Trip to Hanley / Newcastle 24-06-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67154	Fenton, adj Royal Oak	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
63111	Hanley BS	Hanley, The Plough	4	First Potteries
67155	Hanley BS	Fenton, opp Albert Square	23	First Potteries
111	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	1	D&G Bus
67172	Newcastle BS	Newcastle, O/s Cherry Tree PH	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was heading to Blurton for the weekend, He was also going out on the bus. Matthew got up around 09:00 and had toast and juice for breakfast. He chilled out in his room and watched buses out of the windown until it was time to go out. Whilst we waited to go out we saw First Potteries 69155 on a #11 to Hanley. When it was time to go out we went downstairs and onto Temple Street. We turned left onto Christchurch Street. We waited for the bus to Hanley. A short time later we saw First Potteries 67154 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67154 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along 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 and 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 where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we saw D&G Bus 24 on a #64 to Market Drayton. We waited for a bus towards Festival Park. A short tiime later First Potteries 63111 on a #4 to Audley.

First Potteries 63111 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 crossed over Broad Street and we continued onto Marsh Street. At the lights we turned left onto Etruria Road past former Sainsbury's supermarket. Just before we got to the A53 we got up and got off the bus. We crossed under the A53 and we headed over to Festival Park to the bowling alley. We played a few games of bowling and afterwards we went to McDonald for Dinner. We set off along Marina Way and we we crossed over the road onto Ridgehouse Drive. Once we reached McDonalds Matthew had a cheeseburger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we got in a a car and we set off along Ridgehouse Drive. We turned right onto Pavillion Drive and we headed up the hill towards the A53. We joined the Eastbound A53 and we turned right onto Edgeware Street. We continued onto Windermere Street and followed the road around onto Mulgrave Street. We joined the Westbound A53 and past the site of the new Lidl and we headed down towards Etruria. We turned left onto Etruria Road and we turned right onto the anticlockwide ring road. We ran around to Lichfield Street and we were driopped off at the bus station. We waited for a bus towards Hanley. A short time later we saw First Potteries 67155 on a #23 to Newstead.

First Potteries 67155 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 crossed over the ring road and we ran down onto Regent Road and forwards onto Cleveland Road. We ran down though Shelton along College Road and we ran down to the railway station. We turned left onto Station Road and we ran part the railway station before going right onto Glebe Street. After a brief stop we continued forwards onto Glebe Street and we followed the road around onto Church Street. We crossed the A500. We ran under the railway line and we continued onto City Road. At the top of the hill we turned right onto Christchurch Street and we ran past the Co-op. We got up and got off the bus in the square. We set off on foot along Christchurch Street and we turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew chilled out in his room until I arrived. Matthew had a slice of cheesecake whilst he waited. I turned up just after 15:00 and Matthew came downstairs to meet me. We cut through onto City Road and we walked to the bus stop outside the flat. We noticed that the new houses opposite the bus stop are starting to be occupied. We waited for a bus towards Newcastle. A short time later we saw First Potteries 69155 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 69155 in Fenton

No one put their hand out (including myself) and the bus went straight past. We waited for the next bus to Newcastle. A short time later we saw D&G Bus 111 on a #1 to Park Site.

D&G Bus 111 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. As we travelled through the hospital we saw City Centre Central NK65 AWP and ABC Supreme HV22 HKM. 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. Once we got off the bus we walked down to the bottom of the bus station. We saw D&G Bus 57 on a #85 to Nantwich.

D&G Bus 57 in Newcastle bus station

On the main road we saw Leon's 240 heading Northwards along Barracks Road. We headed into the middle of the bus station to wait for something towards the hospital. A short time later we saw a bus approaching and it was First Potteries 67172 on a #22 to Longton.

First Potteries 67172 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to the hospital before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road. We ran Southwards onto the A34 and we got up and got off the bus by the Cherry Tree. We got off the bus and Matthew took a picture of First Potteries 67172 as it continued towards Longton.

