Trip to the 'Potteries Connection' running day 05-08-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
55	Gladstone pottery Museum	Stone, Crown Street	252	Bournemouth (Preserved)
55	Stone, Crown Street	Gladstone pottery Museum	252	Bournemouth (Preserved)
4777	Gladstone pottery Museum	Hanley BS	6	Wardle Transport
EEH902Y	Hanley BS	Gladstone pottery Museum	6	Midland Red North (Preserved)

Today Smart Matthew and the staff at his respite unit had plans. They were going to Bath today. He was too excited and didn't sleep until 03:30. He was looking at Bath's latest bus on Dorchester Street thinking about his next visit. Matthew was in his new respite unit today, so we arranged for them to take him out to the 'Potteries Connection' running day as this is one of the local highlights of the bus calender. We arranged for a PA to go in and help out with his trip. Matthew got up around 07:00. Matthew had some toast for breakfast. He saw Z Carz T131 SGA to Bath out of the window. Unfortunately the had to cancel last minute due to a fault on the vehicle. we drove to Longton and waited for the coach around 09:15. after a few minutes, we phoned up to see where the coach was and we were told the bad news. We got in the car and drove from Longton to the depot to sort things out. Whilst mum spoke to the control Matthew got a picture of the coach we were due to be on. We went into the office to mum and we sorted out a new date for a trip on this coach. A member of the staff then took Matthew onto the coach in order for him to take a few pictures of the inside. They then went to Longton and then walked in to the Gladstone Pottery Museum car park where the event is held. we also saw Wardle Transport 2531 on the #22 Newcastle service. They brought a programme and Matthew purchased a few photographs from on of the stalls. They also spent a short amount of time taking pictures. One such picture was of this fine example of a Leyland Lynx.

Ex PMT 860 in Stoniers livery at the Gladstone Museum

we also saw National Express AFH 186T and PMT Daimler Fleetliner 147. Another bus we saw was Plaxton bodied coach Bassetts JRE 354V displaying 'Blackpool' on the front. we also saw Midland Red JHA 227L. We also saw PMT L466 and Turners 10. Matthew also spied Bournemouth 55, which we had been on previously to Barlaston back in May.

Preserved Bournemouth 55 at the Gladstone Museum

Matthew decided he was going to do this and so they did it on a run to Stone. The bus went along the A50 to Meir, and then onto the A520 down to Stone. When they went around Stone, they went past Morrisons. They then got off behind the Crown Hotel. Matthew got another picture of this fine beast.

Preserved Bournemouth 55 in Stone

They then went back to Gladstone on the same bus. They went around Stone and back onto the A520. They did this up to Meir and then onto the A50 to Longton. When then got back they saw Wardle Transport 4777 about to work to Hanley and so they decided to do this too. They got on and they went upstairs. The bus got onto the A50 to Heron Cross and then went on Victoria Road. They crossed the roundabout over Joiners Square and then went up to Hanley and then into the bus station. As he was about to get off Matthew got a picture of the empty top deck.

Inside Wardle Transport 4777

Whilst in Hanley we saw First Potteries 60189 on a #20 service.Going from to Hanley was preserved Midland Red North 1902. we also went upstairs on this bus too. He wasn't able to get a decent picture of this bus. They went down Through Joiners Square to Fenton. At Victoria place they got onto the link road and then onto the A50 up to longton. Whilst at Gladstone he also saw Bournemouth Transport 103. It was then off along the A5035 to Blurton. They saw Wardle Transport 2531 on the #22 service. They went to the Gables for Lunch. Matthew ate gammon, egg and chips, with bread and butter. For dessert he had chocolate fudge cake and custard. He also had a coke. When he was finished he went to the toilet. It was then time to go back to the respite unit. They went back past Longton Transport interchange. we They saw V690 EBC at the Z Carz depot. They set off back around 13:30. The route back was along Anchor Road to Adderley Green and then on to Bucknall. He then settled down to an afternoon in his new respite unit. Using his computer, watching telly and running around outside in the garden. For tea he had fish and chips with a yogurt for afters. He then had bath before bedtime..Mark.

