Trip to Etruria / Wolstanton 08-06-2026

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67176	Fenton, Smithpool Road	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
63114	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	39	First Potteries
47519	Hanley BS	Fenton, Victoria Place	6	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going back to the residential unit, but not before he had been out for dinner and to get his weekly shopping. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up just after 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We got ready and we went out just before 12:00. We set off to Newcastle to pick up our friend. We got in the car and we set off through Blurton and onto the A5035 and we continued to Trentham and we saw First Potteries 63176 on a #22 to Longton. We turned right onto the A34 and we ran through Hanford and we crossed the A500. We continued through Trent Vale and we saw First Potteries 63352 on a #101 to Stafford. We continued into Newcastle and we turned right onto Barracks Road where we saw D&G Bus 110 on a #33 to Westlands. We turned left onto Ryecroft and stopped to pick up our friend, but he had overslept and was still in bed. We crossed over Ryecroft we ran forwards onto the A53. We ran around one-way system and onto the A52. We ran up to Hartshill and we ran forwards onto Shelton New Road. We turned right onto Garner Street and we stopped at the food truck. Matthew had a cumberland ring with bacon and egg washed down with can of Coke. When we had finished we set of to the shop. We bran along Garner Street to Etruria and we turned left onto the A53. We veered left onto Forge Lane. We ran forwards onto Shelton Boulevard and we turned left onto the Etruria Valley Link Road. We went under the A500 passing First Potteries 67144 on a #501 Etruria Valley circular service. We turned left onto the retail park and we saw First Potteries 35940 on #501 Festival Park retail. We parked up and we saw grey minibus SB72 FJP parked up.

SB72 FJP in Wolstanton

We went into the shop and we did Matthew weekly shop. We went outside and we saw Saint Wulstan Catholic DY58 AKG.

Saint Wulstan Catholic DY58 AKG in Wolstanton

We went back to the car and we set off out of the retail park. As we left the retail park we saw First Potteries 35940 on a #501 Etruria Valley circular. We joined the Southbound A500 and we ran through Stoke to Sideway. We joined the Eastbound A50 and we came off by the BET365 statdium and headed Southwards down Stanley Matthews. We turned left onto the A5035 and we saw First Potteries 63358 on a #22 to Longton and First Potteries 63176 on a #22 to Newcastle. We got back to Blurton around 14:00. Matthew went on his computer and had a Biscoff ice cream sandwich washed down with a can of Cherry Coke. We wrote some Blog and we saw D&G Bus 90 on a #24 to Newstead. We afterwards Matthew returned to the residential unit. We got in the car and we set off through Burton and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive where we saw gold minibus DE04 FNZ parked up. We turned left onto Church Street and left onto Blurton Road. We went through the traffic lights onto Heron Steeet. We carried on forwards onto Station Bridge Road and we turned left onto Christchurch Street and we turned left onto Masterson Street and we saw Stafford & District Community Link LA72 DDU. We turned right onto Watkin Street and we continued onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs to his room and we put all his shopping in his cupboard or in the kitchen. Matthew chilled out on his computer and watched buses out of the window. Matthew chilled out in his room and we saw Shelton Care Group FP75 DZB outside. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash followed by angel cake and custard. We went downstairs and we and we cut through onto City Road. We crossed over Smithpool Road and we stopped at the next bus stop. We waited for a bus to Newcastle. A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was First Potteries 67176 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67176 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 along Church Street. After a brief stop in Stoke we continued along church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road. We ran up the hill and into Hartshill. We ran forwards onto George Street and we ran down the hill into Newcastle. We turned left at the roundabout onto Barracks Road and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. On the way up to the stops we saw D&G Bus 145 parked up on layover.

D&G Bus 145 in Newcastle bus station

A short time later we saw First Potteries 35689 on a #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 35689 in Newcastle bus station

As it got closer we saw that it was First Potteries 63114 on a #39 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63114 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. When it was time to go the bus set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We crossed the Jubilee Roundabout and onto the A53. We ran into Basford and over the A500. We ran down into Etruria and over the A500. We continued along the A53 and we turned left onto Forge Lane. We ran out along the Lane and we crossed over the canal before we returned back into Etruria along festival Way. We crossed under the A53 onto Etruria Road. We ran up the hill into Hanley and we ran forwards onto Trinity Street. We turned right onto Stafford Street and we continued past the Albion and the town Hall and we ran forwards onto Bagnall Street and into the bus station. Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. A short time later we saw First Potteries 67146 on a #37 to Longton. A short time later we saw a bus come on stand. It was First Potteries 47519 on a #6 to Coalville.

First Potteries 47519 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before we sat down. We set off out of the bus station onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto the ring road and we turned right onto Lichfield Street and past the site new Lidl. We crossed over Joiners Square. We crossed the roundabout onto Victoria Road and we ran up the hill into Fenton. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we set off on foot up Victoria Road and we went sharp right onto City Road. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we turned right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out. He used his computer and watched music videos on the Television. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Hanley / Newcastle 27-06-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63347	Fenton, Smithpool Road	Hanley, Potteries Way	11	First Potteries
67154	Hanley BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	23	First Potteries
63363	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
90	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	9	D&G Bus
44514	Hanley BS	Fenton, adj Travers Court	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw Shelton Care Group NX13 XDJ. We went downstairs and we cut through onto City Road to wait a bus to Hanley. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching and we saw it was First Potteries 63347 on a #11 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off up City Road and we went forwards onto King Street. We ran through Foley and we under the railway line into Longton town centre. We ran up Market Street and we turned left onto Anchor Road. We ran up the hill to the top and ran down to the roundabout in Adderley Green. At the roundabout at the East end of Bentilee we turned right onto Beverley Drive and then left onto Dawlish Drive. We ran to the end and we turned left onto Beverley Drive. At the end we turned right onto Dividy Road and we ran down the hill to Bucknall. We turned left onto the A52 and we ran to limekiln lights and we went across onto Bucknall New Road. Towards the top they are building a new building on the right hand side of the road. We got up and got off the bus just before the ring road. Once off the bus we crossed over the road and went along St Ann Street to the chip shop. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy and a can of Pop. We came out of the chip shop and we continued up Bucknall New Road and we crossed over the ring Road onto Old Hall Street. We turned right onto Parliament Row and we sat on the benches to eat the sausage chips and gravy and drink the can of Fanta. When we had finished we walked along Parliament Row to the shopping centre and we went to Costa Coffee where Matthew had a millionaires shortbread and a bottle of Coke. Afterwards Matthew went to the toilet. When we had finished Matthew walked onto Tontine Street and forwards onto Lichfield Street. We went to the bus station to wait for a bus back to Fenton. Matthew went to the toilet. We went to the stand and there was a bus there. We saw it was First Potteries 67154 on a #23 to Newstead.

