Trip to St Helens / Huyton 22-11-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
64	Earlestown BS	St Helens Junction, Stop A	39	HTL
720	St Helens Junction, Stop A	St Helens temporary BS	35	Arriva NW&W
4577	St Helens temporary BS	Prescot, Kelly Street	10A	Arriva NW&W
4611	Prescot, stop B	Huyton Interchnage	89	Arriva NW&W
3042	Huyton Interchnage	Prescot, Wycherley Street	61	Arriva NW&W
4589	Prescot, Wycherley Street	St Helens, Church Street	10A	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to re-visit St Helens. We asked Matthew on the Friday where he wanted to go and he chose St Helens. We did no reserach for this trip other than to check the weather which gone to be dry and reletively mild by the time we got to Merseyside. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We got ready and we set off around 11:30. We got in the car and we ran through Blurton along Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and into Heron Cross and over the A50. At Heron Cross lights we turned left onto Grove Road. We ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. Once we had picked up uncle Dave, we continued down Wheildon Road and we joined the Northbound A500. We continued Northwards up the A500 through Etruria and Longport and we passed black minibus YJ14 CMV, Stanton's of Stoke WSV 530, red minibus RX71 CHF, white minibus BX58 NUV, blue minibus OU73 BLK, Skills of Nottingham BV72 YAD and Northwich Travel BN17 JUK. We joined the Northbound M6 and we headed through Cheshire. As we travelled Northward we saw silver minibus FA19 HNT, Ridleys Coaches YN75 VLY, Berrys ND20 VBO, yellow minibus LG06 DVF, Selwyn's (NX) BV19 XSB(#121) / BV74 LMO(#540), McGills 7 UUC and Milligans MIL 2978. We came of the M6 at junction 21A and we headed Eastwards along the M62. We came off at the next juncriona dnwe turned right onto the Northbound A49. We stopped at Newton-le-Willows railway station and I bought a Saveaway All Areas Day ticket at £6.50. I returned to the car and we continued up the A49. We turned left onto the A572 and we headed Westwards. We turned sharp left onto Market Street and we ran into Earlestown. We turned right at the roundabout onto Tamworth Street and right onto Lord Street. We parked up in the shoppers car park and we walked past the bus station to the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we joined mum and uncle Dave at the table. Mum ordered the food and Matthew had a brunch washed down with a glass of Coke. We also help uncle Dave finished off his chips! When we had finished we said goodbye to mum and we set off on foot to the bus station. As we arrived we saw Arriva NW&W 3132 on a #34 to Leigh.

Arriva NW&W 3132 in Earlestown bus station

We waited for a bus towards St Helens. A few minutes later we saw a bus we could catch. It was HTL 64 on a #39 to St Helens.

HTL 64 in Earlestown bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Saveaway All Areas Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station. We turned right onto Wellington Street and we turned right onto Earle Street. We ran Westwards out of town and we continued onto Wharf Road. We turned left onto the A572 and we turned left onto the Southbound B5204. We ran through Collins Green And we continued Southwards we ran into Burtonwood. We ran along Chappel Lane and forwards onto Clay Lane. We Turned right onto Gorsey Lane and right onto Neills Lane. We turned left onto the B5204 and we turned right onto The Pastures. We rejoined the Westbound B5204 and we turned right onto Helena Road. We ran under the railay line and we turned left into St Helens Junction railwy station. We spotted another bus so we decided to get up and get off the bus. Once off the bus, Matthew took another picture of HTL 64 before it continued towards St Helens.

HTL 64 in St Helens Junction

As we approached the other bus we saw it was Arriva NW&W 720 on a #35 to Gillars Green.

Arriva NW&W 720 in St Helens Junction

We got on the bus and we flashed the Saveaway All Areas Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the railway station car park and we headed on Station Road. We continued onto Robins Lane and we headed Northwards. We turned right onto Marshall Cross Road past St Helens Hospital. We ran forwards onto Peasley Cross Lane and we ran past the Brewdog Stadium. We crossed the A58 and we ran forwards onto Parr Street. We crossed over the railway line and we turned right onto Chalon Way. Everyone was get up off the bus and we saw there were multiple bus stops. I turned to ask somebody had they cosed the bus station and to my surprise they said yes, it has been closed for redevelopment! We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we had a look around. We saw Arriva NW&W 716 on a #32A to Clock Face.

