Trip to Apedale / Newcastle 12-05-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
801	Apedale Light Railway	Newcastle BS	Special	PMT
2	Newcastle BS	Apedale Light Railway	Special	Chase

Today we were going to the bus rally at Apedale. We hadn't heard much about this and there wasn't much indication if the buses would be giving bus rides. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast and some cranberry juice which he didn't like much. We set off around 10:20 to pick up uncle Dave. We got in the car and we set off through Blurton and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive. We turned right onto Finstock Avenue and right onto Emsworth Road. We returned to the house to check the door was locked and afterwards we ran through Blurton and onto Finstock Avenue. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road past the former Coral shop which is new going to be flats. 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 back up Wheildon Road. We ran down to the A500 and we turned left onto Church Street. We went around the one-way system. We pulled into Hide Street and stopped at the bank. Afterwards we went down Hill Street and re-joined the one-way system. We followed the road back onto Church Street and we ran up the hill into Hartshill passing blue minibus CA21 VFR. We continued down to the edge of Newcastle. We continued down to the jubilee roundabout and we turned right into Ryecroft. We turned right onto the Northbound A34 to Chesterton. We turned left onto Wolstanton Road and at the next roundabout we turned left onto Loomer Road. We ran to the end of Loomer Road and into Apedale Country park. We parked up near to the visitors centre. As we walked into the site we saw PMT 207 waiting with the next bus to Newcastle.

PMT 207 in Apedale Light Railway

We had a quick chat to one of the organisers who informed us there would be a 0 minute frequency bus to Newcastle. After we had seen the train we went into the heritage centre for dinner. After Matthew had been to the toilet, he had a full English breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. Whilst we ate we saw Wallasey Corporation 1 arrive on site. When we had finished eating we walked down to the bottom of the site. We saw First Manchester 69154 with decals for the #582 servcie from Bolton to Leigh.

First Manchester 69154 in Apedale Light Railway

Further down the site was Chase 2 parked up.

Chase 2 in Apedale Light Railway

There were probably only about 8 buses on site on totoal, and there were perhaps 4 or 5 stalls with these buses. We had a quick look at the stalls but we didn't buy anything at this point. We walked up to the top of the site to see what was on the 11:30 to Newcastle. We arrived at the stop and we saw PMT 801 loading up to work the next service.

First PMT 801 in Apedale Light Railway

We got on the bus and we sat down towards the back. We set off along Loomer Road and at the roundabout we turned right onto London Road. We ran to the end and we turned right onto the Southbound A34. We ran Southwards for around a mile and a 1/2 past the bus garage, and we turned left onto Ryecroft. We turned left onto Barracks Road. We turned right into the bus station and we stopped on Stubbs Street where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew got a picture of PMT 801 before it returned to Apedale.

First PMT 801 in Newcastle bus station

We decided to wait for the following bus. Whilst we waited we saw D&G Bus 50 on a #1 to Audley.

D&G Bus 50 in Newcastle bus station

We decided to go to Costa Coffee for a cake and a drink. We set off up castle Walk and Matthew went to the toilet with uncle Dave and I ordered the food and drink. Matthew had a slice of millionaires shortbread washed down with a bottle of Coke. When we had finished we walked back down Castle Walk into the bus station. We saw First Potteries 35939 on a #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 35939 in Newcastle bus station

We went down to the bench at the bottom and waited for the bus, A few minutes later we saw the bus at theother end of the bus station. We saw it was Chase 2 on a service to Apedale.

Chase 2 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the sat down towards the back of the bus. Once everyone was on board we set off down Stubbs Street and we re-joined Barracks Road. We turned left onto Ryecroft and right onto the A34. We continued North through Cross Heath and we turned left onto London Road. At the roundabout we turned left onto Loomer Road and we ran into the site and unloaded in front of the heritage centre where we got up and got off the bus. Parked up nearby was Elysium Healthcare HT21 NYF.

