Trip to Fenton / Longton 16-08-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
66852	Stoke-upon-Trent, Lytton Street	Longton, Market Street	11	First Potteries
63097	Longton, stop C	Fenton, adj Travers Court	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in residential and he was going to his day service. He was also going out for a trip on the bus. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. Across the road we saw First Potteries 63097 on a #11 to Hanley. Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street and to the day centre. At the day centre we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX parked outside.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

In the morning Matthew went to Fenton Park. We set off on foot onto Glebedale Road and across onto Fountain Street. We cut across onto Victoria Road and we walked down the hill to the park. In the park Matthew walked around for a while and then came out on Cumberland Street. We turned right onto Beville street and then left onto Victoria Road. We crossed over City Road and we went to JTF. In the warehouse Matthew had a flapjack and a can of Coke in the cafe upstairs. When we had finished in JTF we walked back onto City Road and left onto glebedale Road and back to the day centre. For dinner Matthew had a ham sandwich followed by cake. In the afternoon Matthew watched a DVD. When it was time to go back to the residential unit we set off on foot onto Christchurch Street. We turned right onto Temple Street and then went back to the the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out and use his computer. We saw Lucky Seven minibus SB06 NPZ going towards Stoke.

SB06 NPZ in Fenton

We also saw First Potteries 67648 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67648 in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 67152 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67152 in Fenton

We set off down City Road and we crossed over. Near to Smithpool Road we saw D&G Bus 100 was on a #40 to Longton.

D&G 100 in Fenton

We carried on down City Road and we saw taxi minibus DG10 WVT Running towards Longton.

DG10 WVT in Fenton

We walked down the hill and under the railway line to Stoke where we decided to wait for a bus to Longton. Whilst we waited we saw D&G 119 on a 'Nines' service to Biddulph.

D&G 119 in Stoke

We also saw D&G Bus 111 on 'The Orange ONE' service to Meir.

D&G 111 in Stoke

Just before our bus turned up, we saw First Potteries 32648 on a #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 32648 in Stoke

A few minutes later our bus appeared and it was First Potteries 66852 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 66852 in Stoke

We got on the bus and we booked to Longton before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off up City Road and under the railway line. We climbed the hill through Fenton and we ran forwards onto King Street. We ran through Foley and under the railway line and into Longton town centre. The bus stopped on Market Street and we got up and got off the bus. We walked over to Tesco and and Matthew did some shopping. Matthew went to get some new jeans. Whenwe had finished shopping we went outside and we saw Lucky Seven DK11 BVX.

Lucky Seven DK11 BVX in Longton

We headed back to the strand to catch the bus back to Fenton. On the way we went past the transport interchange and we saw First Potteries 41500 on a #22 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 41500 in Longton Interchange

We walked up The Strand and we waited at the bus stop. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 63097 on a #11 to Newcastle. We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down The Strand and we ran under the railway line onto King Street. We ran through Foley into Fenton and forwards onto City Road. As we approached the flat we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took a picture of First Potteries 63097 as it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 63097 in Fenton

We walked by to the residential unit and Matthew went up to his room to chill out. For tea Matthew had sausages and chips followed by ice cream. Later on Matthew went to Eaton Park to the pub quiz. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Baker Street and left onto Glebedale Road. We turned right onto city Road and sharp left onto Victoria Road. We ran down the hill to Joiners square and we turned right onto the A52. We ran up to Bucknall and we followed the A52 to the right. We turned right onto the A5272 and we ran up to Bentilee. We turned right onto Abourfield Drive and we ran into the Eaton Park estate. We stopped at the pub and Matthew went to the toilet. Matthew had a glass of coke and then chilled out in the pub. later Matthew returned to the residential unit. We set off out of the estate onto Abourfield drive and we ran up to Dividy Road. We ran down to Bucknall and we joined the A52. At the lights we followed the A52 to the left and we ran up to Joiners Square. We turned left onto Victoria Road and we ran up the hill into Fenton. We turned right onto manor Street and at the end we turned right onto City Road. We turned left onto Smithpool Road and left again onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out. Matthew watched some television and used his computer. 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 Fenton / Newcastle 07-06-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63098	Fenton, Victoria Place	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
63178	Newcastle BS	Fenton, Christchurch Street	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going out on the bus. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange for breakfast. Matthew chilled out in his room until dinnertime, using his computer and watching buses out of the window. We saw First Potteries 63177 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63177 in Fenton

Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Christchurch Street and up to the day centre where we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

In the morning Matthew was going out on the bus. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned right onto City Road. We walked up to the stop and we saw First Potteries 63098 on a #11 to Newcastle. We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre along Church Street. After a brief stop in Stoke we continued along church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road. We ran up the hill and into Hartshill. We ran forwards onto George Street and we ran down the hill into Newcastle. We turned left at the roundabout onto Barracks Road and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew got a picture of First Potteries 63098 before it returned towards Hanley on a #11 service.

First Potteries 63098 in Newcastle bus station

We set off on foot up castle walk and onto Ironmarket. We turned right and we walked down to the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. Once Matthew had finished in the pub we walked along Ironmarket up to High Street and we walked down to Hassell Street where we returned left. Back at the bus station Matthew took a few bus pictures before returning to Fenton on a bus. We saw First Potteries 66852 on a #4 to Audley.

First Potteries 66852 in Newcastle bus station

We also saw D&G Bus Streetlite 156 on layover in between working on the #85 service to Crewe.

D&G 156 in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was First Potteries 63178 on a #11 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station 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 we walked across the car park to the day centre. For dinner Matthew had a ham sandwich followed by a cupcake. In the afternoon Matthew went on the computer. When it was time to go back to the residential unit we set off onto Christchurch Street and left onto Temple Street. Matthew went upstairs to his room and used his computer and watched buses out of the bedroom window. We saw First Potteries 63101 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63101 in Fenton

For tea Matthew had fish fingers and chips followed by cake. In the evening Matthew went shopping at Farmfoods in Burslem. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto City Road. We ran down the hill and under the railway line and we turned right onto the Northbound A500. We ran 3 miles or so up to Longtport and we turned right onto the A5271. We ran jp to Trubshaw Cross and we turned left to continue following the A5271. At the South end of Tunstall we turned right onto Williamson Street and right again onto Scotia Road. We ran into Burslem town centre and we turned left into Moorland Road. We parked up by the supermarket and Matthew brought his weekly food shop. Once we had finished shopping we set off back to Fenton. We ran into the centre of Burslem and we went straight across through the town centre and forwards onto Newcastle Street. We ran down to Trubshaw Cross and we turned left onto the A5271. We ran through Longport and we turned left onto the Southbound A500. We ran South for around 3 miles and then we came off the A500 at Stoke. We turned left onto the A52 and we ran under the railway line and forwards onto City Road. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and then left onto Temple Street. Once back at the residential unit Matthew went upstairs to his room and used his computer. Later on Matthew had a bath before having some toast for supper. He then chilled out until bedtime around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Festival Park / Joiners Square 19-05-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
66852	Festival Park, Moat House Hotel	Hanley, stop J1‎	4A	First Potteries
DY08 FFX	Joiner Square	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. Matthew was also going bowling at Festival Park. Around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst waiting to go out we saw First Potteries 67157 on a #23 to Hanley. Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street and to the day centre. At the day centre we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX parked outside.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

In the morning Matthew went bowling in Festival Park in an Intercity taxi. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned left onto City Road. We ran down the hill onto the A52 and under the railway line, before turning right onto the Northbound A500. We ran North up to Etruria and we turned right onto the A53. We ran up to the next roundabout and we went left into the Festival park. Matthew went to the toilet and then went bowling. After a few games of bowling, for dinner Matthew was going to the McDonalds, so we set off on foot along Ridgehouse Drive. For dinner Matthew had burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. When it was time to go we walked back to Festival Way to catch a bus to Hanley. Whilst we waited for the bus we saw First Potteries 66845 on a #4 to Audley.

First Potteries 66845 in Festival Park

A few minutes later a bus appeared, and it was First Potteries 66852 on a #4A to Hanley.