Arriva NW&W 716 in St Helens bus station

At this point Matthew wanted to go for a wander. We saw a sign for a cafe on The Range so we went into the shop. WE walked all the way in the the back corner only to find out the cafe had closed. We came back out of The Range and we headed over Chalon Way and we went to the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we found a table. Matthew sat down and I went to the bar to order. Matthew had a chocolate fudge cake and ice cream washed down with a glass of Coke. When we finished eating we set off out of the pub onto Chalon Way and we had a look fir a bus to catch. We saw Arriva NW&W 3133 on a #352 to Wigan.

Arriva NW&W 3133 in St Helens bus station

We decided to Head West towards Liverpool. A short time later we saw a bu approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 4577 on a #10A to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4577 in St Helens bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Saveaway All Areas Day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the temporary bus station and we ran forwards onto the A58 and we ran Westwards before we turned off the main road to head towards Thatto Heath down Lugsmore Lane where we continued South through Nutgrove and over the railway line at Rainhill. We rejoined the A57 for the run towards Prescot. After passing Whiston Hospital as we got closer to Preacot town centre we decided to get up and get off the bus and visit a shop. Once off the bus Matthew got another picture of Arriva NW&W 4577 as it continued towards Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4577 in Prescot

Once the bus hd gone we crossed over the road and we headed to the shop. We bought a couple of chocolate bars and a bottle of pop. We crossed back over the road and we waited for a bus towards Huyton. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 4611 on a #89 to Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

Arriva NW&W 4611 in Prescot

We got on the bus and we flashed the Saveaway All Areas Day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off along the A57 and we turned left into the bus station. We continued South through the town centre and past Tesco. We crossed over the M57 and we went South Westwards along Huyton Lane. After about a mile we turned left into lathom Road and we ran between a shopping centre and a large supermarket. At the end of the road was the bus station. Once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4611 before it continued towards Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

Arriva NW&W 4611 in Huyton Interchnage

Once off the bus Matthew indicated that he wanted to have a bit of an explore. We cut through into the pedestrian area and we looked for a suitable place to take Matthew. We stopped at a coffee shop and Matthew went to the toilet and oredered him some food. Matthew had a bottle of Coke and a Millionaire's Shortbread. Once we had bought the goods we headed back through the precinct back to the bus station. Whilst we waited for the next bus we could do, Matthew ate the Millionaire's shortbread and chatted with a lady about his day. We decided to do the next bus, which was #61 to Palace Fields. We bcould do this part way before transfering onto another bus and heading back to St Helens. As few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 3042 on a #61 to Palace Fields.

Arriva NW&W 3042 in Huyton Interchnage

We got on the bus and we flashed the Saveaway All Areas Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto Huyton Hey Road and we turned right onto St John's Roads. We turned left onto Meadow farm Road and then right onto meadow Drive. At the end of Meadow Drive we went East onto Tarbock Road and at the big roundabout we crossed the M57 and we turned left onto Windy Arbor road. We turned right onto Dragon Lane and we went past Whiston railway station. We turned left onto Cross Lane and we ran up to Manchester Road. We crossed over the roundabout by Tesco Extra and we ran up Sewell Street and into the bus station. We turned right onto Church Street and we turned right onto the A57. We crossed the ring road and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 3042 as it continued towards Palace Fields.

Arriva NW&W 3042 in Prescot

We crossed over the road and we headed into a pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we headed to the bar. We had glasses of Coke and we sat in a little room at the back where the dart board was. When we came to leave it suddenly got busier. As we left the pub we saw a coach parked outside. It was Aintree Coachline UK23 ACL presumably just arriving back from Anfield as Liverpool had been playing at home.

