Trip to Joiners Square / Trent Vale 31-07-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Joiners Square	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
65729	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way (Unmarked)	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going to the pub for his tea, but not before he had been out with his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and strawberry juice for breakfast. Just before 09:00 his transport to his day service turned up and it was Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Blurton

we got on the bus and the bus set off onto the A5035. We went over the railway line into Trentham before turning at New Inn Lane. We turned into Pacific Drive and we picked up another service user before going back onto New Inn Lane. We returned along A5035 before turning left into Church Toad and forwards onto Blurton Road to Heron Cross. We turned right to go through the traffic lights and onto Heron Street. After crossing over the railway we turned left onto Christchurch Street before reaching our destination. In the morning Matthew went into the sensory and spent time using a computer. Whilst Matthew was using his day service I went for a drive up to Cheddleton via the A50, Sutherland Road, Weston Coyney Road and onto the A520. Whilst going between Weston Coyney into Cellarhead we passed Ausden Clark BIG 2987 and we followed Silverdale PN10 AFZ. The silverdale coach turned at Cellarhead to go towards Cheadle on the A52. I carried on through Wetley Rocks inti Cheddleton. I turned right and went down the hill to the railway. I had been Cheddleton to look at the trains. I drove up to via Basford and Belmont Road to Ipstones through the back roads and then we drove back home via the B5053 Bottomhouse and the A523 into Leek. In Leek town centre we saw Group Travel FJ56 KUB and De Lorean car SOR 83T. I came back via the A520. In Meir we saw Bennetts T48 JBA on the #4 to Stone. I went down the A50 to Heron Cross and then back to Blurton. We went to fetch dinner from the chip shop. For dinner he had sausage chips and gravy from the chips shop. After dinner we went to the pub. Today we went to the pub in an Intercity taxi. We set off onto Glebedale Road and forwards onto Fountain Street. We followed the road around onto William Street and we turned left onto Manor Street. At the end of Manor Street we turned left onto Victoria Road and we headed down to joiners Square roundabout. At the roundabout we went straight onto Lichfield Street and we reached our destination. At the pub Matthew went to the toilet and had a drink of Coke. highlights of the bus sightings at the pub included First Potteries 65003 on a #6 to Hanley.

First Potteries 65003 in Joiners Square

Back at the pub Matthew listened to the Jukebox and we saw First Potteries 63178 on a #6 to Hanley

First Potteries 63178 in Joiners Square

When it was time to return to the day centre. We were picked up by Shelton Day Care DV10 JCU. We went down Palmerston Street and onto the A52. We turned left onto Victoria Road and went to the top turning sharp right onto City Road. We turned left into Glebedale Road and to our destination. When it was time to home home we climbed aboard Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Christchurch Street an right onto Station Bridge Road and Heron Street. In Heron Cross we went straight across onto Blurton Road and over the A50. We carried on into Blurton along Blurton Road and forward onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Road and arrived home just before 15:00. Matthew had toast and a drink of dandelion & burdock whilst he waited for the time to go out and catch the bus. Today we went to catch the 16:18 to Newcastle. We set off on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. We were expecting the bus to be First Potteries 65729 and as expected First Potteries 65729 turned the corner on time.

First Potteries 65729 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Harpfields Road. The bus was unusually completely empty so Matthew took a picture inside of First Potteries 65729 before we sat down.

Inside First Potteries 65729

The bus set off onto the A5035 and we passed First Potteries 60069 on the #22 to Longton. We crossed the railway line and we went into Trentham and we turned into new inn Lane. Opposite the man in Space we saw First Potteries 37157 on the #22 to New Inn Lane. We carried on up the road and into Hanford and we passed First Potteries 41496 on the #21B to Trentham Gardens. We went down Church Lane and we joined the A34. We crossed under the A500 and we saw Holweswood Coaches H2 HWD coming off the slip Road. We carried on into Trent Vale and the Holmeswood Coaches coach followed us along the A34. When we moved into the right hand lane to turn right the coach came along side us. We turned right into Harpfields Road and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew got another picture of First Potteries 65729 as it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 65729 in Trent Vale

We walked back onto the A34 and we headed to the pub On the way we saw First Potteries 65035 on a #10 to Hanley.

