Trip to Hanley / Stafford 20-06-2026

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67151	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
63113	Hanley BS	Stafford, Chell Road	101	First Potteries
35943	Stafford, The Sun PH	Newcastle BS	101	First Potteries
67149	Newcastle BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was Stafford 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 we saw Just Travel YU19 NKJ. Later on we went downstairs and we set off onto City Road. We continued to the stop outside the flats and we waited for a bus to Newcastle. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67151 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67151 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 Street 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 ans 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 and once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we waited for a bus to Trentham. A short time later we saw First Potteries 67146 on a #7A to Biddulph. As it got closer we saw that it was First Potteries 63113 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 63113 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus bus and we booked to Stafford 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 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 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 London Borough of Enfield minibus EX68 HHS. 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 set off along the path through to Mount Street and we continued onto Princes Street. We continued through the Hunters Row and we walked Westwards along Gaolgate Street. We stopped at pub. For dinner Matthew had a buttermilk chicken and waffle washed down with a glass of Coke. For afters Matthew had a slice of chantilly honeycomb cheesecake with ice cream. Once we had finished eating we set off onto Greengate Street and we went in the Katharine House Hospice Shop. We went on Salter Street and we walked over to Bank Psge. We ran up Market Square and Greengate Street and we passed old Hailfax bank. We crossed over the roundabout onto Bridge Street. We crossed over the Bridge Street and forwards onto Newport Road. We waited for the next bus towards Newcastle. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 35943 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 35943 in Stafford

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus.We set off onto the A34 and we tirned left onto South Walls. We followed the one way system on to Cope Street and left onto Eastgate Street. We ran forwards onto Salter Street and we turned left onto North Walls. We headed Northwards and we ran into the bus station. 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 North 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 from the South end. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we waited for the next bus back Fenton. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67149 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67149 in Newcastle 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 Barracks Road and we ran up to the Jubilee roundabout. We ran 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. After a brief stop we continued 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 we cut through to the residential unit. We went upstairs and to his room to chill out. Matthew read about the proposed McDonalds in Ashbourne. We went downstairs and we got in a car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. we turned left onto Baker Street and left onto Glebedale Road. We turned right onto City Road and we continued onto King Street. We turned right onto the A50 link road and we joined the Eastbound A50. We ran Eastwards through Longton and Meir snd we ran around Blyth Bridge to Uttoxeter. We continued along the A50 and we joined the Northbound A515. We ran Northwards through Cubley into Ashbourne and we veered right onto Derby Road. We ran past the site of the McDonalds and we continued down to the A52. We stopped for at a pub and Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards Matthew had a glass of Coke. We set off back to the residential unit. We ran Westwards along the A52 and we joined the Southbound A515. We ran through Cubley before joining the Westbound A50. We ran through Uttoxeter and Blythe Bridge and into Stoke on trent. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and turned right onto the the A50 link road. We turned left onto King Street and we turn left into Burger King. Matthew had a burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. Once we had finished eating we walked back along City Road. We walked up to Victoria place and we turned left onto Victoria Road. We walked down the hill to the park. In the park Matthew had a sit down and ate a washed down with a can of Coke. We left the park onto Beville Street and we turned left onto Victoria Road and we turned right onto Hitchman Street. We turned left onto Fountain Road and we turned 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 upstairs to chill out in his room. He watched television and used his computer. Matthew had a drink of orange. 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 Derby / Belper 02-08-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
806	Derby BS	Cromford, Cross Roads	TP	High Peak
527	Cromford, Cross Roads	Belper, bus garage	TP	High Peak
282	Belper,(stop B)	Ashbourne BS	113	High Peak
294	Ashbourne BS	Hartington, Square	442	High Peak
285	Hartington, Square	Ashbourne BS	442	High Peak