First Potteries 66852 in Festival Park

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along Festival Way and we ran under the A53 and onto Etruria Road. We joined the anti-clockwise ring road and we ran around to Bethesda Street, where we turned left. We passed First Potteries 66963 on a #5 to Abbey Hulton. We turned right onto John Street and we ran u the hill into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and we went out of the bus station onto Bagnall Street. Once in Hanley Matthew walked to the opticians. We set off onto Cheapside and across Piccadilly into the arcade. We came out onto Trinity Street and we crossed the road. After Matthew had done his appointment we crossed over the street and through the arcade. We walked along Cheapside and forwards onto Bagnall Street. We went onto Licfield Street and we crossed over the ring road. We walked down Lichfield Street to the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. After we had finished in the pub we went outside. We walked down Palmerston Street and onto the A52 and we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 246 going towards Bucknall.

Copeland's Tours MIB 246 in Joiners Square

We carried on also to the A52 and we saw D&G Bus 32 on the Asda Free Bus service.

D&G 32 in Joiners Square

We turned left onto Victoria Road we saw First Potteries 63172 on a #6 to Hanley. When it was time to go back to Fenton we travelled back on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off up Warrington Road and we turned left onto the A52. We went past the railway station and we continued along the A52 along the seven arches. We turned left onto City Road. We ran up the hill and we turned right into Glebedale Road and back to the day centre. When it was time to go back to the day centre we walked onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room and chilled out on his computer and watched buses. We saw First Potteries 43875 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 43875 in Fenton

Matthew was going out for tea. We went to Radford Bank in a taxi. We set off down Temple Street and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left City Road and we ran down the hill and under the railway line onto the A500. We then went South on the A500 which we did down to A34. Once on the A34 we went South through Trentham and past Stone and into Stafford. We saw Arriva Midlands 3782 on a #5 to Telford. We carried on through Stafford town centre and out the other side. just beyond Radford bank Inn we turn onto Weeping Cross for the last couple of miles. After going to the toilet, Matthew had a cheeseburger and chips followed by a chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. When we had finished eating we returned to Fenton in a Intercity taxi. The headed back towards Stafford on the A513 and then onto the A34 at Weeping Cross. they passed through Stafford town centre before going North on the A34 up to Hanford. At Hanford they got on the A500 which we did to Stoke. We came off the A500 and City Road and we turned right into Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to unit. Matthew chilled out in his room and used the computer. Later on Matthew had a bath followed by toast for supper. Matthew then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Festival Park / Trent Vale 17-02-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DV10 JCU	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
67635	Fenton, Victoria Place	Hanley, Lichfield Street	6	First Potteries
66852	Hanley BS	Festival Park, Adj Moat House Hotel	4A	First Potteries
66306	Festival Park, Adj Moat House Hotel	Hanley, Adj stop S5	4	First Potteries
DV10 JCU	Joiners Square	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
67632	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way	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 a sausage oatcake 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 set off onto the A5035 and we ran over the railway line into Trentham. We turned right into new Inn Lane and we picked up another service user before returning onto the A5035. We turned left into Stanley Matthews way. We joined the Eastbound A50 and we came off at Heron Cross. We went through the traffic lights to Heron Street. We followed the road onto Station Bridge Road and then onto Glebedale Road and to the day centre. In the morning Matthew went bowling in Festival Park. it was decided that Matthew was travelling up on the bus. We set off on foot onto Glebedale Road and we turned right onto City Road. After crossing over we walked around the corner onto Victoria Place. Whilst at the stop we saw First Potteries 41514 on a #6A service to Hanley.

First Potteries 41514 in Fenton

A few minutes later another bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67635 on a #6 service to Hanley.

First Potteries 67635 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down. We set off down Victoria Road and we crossed over the A52 at Joiners Square. We ran up Lichfield Street and we crossed over the ring road. We then got up and got off the bus at the stop outside the bus station. Once we got off the bus we went inside the bus station to wait for the next #4/4A to Festival park. Whilst we waited we saw Selwyn's National Express liveried coach YN11 AYB on a #370 service to Clacton-on-Sea and First Potteries 37156 on a #32 to Uttoxeter. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 66852 on a #4A to Talke Pits.