Aintree Coachline UK23 ACL in Prescot

We crossed over the road and we waited for a bus back to St Helens. A short time later we saw a bus approaching through the fog. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 4589 on a #10A to St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 4589 in Prescot

We got on the bus and we flashed the Saveaway All Areas Day ticket to the driver for the final time today before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off up the High Street and we went straight onto the A57. We ran South Eastwards out of town past Whiston Hospital and down towards Rainhill railway station. we turned left onto Rainhill Road and we went North towards Thatto heath. We crossed the railway and we went North to the A58. At the junction we turned right and we ran into the Western end of St Helens and we turned left onto Water Street. We turned right onto Westfield Street and we turned right onto Ormskirk Street. We turned right onto Bridge Street and we got up and got off the bus as it was the last stop. It seemed most buses terminate across from the temporary bus station as there is no space to have buses laying over in there. We saw Arriva NW&W 4605 which had arrived on a #89 to St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 4605 in St Helens

We walked down Bridge Street and we crossed over Chalon Street West. Mum was waiting in the car park of The Range for us. We got in the car and Matthew had a can of Orange Fanta. We set off out of the car park and after an initial wrong turning we headed Southwards down James Roby Way. We headed down Scorecross and we turned right onto Marshalls Cross Road by Lea Green ststaion we turned right onto the B5204. We joined the Southbound A570 and we ran for a mile and a 1/2 to the M62. We jioned the Eastbound M62 and as we travelled we saw Woodstones YN22 YRA and Skills of Nottingham BV72 YAD. We joined the Southbound M6 and we headed through Cheshire. We saw Ausden Clark IRZ 881 and Turners Coachways YG22 LVA. At junction 16 we got onto the A500, We saw Regional Transort Y473 coming the ther way. At Sideway we headed Eastwards up the A50. We came off at Hern Cross and we turned right onto Blurton Road. When we got to the chip shop, Matthew indicated he needed the toilet so we headed across the road to the BP service ststion. Mun drove over to pick us up and we returmed to the chip shop. After picking up some food we headed back home. We turmed right onto Blurton Road and right onto Church Road. We turned right onto the A5035 and we got back to Blurton around 19:30. We went into the house and Matthew ate his sausages chips and gravy. We did some Blog and sorted out an e-mail. Matthew had his medication and afterwards I took uncle Dave home. We continued with the Blog and Matthew had a cup of Cherry Coke. Matthew went to bed around 00:30... Mark

Trip to Newcastle / Stafford 29-06-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
23	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	1	D&G Bus
35946	Newcastle BS	Stafford, Chell Road	101	First Potteries
35935	Stafford BS	Newcastle BS	101	First Potteries
67153	Newcastle BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus. A new link road has opened in the Little Horton area of Bradford. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We went downstairs and we and we cut through onto City Road to wait a bus to Hanley. Behind us we saw First Potteries 44514 on a #11 to Hanley. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was D&G Bus 23 on a #1A to Wood Lane.

D&G Bus 23 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre. We continued along Church Street onto Hartshill Road and into the centre of Hartshill. We turned left into the Avenue and left again onto Hilton Road before turning right into the City General Hospital. hospital. As we travelled through the hospital we saw Safeguard YJ19 ARU. Once through the hospital we turned right onto the A34 and we ran into Newcastle. We crossed the roundabout and we ran up Barracks Road and into the bus station from the South end. Once we got to the bus station we got up and got off the bus. We walked out of the bus station and we waited for a bus towards Trentham Gardens. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 35941 on a #25 to Keele.

First Potteries 35941 in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes later a bus appeared and it was First Potteries 35946 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 35946 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Stafford before we went upstairs and down towards. We set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We ran Southwards onto the A34 and we ran down through Trent Vale and into Hanford. We continued down through to Trentham and then we got onto the fast section of the A34. We ran through Tittensor to Darlaston and we continued down to the North end of Stone. We Veered left onto Newcastle Road and we ran into Stone town centre. After going around the one-way system and onto Stafford Road. We crossed over the A34 onto Eccleshall Road. We turned left onto Tilling Drive and we ran onto the industrial estate. We saw former East Riding Council minibus DG63 MXT. We rejoined the A34 at the roundabout where the A51 goes Eastwards and we ran Southwards through the fast section on the A34 to the A513 roundabout. We ran the last couple of miles into town down the A34 onto Foregate Street and we turned right onto Chell Road where we got up and got off the bus. In Stafford we saw Select Bus 33 on a #7 to Moss Pit.

Select Bus 33 in Stafford

Once off the bus we walked Westwards along Chell Road and we turned right onto Gaolgate Street and past the Market Square. We stopped at Greggs on Greengate Street and Matthew had a sausage roll and and a bottle of Coke. Once we had finished in the shop we walked back to the square and we ate the sausage roll and drank the Coke. Once we had finished eating and drinking we walked through the shopping centre and back onto Gaolgate Street. At the top we turned right and we stopped at the bus station. In the bus station we saw Chaserider 64 on a #74 to Cannock.

