Trip to Trent Vale 27-12-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
42892	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way (Unmarked)	22	First Potteries

Today we decided to catch a bus and travel up to meet mum. Matthew got up around 11:30, just after I got back home from work. He had some toast for breakfast washed down with orange juice, and later he had some chicken goujons and fries for a late dinner. We had planned to catch the 15:50 from Longton to Newcastle #22 bus as far as Trent Vale where we were going to meet up with mum. We set off just before 16:00 and walked all the way to the stop on Magdalen Road. Whilst we waited for our bus we saw one of the other two buses on the #22, Longton bound First Potteries 40015.

First Potteries 40015 in Blurton

This was followed shortly by Wardle Transport 2963 on the Plumline service. A few minutes later our bus appeared from around the corner and it was dud First Potteries 42892.

First Potteries 42892 in Blurton

We got on the bus and sat down near the back. 42892 was a bus that we only had for the first time last month. The bus turned onto the A5035 and headed towards Trentham. We passed First Potteries 41512 on the #21A to Hanley as it was waiting to start it's journey from outside the Toby Inn. We turned into New Inn Lane and we paused for a short while outside the Man in Space. First Potteries 41512 passed us on it's way to Hanley and then we headed into Hanford. We passed First Potteries 60011 on a Trentham bound #21 as we passed the Wrights Pies shop. We headed along Wilson Road and then down the hill to the A34 down church Lane. At the A34 we saw Robinsons Coaches PO62 LVA going North. We carried on towards Newcastle and crossed the A500. As we headed through Trent Vale we passed First Potteries 40007 on the third and final #22 turn. As the bus was nearly empty in front of us Matthew took a picture facing forwards.

Inside First Potteries 42892

We turned the corner off the A34 and onto Harpfields Road. At this point we decided to get up and get off. We got off the bus and Matthew got another picture of First Potteries 42892.

First Potteries 42892 in Trent Vale

We then walked back onto the A34 and towards the pub. We went through the door just as mum arrived in the car park. Matthew had his usual meal of two sausage, chips egg and beans with extras of bacon and two rounds of bread and butter. The was followed by toffee sponge pudding and ice cream. After we had finished eating we decided to go home via Z Carz as I had seen some different coaches parked there earlier in the morning. We drove back down the A34 and onto the Northbound A500. At Sideway we got onto the Eastbound A50 which we did up to Longton and to the Z Carz depot. By the time we go there there were only the usual vehicles parked up. First in the row was Scania Coach D104 XAN.

Z Carz D104 XAN in Longton

Behind D104 XAN was M534 RSO which appear to have had it's nearside panel replaced since we last got close to the bus on Saturday.

Z Carz M534 RSO in Longton

Way back in the shadows was Mercedes minibus S952 VMY. Next to this was another Mercedes minibus W221 CDN.

Z Carz W221 CDN in Longton

We turned left into Wilow row where we saw airport transfers bus DL03 HHU and SORN LDV minbus T408 JUX. We turned the car in the road and headed back to Heron Cross along the A50. We headed into Blurton along Blurton Road and onto the A5035. We got home around 17:30. We then chilled out and watched some Christmas telly and ate snakcks. We also watched bus DVDs and of course wrote some of the Blog. Matthew went to bed around 00:00...Mark

Trip to Trent Vale 01-11-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
60015	Newstead, adj Crowcrofts Road	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way (Unmarked)	22	First Potteries

Today was the last weekday of the college holiday. I had been to work in the morning and I had driven to Fenton along the A5035 and then past Z Carz depot where there were 3 buses visible today. The two coaches M534 RSO & D104 XAN were side by side and Mercedes minibus S952 was behind these. Matthew got up around 10:00 this morning and had some crumpets and orange juice for breakfast. He used his computer and watched his telly for a few hours before having half an omelette for dinner. I viewed the #22 buses and there were 2 required buses out today. First Potteries 60015 was on the #22A turn and was going to be passing through Blurton around 15:15. First Potteries 43875 was going to be working the bus through Blurton around 15:30. The other 2 buses on the #22 were dud First Potteries 40304 and 43876. We decided to go out after required Scania First Potteries 60015. It was a terrible day with regards to weather and it had been raining all day. We set off just after 15:00 and we decided to walk to the stop on the A5035 as it had a shelter. On the way there we saw an unusual working. Wardle Transport 2962 was on the Plumline instead of the usual dedicated Plum coloured bus 2963.