First Potteries 65035 in Trent Vale

When we got to the pub mum was waiting for us. We went into the pub and Matthew had a brunch with bread and butter followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses were ABC Supreme FP53 ESU on a hospital link service. We also saw Bennetts T48 JBA running empty towards Newcastle. After we had finished eating we went out to the car. We called Uncle Dave and we went to pick him up. We drove along the A34 and onto and A500. As we joined the A50 we saw Glovers mini coach AIG 1346 on the A500 slip road and we passed Four Girls YJ05 FXX as well as another unidentified Four Girls coach. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and we went into to Fenton passing First Potteries 40373 on a #23A to Newstead. After we had picked up uncle Dave, we headed up to Heron Cross and through Blurton. We carried on down Beaconsfield Drive and we saw First Potteries 65729 on a #22 to Newcastle and First Potteries 60069 on a #22 to Longton, getting home around 17:45. Matthew then chilled out watching bus videos and eating some strawberry & white chocolate cake and also using his computer before bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Fenton / Stone 16-06-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Bentilee	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Bentilee	Charter	Shelton Care Group

Today Matthew was in respite today as well as being at his day service and dad was in Cumbria. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had some breakfast. Matthew sat in his room whilst he waited for his bus to turn up. Whilst there we saw Z Carz minibus SL09 BXN.

Z Carz SL09 BXN in Bentilee

A few minutes later Matthew bus appeared. It was Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Bentilee

We left the respite place and we travelled through Bentilee to Bucknall. We joined the A52 and followed around to joiners Square. We then went up Victoria Road before turnung right into manor Street. We tutned left onto to City Road and right onto Glebedale Road before reaching our destination. In the morning Matthew went into the sensory room and also used the computer. For dinner Matthew had pasta with tomato sauce. After dinner Matthew walked to Aldi to do his weekly shopping. The walked along Christchurch Street and across City Road and onto Manor Street. At the end of Manor Street we turned left onto Victoria Road. In Aldi Matthew picked up his weekly shop. On the way back up Victoria Road we saw First Potteries 63171 on a #6 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63171 in Fenton

We turned right onto Manor Street and walked to the end. Having crossed over City Road we headed back to the day centre. When it was time to go home Matthew got back on the bus to go Back to Bentilee. It was Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We set off onto Glebedale Road and into Heron Cross. We cross over the crossroads and over the A50 into Blurton. We went along blurton Road and Church Road and onto the A5035. We turned right and we headed to Trentham. We turned right again onto new Inn Lane and right again onto Pacific Drive. We dropped another service user off and we head back onto the A5035. In Longton we crossed the A50 and we jinked around the edge of Longton down Chadwick Street and Bridgewood street. We turned onto Sutherland Road and then we turned right onto Anchor Road. At the other end of Anchor Road we turned left towards Bentilee. We travelled around a mile to the respite centre. Matthew went up into his room whilst he waited for teatime. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses was Stanton's of Stoke BV57 VGP and Bennetts Solo W246 PAU going towards. One of the buses that arrived after his was Stoke-on-Trent city council welfare bus FJ59 OES.

Stoke-on-Trent city council FJ59 OES in Bentilee

Tonight Matthew went out for tea. We got in a Lucky Seven taxi and went to the Darlaston Inn. The taxi took them onto Dawlish Drive and then onto the A52. We went along the A52 to Stoke before getting on the Southbound A500. At Hanford they turned left to join the Southbound A34. At the pub Matthew had Burger followed by chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. Matthew went to the toilet after they had finished eating. They got in a taxi for the return journey. We went up the A34 up to Trentham and then onto the A5035 to Longton. The A50 was done up to Meir before joining the Northbound A520. At Weston Coyney we turned left onto the A5272 and this was done past Park Hall and Adderley Green and into Bentilee. After Matthew got back he had a bath and then chilled out on his tablet until bedtime around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Joiners Square / Trent Vale 01-05-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DV10 JCU	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Joiners Square	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Joiners Square	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
60073	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way (Unmarked)	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going for tea in Trent Vale but not before he spent the day with his day service. It was the 2nd Friday of the new timetable. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and juice for breakfast. The bus turned up and it was Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Blurton