First Potteries 66852 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Festival Park before we sat down. The bus set off onto John Street and we ran down the hill before we turned right onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto Broad Street and then we joined the clockwise ring road. We ran around to Etruria Road and then we turned left onto Etruria Road. We went under the A53 and we went forwards onto Festival Way. We crossed the next roundabout and then we got up and got off the bus. We walked across to the bowling alley and then Matthew had a few games of bowling. We then walked back onto Festival Way to catch a bus back to Hanley. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching and we could see by the large number on the front it was First Potteries 66306.

First Potteries 66306 in Festival Park

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down. We set off along Festival Way and under the A53. We went forwards onto Etruria Road and we ran u the hill into Hanley. We crossed over Marsh Street and we ran forwards onto Trinity Street. At the top of the hill we turned right onto Stafford Street where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked up through Trinty Square. We turned right onto Tontine Street and then we walked up the passage between Waterstone and the Pound Bakery onto Parliament Row. We turned right and we walked into McDonalds for dinner. Matthew went to toilet and then had a Burger & fries washed down with a cup of Coke. When we had finished in McDonalds we walked to the pub. We set off on foot along Parliamnet Row and down through the passage onto Trinity Street. We walked through Tontine Square and down Piccadilly. We turned left onto Cheapside and we walked past the town hall onto Bagnall Street. We walked around the bus station and down Lichfield Street to the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. Highlight of the bus sightings included Stanton's of Stoke GX60 RHV & First Potteries 63172 on a #6 to Weston Coyney. Matthew listened music on the Jukebox with tracks including . When it was time to go back to the day centre Matthew got on Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We set off onto Palmerston Street. We turned right onto the A52 and then we turned left onto Victoria Road. At the top of Victoria Road we turned sharp right onto City Road. We turned left into Glebedale Road. After a brief stop at the day centre Matthew continued home on Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we continued forwards onto Station Bridge Road and we went forwards onto Heron Street. We crossed over the crossroad and over the A50 and we went through Blurton along Blurton Road. We veered right onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and then left onto Finstock Avenue. We continued down to the A5035 and we headed over the railway line into Trentham. We turned right onto New Inn Lane and after dropping off another service user we returned New Inn Lane. We turn left onto the A5035 and we ran back over the railway line into Blurton. We got home just before 15:00... Matthew took another picture of Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU before it continued back to the day centre.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Blurton

Matthew had toast and a glass of orange whilst he waited for the time to go out and catch the bus. Today we went to catch the 16:26 to Newcastle. We had seen the bus earlier in the day and it was First Potteries 67632. We set off on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. A few minutes later and running bang on time the the bus turned the corner... It was First Potteries 67632 as expected on a #22 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67632 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Harpfield Road before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto the A5035 and we ran over the railway line into Trentham where we saw First Potteries 67642 on a #22 to Longton. We turned right into New Inn Lane and then we continued up New Inn Lane and we ran into Hanford. We turned right into Wilson Road and we passed Free Sprits minibus MK52 PXH. We ran down Church Lane and we joined the A34. After running under the A500 into Trent Vale. We turned right onto Harpfields Road where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another First Potteries 67632 before it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 67632 in Trent Vale

Once we got off the bus we walked back onto the A34 and to the pub. We sat on the wall outside whilst we waited for mum to arrive from Grandma's. Whilst we waited we saw and First Potteries 65033 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 65033 in Trent Vale

A few minutes later mum turned up and then we went inside the pub. Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses included ABC Supreme KX13 DZL, Stanton's of Stoke coach WA08 JVX going North as well as First Potteries 37159 on a Northbound #101 service to hanley. When it was time to go we got in the car to go pick up uncle Dave. We ran down the A34 and we got onto the Northbound A500. At Sideway we went East on the A50. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross were we saw First Potteries 67159 on a #23 to Newstead. We then dropped down into Fenton to pick up uncle Dave. We then headed back up to Heron Cross and we crossed the A50 and into Blurton. We ran along Blurton Road and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right into Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 18:15. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we sorted a few things out. Mum was going out so we set off onto the A5035 and we ran through Dresden up to Longton. We turned left onto Spring Garden Road and we continued onto Goms Mill Road. We dropped mum off at her friends house and we ran up to Edensor Road. At the end we turned left onto the A50 and we ran up to heron Cross. We came off the A50 and we ran through Blurton along Blurton Road. We coninued onto Church Road and we turned right onto the A5035 and back home. We then chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Newcastle / Biddulph 24-12-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67635	Blurton. adj Ladybank Grove	Longton TI	22	First Potteries
37157	Longton TI	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop Q	11	First Potteries
63179	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop Q	Newcastle BS	2	First Potteries
32649	Newcastle BS	Burslem, Town Hall (stop G)	98	First Potteries
65705	Burslem, Wedgwood Street (stop A)	Tunstall, Adj Stop M	3	First Potteries
136	Tunstall, Adj Stop B	Newcastle BS	94	D&G Bus
67601	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	4	First Potteries
41501	Hanley BS	Biddulph BS	7A	First Potteries
43876	Biddulph BS	Hanley BS	7A	First Potteries
66852	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	25	First Potteries

