Trip to Joiners Square / Trent Vale 27-11-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DV10 JCU	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Joiners Square	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Joiners Square	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
53405	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trent Vale, opp Alder Walk	22	First Potteries

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

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Blurton

The bus set off onto the A5035 and left towards Longton. We crossed the A50 and we went down the Stand before turning right onto Market Street. We turned left onto Anchor Road and up to the Adderley Green. We turned left towards Bentille and we went to the respite unit to pick up another service user. We then headed back to Adderley Green. We turned right onto Anchor Road and near to the bottom we turned right again onto Upper Cross Street. We worked our way through the back Streets and onto King Street. We carried on into Fenton and onto City Road before turning left into 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. In the afternoon we went to the pub in a Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we went Straight across City Road onto Fountain Street. We turned left onto William Street and right onto Manor Street before going right again onto Victoria Road. As short way down the road we turned right into Fenton Industrial Estate along Dewsbury Road. We turned around and we went back onto Victoria Road and onto Manor Street again. We turned left onto City Road and at the bottom near to the railway we went right onto the A52. We went past the railway station along Station Road and then right onto College Road. We followed the Road up and onto Regent Road. we saw GHA single decker N8 GHA on layover waiting for the return X81 to Winsford. We carried on to the end and then right onto Lichfield road and to our destination. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a drink of Coke. Highlights of the bus sightings included First Potteries 63177 on the #6 to Meir.

First Potteries 63177 in Joiners Square

Matthew listened to the Jukebox with tracks including Duran Duran, Elton John and Eagles. When it was time to leave we got back aboard Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We set off Up Lichfield Street and then left onto Regent Road. We continued onto College Road and then then left onto Station Road. At the traffic light we went forwards onto the A52 and then left onto City Road. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street. At the end of Temple Street we turned right Christchurch Street and then to our destination. After a short break we went onto Bentilee to drop off another service user. We went onto Glebedale Road and then right onto City Road. We continued straight onto King Street before turning left onto Clarence Road. We weaved through the back streets on Longton and we joined Anchor Road along Wood Street. At the top of Adderley Green we went left towards Bentilee and we dropped off the service user. We returned through Bentilee and we saw Scraggs YJ05 JXS new to Scraggs on a #80 to Bentilee. We went to Adderley Green and back down Anchor Road into Longton and around the one way system. We crossed over the A50 and onto the A5035. We turned right onto Ripon Road and onto Finstock Avenue before getting home around 15:00. When Matthew got home he had toast and cherryade whilst we waited for time before we went out. Today we decided to go on the 16:30 service towards Newcastle. We set off around 16:25... We were a little late today. It was raining heavily when we set off. We walked to the stop all the way over on Magdalen Road and as we approached the stop the bus rounded the corner. We turned to see it was required First Potteries 53405.

First Potteries 53405 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Harpfields Road. Matthew honked the horn on this Solo... We sat down towards the back of the bus and we set off towards the A5035. As the bus in front was nearly empty, Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 53405.

Inside First Potteries 53405

We turned right onto the A5035 and we crossed the railway line into Trentham. It was raining hard now and we had to shut the window as we were getting soaked by rain! We turned right into New Inn Lane and we went into Hanford. We went down Church Lane ane we joined the Northbound A34. We crossed under the A500 and into Trent Vale and when the bus bus turned right, we got up and got off the bus opposite Alder Walk. We set of back down Harpfields Road and we saw First Potteries 60069 on a #22 to Longton. We joined the A34 and near to the pub we saw First Potteries 53120 on the following #22 to Longton.