We set off onto the A5035 and headed towards Trentham. We turned into New Inn Lane and then into Pacific Drive. Once we had picked up another service user we headed back onto New Inn Lane and the A5035. We headed along into Blurton and we turned into church Road. We carried on into Blurton Road and across the A50. We went through Heron Cross and onto Heron Street. Having crossed the railway line we turned left onto Christchurch Street and to our destination. In the morning Matthew went into the sensory and spent time using a computer. We went to fetch dinner from the chip shop. For dinner he had sausage chips and gravy from the chips shop. After dinner we went to the pub. Today we went in Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We set off onto Glebedale Road and then across City Road onto Fountain Street. We turned left onto William Street and right onto Manor Street. We the turned left onto Victoria Road. At the round about in Joiners Square we went straight cross onto Lichfield Street. When we got to the pub Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. Highlights of the bus sightings whilst at the pub were 65026 on the #6 and Taxico GN53 LZF. When it was time to leave we got back into Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We went down Palmerston Street and onto the A52. We turned left onto Victoria Road and up to Victoria Square before turning sharp right onto City Road. We turned left into Glebedale Road and to our destination. When it was time to go home we went outside and it was Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Glebedale Road an forward onto Station Bridge Road and Heron Street. In Heron Cross we went straight across onto Blurton Road and over the A50. We carried on into Blurton along Blurton Road and forward onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Road and arrived home just before 15:00. Matthew had toast and a drink of Cherryade whilst he waited for the time to go out and catch the bus. Today we went to catch the 15:48 to Newcastle and we were expecting it to be dud First Potteries 60073. We set off on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. At the junction of Magdalen Road and Finstock Avenue we saw Jayjays Travel PO58 XFX do a turn in the road.

Jayjays Travel PO58 XFX in Blurton

We stood at the bus stop and whilst we waited for our bus we saw Z Carz Y568 XFV go by.

Z Carz Y568 XFV in Blurton

Departure time for the bus came and went and the bus towards Longton was due now too. Around 10 minutes late we saw one of the two remaining Solos left at Newcastle Garage, First Potteries 40020.

First Potteries 40020 in Blurton

A minute or two later, just under 15 minutes late we saw dud First Potteries 60073 come around the corner as was expected.

First Potteries 60073 in Blurton

We got on to the bus and we booked to Harpfields Road. We sat down towards the back of the bus and the bus set off onto the A5035. We turned right towards Trentham passing D&G 174 on the #20 going towards Hanley. In Trentham we saw Scraggs 8416 VT and we turned right into New Inn Lane. We headed through Hanford and down Church lane onto the A34, passing First Potteries 60072 on the #22 to Longton. We turned right onto Harpfields Road. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 60073 as it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 60073 in Trent Vale

On the other side of the road we saw First Potteries 41501 on the #22 to New Inn Lane.

First Potteries 41501 in Trent Vale

We got to the pub and mum was waiting for us. We went into the pub and Matthew had a brunch with bread and butter followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses were First Potteries 65034 on the #101 to Stafford and white coach which appeared to be BAZ 7026 going towards Newcastle. We also saw a new Bennetts Solo, which we believe to be W246 PAU. After we had finished eating we went out to the car. We called Uncle Dave and we went to pick him up. We drove along the A34 and onto and A500. It was busy on the A500 so we Went along Campbell Road and into Stoke town centre. We saw First Potteries 40027 on the #21B & 40373 on the #21, as well as Wardle Transport 2278 on the #41 to Newcastle.After we had picked up uncle Dave, we headed up to Heron Cross and through Blurton. Passing through Blurton we saw First Potteries 53209 on a #23A. We carried on down Beaconsfield Drive getting home around 17:45. Matthew then chilled out watching bus videos and eating an angel cake also using his computer before bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Joiners Square / Trent Vale 20-03-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
NL61 VSG	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Joiners Square	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
60072	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way (Unmarked)	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going for tea in Trent Vale but not before he spent the day with his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and juice for breakfast. The bus turned up and it was Shelton Care Group NL61 VSG.