Chaserider 64 in Stafford bus station

A short time later we saw Select Bus 6 on a #9 to Highfields.

Select Bus 6 in Stafford bus station

Another vehicle seen was Select Bus 27 on a #877 to Wolverhampton.

Select Bus 27 in Stafford bus station

A short time later we saw Select Bus 5 on a #12 to Doxey.

Select Bus 5 in Stafford bus station

We waited for a bus back towards Newcastle. A short time later we saw Select Bus 40 on a #875 to Cannock.

Select Bus 40 in Stafford bus station

Afterwards we saw Chaserider 625 on a #828 to Lichfield.

Chaserider 625 in Stafford bus station

A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 35935 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 35935 in Stafford bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We left the bus station onto the A34 and we ran Northwards to the edge of town. Due to roadworks on the A34 roundabout we turned left onto the M6 link road and at the first roundabout we did a 180' turned and rejoined the A34. We continued up the fast section of the A34 to the edge of Stone and then we turned left onto the industrial estate. We ran around the estate and onto Tiling Drive. We turned right onto Eccleshall Road and we crossed the A34 onto Stafford Road. We turned left onto Crown Street and we stopped at the main stop in Stone. We ran North up Newcastle Road and we re-joined the Northbound A34. We ran Morth through Meaford and Tittensor and up into Trentham. We continued North through Hanford and Trent Vale and we past the City General hospital before going into Newcastle. We turned right onto Barracks Road and we entered the bus station from the South end. Once we got ot the bus station we got up and got off the bus. In the bus station we stopped at the toilet. Afterwards we waited for a bus back to Fenton. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67153 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67153 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto Barracks Road and we ran up to the Jubilee roundabout. We ran onto the A53 and around the one-way system onto the A52. We ran up George Street into Hartshill and we ran down the hill into Stoke town centre. After a brief stop we continued along Church Street out of Stoke and over the A500. We ran under the railway line and we continued onto City Road. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. We crossed over city Road and walked back to the residential unit. Matthew went back upstairs to chill out in his room and use his computer and watch buses out of the window. Later on Matthew went downstairs to do his shopping. Outside we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We went to do the shopping. transport for the trip was a Lucky Seven taxi. We set off onto City Road and we crossed over and onto Manor Street. At the end of Manor Street we turned left onto Victoria Road and we continued down Victoria Road and we stopped at McDonalds. Matthew went to the toilet and had a burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. We got an ABC Supreme taxi back to the residential unit. We set off up Victoria Road. We turned right onto City Road and left onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room and chilled out in his room and use his computer and watch buses out of the window. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. Matthew used his computer and watched music videos on the television. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Sandbach 02-02-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
N472 XRC	Chell Heath	Sandbach, o/s Common	Charter	Winsford Taxis
3330	Sandbach, o/s Common	Wharton, nr Wharton Road	37	Arriva NW&W
7628	Wharton, Wharton Road (cnr)	Middlewich, Queen's Drive (cnr)	37	Arriva NW&W
4156	Middlewich, Queen's Drive (cnr)	Wharton, opp Wharton Gardens	37	Arriva NW&W
3349	Wharton, nr Wharton Gardens	Winsford, Town Bridge (W-bound)	31	Arriva NW&W
3330	Winsford, Town Bridge (W-bound)	Sandbach, o/s Common	37	Arriva NW&W

Today we went on another relatively short trip. Matthew had something on at Heathfield and so we weren't going to set off until after 12:00, so we chose to go to Sandbach. Matthew got up around 08:30 and had some toast and orange juice for breakfast. We left home at 09:40 ans we went past the Hem Heath pub and along Stanley Matthews Way. We joined thee westbound A50 and then went along the A500. We passed City buses & coaches TJI 3131 as we went along. We then did the Tunstall bypass the High Lane and then we cut down to Heatfield School. We got there just after 10:00. Matthew went to the toilet and did some cooking before we returned to pick him up at 12:30. After saying goodbye to his friends we saw Mercedes Minibus N472 XRC which we got on to Winsford.

