Potteries 37158

It was the first time that we had been on a Volvo B7 double decker on the #22. We had seen the odd one before, but they always seem to work on a Saturday when we're going out of the area! The bus went onto the A5035 and we passed First Potteries 66310 going towards Longton on a #22. We crossed railway line and we went into Trentham. We turned into New Inn Lane and as we passed the Man in Space there was a small procession of buses coming the other way. Leading the rest was First Potteries trainer 60317. This was followed by First Potteries 40373 on a #21 to Trentham Hotel and First Potteries 41070 on a #21B to Trentham Gardens. We carried on into Hanford and we passed First Potteries 40022 on a #21 service. At the bottom of Church Lane we joined the Northbound A34. We crossed under the A500 and we went into Trent Vale. At Harpfields Road we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 37158 as it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 37158 in Trent Vale

We walked back onto the A34 and we set off towards to pub. On the way we saw ABC Supreme N806 CRJ on a hospital shuttle, so we stopped to get a picture.

ABC Supreme N806 CRJ in Trent Vale

We saw mum approaching and we also saw First Potteries 60068 a few cars behind her on a #22 to Longton.

First Potteries 60068 in Trent Vale

We went into the pub and 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 ABC Supreme FP53 ESU on a hospital link service. We also saw First Potteries 37156 on the #22 to Trentham and an unidentified Knights white Toyota minibus. After we had finished eating we went out to the car. We called Uncle Dave and we went to pick him up. We set off onto the A34 and then right onto the A500. The road looked busy at Sideway so we went via Campbell Road into Stoke. Around the one way system we saw D&G 108 on a #41 and D&G 111 on 'The Orange One'. We picked up uncle Dave and we went up to Heron Cross. We travelled back up Blurton Road and we saw First Potteries 53829 on a #23 as well as First Potteries 53123 on a #23. We got back home around 18:00. Matthew then chilled on his computer whilst I popped out to B&Q to get some wood to complete my DIY project. Matthew went to bed around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Festival Park / Trent Vale 14-08-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DV10 JCU	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Festival Park	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Festival Park	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Joiners Square	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Joiners Square	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
60069	Hem Heath, adj Crowcrofts Road	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 Blackcurrant 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 the bus set off onto the A5035. We went over the railway line into Trentham before turning at New Inn Lane. We turned into Pacific Drive and we picked up another service user before going back onto New Inn Lane. We returned along A5035 before turning left into Church Road and forwards onto Blurton Road to Heron Cross. We turned right to go through the traffic lights and onto Heron Street. After crossing over the railway we turned left onto Christchurch Street before reaching our destination. In the morning Matthew went bowling. We went on Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We set off onto Glebedale Road and then left onto City Road. We headed down towards the railway before going right onto the A52. By the Sixth Form College we turned onto Station Road and out the other end and right onto Stoke Road. We heade up to through Shelton and we turned on to Shelton New Road. We had a brief stop at the college before carrying on along Shelton New Road then right onto Etruscan Street. We carried on up to and under the A53 which we did up to the Festival Park. We parked up and went bowling for the morning. When it was time to leave we got back aboard Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We carried on into Festival park and we stopped at MacDonald. Matthew had a beefburger and fries with a drink of Coke. When everyone had finished we got back aboard the bus and we set off across the A53 and onto Etruria Vale Road. We stopped again at the college and afterwards we went onto Cemetary Road and right onto Stoke Road. We turned left onto The Avenue and we went across Shelton and onto the A52. At Joiners square we turned Right and went to the top of Victoria Road before going sharp right onto City Road. We turned left onto Glebedale Road and back to the day centre. We transferred off Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU and onto Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX for the afternoon trip to the pub. We set off onto Glebedale Road and forwards onto Fountain Street. We followed the road around onto William Street and we turned left onto Manor Street. At the end of Manor Street we turned left onto Victoria Road and we headed down to joiners Square roundabout. At the roundabout we went straight onto Lichfield Street and we reached our destination. At the pub Matthew went to the toilet and had a drink of Coke. highlights of the bus sightings at the pub included First Potteries 63177 on a #6 to Meir.

First Potteries 63177 in Joiners Square

Matthew also listened to music on the Jukebox which included Abba, Blondie, Belinda Carlisle and Berlin. When it was time to go we all climbed back aboard Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We headed down Palmeston Street and onto the A52. At Joiners square we turned left and went to the top of Victoria Road before going sharp right onto City Road. We turned left onto Glebedale Road and back to the day centre. We stopped briefly and carried on onto Christchurch Street and right onto Station Bridge Road and Heron Street. In Heron Cross we went straight across onto Blurton Road and over the A50. We carried on into Blurton along Blurton Road and forward onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Road and arrived home just before 15:00. Matthew had toast and a drink of dandelion & burdock whilst he waited for the time to go out and catch the bus. Today we went to catch the 16:18 to Newcastle. We set off on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. As we were early and it was raining we decided to walk to the stop on the A5035 where there is a bus shelter. At the end of Magdalen Road we saw Stanton's of Stoke SF07 BNE.