Today we decided to stay local as it was Christmas Eve and we had plans to go further afield next Saturday. Matthew got up and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We had already decided that we would head towards Longton first, so we set off just after 12:00 to the bus stop on Beaconsfield Drive. Whilst we waited for our bus we saw First Potteries 42552 on a #23 to Hanley. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was dud First Potteries 67635 on the #22 to Longton.

First Potteries 67635 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked a Smart Day at £5.30 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Beaconsfield Drive and at the end we turned right onto Church Road. We followed the road around to the left onto Blurton Road and at the bottom of the hill we turned right onto Longton Hall Lane. We climbed the hill into Longton and onto the A50 and we saw First Potteries 37158 on a #6 to Weston Coyney. We crossed the roundabout onto Baths Road and we entered Longton Transport Interchange. We got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67635.

First Potteries 67635 in Longton Interchange

In the bus station was required First Potteries 32648 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 32648 in Longton Interchange

As we were heading to Stoke we let that bus got to wait for a #11 in the other direction. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching and it was another double decker. As it got closer we saw that it was dud First Potteries 37157.

First Potteries 37157 in Longton Interchange

we got on the bus and we flashed the Smart day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. As the rear of the top deck was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 37157.

Inside First Potteries 37157

The bus set off out of the interchange onto baths Road and we turned right under the railway line onto King Street. We ran through Foley and into Fenton and we went forwards onto City Road. We continued down the hill and we joined the A52 to go under the railway line into Stoke town centre. After crossing over the A500 we entered Stoke along Church Street and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 37157 before it continued on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 37157 in Stoke

Once we got off the bus we walked down Church Street to Stoke Cafe where Matthew went to the toilet. When Matthew returned we ordered the food. Matthew had a small breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. Whilst we ate we saw First Potteries 32635 on a #11 to Hanley. Once we had finished eating we walked along Church Street back to the Newcastle stop to wait for the next bus. There was a #11 ans a #25 due. The #25 came first and we decided to turn it down as it was First Potteries 66843. A minute or so later we saw the #11 approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required First Potteries 63179.

First Potteries 63179 in Stoke

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road. We went up the hill and through Hartshill before we went forwards onto George Street and into Newcastle. We went around the one way system and onto the Jubilee roundabout and then we turned left onto Barracks Road. We turned into the bus station and then we waited bus to empty before Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 63179.

Inside First Potteries 63179

Once off the bus we had a quick wander around whilst we decided what to do next. We saw dud Arriva Midlands 2959 on a #164 to Market Drayton.

Arriva Midlands 2959 in Newcastle bus station

We also saw First Potteries 53405 on a #97 to Wolstanton.

First Potteries 53405 in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes later we saw a raspberry front double decker approaching the bus station. When it got closer we saw that it was required First Potteries 32649 on the #98 to Ball Green. We decided to do this bus so we went over to queue up to get on the bus.

First Potteries 32649 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top ceck was empty sp Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 32649.

Inside First Potteries 32649

The bus set off onto Barracks Road and up to the Jubilee roundabout. We crossed over onto the A527 and we ran out of town through Brampton up to May bank. At the traffic lights in May Bank we saw MT Travel SD58 OKT. We continued forwards through Wolstanton and at the roundabout we turned right onto Porthill Bank, As we crossed the A500 we saw an unidentified red yellow pink and blue coach. We ran up through Longport to Middleport and at Trubshaw Cross we turned right towards Burslem. On the right we saw unidentified white minibus EO16 FNJ on spare ground. We ran up Newcastle Street into Burslem and we got up and got off the bus. We took another picture of First Potteries 32649 before it carried on towards Ball Green.