Shelton Care Group NL61 VSG in Blurton

We set off onto the A5035 and headed towards Trentham. We turned into New Inn Lane and then into Pacific Drive. Once we had picked up another service user we headed back onto New Inn Lane and the A5035. We headed along into Blurton and we turned into church Road. We carried on into Blurton Road and across the A50. We went through Heron Cross and onto Heron Street. Having crossed the railway line we turned left onto Christchurch Street and to our destination. In the morning Matthew went into the sensory and spent time using a computer. We went to fetch dinner from the chip shop. For dinner he had sausage chips and gravy from the chips shop. After dinner we went to the pub. Today we went to the pub in a lucky seven taxi. We set off onto Glebedale Road and left onto City Road. We turned right into Manor Street and at the en we turned left onto Victoria Road. We went down Victoria Road and across the roundabout at Joiners Square onto Lichfield Street. We reached our destination. As we got out of the taxi we saw First Potteries 63172 on a #6B to Hanley.

First Potteries 63172 in Joiners Square

We crossed the road and went to the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and had a few glasses of Coke. Most interesting working included 53829 & 65001 on the #6 as well as First Potteries 63175.

First Potteries 63175 in Joiners Square

We decided to visit another pub on the way back. The bus came to pick us up and it was Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We headed up Lichfield Street and around the Hanley ring road. We came off the ring road at Town Road and we headed into Townsend and Northwood. We stopped at the pub briefly before setting off back towards home. We carried on through Sneyd Green and towards Smallthorne. We turned at the Green Star and went into Smallthorne. We headed back towards Hanley and around the ring road to Lichfield Street. We turned onto Regent Road and down through Shelton. We joined the A52 opposite the University entrance and we headed towards Stoke. We carried on along the A52 until we got to city Road and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left into Temple Street and then to our destination. Westopped briefly before carrying on back home. We set off onto Glebedale and over the railway into Heron Street. We passed through Heron Cross and over the A50 into Blurton. We took Blurton Road to Critchlow's Corner and the forward onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got to destination around 15:00. Once home Matthew had toast and cherryade and chilled out on his computer until it was time to catch the bus to the pub. We set off around 16:00 to the stop on Magdalen Road. I had been out earlier to view the buses and we were expecting dud First Potteries 60072 to work this service. On the other side of the road D&G 170 was on the Blurton Plumline.

D&G 174 in Blurton

A few minutes later and pretty much on time was as expected First Potteries 60072.

First Potteries 60072 in Blurton

We got on the bus and booked to Harpfields Road. We sat down towards the back of the bus and the bus set off onto the A5035. As we headed towards Trentham we passed Scraggs white Mercedes minibus DX09 LAA going in the opposite direction. We turned into New Inn Lane and we passed first Potteries 60193 going the other way on the #22 to Dresden. We headed through Trentham and into Hanford. As we headed down Chuch Lane we passed First Potteries 53122 on a #21A to the Trentham Hotel. On the A34 we passed First Potteries 40304 on a #21B to Trentham Gardens. We crossed under the A500 and into Trent Vale. As we were turning into Harpfield Road we saw First Potteries 65728 on the #22 short to the Man in Space Trentham. We got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 60072 as it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 60072 in Trent Vale

We walked onto the A34 and we sat outside the pub whilst we waited for mum. Going towards the hospital we saw ABC Supreme FJ53 FBU.

ABC Supreme FJ53 FBU in Trent Vale

A few minutes later we saw Bennetts Solo X418 BBD going North and ABC Supreme NG57 GZC going South down the A34.

ABC Supreme NG57 GZC in Trent Vale

We carried onto the pub and we met with mum. Matthew had a brunch with bread and butter followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses were First Potteries 65003 on the #101 & 65728 running empty of the #22 and Stanton's of Stoke LG05 BCL. After we had finished eating we went out to the car. We called Uncle Dave and we went to pick him up. We drove along the A34 and onto and A500. We then saw Coopers Tours YS09 JCS going East onto the A50.