Elysium Healthcare HT21 NYF in Apedale Light Railway

We walked down to the bottom of the site and we had a look around the stalls. We bough some photos from the Telford Bus Group and we bough a stagecoach bus seat from the 69154 preservation group. We walked to the site entrance and we got in the car and we set off out of the Apedale Country Park onto Loomer Road and at the roundabout we at the roundabout we went forwards onto Wolstanton Road. We crossed over the the Southbound A34. We ran Southwards for around a mile and a 1/2 past the bus garage, and we turned left onto London Road. We turned right onto Holditch Road and left onto Bymbo Road. We continuned along the A34 through Cross Heath and into Newcastle. As we passed the depot which was empty. We turned left onto Ryecroft and at the roundabout we turned right onto Barracks Road. We continued onto the Southbound A34 and we turned left onto The Avenue. Travelling up towards Hartshill. At the end we turned right onto Hartshill Road. We ran down to Stoke and onto the one way system. We turned right onto Elenora Street and we followed the road around onto Copeland Street. We ran forwards onto Glebe Street and we followed the one way system onto Church Street. We crossed over the A500. We dropped down into Fenton and we climbed up the hill and over the old railway line to Leek. We ran through Foley and we under the railway line into Longton town centre. We ran up Market Street and we turned left onto Anchor Road. We turned right onto Sutherland Road and we turned left onto Weston Coyney Road. We drove inti the Cinder Hill industrial estate to see if there were any different trains in Reids. There was a French Sleeping car that had been there for a month. We re-joined Weston Coyney Road and past a building site of the new Lidl and at the end we turned left onto the A520. We turned left onto the A5272 and we saw silver minibus MK19 NGV. We turned right onto Hulme Road and we turned into Park Hill towards the visitors centre. We parked uo and Matthew used the disabled toilet. We got back in the car and we set off past the site of the new playground onto Hulme Road. We turned right onto the A5272 and left towards Scraggs depot. Unusually the gate was open and we saw Scraggs 1 HVT parked up in the yard.

Scraggs 1 HVT in Adderley Green

We turned around and we headed back onto the A5272. At the roundabout we turned left onto Anchor Road past the new housing estate. We turned right onto Mossfield Road and we ran to the very end. We battle through the undergrowth and we had a look at the buses in the D&G Bus garage. We saw D&G Bus 25 parked up.

D&G Bus 25 in Adderley Green

Also see was D&G Bus 42 in it's unique blu livery.

D&G Bus 42 in Adderley Green

Another vehicle seen was D&G Bus 44 which was in the depot on the ramp.

D&G Bus 44 in Adderley Green

Another vehicle seen was D&G Bus 798 in the new red and blue livery.

D&G Bus 798 in Adderley Green

Also seen was D&G Bus 108 with it's new rear advert.

D&G Bus 108 in Adderley Green

We got back in the car and we drove to the other end of Mossfield Road and we parked in a small layby. We walked down the footpath over the site of the old Wass' market down to the Adderley Green garage. In the corner of the garage we saw First Potteries 63118 parked up.

First Potteries 63118 in Adderley Green

behind that was Bee Network First Manchester 69506 and an unidentified Bee Network Streetlite. Also in the corner of the yards was First Potteries 63357 parked up.

First Potteries 63357 in Adderley Green

Also in this pat of the yard was spare liveried First Potteries 63178.

First Potteries 63178 in Adderley Green

We continued up the side of the depot and we saw a couple of Mainline orange liveried Streetlites on the jacks. We walked onto the A5272 and we headed Eastwards. by the road over the hedge we saw First Potteries driver trainer 69383.

First Potteries 69383 in Adderley Green

Along side it was the other trainer First Potteries 69382.

First Potteries 69382 in Adderley Green

Unusually at the front of the depot was First Potteries Streetlite 63347

First Potteries 63347 in Adderley Green

Parked at the front in it's usual position was First Potteries Enviro200 44511.

First Potteries 44511 in Adderley Green

Similarly was saw First Potteries 44514 in it's usual position at the front of the depot. We walked around the side behind the garage. We saw First Potteries 67154 in the E200MMC row.

First Potteries 67154 in Adderley Green

Continuing down the E200MMC row we saw First Potteries 67159 with it's commerative PMT decals.

First Potteries 67159 in Adderley Green

One of the E200MMC from the South Coast was First Potteries 67174.