First Potteries 67154 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before we sat down towards the back of the bus. 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 left onto Copeland Street. We continued forwards onto Glebe Street and we followed the road around onto Church Street. We crossed the A500 and we ran under the railway line and we continued onto City Road. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. We crossed over city Road and walked back to the residential unit. Matthew went back upstairs and Matthew went to his room to chill out. He used his computer and watched buses out of the window whilst and ate his Manchester tart. We went downstairs and got in the car we set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto City Road and we ran down into Stoke. We ran around the one-way system and we turned left onto London Road. We turned right onto Penkhull New Road and we ran through Penkhull onto Newcastle Lane. We turned right onto Queens Road and we turned left onto St Peters Way. We turned right onto Lodge Road and we turned right onto Newcastle Lane we turned left onto St Thomas Place and forwards onto Princes Street and we saw Ambassador Travel KIG 1890. At the end of the road we turned right onto the A52 and we ran down into Stoke and onto the one way system. We turned right onto Elenora Street and we followed the road around onto Copeland Street and we turned left onto Glebe Street. We turned right onto Lytton Street and we ran through onto City Road. We ran under the railway bridge and we ran up the hill into Fenton. We turned right into Smithpool Road and we turned left onto Temple Street past the Queen Elizabeth II Court. We continued back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out on his computer and watch buses out of the window. For tea Matthew had beans on toast followed by cake. Later on Matthew went downstairs and we cut throught onto City Road. We walked to the bus stop by the flats and we waited for a bus towards Newcastle. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63363 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63363 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 onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre along Church Street. After a brief stop in Stoke we continued along church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road. We ran up the hill and into Hartshill. We ran forwards onto George Street and we ran down the hill into Newcastle. We turned left at the roundabout onto Barracks Road and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we set off along Hassell Street and we turned right onto High Street. We turned right onto Ironmarket and we stopped at the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and had a glass of Coke. For afters Matthew had a slice of chocolate fudge cake with ice cream. Once we had finished eating we set off onto Ironmarket and we turned left onto Castle Walk. We continued down to the bus station and we waited for a bus back to Fenton. A short time later a bus appeared and it was D&G Bus 90 on a #9 to Biddulph.

D&G Bus 90 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting 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. We turned right onto Hilton Road. At the roundabout we went left onto Newcastle lane and we ran up the hill into the centre of Penkhull. We turned left onto St Thomas Place and forwards onto Princes Street. We past the site of the new housing estate. At the end of the road we turned right onto the A52 and we ran down into Stoke. We passed through Church Street and the bus topped in the town centre. After a brief stop we continued over the A500 and under the railway line. We followed the A52 and we ran past the railway station to joiners Square. We turned left onto Lichfield Street and we turned left onto the ring road and we turned right onto Bethesda Street and right onto John Street and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew visited the toilet. Whilst we waited for a bus back to Fenton. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 44514 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 44514 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto the ring road and left onto Lichfield Street and we turned right onto Birch Terrace. We followed the road around onto Charles Street and we turned right onto Old Hall Street. We crossed over the ring road onto Bucknall New Road. We ran down the hill through Limekiln lights. we turned right onto Dividy Road. We turned left onto Beverley Drive and right onto Dawlish Drive. We ran through the estate and back onto the A5272. We ran up to Adderley Green and we saw First Potteries 33565 parked in the garage. At the roundabout we turned right onto Anchor Road. system onto Commerce Street and right onto The Strand. After a brief stop we ran down the Strand and under the railway line onto King Street. We continued down through Fenton and forwards onto City Road. We went past KFC and we got up and got off at the Travers Court bus stop outside the block of flats. Once off the bus we walked onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to use his computer and watch buses. He also ate the a bottle of Coke and a toffee Crisp. Later on Matthew had a bath and had toast for supper. Matthew went on his computer until bedtime around 23:00... Mark..

Trip to Newcastle / Wolstanton 28-04-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67180	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
63101	Hanley BS	Fenton, adj Travers Court	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going back to the residential unit, but first he was going out for dinner and going shopping. Matthew woke up at 08:00 to have his medication. Matthew got up around 08:30 and had toast and orange juicefor breakfast. We waited for mum to come hme from work and afterwards we got ready to go out. Matthew had a can of Dr Pepper. We set off around 12:00 and headed towards Threntham on the A5035. We turned right onto the A34 and we saw Grayway BV19 YHU entering Trentham Gardens. We continued North through Hanford and Trent Vale into Newcastle. We turned right onto te A527 past the bus station and saw First Potteries 67174 on a #99 to Chell. We turned left onto Ryecroft and left onto Liverpool Road. We ran around the block looking for a parking space but there were non free, so we went back onto Liverpool Road and we parked up in the new multi storey car park. We walked along Liverpool Road and we saw D&G Bus 90 on a #1A to Wood Lane.

D&G Bus 90 in Newcastle

We contoinued onto Bridge Street and we went to a cafe. Watthew had full English breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we walked back onto Liverpool Road and as we headed back to the car park we saw Staffordshire CC welfare bus YJ74 BOF parked up.