Stantons of Stoke SF07 BNE in Blurton

There was a gap in the traffic and so unusually we crossed the A5035 with ease. We turned and saw Plants minibus P19 NTG.

Plants P19 NTG in Blurton

We were expecting to see First Potteries 60202 come past first on the #22 to Longton. Right on time it appeared from the direction of Trentham.

First Potteries 60202 in Blurton

We were expecting the bus to be First Potteries 60069 and as expected First Potteries 60069 turned the corner a minute or two late.

First Potteries 60069 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Harpfields Road. We sat down near to the back of the bus and Matthew noticed it was empty in front of us, so he took a picture inside First Potteries 60069.

Inside First Potteries 60069

We carried on along the A5035 and we crossed the railway line and ran into Trentham. We turned right into New Inn Lane and we passed First Potteries 41495 on a #21 followed by First Potteries 53124 on a #21B to Trentham Gardens. We carried on into Hanford and we turned right into Wilson Road. We went down Church lane and onto the A34. We crossed under the A500 and into Trent Vale where we saw First Potteries 41514 on a #21 to Trentham. We turned right into Harpfield Road and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 60069 as it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 60069 Trent Vale

We crossed the road and headed onto the A34. As we got there we turned and saw First Potteries 66845 on the #22 to Longton, which had replaced First Potteries 60068 at some point during the day.

First Potteries 66845 Trent Vale

We got to the pub and mum was waiting for us. We saw a coach approaching in the distance and so we stopped to wait for it. As it got closer we saw that it was Happy Days 230.

Happy Days 230 in Trent Vale

A minibus had also pulled up in the car park. It was Directions Courtesy Travel DS15 ABX.

Directions Courtesy Travel DS15 ABX in Trent Vale

We went into the pub and 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 ABC Supreme N806 CRJ on a hospital link service. We also saw Vale Travel double decker N622 KUA going Southwards down the A34. After we had finished eating we went out to the car. We called Uncle Dave and we went to pick him up. We set off onto the A34 and then right onto the A500. The road looked busy at Sideway so we went via Campbell Road into Stoke. Around the one way system we saw First Potteries 53209 on a #23. On Glebe Street we saw First Potteries 41540 on a #23A. Back on Church Street we saw D&G 137 running out of service, First Potteries 61235 on a #2 and D&G 32 on a #41 service. We turned right onto the A500 and we went into Fenton to pick up uncle Dave. We drover up to Heron Cross and we turned right onto Blurton Road. We crossed the A50 and we continued through Blurton. We had to make a stop to pick something up on Barlaston Road and we saw First Potteries 40025 running out of service and Autocabs minibus SA08 ONM. We rejoined the A5035 and we saw Grocott Centre PN14 BFY. We got home around 18:10. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Joiners Square / Trent Vale 24-07-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
60069	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 strawberry 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 got on the bus and the bus set off onto the A5035. We went over the railway line into Trentham before turning at New Inn Lane. We turned into Pacific Drive and we picked up another service user before going back onto New Inn Lane. We returned along A5035 before turning left into Church Toad and forwards onto Blurton Road to Heron Cross. We turned right to go through the traffic lights and onto Heron Street. After crossing over the railway we turned left onto Christchurch Street before reaching 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 an Intercity taxi. We set off onto Glebedale Road and right onto City Road. We turned sharp left onto Victoria Road and we headed down to Joiners Square roundabout. At the roundabout we went straight onto Lichfield Street and we reached our destination. At the pub Matthew went to the toilet and had a drink of Coke. Highlights of the bus sightings at the pub included First Potteries 63176 which was on a #6 to Meir.

First Potteries 63176 in Joiners Square

We also saw First Potteries 65026 which was on a #6 to Hanley.

First Potteries 65026 in Joiners Square

This was followed by Scraggs Versa YJ59 GHH on a #50 to Longton.