N472 XRC in Chell Heath

we sat down near the back and the bus set off the 25 coach seat bus back on to the Tunstall bypass and then onto the A500 and though the roadworks. Just before we reached the motorway we passed Copeland's Tours MIB 236 heading South. We did the M6 up to the A54 and we did this through Middlewich past the new Morrison to Winsford Morrisons, as this one has a cafe! We visited the toilet before going into the cafe. In the cafe Matthew had a breakfast and 2 cakes. It was quite busy so the meal took a while. He had the Bakewll slice first as a starter as he was a little impatient. after the breakfast he ate his favourite lemon meringue pie. We then moved on to Sandbach. We headed back to middlewich and then down the A533 to Sandbach. i made a slight error and we ended up going through Middlewich town centre and through some backstreet to The Cheshire Cheese pub. As we went South alongside the Trent and Mersey canal we saw a southbound bus and it was a double decker. We also saw a Northbound bus and it was a Centro. We got off headed into Sandbach and got another picture of this bus. The double decker we saw arrived and it was Arriva NW&W 4156.

Arriva NW&W 4156 in Sandbach

We decided not to do 4156 and Matthew went to the toilet by the market. Matthew saw the #319 and it was GHA S280 AOX. When we got back to the stop the Northwich bound #37 was there and it was Arriva NW&W 3330.

Arriva NW&W 3330 in Sandbach

We decided to do this and we got on and booked Arriva NW&W Daysavers and went upstairs. It was empty so Matthew photographed the empty up stair of 3330.

Inside Arriva NW&W 3330

Whilst we waited for time we saw D&G 64 on a #78 service.

D&G 64 in Sandbach

Time passed and we set of towards Northwich. We passed the first Southbound #37 in the estate South of Middlewich and it was 2613. When we got to Middlewich we diverted around town due to roadworks. We passed the new Morrisons and then set off towards Winsford. We passed the next bus just before Road One and it was another Centro 2614. In Winsford we saw a Crewe bound #31A and it was 2610. We decided to get of in Wharton so we could get back for 4156. We rounded the corner into Crook Lane and got off. Matthew got another picture of 3330.

Arriva NW&W 3330 in Crook Lane

We crossed the road and immediately spotted this Gailsway Travel LDV minibus T834 JVR come around the corner.

Gailsway Travel T834 JVR in Crook Lane

We only had to wait 2 minutes and then we saw a bus approaching. It was Arriva NW&W 7628 and Matthew got his picture.

Arriva NW&W 7628 in Crook Lane

We decided to do this 2 buses back through the rota to get another ride on 4156. We went down into Winsford around town and back down the hill. Whilst we were at the bottom stop on the high Street we saw Arriva NW&W 4042 heading towards Crewe running out of service. Almost immediately we saw Arriva NW&W 4040 going in the opposite direction. We passed the Northbound Centro on the #37 on Station Road and then we continued East to Middlewich. As we passed back through Warmingham Lane we decided to get off for 4156. We cut it a bit fine as we didn't have time to get a picture of 7628 as it went or 4156 as it approached. We ran across the road and flagged down 4156 an got. As the upstairs was empty behind us Matthew got a picture of the top deck.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4156

We passed the New Morrisons and I managed to get a picture of the Blimp. We carried on North and passed the next bus which was Arriva NW&W 3334. We went through Winsford and back towards Wharton. We were going to get off on Crook Lane again but as we climbed the bank out of Winsford we passed a Centro on the #37. We decided to stop on he bus and go to Wharton Gardens and wait for the next #31. We got off at Wharton Gardens and crossed the road. There was a #31 in 5 minutes and a #37 15 minutes later. The #31 appeared and it was Arriva 3349.

Arriva NW&W 3349 in Wharton

This was only our second trip on this bus as we scored it last week on the #29A. We only had a short trip on this bus today. It did go via the morrisons store which we had eaten at earlier. At the roundabout at the bottom we passed GHA SB38 on the X20 service. We got off at the bottom of Winsford High Street and he got another picture of this fine beast.

Arriva NW&W 3349 in Winsford

We now had around 12 minutes to wait for the next bus which we worked out should be Arriva NW&W 3330 again. As we waited we saw 7628 return North on a #37. We also saw 2613 on a #31. Eventually we saw a double decker approach from across the roundabout and it was as predicted Arriva NW&W 3330.

