Trip to the POPS rally 19-05-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3524	Wedgwood	Stone	Special	City of Manchester
3524	Stone	Wedgwood	Special	City of Manchester
1918	Wedgwood	Gladstone Pottery Museum	Special	Midland Red
CRG 103	Gladstone Pottery Museum	Wedgwood	Special	Crosville
PWS 492S	Wedgwood	Barlaston Green	Special	Badgerline
PWS 492S	Barlaston Green	Wedgwood	Special	Badgerline
DRN 116	Wedgwood	Stoke station	Special	Arriva London
DRN 116	Stoke station	Wedgwood	Special	Arriva London
124	Wedgwood	Gladstone Pottery Museum	Special	Chesterfield
EHY 362	Gladstone Pottery Museum	Wedgwood	Special	Bristol Omnibus Co

Today was the highlight of Matthew's social calender! We checked the weather forecast the day before and was for sunny intervals. Matthew got up around 10:00 and I went to pick up uncle Dave before we were due to go out. Whilst I was out we saw Wardle Transport 2534 on the #22 service. Matthew had some toast and orange juice for breakfast. When we got back Matthew finished getting dressed and we set of to Wedgwood around 10:50. We got onto the A5035 and then turned onto Barlaston Road. When we turned onto Blurton road we passed Bluebird GSO 90V heading towards Stone. We got to the site and parked up near the visitors centre. The first thing we did was to go shopping! Matthew went to Dave Spencer and spent nearly £100. Whilst looking at the DVD's Matthew turned and photographed the coach B22 XKX as it passed.

Preserved coach B22 XKX in Wedgwood

Ths was a vehicle he saw and photographed from the bus in Endon back in April. He then went to MDS book and bought then new First book. He went around the other stalls and bought a few pictures of older PMT vehicles from the 90's. We then considered catching a bus. We had spied a nice Badgerline coach, and we had seen it was due to work the 11:45 to wedgwood. We walked up to the stop to wait for the bus but it appeared not to work this turn. As we waited Matthew got a picture of Greenbus 204 as it passed.

Greenbus 204 in Wedgwood

As we considered what to we saw a half cab double decker that we hadn't been on before, City of Manchester 3524.

City of Manchester 3524 in Wedgwood

We checked the book and found it was going to Stone so we decided to do it. We got on and sat upstairs. The sun had come out and the top deck was full. It was rather warm on the bus so I open a window. We set off to Blurton along Blurton Road and Barlaston Road. We turned onto the A5035 and headed to Trentham. At Trentham we turned left and headed south on the A34. Just south of Stone we turned left onto the A520 and ten headed into stone before stopping on Crown Street. We had 5 minutes before we were due to depart so we headed into the toilet. After he had finished he came out and got a picture of 3524 in Stone.

City of Manchester 3524 in Stone

The advertised route for this service was back via the A520 to Lightwood, but this service went along Newcastle Road and back onto the A34. We went back up to Trentham, a,d then back to wedgwood via the A5035, Barlaston Road and Blurton Road. When we got back we had another quick look around the buses. There was an intersting open top double decker that had had Wardle Transport lettering on the side in the style of a London Transport bus.

Wardle Transport JTF 218F in Wedgwood

We also saw an interesting East Lancs bodied leyland Olympian, Midland Red 1918.

Midland Red 1918 in Wedgwood

A quick check of the book saw that this bus was due off in a few minutes at 1315 to the Gladstone Pottery Museum. Whilst we had traveled to Stone and back, mum had gone home to get here phone and had also made some sandwiches. We waited at the stop and sure enough a few minutes later 1918 appeared at the stop to work the Gladstone service. The interior was similar to the batch of Dart we completed when we visited Shrewsbury back in Feb 2012. We went upstairs and sat down. The bus set of along the Blurton Road, Barlaston Road route onto the A5035. Instead of going left to Trentham we turned right towards Longton. We reached the edge of Longton and then we crossed over the A50 and then went into Normacott Road and then the museum in Chadwick Street. The timetable was such that the buses had a layover so you could make the bus 2 buses in front. Dud Devon General 537 had done the 1245 from Wedgwood. This was at Gladstone when we arrived on the car park, but it pulled of before we got off. That was OK though, as we had done this bus earlier in the year to Adderley Green and back when we did the Hanley Finale Day back in February. A few people stayed on Midland Red 1918 even though it had got a 35 minute layover. Matthew did get a picture of the empty downstairs of the bus before he got off.

Inside Midland Red 1918

We had a approximately 15 minutes before the next departure which was required Crosville CRG 103, so we decided to have a picnic whilst we waited. We ate luncheon meat sandwiches, and Matthew had a banana and an angel cake to. This was washed down with a drink of a bottle of Coke. Te bus had been parked on the other side of the car park near Uttoxeter Road. Just before time the driver of CRG 103 started up the bus and drove it over to the bottle kilns so he and all of us enthusiasts could get a picture of the bus in front of a local historic landmark.

Crosville CRG 103 at the Gladstone pottery museum

After everyone had taken pictures we loaded onto the bus and waited for the next arrival, which was the City of Manchester double decker we had been on earlier in the day. We set off back across the A50 and then back to Wedgwood via the A5035, Barlaston Road and Blurton Road. When we got back to Wedgwood, Matthew waited for this vehicle to empty before getting a shot inside this very nice bus.