Scraggs YJ59 GHH in Joiners Square

When it was time to leave we got back into Intercity taxi for the journey back to Fenton. The bus went down Palmeston Street and right onto the A52. We headed up towards Fenton along Victoria Road and we turned sharp right On City Road. We turned left onto Glebedale Road and then we reached our destination. When it was time to go home we got back onto Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX and the bus went towards Heron Cross via Heron Street and through Blurton along Blurton Road. The bus turned into Beaconsfield Drive and we got home around 15:00. Matthew had some toast and a drink of cherryade before we set off on foot all the way to Magdalen Road. I had viewed all the buses or so I thought but I wasn't sure which one it was going to be. The three that I had seen were First Potteries 60068, 60072 & 60205. As we waited for the Newcastle bound bus we saw dud First Potteries 60068 going towards Longton.

First Potteries 60068 in Blurton

Form the order of the buses seen earlier in the day we were expecting First Potteries 60205 in the new livery to be the one to round the corner. When a barbie liveried Scania came around the corner we knew that the bus had swapped. As it got closer we saw that it was dud First Potteries 60069.

First Potteries 60069 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Harpfields Road and we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off on the A5035 and turned right. As the bus was empty behind us Matthew decided to take a picture of the empty rear section of First Potteries 60069.

Inside First Potteries 60069

We crossed into Trentham and we saw D&G 174 ahead of us on the #20 to Trentham. We turned into New Inn Lane and we carried on into Hanford. We passed First Potteries 40029 on a #21 to Trentham and we caught up with First Potteries 40175 on a #21 to Hanley. We went down Church Lane. We joined the A34 and went under the A500 into Trent Vale, passing First Potteries 60205 on the #22 to Longton. We turned right into Harpfields Road and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew got another picture of First Potteries 60069 as it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 60069 in Trent Vale

We walked back onto the A34 and we saw We got to the pub and mum was waiting for us. Matthew had a brunch with bread and butter followed by Cheescake with ice cream. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses were First Potteries 37157 on the #22 to New Inn Lane & ABC Supreme Mercedes minibus YX03 JVZ. After we had finished eating we went out to the car. We called Uncle Dave and we went to pick him up. We set off onto the A34 and onto the Northbound A500. At Sideway we joined the Eastbound A50 passing PPH of St Albans K436 AVS. We did the A50 to Heron Cross. We dropped into Fenton and picked up uncle Dave. After we had picked him up we went back through Heron Cross and over the A50 and we saw First Potteries 40009. We carried on along Blurton Road where we saw First Potteries 60068 on a Longton Bound #22. At Critchlows Corner we went forwards onto Church Road before turning left into Beaconsfield Drive. We got home at approximately 18:15. Matthew then chilled out on his computer looking at bus pictures and listening to music until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Joiners Square / Trent Vale 05-06-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
60068	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way (Unmarked)	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going for tea in Trent Vale but not before he spent the day with his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. The bus turned up and it was Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Blurton

We set off onto the A5035 and headed towards Trentham. We turned into New Inn Lane and then into Pacific Drive. Once we had picked up another service user we headed back onto New Inn Lane and the A5035. We headed along into Blurton and we turned into church Road. We carried on into Blurton Road and across the A50. We went through Heron Cross and onto Heron Street. Having crossed the railway line we turned left onto Christchurch Street and to our destination. In the morning for a treat they went bowling at the Festival Park. They went in a lucky seven taxi. We set off onto Christchurch Street and onto Masterson Street before joining City Road off Smithpool Road. We went down to the A52 and headed towards railway station. We carried on and turned right onto Stoke Road. We went through Shelton and Snow Hill before going left onto the ring road. We turned left onto Etruria Road before crossing under the A53 and into Festival Park. We turned left at the first roundabout and we arrived at the bowling alley. After a heated game of bowls they walked across to MacDonalds for dinner. On the way we First Potteries 65705 on a #4A to Kidsgrove.

First Potteries 65705 in Festival Park

For dinner Matthew had burger and fries with Coke. After we had finished eating Matthew went to the toilet and then we called for a taxi. We set off out of Festival park and under the A53. We went up Etruria Road and we turned right onto the ring road. We went around the ring road and we turned right onto Lichfield Street. At joiners Square we carried on across the roundabout and onto Victoria Road. At the top of Victoria Road we too a sharp right onto City Road. We turned left into Glebedale Road and to our destination. Matthew had some birthday cake before his afternoon trip to the pub. we went to the pub in a taxi. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned right onto City Road. We turned sharp left and onto Victoria Road. At joiners Square we crossed over the roundabout and onto Lichfield Street. At the pub Matthew went to the toilet and had a drink of Coke. Highlight of the bus sightings were white minibus YN15 DYD and First Potteries 63179 on a #6 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63179 in Joiners Square

When it was time to return to Fenton we were picked up by Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We went down Palmerston Street and onto the A52. We turned left onto Victoria Road and went to the top turning sharp right onto City Road. We turned left into Glebedale Road and to our destination. When it was time to home home we climbed aboard Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Christchurch Street an right onto Station Bridge Road and Heron Street. In Heron Cross we went straight across onto Blurton Road and over the A50. We carried on into Blurton along Blurton Road and forward onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Road and arrived home just before 15:00. It was Matthew's birthday so we were going to the pub a little later with uncle Dave to allow friend to get there. Matthew had toast and a drink of Orangeade whilst he waited for the time to go out and catch the bus. Today we went to catch the 16:48 to Newcastle. We set off on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. We waited at the stop and whilst we waited we were passed by Luck Seven Nissan minibus PK08 GGE.