Wardle Transport 2962 in Blurton

We walked to the stop to wait for the bus. Wardle Transport 2962 came past us again this time heading towards Hanley. Around 15:20 (a minute or two late) the bus appeared in the distance on Magdalen Road and we could see it was a Scania. As it got closer we saw it was required First Potteries 60015 as expected.

First Potteries 60015 in Blurton

We got on the bus and booked to Trent Vale. We sat down near the back. The bus was maybe 1/3 full but people were spread out in the bus. Matthew took a picture towards the back of the few seats that were empty there.

Inside First Potteries 60015

The bus carried on along the A5035 in Trentham and then onto New Inn Lane. We carried on to Hanford passing First Potteries 41521 on the #21A and First Potteries 60060 on the #21. At the top of church Lane First Potteries 61555 was stopped and it appeared that it had been in a minor collision where someone had run into the back of the bus. We carried on down to Trent vale and onto the A34. Sometimes when a Scania works this service the bus goes straight along the A34 to avoid the tight turns in the hospital. Today however the bus turned into Harpfields Road to head towards the hospital. Had we not been meeting up with mum it would have been nice to do this rare trip of a Scania through the hospital. The bus turned and we got off, Matthew getting another picture as the bus drove away.

First Potteries 60015 in Trent Vale

We walked back onto the A34 and along towards the pub. Mum texted us to let us know she had beaten us into the pub today and we walked straight in to meet her. Matthew had two sausages, egg, chips and beans with bacon and 2 rounds of bread. He also helped mum with her cheese and sausage toastie! For after he had toffee sponge pudding and ice cream. When we had finished we went to pick up uncle dave. We headed onto the A34 and then onto the Northbound A500. We then went east on the A50 to Heron Cross and down into Fenton. When we picked up uncle Dave we headed back to heron Cross where we saw a few buses. First Potteries 40378 and 40173 were on #23/23A's and we saw JayJays Travel minibus RX57 POV going across the a50 roundabout and on Blurton Road we saw Z Carz T2 DLT. We got back home around 17:15 and Matthew spent the night on his computer, watching bus DVD's and watching telly. He went to bed around 00:00...Mark

Trip to Trent Vale 23-08-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
30033	Blurton, opp Ladybank Grove	Trent Vale, adj Woodlands Road‎	22	First Potteries

Today we didn't have anything planned, but viewing 30033 on the #22A service i thought we could use to it to go out for dinner. The bus was dues to work the 13;05 from Longton to Newcastle, so I thought we would do it to Trent vale so that we could have a late dinner at The black Lion. Matthew got up just before 09:00 and he had some toast and orange juice for breakfast. I viewed 30033 at 11:15 on my way home from work. Matthew got dressed and as we ad a bit of time we set off to the stop on Beaconsfield Drive around 13:05. As we waked to the stop we saw 2 of the 3 buses that work on the #22. First Potteries 40010 was heading towards longton and 40020 was heading towards Newcastle. We got to the stop and realised the batteries in his camera were flat. We didn't have time to go home and back so we called mum to fetch some batteries and meet us at the bus stop. We didn't tell her which stop we were at. She did eventually find us and after a quick battery change we saw Wardle Transport 2409 at the stop on the #46 to Hanley with a recently fitted LED display.

Wardle Transport 2409 in Blurton

We then spotted First Potteries 53405 on a #23 service with a faulty display.

First Potteries 53405 in Blurton

A couple of minutes later first Potteries 30033 appeared at the top of Beaconsfield Drive and Matthew got a picture as it approached.

First Potteries 30033 in Blurton

We got on and booked to Trent Vale. Matthew took a picture inside as the downstairs was empty.

