Trip to Wednesfield / West Bromwich 11-10-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
7	Wednesfield. Bentley Bridge Retail Park	Bilston Interchange	53	Banga Travel
2234	Bilston Interchange	West Bromwich BS	43	NX West Midlands
1843	West Bromwich BS	Stone Cross, Hall Green Road	4	NX West Midlands
32237	Stone Cross, Jervois Lane	West Bromwich BS	4H	Rotala Diamond
15019	West Bromwich BS	Leveretts, Middlemore Road	61	Rotala Diamond
4743	Leveretts, Island Road	West Bromwich BS	74	NX West Midlands
5404	West Bromwich BS	Bilston, War Memorial (Stop BA)	79	NX West Midlands

Today we decided to go to the West Midlands. We had originally decided to go to Wolverhampton, but the plans changed as you will see. Research for the trip consisted of looking at what older double deckers were left and at what National Express depots. We also looked at the weather, which was for dry and cloudy with the possibility of some sunshine. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up around 10:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We got ready to go out and we left arounbd 11:50. We set off thr Blurton onto Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and into Heron Cross and over the A50. At Heron Cross lights we turned left onto Grove Road. We ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. Once we had picked up uncle Dave, we continued down Wheildon Road and we joined the Northbound A500. We turned right onto City Road so that we could joined the Southbound A500. We joined the Southbound A500 and we ran Southwards through Hanford down to the M6. We joined the Southbound M6 and we headed through Staffordshire. As we travelled down the M6 we saw Selwyns BV24 ZHE(#121) 2 unidentified Alfa coaches, 3 unidentified Leons coaches and 2 unidentified Aziz coaches. We came off the M6 at junction 12 and we joined the Eastbound A5. We went for a couple of miles before stopping at the Truckers Rest truck stop. We sat down and mum ordered dinner for us. For dinner Matthew had a full English breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. Afterwards Matthew went to the toilet. We order cake and custard for Matthew which he took to have later on. In the car park we saw red minibus VN19 ZDE parked up. We got in the car and we set off onto the Eastbound A5. We turned right onto the A4601 and we ran forwards onto the A460. We crossed over the M6 and we continued along the A460. We turned left onto the B4484 and we turned right onto Prestwood Road West. We turned left onto Victoria Road and at the end we turned right onto Graisley Lane. We turned right onto Wolverhampton Road and we turned right onto New Cross Avenue. We turned right onto Wednesfield Way and we walked onto Bentley Bridge Way. We saw National Express West Midlands 2069 on a #9 to Wolverhampton. A short time later we saw another bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Banga Travel 7 on a #53 to Bilston.

Banga Travel 7 in Wednesfield

We got on the bus and we booked nBus Day Tickets at £5.20 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Bentley Bridge Way and we ran forwards onto Kenmare Way. We turned left onto Well Lane and we turned right onto Alfred Squire Road. We turned right onto Neachells Lane and we headed Southwards. We crossed over the A454 into Portobello and we ran forwards onto Moseley Road. We turned right onto Proud's Lane and we ran into Bilston. We turned right onto the A41 and we turned right onto Hall Street. We entered the bus station from the South Eastern corner and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we saw National Express West Midlands 1928 on a #34 to Walsall.

NX West Midlands 1928 in Bilston interchange

Matthew decided he wanted to have a bit of an explore of Bilston, so we cut through Stafford Street onto Church Street. We saw a bakery, but there was very little left apatrt from a few jam tarts! We continued along onto High Street and we stopped at a pu. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had a glass of Coke. When we had finished our drinks we left the pub and we walked back along High Street onto Church Street. We cit through the garden and we had a look around at something we might catch. After a few minutes we saw a bus Matthew ddecided to do. As we got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 2234 on a #43 to West Bromwich.