First Potteries 67172 in Newcastle

Once off the bus we headed up the hill towards Grandma's. At Grandma's Matthew had toast and a can of Irn Bru and used her computer. around 18:00 we set off from Grandma's and headed to the pub. and we ran down Victoria Street. We turned left onto the A34. We continued southwards into Trent Vale past the site of a new Greggs. We continued through Trent Vale and we stopped at the pub. We walked into the pub and we sat down at our one our normal tables. Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Highlights of the bus sightings included First Potteries 65041 on a #101 to Hanley and ABC Supreme YA67 VBB going Northwards. Once we had finished eating we set off We carried on along the A34 through Hanford and into Trentham. We turned left onto the A5035. We crossed over the railway line and into Blurton. We got back around 19:00. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we sorted a few things out. We wrote the Blog and sent a couple of e-mails. We chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Hanley / Crewe 23-04-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
69161	Fenton, Victoria Place	Hanley, stop J1	6	First Potteries
67153	Hanley BS	Fenton, Albert Square	23	First Potteries
63114	Hanley BS	Crewe BS	3	First Potteries
2932	Crewe BS	Congleton BS	38	Arriva NW&W
2668	Congleton BS	Crewe BS	38	Arriva NW&W
2667	Crewe BS	Winsford, Asda	31	Arriva NW&W
2950	Winsford, Siddon Street	Crewe BS	31	Arriva NW&W

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to stay fairly local. 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 D&G Bus 116.

D&G 116 in Fenton

He also watched buses out of the window. We saw Temple Street Church RX18 GZW.

Temple Street Church RX18 GZW in Fenton

We went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw Temple Street church minibus RX18 GZW. We carried on along Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned left into Baker Street. At the sports centre we saw blue minibus VE69 XNZ. We continued onto Glebedale Road and right onto City Road and we walked around the corner onto Victoria Place. We waited for a bus to Hanley. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 69161 on a #6 to Hanley.

First Potteries 69161 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked a Network Day ticket at £5.50. We sat down towards to rear of the bus. The bus set off down Victoria Road and 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 at the top of John Street. We walked along Bagnall Street and Cheapside and we turned right onto Piccadilly. We turned left onto Stafford Street. We continued forwards onto Tontine Square and we sat down on a bench and Matthew had his sausage roll for dinner washed down bottle of Coke. Once we had finished we went to the Intu Potteries shopping centre. after visiting shops in the shopping centre we walked down Upper Market Square. We visited a cash machine and we withdrew some money and we stopped Donuts van and Matthew had an Donuts. After we had finished eating the Donuts we walked up a back alley and we came out on Tontine Street ans forwards onto Lichfield Street. We continued into the bus station. We saw First Potteries 69155 on a #7A to Biddulph. A short time later we saw First Potteries 67153 on a #23 to Newstead.