First Potteries 53120 in Trent Vale

We stood outside the pub for a few minutes not realising that mum was already in the car park. We walked with mum into the pub and we sat down near to window... 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 BV51 BNZ / P881 RND on a staff shuttles and Stanton's of Stoke YKZ 6759 going Northwards. After we had finished eating we went to the car and Matthew called uncle Dave to tell him we were on the way. We saw ABC Supreme BV51 BNZ going Northwards toeards the hospital. We set off down the A34 and we went onto the Northbound A500. The A500 was busy, but only on the junction towards the A50. We went straight past Sideway and towards the Stoke turning. We saw GHA coach YN54 OAU and D&G 157 on the X14 to Trentham Gardens. At Stoke we headed back into Fenton. After picking uncle Dave up we went back up to Heron Cross and we saw First Potteries 53058 on a #23A and Copeland's Tours MIB 536. We turned right at the traffic lights and over the A50 into Blurton. We travelled through Blurton along Blurton Road were we passed First Potteries 53208. We went onto Church Road and right into Beaconsfield Drive and we got home just after 18:00. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Fenton / Trent Vale 30-10-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DV10 JCU	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
42554	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 to his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Today Matthew went out dressed as a vampire! 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 and we carried 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. In the afternoon they had a Halloween party for the service user. They had a competition to see who had the best Halloween costume on, and Matthew was the winner. For winning Matthew received some chocolates. When the party was over Matthew climbed aboard the bus to go home, which was Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU again. We set off onto Glebedale Road and forwards 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 getting home just before 15:00. When Matthew got home he had toast and dandelion & burdock whilst we waited for time before we went out. Today we decided to go on the 16:30 service towards Newcastle. Around 16:20 we set off on foot to the stop all the way over on Magdalen Road. Whilst we waited we saw Autocabs SF04 YZY going towards Finstock Avenue. The bus was a little late today... When it turned up it was required First Potteries 42554.

First Potteries 42554 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Harpfield Road. The driver today was a trainee and was still under instruction. Matthew took an interest in one of the trainers Driving License which was on a lanyard around his neck. We sat down towards the back of the bus and the bus set off onto the A5035. The bus was unusually full today... Just on the A5035 we passed First Potteries 60069 on the #22 to Longton. We carried on over the railway line and into Trentham and we saw Free Spirits MV05 YMM. We turned into New Inn Lane and we passed First Potteries 53209 running out of service. As we entered Hanford we passed First Potteries 40367 on the final #22 turn to Longton. We went down Church lane and onto the A34. As we entered Trent Vale we saw Free Spirits MK52 PXH. We crossed under the A500 and we saw First Potteries 53064 on a #21A to Trentham Gardens. Further up the road we saw First Potteries 53122 on a #21 to the Trentham Hotel. We turned right into Harpfields Road and the new driver missed the tricky stops both sides stop near Chubb Way. The bus stopped and we got off... Matthew took a photo of First Potteries 42554 as it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 42554 in Trent Vale

We walked back onto the A34 and we turned and saw a bus approaching. It was First Potteries 65039 on a #10 to stafford.

First Potteries 65039 in Trent Vale

A few yards further down the road we saw another bus... It was ABC Supreme Mercedes minibus N806 CRJ on a staff shuttle bus.

ABC Supreme N806 CRJ in Trent Vale

By the time we got to the pub mum was already there. 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 First Potteries 65027 on a #10 to Stafford and Leons Coaches minibus 204 going Northwards. 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 saw City Cabs HK15 XGT. We went onto the Northbound A500 where we saw Travel de Courcey's national Express liveried coach FJ11 GME on the #540 service. At Sideway we went Eastwards on the A50. We headed though Heron Cross and into Fenton. 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 into Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left into Finstock Avenue and we stopped to drop something off. We went to Newstead via Ripon Road and the A5035 and we dropped something off there too. We go back onto the A5035 and we saw First Potteries 53122 & 53058 both running out of service. We got home at 18:40. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 23:30... 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 31-07-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Joiners Square	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
65729	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. Whilst Matthew was using his day service I went for a drive up to Cheddleton via the A50, Sutherland Road, Weston Coyney Road and onto the A520. Whilst going between Weston Coyney into Cellarhead we passed Ausden Clark BIG 2987 and we followed Silverdale PN10 AFZ. The silverdale coach turned at Cellarhead to go towards Cheadle on the A52. I carried on through Wetley Rocks inti Cheddleton. I turned right and went down the hill to the railway. I had been Cheddleton to look at the trains. I drove up to via Basford and Belmont Road to Ipstones through the back roads and then we drove back home via the B5053 Bottomhouse and the A523 into Leek. In Leek town centre we saw Group Travel FJ56 KUB and De Lorean car SOR 83T. I came back via the A520. In Meir we saw Bennetts T48 JBA on the #4 to Stone. I went down the A50 to Heron Cross and then back to Blurton. 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 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 65003 on a #6 to Hanley.