NX West Midlands 2234 in Bilston interchange

We set off out of the interchange and we ran onto Hall Street. We joined the Southbound A41 and we crossed over the A463 heading towards Loxdale. We turned left onto Bankfield Road and we turned right onto Nettlefolds Way and we turned left onto the A4037 and then right onto Upper Church Lane. We turned left onto St Mark's Road and right onto Watts Road. We ran through the estate along Highfield Road and we turned right onto Cupfields Avenue. At the roundabout we turned right onto Powis Avenue and then left onto Bourne Avenue. We ran onto Toll End Road and we continued Southwards into Great Bridge. After crossing over the A461 we turned right onto Whitehall Road. We continued forwards onto Greets Green Road and Forwards again through various different roads and lanes until passed the National Express West Midlands depot on Oak Lane. We ran int the centre of West Bromwich before we turned left onto St Michael Street and into the bus station. Once off the bus Matthew went to try and find cake again. We headed into the King's Square shopping centre and in the middle was a cafe. Matthew bought a bakewell tart and a bottle of Coke. We decided to have this take-away and after we had paid for them we put them in the trip bag. We came out of the shopping centre and back into the bus station. Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we had a look around to see what we might catch. We saw National Express West Midlands 4963 parked up in the layover area.

NX West Midlands 4963 in West Bromwich bus station

We continued around the bus station. Whilst I though Matthew might head to Wednesbury on a #40 or a #47, Matthew spotted a Scania single decker enter the bus station. As it came on stand we saw it was National Express West Midlands 1843 on a #4 to Walsall.

NX West Midlands 1843 in West Bromwich bus station

We got on and we flashed the nBus ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station. We turned right onto the West Bromwich Ringway and we turned right onto St Michaels Street. We ran forwards onto New Street. At the roundabout we crossed over the A41 an we ran forwards onto the A4031. We ran into Stone Cross and we got up and got off the bus. Once of the bus we took another picture of National Express West Midlands 1843 as it continued towards Walsall.

NX West Midlands 1843 in Stone Cross

Once off the bus we walked around the island on the A4031 and onto the other side so that we could catch a bus back towards West Bromwich. We did not have to wait long before we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Rotala Diamond 32237 on a #4H to Hayley Green.

Rotala Diamond 32237 in Stone Cross

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A4031 and we ran along All Saints Way past the hospital and we crossed over the A41. We ran along the Linkway and forwards onto New Street. We ran forwards onto St Michaels Street and we turned left onto West Bromwich Ringway before entering the bus station. The bus pulled up and we got up and got off the bus. We spotted a bus and Matthew immediately wanted to catch it. We saw it was Rotala Diamond 15019 on a #61 to Perry Barr.

Rotala Diamond 15019 in West Bromwich bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver before we sat down. We set off out of the bus station and we turned right onto the West Bromwich Ringway. We turned right onto the High Street and we headed Eastwards. We ran forwards onto Birmingham Road and we saw National Express 4955 on a #74 to Dudley. We turned left onto Beeches Road and we turned onto Europa Avenue and we ran under the A41. We ran clockwise ariubd the Avenue and we ran back under the A41 and we turned left onto Beeches Road. We rejoined the A41 and we crossed ver the M5. We continued along the A41 past The Hawthorns into Leveretts and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Rotala Diamond 15019 as it continued towards Perry Barr.

Rotala Diamond 15019 in Leveretts

We crossed over the A41 and we walked Eastwards towards the nearest bus stop. We waited for a #74 back towards West Bromwich. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw National Express West Midlands 4743 on a #74 to West Bromwich.

NX West Midlands 4743 in Leveretts

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus Day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off along the A41 and we ran past The Hawthorns. We crossed over the M5 and we continued along the A41 into West Bromwich. We ran to the edge of town and we turned left onto the West Bromwich Ringway. We ran past the bus station and we turned right onto St Michael Street. We turned right into the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we waited for a bus back towards Bilston. Whilst wewaited we saw National Express West Midlands 6806 on a #5 to Sutton Coldfield.

NX West Midlands 6806 in West Bromwich bus station

Also seen was Rotala Diamond 32134 on a 4H to Hayley Green.

Rotala Diamond 32134 in West Bromwich bus station

A few minutes later we saw a bus come on stand. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 5404 on a #79 to Wolverhampton.

