Trip to Hanley / Trentham 01-04-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63101	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Stoke, stop P	11	First Potteries
35950	Stoke, stop N	Stoke, Hancock Street	25	First Potteries
63365	Hanley BS	Trentham, Longton Road	101	First Potteries
35944	Trentham, Poachers Cottage PH	Hanley BS	101	First Potteries
67154	Hanley BS	Coalville, Cross Street	6	First Potteries
67154	Coalville, Cross Street	Fenton, Victoria Place	6	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. We saw Voyager Travel LG69 CCA. Later on we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw Temple Street church minibus KD23 DHC. We carried on along Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63101 on a #11 to Newcastle. We got on the bus and we booked to Stoke before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre along Church Street. We got off the bus and we crossed obver the road to the stop opposite to wait for a #25 to Hanley. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As soon as it cam into view we knew it was First Potteries 35950 on a #25 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley. before we sat down. The bus set off out of Stoke town centre and across the A500. We crossed under the railway line before turning left onto the A52 and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 35950 before it carried on towards Hanley.

First Potteries 35950 in Stoke

Once off the bus we walked up to the A52 and we turned left onto Mawson Grove and we went into Hanley Park. We went to the pavillion and the cafe was closed! We returned to The Parkway and we turned right onto Hardings Road and we stopped at the bus stop on Regent Road. We stopped at the Premier and Matthew had a viennetta and can of Bar Bubblegum. We walked down Regent Road and we turned left onto Lower Bethesda Street and we turned right the ring road. we turned into the the stop outside the bus station. Whilst we waited for a bus back to Fenton and Matthew visited the toilet. A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was First Potteries 63365 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 63365 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Trentham Gardens and sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we ran down John Street and right onto Bethesda Street. We ran down Broad Street and we crossed the ring road onto Snow Hill and at the roundabout we turned Shelton New Road. Due to roadwork we went the wrong way around the one-way system. We ran over the canal and railway line. We ran through the cross road up to Hartshill and at the roundabout we ran into Newcastle down George Street. We joined the one-way system and at the next roundabout we turned left onto Barracks Road. We turned right into the bus station. After a brief stop we Continued onto Barracks Road and forwards onto the Southbound A34. We ran past the hospital into Trent Vale and under the A500 into Hanford. We continued into Trentham and we got up and got off the bus near to Trentham Garden. Once off the bus we crossed over the A34 and we went into the gardens and we walked to the North West corner and we stopped to Frankie & Benny's. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards when he came back we ordered some food. Matthew had a classic cheeseburger and fries washed down with a glass of Coke followed by a apple & blueberry pie and ice cream. When we had finished around the North end of the lake and Matthew stopped to got to the toilet. later on we walked through the retail village and we walked to the the garden centre. Once we had finished eating we walked back through the main gate and onto the A34 opposite the A5035. We turned left and walked along the A34 to the old Gardens entrance where the bus stop is situated. We waited for a bus back towards Hanley. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 35944 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 35944 in Trentham

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down. We set off Northwards up through Hanford along the A34 and we went under the A500 in Trent Vale. We continued Northwards into Newcastle and past the hospital. At the roundabout we turned right onto barracks Road and into Newcastle bus station. After a brief stop we continued towards Hanley. We set off onto Barracks Road and we ran forwards onto the one-way system. We continued onto the A52 and when we got to Hartshill we veered left onto Shelton New Road. We ran over the railway line and canal and we went up to Snow Hill. We turned left and ran up Broad Street. We turned right onto the ring road and left onto Bethesda Street. We turned right onto John Street and we ran up to the bus station. Once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. We waited for a bus back to Fenton. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we waited for a bus back to Fenton. Whilst we waited we saw D&G Bus 796 on a #8A to Endon. A short time later the bus arrived on stand. It was First Potteries 67154 on a #6 to Coalville.