First Potteries 65003 in Joiners Square

Back at the pub Matthew listened to the Jukebox and we saw First Potteries 63178 on a #6 to Hanley

First Potteries 63178 in Joiners Square

When it was time to return to the day centre. We were picked up by Shelton Day Care DV10 JCU. 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 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. We were expecting the bus to be First Potteries 65729 and as expected First Potteries 65729 turned the corner on time.

First Potteries 65729 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Harpfields Road. The bus was unusually completely empty so Matthew took a picture inside of First Potteries 65729 before we sat down.

Inside First Potteries 65729

The bus set off onto the A5035 and we passed First Potteries 60069 on the #22 to Longton. We crossed the railway line and we went into Trentham and we turned into new inn Lane. Opposite the man in Space we saw First Potteries 37157 on the #22 to New Inn Lane. We carried on up the road and into Hanford and we passed First Potteries 41496 on the #21B to Trentham Gardens. We went down Church Lane and we joined the A34. We crossed under the A500 and we saw Holweswood Coaches H2 HWD coming off the slip Road. We carried on into Trent Vale and the Holmeswood Coaches coach followed us along the A34. When we moved into the right hand lane to turn right the coach came along side us. We turned right into Harpfields Road and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew got another picture of First Potteries 65729 as it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 65729 in Trent Vale

We walked back onto the A34 and we headed to the pub On the way we saw First Potteries 65035 on a #10 to Hanley.

First Potteries 65035 in Trent Vale

When we got to the pub mum was waiting for us. 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 Bennetts T48 JBA running empty towards Newcastle. 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. As we joined the A50 we saw Glovers mini coach AIG 1346 on the A500 slip road and we passed Four Girls YJ05 FXX as well as another unidentified Four Girls coach. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and we went into to Fenton passing First Potteries 40373 on a #23A to Newstead. After we had picked up uncle Dave, we headed up to Heron Cross and through Blurton. We carried on down Beaconsfield Drive and we saw First Potteries 65729 on a #22 to Newcastle and First Potteries 60069 on a #22 to Longton, getting home around 17:45. Matthew then chilled out watching bus videos and eating some strawberry & white chocolate cake and also using his computer before 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 10-07-2015

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
DV10 JCU	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 orange juice for breakfast. Just before 09:00 his transport to his day service turned up and it was Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Blurton

we got on the bus and 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 Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

We turned onto Glebedale Road and Left onto City Road. Just before the railway line we turned right onto the A52. We carried on past the railway station and along the A52 to Joiners Square. At the roundabout we turned left onto LIchfield Street and to our destination. Matthew went to the toilet and had a drink of Coke. Highlights of the bus sightings at the pub include First Potteries 63171 on a #6 service. When it was time to return to the day centre we climbed aboard Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We went down Palmeston Street and then right onto the A52 and we saw Z carz minibus X599 WDY. At the roundabout we went left onto Victoria Road and we turned right onto manor Street. We turned left onto City Road and then right into Glebedale Road and to our destination. When it was time to go home we climbed aboard onto Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we carried onto Station Bridge Road. We carried on onto 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. When Matthew got home he had toast and drink of orangeade. Just after 16:00 we set off on foot to catch the 16:05 departure from Longton to Newcastle. I had view the bus earlier in the day and it was dud First Potteries 60069. We walked to the stop all the way over on Magdalen Road. The bus turned the corner around it was dud First Potteries 60069.

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 the bus set off onto the A5035. We should have passed First Potteries 60202 on the #22 but it didn't show up. We crossed the railway line into Trentham and just before we turned into New Inn Lane we passed Alfa coach 71 going towards Longton. On new Inn Lane we passed First Potteries 37157 on the #22 to New Inn Lane. We continues through Trentham and we passed First Potteries 40373 on a #21B the Hanley. We carried on into Hanford passing First Potteries 40023 on a #21 to Trentham. At the bottom of Church Lane we joined the A34 and we went under the A500 into Trent Vale. As we passed the pub we saw mum parking the car. We turned 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 in Trent Vale

We crossed the road and we saw an ABC Supreme minibus approaching on the Stafford to UHNS shuttle. It was required ABC Supreme N806 CRJ.