Today we decided to re-visit Derby. Matthew chose Derby on the Friday and we did no research for the trip other than to look at the weather, which was for dry weather with some sunshine. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and apple juice for breakfast. We got resy to go out and we set off just before 12:00. We had someone else coming with us today so we set off through Blurton and we turned right onto the A5035. We ran to Trentham and we turned right onto the Northbound A34. We ran into Hanford and under the A500 and we continued into Trent Vale. We ran into Newcastle and we turned right onto Barracks Road. We ran past the bus station and we turned left onto Ryecroft. We stopped in the small pull in by the shops and we picked up our friend. We then went to pick up uncle Dave. We turned around on Ryecroft and we ran around the one way system onto the A52. At the top of the hill in Hartshill we turned left onto Shelton New Road. We ran down the hill into the valley and we joined the Southbound A500. We ran through Stoke and we came off the A500 onto Wheildon Road. After we picked up uncle Dave we continued up Wheildon Road and onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and at the roundabout we joined the Eastbound A50. We ran through Longton and Meir. We turned right to continued along the Blythe Bridge bypass. We went near to uttoxeter and we continued along the A50 for a few more miles. As we travlled Eastwards we saw an unidentified Hunters Coaches coach and a black double decker Van Hool coach with a gold and maroon Splash. We came off the A50 and we and we headed towards Hatton on the A511. We decided to go to the Salt Box truck stop but when we got there we found it had closed, had been demolished and they had started to build a new care home on the site! We turned left onto Malthouse Lane and we turned around. We turned right nto the A511 and we stopped at Rascals for dinner. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a bottle of Coke. He also used the toilet which was in a barn. When we had finished we headed back along the A511 and we re-joined the A50. We turned left onto the A516 and we headed North onto the A38. We ran North a few roundabout and we turned right onto the A52. We ran to the edge of Derby and we turned left onto the clockwise ring road. We ran arubd the ring road and we turned right onto Morledge. We ran under the car park and we a u-turn at the round about. We pulled in to the side the of the road and we got out of the car. We said goodbye to mum and our friend and we set off on foot along Morledge to the bus station We stood outside of the bus station and we took a few pictures. We saw Trent Barton 311 on a Ilkeston Flyer to Cotmanhay.

Trent Barton 311 in Derby bus station

Also seen was Arriva Midlands 4405 on a #38 to Burton-on-Trent.

Arriva Midlands 4405 in Derby bus station

Afterwards we saw Arriva Midlands 3745 on a #2A to Chellaston.

Arriva Midlands 3745 in Derby bus station

We walked through the bus station and out of the other end and we saw Kinchbus 149 on a Skylink to Leicester.

Kinchbus 149 in Derby bus station

We walked back into the bus station and we looked for something to catch. We saw Trent Barton 88 on a Red Arrow service to Nottingham. We stopped part way down the bus station and we decided to do a High Peak bus. We got to the stand and we saw it was High Peak 806 on a Trans Peak service to Buxton.

High Peak 806 in Derby bus station

We got on the bus and we booked Peak Network Day Tickets at £6 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station onto the A601 and we crossed over the Derwnt and onto King Street. We joined the Northbound A6 and we ran for through Darley Abbey. We crossed over the A38 and we continued up the A6 into Duffield. We crossed over the railway line and we ran Northwards into Milford. We crossed back over the railway line and we ran into Belper. We puled into the Trent Barton bus station and we saw Trent Barton 836 on Layover. We continued the Cromford and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of High Peak 806 before it returned towards Buxton.

High Peak 806 in Cromford

Once off the bus we walked around the corner onto the B5036. We crossed over the road and we went to the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we came out of the pub and we saw Stagecoach Yorkshire 80151 on a X17 to Wikrksworth.

Stagecoach Yorkshire 80151 in Cromford

We headed back to the main road to catch abus back Southwards. We crossed over the A6 and Matthew spotted a cake shop. We went in and it was about to close, so Matthew had a slice of chcocolate cake to take away. We paid for the cake and we headed to the bus stop. We got to the bus stop and Matthew started to eat his chocolate cake. We saw Caledonian Travel YJ25 CVE heading Southwards down the A6. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching before Matthew had finished eating his cake. As it got closer we saw it was High Peak 527 on a Trans Peak service to Derby. We got on the bus and we placed the Peak Network Day tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A6 and we ran Southwards through Whatstandwell and Ambergate and we headed inti Belper. We turned into the bus garage and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of High Peak 527 before it contnued Southwards towards Derby.