First Potteries 67153 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Network Day ticket to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We crossed over the ring road and we ran down onto Regent Road and forwards onto Cleveland Road. We ran down though Shelton along College Road. We turned right onto Avenue Road and left onto Stoke Road. We ran down the hill and we turned left onto Station Road and past the railway station. We turned right onto Glebe Street and under the railway line an we ran around the one-way system in Stoke and stopped by Stoke Minster. We turned left onto Church Street and we crossed the A500 and we ran under the railway line. After climbing up the hill into Fenton we turned right into Christchurch Street where we got up and got off the bus. We went to cineworld in a Lucky Seven taxi. We set off Christchurch Street. We crossed over City Road and we ran along Manor Street. We ran down the hill through Fenton and at Joiners Square. We turned left onto Lichfield Street and we saw First Potteries 65041 on a #6 to Coalville. We ran towards Hanley. We joined the anti-clockwise ring road and we ran around to the other side of Town We exited the ring road onto Town Road. The bus came in through Quadrant Road and forwards onto Stafford Street. We got out of the taxi When we walked along Stafford Street. We turned left onto Lichfield Street We headed into the bus station and we waited for a bus towards Crewe. A short time later we saw First Potteries 63114 on a #3 to Crewe. We got on the bus and we flashed the Network Day ticket to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto John Street. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and we went straight across onto Marsh Street. We turned right up onto Trinity Street and we went past the former RBS now a new shop. We turned left onto Stafford Street. After picking up more passenger outside of Debenhams we followed the road around to the left and then back onto marsh Street. At the roundabout we went straight on onto Waterloo Road and we ran up the hill into Cobridge. We continued into Burslem and through the traffic lights onto Scotia Road. We went past the old Burslem PMT garage and we followed the road around to the left onto Williamson Street. At the corner we turned right onto Tunstall High Street We saw First Potteries 63177 on a #3A to Hanley. and we continued North onto the A50. We ran through Goldenhill and down the bank into Kidsgrove. We ran under the railway line and we past Lidl. We into Cheshire and we crossed over the A34. We continued into Church Lawton and then into Alsager. We continued Westwards along the B5077 under the M6 and into Radway Green. We followed the road to the right up Slaughter hill and we continued straight up into Haslington. We turned left onto Crewe Road and we re-joined the B5077 towards Crewe Green. We crossed over the roundabout onto the Westbound A534 and we ran towards Crewe railway station. We past the railway station where we saw an unidentified Majestic coach. We continued for around 1/2 mile before turning right into Edlestone Road. We ran into town crossing over the railway line and forwards onto Chester Bridge. We followed the road around onto Delamere Street and we turned right into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we saw Arriva NW&W 2932 on a #38 to Macclesfield. We got on the bus and we booked Arriva Arriva Day Saver before The bus set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto Delamere Street. We followed the road around to the right onto Chester Bridge and we crossed the railway line and onto Edleston Road. At the end of the long straight road we turned left onto the A534 and we ran past the railway station ans past B&Q. We traveled Eastwards along Crewe Road. We went through Haslington and Winterley and further North through Wheelock Heath. We crossed the A534 and we ran through Wheelock. We ran over the canal and into Sandbach town center past Sandbach School. When we got to the Common onto Congleton Road. We joined the A534 and past the site of the new development by the M6. We continued along the A534 and we crossed over the M6 and into Arclid. We carried on through Medhurst Green and Newbold Astbury and we crossed over the Wall Hill roundabouts. On the edge of Congleton we joined the A34 and we ran East along the road for a short while before going onto West Street. We entered town along Antrobus Street and we turned left onto Mill Street We turned right onto Mountbatten Way and we turned right into Market Street, past the Bear Grills cafe and into the bus station. We got off the bus. We walked up to the top end of the bus station and Matthew visited the toilet. Afterwards we continued up Market Street and we turned right on to Bridge Street. We stopped at Greggs and we brought a bottle of Coke and a triple chocolate cookie. We walked along Bridge Street and left onto Market Street and back to the bus station. We sat in one of the bus stops and Matthew ate a couple of fun sized Milky Way bars. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As expected it was Arriva NW&W 2668 on a #38 to Crewe. We got on and we flashed the Arriva North West Day Saver tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto market Street and we ran down the hill onto Mountbatten Way. We turned left onto Mill Street and we climbed the hill, turning right onto West Street. At the roundabout we went straight onto the A34 and at the following junction we went straight ahead onto the A534. We went out of town through West Heath and then out into open countryside. We crossed the A50 at the Arclid crossroads. On the west side of the M6 we left the A534 and turned right onto Congleton Road and we ran into Sandbach Common. After a brief stop we continued on our journey. After a brief stop we went Westwards out of the town onto Crewe Road and through Wheelock. We crossed the A534 and we ran through Wheelock Heath and Winterly, passed the pond. We continued into Haslington and turned left onto Crewe Road and we re-joined the B5077 towards Crewe Green. We crossed over the roundabout onto the Westbound A534 and we ran towards Crewe railway station. We past the railway station and we continued for around 1/2 mile before turning right into Edleston Road. We entered Crewe town centre and we followed the road around onto Delamere Street. When we got into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we saw Arriva NW&W 4407 on layover. We whilst we waited for a bus to Winsford. A few minutes later we saw Arriva NW&W 2667 on a #31 to Northwich. We got on the bus and we flashed Arriva Day Saver tickets at £5.50 each driver before we sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station. We turned onto West Street we turned North onto Underwood Lane. We turned left onto the B5076 and then we turned Northwards again onto Mablins Lane. We turned left onto Parkers Road before rejoining the B5076. We crossed a roundabout and then we took