First Potteries 67174 in Adderley Green

In its special Diamond Jubilee livery we saw First Potteries 67153.

First Potteries 67153 in Adderley Green

Notable for having very small rear fleet numbers is First Potteries 67156.

First Potteries 67156 in Adderley Green

Last bus in the row of E200 MMC's was First Potteries 67155.

First Potteries 67155 in Adderley Green

Beyond the E200MMC is where most of the double deckers are kept. On the end of the row in York University livery was First Potteries 35934.

First Potteries 35934 in Adderley Green

Another former York bus was First Potteries 35935.

First Potteries 35935 in Adderley Green

We walked past the pertol station onto Anchor Road and we turned right onto the path behind the depot. As we walked along the path of note were Bee Network trainer 69384, 47633 and 69509. We turned left over Wass's site footpath and we walked up the hill back to the car. We got in the car and Matthew had a can of Cherry Coke. We set off along Mossfield Drive and we turned right onto Anchor Road. We ran down the hill into Longton and we turned left onto Uttoxeter Road. We turned right onto Commerce Street and at the roundabout we turned right onto THe Strand. We ran through Longton and we went under the railway bridge onto King Street. We ran through Fopleyinti Fenton and we turned left onto Duke Street. We turned left onto the Link Road and we turned right onto the high level A50. At the roundabout we turned left onto Blurton Road. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Street. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we got back around 14:30. When we got back Matthew chiled out on his computer and we downloaded our pictures from today. I nipped out to Aldi to pick up some supplies for rea. The included a bottle of Coke to have through the afternoon and a scotch egg for a snack. For tea Matthew had some ham sandwiches wshed down with a glass of Coke. We did some more of the Blog and we chilled out until just before 20:00 when we went to take uncle Dave home. We got in the car and we set off through Burton and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Street and left onto Blurton Road. We crossed over the A50 and we ran into Heron Cross lights. We turned left onto Grove Road and we ran forwards onto Wheildon Road. We turned right onto Sutherland Street and right onto Claredon Street. We parked up at the end and we walked to the railway bridge. Just in time to see DCR 56103 & 56098 go past on an empty sand train from Ravenhead to Chaddesden Sidings. We headed back onto Wheildon Road and we droppoed off uncle Dave. We dropped off uncle Dave and we ran back up Wheildon Road and forwards onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We ran through Blurton and at the roundabout we veered right onto Church Street. We turned right onto the A5035 and back to Blurton. Later on we did some more of the Blog and had a bottle of Coke. Matthew had a bath and afterwards we had some New York Cheesecake. We chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Chesterton / Hanley 12-05-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
69154	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
63116	Newcastle BS	Chesterton, Rosevale Court	4	First Potteries
63102	Chesterton, Rosevale Court	Talke Pits, Oaktree Lane	4A	First Potteries
67151	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
67157	Hanley BS	Fenton, adj Travers Court	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus. 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 First Potteries 65728 on a #11 to Newcastle. We went downstairs and we set off onto City Road. On the way to the bus stop we saw Lucky Seven SF15 GJE. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 69154 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 and in the petrol station. 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. A short time later we saw First Potteries 67648 on a #101 to Stafford. Our bus appeared and it was First Potteries 63116 on a #4 to Audley. We got on the bus and we booked to Chesterton before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road. At the roundabout we went left onto the A52 and we veered left onto Merrial Street. We turned right onto High Street and then forwards onto Liverpool Road. We rejoined the A52 and at the roundabout we turned right onto the Northbound A34. We ran North through Cross Heath and we turned left onto Brymbo Road. We travelled through the industrial estate and we turned right onto Holditch Road. At the roundabout we turned left onto London Road. we ran past the site of where Lidl would like to put a new store. At the next roundabout we went North up the B5500 and through Chesterton. As we turned onto Crackley Bank we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we waited for the next bus towards Talke Pits. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 63175 on a #4A to Hanley. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63102 on a #4A to Kidsgrove. We got on the bus and we booked to Talke Pits before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down Crackley Bank and we ran through Crackley and Red Street. We crossed over the A500 and we veered left onto Talke High Street where we got up and got off the bus. Once of the bus we walked along High Street and left onto Oak Tree Lane and forwards onto Pit Lane. We stopped at Talke Freeport and Matthew went for some food. We went to Burger King and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards Matthew had a burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. After we had done the shopping we got a Lucky Seven taxi back to the residential unit. We set off onto Pit Lane. We continued onto Talke Road and we turned left onto the A34. At the next roundabout we turned left onto the A500. We came off the A500 We continued up City Road and we went under the railway line. We ran up the hill into Fenton and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room and chilled out on his computer. Later on we went out on the bus to Hanley. We went downstairs and we set off onto City Road. We walked down to the bus stop outside the flats. on the way we saw Afford rent-a-car KV19 NUP parked up in there depot.