High Peak 527 in Belper bus station

Also in the bus station were High Peak 282 on layover in between runs on the #113 and Trent Barton 836 parked up spare.

Trent Barton 836 in Belper bus station

The bus next bus we wanted to catch was due off the stop around the corner in just over 10 minutes. We had already seen the bus on layover in the bus garage. We went around the corner onto King Street and we saw the was an event going. It was Pride in Belper and part of King Street was closed. We were concerned that the bus might not be able to get to the stop. We walked to the corner of Campbell Street and we saw there was a way through for the bus. We walked back to the stop and Matthew had a Twirl out of the trip bag. Almost immediately the bus appeared. We saw it was High Peak 282 on a #113 to Ashbourne as expected.

High Peak 282 in Belper

We got on the bus and we flashed the Peak Network Day tickets to the driver. The rear of the bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside High Peak 282 before sitting down towards the back of the bus.

Inside High Peak 282

A few minutes later we set off along King Street and we turned right onto the Northbound A6. We veered left onto Bridge Foot and we crossed over the river Derwent. We ran forwards onto Belper Lane and we turned left onto Dalley Lane. We crossed over the A517 and we ran forwards onto Farnah Green Road. We continued onto Firestone and we ran forwards onto Sprimg Hollow. We turned right onto Hazelwood Hill and we ran forwards onto Over Lane. We turned left onto the A517 and we headed Westards into Cowers Lane. We continued into Turnditch and we ran for several miles into Hulland Ward. We ran through Hulland and Sturston and we ran into Ashbourne. We turned right into Park Avenue and we turmed left onto the A515. We turned right onto the A515 and right again to follow the A515 into the town centre. We turned left onto King Edward Street and we got to the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture before it returned on a #113 to Belper.

High Peak 282 in Ashbourne bus station

We had around 10 minutes to wait for the next bus we were going to catch. In the bus station was Trent Barton 702 which had broken down whilst working a Swift service to Uttoxeter. Matthew had a can of Irn Bru whilst we waited. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was High Peak 294 on a #442 to Buxton.

High Peak 294 in Ashbourne bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Peak Network Day tickets to the drive before sitting down towards the back of the bus. When it was departure time we set off along King Edwards Street and we turned right onto the Station Road. We turned right onto Church Street and we ran forwards onto the A515. We turned left to follow the A515 out of town and we headed Northwards. We continued through Fenny Bentley and we turned right onto The Avenue. We ran into Tissington and we turn left onto The Green and we continued onto Rakes Lane. We re-joined the Northbound A515 and we turned left onto Liffs Road. We turned right onto Drury Lane and we ran into Biggin village. We turned left onto Main Street and we turned right to re-join Liffs Road. We turned left onto High Cross and we continued onto Hall Bank. We ran into Hartington and when we got to the Square we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took a other picture of High Peak 294 as it coninued on the #442 to Buxton.

High Peak 294 in Hartington

Once off the bus we headed across the square to the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards he had a glass of Coke. When we had finished our drinks we went outside and we went up to the local shop, but the shop was closed. We headed back to the bus stop and Matthew had another Twirl from the trip bag. We waited for aruond 15 minutes and the bus appeared from West side of the village. As it got closer we saw it was High Peak 285 on a #442 to Ashbourne.

High Peak 285 in Hartington

We got on the bus and we placed the Peak Network Day tickets under the scanner for the final time today before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the Square and we ran forwards onto Hall Bank. We continued onto High Cross and we joined Liffs Road. We turned left onto Main Street and we ran into Biggin. After a brief stop turned right onto Drury Lane. We ran out of the village and we re-joined Liffs Road. We ran for a few miles and we turned right onto the A515. We turned left onto Rakes Lane and we ran into Tissington. We continued through The Green and we turned right onto The Avenue. We rejoined the Southbound A515 and we ran through Fenny Bentley. We ran to the edge of Ashbourne and we turned left onto B5035. We turned right onto Cokayne Avenue and left onto Park Road. We turned right onto Sturston Road and right onto Compton Street. We turned left onto Edward Street and we stopped at the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of High Peak 285 before it returned empty to the depot.