NX West Midlands 5404 in West Bromwich bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus ticket to to the driver before we went upstairs. We set off out of bus station onto Holyhead Road and we turned right onto the the A461. We turned left onto Trouse Lane and we headed North. We continued up the A462 for around 1/4 of a mile and then we turned left onto Woden Road West. We turned right onto Dangerfield Lane and at the end we turned right onto the Eastbound A4038. We ran into Darlaston and we turned left onto St Lawrence Way. After doing a u-turn at the next roundabout we headed South and stopped at the bus terminus outside the Asda store. After a brief stopped we went south onto the A4038 and we ran Westwards over the Walsall canal onto the A41. We ran then last mile or so into Bilston and then we crossed over the A463. We got up and got off by the war memorial an Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 5404 before it carried on towards Wolverhampton.

NX West Midlands 5404 in Bilston

Once off the bus we walked through the memorial garden and onto Hall Street. We went into the Interchange and Matthew used the toilet. We though mum was coming to meet us on Church Street. We cut through onto Church Street and we turned right onto the A41. We found out mum had parked back by the Interchange we cut through the memorial a second time and into the Interchange and we saw Banga Travel 9 on a #530 to Rocket Pool.

Banga Travel 9 in Bilston interchange

We got in the car and we ran onto Wood Street. We joined the Eastbound A463 and we ran to the roundabout. We did a 180 and we headed Westwards. We turned right onto Coseley Road and right onto High Street. We parked up and we went to the chip shop. I got some food and came back to the car. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Cherry Coke. We set off onto High Street and we turned left onto Cosoely Road. We turned left onto the A463 and we headed Eastwards to the motorway. We joined the Northbound M6 and we headed into Staffordshire. It was dark now as we headed towards homne. We came off the M6 and junction 15 and we joined the Northbound A500. We ran through Sideway and into Stoka and we came off the A500. We did a u-turn and we ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we ran under the railway line. We stopped to drop off uncle Dave and we returned up Wheildon Road. We ran forwards on to Grove Road and we turned right onto Blurton Road. We crossed over the A50 and we continued through Blurton along Blurton Road. We turned right onto Church Road and right onto Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Finstock Avenue and we got back to Blurton just before 20:00. Matthew had his medication and afterwards had chocolate cake and custard. We did some of the Blog and we wrote e-mails. Later on Matthew had a can of Cherry Coke. Matthew went to bed around 00:30... Mark

Trip to Hanley / Stafford 04-10-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67146	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
35943	Hanley BS	Stafford, Chell Road	101	First Potteries
35950	Stafford BS	Hanley BS	101	First Potteries
67146	Hanley BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	23	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to Stafford 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 Temple Street church RX18 GZW parked up in the Street. We went downstairs and we cut through onto City Road. We walked to the stop opposite the flats and we saw blue minibus DG52 CXP. We waited for a bus towards Hanley. A short time later we saw First Potteries 63146 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63146 in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67157 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67146 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down 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 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. We turned right onto John Street. We entered the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. bus. In the bus station we saw First Potteries 44511 on a #7 to Kidsgrove. The bus appeared and it was First Potteries 35943 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 35943 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Stafford before we went upstairs. 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. As we got to the bus station onto Barracks Road. We ran Southwards onto the A34 and we ran down through Trent Vale and into Hanford. We continued down through to Trentham and then we got onto the fast section of the A34. We ran through Tittensor to Darlaston and past the roundabout where the new KFC has been built. We continued down to the North end of Stone. We Veered left onto Newcastle Road and we ran into Stone town centre. After going around the one-way system and onto Stafford Road. We crossed over the A34 onto Eccleshall Road. We turned left onto Tilling Drive and we ran onto the industrial estate. We saw former Arriva Beds and Bucks minibus BF67 WGW. We rejoined the A34 at the roundabout where the A51 goes Eastwards and we ran Southwards through the fast section on the A34 to the A513 roundabout. We ran the last couple of miles into town down the A34 onto Foregate Street and we turned right onto Chell Road where we got up and got off the bus. We crossed over Chell Road and we visited the toilet in Sainsburys. We crossed over onto Chell Road and we ran down to Victoria Park. We walk northwards through the park and into the North West corner to the sensory play area. We walked through the park. After spending a while there we walked back to the South East corner of the park. We returned back into St Mary's into the town centre We walked over market Square onto Gaolgate Street. We walked through the shopping centre and back onto Broad Street we visited Home Bargains. We brought a bottle of Coke. Once we had finished we crossed over Greengate Street. We walked to the North end and we stopped ar Starbucks. Matthew had an orange juice. We then crossed the market Square onto Gaolgate Street and we turned right into the bus station. At the top we turned right and we stopped at the bus station. In the bus station we saw Chaserider 5202 on a #74 to Cannock.