Inside First Potteries 30033

we went upstairs and that was empty too. He took another picture and we sat down to enjoy the journey. Matthew insisted on sitting on the original red and grey zig-zag seats! We set off through Blurton and onto the A5035. We turned onto New Inn Lane and passed the third #22 bus which was First Potteries 40017. We carried on into Hanford passing former Chesterbus Dart First Potteries 41070. On Church Lane we passed the final #22/22A turn which was being worked by First Potteries 40018. We crossed over the A34 and headed under the A500. After we passed the Black Lion we got up to get off the bus. After another quick picture of an original seat downstairs we jumped of the bus and Matthew got another picture of this fine beast which is only a few days shy of its 24th birthday!

First Potteries 30033 in Trent Vale

We walked back down the road to wards the Black Lion, crossing over the road before we got there. For some strange reason we had got there before mum so we sat on the wall to wait for her. Whilst we were there we saw First Potteries 40148 running empty presumably on test, and then we saw red and yellow #26/26A branded Scania Omnicity 65026 on the Northbound #101.

First Potteries 65026 in Trent Vale

Mum appeaerd from the wrong direction, she had been to a shop so she didn't have to wait for us. We went into the Black Lion and Matthew had his usual 2 sausage, egg, chips and beans with bacon and bread and butter. For afters he had toffee sponge pudding and ice cream. after we had finished eating we set off home via Z Carz in Longton. We joined the A34 and then turned left onto the A500. We the joined the A50 which we did up to Longton. First in the row was W344 WNS which recently had its decals removed.

Z Carz W344 WNS in Longton

Next was their newest coach, ALZ 8539.

Z Carz ALZ 8539 in Longton

Then was Scania coach D104 XAN.

Z Carz D104 XAN in Longton

Finally was Z Carz newest arrival, Mercedes minibus S952 VMY with its strange golden roundell on the front.

Z Carz S952 VMY in Longton

We carried on home down Longton Hall Road and we stopped at the shop on Naishe Drive. He a galaxy caramel and a Milky Way and a can of Coke. We got home around 15:00. He had some computer time and around 17:00 we went to pick up uncle Dave. We went down via stanley Matthew way and back through Heron Cross and Blurton. Matthew the chilled out on his computer, watch some bus DVD's. As he had had a big meal, he had an omelete for a late tea and chocolate Gateaux for afters. Matthew the chilled out on his computer and went to bed around 11:30...Mark

Trip to Biddulph 18-05-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2244	Newstead, adj Crowcrofts Road	Smallthorne, opp Preston Street	500	Wardle Transport
65729	Burslem, Swan Bank (Stop D)	Hanley BS	20A	First Potteries
199	Hanley BS	High street, Biddulph	9	Bakerbus
210	Biddulph BS	Northwood, adj Providence Square	9	Bakerbus

Today we were just going to go for dinner, but mum was unwell so we decided to do things a little different from planned. Te weather forecast had been for rain, so we ad planned to have dinner at captain Kooks and then either go for a drive or a walk depending on weather. Matthew had a lie in today and got up around 11:45. He had some toast and orange juice for a late breakfast. We were getting ready to go out just before 14:00 but mum was feeling little unwell so we decided to do things a little different. We decided to cover the afternoon #500 service which runs in the same pat as the Plumline, but visits the Sainsbury's distribution centre and then carries on past Hanley to Norton. We left the house a little before 14:00 and we saw the #500 head into Blurton. It was required Wardle Transport 2244. We carried on to the A5035 and as we got there we saw First Potteries 40151 on a Longton bound #22 service.

First Potteries 40151 in Blurton

We got to the stop and we didn't have to wait long before Wardle Transport 2244 made it re-appearance.

Wardle Transport 2244 in Blurton

After getting a SmartDay ticket, we sat down near the back and the bus set off. We turned into Stanley Matthews Way and then joined the Westbound A50. We went to the distribution centre then went along Campbell road into Stoke town centre. We headed along Eleanora Street and Glebe Street and passed the railway station. There we saw Wardle Transport 2409 on a #41 service. We went up college road and across the ring road and into the new bus station. Here we saw Bakerbus 215 parked up and 227 on a X1 service. After around a 5 minute wait we headed into marsh Street and up onto Stafford Street. We passed under the potteries shopping centre walkway and headed out of town on Town Road. As the bus headed North it emptied out in font of us so Matthew took a picture.