Coopers Tours YS09 JCS on the A500

We went East on the A50 and going into Heron Cross before we headed into Fenton. After we had picked up uncle Dave, we headed up to Heron Cross and through Blurton, getting home around 17:50. Matthew then chilled out watching bus videos, eating a brownie and using his computer before bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Fenton / Trent Vale 05-09-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
43876	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way (Unmarked)	22	First Potteries

Today we decided to go to Trent Vale on the bus. Not before Matthew had been out for the day with his new day service. Matthew got up around 07:45 and had some toast and orange juice and used his computer whilst he waited to be picked up. He was picked up a little before 09:00 and the drove him through Blurton via Beaconsfield Drive and we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 346. We turned left onto Church Road, forwards onto Blurton Road. At Heron Cross we saw P715 UWW at the Lightning Travel house. At Heron Cross lights we went straight over and then left onto Christchurch Street and then to his destination. Matthew spent the morning in the sensory room and using a computer. For dinner Matthew had sausage chips and gravy. In the afternoon they went to a pub in Joiners Square. We drove across City Road and onto Foutain Street. We turned left onto William Street and onto manor Street. We went down Victoria Road and up Lichfield Street. We turned into Hampton Street and parked behind the pub. Whilst there Matthew went to the toilet and then we saw an unidentified white Setra coach. Coming back we went via Victoria Road up to the roundabout near KFC and onto City Road before reaching our destination. At home time we took Matthew onto Christchurch Street and into Heron Cross. We went through Blurton and onto Church Road. We then went right onto the A5035 getting home around 15:00. At home Matthew had toast and some bubblegum Barr pop. Just before 16:00 we set off waling all the way to the bus stop on Magdalen Road. I had seen the buses earlier and we were expecting First Potteries 43876 on the bus. Bang on time a MPD Dart turned the corner and it was First Potteries 43876 as expected.

First Potteries 43876 in Blurton

We got on the bus and booked to Harpfields Road. Matthew misbehaved slightly as he said hello to someone and then we sat down near to the back of the bus. The bus was nearly empty and he took a picture of the empty back seat.

Inside First Potteries 43876

We set off right onto the A5035. The bus carried on through to Trentham and we passed Z Carz Y568 XFV going towards Longton. In Trentham we passed First Potteries 41493 on a #21 to Pacific Drive. We carried on down towards Hanford and down Church Lane. We joined onto the A34 and crossed under the A500. We passed the pub and then turn right into Harpfields Road. Here we got off the bus and Matthew took a picture of First Potteries 43876 as it went off into the distance.

First Potteries 43876 in Trent Vale

We walked back onto the A34 and we sat on the wall of the oub whilst we waited for mum to appear. Whilst we waited Matthew took a few pictures. The first bus we saw was First Potteries 41500 on a Dresden bound #22.

First Potteries 41500 in Trent Vale

We then saw LX12 CGO heading towards Hanford.

LX12 CGO in Trent Vale

We saw a couple of #101's going North. First we saw First Potteries 65027. A few minutes later this was followed by First Potteries 65001.

First Potteries 65001 in Trent Vale

We waited for a few minutes for mum to arrive and we went into the pub where Matthew had a brunch with bread and butter followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses was an unidentified Stantons of Stoke coach plus Robin Hood Coaches YJ08 NSN. After we had finished eating we called Uncle Dave and we went to pick him up. We drove along the A34 passing Bennetts minibus NIL 8662, and onto the Northbound A500. We went East at the A50. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and we dropped into Fenton. After we had picked up uncle Dave,we set off back through Heron Cross and through Blurton getting home at around 18:00. Matthew then chilled out watching bus videos on his computer. He then chilled out until bedtime around 00:00...Mark

Trip to Fenton / Trent Vale 22-08-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
YU02 GZG	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	ABC Supreme
YU02 GZG	Fenton	Blurton	Charter	ABC Supreme
41502	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way	22	First Potteries