Trip to the POPS rally 13-05-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
198	Wedgwood	Longton BS	Special	PMT
198	Longton BS	Wedgwood	Special	PMT
62	Wedgwood	Trentham Gardens	Special	Stratford Blue
RM467	Trentham Gardens	Wedgwood	Special	London Transport
55	Wedgwood	Barlaston Green	Special	Bournemouth
A506 FSS	Barlaston Green	Wedgwood	Special	Northern Scottish
10	Wedgwood	Stone	Special	Turner's
10	Stone	Wedgwood	Special	Turner's

Today was the POPS rally, highlight of the North Staffordshire bus calender! We had always planned on being at this event, the Wardle double decker running day was an added bonus. I opened Matthew curtains around 09:00 revealing another fine sunny day. Matthew got up around 10:00 and we were ready just before 11:00. we picked up uncle Dave and then drove onto Wedgwood. When we arrived we brought a program and a local fleet list book. The first hour or so was spent looking at a few of the buses and Matthew was spending his money on books, DVD's and photos. Just before 12:00 we decided to catch a bus The Midland Red Olympian EEH 902Y was heading to Stone, and we just missed it. However behind that was PMT 198 on a mystery tour. The driver said it was going to take approximately 30 minutes and as we have yet to have this bus we decided to do it. We got on required 198 and off we went. the bus took the usual route to the A5035 then turned towards Trentham. We turned at Magdalen Road and then headed through Blurton along Beaconsfield Drive and onto Blurton Road. The bus actually went within a few hundred yards of our house! We then turned up Longton Hall Road and we guessed at this point it was probably going to the transport interchange at Longton. Sure enough we arrived in Longton and the driver said we could jump out and take a picture or two before returning. So we jumped out and did just that.

Mystery destination. PMT 198 in Longton

After getting back on, we rode back via Longton Hall Road, Blurton Road, Church Street, Trentham Road and back to Wedgwood. on the retun journey we worked out could either do required PMT 604 to Hanley (12:30) for dinner or we could required Routemaster RM467 to Trentham (12:35) for dinner. As we were approaching time was passing at it had gone 12:30, We passed 604 at the site entrance. As we turn toward the arrivals stop, we could see the Routemaster ready for departure. We got off and took a picture of PMT 198.

PMT 198 back at Wedgwood

By the time we got to the stop the bus had gone. as there was a small gap, Everyone sat down near the stop whilst i took the shopping back to the car. When I got back Straford blue 62 was at the depart stop. I look at the timetable and realised that this was the next Trentham. So I asked Matthew if he wanted to do this and he said yes. He took a quick shot of this required bus before we jumped on.

Statford Blue 62 at Wedgwood

We sat down over the offside rear axle and off we went. This is a very nice bus and was well filled with enthusiasts. This year the Trentham service was running to the drop off point for coaches by the retail village, as opposed to the old gate. This take a good mile off the journey as the return services used to have to run to Hanford to turn back to Wedgwood. I think if this continues it could be a good thing. It will save on fuel costs plus possibly get a few more passenger visit the event who have just come to Trentham for shopping. The buses when entering the site go around the outside of the car park before heading back to the coach drop off point. Straford 62 when along passed the car park and then turned back. As it turned it clipped the curb and made a loud bang as it dropped off. There then came a loud scraping noise from under the off side rear axle. I thought that perhaps it had tipped the curbstone and then dragged it along under the bus. When we stopped most people jumped out with a few going to inspect the bus. Matthew got off and took his picture.

62 at Trentham Gardens

As we were taking a few pictures, we heard someone saying that the exhaust had fallen off and was being dragged along. we decided it was time for dinner and a toilet stop. We headed to the riverside dinner and we ordered dinner. Matthew of course want a cake for afters too. I took a picture of him with a very chocolaty face as he tucked into a slice of fudge cake. We then walked back to the coach drop off point to wait for a return service. we photographed a couple of coaches before required RM467 appeared. Matthew got a picture before we boarded.