High Peak 285 in Ashbourne bus station

Once we had got off the bus we started heading towards where mum was stopping. We walked down Compton Street and we saw Trent Barton 702 on a Swift service to Derby.

Trent Barton 702 in Ashbourne

We got to the the A515 and we spotted mum coming down Derby Road. Mum pulled into the Taylor Court and we got into the car. We set off onto the A515 and we turned left onto Derby Road. We ran out of town and we stopped at a chip shop for a late tea. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Coke. When iI had finished eating we re-joined Derby Road and we turned right onto the A52. We ran through Hangingbridge and Mayfield and we turned right onto the B5032. We ran through Ellastone and we turned left onto the B5030. We ran near to Denstone and Rocester and we got to the A50 at Uttoxeter. We turned right and we headed West to the Blythe Bridge Bypass. We continued through Meir and Longton and at Sideway we joined the A500. At Hanford we joined the Northbound A34 and we ran through Trent Vale to Newcastle. We ran up Barracks Road and we turned left onto Ryecroft. We droipped off out friend and we headed towards uncle Dave's. We turned around on Ryecroft and we ran around the one way system onto the A52. At the top of the hill in Hartshill we turned left onto Shelton New Road. We ran down the hill into the valley and we joined the Southbound A500. We ran past the Travel Express garage and we ran through Stoke and we came off the A500 onto Wheildon Road. When we got to uncle Dave's Matthew got out to go to the toilet. He had some of uncle Rob's Fanta and we updates uncle Dave's calendar with today's trip. We got back in the car and we set off for Blurton. We set off onto Wheildon Road and we ran forwards onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Road and right onto Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Finstock Avenue and we saw black minibus HK74 ZGD parked up. We continued back to the house and we parked up. Matthew chilled out on his computer. Matthew had his medication and we did some of the Blog. We also wrote a few emails and generally used the computer to entertain ourselves. Matthew had a can of Cherry Coke. Matthew settled down around 01:00... Mark

Trip to Ashbourne / Derby 21-08-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
736	Ashbourne BS	Derby BS	Swift	Trent Barton
842	Derby BS	Belper, King Street (Stop A)	6.3	Trent Barton
845	Belper BS	Derby BS	6.2	Trent Barton
750	Derby BS	Ripley, Market Place	CMT	Trent Barton
251	Ripley, Market Place	Alfreton High Street	9.3	Trent Barton
263	Alfreton BS	Ripley Grosvenor Road	9.3	Trent Barton
262	Ripley, High Street (Stop 3)	Derby BS	9.3	Trent Barton
842	Derby BS	Belper, King Street (Stop A)	6.3	Trent Barton