Staffordshire County Council YJ74 BOF in Newcastle

We went into the car park and we got in the car. We set off out off the car park onto Liverpool Road and we turned left onto Ryecroft. We did a 180 at thr roundabout and we went back along Ryecroft the opposite way. At the roundabout we turned left onto the A527. We passed 44514 on a #98 to Newcastle. We ran into Wolstanton and we followed the A527 down the hill. We turned right onto the retail park and we saw grey minibus BK56 SZT parked up. We went into the Asda and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards we walked around and picked up Matthew weekly shop. When we had finished and paid for the shopping we headed back to the car. We got in the car and we set off out of the retail park passing blue minibus SC24 FSY parked up. We left the retail parked and we went under the A500 and headed South through Etruria and Stoke. At Sideway we headed Eastwards alomg the A50. We came off the A50 near the BET365 stadium and we headed Southwards along Stanley Matthews Way. Whilst we waited at the end to turn we turned left onto the A5035 and left into Blurton. We got back around 14:35. Matthew chilled out on his computer and had a can of dandelion and burbock and a piece of marble cake. We wrote some Blog and afterwards Matthew returned to the residential unit. We got in the car and we set off through Burton and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive where we saw white minibus EA07 LWW parked up. We turned left onto Church Street and left onto Blurton Road. We went through the traffic lights onto Heron Steeet. We carried on forwards onto Station Bridge Road we saw silver minibus CN57 HWA. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we turned left onto Masterson Street and we saw Stafford & District Community Link OW73 RYR. We turned right onto Watkin Street and we continued onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs to his room and we put all his shopping in his cupboard or in the kitchen. Matthew had a can of Cherry Coke. Matthew chilled out on his computer and watched buses out of the window. we saw Afford rent-a-car HT22 KLW outside there yard. For tea Matthew had sausage and potatoes followed by a cake bar. Matthew chilled in hos room for a while before we went out. He had a can of Cherry Coke. Matthew went out again on the bus. We went downstairs and we walked onto City Road and we saw Afford rent-a-car WM23 EWG outside there yard. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67180 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67180 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we joined the A52 and ran under the railway line. After crossing over the A500 we ran into Stoke town centre along Church Street. We turned right onto Shelton Old Road and we saw Travel Express LK67 FWJ parked up th the depot. We ran forwards onto Stoke Road. We ran under the railway line and up through Shelton. 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 and Matthew visited the toilet. We waited for a bus back towards Fenton. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63101 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63101 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton we sat down. We set off up set off onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto the ring road and left onto Lichfield Street and we turned right onto Birch Terrace. We followed the road around onto Charles Street and we turned right onto Old Hall Street. We crossed over the ring road onto Bucknall New Road. We ran down the hill through Limekiln lights and we turned right onto Dividy Road. We turned left onto Beverley Drive and right onto Dawlish Drive. We ran through the estate and back onto the A5272. We ran up to Adderley Green and we saw First Potteries 35684 parked in the garage. At the roundabout we turned right onto Anchor Road. We turned left onto Market Street and right onto Commerce Street past the former Co-op Bank. We went arounf the roundabout and turned right onto The Strand. After a brief stop we ran down the Strand and under the railway line onto King Street. We continued down through Fenton and forwards onto City Road. We went past KFC and we got up and got off at the Travers Court bus stop outside the block of flats. We crossed over City Road and we cut through to the residential unit. We went upstairs and chilled out in his room to use his computer and watch buses. Matthew also watched buses out of the window. Later on Matthew had a bath and had toast for supper. Matthew went on his computer until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Stoke / Newcastle 11-03-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
OKZ 266	Fenton, Victoria Place	Lightwood Tavern	50	Stanton's of Stoke
OKZ 266	Lightwood Tavern	Fenton, Victoria Place	50	Stanton's of Stoke

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the dentist, we saw Shelton Care Group WF24 BCE. Later on we went downstairs and we set off Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street. We across City Road and we saw First Potteries 44511 on a #11 to Newcastle. At the top we crossed over Victoria Road to wait for the bus at the bus stop. A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was dud Stanton's of Stoke OKZ 266 on a #50 to Lightwood. We go on the bus and we booked to Lightwood before sitting down. We set of up City Road and we turned left onto Fentpark Road. We turned right into June Road. We followed the road until the end and we turned left onto Annette Road. We turned right onto Newmount Road and left onto Goldenhill Road. We turned left onto Victoria Road and we ran through Foley into Longton. We ran under the railway bridge and we turned right into Baths Road. We turned left and we entered Longton Interchange onto Baths Road. We ran forwards onto Market Street and we followed the one-way system around onto Commerce Street. We crossed over the A50 and we headed out of Longton along Lightwood Road. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A5005 and we headed down the road into Lightwood. We got up and got off the bus. We afterwards we waited for a bus back towards Fenton. A short time later we saw Stanton's of Stoke OKZ 266 on a #50 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto the A5005 and we turned left onto Castileton Road. We crossed over Sandwell Place and we turned right into Starand Garter Road. We turned left onto Upper Belgrave Road onto Lightwood Road and into Longton. We crossed over the A50 and we ran down The Strand. We turned left into Baths Road and we entered Longton Transport Interchange. After a brief stop we ran out onto Baths Road and we turned left under the railway line onto King Street. We ran down through Fenton and forwards onto City Road past the new petrol station and coffee shop. We turned right into Victoria Road and we got up and got off the bus. One off the bus we set off on foot onto City Road. We turned left onto Christchurch Street. We walked back into Temple Street and to the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto City Road. We ran down the hill and under the railway line. We crossed over the A500 and we ran into Stoke. We went onto the one-way system and we turned right onto South Wolfe Street. We crossed over Church Street onto Kingsway and we parked up. We walked around the orner and we went to the pub. Matthew had a burger and chips washed down with a glass of Coke. Afterwards we walked back to the car and we returned to Fenton. We set off onto Kingsway and we turned right onto the one-way system. We ran up the hill into Hartshill and at the roundabout we ran into George Street and we ran down the hill into Newcastle. We turned left at the roundabout onto Barracks Road and we turned right onto the A519 and we went to Morrisons. Matthew went to the toilet and then went to the cafe. We walked down to the sunken Roundabout. We walked up High Street and we stopped at Cash Converters. We saw green minibus AJ03 KAE.