ABC Supreme N806 CRJ in Trent Vale

We walked onto the A34 and towards the bus. By the bus stop we turned to see First Potteries Scania Omnicity 65039 on a #10 to Stafford.

First Potteries 65039 in Trent Vale

We got to the pub and mum was waiting for us. Matthew had a brunch with bread and butter followed by toffee sponge pudding with custard. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses were Stanton's of Stoke coach BAZ 2002, Dunwoods YN15 EHZ and Global Travel FN02 VBV. Also seen was First Potteries 53119 which had taken over from First Potteries 60202 on the #22. It was quite possibly the first time one of the former Norwich Solos had worked on the #22. 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 which we did 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 Phil Boultons T2 DLT. We carried on along Blurton Road where we saw First Potteries 53208. 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 Stoke / Tunstall 27-06-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
60069	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trentham, adj Man-in-Space	22	First Potteries
40029	Trentham, adj Man-in-Space	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop R	21	First Potteries
60202	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop Q	Newcastle BS	3	First Potteries
40015	Newcastle BS	Clayton Village, Opp Beechwood Close	72	First Potteries
40020	Clayton Village, Opp Beechwood Close	Newcastle BS	72	First Potteries
60128	Newcastle BS	Burslem, Town Hall (stop G)	98	First Potteries
66310	Burslem, Wedgwood Street (Stop A)	Tunstall, adj stop M	3	First Potteries
66309	Tunstall, adj stop B	Hanley BS	3	First Potteries
65731	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	4A	First Potteries
32055	Newcastle BS	Keele, Nr Sneyd Arms PH	3	First Potteries
66309	Keele, adj Sneyd Arms PH	Newcastle BS	3	First Potteries

Today we decided to do a local trip, as we were going out again on Sunday. The weather forecast was for fine sunny hot weather. Matthew got up around 10:15 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Just after 12:00 we set off on foot the considerable distance to the bus stop all the way over on Magdalen Road. I had viewed all the buses earlier in the day and they were all Scania single deckers, with First Potteries 60069 expected to turn up on the 12:05 Longton to Newcastle. Just after 12:18 as expected First Potteries 60069 turned the corner onto Magdalen Road.

First Potteries 60069 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we purchased a Smart day ticket at £5.30. We sat down towards the back of the bus and then bus pulled off onto the A5035. We crossed over the railway line into Trentham and we passed First Potteries 41501 on a #22 to Longton which had replaced one of the Scania's seen earlier. We turned right into New Inn Lane and as the bus behind us was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 60069.

Inside First Potteries 60069

We passed dud First Potteries 40029 on a #21 to Trentham. that would be the next bus towards Stoke. When we were approaching the Man in Space we got up and got off the bus. Matthew then took another picture of First Potteries 60069.

First Potteries 60069 in Trentham

We stood at the stop outside the Man in Space for a couple of minutes and then we could see the Solo approaching... As expected it was dud First Potteries 40029.

First Potteries 40029 in Trentham

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart day ticket to the driver. The bus was nearly empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 40029.

Inside First Potteries 40029

We sat down near to the back of the bus and the bus set off up New Inn Lane. We passed First Potteries 40367 which was on a #21B to Trentham Gardens. We went through Hanford and we joined the A34 before crossing under the A500 and travelling into Trent Vale. At the Black Lion we turned right into London Road. We passed through Oak Hill and into the West End before going into Stoke. At the City Cabs base was minibus NU52 KHP. When we got onto Campbell Place we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took a picture of 40029 as it carried on towards Hanley.

First Potteries 40029 in Stoke

We turned and we saw First Potteries 40375 on a #21 to Trentham Hotel.

First Potteries 40375 in Stoke

We crossed the road and we headed to Church Street to the Stoke cafe. Matthew used the toilet and had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished eating we headed to the stop for Newcastle buses. On the way we saw First Potteries 41522 on the #2 service to Newcastle.

First Potteries 41522 in Stoke

When we got to the stop the timetable revealed we had an approximate 7 minute wait for the next #3. We saw a barbie liveried Scania approaching. As it got closer we saw it was dud First Potteries 60202.