First Potteries 67154 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus we booked to Weston Coyney before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto the ring road and we turned right onto Lichfield Street and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed the roundabout onto City Road and past the site of the new Burger King. We continued forwards onto King Street and we passed through Foley. We ran forwards into Longton and under the railway line into Longton town centre. The bus stopped on Market Street. We continued onto and we followed the one-way system onto Commerce Street. We crossed over the A50 and we ran forwards onto Lightwood Road. At the roundabout we turned left onto Upper Belgrave Road. We ran forwards onto Waterhead Road. We turned left onto the A520 and we ran through Meir and we turned right onto Woodville Road and we paused in the Square before going onto Leason Road. We turned right onto Stansmore Road and Brookwood Drive and we turned right onto the A520 and and we turned right onto Main Street where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we decided to go back to Hanley on the double decker. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before going upstairs and sitting down. We set off down Main Street and we continued along Weldon Avenue and we turned right onto Caverwall Road. We turned right onto the A520 and we turned left onto Brookwood Drive. We turned right onto Stansmore Road and we turned left onto Leason Road. We paused in the Square before going onto Woodville Road. We turned left onto the A520 and we headed through Meir and we turned right into Waterhead Road. We ran through to Upper Belgrave Road onto Lightwood Road and into Longton. We crossed over the A50 and we ran down The Strand. After a brief stop we ran down under the railway bridge onto King Street. We ran down through Fenton and forwards onto City Road past the new petrol station and coffee shop. We turned right into Victoria Road and we got up and got off the bus. One off the bus we set off on foot onto City Road. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we walked back into Temple Street and into the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. Later on we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned left onto Smithpool Road. We crossed over the railway line and we walked down to the entrance of the park. For dinner Matthew had washed down a can of Irn Bru. In the park Matthew walked up to the playground. Once we had finished in the park we walked back along Grove Road. We crossed over the Whieldon Road and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto City Road and we crossed over onto Manor Street for We stopped at the Fenton Community Hall and Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we had a drink of Coke. Matthew had a burger and chips. After we had finished we returned to the residential unit. We walked along Manor Street and we crossed over City Road and we turned right onto onto Temple Street and we returned to the residential unit. We went upstairs and back into his room. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. He watched television and used his computer. 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 Leicester / Coalville 18-01-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3313	Leicester St Margarets BS	Groby, Stamford Arms	29A	Arriva Midlands
3108	Groby, Stamford Arms	Coalville, Ashby Road	29	Arriva Midlands
3300	Coalville, Memorial Square	Loughborough, (Stand LB)	16	Arriva Midlands
4579	Loughborough, (Stand LB)	Quorn, Station Road	127	Arriva Midlands
4424	Quorn, Station Road	Belgrave, Bath Street	127	Arriva Midlands
4562	Belgrave, Moores Road	Leicester, Stand BG	5	Arriva Midlands

Today we decided to re-visit Leicester. We did very little research for this trip other than to check the available bus tickets and to chek the weather. The weather was forecast for cold, dry and overcast. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. We got up at 09:50 and Matthew had toast and orange juice for breakfast. After getting dressed we set off around 11:50 to pick up uncle Dave. We got in the car and we set off through Blurton and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive and we turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road past the former Coral shop which is new going to be flats. We ran through Blurton and into Heron Cross and over the A50. At Heron Cross lights we turned left onto Grove Road. We ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. Once we had picked up uncle Dave, we continued back up Wheildon Road and we ran forwards 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 and we went near to uttoxeter and we continued along the A50. As we travelled Eastwards we saw Stanton's of Stke 80 YCX and Seaward YJ24 AZO / YX19 MLL. We continued Eastwards for a few miles before joining the Southbound M1. Whilst travelling down the M1 we saw taxi minibus KO69 MVT and UK20 MTT. We came off the motorway onto the A50 and we headed through Groby into Leicester. On the edge of the city we turned left onto Sanvey Gate anbd right onto the A6. We ran forwards onto Church Gate. We turned left onto Gravel Street and we crossed over Abbey Street onto Garden Street and into the car park. After parking up and we walked onto Garden Street and across to the St Margarets bus station. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we headed to the cafe. Matthew had a sausage and bacon bap washed down with a bottle of Cherry Coke. After we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and walked around the bus station to see what we could catch. We saw Arriva Midlands 4547 on a #127 to Shepshed.