AJ03 KAE in Newcastle

We walked up High Street and we turned left onto Hassell Street and onto the bus station. We continued down Castle Walk and we stopped at Greggs and Matthre brought a sausage roll and a bottle Dr pepper for dinner. We walked along Castle walk and we had finished eating we went next door to Barnardo's and Matthew bought some boots. We walked down Castle walk and onto the bus station. Whilst we waited for a bus back to Fenton and we saw D&G Bus 90 on a #1A to Meir.

D&G Bus 90 in Newcastle bus station

A short time later we saw First Potteries 63250 on a #39 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63250 in Newcastle bus station

We turned right Hassell Street and we turned right onto High Street we turned right onto the sunken Roundabout. We crossed under the A34 and we got in back car. We set off out of the Morrisons. We joined the Northboubnd A519 and we ran down to Newcastle. We ran forwards onto the A527. We ran past the bus station and we crossed over the roundabout onto the A53. We ran around the one way system and we went along the A52 into Hartshill. We ran down the hill into Stoke and we went around the one-way system in Stoke. We turned left onto Liverpool Road and we veered right onto Elenora Street. We turned right onto Copeland Street and we turned left onto Glebe Street. We turned right onto Lytton Street and we ran through onto 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 ran towards Hanley. We joined the anti-clockwise ring road. We joined town road and we crossed over the ring-road and headed out of town towards Birches Head. We joinmed the A5272 and we travelled Northwards through Sneyd Green. We turned right onto Milton Road and we crossed over Milton Road and we turned right onto Noblett Road and we turned right onto Ralph Drive and we stopped at one of the house and Matthew had a glass of Coke. Once we had finished the drink we returned to Fenton by car. We got in the car and we set off onto the Ralph Drive and we turned left onto Milton Road past the Sneyd Arms pub which is now being worked on. We turned We veered left onto the A5272 and we continued into Birches Head. We ran forwards onto Town Road and we joined the clockwise ring road. We turned left onto Lichfield Street and over the ring road. We ran down to joiners Square and we went over the roundabout onto Victoria Road past Adsa and the B&M. We turned right onto Manor Street and we crossed over City Road and we ran along Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road and we turned left into Smithpool Road. We turned left 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 we went downstairs and we set off onto City Road and we saw Afford rent-a-car MW24 TZE outside there yard. We carried on down the road and we continued walking down to The Range and we did some shopping. Matthew brought a bottle of Coke. Once we had finished we walked back out onto City Road We then walked up the hill and we turned right into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to use his computer and watch buses out of the window. For tea Matthew had a bangers and mash and a bottle of Coke followed by a Manchester Tart. Later on Matthew had a bath and had toast for supper. Matthew went on his computer until bedtime around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Longton / Stoke 09-12-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63114	Blurton, adj Ladybank Grobe	Longton Interchange	22	First Potteries
112	Longton, Strand	Stoke, Stop Q	1A	D&G Bus
594	Stoke, stop X	Newstead, Wimbourne Avenue	40	D&G Bus
90	Newstead, Wimbourne Avenue	Newstead, Crowcrofts Road	24	D&G Bus

Today Matthew was returning to the residential unit, but first he was goig out for dinner on the bus. Matthew woke up at 08:00 to have his medication. Matthew got up at 10:30 and got ready to go out. He had toast for breakfast. Just before 12:00 we got in the car to go and pick up uncle Dave. 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 through the roadworks 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 set off up Wheildon Road and forwards onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and right onto The Westbound A50. We came off the A50 onto Stanley Matthews Way and we ran to the other end to Blurton where we saw D&G Bus 170 on a #24 to Hanley. We turned left onto the A5035 and back to the house. We dropped off a few things and checked the time of the next bus to Longton. It was due in a few minutes so we rushed off all the way over to the stop on Magdalen Road to wait for the bus. As we got to the stop we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63114 on a #22 to Longton.

First Potteries 63114 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked Smart Day tickets at £4.80 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Magdalen Road and we turned right onto Finstock Avenue. We turned left onto 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 63114.

First Potteries 63114 in Longton Interchange

We cut through onto The Strand and we walked to Cafe Paradise. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished I gave Matthew a choice of which direction we were going to go. He chose to go to Stoke to pick up dessert. We walked to the stop on The Strand and we saw First Potteries 67147 on a #6A to Hanley.

First Potteries 67147 in Longton

A few minutes later we saw another bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 112 on a #1A to Wood Lane.

D&G Bus 112 in Longton

We got on the bus and we placed the Smart Day tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down The Strand. We turned left into Baths Road and we entered Longton Transport Interchange. After a brief stop we ran out onto Baths Road and we turned left under the railway line onto King Street. As we travelled down King Street through Foley into Fenton and forwards onto City Road, past Costa Coffee. 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. We continued into into Stoke town centre along Church Street and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus, we saw D&G Bus 6005 on a #9 to Biddulph.

D&G Bus 6005 in Stoke

Behind the was First Potteries 35944 on a #25 to Hanley. We walked up Church Street and around the corner onto Campbell Place. We visited Wrights Pies and we bought some Manchester Tarts and a can of Coke. Matthew indicated that he want to go and sit and have a Manchester Tart. So we headed towards Glebe Street. e turned the corner onto Church Street and we saw D&G Bus 28 on a #1A to Meir.