Afford rent-a-car KV19 NUP in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw Stanton's of Stoke YDP 335 heading towards Stoke.

Stanton's of Stoke YDP 335 in Fenton

We waited for a bus to Hanley. A short time later we saw a bus turn around the corner. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67151 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67151 in Fenton

We got on the bus and booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we joined the A52 and ran under the railway line. After crossing over the A500 we ran into Stoke town centre along Church Street. We followed the one-way system around onto Elenora Street and right onto Copeland Street. We turned left onto Glebe Street and we ran under the railway line before turning left onto Station Road. After stopping briefly outside the railway station we turned right onto College Road and we ran up the hill through Shelton. We continued onto Cleveland Road and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We crossed over the ring road and we continued along Bethesda Street before turning right onto John Street. We ran up the hill into the bus station and onto stand. Once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. In the bus station we saw First Potteries 65027 on a #7A to Biddulph. We left the bus station and we walked up Lichfield Street. We continued onto Stafford Street and we saw First Potteries 63012 on a #4 to Wereton.

First Potteries 63012 in Hanley

We carried on towards Debenhams. We walked up Piccadilly into Tontine Square. We continued along Tontine Street. Once we had finished we went to the Intu Potteries shopping centre. after visiting shops in the shopping centre we walked down Tontine Square and we sat on the bench the bank. We continued through the square onto Parliament Row and we went to the pub. Matthew had a burger and fries washed down with a glass of Coke. For dessert Matthew had a slice of chocolate fudge cake with ice cream. Once we had finished we set off onto Parliament Row and we walked onto Old Hall Street. We saw beige minibus WA22 AVN parked up.

WA22 AVN in Hanley

We walked up Lichfield Street and back to the bus station. We waited for a bus back towards Fenton. A short time later we saw First Potteries 67154 on a #23 to Newstead. A short time later we saw First Potteries 67157 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67157 in Hanley 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 John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto the ring road and left onto Lichfield Street and we turned right onto Birch Terrace. We followed the road around onto Charles Street and we turned right onto Old Hall Street. We crossed over the ring road onto Bucknall New Road. We ran down the hill through Limekiln lights. we turned right onto Dividy Road. We turned left onto Beverley Drive and right onto Dawlish Drive. We ran through the estate and back onto the A5272. We ran up to Adderley Green and we saw First Potteries 33565 parked in the garage. At the roundabout we turned right onto Anchor Road. system onto Commerce Street and right onto The Strand. After a brief stop we ran down the Strand and under the railway line onto King Street. We continued down through Fenton and forwards onto City Road. We went past KFC and we got up and got off at the Travers Court bus stop outside the block of flats and we saw Nottingham Minibuses YN05 GXP.

Nottingham Minibuses YN05 GXP in Fenton

Once off the bus we walked onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to use his computer and watch buses. He also ate the a bottle of Coke and a toffee Crisp. Later on Matthew had a bath and had toast for supper. Matthew went on his computer until bedtime around 23:00... Mark..

Trip to Market Drayton / Shrewsbury 05-03-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
69154	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Stoke, Stop P	11	First Potteries
63178	Stoke, Stop P	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
2959	Newcastle BS	Market Drayton BS	64	Arriva Midlands
2501	Market Drayton BS	Shrewsbury BS	64	Arriva Midlands
2402	Shrewsbury BS	Telford BS	19	Arriva Midlands
3693	Telford BS	Shrewsbury BS	X5	Arriva Midlands
2977	Shrewsbury BS	Harlescott, Tesco	24	Arriva Midlands

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to Market Drayton and Shrewsbury. In light of the weather forecast it was perhaps a sunny. We didn't do any research for the trip other than to check the weather. 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. we saw First Potteries 67155 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67155 in Fenton

Matthwe went into the living room and we saw Temple Street Church RX18 GZW.