Arriva Midlands 4547 in Leicester bus station

The double decker wasn't due off for another 30 minutes so we decided to lok at something else. Wesaw another bus on stand. As we got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 3313 on a #29A to Swadlincote via Coalville.

Arriva Midlands 3313 in Leicester bus station

We got on the bus and we booked an East Midlands duo day saver at £13 before we sat down at the front of the bus. A short time later we saw off out of the bus station onto the A594. We turned right onto the A6 and left onto Sanvey Gate. We turned right onto the A50 and we headed Northwards out of the city. We veered left to continue along Groby Road and we crossed over the A46. We turned left onto Leicester Road and we ran into the centre of Groby where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3313 as it continued towards Swadlingcote.

Arriva Midlands 3313 in Groby

We headed into the pub and Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we went to the bar and Matthew had a glass of Coke. After we had finished our drinks we went outside and met up with uncle Dave again. Whilst we waited Matthew had a couple of angel slices that were in the bag. We crossed over the road and we considered catching a #28 towards Leicester. We were watching the bus on the map and it went in a different direction. We worked out that there must we a road closure and diversion so the bus didn't come into the centre of Groby. We decided to cross back over and catch the next #29. The bus was running a little late, but a short ime later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 3108 on a #29 to Swadlincote.

Arriva Midlands 3108 in Groby

We got on the bus and we placed the East Midlands Day Saver Duo under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off Northwards up Leicester Road and we joined the A50. At the next roundabout we turned left onto Leicester Road and we ran into Markfield. We turned left onto Chitterman Way and right onto London Road. We turned right onto Main Street and we ran through the centre of Markfield. We turned left onto Asby Road and we ran northwards. We re-joined the A50 and we crossed over the M1 and we saw a grey former PSV coah conversion heading Southwards. We ran forwards onto the A511 and at the industrial estate we ran forwards onto the B585. We continued onto Beveridge Lane and we turned right onto Regs Way. We rejoined the A511 and we turned right onto Botts Way. We turned right onto Beech Tree Road and left onto Waterworks Road. We continued onto Cropston Drive and left onto Greenhill Road we turned right onto Blackwood and we crossed Meadow Lane onto Hall Lane. We turned left onto City of Dan and left onto Silver Street. We continued onto Hermitage Road and we crossed over the A511 onto Whitwick Road. We turned right onto Hotel Street and we crossed over the railway line. We continued onto High Street and Ashby Street where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3108 before it continued towards Swadlincote.

Arriva Midlands 3108 in Coalville

The plan was to find a toilet. We headed towards a ghost sign and after taking a picture we went into Asda. There was no toilet in Asda so we walked back along Ashby Road to the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had a small glass of Coke. We crossed over Ashby Road and we headed into the small 3 stand Memorial Sqaure bus station. In the bus station we saw Arriva Midlands 2530 on a #15 to Ibstock.

Arriva Midlands 2530 in Coalville

We also saw Arriva Midlands 3106 on a #28 to Leicester. The bus we weanted was already on stand. As we got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 3300 on a #16 to Loughborough.

Arriva Midlands 3300 in Coalville

We got on the bus and we placed the East Midlands Day Saver Duo under the scanner. The rear of the bus was empty so Matthew took a picture of Arriva Midlands 3300 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3300