Lucky Seven PK08 GGE in Blurton

A few minutes later a Scania rounded the corner into Magdalen Road. As it got closer we saw it was dud First Potteries 60068.

First Potteries 60068 in Blurton

We got on the bus with uncle Dave and we booked to Harpfields Road and we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off on the A5035 and turned right. Further down the A5035 we passed First Potteries 60202 coming the other way. We crossed into Trentham and we turned into New Inn Lane. As we passed pacific Drive we saw First Potteries 53124 on a #21 service to Hanley. We continued into Hanford and we passed the third bus on the #22 which today was First Potteries 60072. We turned down Church Lane and we passed First Potteries 40175 on the #21B to Trentham Gardens. We joined the A34 and went under the A500 into Trent Vale. We turned right into Harpfields Road and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew got another picture of First Potteries 60068 as it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 60068 in Trent Vale

We walked to the pub and we saw Newcastle school minibus EJ60 RPZ. When we got to the pub mum was waiting for us along with Grandma and Grandad and others. A few other arrived and we started to order food around 17:30. Whilst we waited for the food to Arrive Matthew opened some of his birthday presents. These included a PMP bus DVD, bus books, a wooden bus, an Arriva polo shirt and a bedspread with a bus on on it. Matthew had his usual meal of a brunch with some bread and butter followed by toffee sponge pudding and ice cream. Highlights of the bus sighting include First Potteries 37160 on a #10 to Stafford and Robinsons Coaches S259 JFR going North up the A34. After he had ate his pudding they brought out his birthday cake and we all sang happy birthday to him. The cake was divided up and after it had been eaten we all said goodbye and headed back to the car. As we didn't have to pick uncle Dave up we went straight home. We set off down the A34 and we joined the Northbound A500, We came off the A500 at Sideway and we joined the Eastbound A500. We came off the A50 at the Britannia Stadium and we headed South down Stanley Matthews Way. We turned left onto the A5035 and we got home around 19:30. Matthew opened a few more presents which consisted of more PMP DVD's, a bus book and a set of wireless headphones. Matthew then watch his DVD's, read his English Independants bus fleet book and used his computer until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Joiners Square / Trent Vale 15-05-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
60072	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way (Unmarked)	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going for tea in Trent Vale but not before he spent the day with his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. The bus turned up and it was Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Blurton

We set off onto the A5035 and headed towards Trentham. We turned into New Inn Lane and then into Pacific Drive. Once we had picked up another service user we headed back onto New Inn Lane and the A5035. We headed along into Blurton and we turned into church Road. We carried on into Blurton Road and across the A50. We went through Heron Cross and onto Heron Street. Having crossed the railway line we turned left onto Christchurch Street 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 in a Intercity taxi. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned right onto City Road. We turned sharp left onto Victoria Road and we headed down to the roundabout at Joiners Square. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A52 and then left to our destination. At the pub Matthew went to the toilet and had a drink of Coke. Today we saw mainly First Potteries Streetlites. On a #6 to Hanley was First Potteries 63179.

First Potteries 63179 in Joiners Square

We also saw First Potteries 63172 on the following #6 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63172 in Joiners Square

The we saw First Potteries 63177 on the following #6 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63177 in Joiners Square

When it was time to go we got into an Intercity taxi. We went down Palmerston Street and onto the A52. We turned left onto Victoria Road and to the top. We turned sharp right onto City Road and then left into Glebedale Road and to our destination. When it was time to go home we went outside and it was Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Christchurch Street and we headed towards Heron Cross. We traveled through Blurton and then it was realised we needed to go to Bentilee so the bus went along Maythorn Avenue onto the A5035. We headed towards Longton through Dresden passing D&G double decker 178. We then crossed over the A50 We went around the one way system down the strand and the along Market Street before heading up Anchor Road to Adderley Green. At the gas tower we turned left to go to Bentilee to drop off another service user. We headed back to Adderley Green and Matthew had a good lok at what was on the depot there. In view were withdrawn First Potteries Dart 42727, Olympian 30031 and what appeared to be a different Caetano Dart. We turned onto anchor road and around the one way system in Longton before crossing the A50 and onto the A5035. We headed through Dreseden back to Blurton and Matthew got home around 15:20. Matthew had some toast and a can of orange Fanta. We decide to go for the 16:17 today which was booked to be dud First Potteries 60072. When it was time to go out we set off towards the bus stop on Magdalen Road. Whilst we waited for the Newcastle bound bus we saw dud First Potteries 60068 on the #22 to Longton.