Today we decided to go to Trent Vale on the bus. Not before Matthew had been out for the day with his new day service. Matthew got up around 07:45 and had some toast and orange juice and used his computer whilst he waited to be picked up. He was picked up a little before 09:00 and we saw ABC Supreme minibus YU02 GZG. we got on the bus and sat down near to the back of the bus. they drove him The bus set off we turned right onto the A5035 where we saw Allendale NK02 KVF and we turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way. We got onto the East bound A50 which we did up to Longton. We went passed the interchange and saw First Potteries 61237 on a #1 service. We crossed the old A50 and went up Wood Street and then cut across on Anchor Road. As we turned left towards Bentilee we saw Stantons of Stoke KN61 EYG. We stopped just off Dividy Road to pick up another service user before getting back on the Dividy Road. There we saw Wardle Transport's latest double decker 4854. We carried on down to Bucknall and onto the A52. WE followed the A52 left towards joiners Square passing 37158 on the X39. We then turned left onto Victoria Road which we did up to Fenton before heading into the today service we got up and got off. Matthew spent the morning in the sensory room and using a computer. For dinner Matthew had sausage chips and gravy. We walked to the local pub and spent the afternoon looking at buses go past. We saw 53207 on the #23 and 60081 on the #1. After having a few drinks of pop we headed back to the day service. At home time we got onto minibus ABC Supreme YU02 GZG. We turned onto Glebedale Road. We carried on through Heron Cross and along Blurton Road and Beaconsfield Road, getting home around 15:00. At home Matthew had toast and some cherryade. We had six of eight #22's turns and required First Potteries 41502 was going to be on the 16:07 from Blurton. We set off to the bus stop around 15:55 and we walked all the way to the Magdalen Road stop. On the way we saw D&G 171 on the Plumline service.

D&G 171 in Blurton

A few minutes later and bang on time, First Potteries 41502 turned the corner as expected...

First Potteries 41502 in Blurton

We got on the bus and booked to Harpfields Road. We sat down towards the back of the bus and we set off onto the A5035. The bus was quite well filled and matthew wasn't able to get a picture inside this bus. The bus carried on towards Trentham. In Trentham we passed dud First Potteries 41522 going into Trentham Gardens on a #21B. We carried on through Hanford and we passed First Potteries 41540 on a #21 to Trentham. On New Inn Lane we passed dud First Potteries 42894 on a #22 to Dresden. We carried on through Hanford and to the A34. We crossed under the A500 and passed the pub before turning Right into Harpfields Road. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew got another picture of First Potteries 41502 as it carried on towards Newcastle and Hanley.

First Potteries 41502 in Trent Vale

As we got off we saw JayJays Travel NA04 ZLN going towards the hospital. We walked back onto the A34 and we saw a bus approaching in the distance. I thought it was a Scania on the #101 but as it got closer we could see it was a Dart. As it got closer we saw it was dud first Potteries 40376 running empty.

First Potteries 40376 in Trent Vale

We walked back to the pub and mum was just arriving. Matthew had a brunch with bread and butter followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses included Bennetts Travel Solo MX53 FDJ running empty and ABC Supreme YN55 KXO. There were a couple of double deckers out on the #101 and they were First Potteries 32627 & 32634. When we had finished eating Matthew called uncle Dave on the phone to discuss today's activities. We set off onto the A34 and under the A500. In Trentham we passed Leons Coaches 214 and another double decker on the #101. First Potteries 32639. We turned onto the A5035 and we passed D&G 174 on the Trentham bound Plumline service. We got home around 18:00. Matthew then chilled out on his computer and watched 'On the Yorkshire Buses' until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Hanley / Loggerheads 21-04-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
41497	Ladybank Grove , Blurton	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop P	23	First Potteries
138	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop Q	Newcastle BS	85A	D&G
65732	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	25	First Potteries
66839	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	25	First Potteries
NIL 8662	Newcastle BS	Loggerheads, adj Loggerheads Hotel	164	Bennetts
NIL 8662	Loggerheads, opp Loggerheads Hotel	Newcastle BS	164	Bennetts

Today we decided to go out on a local trip. We hadn't really planned on doing anything, but the weather was quite nice so I thought as it was a Sunday timetable we could try to ride on the Bennetts operated #164 service. I checked where the border of Staffordshire & Shropshire was and it turned out that loggerhead was just inside Staffordshire and was only ten minutes from Market Drayton. A quick check of the time table revealed that the bus departed from Newcastle at 30 minutes past the odd hours. Matthew got up around 10:30 and we had sausages, poached egg and beans with toast for breakfast washed down with orange juice. After doing some chores in the house we got ready and went out to catch the 12:54 departure from Beaconsfield drive on the #23 service. We walked around to the stop and we didn't have to wait for long for a Caetano Dart to make an appearance. It was required First Potteries 41497.