the next left into Leighton Hospital grounds. At the hospital there was a small bus station. We left the bus station area and we crossed the A530 at Bradfield Green before we continues up to Church Minshull crossing the Shropshire Union canal and the river Weaver. We continued North through the centre of Cheshire, Darnhall. We came into town along Beeston drive and we stopped opposite the shopping centre outside Witherspoons where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we set off around the corner and into the pub. Matthew visited the toilet and afterwards he had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we went outside and met up with uncle Dave. We walked down Dene Drive and we turned right onto the A54. There were a few buses parked up there. On bus pulled off before we got there but the other we saw Arriva NW&W 2931 on a #7C to Boughey's. Across the road. So we crossed under the road in the subway and we came out and we saw dud Arriva NW&W 2950 on a #31 to Crewe. We decided to do the bus anyway so we got on and we flashed the We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva NW&W Day Saver ticket to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off the A54 before turning left into the housing estate and heading back South through Darnhall. Somewhere between Darnall and Church Minshull. We passed through Church Minshull and just before we crossed the A530. At the hospital there was a small bus station and we the B5076 and Underwood Lane and West Street. We passed the Fung Lung Chinese takeaway, which I always thought sounded like some kind of medical condition and we turned onto Hightown to run into the bus station. when we got back into the bus station we got up and got off the bus. We had a quick walk around the few uses that were still in the bus station. On an adjacent stand we saw First Potteries 63116 on a #3 to Hanley. Once off the bus we walked onto Victoria Street and we headed back to the car and we met up with mum who had left her car keys back at home. She was waiting with sausage rols and a bottle of Irn Bru for Matthew. We got in the car and we set off onto the Eastbound A532 and we turned right onto Vernon Way. We turned left onto Earle Street and we continued onto Manchester Bridge. We turned right onto Macon Way. We stopped at the McDonalds. Matthew ate burger and fries washed down with a cup of orange Fanta. When I had finished eating we continued towards home. We set off onto Macon Way and we we crossed over the roundabout onto Weston Road. We turned right onto David Whitby Way and left onto the A500. We ran under the M6 and as we continued South we came to an incident on the road and the road narrowed to a single lane. We came off the A500 at Stoke and we headed Southwards before veering left onto Whieldon Road. We dropped off uncle Dave. Matthew got back in the car and we continued up Whieldon Road. We turned left onto Smithpool Road and right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew also drank a bottle of Buddies Cherryade. Matthew chilled out in his room watching television and using his computer. 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 Newcastle / Longton 24-03-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
65728	Newcastle BS	Longton TI	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus and to visit uncle Dave. 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 Temple Street Church minibus RX18 GZW. we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw Temple Street church minibus RX18 GZW. We carried on along Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. 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 and we stopped at Aldi to pickup Matthew's weekly shop. Once Matthew had finished shopping we returned to the Newcastle in Autocabs taxi. We set off up Victoria Road and we crossed over the roundabout Lichfield Street. We got onto the anti-clockwise ring road. We ran around to Etruria Road and we turned left and headed under the A53 onto Festival Way. After running around the loop of festival Way and Forge Lane we re-joined the A53 and we saw ABC Supreme NU65 FHX. We ran over the A500 into Basford and we dropped down into Newcastle. We ran forwards onto Ryecroft and we turned left onto the Southbound A34. We turned inti Hassell Street and we parked up in the Roebuck Centre car park. We walked through the Roebuck Centre and onto High Street. In the shopping centre Matthew ate his chicken sandwich and a bottle of Coke. Once we had finished into Ironmarket and we turned left onto Castle Walk. We continued down to the bus station. Once at the bus station we waited for a bus back towards Longton. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 67158 on a #11 to Hanley. We waited for a bus towards Longton. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 65728 on a #22 to Longton. We got on the bus and we booked to Longton before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road and we ran Southwards onto the A34. We turned left into the hospital and we ran through the the grounds. As we travelled through the hospital we saw ABC Supreme YA67 VBC & ERS Medical FJ21 HGM. We turned right onto Hilton Road and forwards onto Harpfields Road we saw First Potteries 69155 on a #22 to Newcastle. We ran to the end and we turned left onto the Southbound A34. We ran under the A500 into Hanford and we turned left onto Church Lane. We climbed to the top of the hill and we turned right onto Wilson Road. We turned left onto New Inn Lane and we ran into Trentham. We turned left onto the A5035 and we crossed over the railway line into Blurton. We passed the end of Stanley Matthew Way and we turned left onto Magdalen Road. We turned right onto Finstock Avenue and left onto Beaconsfield Drive where we stopped to wait time. After a short wait we continued along Beaconsfield Drive and we saw First Potteries 63099 on a #22 to Newcastle. We ran through the estate to the other end. We turned left onto Church Road and at the the roundabout we turned left onto Blurton Road. We ran to the bottom of the hill and we turned right onto Longton Hall Road. We ran up the hill and we ran forwards onto Heathcote Street. We turned left onto the high level A50 and at the roundabout we turned right onto Baths Road. We ran past Tesco before turning right into Longton Interchange. Once off the bus Once off we walked over to Tesco and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards we went outside to we waited for the taxi to Fenton. When it arrived we saw it was an Intercity taxi. We set off onto Baths Road towards Longton and we did a u-turn at the roundabout. We headed for the A50. We traveled Westward to Heron Cross and we turned right onto the A50 link road. We turned left onto City Road and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew went to his room to chill out. He used his computer and watched buses out of the window. We saw Stanton's of Stoke WIL 2928 going towards Longton.