First Potteries 32649 in Burslem

We went around the corner to Wedgwood Place to wait for the Tunstall bus and almost immediately we saw one approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was First Potteries 65705.

First Potteries 65705 in Burslem

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat down to wards the back of the bus. We set off onto Scotia Road and we ran up past the old Burslem bus garage to the bottom end of Tunstall. We turned left onto Williamson Street and then we turned right onto Tunstall High Street. At the top end of the High Street we got up and got off the bus. We took another picture of First Potteries 65705 before it carried on towards Crewe.

First Potteries 65705 in Tunstall

Once off the bus bus we walked down the High Street to Tunstall Cafe. Matthew went to the toilet and I ordered him a slice o toffee cheesecake and a can of Coke. Whilst in the cafe we saw blue Scraggs Solo 9685 VT on a #90 to Ball Green. Once he had finished eating we went out of the cafe and across the road to the bus stop opposite. Matthew said he wanted to do the #99 to Newcastle. We saw and turned down First Potteries 66851 on a #3 to Hanley. A few minutes later we saw required D&G Solo 136 on a #94 to Newcastle.

D&G 136 in Tunstall

We decided to do this bus so we got on it and flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. Matthew was well behaved and didn't even try and beep the horn! We ran down the High Street past yhe new building on the right and forwards onto Brownills Road. We continued down the hill and at Trubshaw Cross we continued down through Middleport into Longport. We crossed over the A500 and we climbed up Porthill Bank. At the top we turned left and we ran through Wolstanton and May Bank. We ran into Newcastle and we crossed the Jubilee roundabout onto Barracks Street. We went into the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. On the way in we had seen a white Solo so we went over to investigate. It was new arrival in the fleet, D&G Solo 49.

D&G 49 in Newcastle bus station

We considered doing the Solo but it was on a #73 to Audley, so we turned it down. We decided to do a bus to Hanley, and First Potteries 67601 came int the bus station on a #4 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67601 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the smart day ticket to the driver. The bus was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 67601 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside First Potteries 67601

We set off onto Barracks Road and we crossed the Jubilee roundabout onto the A53. We climbed the hill up into basford and then we ran down into Etruria. As we crossed the A500 we saw an unidentified white coach joining the A500. We continued along the A53 and we saw ABC Supreme Y368 TGE. We turned left onto Forge Lane We ran out along the Lane and we crossed over the canal before we returned back into Etruria along festival Way. We crossed under the A53 onto Etruria Road. We continued forwards onto Trinity Street and we turned right onto Stafford Street. We went past the town hall and we entered the bus station off Bagnall Street. Once we got off the bus we went to the toilet and then we walked over to John Street car park to go and take a few bus pictures. On the way we saw First Potteries 32650, on layover in between #32's to Uttoxeter.

First Potteries 32650 in Hanley bus station

We went into the car park and up the stairs and we saw First Potteries 41494 which was on layover.

First Potteries 41494 in Hanley bus station

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 66845 on a #25 to Keele.

First Potteries 66845 in Hanley bus station

Whilst we were there Matthew had a bag of Milky Stars and a bottle of Irn Bru. We didn't stop in the car park long as it was bitter cold in the wind. We headed back to the bus station and as we got to the entrance we saw a taxi minibus pull up outside. Wewent to get a closer look and we saw that it was Autocabs Y40 UBC. We then went into the bus station and into the shop. Matthew had a can of Coke and a small bottle of Irn Bru as well as a couple of chocolate bars. I did think we might go somewhere different today but we sat down by the Biddulph stop to wait for the next #7A to Biddulph. The bus appeared on stand and it was First Potteries 41501.