Chaserider 5202 in Stafford bus station

After a while we saw Select Bus 40 on a #8A to Redhill.

Select Bus 40 in Stafford bus station

We waited for a bus back towards Hanley. A short time later we saw Select Bus 7 on a #876 to Wolverhampton.

Select Bus 7 in Stafford bus station

After a short while the bus back to Hanley appeared. It was First Potteries 35950 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 35950 in Stafford bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we went upstairs. We left the bus station onto the A34 and we ran Northwards to the edge of town. We continued up the fast section of the A34 to the edge of Stone and then we turned left onto the industrial estate. We ran around the estate and onto Tiling Drive. We turned right onto Eccleshall Road and we crossed the A34 onto Stafford Road. We turned left onto Crown Street and we stopped at the main stop in Stone. We ran North up Newcastle Road and we re-joined the Northbound A34. We ran Morth through Meaford and Tittensor and up into Trentham. We continued North through Hanford and Trent Vale and we past the City General hospital before going into Newcastle. We turned right onto Barracks Road and we entered the bus station we saw First Potteries 65033 on a #11 to Hanley. We continued along onto Barracks Road and we crossed the roundabout onto the A53 and we went onto the one-way system on the A52. We veered left onto George Street and at the roundabout we went onto Shelton New Road. We crossed over the A500 and we ran up to Snow Hill. We ran up Broad Street and we turned right onto the anti-clockwise ring road. We turned left onto Bethesda Street and right onto John Street. We climbed the hill and up into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walkd down to the bottom of the bus station. Matthew used the toilet. We waited for a bus back to Fenton. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was First Potteries 67146 on a #23 to Newstead.

First Potteries 67146 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before we sat down. 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. We ran up the hill into Fenton and we got up and got off the bus. We crossed over City Road and we walked onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew upstairs and Matthew went to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. Matthew went downstairs to do his shopping. Outside we saw Shelton Care Group WF24 BCE. We went to do the shopping. transport for the trip was a Lucky Seven taxi. We set off onto City Road and we crossed over and onto Manor Street. At the end of Manor Street we turned left onto Victoria Road and we continued down Victoria Road and we stopped at McDonalds. Matthew went to the toilet and had a burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. We got an ABC Supreme taxi back to the residential unit. We set off up Victoria Road. We turned right onto City Road and left onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room and chilled out in his room and use his computer and watch buses out of the window. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. Matthew used his computer and watched music videos on the television. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Burton-on-Trent / Ashby 20-08-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
20	Burton upon Trent, (stand 9)	Swadlincote bus park	8	Midland Classic
26	Swadlincote bus park	Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Market Street	19	Midland Classic
4501	Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Market Street	Swadlincote bus park	29	Arriva Midlands
7	Swadlincote bus park	Burton upon Trent, New Street (stand 4)	9	Midland Classic