Stanton's of Stoke WIL 2928 in Fenton

We went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned left onto Smithpool Road and we stopped at the chip shop. We picked up some food and we set off along Smithpool Road. We crossed over the railway line and we walked down to the entrance of the park. Matthew had a washed down a can of Irn Bru. In the park Matthew walked up to the playground. Once we had finished in the park we walked back along Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Temple Street past the Queen Elizabeth II Court. We continued back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs back to the room and went on his computer. Later on we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw Temple Street church RX18 GZW. We turned left onto Smithpool Road. We went across the spare ground onto Willowdale Avenue and onto Whieldon Road and into uncle Dave's. Dave's house. For tea Matthew had chicken potatoes and carrots with gravy followed by a slice of toffee cheesecake. Later on he had a drink of Fanta orange and a few digestive biscuits. Uncle Dave now has a biscuit tin. Matthew chilled out in uncle Dave's house using his computer and watching television. Uncle Dave also did his DJ set. A couple of hours later staff came to escort Matthew back home. We set off onto Whieldon Road and we saw Afford rent-a-car YR69 EZZ. We turned onto Willowdale Avenue we saw silver minibus DK53 VRE parked up.

DK53 VRE in Fenton

We crossed the spare ground and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Temple Street past the Queen Elizabeth II Court. We continued back to the residential unit. Matthew went back to the room and went on his computer. 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 Longton / Hanley 24-12-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
69155	Blurton, adj Ladybank Grove	Longton TI	22	First Potteries
63099	Longton, Strand	Hanley BS	6	First Potteries
65039	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	101	First Potteries
69172	Newcastle BS	Blurton, Magdalen Road	22	First Potteries

Today we were going out on the bus on a short local trip. As it was Christmas Eve and the buses were finishing early hours on Christmas Day, we decided to stay local. We noticed that ex First South Yorkshire buses have appeared in the list for First Potteries on bustimes.org, which probably means they are about to be transferred to AG. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and apple juice for breakfast. We took Covid tests and we got ready to go out. We set off around 11:20 and we dropped a Chrsitmas card off at a neighbours before continuing to the bus stop all the way over on Beaconsfield Drive. Wew waited bat the bus top and we coupld see on the map that First Potteries 67153 was on a #23 to Newstead. We could also see that First Potteries 65001 was on a #22 to Newcastle and 69155 was on a #22 to Longton. We waited at the stop for the next bus to Longton and after a few minutes it came around the corner. As expected it was First Pottereies 69155 on a #22 to Longton.

First Potteries 69155 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Longton 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. 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 69155.

First Potteries 69155 in Longton Interchange

Once off the bus we cut through by the side of Wrights Pies onto The Strans and we turned right. We headed up to Britannia Cafe to get some dinner. It had unexpectedly closed for the day, so we walked back down the Strand to Cafe Paradise to have dinner. On the way to the cafe we saw First Potteries 65004 on a #6A to Hanley.

First Potteries 65004 in Longton

We went into the cafe and we sat at a table in the window. Matthew had a couple of sausage and cheese oatcakes washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we went outside and we headed to the bus stop on the Strand. As we got to the bus stop we saw First Pottereies 63099 on a #6 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63099 in Longton

We decided to do this bus so we got on and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We 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 past the site of the new Burger King. We turned right into Victoria Road. We continued down the hill and we crossed over the A52 at Joiners Square. We ran up Lichfield Street and we turned left onto the ring road. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and right onto John Street and into the bus station. we got up and got off the bus. At the bus station Matthew used the toilet. We headed up to the bus station to take a few bus pictures. On the way to John Street car parked we saw First Potteries 31782 on a #8 to Ball Green.

First Potteries 31782 in Hanley bus station

We climbed the steps up to the approriate level to get pictures and we saw D&G Bus 135 departing on a #16 to Buxton.

D&G 135 in Hanley bus station

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 65033 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 65033 in Hanley bus station

Also seen was First Potteries 63177 on a #4A to Kidsgrove.

First Potteries 63177 in Hanley bus station

Also seen was D&G Bus 158 on a #9 to Westbury Park.

D&G 158 in Hanley bus station

We headed back to the bus station and we decided that we would go to Newcastle before returning to Blurton. We turned down the #4 to Audley which was First Potteries 63103. We decided to wait and we saw First Potteries 69148 on a #5 to Abbey Hulton. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 63101 in the new orange colours. A short time leter the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 65039 on the #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 65039 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 65039 before we sat down.