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to re-visit Ashbourne. We had checked the weather for today and it was for cold, dull and dry weather. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst waiting to go to Ashbourne we saw First Potteries 63099 on a #11 to Newcastle. We went downstairs and we got in a car. We set off onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Baker Street and we turned right onto Glebedale Road and we ran forwards onto Station Bridge Road. We followed the road around onto Heron Street. At Heron Cross we went Eastwards along the A50 and we went Eastwards past Blythe Bridge to Uttoxeter. We ran Northwards up the A515 through Ashbourne and we turn ed left into the car park. We parked up and we set off over the bus station towards the market. On the way we saw required D&G Bus 134 on a #108 to Leek. We crossed over the road and we headed into the chip shop cafe on the corner and Matthew used the toilet. For dinner Matthew had sausage chips and gracy with bread and butter washed down with a can of coke. When we had finished we said goodbye to mum and we walked over to the A515. We turned left into King Edward Street. Whilst we waited for the next bus to Derby we saw Slacks YJ09 FHT on a free shuttle bus to Osmaston Show Ground. A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was required Trent Barton 736 on a Swift service to Derby. We got on the bus and we booked Zigzag Group Day ticket at £.530 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off onto King Edward Street and we turned left into Station Road. We turned left onto the A515 and we saw Trent Barton 737 on the Swift service to Uttoxeter. We turned right onto Derby Road and we turned right onto Springfield Ave. We turned right onto Old Derby Road and we saw Naylors Minibus YJ56 MKD. We turned left onto Wyaston Road. We turned left onto Willow Meadow Road. We turned right onto Old Derby Road and we turned right onto Derby Road and we saw Trent Barton 738 on the Swift service to Uttoxeter. We turned left onto the A52 and we ran into Commonside. We turned into Brailsford Green. We turned into Kirk Langley. We turned into Markeaton. We turned onto the A52. As we went along Friar Gate. We ran up the hill and into Derby. We turned left into Cheapside. We turned left into Bold Lane. We continued onto Jury Street and forwards onto Cathedral Road. We crossed over onto Full Street. We turned the roundabout into Morledge and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. We had a look around the bus station and we stood on the paved area just outside. We saw Arriva Midlands 3577 on layover. We came back inside the bus station and as it was cold we decided to catch something almost immediatley. We saw required Trent Barton 842 on a #6.3 to Ripley. We got on the bus and we flashed the Zig-Zag Duo ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto the A601 and we crossed over the Derwnt and onto King Street. We joined the Northbound A6 and we ran for through Darley Abbey. We crossed over the A38 and we continued up the A6 into Duffield. We crossed over the railway line and we ran Northwards into Milford. We crossed back over the railway line and we ran into Belper. The was a 'Save our NHS' protest outyside the Babington hospital. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A609 and then we turned left onto Campbell Street. We turned right into King Street and we got up and got off the bus. Once of the bus we walked up King Street and we turned right onto Strutt Street. We went into the Co-operative food store which is one of the biggest Co-op supermarkets I have seen for a few years. Once we had finished we went outside to the cah machine. After using the cash machine we continued to the end of Strutt Street and Matthew used the public toilet on the corner. Once we used the facilities we turned right into the A609 and at the roundabout we turned right onto Chapel Street. We ran for a few yards and we turned right into a bus station we waited for a bus back to Derby. A short while later we saw it was Trent Barton 845 on a #6.2 to Derby. We got on the bus and we flashed the Zig-Zag Duo ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down the A6. We went Southwards through Milford and Duffield and we ran into Derby along the A6. We turned right onto Queen Street and we turned left onto Full Street. We continued onto Corporation Street and forwards again onto Morledge before we turned left into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once we got off the bus we had a walk around and we looked to see what else we might catch. We saw Arriva Midlands 3560 on a #22 to Oakwood. As it got closer we saw that it was required Trent Barton 750 on a Comet to Chesterfield. We got on the bus and we flashed the Zig-Zag Duo ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto the A601 and we came off onto Derwent Street. We went onto Stuart Street and under the A601 along Pheonix Street onto Mansfield Road. We ran forwards onto Alfreton Road after crossing the railway we joined the Northbound A61. At the next roundabout we joined the Northbound A38 and we ran fast