Inside Crosville CRG 103

We had another walk around the buses on the site. Matthew spotted the door was open on the Badgerline coach that we had tried to do earlier and so he took a picture inside this vehicle.

Inside Badgerline PWS 492S

We then looked to see if there was another working for this bus today. It was due to do the 1435 Barlaston Green circular. We had a few minutes and so we walked around the bus again to get a few more pictures. We saw one of the new D&G Optare Solo SRs so we took a picture of it.

D&G 6 in Wedgwood

There was somebody on board so we asked if we could go aboard to have a look inside this bus. The somebody was Chris from the Staffordshire and Merseyside Yahoo bus group, the D&G correspondent. Matthew also got a picture of the inside of this bus too, with its rather nice leather seats.

Inside D&G 6 in Wedgwood

We walked back to the stop to wait for the Badgerline Coach. It turned up and Matthews camera was a little slow and so he didn't get a good picture at this point. We formulated a plan to do this bus up to the green and then catch the next service back, which was required Royal Blue single decker OTT 43. The bus however didn't visit the green and stop. The us went onto Blurton Road and turned right. However, instead of going on towards Barlaston, the bus turned right onto Longton Road and then headed back to the site down Queen Mary Drive. It was a short run, but at least we did get to ride on this beast. When we got back to the site, Matthew was able to get a good picture of the bus.

Badgerline PWS 492S in Wedgwood

We immediate spotted one of our favourites about to work a shuttle to Stoke railway station. So we took a quick picture of Arriva London Dart DRN116 before crossing the road to get on it.

Arriva London DRN116 in Wedgwood

We sat down near the back of this stylish Dart. The buses headed off onto the A5035 and then went down Blurton Road to Heron Cross. We then did the A50 Link road and Victoria Road. At joiners square we saw Maritza minibus KP06 XGN. We followed the minibus down Leek Road and then we turned onto Station Road to the railway station. After a quick photo stop at the station we returned back via Stoke Road, the A500, the A50 and then back into Heron Cross. As we traveled back we realised that we had missed out on a ride on Bristol VR double decker VVV 952W, which was on it's was to Stone. We went back along Blurton Road, Barlaston Road and the other Blurton Road before returning to Wedgwood. When we got back Matthew waited for the bus to empty to get a picture inside this fine example of a Dart.

Inside Arriva London DRN116

It was coming towards the end of the day and there weren't many options left. There weren't many other required buses out that were due to work. We were about to do required PMT 805 XVT when Matthew decided he wanted to go to the toilet. As it was a local bus we decided to let it go and we waled over to the visitor centre to use the facilities there. On the way we saw Chesterfiled 124 parked up on the bus turning area.

Chesterfield 124 in Wedgwood

We used the toilet and then walked back to the stop, the 1600 to Gladstone was due to be dud Olympian GFM 104X. Chesterfield 124 pulled up at the bus stop and we didn't know what it was working. We overheard that it was replacing GFM 104X on the Gladstone run so we got on and went straight upstairs. At this point the bus was lightly loaded so he got a picture of the top deck behind him as he sat down.

Inside Chesterfield 124

The bus set off along the same route as we had done early on Midland Red 1918. As we joined the A5035 we passed VVV 952W on the inbound Stone service. We got to the Gladstone in good time. It was the penultimate run, so we got off and took a picture and decided to wait 10 minutes for the return of the last run of the day. This bus was booked to be required Bristol Omnibus decker EHY 362. We let Chesterfield 124 go and kept our finger crossed. Matthew ate a rice crispy squares bar and drank a can of Fanta whist we waited. We went to the end to wait for the bus and whilst there we worryingly saw a single decker go up and past the museum and ten return back towards Longton. The 1630 departure time came and went and around 5 minutes late we were relieved to see bus come around the corner!

Bristol Omininus EHY 362 at the Gladstone pottery museum

We got on the bus and sat upstairs. We went back along the A5035 and headed into the site. We passed quite a few buses as the vehicle were starting to leave for the day. We got back to the site and PMT 866 (60100) was stopped opposite our bus.

First PMT 60100 Wedgwood

We had a quick walk around the site and took a few more pictures of the buses leaving. We walked back to the car to meet mum and then we set off back. Blurton Road, Barlaston Road, A5035, Blurton Road and onto Heron Cross. We dropped uncle Dave off home and we decided to have a chippy tea as we it was getting late. We drove along Smithpool Road and stopped at the chip shop there. Matthew had a burger and chips and we drove back via City Road, The A50 link Road and Heron Cross, getting back around 1730. matthew ate his burger and chips and watch some of his new DVDs. After having a bath he chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 23:20...Mark

Trip to the POPS rally 13-05-2012

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

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

Mystery destination. PMT 198 in Longton

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

PMT 198 back at Wedgwood

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

Statford Blue 62 at Wedgwood

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

62 at Trentham Gardens

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

LT RM467 at Trentham Gardens

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

RM467 at Wedgwood

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

Bournemouth 55 at Barlason Green

He took another one for good measure...

Bournemouth 55 at Barlason Green

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

Northern Scottish A506 FSS at Barlason Green

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

A506 FSS at Wedgwood

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

Turner's 10 in Stone

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

10 back at Wedgwood Stone

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