Arriva NW&W 3330 in Winsford

We got on and sat upstairs for our last journey. We went past The Red Lion and we saw the De Bees Music Bar N469 AWB Mercedes minibus that parks at the back. I called mum to let her know when to meet up. The bus emptied out so Matthew got another picture of the top deck.

Inside Arriva NW&W 3330

It was now going dark as we approached Sandbach. When we got to Sandbach we got of and got another picture of this bus.

Arriva NW&W 3330 in Sandbach

We went to the chip shop and Matthew pick a can of Ben Shaws dandelion and burdock and a can of Coke for later. The toilet was out of order so we went to the toilet by the market. We then met up with mum at the car to eat chips. Whilst we sat there we saw D&G 66 on a #78 service and Arriva NW&W 3334 returning north on a #37. After we had finished eating we set off back home. We headed out of town on the A534 to the M6. We did the M6 down to the A500. As we went down the A500 we passed D&G 26 running empty back to Crewe. We also saw Mercedes minibus N769 EWG. We got on the A50 and headed to Longton. We then went past Z Carz to see what was on. First in the row was Scania coach D104 XAN.

Z Carz D104 XAN in Longton

The we saw DAF minicoach W344 WNS.

Z Carz W344 WNS in Longton

We then saw Mercedes minibus T131 SGA.

Z Carz T131 SGA in Longton

Finally we saw LDV minibus T408 JUX.

Z Carz T408 JUX in Longton

We then passed Z carz minibus CE02 LYX from the taxi fleet before going down Longton Hall Road. we passed 40151 on a 22 and 40030 on a #23A. We got hoe around 18:30. For a late tea tonight had sausages potatoes and carrots. He washed this down with a glass Shandy Bass. He went to bed just before midnight...Mark.

Trip to Crewe and Sandbach 14-01-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3330	Crewe BS	Sandbach o/s Common	37	Arriva NW&W
4489	Sandbach o/s Common	Haslington opp Oakland Avenue	38	Arriva NW&W
3331	Haslington nr Oakland Avenue	Elworth nr railway station	37	Arriva NW&W
861	Elworth adj railway station	Sandbach o/s Common	37	Arriva NW&W

Today we had planned on going Crewe, but the intention was to catch a #85 from Hanley to Crewe. I had misread a post on the Staffordshire and Merseyside bus group saying that the D&G Crewe to Newcastle service was being extended to Hanley from the 13th January, when in fact it was down as changing on 13th February. By this time Matthew had got is heart set on going to Crewe anyway! Having been to both Crewe and Northwich Last year, we decided to cover buses on the Crewe to Sandbach corridor. Preperation for the trip consisted of printing out the 31,37 and 38 timetables plus a map of these 3 routes from the Arriva site. After a bit of a hiccup, we set off for Crewe around 12:45. Arriving around 13:30 we parked up in the car park on Delamere Street and walked over to the bus station. We saw a couple of #84's and the spare at Crewe and these were all Plaxton Centros. What has happened to the Winsord allocated Cadets? Also seen at this point were D&G 27 on a local service and D&G 172. Before we traveled, we decided to have dinner at Les's Fish Bar. We all ate and drank and it came to around £17. After a quick toilet stop we headed back to the bus station to see what was working. There were 2 different services to Northwich just after 14:00. There was a 14:01 #31A and a 14:17 #37. As we got to the bus station, recent arrival to Winford 3330 came in on the #37. We decided to do this as it was required, and it would be only the second of this type we have ridden on. The bus parked on stand and the driver went for a quick break. Whilst we waited, Matthew got a picture of this fine bus.

Arriva NW&W 3330 in Crewe bus station

As we left I looked up what possible bus we could do next. We were scheduled to pass an inbound #38 from Macclesfield. The plan was that if it was an old double decker that we could get off and wait for it by the railway station and then do it back towards Macclesfield. As it approached we could see it was one of the 3 brand new double deckers allocated to Winsford. We passed the bus and it was required 4491. As it was a new bus we decided to stick with the one that we were on and travel further North. I worked out that the next bus we would pass was a #37 a couple of minutes out of Sandbach. Behind that by 18 minutes would be the next #38 to Crewe. It was decided that we would go to Sandbach Common and if we passed a good bus coming from Northwich on the #37, we could catch the following #38 and intercept it just outside Crewe on it's return. As we approached the roundabouts in Sandbach we could see it was another Palatine II like the bus that we were on. It was required 3331 so we were definately getting off to catch it on it's return. As we pulled into the Common, Matthew got a picture of the top deck as we filed off the bus.