Today we decided to revisit Burton-on-Trent. I heard that the Midland Classic was in the process of being sold to Rotala, and as we hadn't been to Burton for a long time, I thought it would be a good idea to visit. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice. Mum returned from work and we got ready to go out. We got in the car and we set off around 11:45 and we ran through Blurton onto Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the mini roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road. We ran down into the valley and up the other side and we saw FJ22 FZA. We continued into Heron Cross and we crossed the A50 and we turned left onto Grove Road. We ran forwards onto Whieldon Road and past the former Regent pub which is back up for sale. We stopped to pick up uncle Dave. We turned around and we headed back up Wheildon Road and forwards onto Grove Road. At the lights we turned right onto Blurton Road before joining the Eastbound A50. We ran through Longton and Meir and we saw white minibus NA06 BVM, Coopers R888 JCS, Warrington'd of Ilam DX54 WBT, Rayners YJ58 FDM, GH Watts WW22 GHW, JH Coaches JH19 COM and an unidentified Robinson coach. We came off the A50 onto the A511 and we headed into Hatton where we saw Eazy Travel GN04 NWY parked on the corner. We parked up at The Slt Box cafe and Matthew went to the toilet whilst mum ordered the food. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a bottle of Cherry Coke. Whilst we ate we saw Trent Barton 502(V1) & 503(V1), Midlands Classic 16(401) & 75. Once we had finished we got back into the car and we rejoined the A511. We ran through Hatton and along the Tutbury bypass and we ran through Horningglow and into the town. We crossed over the railway line and the North edge of the town. We turned right onto Guid Street. We ran forwards onto Union Street and we turned left into the car park. Once we had parked up we said goodbye to mum and we cut through between the shops and we walked along side Coopers Square shopping centre and came out on New Street by the bus stops. We immediately turned right and we saw Midland Classic 37 on layover.

Midland Classic 37 in Burton upon Trent

We crossed over the road and and we saw Midland Classic 14 on a #9 to the Hospital.

Midland Classic 14 in Burton upon Trent

We turned the corner and we headed along Lichfield Street to see where we saw Midland Classic 82 on layover. We crossed back over New Street and we waited for a while for a bus towards Swadlincote. Whilst we waited we saw Arriva Midlands 3768 on a X38 to Derby.

Arriva Midlands 3768 in Burton upon Trent

We decided to move to the other stops in the attempt to get a bus to Swadlincaote a little quicker. There was one due from that stop in 10 minutes we waited there. A few minutes later we saw Midland Classic 20 on a #8 to Swadlincote.

Midland Classic 20 in Burton upon Trent

We got on the bus and we booked a Network Duo Day ticket at £7 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along New Street and we turned left onto High Street and we joined the Eastbound A511. We crossed over the River Trent and we turned left onto Newton Road. We turned right onto Bearwood Hill Road and we headed into Winshill. We turned right onto Hawfield Lane and we turned right onto Empire Road. We ran up the hill and we ran forwards onto Bretby Lane. We turned left onto the A511 and we headed Eastwards past the Stanhope Arms. We turned right onto Wood Lane and we continued onto Bretby Road. We ran past the Freehold Tavern with it's glazed bricks and we turned right onto Main Street. We turned left onto Oversetts Road and left onto Meadow View Road. We continued onto Meadow Lane and we turned left onto South Drive. We turned rihght onto Parliament Street and we headed Eastwards. We continued onto Robinson Road and we crossed the High Street and went forwards onto Wellwood Road. We ran forwards onto Chestnut Avenue. We turned onto Springfield Road and we headed Southwards. We turned right onto Newhall Road and left onto Darklands Road. We turned right onto the A514 and we entered Swadlincote bus park where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Midland Classic 20 before it returned the the hospital.

Midland Classic 20 in Swadlincote

We spotted Arriva Midlands 3567, which was on layover in between runs on the #2 to Derby.

Arriva Midlands 3567 in Swadlincote

There wasn't much else about, so we headed towards the town centre. On the way we stopped at the bus park toiet block and Matthew used the toilet before we cut through the alleyway adjacent to the Sir Nigel Gresley pub. We stopped at the Nisa shop, and Matthew had a can of Irn Bru, a Flake and a Freddo. We returned back down the alleyway into the bus park and we saw Midland Classic 35 on a #24 town circular service. Matthew indicated that he wanted to go on towards Ashby. The next bus was due in around 10 minutes. Matthew drank his can of Irn Bru and ate his Freddo. We crossed over to the relevent stand and we waited for the next Asby bound bus. A short time later we saw Midland Classic 26 on a #19 to Ashby.