Inside First Potteries 65039

We set off through the bus station and onto John Street. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and left onto Broad Street. We ran down the hill and over the ring road onto Snow Hill Before we turned right onto Shelton New Road. We ran down through Etruria an up into Hartshill before joining the A52. We ran into Newcastle down George Street. We joined the one way system and we turned left on the roundabout onto Barracks Road. We got to the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Whilst we waited for the next #22 we walked around and we took a few pictures. We saw D&G Bus 119 on a #1 to Meir.

D&G Bus 119 in Newcastle bus station

Also see was First Potteries 65032 on a #72A to Clayton.

First Potteries 65032 in Newcastle bus station

Another vehicle seen was D&G Bus 161 on a #9 to Westbury Park.

D&G 161 in Newcastle bus station

A short time later we saw First Potteries 63173 on a #99 to Chell Heath. After a short layover it ran around onto the stand. It was Fist Potteries 69172 on a #22 to Longton.

First Potteries 69172 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Blurton. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 69172 before we sat down.

Inside First Potteries 69172

We set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road and we ran Southwards onto the A34. We turned left into the hospital and we ran through the the grounds. As we travelled through the hospital we saw First Potteries 32634 on a #25 to Keele. We turned right onto Hilton Road and forwards onto Harpfields Road we saw First Potteries 63112 on a #22 to Newcastle. We ran to the end and we turned left onto the Southbound A34. We ran under the A500 into Hanford and we turned left onto Church Lane. We climbed to the top of the hill and we turned right onto Wilson Road. We turned left onto New Inn Lane and we ran into Trentham. We turned left onto the A5035 and we crossed over the railway line into Blurton. We passed the end of Stanley Matthew Way and we turned left onto Magdalen Road where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 69172 before it continued towards Longton.

First Potteries 69172 in Blurton

We had seen on the map that the #24 to Longton was just around the corner heading towards Longton. We waited on the corner of the street ans as expected we saw D&G Bus 164 on a #24 to Longton.

D&G 164 in Newcastle bus station

We walked back to the house and we spent some time in the house. Later on we went out to pick up the cake from Longton. We got in the car and we set off onto the A5035. We ran through Dresden into Longton and we crossed over the A500 and we ran down the Strand. We turned right onto Market Street and right onto Commerce Street. We turned right into Kingcross Street and we parked up. Once parked up we headed back to Market Street and we picked up the cake order that mumn had ordered the day before. Once we had picked up the cake we headed back to the car. We returned to the car and we headed back to Blurton. We set off onto Commerce Street and we went around the roundabout and onto The Strand. We turned left into Baths Road and ran past the bus station, but it was empty. We ran around the roundabout and we headed West on the A50. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and we turned left onto Blurton Road. As we ran through Blurton we saw blue minibus DU69 GXK. We turned right onto Church Road and we turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive. We saw First Potteries 69155 on a #22 to Longton. We turned left onto Finstock and we saw Eddie's Private hire YJ61 GYZ and Z Carz YN11 AHJ. We got back home around 15:35. Later on after exchange present with a friend we went around to uncle Dave's for a buffet tea. We set off through Blurton onto Beaconsfield Drive and we turned left onto Church Road. We ran forwards onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. At the lights we turned left onto Grove Road. We ran down into Fenton and stopped at uncle Daves. Matthew played on uncle Dave's computer and I lit the coal fire. A short time later we srtaed the buffer. Matthew had cocktail sausages and sausage rolls as well as some chicken sandwiches. He wash washed it down with a glass of Coke. Later on after the fire was right, we had toast cooked on the open fire. For dessert Matthew had Viscount biscuits and a slice of chocolate roll. We watched TV and listened to music until it was time to returned to Blurton. We said goodbye to uncle Dave and we got in the car. We set off onto Wheildon Road. We ran forwards onto Grove Road and we turned right onto Blurton Road. We crossed over the A50 and we ran back through Blurton. We turned right onto Church Road and right onto the A5035. We got back to Blurton around 21:15. Matthew chilled out and we finished off the Blog before bedtime around 00:30... Mark