Temple Street Church RX18 GZW in Fenton

We went downstairs. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. we stopped at the benches at the end to eat the Cadbury Fudge and drink the can of Coke. A short time later we saw First Potteries 67153 on a #23 to Newstead. We set off onto Christchurch Street and we turned right onto Masterson Street and we saw Ex Arnold Clark, Community Link Stafford SG68 MEV. We crossed over Smithpool Road onto Ashworth Street and we turned right onto Napier Street. We turned left onto City Road and we walked down to the bus stop to wait for a bus to Stoke. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 69154 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 69154 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked a First Potteries Network Day ticket at £7. We also brought a single to the the Staffordshire border which cost an astonishing £5. We sat down towards the back of the bus and we 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 where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked along Church Street and we visited the Stoke Cafe. Matthew went to the toilet and I ordered the food. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we set off onto Church Street and we walked up to the Newcastle bus stop. Whilst we waited for the bus we saw First Potteries 63178 on a #11 to Newcastle. We got on the bus and we flashed the Network Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off 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. We waited for a bus towards the hospital. A short time later we saw Arriva Midlands 2959 on a #164 to Market Drayton. we got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus before the bus set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A34 and at the next roundabout we turned left onto the A53. We ran out of Newcastle and under the M6 and over the A5182 roundabout. We ran through Whitmore and Baldwins Gate and we turned left onto Sandy Lane. We veered right onto Woodside and we ran to the end into Chorlton Hill. We turned right onto the A51 and we ran Westwards past the A53 junction and the Swan with Two Necks. We turned left past The Croft and we re-joined the A53 further down the road. We turned left onto Church Road and we ran into Ashley onto Gravelly Hill. We rejoined the A53 and we ran into Loggerheads. We continued along the A53 and we veered left onto Newcastle Road. We ran into Market Drayton and we turned right onto Smithfield Road. We turned left onto Frogmore Road and we entered market Drayton bus station. We had a 30 minute break here and Matthew decided to visit the adjacent public toilet. The toilets were right by the entrance. Once we had used the facilities we walked back into the bus station we looked for nsomething suitable to catch and we spotted Arriva Midlands 2501 on a #64 to Shrewsbury. We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus before the bus set off out off the bus station. We re-joined Frogmore Road and we turned right at the end onto Shropshire Street. We continued forwards onto Shrewsbury Road and at the end we re-joined the Southbound A53. We continued down to the A41 and we turned right. We turned left onto the A53 and we headed South. a few miles down the road we turned right to run into another village before returning to the A53. We continued through Shabury and past Harlescott and into Shrewsbury town centre. We went under the railway line and we turned right onto the A458. We came up alongside the river and we turned left into the bus station. Once off the bus we crossed over to the layover area. We saw Arriva Midlands 2402 on a #19 to Telford. we got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus before the bus set off out off the bus station onto the A458 and we joined the A528. We turned right onto the A5191. We went around the English Bridge Gyratory and we crossed over the bridge. We ran forwards onto Abbey Foregate. We turned right onto A5064 and we continued onto Emstrey. We carried on up A5064 were we passed Arriva Midlands 2143 on the #19 to Shrewsbury. We continued onto Emstrey Bank and we ran past Salop Leisure Centre. We headed through Atcham and we ran forwards onto the B5061. We went into Wroxeter and we went through Lower Longwood. We ran into Overley and we continued along the B4380. We ran through Leighton and we went through Buildwas. We crossed over the A4169 and we turned right onto Much Wenlock Road. We turned left into Buildwas Road and we turned onto Wharfage. We ran up the hill and into Coalbrookdale. We turned left into Dale End. We ran forwards onto Wellington Road. We ran forwards onto Jiggers Bank and we ran into Horsehay. We turned right onto the A4169. We turned right onto Lightmoor Way and we ran forwards onto Little Flint. We turned left onto Little Meadow Mews and we ran forwards onto Ellens Bank. We ran forwards onto Wellington Road and we climbed the hill into Horsehay. We ran forwards onto Bridge Road and we ran forwards onto Station Road. We turned left onto Springhill Road and We ran into Heath Hill and we ran forwards Dawley Road. We ran down into Lawley and we turned right onto Proctor Ave. We turned left onto Bryce Way before turning right onto the ring road. We ran down into Lawley Bank and we turned left onto Station Road. We ran down the hill towards Overdale and we turned right into Milners Lane. We ran up Concorde and we turned left onto Bank Road. We ran forwards onto Cemetery Road and we turned right Milners Lane. We turned right onto West Centre Way and we ran towards Telford and we turned right at the roundabout onto Malinsgate wehere we saw Arriva Midlands 2503 on the #19 to Shrewsbury. We ran onto Northfield Street and we entered the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we decided to catch something quite quickly. The old entrance to the shopping centre so we walked up and down to try and find a way into the shopping centre. We went out of the bus station where we saw Arriva Midlands 3331 on the #4 to Madeley. we visited Costa Coffee. Matthew had a piece of millionaire's shortbread and a cup of Coke. Once we had used the facilities we walked back into the bus station we looked for nsomething suitable to catch and we spotted Arriva Midlands 3693 on a X5 to Shrewsbury. We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Northfield Street. We turned right onto Hall Park Way and we ran down to the motorway. We joined Westbound M54 and forwards onto the A5. We ran fast for around 20 minutes to the edge of Shrewsbury on to the Southern by-pass. We turned right onto A5064 and we headed Northwards into town. We ran past Lord Hill's Column. We ran forwards onto Abbey Foregate. We went around the English Bridge Gyratory and we crossed over the bridge. We ran