D&G Bus 28 in Stoke

We continued along Church Street and we crossed over Glebe Street and headed to the bus stop. Matthew sat down and had a Manchester tart. We looked at the stop timetable and we saw that there was a D&G bus to Newstead in a few minutes. Matthew just about finished his cake and the bus made an appearance. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 594 on a #40 to Newstead. We got on the bus and we placed the Smart Day ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Glebe Street and we followed the one-way system onto Church Street. We crossed the A500 and we ran under the railway line. After climbing up the hill we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Grove Road and we headed into Heron Cross. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We saw Scraggs 1580 VT parked up. We continued along Blurton Road through the roadworks and left 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. After a brief stop we turned right onto Baths Road and we ran forwards onto Market Street. We followed the one way system onto Commerce Street and we crossed over the A50. We turned left onto Lightwood Road and we turned right onto the B5038. We turned left onto Chaplin Road and right onto Cocknage Road. We ran forwards onto Queens Park Avenue and we turned left onto the A5035. We ran into Blurton and we turned left onto Barlaston Road. We turned right onto Waterside Drive and left onto Wimbourne Avenue. When we got to the shops we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took a picture of D&G Bus 594 before it returned on a #40 to Hanley.

D&G Bus 594 in Newstead

We had a couple of minutes to wait for another bus. A short time later we saw it was D&G Bus 90 on a #24 to Norton.

D&G Bus 90 in Newstead

We got on the bus and we placed the Smart Day ticket on the scanner. The rear of the bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside of D&G Bus 90 before we sat down.

Inside D&G Bus 90

After a short while We set off along Wimbourne Avenue and we turned right onto Waterside Drive. We ran around the estate and back onto Barlaston Road. We turned left onto the A5035 and a few stops later we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we crossed over the A5035 and we turned left onto Magdalen Road. We saw Stoke-on-Trent city council LK17 DVV parked up near to the food bank.

Stoke-on-Trent city council LK17 DVV in Blurton

We got back into the house around 14:20. Once back in the house we looked at our pictures and didsome of the Blog. Matthew had a glass of Orange Fanta and another Manchester Tart. around 16:30 we set off back to the residential unit by car. We set off through Blurton onto Finstock Avenue and we turned left onto Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and left again onto Blurton Road. We went through the traffic lights onto Heron Street. We carried on forwards onto Station Bridge Road we turned left onto Christchurch Street and we turned left onto Masterson Street and we saw Stafford & District Community Link OW73 RYR. We turned right onto Watkin Street and we continued onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs to his room and we put all his shopping in his cupboard or in the kitchen. Matthew had a can of Cherry Coke. Matthew chilled out on his computer and watched buses out of the window. For tea Matthew had chicken & rice and washed it down with a glass of lemonade. Matthew then went out to catch a bus to Hanley. We went downstairs and it was an Intercity taxi. We got in the taxi and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we crossed over City Road onto Manor street. At the end of manor street awe turned left onto Victoria Road. We ran down to joiners Square and we crossed over the roundabout onto Lichfield Street. We crossed over the ring road and we parked up in the small car park in front of the pub. We went into the Coachmakers Arms. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had 1/2 a Coke. After we had finished we returned to Fenton in a taxi. We got in the taxi and we set off onto Lichfield Street. We crossed over the ring Road and we ran down to Joiners Square. We crossed the roundabout onto Victoria Road and we ran up the hill into Fenton. At the roundabout we turned sharp right onto City Road and left onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and we went to his room and chilled out. We went upstairs and Matthew went to his room. He watched television and used 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 Hanley / Trent Vale 20-09-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63101	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Stoke, stop P	11	First Potteries
35939	Stoke, stop N	Stoke, Hancock Street	25	First Potteries
67179	Hanley BS	Fenton, adj Travers Court	11	First Potteries
67143	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Stoke, stop P	23	First Potteries
67153	Stoke, stop T	Trent Vale, Black Lion	21	First Potteries
67143	Trent Vale, Black Lion	Trentham, Man in Space	21	First Potteries
67143	Trentham, Man in Space	Stoke, stop R	21	First Potteries
90	Stoke, stop A	Fenton, Smithpool Road	1	D&G Bus

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw silver minibus WR14 YAK. We went downstairs and we set off onto City Road. We waited at the bus stop by the flats for a bus towards Hanley. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63101 on a #11 to Newcastle. We got on the bus and we booked to Stoke before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre along Church Street. We got off the bus and we crossed obver the road to the stop opposite to wait for a #25 to Hanley. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As soon as it cam into view we knew it was First Potteries 35939 on a #25 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley. before we sat down. The bus set off out of Stoke town centre and across the A500. We crossed under the railway line before turning left onto the A52 and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked up to the A52 and we turning left onto Station Road. We went past the railway station ans we turned right onto College Road. We walked around Hanley Park for a while. We walk northwards through the park and into the North West corner to the sensory play area. We turned into Cleveland Road. We continued onto Regent Road and we turned left onto Lichfield Street. We pulled into the car park and headed to the chip shop. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished eating we set off on foot across the ring road and onto Lichfield Street. Matthew used the toilet and we saw First Potteries 63111 on a #7A to Biddulph. We saw a bus on stand. As we got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67179 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67179 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto the ring road and left onto Lichfield Street and we turned right onto Birch Terrace. We followed the road around onto Charles Street and we turned right onto Old Hall Street. We crossed over the ring road onto Bucknall New Road. We ran down the hill through Limekiln lights. we turned right onto Dividy Road. We turned left onto Beverley Drive and right onto Dawlish Drive. We ran through the estate and back onto the A5272. We ran up to Adderley Green and we saw First Potteries 67181 parked in the garage. At the roundabout we turned right onto Anchor Road. We turned right onto Bambury Street and we ran to the end we turned left onto Galsworthy Road and left onto Heathcote Street. We turned right onto Longley Road and left onto Ashwood. We turned right onto Anchor Road and we ran under the railway line. We turned left onto Markets Street and we followed the one-way system onto Commerce Street and right onto The Strand. After a brief stop we ran down the Strand and under the railway line onto King Street. We continued down through Fenton and forwards onto City Road. We went past KFC and we got up and got off at the Travers Court bus stop outside the block of flats. We walked onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to use his computer and watch buses. Across the road we saw AJS Passenger Travel AJ56 BUZ stop to let of people before it continued towards Hanley.