First Potteries 41497 in Blurton

We got on the bus and booked to Stoke. We sat down near the back of the bus. There were a few people on this bus so Matthew got a picture of the back seats almost as soon as we had sat down.

Inside First Potteries 41497

The bus set off through Blurton and filled up quite well. The bus continued through Heron Cross and into Fenton before heading down City Road and into Stoke. As we entered Stoke we passed red and yellow liveried Scania 60171 on the #26 to Meir. When we got to stoke we got off the bus and Matthew got another picture of First Potteries 41497.

First Potteries 41497 in Stoke

I had checked the #25 Hanley - Keele timetable earlier and there was a 13:22 off Stoke that got into Newcastle at 13:32... Two minutes after the #164 to market Drayton departs. Whilst we were in Stoke I decided to check for the #41 or #42. I didn't notice one and further after we got home revealed that it doesn't run on Sundays anymore. There was however the #85A which departs Stoke at 15:16. I thought that with the extra 6 minutes we should make the #164 departure at Newcastle. The bus arrived in Stoke and it was required D&G Solo 138.

D&G 138 in Stoke

Matthew was well behaved and he didn't try and honk the horn. We sat down at the back and the bus set off out of Stoke, up the hill towards Hartshill. We got to the stop opposite Noah's Arc and the bus dropped of a passenger. It was at this point that the driver realised the #85A goes via Penkhull on a Sunday timetable. So the driver turned the bus around and we headed back to Queens Road and back onto the normal route. The bus picked up another passenger on Hilton Road and then we turned into the hospital. We got into Newcastle a few minutes after the #164 departed. Matthew waited for the bus to empty and then got a picture inside D&G 138.

Inside D&G 138

Whe we got to Newcastle we saw a few buses parked up. The first bus we saw was required Bakerbus Streetlite 251

Bakerbus 251 in Newcastle bus station

We had a bit of a walk around the bus station and parked up out of service on Stubbs Street was First Potteries Dart 40147.

First Potteries 40147 in Newcastle bus station

Fron the bottom of the bus station we had a better view of the double decker parked up in the layover area. The was First Potteries 37156.

First Potteries 37156 in Newcastle bus station

We didn't want to wait around for close to two hours, so we decided to catch something go towards Hanley. There was a choice of two dud buses. First Potteries Volvo 66841 was on a #34 to Hanley and First Potteries Scania 65732 was on the #25 to Hanley. Matthew chose to do the 65732. After the passengers from Keele had finished getting of he got a picture of the bus.

First Potteries 65732 in Newcastle bus station

We waited for the driver change and an elderly gentleman very kindly let Matthew get on the bus first. As he was first on Matthew got a picture of the the inside of the bus here.

Inside First Potteries 65732

we sat down near the back of the bus. A few minutes later we set off out of the bus station towards George Street. We headed down the hill into Stoke and we passed First Potteries 66845 on the Keele bound #25. We passed the railway station an went into Shelton. We then passed the Hinds Street park and ride side before going into Hanley. When we got to the bus station matthew used the toilet and then he went to say hello to someone. I am encourage him not to run at people so he wanted to say hello to someone he spotted in the distance. We walked all the way across town into primark before we caught the person up, but at least he didn't scare anyone. We walked back to the bus station to have a look at what was parked up on Layover. First Potteries 32632 as closest to us,whcih was in between workings on the #32A to Uttoxeter via Alton Towers.

First Potteries 32632 in Hanley bus station

Also parked up was First Potteries double decker 37160, which was unusually displaying #7 Smallthorne. We spent around 15 minutes taking pictures from John Street multi-storey car park,as well as having a Milky Way and a bottle of Barr Cherryade. After we had finished e started to head back to the bus station. on the way we saw First Potteries 40028 on a #21 to Trentham.