forwards onto Wyle Cop. We followed the one-way system around town and we turned right onto Barker Street. We turned right onto the A458 and we turned right into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we crossed over to the layover area. We saw Arriva Midlands 2148 on a #19 to Telford. We stood by the #64 stop and we watched buses coming and going from the bus station. On stand we saw Arriva Midlands 2518 on a #8 to Sutton Farm. We looked up the time of the next #24 or #25 bus up to Harlescott. A few minutes later we saw Arriva Midlands 2977 on a #24 to Harlescott. We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver ticket to the driver for what turned out to be the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. Whilst we waited for departure time we saw Arriva Midlands 3512 on a X70 to Oswestry. We set off of the bus station onto the A458. We joined the A528 and we followed the one-way system under the railway line. We turned left onto the A5191 and we ran Northwards. We turned right onto Newpark Road. We turned left onto Sultan Road and at the end we re-joined the Northbound A5191. We ran North to the roundabout and we turned right on the B5062. We turned left onto Featherbed Lane and right onto Alberbury Drive. We follwed the road through the estate and we turned right onto Featherbed Lane. We turned right onto Arlington Way and we crossed over the A5191 and we ran forwards onto road past the bus garage and Tesco. We stopped behind Tesco and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we we walked up towards the car. On the way we saw Arriva Midlands 2973 on a Park & Ride service. Matthew wanted to go to the toilet, but the toilet block by the Park & Ride was locked up. We got in the car and we drove to KFC. Matthew used the toilet but the KFC app didn't work in the store because there was no wifi! We got back in the car. We set off out off the Park & Ride sight onto the Northbound A5112. We joined the Northbound A53 and we ran into Bangor. We stopped at the McDonalds in the cente of town. Matthew ate burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. When I had finished eating we continued towards home. We set off onto the A53 and we travelled through Upper Astley for around 5 miles and into Shawbury. As we ran up towards Market Drayton we passed an unidentified Alfa coach. We ran along the Market Drayton by-pass and we continued Northwards towards Loggerheads. we crossed over the A51 and up through Whitmore. We ran Northwards towards Newcastle and we turned right onto Trentham Road. We turned left onto the A519. We joined the Northbound A500 and we ran up towards Sideway. We joined the Eastbound A50 and we came off at Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through the lights onto Heron Street. We continued onto Station Bridge Road and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We ran to the end of the road and we got out. We walked around the corner 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. Matthew also drank a can of Cherry Coke. 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 Hanley / Stoke 05-01-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
65732	Fenton, Victoria Place	Hanley, stop J1	6	First Potteries
69154	Hanley BS	Stoke, adj stop P	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus later on. 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. Later on we set off on foot to the bus stop. We went downstairs and we walked through onto City Road and we walked up to the roundabout and around the corner onto Victoria Road to wait for the bus to Hanley. A few minutes later we saw the bus appear and it was First Potteries 65732 on a #6 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down. We set off down Victoria Road. We crossed over the A52 at Joiners Square. We ran up Lichfield Street instead of going to the bus stops outside the bus station, we turned left onto the ring road. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and right onto John Street. We got up and got off the bus. We walked down John Street. we crossed over Bethesda Street and went into the library. Matthew spent some time in the library using the computers. Once we had finished in the library we walked up John Street and we turned left into Bagnall Street. We went past the town hall and we walked forwards onto Old Hall Street and we took a few pictures of the bus station being demolished. We turned into parliament Row. We stopped at the Pound Bakery and Matthew had a sausage roll and a bottle of Coke. We walked around the corner to the back of Wetherspoons and we sat on a bench to eat the sausage roll and drink the Coke. Once we had finished we walked along Tontine street and onto Lichfield Street and back to the bus station we got up and got off the bus and Matthew used the toilet. Once we got off the bus we saw First Potteries 69154 on a #11 to Newcastle. We got on the bus and we booked to Stoke before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto the ring road and left onto Lichfield Street and we turned right onto Birch Terrace. We followed the road around onto Charles Street and we turned right onto Old Hall Street where we saw Lucky Seven DU66 CJF. We crossed over the ring road onto Bucknall New Road. We ran down the hill through Limekiln lights. we turned right onto Dividy Road. We turned left onto Beverley Drive and right onto Dawlish Drive. We ran through the estate and back onto the A5272. We ran up to Adderley Green and we saw First Potteries 33733 parked in the garage. At the roundabout we turned right onto Anchor Road. system onto Commerce Street and right onto The Strand. After a brief stop we ran down the Strand and under the railway line onto King Street. We continued down through Fenton and forwards onto City Road. 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 where we got up and got off the bus. We walked back along Church Street and we turned left into Campbell Place. We returned to the car and we we drove back to Fenton. We set off onto London Road and we ran forwards onto Campbell Place. We followed the one-way system onto Church Street and we turned right onto Liverpool Road. and we veered right onto Eleanora Street. We followed the road around onto Copeland Street. We ran forwards onto Glebe Street and we followed the one way system onto Church Street. We crossed over the A500 where we saw Stanton's of Stoke SN09 CUC. We onto City Road and we went under the railway line. We ran up the hill into Fenton and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. After stopping at the chip shop we turned right into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs to his room using his computer and watching buses out of the window. We saw blue minibus PE57 XVM going towards Stoke.