When it was time we set off we headed North to the roundabout and then did a 180' turn and headed Southwards. We turned left onto High Street and we crossed over the railway line. We ran forwards onto Hotel Street and we turned left onto Whitwick Road. We turned left onto Vulcan Way and left onto Comet Way. We turned right Thornborough Road and we crossed over the A511. We continued Northwards onto Brooks Lane and we turned left onto Talbot Street. We continued onto The Grn and forwards onto Loughborough Road. We joined the A512 and we headed Eastwards. We ran to the South side of Shepshed and we turned left onto Charnwood Road. The plan was to go to Shepshead and if the double decker was still at the stop we would get off and get onto that. As we approached the centre of Shepshed we saw the double decker pull off and headed towards loughborough. We decided to stay on the bus and headed the bus off at Loughborough as the 16 takes a more direct route. After a short wait for time, the bus set off onto Kirkhill, and we ran forwards onto Leicester Road. We turned left onto the A512 and we crossed over the M1. We continued along the A512. When we stopped at bus stops the engine shut down. We ran inti the West end of Loughborough and we turned left onto Greenclose Lane. We turned left onto The Rushes and we turned righ onto the A6. We ran around the East side of the town past Tesco and when we got to next stop we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3300 as it continued through the town centre back towards Coalville.

Arriva Midlands 3300 in Loughborough

Once off the bus we had about 15 minutes before the bus was due to depart. Matthew indicated he needed the toilet so we went to a nearby pub. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards had a small glass of Coke. We walked back to the bus stop and the bus was already there. As we got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 4579 on a #127 to Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 4579 in Loughborough

We got on the bus and we placed the East Midlands Day Saver Duo on the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off up the Northbound A6 and we saw Nottingham City Transport 641 on a #1 to Nottingham. We continued Left onto Leicester Road and we ran Southwards out of town and we crossed over the Great Central Railway. We ran forwards onto Loughborough Road and we ran a further 1/2 mile or so into the centre of Quorn where we decided to get up and get off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 4579 as it headed Southwards towards Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 4579 in Quorn

Once off the bus we walked along Station Road to Bradley's Supermarket. Matthew had a couple of chocolate bars and a bottle of Dr Pepper. We paied for the items and we left the shop. We walked back along Station Road to Loughborough Road amd Matthew sat on a bench near to the bus stop. Matthew had a mint Aero and against advice had a bottle of Cherry Coke from the trip bag. Just before the bus was due we wandered over to the bus stop. Whilst we waited we saw Kinchbus 501 on a #2 to Loughborough.

Kinchbus 501 in Quorn

A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 4424 on a #127 to Leicester.

Arriva Midlands 4424 in Quorn

We got on the bus and we placed the East Midlands Day Saver Duo on the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off Southwards out of the centre of Quorn and we headed down into Mountsorrel. We turne right onto The Green and we stopped behind the library before continuing onto Rothley Road. We continued onto Moutsorrel Lane and into Rothley. We followed the road to the left onto Halifields Lane and we continued onto Cossington Lane. We joined the Southbound A46 and after crossing the A46 we continued Southwards down the A6 through Birstall. We crossed the A563 and we veered left onto Loughborough Road. As we were heading through Belgrave Matthew wanted to get off the bus so we got up and go off the bus. Matthew let me know he needed the toilet but there wasnt anywhere around we could find. We walked Southwards down Loughborough Road and we turned left onto Windsor Avenue to try and find a busier area where that was a toilet. We got to Melton Road and I spotted a betting shop across the road. We went intio the betting shop and the obne toilet was already occupied. After a short wait Matthew was able to go to the toilet. Phew! When we had finished we went outside and we walked to the nearest bus stop. We didn't have to wait long before we saw an Arriva bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 4562 on a #5 to Leicester Haymarket bus station.

Arriva Midlands 4562 in Belgrave

We got on the bus and we placed the East Midlands Day Saver Duo on the scanner for the final time today before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off along Melton Road and we ran the last Mile or so into Leicester. We crossed over the ring road and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 4562 as it continued towards Haymarket bus station.

Arriva Midlands 4562 in Leicester

Behind us we saw First Leicester 63502 on a #25 Leicester circular service.