AJS Passenger Travel AJ56 BUZ in Fenton

We went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road and we walked towards the bus stop. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67143 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67143 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Stoke before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre along Church Street where we got up and got off the bus. We walked around the corner onto Campbell Place to wait for a bus to Trentham. A few minutes later we saw a bus come around the corner. It was First Potteries 67153 on a #21 to Trentham. We got on the bus and we booked to Trentham before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Campbell Place and forwards onto London Road. We continued through Oakhill and past the former Oakhill pub. We ran into Trent Vale and we turned left onto the A34 and we got up and got off the bus. As we set off towards the pub we saw First Potteries 63171 on a #22 to Newcastle. We went into the pub and Matthew found a seat where he could see out of the window. Matthew had a mixed grill washed down with a glass of Coke. For afters matthew had a cheesecake with custard. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses included First Potteries 35939 on a #101 to Stafford and Travel Express YJ62 LSX heading Northwards. When he had finished eat Matthew set off onto the A34 and around the corner onto London Road to wait for the bus back towards Stoke. A short time later we saw Premier Travel LF66 HKD. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67143 on a #21 to Trentham.

First Potteries 67143 in Trent Vale

We got on the bus and we booked to Stoke before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along London Road and we turned right onto the A34 and we went under the A500 into Hanford. We turned left onto Church Lane and we ran up to the top of the hill. We turned right into Wilson Road and at the end we turned left onto New Inn Lane. We turned left onto Pacific Road and we continued around onto Constance Avenue and we stopped. We continued around the loop and we re-joined 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 crossed under the A500. 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. Once off the bus we set off along London Road. We turned right into the A52 and we turned left onto South Wolfe Street and we ran past the Stoke Indoor Market. We turned left into Church Street to wait for a First bus back up to Fenton. We saw First Potteries 35947 on a BS1 to the BET365 stadium. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 90 on a #1 to Meir.

D&G Bus 90 in Stoke

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Church Street out of Stoke and over the A500. We ran under the railway line and we continued onto City Road. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. We crossed over City Road and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew went to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. Later on Matthew had a bath followed by toast for supper. Matthew then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Derby / Borrowash 03-09-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
16	Derby BS	Borrowash, Opp Elm Street	X17	Notts & Derby
16	Borrowash, Opp Elm Street	Derby BS	X17	Notts & Derby
20	Derby BS	Borrowash, Opp Harrington Avenue	9	Notts & Derby
16	Borrowash, Opp Priorway Avenue Shops	Derby BS	X17	Notts & Derby
258	Derby, Derwent Street (Stop C7)	Derby, Adj Meteor Centre Park-and-Ride	D1	Notts & Derby
26	Derby, Adj Meteor Centre Park-and-Ride	Derby, Derwent Street (Stop C7)	D1	Notts & Derby
28	Derby BS	Weston-on-Trent, Adj Methodist Church	73	Notts & Derby
28	Weston-on-Trent, Adj Methodist Church	Derby BS	73	Notts & Derby

Toda we decided to visit Derby to ride on buses for the first time. We had seen on the UK Buses & Trains Facecebook group that Notts + Derby buses were running an Olympian farewell running day. We checked the weather for today and it was for heavy rain for most of the afternoon! Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 12:00 and we ran through Blurton along Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and then left again onto Blurton Road. After a brief stop at the shop on Blurton Road to drop something off we continued long Blurton Road up to Heron Cross. We Joined the Eastbound A50 and we travled to Longto to fill up with Diesel at the Longton Tesco garage. After we had filled up a gentleman pointed out one of our tyres was a little flast so we stopped to inflate it before we got back onto the A50. At Meir we saw Copelands Tours MIB 236 & MIB 246 emerging from the garage. As we approached the Blyther Bridge Roundabout we passed Brown's of Kirby Mercedes minibus BC08 EBC. We ran up towards Uttoxtter and around the town on the A50 and we vereed left following the A50 up the hill. Going the other way we saw Midlands Classic 21 on a #401 service and an unidentified Wilfreda Beehive tri-axle coach. We came off the A50 and we ran along the A511 towards Hatton. We stopped at the Salt Box Cafe and Matthew went to the toilet. For Dinner Matthew had a breakfast washed down wih a small bottle of Coke. After we had finished we got back in the car and we turned right onto Derby Road. We went around Hilton and under the A50 and onto the A516. We ran into town and we joined the A38 and we came off again onto the A516. I had planned on goinng around the ring road but what I did not realised that there are two ring roads... There is and inner an outer ring road. We turned right onto the A511 outer fing road and we ran around the eastern side of the town. With the aid of her sat nav mum guided us into town along Osmaston Road. When we got into town we ran around the inner ring road past the shopping centre we turned left and ran past the end of the bus station. We had planned on parking in front of the Deby Council buildings but we eneded up turning around and parking in the multi storey car park adjacent to the bus station. As we entered the car park we saw Notts + Derby Olympian 20 on layover in the bus station. We parked up and we crossed over the road on the bridge into the shopping centre. we sad goodbye to mum and we went to the toilet. After Matthew had finished we walked down onto the street and we crossed over the road and under the bridge to the bus station. Whilst we worked out what to do we stood at the South Western corner of the bus station and took a few pictures. The first thing in the bus station that we saw was Notts + Derby Slol SR on a #59 service to Shipley View.

Notts+Derby 510 in Derby bus station

A short while later we saw Trent Barton 87 on a Red Arrow express coach service to Nottingham.

Trent Barton 87 in Derby bus station

We also saw Trent Barton 606 on a Mansfield service.

Trent Barton 606 in Derby bus station

A few minutes after that we saw Yourbus Mercedes Citaro single decker 3110 on a Y59 to Shipley View.

Yourbus 3110 in Derby bus station

We also saw Trent Barton 913 on a Skylink service to Leicester.

Trent Barton 913 in Derby bus station

We saw another Red Arrow service, this time it was Trent Barton 85.

Trent Barton 85 in Derby bus station

This was followed by Arriva Midlands Scania Omnicity 3561 on a #26 to Oakwood.