Inside 3330

Getting off the bus, We decided that we could get a better picture than the one we took at Crewe...

3330 at Sandbach Common

We now had a 18 minute wait. We decided to fill the time with a it of shopping. We walked over to the local McColl's shop and brought some pop, a chocolate bar and Lottery Tickets. After doing our shopping we walked back to the Commom. D&G 64 was seen on a Nantwich to Rode Heath Service.

D&G 64 at Sandbach Common

The next bus in was a #319. I didn't even know where a #319 went to let alone who operated it! It eventually turned up and it was a very smart looking GHA Solo...

GHA S280 AOX at Sandbach Common

We then had 5 minutes before the #38 to Crewe was due. I guessed it would be one of the new ADL Enviro 400's and I was not wrong. It was required 4489.

Arriva NW&W 4489 at Sandbach Common

We got on the bus and worked out how far we could go. The buses would pass somewhere between The railway station and the bus station at Crewe. With the road by the railway station being very busy and the next section of road being a dual carriageway, I decided to get of at the Crewe end of Haslington by Oakland Avenue. It's a stop that we have been before when I used to take Matthew out on my own but didn't want to take him into Crewe. We got off and we had about 15 minutes to wait for the return bus. It wasn't too bad in the cold but very sunny afternoon. There should have been a #20 to Hanley First, so we stood on the green so we could get a better picture of it when it turned up. The # 20 was due at 15:22 and the #37 due at 15:26. Whilst we waited we saw 2 #20's head into Crewe. First was Potteries 60081 and this was followed 5 minuets later by Potteries 60196 which took a bizarre right turn down Primrose Avenue! Eventually our bus turned up a few minute late with a First bus right behind it.

Arriva NW&W 3331 in Haslington

We got on the bus and it was 3331 as was expected. It was quite full which explained the delay as it must of taken a while to load up at Crewe. We now had to decide where to catch the bus to and where we were going to meet up with mum. I decided that if we did the bus up to Sandbach Railway station, we could ride back to Sandbach on the shorter #37 Northwich to Sandbach service. That would take us to 4 buses for the day, and would be a good place to finish. I tried to call mum as we went through Haslington and Wheelock, but the signal was poor. She eventually called Uncle Dave back and we arranged to meet back at the Commom. We passed the next #37 and this was a Plaxton Centro so of no interest at this point in time. I had misread the timetable and I thought we were going for a dead time at Sandbach Station. We got off the bus at 15:52 and Matthew took a quick picture before we crossed the road.

3331 by Sandbach Station

We quickly crossed and headed to the stop. I check on the stop timetable and the bus wasn't due until 16:01. At this point we didn't know what was going to show up. Winsford has an allocation of around 50 buses and we have been on very few from this depot despite it being our closest Arriva NW&W depot. We thought it Could be a double decker, a Marshall bodied Dart or even a Plaxton Centro. The bus tuned the corner and we could see it was a Plaxton bodied Dart. As it got closer we could see it was dud 861 which we had travelled on on our last trip to Northwich. The bus was empty and Matthew took a picture as we boarded.

Inside Arriva NW&W 861

I think this bus must have swapped ready for the evening service. As it seemed to be a small vehicle for this service. about 5 minutes later we arrived back at the Common. direction and she just happened be on the Common. We got off and were able to get a good picture here.

861 at Sandbach Common

Mum had tried to follow the directions for Sandbach Common on her GPS but it wasn't there. She stopped to call us for directions and she just happened to have stopped on the Common next to 4489 on the #38 to Macclesfield. She could even hear us in the background. We walked over to the car and headed home. I drove NW to the M6 and then we traveled down to the A500. We listened to the Stoke match (away to Liverpool )as we traveled home and it was 0-0 still. We stopped at Longport for LPG and then drove home. We arrived home just before 17:00 and the result stayed at 0-0... Mark.