First Leicester 63502 in Leicester

We walked down to the main road and we walked around the outside of St Margarets bus station before entering from the other end. We met up with mum. We crossed over Abbey Street and we walked onto Garden Street. We were able to get into the exit we came out of so we walked around the corner onto Abbey Street and into the car park. We paid our fee and got in the car. There were no instruction on how to drive out so we drove to the top of the car park only to get to a dead end! We came back down the spiral ramp and out onto Garden Street. We turned left onto Belgrave gate and we turned left onto the ring road. We turned right onto the Northbound A6 and we turned left onto Sanvey Gate. We turned right onto the A50 and we ran out of the city centre. We ran North to the A46 roundabout and we turned left onto Leicester Road and we ran into Groby. We turned right onto Newton Linford Lane and we stopped near to the chip shop. Matthew had sausage ships and gravy washed down with 1/2 a small bottle of Cherry Coke. We I had finished eating I turned the car around and we turned right onto Leicester Road. We ran North and re-joined the A50. We headed Northwards up the A50 and we joined the Northbound M1. We came off the M1 and junction and we headed Westwards along the A50. We travelled Westwards along the A50 around Uttoxeter and Blythe Bridge. We came off the A50 and we turned right onto Blurton Road. at the traffic lights we turned left Grove Road. We ran ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we stopped at uncle Dave's. Matthew went in to use the toilet. He also updated uncle Dave's calendar with the details of today's trip. Matthew had a can of Cherry Coke. We said goodbye to uncle Dave and we set off back to Blurton via the petrol station. We ran down Wheildon Road and we joined the A500. We turned left Church Street and onto the one-way system. We turned left onto London Road and we stopped at Sainsbury's petrol station. After filling up we continued along London Road into Trent Vale and we joined the A34. We ran through Hanford and we continued into Trentham We turbned left onto the A5035 and we crossed over the railway line and into Blurton. We got back around 21:00. Matthew had his medication and afterwards chilled out on his computer and we sorted a few things out. We wrote the Blog and used the computer. Matthew went to bed around 00:30... Mark.

Trip to Hanley / Kidsgrove 07-11-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67159	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
63173	Hanley BS	Kidsgrove, Mount Road	39	First Potteries
63114	Kidsgrove, Town Hall	Hanley BS	38	First Potteries
35937	Hanley BS	Coalville, Cross Street	6	First Potteries
35937	Coalville, Cross Street	Fenton, Victoria Place	6	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus later on. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We went downstairs and we and we cut through onto City Road to wait a bus to Newcastle. At the Afford garage we saw Afford rent-a-car BG72 UEU parked up. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67159 on a #23 to Hanley. 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. We turned right onto Shelton Old Road. We ran forwards onto Stoke Road. We ran under the railway line and up through Shelton. We ran up Broad Street and we turned right onto the anti-clockwise ring road. We turned left onto Bethesda Street and right onto John Street and we entered the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew got a picture of First Potteries 67159.

First Potteries 67159 in Hanley bus station

A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 63173 on a #39 to Kidsgrove. We got on the bus and we booked to Kidsgrove before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto John Street. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and we ran forwards onto Marsh Street. We turned right onto Trinity Street and left onto Stafford Street. We turned left onto New Hall Street and we re-joined Marsh Street. We ran forwards onto the A50 and we ran through Cobridge up to Burslem. We ran into the centre of town past the old Lloyds bank and onto Scotia Road past the site of the new Lidl. We turned left onto Williamson Street and right onto Tunstall High Street. We continued up the High Street past the City Centre Central depot and past the Tesco Express. We ran to towards Goldenhill and down the hill into Kidsgrove where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew got a picture of First Potteries 63173 before it returned towards Hanley on a #39 service.

First Potteries 63173 in Kidsgrove

We walked around the corner to the chip shop and Matthew had sausage and chips and a can of Coke. When we had finished eating we walked around the corner onto Liverpool Road. We waited for the bus towards Hanley. A short time later the bus appeared. It was First Potteries 63114 on a #38 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63114 in Kidsgrove

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down. We set off along the A50. We ran up the hill into Goldenhill and then forwards through Sandyford past the new retail park into Tunstall. We ran down the High Street. We continued down the High Street and we ran past the former Co-operative bank. We turned left onto Williamson Street. At the roundabout we turned right onto Scotia Road and past the the old bus garage before running up the hill into Burslem Town centre. We ran through the light onto Waterloo Road and up the hill into Cobridge. We ran down the hill towards Hanley and then up into town along Hope Street and Stafford Street. We turned right at the end past the town hall and onto Bagnall Street before entering the bus station where we got up got off. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards waited for a bus to Coalville. A short time later we saw First Potteries 67153 on a #7A to Biddulph. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 44511 on a #6A to Blythe Bridge.