Midland Classic 26 in Swadlincote

We got on the bus and we scanned the Network Day Duo ticket before sitting down towards the bcak of the bus. We set off out of the bus park and we turned right onto the A514. We turned right onto Sir Herbert Wragg Way and we turned left onto Coppice Side. We continued onto Bridge Street and we ran forwards onto Main Street and into Albert. We turned right onto Occupation Road and we ran forwards onto Park Road. We turned left onto the A444 and we headed Southwards into Overseal. We turned right onto LUllington Road and we ran forwards onto Gunby Hill. We ran forwards onto Main Street and we ran into Netherseal. We turned left into Church Street and we headed Eastwards. We ran forwards onto Acresford Road and we ran into Acresford. We turned right onto the A444 and we turned left onto Measham Road. We turned left onto Acresford Road and we headed Northwards. We veered right onto Chirch Street and we ran into Donisthorpe. We turned right onto Measham Road and we headed Southwards. We turned right onto New Street and we turned right onto Main Street. We continued forwards onto Coronation Lane and we turned left onto Measham Road. Wee stopped briefly outside of Winfields Outdoor store and we ran under the A42. We continued onto Burton Road and we ran into town. We turned left onto High Street and we headed Northwards. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took a picture of Midland Classic 26 before it returned to Burton on a #19 service.

Midland Classic 26 in Ashby-de-la-Zouch

We had a look at when the next bus was due to return to Swadlincote and we had time for a visit to the pub. Across the road was Midland Classic 5 on a #129 to Loughborough.

Midland Classic 5 in Ashby-de-la-Zouch

We went into the pub and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards we had a glass of Coke each. When we had finished we went outside and we joined uncle Dave. We had a bit of time spare so we went for a short walk. We set off along Market Street and we turned left onto Bath Street. We turned left onto South Street and we crossed over a car park and cut back through onto Market Street though Union Passage. We sat back down near to the bus stop. The was an Arriva bus due before the next Midland Classic bus, and as the bus tickets were cheap, we decided to do the Arrive bus. A short time later the bus appeared and we saw it was Arriva Midlands 4501 on a #29 to Swadlincote.

Arriva Midlands 4501 in Ashby-de-la-Zouch

We got on the bus and we purchased single tickets to Swadlincaote at £3.30 each before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 4501.

Inside Arriva Midlands 4501

We set off along Market Street and we turned right and headed Northwards up Derby Street. We turned left onto Malrborough Way and we headed through a new housing estate. We turned right onto Burton Road and left onto Bishop Hall Road. We turned right onto Moira Road and we headed Westwards. We ran into Norris Hill and we turned right onto Bickfordby Lane. We ran fowards onto Drift Side and we turned left onto Butt Lane. We turned left onto Forest Road and right onto Hepworth Road. We turned left onto the A511 and we ran into Woodville. We turned seconfd Left onto the A514 and we ran around the North side of Swadlicaote bus entering the bus park from the East end. We got up and got off the bus and we saw Alfa 119 enter the bus park.

Alfa 119 in Swadlincote

Matthew also found out that Shaun the Sheep is to fly to the moon on Artenmis 1. We waited for the next bus to Burton. Whilst we waited Matthew had a can of Irn Bru and a Flake. A short time later a bus appeared. It was Midland Classic 7 on a #9 to Burton Hospital.