LT RM467 at Trentham Gardens

We climbed the stairs and we had an enjoyable trip back. It's nice to view the Staffordshire countryside from an elevated position on a double decker bus. As we traveled along, we passed PMT 860. I had looked for it on the timetable, but it wasn't supposed to be working. A closer look at the timetable revealed that it must have worked the 14:05 to Trentham, taking over from Stratford blue 62's duties!

RM467 at Wedgwood

When we got back mum went off to do a little birthday present shopping whilst we worked out what we could do. We thought that perhaps 860 would work Stratford Blue 62's next duty, which was the 15:00 to Stone. There was a Barlaston circular at 14:30. We could do this and still be back for 15:00 so we decided that this was going to be the move. the circular was going to be Bournemouth 55 & Northern Scottish A506 FSS. we had been on A506 FSS when it was in Glovers colours, so we decided to do the required Bournemouth bus. If there was a stop in the middle, we could always swap. a few minutes later the 2 buses pulled up on the stop. we boarded Bournemouth 55 and off we went. We headed out towards rough close and then swung back into Barlaston, turning when we reached the village green pointing back towards Wedgwood. The buses did stop to allow for pictures and to allow passengers to swap between buses if desired. Matthew got a picture of Bournemouth 55.

Bournemouth 55 at Barlason Green

He took another one for good measure...

Bournemouth 55 at Barlason Green

Then he took one of Northern Scottish A506 FSS before we boarded it for the return journey.

Northern Scottish A506 FSS at Barlason Green

The journey back was down a narrow country lane that has speed bumps, is very dark due to being tree lined and is the same road in which we spun the car on ice back in February. The buses stopped under the tree for an addition driver change. Our bus was then driven past Bournemouth 55 for a photo on the same curve where we had spun the car. The buses then swapped over there order again and we drove back to Wedgwood

A506 FSS at Wedgwood

When we got back it was around 14:50 so we had a short wait for the Stone service. Matthew went on a few buses and took pictures before we saw Turners 10 pull up on stop. We asked the driver if this was going to Stone and it was. there was slight disappointment that it wasn't PMT 860, but it was nice to ride on this double decker again. The route out was via Trentham and the A34. turning into Stone from the roundabout just South of the town centre. There was a quick stop and we got off to take a picture.

Turner's 10 in Stone

We boarded the bus and after a minute or two we set off back North. The return journey was via the A520. we passed through Lightwood before turning by The New Florence towards Dresden. We then took the A5035 back to Blurton before turning left to wedgwood. When we got back Matthew took a further picture of this bus.

10 back at Wedgwood Stone

Back at Wedgwood buses were starting to leave and so we headed back to the car. As we drove uncle Dave back we put the Stoke match on the radio. Stoke were losing 1-2 to Bolton but Stoke drew level after Peter Crouch was allegedly brought down by Bogdan. Walter leveled from the spot and that is how the match ended. Bolton were relegated. We had got home at around 16:30. Matthew started to watch his new DVD's whilst I listened to the end of the match. And that is how this enjoyable but tiring weekend finished...Mark.

Trip to the POPS rally 08-05-2011

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
G759 XRE	Wedgwood	Hanley bus station	66	Ex First PMT
CTT 23C	Hanley bus station	Wedgwood	66	Ex Devon General
RGV 690W	Wedgwood	Stone, Crown Street	10	Prince of the Road
GFM 104X	Stone, Crown Street	Wedgwood	10	Ex First PMT

Today was the annual Wedgwood POPS rally, and we had been planning to come here for quite a while. Setting off around 10:20 we arrived on site to see Ex First PMT 860 depart on a Hanley bound service. First thing we do after getting a programme is to go shopping! Matthew brought £48 worth of DVD from Mrs Spencer and then brought some packs of photo's (10 for £5). He also brought the new First Fleet book and then checked to see if his favourite buses were still running or had been withdrawn. he brought another couple of books and then we had a wander round the non PMT bus exhibits. He had a quick sit on Bassetts SUX 476X and then we went to the PMT exhibits. As we were about to sit down and work out which buses we were going to catch, we saw ex First PMT Olympian 30035 move off. A quick consult of the program and it was seen to be doing the 11:30 to Hanley



Ex First PMT 30035 (759) sets off towards the bus stop to form the 11:30 to Hanley (Matt)