up the dual carriage for a few miles. We came off the A38 and we continued Northwards B6179 into Kilburn. We continued Northwards for another 3 miles or so into Ripley. When we got to the town centre we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we saw Trent Barton 251 on a #9.3 to Mansfield. We got on the bus and we flashed the Zig-Zag Duo ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off up Market Place and we turned right onto Church Street. We turned left onto the B6179. We ran through Butterley Towards Swanwick and we turned right onto the B6016 towards Leabrooks. We turned left onto the B600 and we headed through Somercotes into Alfreton. We turned left into the B6019 and we got up and got off the bus. We went to pub and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards he had a can of Coke. When we had finished we crossed the road and we waited for a bus back to Ripley. We walked onto the B6019 and we turned left onto the A61 and turned left onto Hall Street. We ran past Tesco and we back to the bus station and we saw Stagecoach Yorkshire 36715 on a #55 to Chesterfield. A few minutes later the bus appeared from around the corner and it was required Trent Barton 263 on the #9.3 to Derby. We got on the bus and we flashed the Zig-Zag Duo ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Hall Street. We turned left onto Cressy Road and we turned right onto the B6019. We turned right onto the B600 and we ran back through Somercotes. We continued over the B6016 and into Leabrooks and we ran under the B6179 into Swanwick. We ran up into Butterley and we continued Ripley and we turned right into Grosvenor Road where we got up and got off the bus. We walked back to the stop and a few minutes later we saw a bus appraoching. As we got closer we saw that it was required Trent Barton 262 on a #9.3 to Derby. We got on the bus and we flashed the Zig-Zag Duo ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down the High Street and we ran down the B6179 to Kliburn. We got onto the A38 and we ran fast to the edge of Derby. We ran forwards onto the A61 and at the next roundabout we turned right onto Alfreton Road. We ran forwards onto Mansfield Road and we crossed under the A601 onto Pheonix Street. We turned right onto Derwent Street and we got up and got off the bus. We crossed over Derwent street and we walked back to the bus station alongside the river. Once in the bus station we decided that we would have time for one quick out and back before the parking ticket ran out. We knew that we saw required Kinchbus 156 on the Skylink service to Leicester. A short time later a bus appeared and it was Trent Barton 842 on a #6.3 to Ripley. We got on the bus and we flashed the Zig-zag group ticket to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto the A601 and we crossed over the Derwnt and onto King Street. We joined the Northbound A6 and we ran for through Darley Abbey. We crossed over the A38 and we continued up the A6 into Duffield. We crossed over the railway line and we ran Northwards into Milford. We crossed back over the railway line and we ran into Belper. The was a 'Save our NHS' protest outyside the Babington hospital. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A609 and then we turned left onto Campbell Street. We turned right into King Street and we got up and got off the bus. Once of the bus we walked up King Street past the old RBS bank which has now closed. In the end mum ran out time on the car park so she came to pick us up outside the bus station. We got in the car and Matthew had a Greggs sausage roll and a can of Irn Bru. We set off onto A6. We continued the Cromford and into Matlock Bath. We accidentally turned into Matlock. We joined the Northbound A6 and we continued Northwards through Darley Dale and Rowsley. We continued Northwards for the last 3 miles or so into Bakewell and we continued west along the B5055 through Moneyash. We crossed the A515 and we continued through Longnor and onto the A53 at Winkhill. We ran South through Blackshaw Moor. We entered the east end of Leek and ee turned left onto Springfield Road. We turned right onto the A523 and we ran into the centre of Leek. We got back onto the A53 briefly, before we turned into Compton and onto the A520. We ran down through Cheddleton and Wetley Rocks and Cellaread to Meir. We joined the Westbound A50 and we ran up to Longton so we could check out what was parked up at Z Carz this evening. We turned left into Willow Row to see what was parked up in the compound this evening. We saw Z Carz Ford minibus FP06 WTW. We returned onto the A50 and we went West to Heron Cross and we came of the A50 and onto the link road. We ran up to City Road and we saw silver minibus DS17 WFV. We ran down to Smithpool Road and we turned left and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs Matthew went up to his room to use his computer and watch buses. Matthew had a can of Fanta orange. For a late tea Matthew had a chicken burger from KFC. He also had some fries and a cup of Coke. Until it was time to go out Matthew watched buses out of the window we saw Temple Street Church RX18 GZW.