First Potteries 60068 in Blurton

A few minutes later, pretty much bang on time we saw dud First Potteries 60072 come around the corner as expected.

First Potteries 60072 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Harpfield Road. The bus set off onto the A5035 and turned right. The bus in front of us was almost empty and so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 60072.

Inside First Potteries 60072

The bus picked up a few passengers and we were passed by Free Spirits minibus MV05 YMM. We crossed into Trentham and we saw the other Free Spirits minibus MK52 PXH coming from the opposite direct and turning into Barlaston Old Road. We turned into New Inn Lane and we passed First Potteries 40025 on a #21B to Trentham Gardens. We turned into Hanford and we passed First Potteries 42893 on the #22 to New Inn Lane. We headed down church lane and we joined onto the A34. as we were about to crossed under the A500 we were passed by Swift Valley coach YJ07 DWY as well as First Potteries 41514 and we also saw ABC Supreme minibus N806 CRJ. We carried on into Trent Vale and we turned right into Harpfields Road. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 60072 as it headed off towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 60072 in Trent Vale

When we passed the pub we saw that mum was parked up in the car park and waiting for us. We walked back onto the A34 and we met mum at the pub. 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 Stantons of Stoke BAZ 2002 going North towards Newcastle and ABC Supreme N806 CRJ going South to Stafford. After we had finished eating we went out to the car. We called Uncle Dave and we went to pick him up. We drove along the A34 and onto and A500. At the Sideway roundabout we saw Robinson Holidays minibus PN11 EYP going North onto the A500. We joined the A50 to Heron Cross and we headed int Fenton. After we had picked up uncle Dave, we headed up to Heron Cross and through Blurton. Passing through Blurton we saw First Potteries 53209 on a #23 and First Potteries 60068 on a #22 to Hanley. We carried on down Beaconsfield Drive getting home around 1800. Matthew then chilled out watching bus videos and using his computer before bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Stoke / Tunstall 11-04-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
60068	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trentham, adj Man-in-Space	22	First Potteries
40367	Trentham, adj Man-in-Space	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop R	21B	First Potteries
60189	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop Q	Newcastle BS	2	First Potteries
4790	Newcastle BS	Tunstall (Stoke-on-Trent), adj stop A	91	Wardle Transport
132	Tunstall (Stoke-on-Trent), adj stop B	Newcastle BS	94	D&G
32056	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	4A	First Potteries
66303	Hanley BS	Tunstall (Stoke-on-Trent), adj stop M	3	First Potteries
2232	Tunstall (Stoke-on-Trent), adj stop B	Newcastle BS	91	Wardle Transport

Today we decided to have a local trip. Mum had planned to do some things so we were going on the bus to Stoke for dinner and then up to Tunstall for cake. We had checked the weather and it was for fine sunny weather. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. I had checked out the 11:17 to Dresden so we knew the bus was going to be First Potteries 60068. We set off to the bus stop all the over on Magdalen Road just before 12:00. the bus turned up pretty much on time. It rounded the corner out of Finstock Avevue and it was First Potteries 60068 as expected.

First Potteries 60068 in Blurton

We got on the bus and purchased a Smart Day ticket at £5.30. We sat down near to the back of the bus nd the bus set off onto the A5035. We passed First Potteries 60193 which was on the 12:17 to Dresden. We carried on along to towards Trentham and we turned into New Inn Lane. When we got to the Man in Space pub we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 60068 before it carried on it's way to Newcastle.

First Potteries 60068 in Trentham

Due at roughly the same time was the #21B to Hanley. We thought we had missed this bus and so the next bus towards Stoke was going to be the #21. Across the road we saw dud First Potteries 41520 which would form the next #21 to Hanley after it ha been for a spin around Pacific Drive.

First Potteries 41520 in Trentham

Running a few minutes late was the #21B that we thought we had missed. It was dud First Potteries 40367.

First Potteries 40367 in Trentham

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart day ticket to the driver. As sat down towards the back of the bus and the bus set off up new Inn Lane. As there was only one gentleman sat just in front and to the side of us, Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 40367.