So we all went around to the bus stop where 30035 was waiting. We went on the top deck near to the stairs. on the way up, Matthew tried to help himself to the antique 320 hanley - Crewe timetable until I told him not to do it. As we travelled down to Hanley via Blurton Road, the A50 link and Victoria Road, we passed ex first PMT 30039 coming the other way. We checked the programme to see if we could get 860 in later. It turns out that it did it's one and only turn early on and we missed it! The next bus due towards Hanley was down to be worked by "B35/B36". It was at this point that I wished i pad attention to the number in the bus windows! We made a snap decision to wait for the next bus and to let 30035 go back to Wedgwood without us. We has some food in Tony's cafe and then Matthew took some pictures in the bus station, at the bus station was 31519 between relief duties for Alton Towers.


31519 in Hanley bus station (Matt)

After a few minutes, a maroon colour single decker appeared. It turned out to be Ex devon General 23.


Ex Devon General 23 arrives in Hanley bus station on the 12:00 from Wedgwood (Matt)

Not sure if there was more than one bus scheduled for this run, I asked the driver if this was the only 12:30 to Wedgwood to which he replied "yes". So we did this bus, which was quite full. Matthew sat down with a total stranger and we had to persuade him to sit with mum by offering him a window seat. So we did this back to Wedgwood. I don't think was on Matthew's wish list but he enjoyed it anyway. This bus took the route via snow hill and then past the railway station. There was a Wardles ALX400 outside the station on football duties. The bus then went back via Leek Road, City Road, A50 and then A5035. At this point we had another look around whilst mum went shopping on her own for "future" events :-). We decide that we were going to do the 13:30 departs to stone for 801 back. The 13:30 was book for a Prince of the Road coach and two PMT Bristols. Matthew wanted to do the coach and uncle Dave wanted to do one of the Bristols. I persuaded Uncle Dave to do the coach as the Bristols are regular performers at the Rally. We went to see the buses turn in so we could get a photograph before we went around to the bus stop.


Prince of the Road RGV 690W sets off towards the bus stop to form the 13:30 to Stone (Matt)

The coach was the first to set of and the Bristol followed straight behind. At the junction of the A5035 / A34 all three buses were together. The bus took the usual route to Stone, by passing the town and in through the south end of town.


Prince of the Road RGV 690W on arrival at Stone (Matt)

At Stone there was a few minutes wait for the the rear Bristol to arrive as it must have been held up at some lights.


Prince of the Road RGV 690W and Ex PMT 198 forming the 14:00 to Wedgwood (Matt)

We let these buses go in order to wait for the 14:30 to Wedgwood which was booked to be Ex First PMT Optare Delta. It's a bus that we have been on twice before but Matthew is a big fan. Whilst waiting we saw the road go quiet. It was closed off for a few minutes in allow a band to march past the end. then First PMT 65039 turned up on the service bus to Hanley.After a few more minutes the red and yellow Delta appeared.


Ex First PMT 801 on arrival on the 14:00 from Wedgwood (Matt)

As we took the picture we heard someone say "an Olympian was following us down". Sure enough Ex first PMT 30039 turned up on an addition 14;00 from Wedgwood. We asked Matthew if he want the Delta or the new Olympian and he choose the Olympian.


Ex First PMT 30039 forms an additional 14:30 to Wedgwood (Matt)

We got and were able to get top deck front seats. The bus went back via the A520 to Rough Close and then via Lightwood and then joining the A5035 in Dresden. Whilst I took a picture of Matthew in the domed mirror, tree hit the front window and gave me a right scare! We we arrived back Matthew allowed the bus to empty and took a picture of the top deck.


Inside Ex First PMT 30039 (Matt)

He also took another picture of the bus outside for good measure...


Ex First PMT 30039 on arrival at Wedgwood (Matt)

After this we had a quick look around. 801 had already got back and was parked up back in it original spot. we returned to the car and then we decided to go home at a few minutes after 15:00. On the way back we put the match on the radio to find that Stoke were winning 2-0! Final score for the match was stoke 3 arsenal 1. bring on Man City next Saturday... (Mark)