Trip to Newcastle / Biddulph 11-12-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
69155	Blurton, Magdalen Road	Trentham, Adj Man in Space	22	First Potteries
67157	Trentham, Adj Man in Space	Stoke, Adj stop R	21	First Potteries
119	Stoke, adj stop P	Newcastle BS	1	D&G Bus
65732	Newcastle BS	Tunstall, Stop A	99	First Potteries
105	Tunstall, Stop B	Newcastle BS	94	D&G Bus
63175	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	4A	First Potteries
67156	Hanley BS	Biddulph BS	7A	First Potteries
69169	Biddulph BS	Hanley BS	7A	First Potteries

Today we decided to do a local trip. We checked the weather for today and it was for cold wet weather all day. I was also feeling a bit fragile as I had the Covid booster jab the day before. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and for breakfast. We decided do catch the 12:00 departure towards Newcastle today. We set off on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. Whilst we waited for our bus we saw First Potteries 69162 on a #22 to Longton. A few minutes later our bus appeared and it was First Potteries 69155 on a #22 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 69155 in Blurton

We got on the bus and booked a Smart Day ticket at £5.30. This ticket is a multi-operator ticket valid throughout the North Staffordshire area. We sat down ear to the back of the bus and the bus set off onto the A5035. We went past the Trentham Hotel we turned right into New Inn Lane where we saw First Potteries 67157 was on the #21 to Hanley. Assuming we didn't hang around too long, we would be on this bus to Stoke. We got up to get off the bus at the man in Space and Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 69155 before it carried on to Newcastle.

First Potteries 69155 in Trentham

Once we got off the bus we waited at the bus stop for a couple of minutes. A couple of minutes later we saw the First Potteries. As expected it was First Potteries 67157 on the #21 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67157 in Trentham

We got on the bus and we placed our Smart Day ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus travelled through Trentham up New Inn Lane, We passed the building site where new housing is being built. At the top of the hill we turned right into Hanford along Wilson Road. We ran down Mayne Street before joining the Northbound A34. As we joined the A34 we saw Dunwood coach YN18 XSZ heading Northwards. We crossed under the A500 and we saw First Potteries 67154 on #21 turn to Trentham. We turned onto London Road and we ran through Oak Hill past the former Oak Hill pub. We continued through the the West End before running into Stoke Town centre and Campbell Place. There was nothing of interest parked up in City cabs and we got up and got off the bus. We walked along Campbell Place and we crossed over the road. As we turned into Church Street we saw recent arrival D&G Bus 149 on a #9 to Westlands. We headed into Stoke Cafe. Uncle Dave escorted Matthew downstairs to the toilet and I ordered the food. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. After we had finished eating we walked down Church Street to the Newcastle bus stop. Opposite to the bus stop was First Potteries 32643 parked up on Church Street to sell tickets for the BET365 stadium shuttle.

First Potteries 32643 in Stoke

We waited for the next bus to Newcastle. We didn't have to wait long before we saw a D&G bus approaching. As it glot closer we saw it was D&G Bus 119 on a #1A to Wood Lane.

D&G Bus 119 in Stoke

We got on the bus and we placed our Smart Day ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Church Street and off up the hill along Hartshill Road. We passed the Noah's Ark pub and Just after the pub we turned left by the Co-operative Food store and we headed to the hospital. We bounced our way through the hospital grounds over the severe speed bumps and we joined the North bound A34. We went around the roundabout at the bottom end of Newcastle and we turned right onto Barracks Road before entering the bus station from the Southern end. Once off the bus we had a walk around to see what we co9uld catch and to take a few bus pivtures. We saw First Potteries 44514 on a #72A to Clayton.

First Potteries 44514 in Newcastle bus station

Another vehcile seen was another one of the new arrivals at D&G. we saw D&G Bus 151 on a #9 to Biddulph.

D&G Bus 151 in Newcastle bus station

Also seen was First Potteries 69170 on a #22 to Longton.

First Potteries 69170 in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 65733 arrive on a #22 from Longton. After dropping off the passengers it became the next #99 to Chell.

First Potteries 65733 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Smart Day ticket on the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We crossed the Jubilee roundabout onto the A527 and headed through Wolstanton. As we travelled North up the road we passed First Potteries 69155 on a #99 to Newcastle. We turned right onto Porthill Bank and we we went down the hill and over the A500. We went through Middleport and at Trubshaw Cross we went left onto Brownhills Road. We joined Tunstall High Street and at the top of the Road we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of First Pottereies 65733 before it continued on towards Chell Heath.

First Potteries 65733 in Tunstall

We went to Tunstall Cafe and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards he had a can of Coke and a slice of chocolate cake with squirty cream. When we had finished we crossed the road and we waited for a bus back to Newcastle. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 32639 on a #3A to Talke. A few minutes later we saw a bus on the map heading towards Newcastle. It came around the corner and it was as expected D&G Bus 105 on a #94 to Newcastle.