Inside First Potteries 40367

The bus filled up quickly as we headed off through Trentham and Hanford. We went down Church lane and we joined the A34. We went under the A500 and into Trent Vale, turning right onto London Road. We carried on along London Road through Oak Hill and the West End. The bus continued to fill up and when we got to Stoke we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 40367 as it continued on it's way to Hanley.

First Potteries 40367 in Stoke

We crossed the road to head into town. Outside Sainsbury's we bumped into our near neighbours Mary & Melanie. After we ha said hello we carried on along Campbell Place into Church Street to the Stoke Cafe. Matthew used their subterranean toilet before having a breakfast washed down with a can of orange Tango. After we had finished eating we headed down Church Street to catch a bus towards Newcastle. Going the other way towards Meir was D&G 111 on 'The Orange One' service.

D&G 111 in Stoke

We did have to wait long before saw an older Scania approaching. It was dud First Potteries 60189 on a #2 service.

First Potteries 60189 in Stoke

We got on the bus and flashed the Smart Day tickets to the driver. We sat down towards the back this almost empty bus. On the other side of the road we saw the last required 'W' reg Volvo B7, First Potteries 32056 going towards Talke on a #3 service... The bus set off along Church Street and up Hartshill bank. We traveled along the A52 into Newcastle and down George Street into the town centre. At the bus station we left the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 60189.

Inside First Potteries 60189

In Newcastle we took a few bus pictures. Opposite the bus station was Roseville Taxis Renault minibus FM57 MXK.

Roseville FM57 MXK in Newcastle

We also saw dud Volvo Olympian First Potteries 34311 still going strong on a #4A service to Hanley.

First Potteries 34311 in Newcastle

Usually we might spend some in the bus station taking pictures... We had seen dud Wardle Transport 2238 working on the #92 to ball Green. We then saw required Wardle Transport double decker 4790 about to work a #91 to Bradeley.

Wardle Transport 4790 in Newcastle bus station

We walked over to the Wolstanton corridor stands and as we waited for the bus to be readied we saw required First Potteries 66309 on a #4A to Talke.

First Potteries 66309 in Newcastle

The bus was readied for service and we got on and flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver and we headed upstairs. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We left town towards Wolstanton along the A527. The top deck behind us emptied out at the top of the Bramptons and Matthew took a picture of the inside of the top deck of Wardle Transport 4790.

Inside Wardle Transport 4790

We headed into wolstanton and we saw JW Playclub minibus KV05 FRZ parked up on the right hand side road. As we headed through Wolstatnton and Longport we saw dud Wardle Transport 4809 and required buses Wardle Transport 2232/4814 all working on the #91/92 services. These service interwork at Newcastle. as we crossed over the A500 we saw ABC Supreme minibus N806 CRJ was the new roundel type logo on the rear joining the Southbound A500. We headed up to Trubshaw Cross and up into Tunstall. At the bottom of Tunstall High Street we turned right into Williamson Street. Looking up the high Street I saw the rear of a 'W' reg Volvo B7. I realised that it must be 32056 heading up to Talke still. In the time we had traveled from stoke to Newcastle and Tunstall, it had gone from Stoke to Hanley and Tunstall via Burslem. We headed back onto the High Street via Woodland Street and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Wardle Transport 4790 before it carried on towards Bradeley.

Wardle Transport 4790 in Tunstall

On the opposite of the High Street we saw dud First Potteries 32053 on a #3 bound for Newcastle.

First Potteries 32053 in Tunstall

We walked down to the Tunstall Cafe and Matthew used the toilet. Matthew had a slice of toffee cheesecake washed down with a can of Coke. We worked out that if we headed back to Newcastle then we should intercept First Potteries 32056 on the #4A to Hanley. So we crossed th e road to wait for the next Newcastle bus. On a #90 service to Ball Green was Scraggs YJ54 BSZ.

Scraggs YJ54 BSZ in Tunstall

We went online to nextbuses.co.uk to find the times of the next bus to Newcastle. The site told us that it was a D&G #94 service at 14:08. We didn't have to wait for long for this bus and when it turned the corner we saw it was required D&G eVolution single decker 132.

D&G 132 in Tunstall

We got on the bus and we flashed our Smart Day ticket at the driver. We sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down the high Street and onto Brownhills Road. At Trubshaw Cross we joined Longport Road for the run down to the A500. We crossed over the roundabout and we climbed up Porthill Bank. We turned left onto Wolstanton High Street and we headed into Newcastle though the Bramptons. In the bus station we let the bus empty out and Matthew got a picture inside D&G 132.