Inside Wardle Transport 2244

Just short of Smallthorne roundabouts we got up and got off the bus. Matthew got another picture of 2244.

Wardle Transport 2244 in Smallthorne

After taking a picture of the bus, we walked to the first of the famous Smallthorne roundabouts and turn left down Sneyd Hill. part way down we saw a yard on the left and we were surprised to see D&G DAF Cadet 25 under repair in a engineering yard. We carried on down to sandbach Road and then we stopped at captain Kooks for dinner. Matthew had a small breakfast washed down with a bottle of Coke. For afters he had toffee sponge pudding with custard. After we had paid we visited the toilet before carrying on. We decided to walk to Burslem along the route of the old potteries loop line, so we scaled the embankment and turned right towards Burslem. Having not done this walk for a while we came up early and onto Lingard Street. having discovered we had surfaced a street to soon we headed back onto the loop an came off on Moorland Road. We turned left and headed into the town centre. I asked matthew which way he wanted to travel and he chose to go South towards Hanley, So we turned left and walked to the Swan Bank stop. We only had to wait for a couple of minutes and we saw a new liveried Scania approaching. As it got closer we saw it was required First Potteries 65729.

First Potteries 65729 in Burslem

We got on and sat near the back. Te driver looked vaguely familiar, and turned out he was Matthew grandmothers friend who had given Matthew the bag we take out on trips amongst other things. So when we got off we went to say hello. Matthew also photographed the inside of this bus.

Inside First Potteries 65729

As we arrived we saw Bakerbus 227 heading north on a #9 service. Matthew visited the disabled toilet and then he had a milky way. We also took a picture of Wardle Transport 1501 outside the bus station which was on driver shuttle duties. He couldn't decided for a while where he wanted to go. We eventually decided to do required Bakerbus 199 on a #9 service.

Bakerbus 199 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and whilst we waited we saw required Bakerbus 194 on the X1 service. The bus set off North up to Smallthorne, and then went down Smallthorne bank before turning left through Chell. When we reached Fegg Hayes we turned right towards Knypersley, passing Plants minibus P16 NTS on the way. We turned left into brown Lees and then crossed over the A527. We went through the Biddulph housing estate before going onto the high Street. As we got off the bus Matthew photographed the empty Bakerbus 199.

Inside Bakerbus 199

We walked down to the 'bus station' and matthew used the toilet. Required Bakerbus 210 was about to do a Hanley bound #9 so we decided to do this.

Bakerbus 210 in Biddulph bus station

The bus was empty as we got on so he got a picture inside this unusual bus.

Inside Bakerbus 210

We got on and sat near the back. I texted mum to see if she was feeling any better, and as she was we arranged to meet on the edge of Hanley by Providence Square. We headed through the housing estate and back down towards Hanley. We passed bakerbus 194 around Knypersley and we passed Bakerbus 227 running out of service by Hanley Forest Park. We got off the bus and Matthew got another picture of Bakerbus 210.

Bakerbus 210 in Hanley

We walked to the nearby Northwood store where Matthew bought a can of Coke, a milky way and a rice crispy squares bar. We walked back to the square and Matthew decided to eat the Milky Way and save the Squares and the can of Coke. Whilst we waited for mum we took some bus pictures. Here is First Potteries 61531 on a #7 service.

First Potteries 61531 in Hanley

Mum called to say she was nearby so we met her on the corner of Town Road ad Dundas Street. We drove around hanley and onto Victoria road. We then did the A50 link road and onto the A50. At longton we went passed the Z carz depot where there were only 2 vehicles present today. The first was Scania coach D104 XAN.

Z Carz D104 XAN in Longton

The other vehicle was his old college bus, LDV minibus M420 UEH.