D&G Bus 105 in Tunstall

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. The bus set off down the High Street and forwards onto Brownhills Road. As we travelled down to Trubshaw Cross. We ran forwards along the A5271 through Longport and over the A500. We climbed up Porthill Banks and we turned right. We turned right onto Arnold Grove and we went past the cemetery. We turned left onto Bursley Way and then left onto Bradwell Lane. We turned right onto Hanbridge Avenue. We turned left onto Dimsdale Parade West and then right onto Hassam Parade. We turned left onto Wulstan Drive and we turned right onto the A527 into Newcastle. We crossed the Jubilee roundabout and we ran down Barracks Road and into the bus station from the North end. Once off the bus we took a few pictures whilst we waited for a bus to Hanley. We saw First Potteries 69148 on a #22 to Longton.

First Potteries 69148 in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 63175 approaching on a #4 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63175 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off onto the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We crossed the roundabout onto the A53 and we ran up and over into Etruria. We crossed the A500 and and we headed up to Festival Park. We left the A53 onto Forge Lane near to the site of the new link road to Wolstanton. We came back towards the A53 along Festival Way. We crossed under the A53 and we ran up Etruria Road and into Hanley. We continued onto trinity Street before turning right into Stafford Street and after a short wait we continued past the town hall onto Bagnall Street and into the bus station. We then got up and got off the bus. Matthew used the toilet and then we walked over to the John Street. Whilst in the car park we saw First Potteries 67159 on a #7A to Biddulph.

First Potteries 67159 in Hanley bus station

Becasue it was cold we didn't stay in the car park for too long we saw First Potteries 65032 on a #18 to Leek. We walked back to the bus station and we visited the Spar shop. Matthew had a can of Coke and a few small chocolate bars. We headed down to the middle stands to wait for the next bus up to Biddulph. Whilst we waited Matthew ate the chocolate from a Kinder egg. A short time later the bus appeared and it was First Pottereus 67156 on a #7A to Biddulph.

First Potteries 67156 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus waited for time before setting off out of the bus station. We went down John Street and onto Bethesda Street before we went across onto Marsh Street and then we turned right into Trinity Street. We turned left into Stafford Street and we continued forwards to Quadrant Road and we left Hanley along Town Road past the sight of the new Tesco Express store. We travelled through Sneyd Green and over Smallthorne roundabouts to Chell. At the roundabout we turned right and we ran down the A527 through Brindley Ford. We turned left to run through Brown Lees. We crossed over the A527 at Knypersley and we ran around through the housing estates of Biddulph before running into town via St John's Road, Colliers Way. We ran past the building site and we turned right up Wharf Road to the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67156 before it returned to Hanley on the next #7A.

First Potteries 67156 in Biddulph bus station

WE walked down to the toilet but the toilet now closes at 16:00 on a winter evevning. We walked back up Wharf Road past the old bus station waiting room witch has been turned into a Christmas scene. We turned left onto the High Street and we continued down to the fast food shop. We brought a portion of fries between us and we returned to the bus stop to eat the fries and wait for the next bus back to Hanley. Matthew washed the fries down with a can of Coke. Whilst we waited we saw D&G Bus 105 again on a #94 to Newcastle. A short time later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 69169 on a #7A to Hanley.

First Potteries 69169 in Biddulph bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off onto the High Street and we turned left onto St Johns Road. We ran around the estate and onto Woodland Street. We crossed over the A527 at Knypersley. We ran 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 up and got off the bus. WE visited the toilet and afterwards, we had arranged with mum to get meet up near to the bus station. As we walked through the bus station we saw D&G Bus 20 on a #16 to Leek.

D&G Bus 20 in Hanley bus station

We crossed over Lichfield Street and we crossed over the ring road and we met up with mum at the Venus Fish Bar. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished eating we got in the car and we went to Blurton. We set off onto Lichfiels Street and we ran down to Joiners Square. we turned right onto the A52 and as we ran towards Stoke we passed Stanton's of Stoke 82 HBC coming the other way. We ran alongside the railway line and we turned right onto City Road. We turned left to to towards the A500 and we veered left onto Whieldon Road. We dropped uncle Dave off and we continued up Whieldon Road and forwards onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield and back to Blurton. Once back we wrote an e-mail and did the Blog. Matthew chilled out on his computer until 00:00... Mark