PE57 XVM in Fenton

Also seen was First Potteries 65028 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 65028 in Fenton

Another bus that we saw ERS Medical YJ21 FVV going towards Stoke.

ERS Medical YJ21 FVV in Fenton

For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash followed by angel cake and custard. Matthew returned to his room to chill out. Later on Matthew went out for a Newfriars College. We went downstairs and we got in the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street and we saw Travel Express SM65 DMZ. We crossed over City Road onto Manor Street and we ran to the end. We turned left onto Victoria Road and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A52. We ran to Limekiln light and we turned right to follow the A52. We ran into Bucknall and we turned left onto Newhouse Road. We ran to the end and we stopped at the college. Matthew went to the toilet and returned to Fenton by car. We set off onto Newhouse Road and we turned right onto the A52. We followed the the A52 to the left and we headed up to Joiners Square. We crossed over the roundabout and we headed towards Stoke. We passed near to the railway station and we ran along side the railway line. We turned left onto City Road and we headed up into Fenton. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew went to his room. He watched television and used his computer. later on he had a bath. For supper Matthew had some toast. Matthew went to bed around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Blurton / Hanley 04-01-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67157	Fenton, Albert Square	Blurton, Poplar Drive	23	First Potteries
67155	Blurton, Poplar Drive	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
69154	Hanley BS	Fenton, Victoria Place	6A	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going going out on the bus. As long as no one tests positive for Covid. been ill get up and do a test. 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 First Potteries 67157 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67157 in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 69151 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 69151 in Fenton