Temple Street Church RX18 GZW in Fenton

Also seen was Afford rent-a-car WM70 DXB.

Afford rent-a-car WM70 DXB in Fenton

A short while later we saw First Potteries 63118 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63118 in Fenton

Matthew used his computer and watched music videos on the television. When it was time to go to we went downstairs and and we got in the car. We set off onto Temple Street and at the end we turned left onto Smithpool Road and we turned right onto Whieldon Road and into uncle Dave's. Later on he had a few digestive biscuits and and some Irn Bru. Uncle Dave now has a biscuit tin. Matthew chilled out in uncle Dave's house using his computer and watching television. Uncle Dave also did his DJ set. A couple of hours later staff came to escort Matthew back home. We set off onto Whieldon Road and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Temple Street past the new building under construction, which is now getting near to completion. We continued back to the residential unit. Matthew went back to the room and went on his computer. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Hanley / Leek 12-10-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
41500	Hanley BS	Leek BS	18	First Potteries
N880 AVV	Leek BS	Haregate	165	Clowes Coaches
N880 AVV	Haregate	Leek BS	165	Clowes Coaches
P403 MLA	Leek BS	Ashbourne BS	108	Aimée's

Today Matthew was in respite and was going to cover the Clowes Coaches 165 service. Matthew got up at around 09:30 today. He had breakfast of oatcakes and bacon and cheese and orange juice. we drove up to Hanley today. The route they took was along Dividy Road onto the A52. From there they went up into hanley via Bucknall New Road. we then went around Hanley and parked in the Tesco car park. we then walked over to the museum were we saw a few buses. 61145 was on a #7A service.

First Potteries 61145 in Hanley

Outside the museum we saw Wardle Transport 4813 on a #19 to Bradeley.

Wardle Transport 4813 in Hanley

First Potteries 40155 was on a #18 to Leek.

First Potteries 40155 in Hanley

we then went to the museum for a quick visit.

Hanley Museum

We used the disabled toilet, and after leaving the museum They went up to the bus station where we saw dud first Potteries 41500 on the #18 to Leek so we decided to do it from Birches Head to Hanley in the snow back in January 2013. We got on the bus and sat down. The bus left the bus station and went around town and then towards Towsend. The bus turned in Birches head and went down Milton Road and hen onto the A53. Th bus then carried on all the way up into Leek and then into the bus station. Whilst at thee bus station Matthew used the toilet and then we saw Clowes Coaches N880 AVV on the town circular service. we got on the bus and sat down. The bus left town on the A523 towards Ashbourne before turning into the Haregate estate. The bus returned through the town and then appeared on the A53 just outside of town. The bus turned at Morrison and then went up to Compton and into the bus station. We then walked to the Cafe for a late dinner. for dinner we had an English breakfast and a lemon meringue pie for afters. We then saw Aimmee's new arrival P403 MLA on the 108 so we decided to do it. We got on an sat down. Te bus left town on the A523 and out through Bottomhouse, after a couple of small diversions onto housing estates the bus got back on the A523 and continued on to Ashbourne. Here we were picked up and taken back to the respite place. We headed down the A515 until it met the A50, which we did back to Longton today. We went back to Bentilee past the Gladstone pottery Museum and up Anchor Road. He then had tea which was fish fingers and chips with beans followed by cake and custard. He then had a bath and chilled out in his room on his computer before bedtime at 00:00...Mark

Trip to Leek 27-05-2008

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
6(FJZ_4196)	Crowcroft Rd, Newstead	Church Street, Stoke	350	D&G
18(EJZ_2291)	Church Street, Stoke	Leek BS	106	D&G
GJ02LFX	Leek BS	Crossroads, Bottomhouse	405	Aimée's
M129YCM	Crossroads, Bottomhouse	Ashbourne BS	108	Clowes Coaches
M129YCM	Ashbourne BS	Crossroads, Bottomhouse	108	Clowes Coaches
N880AVV	Crossroads, Bottomhouse	Leek BS	234	Clowes Coaches
N880AVV	Leek BS	High Street, Cheadle	236	Clowes Coaches
N880AVV	High Street, Cheadle	Leek BS	234	Clowes Coaches

Matthew Had Indicated to me that he wanted to travel on an Aimée's bus, so I used the traveline site to work out a trip to get a ride on 2 of these buses. To start Matthew's mum drove us to the Crowcrofts Road stop so we could pick up the 350 into Hanley. Back in 2008 this bus was a D&G bus (the service is now operated by Bakerbus). The bus that rolled up was an East lancs bodied Dennis Dart #6. Matthew was impressed with the high-backed coach seats, so he decided to photograph the inside!



A fast journey to Stoke along Stanley Matthews way to Stoke where there was a short wait for service 106 to Leek. Mercedes Minibus EJZ 2291 (18) appeared for this service.























more to follow...