First Potteries 60202 in Stoke

We got on the bus and we flashed our Smart Day tickets to the driver. We sat down near to the back of the bus and the bus set off through Stoke and up Hartshill Road. We passed through Hartshill and we turned right to go through the hospital. As we travelled throught the hospital a taxi pulled out on the bus and we had to brake.... This set off an alarm in the cab. Having negotiated the hospital grounds we saw we turned onto the A34 for the last 1/2 a mile into Newcastle. just before we got into town the alarm cleared. At the big roundabout we turned onto Barracks Road and then we entered the bus station from the Southern End. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 60202.

Inside First Potteries 60202

As we were getting off the bus the driver told the waiting passengers not to get on the bus as he was probably going to get a replacement bus. On an adjacent stand we saw First Potteries 32054 on a #3 service.

First Potteries 32054 in Newcastle bus station

Spare bus on Stubbs Street was dud First Potteries 37158.

First Potteries 37158 in Newcastle bus station

Also on layover on Stubbs Street was required First Potteries 66964.

First Potteries 66964 in Newcastle bus station

Whilst on stubbs Street, we also saw dud First Potteries 32055 on a #4 to Hanley.

First Potteries 32055 in Newcastle bus station

We went to the bottom of the bus station and we sat down for a short while. We saw required First Potteries 40015 on a #72 to Clayton so we decided to do this.

First Potteries 40015 in Newcastle bus station

Whilst we waited for a driver change to take place, we saw a few other buses in the bus station. Dud First Potteries 41497 was working a #17 to Hanley via Bradwell.

First Potteries 41497 in Newcastle bus station

We also saw D&G 190 on the #41 to Clayton.

D&G 190 in Newcastle bus station

When the driver was ready we got on the bus and flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto barracks Road and we joined the Northbound A34. At the first roundabout we went left onto Blackfriars Road. We turned left onto Friarswood Road and left again onto Brook Lane. We saw mum leaving Homebase in her car and we waved frantically but she didn't see us. We turned through 180' and we headed up the A519. We turned right into Seabridge Lane into Clayton and we wound through the estate and forward into Westbury Park. We crossed the A519 and we headed down the hill towards the A500 bridge. The bus turned just short of the bridge into Ferndown Drive South. As we got up and got off Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 40015.

Inside First Potteries 40015

As First Potteries 40015 carried on back towards Newcastle Matthew took another picture...

First Potteries 40015 in Clayton Village

We walked down to the A500 bridge to see if there were any passing buses. Matthew had a can of Irn Bru and a Rice Crispies Squares bar. As we stood on the bridge as a car passed below someone shouted 'Don't jump!'. When Matthew had finished eating we walked back up to Ferndown Drive South. We didn't have to wait long for the next #72 service. It was dud First Potteries 40020.

First Potteries 40020 in Clayton Village

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart day ticket to the driver. We sat down near to the back of the bus and the bus set off up Ferndown Drive South. We rejoined Northwood lane just down from the Northwood Lane Store and we retuned back along the route we came. We crossed over the A519 into Westbury park before going forward onto Seabridge Lane and then back onto the A519 closer to Newcastle. We ran down the A519 into Newcastle and then on Barracks Road. We entered the bus station from the Southern end. When we got to the bus station we decided to head off towards Tunstall. There was a #98 to Ball Green on the top stand so we headed up to see what it was. The bus was First Potteries Scania 60128.

First Potteries 60128 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver. We sat down near to the back of the bus and the bus set off out of the bus station. We took the A527 out of Newcastle and through Wolstanton. The bus turned right onto Porthill Bank. By the time we got to the bottom of Port Hill bank the bus had emptied out in front of us, so Matthew took a picture of the empty bus in front of us.

Inside First Potteries 60128

We crossed the A500 and we climbed the hill through Longport to Trubshaw Cross. At the roundabout we went right onto Newcastle Street. We climbed further up the hill and into Burslem town centre where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 60128 before it carried on it's way to Ball Green.

First Potteries 60128 in Burslem

We walked around the corner to the stop on Waterloo Road. As we got to the stop we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was dud First Potteries 66310.