Midland Classic 7 in Swadlincote

We got on the bus and we placed the Duo ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto the A514 and we went West. We turned right onto Darklands Road and at the top we turned right onto Newhall Road. We turned left onto Sringfield Road and as we got close to the A511 we saw an unidentified Ausden Clark double decker coach go by. We turned left onto Limetree Avenue and we ran through the estate down to the high Street in Newhall. We turned right onto Bretby Road and we continued onto Wood Lane. We turned left onto the A511. After travelling West for around a mile we turned right onto Bretby Lane. We ran through the Winshill estate along Melbourne Avenue and Vancouver Drive before turning left onto Hawfield Lane. At the roundabout we turned left onto Church Hill Street. We continued onto Bearwood Road and we travelled west for around a 1/3 of a mile before we re-joined the A511. We crossed over the river Trent and we turned left into the High Street. In the centre of town we turned right New Street and we got up and got off the bus. Once we got off the bus Matthew took another picture of Midland Classic 7 before it carried on towards the hospital.

Midland Classic 7 in Burton upon Trent

Once off the bus we met up with mum. Matthew needed the toilet so we walked up New Street to the Anchor Inn. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had a glass of Coke. When we had finished in the pub We met back up with everyone. I went to the chips shop and Matthe sat down on the bench opposite. Whilst I was getting food we saw Trent Barton 745 on a X38 to Derby.

Trent Barton 745 in Burton upon Trent

Once we had the food we set off back down New Street towards the passage to the car park. On the way we saw Midland Classic 27 on a #9 to Burton Hospital.

Midland Classic 27 in Burton upon Trent

We walked through the passgeway and back to the car. Matthew had sausage chips and beans washed down with a can of Coke. We set off out of the car park onto Union Street and we ran forwards onto Guid Street. We turned left onto the A511 and we ran out of town through Horninglow. We continued through Beam Hill and along the Tutbury by-pass. We ran through Hatton and past the Salt Box Cafe. WE turned left to continue following the A511 and we joined the Westbound A50. As we travlled Westwards along the A50 we saw a lot of coach activity. We saw Silverdale BV19 YJB / BV71 HZD (2 of 3 coaches seen), Glovers AIG 1518, an unidentified AOT Ccoaches coach, Freeway LIG 2152 / K11 PSV, Skills BV19 YJC / YS22 JGX (2 of 4 seen), Marshalls YT22 EWN, Butler Brothers ??? PCT, Redfern Travel 63 RT. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and we turned right onto Blurton Road. We turned left onto Grove road and we ran forwards onto Wheildon Road. We dropped off uncle Dave and Matthew used the toilet and update the calendar. We got back in the car and we sett off up Wheildon Road and forwards onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we saw Staffs Travel HJ20 CCV. We turned right onto Church Road and we turned right onto the A5035. We got back to Blurton around 20:30. Later on we did some more of the Blog and we chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Potteries Apedale Running day 29-08-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
65034	Apedale Light Railway	Hanley BS	Special	First Potteries
67155	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	4A	First Potteries
65029	Newcastle BS	Apedale Light Railway	Special	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going out the the POPS rally, which this years was being held at the Apedale Heritage Centre. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst waiting to go to the day service we saw silver minibus EF17 KWM parked up outside. We to pick Matthew up. We also arranged to meet uncle Dave outside the residential unit. I arrived at the residential unit about 10:00 and we went downstairs and met up with uncle Dave. We set of onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Smithpool Road and we to pick uncle Dave up. We ran up Smithpool Road and we turned left onto City Road and we headed down the road into Stoke. We ran under the railway line and we crossed the A500. We ran forwards onto Church Street and we ran around Stoke town centre on the one-way system. We turned left onto Lonsdale Street and we turned right onto Flemming Road. We turned right onto Campbell Place and we ran forwards onto Church Street. We ran forwards onto Hartshill Road and we went up the hill through Hartshill. We ran forwards onto George Street and we turned left onto Barracks Road. 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 and as it was uncle Dave's first visit we took him down to the Apedale Valley Light Railway. We set off up the car park and onto the service road in from of the staium and headed towards the Boothen end behind which all the buses were parked up. As we got to the corner we saw Crosville ERL267 arriving on site.

Crosville ERL267 in Apedale Light Railway

Also in the bus station was First Potteries 65029 on the shuttle bus to Hanley.