First Potteries 44511 in Hanley bus station

Also seen was First Potteries 63112 on a #39A to Butt Lane.

First Potteries 63112 in Hanley bus station

A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 35937 on a #6 to Coalville.

First Potteries 35937 in Fenton

We got on the bus we booked to Weston Coyney before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto the ring road and we turned right onto Lichfield Street and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed the roundabout onto City Road and past the site of the new Burger King. We continued forwards onto King Street and we passed through Foley. We ran forwards into Longton and under the railway line into Longton town centre. The bus stopped on Market Street. We continued onto and we followed the one-way system onto Commerce Street. We crossed over the A50 and we ran forwards onto Lightwood Road. At the roundabout we turned left onto Upper Belgrave Road. We ran forwards onto Waterhead Road. We turned left onto the A520 and we ran through Meir and we turned right onto Woodville Road and we paused in the Square before going onto Leason Road. We turned right onto Stansmore Road and Brookwood Drive and we turned right onto the A520 and and we turned right onto Main Street where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we decided to go back to Hanley on the double decker. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before going upstairs and sitting down. We set off down Main Street and we continued along Weldon Avenue and we turned right onto Caverwall Road. We turned right onto the A520 and we turned left onto Brookwood Drive. We turned right onto Stansmore Road and we turned left onto Leason Road. We paused in the Square before going onto Woodville Road. We turned left onto the A520 and we headed through Meir and we turned right into Waterhead Road. We ran through to Upper Belgrave Road onto Lightwood Road and into Longton. We crossed over the A50 and we ran down The Strand. After a brief stop we ran down under the railway bridge onto King Street. We ran down through Fenton and forwards onto City Road past the new petrol station and coffee shop. We turned right into Victoria Road and we got up and got off the bus. One off the bus we set off on foot onto City Road. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we walked back into Temple Street and into the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. Later on we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned left onto Smithpool Road. We crossed over the railway line and we walked down to the entrance of the park. For dinner Matthew had washed down a can of Irn Bru. In the park Matthew walked up to the playground. Once we had finished in the park we walked back along Grove Road. We crossed over the Whieldon Road and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Masterson Street and we turned left onto Watkin Street. We continued onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. When we got there we saw Temple Street Church RX18 GZW parked up. We went upstairs and Matthew went to his room. For tea Matthew had a Lamb Mince Pasta Bake Cheese & Bacon followed by cake. Matthew spent time in his room watching television and using 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 the 'Potteries Connection' running day 04-08-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
1918	Gladstone pottery Museum	Stone, Crown Street	250	Midland Red North (Preserved)
JTF 218F	Stone, Crown Street	Gladstone pottery Museum	250	Wardle Transport
170	Gladstone pottery Museum	Coalville, adj Bath Street	105	Bournemouth (Preserved)
170	Coalville, adj Bath Street	Gladstone pottery Museum	105	Bournemouth (Preserved)
677	Gladstone pottery Museum	Cheadle Town Centre, opp Royal Oak Hotel	X43	PMT (Preserved)
677	Cheadle Town Centre, opp Royal Oak Hotel	Gladstone pottery Museum	X43	PMT (Preserved)
170	Gladstone pottery Museum	Wedgwood Visitor Centre	510	Bournemouth (Preserved)
170	Wedgwood Visitor Centre	Gladstone pottery Museum	510	Bournemouth (Preserved)

Today was the annual 'Potteries Connection' running day, and one of the first dates in his calender. Matthew got up around 10:00 and he had bacon on toast for breakfast washed down wit orange juice. It was gone 11:20 when we left for the rally today. We headed off into Longton via the A5035 and into Longton town centre. We stopped on the Strand to visit the cash machine. When then went around the one way system and to the museum where we parked up. As we walked onto the site we saw Bournemouth 55 on the 11:40 to Foxfield.