Inside D&G 132

We got off the bus and we saw a different taxi minibus at the taxi rank. It was City Cabs minibus SF07 DKJ.

City Cabs SF07 DKJ in Newcastle

Whilst we waited for First Potteries 32056 to make an appearance, we took a few bus pictures. We saw D&G 121 on a #74 to Audley.

D&G 121 in Newcastle bus station

The was follows a short time later by Arriva Midlands 2996 on the #164 to Shrewsbury.

Arriva Midlands 2996 in Newcastle bus station

On the #4A to Hanley was First Potteries 66838

First Potteries 66838 in Newcastle bus station

We were hoping that 32056 was going to be on the next #4A to Hanley in 20 minutes time, the 14:50 departure. This gave us time to take a few more pictures. Parked up as spare bus for driver to eat their dinner in was Wardle Transport 2217.

Wardle Transport 2217 in Newcastle bus station

Then we saw required First Potteries 65027 on the #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 65027 in Newcastle bus station

This was followed by dud First Potteries 60205 on the #4 to Wereton.

First Potteries 60205 in Newcastle bus station

We sat down at the bottom of the bus station on the large bench. On Barrack Road heading South we saw Challinor Van Hool coach N53 FWU.

Challinor N53 FWU in Newcastle bus station

On a #41 service we saw Wardle Transport 2278 which will probably soon be part of the D&G fleet.

Wardle Transport 2278 in Newcastle bus station

You can still see where the original D&G Bus decal used to be above the folding doors. Finally we saw what we were waiting for... required First Potteries 32056 on the #4A to Hanley!

First Potteries 32056 in Newcastle bus station

We walked up to the stand and we waited patiently whilst there was a driver changeover. When the driver was ready we got on the bus. I flashed the Smart day ticket to the driver and Matthew photographed the empty lower saloon.

Inside First Potteries 32056

We went upstairs and the rear of the top deck was empty too, so Matthew took another picture.

Inside First Potteries 32056

The bus set off out of the bus station and we completed riding on first Potteries 'W' reg Volvo's... It took us just less than a year. Our first ride on one of these buses was on First Potteries 32054 back in May 2014. The bus set off out of the bus station and up the A53 towards Basford. We crossed over the A500 and we continued east on the A53. We turned into the industrial part of Festival Park along Forge Lane and part way along we saw Nuthall Methodist Church coach SIL 5864 parked up near to the Royal Doulton outlet store. We turned into Festival way and we crossed the A53 and headed into Hanley up Etruria Road. We continued up Trinity Street and took a right turn onto Stafford Street. We paused for a minute or so in Stafford Street before the bus continued past the town hall and into the bus station via Bagnall Street. When we got off the bus Matthew went to the toilet and then we headed of out to the John Street car park. The usual door was shut so we had to walk down a ramp to a lower door and then walk up an extra flight of stairs! Once up in the car park we started to take a few bus pictures. On layover was First Potteries 63171. The first bus we photograph was dud First Potteries 66962 on a #3 to Leighton Hospital, Crewe.

First Potteries 66962 in Hanley bus station

This was followed by interurban liveried dud First Potteries 42893.

First Potteries 42893 in Hanley bus station

going onto one of the layover bays was required First Potteries 66313.

First Potteries 66313 in Hanley bus station

Seen on the #21 for the second time today was First Potteries 41520. This was followed by required First Potteries 32630 which was on the #4A to Kidsgrove.

First Potteries 32630 in Hanley bus station

Usually allocated to Crewe, D&G 127 with it's one big door was working the #9 to Biddulph which is operated from the Longton garage.

D&G 127 in Hanley bus station

This was followed by required Wardle Transport 2133 on the #16 to Leek.

Wardle Transport 2133 in Hanley bus station

We decided to head back to the bus station. Before we went we saw dud First Potteries 65039 with its rear engine cover slightly open.

First Potteries 65039 in Hanley bus station

We walked out towards the bus station and we saw A1 National Embassy Peugeot minibus SJ08 RCU parked outside.

A1 National Embassy SJ08 RCU in Hanley

Due to capacity issues with the new bus station, an extra stand was located on the road outside. That is where we saw required First Potteries 63178 on a #6 service to Weston Coyney.

First Potteries 63178 in Hanley

The majority of the new Raspberry route bus us the stop outside the bus station. It was unusual to see First Potteries 63171 on layover inside the bus station earlier... We went into the bus station and we went into the Spar shop. matthew had a couple of bottle of pop and a couple of chocolate bars. Matthew said hello to the lady serving behind the counter and was being as charming as usual. We decided to do another couple of buses before we went to Newcastle to meet mum. the usual plan was to head up to Tunstall or Bradeley to catch a bus forward to Newcastle. On a #3 to Talke was required First Potteries 66303.