First Potteries 40028 in Hanley

We carried on walking into the bus station and we had to find a bus that would get us to Newcastle before . It just so happened that First Potteries 66839 was in the bus station on the third #25 turn. Matthew got a picture of First Potteries Volvo 66839 before we boarded the bus.

First Potteries 66839 in Hanley bus station

We sat down near the back. There were already people on this bus so Matthew took a picture of the empty seats opposite us.

Inside First Potteries 66839

The bus set off out of Hanley and into Shelton. We went down College Road and past the railway station. We then went into Stoke town centre before going up the hill into Hartshill. We then went down into Newcastle getting there just after 15:00. We got off the bus and we could see the Bennetts bus already in the bus station on layover. It was required Bennetts NIL 8662.

Bennetts NIL 8662 in Newcastle bus station

Whilst we waited for the bus to be readied for service, Matthew visited the toilet and we had a walk around the bus station. We also took a few bus pictures before the bus came onto stand just before 15:30. As we were second on the bus and the first person sat right at the front, Matthew got a picture inside the bus straight away.

Inside Bennetts NIL 8662

we didn't have to wait long before the bus set off out of the bus station. We went onto the A34 and up to the A53. We had never done this service before so I was a little surprised when the bus went as if to go to Keele. Just after the the Jet petrol station he bus turned and headed up Seabridge Road and rejoined the a53 a little further out of town. We then carried on along the A53 out of Newcastle and into Whitmore. When we got to Baldwins Gate I was surprised again when the bus turned left just after the village. The road headed off to the a51 just outside Slaters Craft village. We turned right onto the A51 and went up to The Swan with Two Necks. I was expected the burn to turn left onto the A53 but it carried as if to go towards Nantwich. about a mile down the road we turned left onto a country lane the led back onto the A53. We continued along the A53 for a short while before turning off the road again.This was to travel through the village of Ashley. We headed back onto the A53 which we joined onto just outside Loggerheads. When we got to Loggerheads we got off the bus. and Matthew got another picture of this fine Mercedes minibus before it carried on towards Market Drayton.

Bennetts NIL 8662 in Loggerheads

We watched the bus go off into the distance before we walked over to the local Co-operative food store. Matthew said hello to a couple of members of staff and we brought some pop and chocolate before heading back over to the bus stop where we had a little bus stop picnic. Matthew drank a small bottle of Irn Bru and we shared a Toffee Crisp. The bus was due to come back north in a few 10 minutes and whilst we waited I phoned mum to tell her we would be back in Newcastle at 16:50. The bus then promptly re-appeared and Matthew got another picture of this step-entranced minibus.

Bennetts NIL 8662 in Loggerheads

We got back on the bus and it headed back North Via Ashley, the A53, The croft, the A51, Slaters Craft Village, Baldwins Gate, Whitmore and into Newcastle. When we got into Newcastle we got off the bus and mum was waiting for us. we walked back to the Ironmarket where mum was parked up and we decided to go to Chunky Chicken for tea. We drove out of town along the Northbound A53 we then cut across to Shelton New Road and we came into Snow Hill and parked up outside the shop. Matthew visited the toilet and then had a chicken burger and fries washed down with a can of Irn Bru. When we had finished we headed up to Festival Park so um could pick up a couple of 3 1 month/1GB sim cards that she brought for £2.99 each! We drove back onto the A53 before doing the A500 down to the A50. We went up to Z Carz to see what was parked up. There were a few vehicles tonight. Closest to the A50 was Z Carz Mercedes minibus M372 NWN.

Z Carz M372 NWN in Longton

Behind M372 NWN was Z Carz W221 CDN. Next to these two was former Ausden Clark coach CNZ 3828.

Z Carz CNZ 3828 in Longton

In the background was green minibus HX51 HRU. In front of these were two of the more modern minibuses. Firstly Z Carz CN57 HWA.

Z Carz CN57 HWA in Longton

Next to this was Z Carz GL04 CVE.

Z Carz GL04 CVE in Longton

We headed back onto the A50 and through to Heron Cross. We went back through Blurton where we saw First Potteries 41497 on the #23 again. We got back into the house around 18:00. matthew then chilled out at home on the computer. Whilst dad had a bath. Matthew went to bed at around 11:30...Mark