First Potteries 66310 in Burslem

We got on the bus and we flashed our Smart Day ticket to the driver. The bus was quite full and we sat down at the back of the bus. Sitting next to the Volvo engine on a warm day was a little uncomfortable. The bus went along Scotia Road and then left onto Williamson Street. We turned left onto Tunstall High Street and we got off the bus at the top. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 66310 before it carried on towards Leighton Hospital, Crewe.

First Potteries 66310 in Tunstall

Once off the bus we headed to the Tunstall Cafe for our customary cake break. Matthew went to the toilet and I ordered him a toffee cheesecake washed down with a glass of Coke. When we had finished we headed back onto the high Street. As we were decided which way to go next we saw a Cherry Route bus round the corner, so we crossed the High Street to go and catch it. As it got closer we saw that it was required First Potteries 66309.

First Potteries 66309 in Tunstall

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to driver. We sat down near to the back off the bus and the bus set off down Tunstall Hight Street. We turned left onto Williamson Street and then right onto Scotia Road. We entered Burslem town centre and we exited along Waterloo Road. in Hanley we travelled along hope Street and onto Stafford Street. At the end of Stafford Street we turned to go past the town hall and we entered the bus station along Bagnall Street. At the bus station the bus didn't empty as it was running through to Madeley. We got off and Matthew went to the toilet. After he had used the facilities, we headed out of the bus station and up to the multi-storey car park to take a few pictures of buses in the bus station. we saw First Potteries 40023 in the bus station.

First Potteries 40023 in Hanley bus station

On the X15 to Buxton we saw dud D&G 132.

D&G 132 in Hanley bus station

This was followed by required First Potteries 41493 on the #21B to Trentham Gardens.

First Potteries 41493 in Hanley bus station

Dud First Potteries 40024 moved into on of the layover spaces in the centre of the bus station.

First Potteries 40024 in Hanley bus station

We then saw dud First Potteries 40175 also moving into one of these spaces.

First Potteries 40175 in Hanley bus station

We also saw dud First Potteries 65004 departing on a #18 to Leek.

First Potteries 65004 in Hanley bus station

This was followed by dud First Potteries 43876 on a #17 to Newcastle via Bradwell.

First Potteries 43876 in Hanley bus station

Dud First Potteries ALX200 Dart 40155 was on a #8B to Brown Edge.

First Potteries 40155 in Hanley bus station

We decided to head back towards the bus station. On the stands out the bus station there were a couple of Wright Streetlites as well as a couple of Scania Omnicity's. On of these vehicles was required First Potteries 65042 on a #6 to Weston Coyney.

First Potteries 65042 in Hanley bus station

Back inside the bus station we headed into the Spar shop and Matthew stocked up the trip bag with some pop and chocolate. We went out onto the bus station concourse and we saw a couple of buses we could do. Dud First Potteries ALX400 double decker 32055 was on a #3 to Madeley, and required First Potteries 65731 was on a #4A to Talke.

First Potteries 65731 in Hanley bus station

We decided to do the required Scania. We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart day ticket at the driver. We sat down near to the back of this quite well filled bus. We set off out off the bus station and onto John Street. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and then straight onto Marsh Street. Half way along Marsh Street we turned left onto Trinity Street and we headed down to the festival park and under the A53. We went along festival way and then back Southwards down Forge Lane. We crossed back under the A53 before joining the Basford bound carriageway. We crossed over the A500 in Etruria and we headed through Basford and into Newcastle. Back at the bus station the bus did not empty and so Matthew didn't get a picture inside First Potteries 65731. We got off the bus and there were a couple of required First Potteries Volvo's in the bus station. Required First Potteries 66313 was on a #3 to Crewe.

First Potteries 66313 in Newcastle bus station

Dud First Potteries 32055 which we had seen at Hanley had now caught us up.

First Potteries 32055 in Newcastle bus station

We decided to do this up to Keele village in a quick out and back move to finish off the day. We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver. We went upstairs and the top deck of the bus was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 32055.