Arriva Midlands 3561 in Derby bus station

In this distance we saw a Notts + Derby double decker coiming towards the bus station off the A601 at the other end of the bus station. We also saw Trent Barton Optare Versa 809 on a Spondon Flyer service.

Trent Barton 809 in Derby bus station

The Notts + Derby double decker eventually came around the outside of the car park and under the bridge. As it got closer we saw that it was required Notts + Derby 16 on the X17 to Borrowash.

Notts+Derby 16 in Derby bus station

We walked into the bus station and the bus pulled into one of the nearer stand which was convenient. We got on the bus and we purchased the 'Enthusiat's Special' day ticket that covered all the services that the buses were running on, at the cost of £6. We went upstairs and we sat down. The bus pulled off out of the bus station and onto the anti-clockwise ring road. We then wen down a slip road and back underneath the ring road before we joined the A52 dual carriageway. We then ran fast along the Eastbound A52 for around 5 miles. I got chatting to a guy who looked familiar from other bus related events that we hd been to, and he was local and knew the bus services well. The Olympian that we had seen on layover was due to work the next #9 to Borrowash. A quick consultaion ot the timetable revealed that we should get back into the bus station in time to catch it. We came off the A52 before crossing over the A52 on Victoria Avenue and going South into Borrowash. We turned left into hawthorn Avenue and we ran around the village along Priorway Avenue, Nottingham Road and back onto Victoria Avenue. After a brief pause at the main timed stop in Borrowash, we continued along Victoria Avenue and then left onto the A52. We then ran fast for 5 nile back down the A52, and we came off at the Pentagon roundabout. We joined the clockwise inner ring road and we crossed over the River Derwent befoer we entered the bu station from the Eastern Side. As we pulled into the bus station we saw that Notts + Derby Olympian 20 was already on stand, but it wasn't due off for another 3 minutes. Lucily for us we pulled up along side Notts + Derby 20, so we got off the bus and Matthew took a quick picture through the bus station door before we jumped on it!

Notts+Derby 20 in Derby bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the 'Enthusiat's Special' day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto the ring road. We went down the slip road to go around and under the ring road onto Eastgate and instead of going along the A52 we came off at the Pentagon roundabout and we joined Nottingham Road. We ran along through Chaddesden. The plan was to get off in Borrowash, posibly go the the shop if there was time and to returnminti Derby on Notts + Derby 16 on the X17 service, getting back a little quicker. The journey time to Borrowash on the #9 was around an 30 minutes, with a round trip on the X17 taking the same time. in Spondon we took the A6096 North Eastwards through the town centre and we went out of town for around a mile before we turned right onto Moor Lane. We ran through a tiny little village called Octbrook and then we crossed over the A52 into Borrowash. We turned left of Victoria Avenue onto Hawthorne Avenue and then forwards onto Priorway Avenue. We passed a one stop shop and we decided to get off the bus. We missed that stop so we got off at the next one. Once off the bus we decided to walk back one stop to where the shop was, and if there was time we would go the the shop. A check of the timetable at the stop revealed the bus was due in around 2 miuntes so we decided to stay put. Almost immediatley we saw the bus coming down the road, and as expected it was Notts + Derby Olympian 16.

Notts+Derby 16 in Borrowash

We got on the bus and we flashed the 'Enthusiat's Special' day ticket to the driver. The lower saloon was empty when we got on the bus so Matthew took a picture inside Notts + Derby Olympian 16.

Inside Notts+Derby 16

We went upstairs and we sat down and the bus set off along Priorway Avenue. We joined Nottingham Road and we ran through the centre of Borrowash before tutning right into Victoria Avenue. We joined the A52 and we ran fast to the edge of Derby passing Trent Barton 83 going the other way on a Red Arrow service. The rain had now stopped and we could see clearly out of the windows. We saw Mercedes minibus K485 UJD. We came off the A52 onto the Pentagon Roundabout and we crossed over the RiverDerwent and into the bus station. As we entered we saw Coopers coach YN08 AVX. We went into the bus station and this time instead of going to the low numbered dtands we went over to the other end of the bus station by the coach stands. We got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Notts + Derby 16.

Notts+Derby 16 in Derby bus station

We spotted another exit to the bus station and we could see the river behind. Our next planned move was to catch the two buses on the D1 service... They were booked to be worked by Notts + Derby Olympian 26 and Optare Excel 258. The buses departed from Derwnt Street which was North of the bus station and by the river. We set off along the path out of the bus station and alongside the river Derwent and we saw Derwent Street ahead of us. As we came off the riverbank onto the street we saw Trent Barton Optare Solo 467 on layover.

Trent Barton 467 in Derby

We crossed the road and we checked the timetable on the bus stop. The bus was due in 5 minutes at 16:05... Whilst we waited we saw New Bharat Coaches Volvo 9700 BC15 NBC stop briefly on the other side of the road. A few minutes later we saw Trent Barton Optare Excel 258 appear from the North, cross the river and turn around at thr roundabout. When it pulled into the stop matthew got a picture of Notts + Derby 258.

Notts+Derby 258 in Derby

We got on the bus and we flashed the 'Enthusiat's Special' day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along Derwent Street over the river. We then passed required Notts + Derby 26 on the other D1 turned as expected. We made our way onto Mansfield Road and we ran North past Chester Green and we followed the road to the right. We crossed over the rsilway line and we continued forwards onto the A608. Whenwe past the Odeon Cinema we turned into the Meteor Retail park and we did a u-turned at the rouandabout to get onto the park and ride stop. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Notts + Derby 258.

Inside Notts+Derby 258

We got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Notts + Derby 258.

Notts+Derby 258 in Meteor Retail Park

The bus departed back onto the A608 and and we sat at the bus stop whilst we waited for the double decker to return. A few minutes alter as expected we saw Notts + Derby 26 sweeping into the retail park off the A608.

Notts+Derby 26 in Meteor Retail Park

The bus did the u-turn at the first roundabout in the retail park and came onto the stop. We got on the bus and we flashed the 'Enthusiat's Special' day ticket to the driver. The lower saloon was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Notts + Derby 26.