Bournemouth 55 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

We went to one of the stalls where Matthew brought 3 DVD's (Bristol, Norfolk and Merseyside) and a couple of photographs and a bus stop sticker. He walked around and took a few more pictures of buses, including one of this Alexander bodied Volvo E867 RCS which had been brought to the rally by the GB bus group.

E867 RCS in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

As there was someone on the bus we asked if he could go on and look around. He went upstairs and took a picture of the inside of this fine bus with stagecoach interior.

Inside E867 RCS

He had also had one of the complementary Trident magazine's and one of the GBBG Midland fleet books. We had another walk around and we took some more pictures. One of the pictures was of PMT 60100 which we first had back in February this year.

First PMT 60100 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

We decided we were going to go to Stone on Wardle Transport JTF 218F. We then looked at another stall for with MTL 1070 where he brought 3 more pictures. Traveling down at the same time as Wardle Transport JTF 218F was Midland Red North 1918. As this was pulling onto the stop first we decided to do this down for the open top bus back.

Midland Red 1918 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

We got on the bus and we sat near the back on the top deck. At 12:20 the bus set off along the A5035 and New passed a new cafe called Go Eat in Dresden. We got onto the Southbound A34 and we had a very quick run down to Stone. We came in along Newcastle road and then around the one way system past Morrison's and the to Crown Street. Almost everyone got off and Matthew was able to get a picture of the empty top deck.

Inside Midland Red 1918

We got off and we took more pictures of Midland Red 1918.

Midland Red 1918 in Stone

We got off and Matthew went to use the disabled toilet. The journey down was booked for 30 minutes and 1918 was so quick on the A34 it only took 20! We had to wait for a few minutes before Wardle Transport JTF 218F made an appearance. Matthew took a picture and we got on the bus.

Wardle Transport JTF 218F in Stone

We went upstairs so we could enjoy the open topper as she should be enjoyed. It was a little chilly so we put our jackets on. Whilet we waited for departure a red and white double decker coach whizzed by. At 13:00 we set off back to Gladstonne this time via the A520. The driver had swapped from the journey down making some of the kids on board think the bus was returning on autopilot! Just North of stone we went passed the coach that had passed us earlier. It was Red Rose Travel HIL 7628. We got out into the countryside and bus hit top speed. Charging along the country lanes it we were really getting blown around. The rain held off all the way back thankfully. At Rough Close We turned on Lightwood Road and we descended into Longton along this most scenic of local roads. Wen we got back to Gladstone Matthew photographed London Transport RM467 off the top deck of the open topper.

London Transport RM467 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

At this point we decided to go and get some dinner. We checked out a couple of the places that we usually go to and they were closed today. So we decided to go check out Go Eat on the A5035. We got there around 13:30 and we ordered our food. Matthew had a breakfast with oatcakes and I had a pasta bake, mum had cheese on toast and uncle Dave had a burger. For afters Matthew had a carrot cake. The food was really nice and was well priced too. We will definitely return here to eat. After we had finished we headed back to the Gladstone Pottery Museum. Mum dropped us off and we walked over to the car park. The 14:15 to Coalville was booked to be bus P3 (PMT 604) bus B3 appeared to work the service (Typo perhaps?). As it is a required visiting bus and a double decker to boot we decided to do it turning down required PMT 279 and SL805 which were booked to work the 14:40 to Foxfield. We got a picture of Bournemouth 170 and then we got on it.

Bournemouth 170 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

We went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off towards Weston Coyney and we climbed Weston Coyney Road and onto the A520 when we got up near where the old Moorland Buses garage used to be we turned right, before turning in a junction and resting on the stop on Mann Street. It had now started to rain a little. A few of us got out and we took pictures of this fine example of a Leyland Atlantean.