Matthew chilled out in his room until dinner time we saw D&G Bus 100 on a #40 to Longton. For dinner Matthew had beans on toast followed by cake. Matthew also had a can of Irn Bru. We went downstairs and we went we saw NG Care BX62 CKG. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. we stopped at the benches at the end to eat the Cadbury Fudge and drink the can of Coke. A short time later we saw First Potteries 63115 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63115 in Fenton

When we had finished we returned to the bus stop to wait for the next bus to Blurton. The bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67157 on a #23 to Newstead.

First Potteries 67157 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Blurton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto Christchurch Street we turned right onto Station Bridge Road. We went forwards onto Heron Street and we went through Heron Cross and over the A50 onto Blurton Road. We ran down the hill and we went past the BP garage. We ran up the other side and we got off the bus opposite to the shops. Once we had finished we crossed over to wait for another bus to Hanley. A few minutes later First Potteries 67155 on a #23 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We ran along Blurton Road running through Blurton. We crossed the A50 and at Heron Cross lights we went forwards onto Heron Street. We followed the road around onto Station Bridge Road. We turned left at Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road. and we joined the A52 to go under the railway line and over the A500. We continued onto Church Street and into the centre of Stoke. After a brief stop we continued around the one-way system onto Elenora Steet and right onto Copeland street. We turned left onto Glebe Street and we went under the railway line before turning left onto Station Road. We went past the railway station and we turned right onto College Road. After running the hill through Shelton we continued onto Cleveland Road and forwards onto Regent Road. We turned left onto Lower Bethesda Street and we crossed over the ring road onto Bethesda Street before we turned right onto John Street and we saw First Potteries 67141 on a #11B to Bentilee. Once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we waited for a bus back to Fenton. A short time later we saw First Potteries 69154 on a #6A to Blythe Bridge. 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 John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto the ring road and we turned right onto Lichfield Street and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed the roundabout onto Victoria Road and we ran up the hill into Fenton. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we set off on foot on the road at the back of Victoria Road. When we had finished shopping we walked up Victoria Road and we turned right into William Street. We went forwards onto Fountain Street. We crossed over City Road and we went back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew went to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. chilled out in his room and used his computer. Later on Matthew had a KFC. He had a chicken burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. We went downstairs to the taxi and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto City Road. We ran down the hil into stoke and forwards onto the A52. We crossed over the A500 and nwe joined the Northbound side. We ran up to Etruria and we turned right on to the East bound A53. We ran uop through Cobridge. We veered left onto Sandbach Road and we ran up the hill to Smalthorne. We got out of taxi. When we got into the building Matthew went to the toilet. Once off the bus we waited for someone to come and pick us up. We got in the car and we set off along A5272. We ran across the roundabouts onto High Lane. and we turned left onto Shaftsbury Avenue. After a quick stop we continued down the hill and turned left onto Doll'y Lane. We continued onto Stanfield Road and we crossed over Hamil Road onto Park Road. We ran onto Minster Street and we turned left onto Bowden Street. We turned right onto Dartmouth Street and we turned left to re-join Park Road. At the end we turned left onto Moorland Road. We crossed over the roundabout onto Ford Green Road. We turned left onto Fell Street. We turned right onto Coseley Street and we ran down the hill onto Duddell Road. We stopped briefly on a side street and then we ran down to Chell Heath Road. We turned right towards the traffic lights and then right again onto Ford Green Road. We ran up the hill and made a brief stop before continuing up the the roundabouts. We turned left onto the A5272 and we ran through Sneyd Green into Birches Head. We ran into Hanley and we joined the clockwise ring road. We turned left onto Lichfield Street and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed over the roundabout onto Victoria Road past Adsa and the B&M. We turned right onto Manor Street. We turned right onto City Road and we headed down the hill. We turned left onto Temple Street and left again onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out before going to uncle Dave's. He also watched 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.