First Potteries 65029 in Apedale Light Railway

We decided to go around and take picture of as many of the buses as we can before we did anything else. We set off up the row and we saw Robinson's Holidays 206.

Robinson's Holidays 206 in Apedale Light Railway

As we carried on in a clockwise circle of the site we saw Western Welsh ABO 145B parked up. There was a little time before the last required coach was going to work so we had a quick walk around the rally site again. We saw Roadside Safety FN06 CDE parked up.

Roadside Safety FN06 CDE in Apedale Light Railway

One that was was running was former Arriva London now Space Buzz WSU 812. As we waited we saw dud GM Buses 3253 returning after working a service.

GM Buses 3253 in Apedale Light Railway

After we had done a lap of the site we went to the top end to wait for mum to arrive. Whilst we waited we saw MerseyBus 261 arrive on site. Matthew went to the toilet. Matthew had washed down with a can of Coke. He also helped me and his mum eat breakfast. When we had finished we went outside to get another bus. We spotted Bournemouth 55 on a service to Hanley. 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. At the roundabout we turned right onto barracks Road and we entered Newcastle bus station. After a brief stop we set off onto Barracks Road. We crossed the Jubilee Roundabout and onto the A53 and around the one-way system onto the A52. We ran up George Street into Hartshill and we ran down the hill into Stoke town centre and onto Church Street. We followed the A52 under the railway line and towards the railway station and we turned left onto Station Road. Just after the station 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 into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew went to the toilet First Potteries 63099 was on a #3 to Crewe. Once we got off the bus we went inside the bus station we saw Whippet FX19 on a #023 to Shudehill.

Whippet FX19 in Hanley bus station

We continued down John Street. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and we turned right onto Lanelagh Street and the bottom was the harry Shaw garage. We saw coches including BL64 MFK. When we had finished we walked back up Ranelagh Street and we crossed over the ring road to meet mum at the Venus Fish Bar. For dinner Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Coke. whilst we ate we saw JMS Topgear Travel JM54 BUS. After eating dinner we set off back towards the bus station. We waited for a bus back to Newcastle. A short time later we saw. The bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67155 on a #4A to Kidsgrove. We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before we sat down. We set off out of the bus station onto john Street and right onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto Broad Street and then we joined the clockwise ring road. At the end we turned left onto Etruria Road before going under the A53 onto Festival Way. We ran past Waterworld and we turned left onto Forge Lane past a new minibus building by the Brindley Farm pub. We looped under the A53 and we joined the Westbound A53. We crossed over the A500 at Etruria and and we ran up the hill into Basford. We ran down hill to the edge of Newcastle and we got onto the one way system. At the jubilee roundabout we turned left onto Barracks Road before turning right into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and we set of up Castle Walk. we turned left onto Ironmarket. Castle Walk and we stopped at the toilet. After using the toilet we went to the bus station and we waited for a bus towards Fenton. A short time later we saw First Potteries 63116 on a #72 to Westbury Park.

First Potteries 63116 in Newcastle bus station

A short time later we saw it was former South Yorkshire bus, First Potteries 63034 on a #25 to Hanley. A short time later our bus appeared. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 65029 on the shuttle bus to Apedale. We got on the bus and we set down near to the back of the bus. We set off onto the bus station onto 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. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 65029 before returning back to Hanley on a #18.

First Potteries 65029 in Apedale Light Railway

we walked down to the bottom of the site and we asked the which were the next few buses out, most of the buses we saw London Transport RM467. and we stopped at an ice cream van and Matthew had an ice cream. After we had finished eating the ice cream. One of the first buses we spotted Hulleys of Baslow 7.

Hulleys of Baslow 7 in Apedale Light Railway

We returned to the car and we met up with mum and uncle Dave. We got in the car and we set off out of the Apedale Country Park onto Loomer Road and we diverted into Turner Crescent past the depot and we saw E-zec patient transport minibuses. We continued along Loomer Road and we turned sharp right 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 onto 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. We went upstairs and we room. Matthew also drank a can of Irn Bru. For tea Matthew had a chicken and potatoes. 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.