Inside First Potteries 32055

The bus set off out off the bus station and down Barracks Road. We headed up the A34 for a couple of rundabouts and then we joined the A525. Turning right onto Orme Road, we bounced aour way up over the speed bumps until we joined the A525 again just before Hamptons scrapyard. We crossed over the roundabout and we climbed the steep hill up to the university entrance. Turning left and then right, we ran down to main square and we turned left to go on the road that goes around it. As we passed the back of the Students Union bar we saw the stop opposite had information of bus departures on a LED screen. It was 16:47 and there was a #85 due off this stop at 16:57. Hopefully we would make it up to the village to catch this bus. We passed the back of the Library and the Lindsay building and as were on the straight to head into Keele village and we saw the D&G Solo ahead coming the other way. There was an issue with the two buses trying to pass on this narrow road and we ended up reversing so that the other bus could pass. It passed us and we saw that it was dud D&G Solo 141. We carried on across Three Mile Lane and into the village where we got off the bus. I think there had been an issue with the bus getting caught on a speed bump, as the aluminium strip on the bottom edge of the step was broken and sticking up. The driver told us to be carefully getting off and he then precede to bend it back into position so no one else could get caught on the sharp edge. The driver got back on and we took a picture of First Potteries 32055.

First Potteries 32055 in Keele

Behind us we could see a Cherry route bus stopped down the road. We didn't think we would make it to the stop up the road towards Madeley, but we did. The bus had stopped at the previous stop and wasn't moving. It did start moving eventually and when it got closer we saw that it was dud First Potteries 66309 again!

First Potteries 66309 in Keele

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver for the final time today. On the road into keele University we passed Stanton's of Stoke DYE 815 going the other way towards the village. We passed the back of the Student union and the same youth who was waiting there when we passed the stop before got on the bus... He mustn't have fancied doing the D&G bus on this occasion. Back outside the square we saw the a Stanton's of Stoke double decker which we assume was the one we had seen earlier going around the university grounds and coming in from the over side. We left the campus and we went down the A525 and across the roundabout over Hampton Hump as we like to call it. The slight up and over hill outside Hamptons scrapyard. As we were about to turn into Orme Road we spotted the Stanton's of Stoke double decker ahead on the A525. It was at the side of the road with the engine cover up receiving some attention. There were people standing around in sports attire (presumable taking part in the corporate games 2015) standing around outside the bus. We bounced our way down Orme Road and into Newcastle along the A34, before coming into the bus station from the Southern end up Barracks Road. As the bus was terminating at Newcastle, we let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 66309 at the second attempt today.

Inside First Potteries 66309

When we got off the bus there was just time to take a few more bus pictures before we walked up to the car. On a #10 Stafford to Hanley service was dud First Potteries 32627.

First Potteries 32627 in Newcastle bus station

We walked to the top of the bus station to see if we could see mum parked up the road. As we did we saw First Potteries 32053 enter the bus station on a #4 service.

First Potteries 32053 in Newcastle bus station

We also saw First Potteries 53830 on a #17 to Hanley via Bradwell

First Potteries 53830 in Newcastle bus station

Matthew went to the toilet, and when he came out we saw First Potteries 60175 on a #2 to Meir.

First Potteries 60175 in Newcastle bus station

We walked to the car and mum was waiting with drinks. Matthew had a can of Fanta. As we didn't have sausage rolls for today we decided to visit the riverside chippy in Trent Vale on the way home. We turned the car around on the jubilee roundabout and we headed South down the A34 to Trent Vale. We stopped for chips and then we carried on Southwards down the A34. We turned left onto the A500 and we did this up to the roundabout at Sideway. We joined the Eastbound A50 and we did this up the hill to Longton where we came off at Longton to see what was parked up at Z Carz this evening. There were 4 buses parked on the spare ground tonight. First in the row was Z Carz Mercedes minibus S952 VMY.

Z Carz S952 VMY in Longton

Next in the row was another Mercedes minibus Z Carz CE02 LYX.

Z Carz CE02 LYX in Longton

Next in the row was LDV Maxus minibus Z Carz CN57 HWA.

Z Carz CN57 HWA in Longton

Last in the row was Z Carz Mercedes minibus M372 NWN.

Z Carz M372 NWN in Longton

We turned into Willow Row and there were a couple of minibus in the compound and they weren't easily photograph-able. We got back onto the A50 which we did up to Heron Cross. We stopped at shop to drop something off and then we carried on up Blurton Road. We went forwards onto Church Street and we turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 18:00. For a late tea we had bangers and mash followed by a Manchester Tart. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:30... Mark