Inside Notts+Derby 26

We went upstairs and we sat down whilst we waited for departure time. We set off onto the A608 and we ran back down over thr railway line and into Derwent Street. As we were going around the roundabout an unidentified single decker peparted the stop as a replacement for this on the D1. We got to the stop and the bus emptied out before running off empty. Matthew got another picture of Notts+Derby 26 as it disappeared off into the distance...

Notts+Derby 26 in Derby

The last Olympian that we hadn't been on was due to work a #73 service at 16:50. We had a round 12 minutes to walk back down the river and into the bus station. If possible we would also use the toilet. We walked back down past the river and we saw what looked like a cormorant on the island in the river. We got on the bus station and we saw Trent Barton 90 on a Red Arrow service. We also saw that Notts+Derby 28 was on stand. We had 10 minutes so we took matthew to the toilet. Whilst we were there we saw Notts+Derby 28 leave! By the time we got over to stand 23 it was just coming back on stand. For some reason it had just done a lap of the bus station. It came back on stand and Matthew took another picture of Notts+Derby 28.

Notts+Derby 28 in Derby bus station

Adjacent to the Olympian was Skill of Nottingham BX16 CJJ in National Express livery about to work a #440 service to London.

Skills of Nottingham BX16 CJJ in Derby bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the 'Enthusiat's Special' day ticket to the driver. We went upstairs and the rear of the top deck was enpty, so Matthew took a picture inside Notts+Derby 28.

Inside Notts+Derby 28

The bus set off out of the bus station and under the car park bridge. We ran over a short bus lane into Sidalls Road and at the end we turned right onto Railway Terrace. We stopped at a large bus stop outside the railway station and we saw Trent Barton 912 go by on a Skyline service into Derby. We continued onto Midland Road and at the end we turned left onto London Road. We crossed the Birmingham line and we ran past the RTC where there were quite a few locomotives parked up. As we ran South Eastwards down London Road we caught #38 branded Arriva Midlands 4406 on a #1 service to Alvaston. We passed through the centre of Alvaston and we saw the Blue Peter pub with its 1920's style architecture. We continued down Shsrdlow Road and at the roundabout we crossed over the A6. 1/2 mile down the road we turned right into Derby Road and we ran into Aston-on-Trent. After we ran through the village we turned right onto Weston Road and we ran the last mile or so into the centre of Weston-on-Trent. We turned left into Trent Lane and we stop just short of the railway line at the bus stop. We had 5 minutes before the bus was due to return back to Derby, so we got off and we took a picture off Notts+Derby 28.

Notts+Derby 28 in Weston-on-Trent

We got back on the bus and we flashed the 'Enthusiat's Special' day ticket to the driver for the final time before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off at 17:20 and just as we approahed the railway line we saw DB Shencker 66132 run past on a scrap train to Cardiff. having crossed over the railway line we turned right onto Park Lane and we followed it around to the right. We turned right onto Main Street and we crossed back over the railway line. Main Street became Weston Road and we ran up the road into Aston-on-Trent. We turned left into the village and we stopped outside the White Hart pub for a short while before we continued. We crossed the A50 and we turned left onto B5010 and over the A6 at the roundabout. We ran back through Alvaston and we caught up with Arriva Midlands 4406 again on an inbound #1 service. We went past the RTC and over the railway line before we turned right into Midland Road. We stopped outside the railway station and we went back into the town centre up Siddals Road. We crossed under the bridge and we entered the bus station from the South Western corner. We pulled into bay 23 and we ot off the bus where mum was waiting for us. On the way back to the car we stop at the bus station shop which has to be quite possibly one of the biggest shops of it's type I have seen! Matthew had a an of Coke and a couple of small bottles as well as lemon meringue pie and a chocolate bar. We paid for the dtuff and we went out of the bus station. On the way back to the car we saw Trent Barton 84 on a Red Arrow service to Nottingham.

Trent Barton 84 in Derby bus station

We walked under the bridge and we found a way into the car. Ww walked up the steps to level 4 and we found the car. On the way we stopped to looked out of the side towards the bus station where there was a great ariel view. I went to validate the parking whilst everyone else went back to the car. We drive out of the car park and we ran around the clockwise inner ring road before laeving town along the A516. We joined the A38 briefly and we continued along the A516. Whenw e got to the A50 we turned right onto the Westbound carriageway. We passed near to Uttoxeter and as we traveled up the A50 towards Stoke we passed white coach L41 CNY. We came off the A50 at Longton so we could see what was at Z carz this evening. First in the row was Z Carz mininbus GL04 CVE.

Z Carz GL04 CVE in Longton

We also saw Z Carz white Ford minibus PY08 KDX.

Z Carz PY08 KDX in Longton

Also in the first row was Z Carz white Renault minibus BU04 GYW.

Z Carz BU04 GYW in Longton

We also saw Z Carz Volkswagen minibus OV05 WSW.

Z Carz OV05 WSW in Longton

Closest minibus in the first row was Z Carz X599 WDY.

Z Carz X599 WDY in Longton

In the secon row was Z Carz maroon Volkswagen minibus S973 OVP.

Z Carz S973 OVP in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row to see what was in the copound. This evening we saw Z Carz white Ford minibus LG09 JVX

Z Carz LG09 JVX in Longton

We also saw a new vehicle, Z carz Citroen minibus LV59 DZC. There were a couple parked on the road too... First we saw Z Carz white Iveco minibus YJ53 WPD.

Z Carz YJ53 WPD in Longton

Finally we saw Z Carz silver LDV minibus CN57 HWA.

Z Carz CN57 HWA in Longton

We turned left onto Edensor Road and we turned right onto Spring Garden Road. We turned left onto the A5035 and at the roundabout we did a u-turn to head back towards Dresden. We ran through Dresden and into Blurton and we got home around 19:00. For a late tea we had bangers and masher with carrots followed by a ginger bread man. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:30... Mark