Bournemouth 170 in Coalville

We got back in and the bus waited a few minutes until it's book departure time. The bus went back along the same route as it took out of Longton and we got back in no time. When the bus arrived back we waited for the bus to empty and Matthew got a picture of the inside of this fine beast.

Inside Bournemouth 170

We had a short while to wait for the next service. PMT 466 was about to head off the stoke railway station. We had been on this bus from the county showground to Stafford station back in February 2012. Also working shortly were First PMT 60100 and PMT 677 both of which we had done on quite short runs back in February this year. We decided do have another run on PMT 677 as it was on a run up to Cheadle. In the meantime we took a few pictures of the buses again. One which we hadn't photographed earlier was Crosville Bristol VR DVG270.

Crosville DVG270 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

A few minutes later PMT 677 pulled onto the stop and we got a picture.

PMT 677 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

We got on and went upstairs. The bus set off onto the Eastbound A50 and we made a spirited run up to Meir where we left the A50 and headed in Blythe Bridge. We paused at the level crossing to allow a train to pass and then we headed into town before turning left to head through Forsbrook. We then headed uphill through the rain until we reached Cheadle high Street. We stopped for a short while and took pictures.

PMT 677 in Cheadle

We headed back, pausing outside the Bird in Hand pub before heading towards Tean. We headed out of Cheadle passed the 'Party in the Park'. It was slightly unnerving to see young lads firing muskets in a civil war re-enactment even if it was just gunpowder! We headed into Tean and we went passed the Co-op as we headed out towards Draycott. We joined the A50 at off the Blythe Bridge by-pass and we headed through Meir and we came off the A50 at Normacott. The bus ran into Longton along Uttoxeter Road and we got back in time to see the 16:00 to Stoke station which was PMT 466 again. Matthew waited for the bus to empty and he took a picture inside PMT 677 which he didn't manage to do back in February.

Inside 677

There wasn't many more trips left today, so we decided to get another run on Bournemouth 170 with all the other buses left running being local and ones we had been on before. We got another picture Bournemouth 170 and then we got on it.

Bournemouth 170 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

We went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off down the A5035 and we turn towards Barlaston when we reached Blurton. The bus when down to a loop in the road just short of the level crossing and stopped there outside the visitors centre. We got off and we took a picture of the bus there too.

Bournemouth 170 in Wedgwood

We got back on and the bus set off. The bus also went into the wedgwood site and next to the Mercedes-Benz club SL event. It didn't look anywhere near as big as the bus rally which attends every May! We dropped off a solitary passenger and we set off back through the country lanes towards Blurton. When we reached the A5035 we turned right and headed into Longton. We didn't stop to take a picture inside as we had already gotten one earlier. The buses were being arranged so they could take some different pictures. We stopped and took a few more pictures. Once such bus was the recently restored PMT 279.

PMT 279 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

We also managed to get a nice clear view of the PMT minibus MMM120.

PMT MMM120 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

After Matthew had been for a quick look at First 60100, we walked back to meet mum at the car. We drove home via Z carz and there were on or 2 buses there tonight. coach D104 XAN was there, as well as LDV minibus YN03 HJC.

Z Carz YN03 HJC in Longton

DAF Minicoach W344 WNS was there, as was Mercedes minibus BV51 BNO.

Z Carz BV51 BNO in Longton

Most surprising of all was the new coach ALZ 8539.

Z Carz ALZ 8539 in Longton

Behind this was mini coach W221 CDN.

Z Carz W221 CDN in Longton

there was nothing in the Willow row compound, so We headed back to Heron Cross and into Fenton to drop uncle Dave off at home. After we had said goodbye we headed back through heron Cross and into Blurton. We got home around 17:30. For tea Matthew had chicken popcorn and fries, and we wrote up Saturday's Blog. Matthew also had a bath before chilling out on his computer before bedtime round 23:40...Mark