First Potteries 66303 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day tickets to the driver. The bus was quite full and we sat down near to the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and past the museum. We went along marsh Street before turning up Trinity Street and turning left onto Stafford Street. We added a few more passengers before heading out of town along Waterloo Road. We passed the Burslem and the bus emptied a little. We continued up Scotia Road to the edge of Tunstall and we turned left onto Williamson Street before turning right onto the High Street. At the top of the High Street we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 66303 before it carried on on its journey towards Talke.

First Potteries 66303 in Tunstall

We got off the bus and we headed down the road to the toilets. We saw dud First Potteries 37157 on a #99 to Bradeley. After Matthew had finished in the toilet we headed back to stop B to wait for a Newcastle bus. From our bus times inquiry earlier we guesses that there should be a #91 bus at 16:24. We checked nextbuses.co.uk and this did turn out to be the case, so we had around 10 minutes to wait. There was a #3 to Hanley due first. The bus turned u and it was required First Potteries 66314.

First Potteries 66314 in Tunstall

We had to turn this down as we were going to meet up with mum in Newcastle. There were still 2 required buses on the #91/92 rotation that we knew of, so there was a 2 in 5 chance of one of these turning up. The bus rounded the corner and it was required Wardle Transport 2232.

Wardle Transport 2232 in Tunstall

We let a passenger get off the bus and we got on it. It was now empty so Matthew took a picture inside this fine example of an ALX200 bodied Dart.

Inside Wardle Transport 2232

We flashed the Smart Day tickets at the driver for the final time today and we sat down towards the rear of the bus. We set off down the High Street and onto Brownhills Road. At Trubshaw Cross we joined Longport Road and we passed required Copeland's Tours MIB 293 heading the other way. We suspect that it was returning from one of their holiday weeks. At the bottom of the road we picked up a lady with a suitcase who had probably just got off the coach and crossed the road. We headed across the A500 and up Porthill Bank before turning left onto Wolstanton High Street. We passed through wolstanton and as we got to the near end of the Brampton we stopped to let off a passenger and then the emergency exit alarm went off on it own. The driver stopped the bus and she open and shut the door a few time before the alarm cleared and we carried on into town. We crossed the Jubilee roundabout and onto Barracks Road before we entered the bus station. The bus was empty and Matthew got a picture inside it before we got off it.

Wardle Transport 2232 in Newcastle

We turned and saw dud Wardle Transport 2278 on a #41 'Hospital Hopper' service.

Wardle Transport 2278 in Newcastle

Mum hadn't turned up yet, so Matthew went to the toilet. When we came out we went to the corner of the bus station to look out for her, and to take a few more bus pictures. We saw First Potteries 65040 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 65040 in Newcastle

On the main road was Sids taxi minibus KS05 JHX.

Sids KS05 JHX in Newcastle

Coming into the bus station we saw dud First Potteries 66311 on a #4 to Wereton.

First Potteries 66311 in Newcastle

This was followed by dud Wardle Transport 2238 on a #92 from Ball Green to Newcastle.

Wardle Transport 2238 in Newcastle

Mum arrived and parked in the layby just up from the bus station on barracks Road. we got in the car and Matthew had a can of Irn Bru. we realised we had left the Greggs sausage rolls that we had brought yesterday instead on bring them into the car! Never mind, we were going to stop for chips at the Trentside chippy anyway. We turned around at the Jubilee roundabout and we headed back to the Southbound A34. We stopped at the chip shop and we picked up 2 portions of freshly cooked chips to share between the four of us in the car. We rejoined the Southbound A34 and then onto the Northbound A500. We turned right onto the Eastbound A50 which we did up to Longton to go and see what was at Z Carz. Z Carz Mercedes minibus M372 NWN still appears to be under repair but the job looks to be a little further along towards completion.

Z Carz M372 NWN in Longton

Next to this was Z Carz Ford minibus FP06 WTW.

Z Carz FP06 WTW in Longton

Finally we saw Z Carz Volkswagen minibus OV05 WSW.

Z Carz OV05 WSW in Longton

We turned into Willow Row to see what was in the compound. Parked outside on the Street was Z Carz Ford minibus GL04 CVE.

Z Carz GL04 CVE in Longton

In the yard itself was YR06 NNV. We headed back onto the A50 and we come off it again at Heron Cross. We turned on Blurton Road and we headed along onto church Road. We turned Right onto Beaconsfield drive and we got home around 17:30. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by millionaires shortbread. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:30... Mark