First Potteries 41501 in Hanley bus station

we got on the bus and we flashed the Smart day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. As we left the bus station we saw Skills SIL 9543 on a National Express #387 service to Blackpool. We set off out of the bus station and we ran down John Street. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and we crossed Broad street onto Marsh Street. We turned right onto Trinity Street and we stopped on Stafford Street to to pick up more passengers before we left town along Quadrant Road. We crossed over the ring road and we headed out of town towards Sneyd Green along Town Road. We continued to Smallthorne roundabouts and we continued forwards onto High Lane. At the end of High Lane we turned right onto the A527 and we ran down the hill through Fegg Hayes and up into Brindley Ford. We continued up towards Knyperlsey and we turned left onto Brown Lees Road. We ran through the estate and we crossed over the A527 and into the Biddulph estate. We went passed the barley Mow and we turned left onto St John's Road. At the end we re-joined the A527 and we ran North past the sight of the new KFC. We entered the town at Wharf Road and we stopped at the bus station. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 41501 before it returned to Hanley.

First Potteries 41501 in Biddulph bus station

As it was Christmas Eve and the buses were finishing just after 18:00, we didn't have time to get fried from the kebab shop today. We went to the toilet which were surprisingly still open and we when we came out we saw D&G 160 about to work the next 'Nines' service to Newcastle.

D&G 160 in Biddulph bus station

Matthew didn't want to to the Versa, so we let it go and Matthew had a Milky Way and a bottle of Irn Bru at the bus stop. A few minutes later the next bu turned up. It was dud First Potteries 43876 on a #7A to Hanley.

First Potteries 43876 in Biddulph bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver. The bus was empty when we got on it so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 43876 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside First Potteries 43876

The bus set off onto the High Street and we turned left onto Wells Street. We ran around the estate and we crossed over the A527 at Knypersley We ran along the diversion along Lyneside Road, Lotus Avenue and Mansfield Drive before rejoining the normal route through Brown Lees and we rejoined the A527 by the industrial estate. We ran down through Brindley Ford and to Fegg Hayes. We ran up the hill to Chell and we turned left onto High Lane. We ran back through Smallthorne & Sneyd Green into Hanley. When we got back to the bus station we went to look for a bus to get us to Newcastle where we arranged to meet mum. At the bottom of the bus station we saw a #25 to Keele. Closer inspection revealed it was dud First Potteries 66852.

First Potteries 66852 in Hanley bus station

We waited for the driver to ready the bus and we saw a National Express coach go by on the ring road. We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart day ticket to the driver for the last time today before we saw down towards the back of the bus. The coach that we had just seen came into the bus station and it was DeCourcey Travel (National Express) FJ11 MKZ on the #540 service. We set off out of the bus station and we ran down John Street onto Bethesda street where we crossed over the ring road. We ran down through Shelton along Cauldon Road and we turned left onto Station Road outside the railway station. We went forwards onto A52 and we followed the road around to the right and under the railway line. We crossed over the A500 ans we ran into Stoke centre along Church Street. We went out of the other side of Stoke and up Hartshill Road into Hartshill. We turned left into The Avenue and we ran down to Hilton Road and we turned right into the hospital. We ran through the hospital and we turned right onto the A34. We ran up to Newcastle and forwards onto Barracks Road at the rounsabout. We came into the bus station from the South and we got up and got off the bus. It was now fully dark. On the way out of the bus station we saw D&G 115 on a #74 to Park Site.

D&G 115 in Newcastle bus station

We walked across Barracks Road and we met up with mum in the car park. Mum was waiting with Greggs sausage rolls and a small bottle of Irn Bru. We set off down barracks Road and onto the A34. We went past the hospital into Trent Vale and we stop at the chip shop to pick up some chips to share between us. Once we had finished we continued South to the A500 and then we went North up the A500 to Sideway. We went East on the A50 and we came off at Longton to see what was parked up at Z Carz this evening. In the first row was Z Carz Renault minibus BU04 GYW.

Z Carz BU04 GYW in Longton

Also in the front row was Z Carz Ford minibus GL04 CVE.

Z Carz GL04 CVE in Longton

At the front of the second row was Z Carz Renault minibus X848 JFR. We turned into Willow Row to see what was parked in the compound tonight. On the road outside was Z Carz Vauxhall minibus DG10 VMJ.

Z Carz DG10 VMJ in Longton

In the compound we saw Z Carz Iveco minibus YJ53 WPD.

Z Carz YJ53 WPD in Longton

We got back onto the A50 and we ran fast to Heron Cross before going onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and right onto Church Road before we turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 18:30. for a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until the early hours on Christmas Day... Mark