Z Carz M420 UEH in Longton

We carried on down Longton Hall Road and then onto the A5035. As we had not got any sausage rolls today, we called at the chip shop next to Aldi and we had a portion of chips to share. We then went home around 19:00 we ate the chips (Matthew had a sausage too), and looked at our pictures. For a late tea we had bangers and mash with a coupe of butterfly cakes for afters. He then chilled out on his computer before bedtime around 00:00...Mark

Trip to Newcastle/Longton 01-04-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
T131 SGA	Blurton	Lower Milehouse Road	Charter	Z Carz
T131 SGA	Lower Milehouse Road	Blurton	Charter	Z Carz
2532	Ladybank Grove, Blurton	Longton TI	22	Wardle Transport

Today matthew got at 07:00 and had breakfast.At 08:42 we saw Copeland's Tours coach MIB 246 working an excursion to Blackpool. At dinner time we went up to Morrisons for dinner. We saw Z Carz T131 SGA. We went along the A5035 to Trentham onto the northbound A34. We then went passed First Newcastle garage and saw 65729 and 40017. For dinner Matthew had a breakfast and a lemoon meringue cake. He brought some Irn Bru ans dandelion and burdock in the shop itself. We headed South and saw a few more buses as we passed the garage. these were 40015/151 and Scania's 60208/215/61143. We passed the bus station where Volvo 66847 was parked up and double decker 32635 was on a #25 service. On the a34 we passed 65038 on a Northbound #101 followed by 40025 on a #21A we headed North up the A500 and onto the A50 to longton. Z Carz was packed and had D104 XAN.

Z Carz D104 XAN in Longton

Lightning Travel loanee minibus NX03 JYJ was near the front.

Z Carz NX03 JYJ in Longton

Followed by Mercedes minibus T131 SGA.

Z Carz T131 SGA in Longton

Then we saw Mercedes minibus BV51 BNO in Willow Row being washed.

Z Carz BV51 BNO in Longton

In Longton we passed 61246 and 61145 on #6B followed by 60006 on a #6B in Fenton. In Heron cross we passed 41497 on a #23 followed by Wardle Transport 2532 on the Longton bound #22.

Wardle Transport 2532 in Blurton

we got on We went and sat down set off to Longton TI. The bus went along Beaconsfield drive to Blurton Road, and then up Longton Hall Road to Longton. we got off and mum picked him up and he returned back in the car down Longton Hall Road into Blurton and home along the We got home and I did some writing on the blog. For tea we had Omelette and french fries and beans with some desserts chocolate gateau. He then chilled out on his computer before bedtime...Mark.

Trip to Newcastle 27-12-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
T131 SGA	Blurton	Lower Milehouse Road	Charter	Z Carz
T131 SGA	Lower Milehouse Road	Blurton	Charter	Z Carz

Today we to go to Morrison's in Milehouse to have a late dinner. Matthew got up around 12:00 and had some toast with some orange juice for a late breakfast. We set off 14:15 and our transport was Z Carz T131 SGA. We went down the A5035 to Trentham. We then headed North up the A34 to Newcastle. We passed the bus station where we saw 40136 on a #22 and 40146,40151 and 60006 on other services. Wardle Transport 2407 was parked up between duties. We then headed North up the A34 and then down Lower Milehouse road to the Morrisons. When we arrived Matthew went to use the toilet first. For dinner Matthew had the alternative big breakfast (minus the mushrooms and tomatoes with extra toast). We were unable to get a lemon meringue pie in the cafe as they had run out. Whilst we waited for the food Matthew and mum went into the shop to get a lemon Meringue pie for later. By the time they had finished the food had arrived and we tucked in. We then set off back home on Z Carz T131 SGA. We called at the petrol station for diesel before setting off via the First Newcastle garage where 66842 was at the front of the depot. We then headed up George Street where we passed 32635 on the #25 service. We then went onto Shelton New Road. We got on the Southbound A500 and then onto the A50 to Longton where we went passed the Z Carz depot. On the depot today was D104 XAN.

Z Carz D104 XAN in Longton

Next on he row was LDV minibus T408 JUX. This had a sticker in the front saying Stone.

Z Carz T408 JUX in Longton

This was followed by T131 SGA.

Z Carz T131 SGA in Longton

Then was Mercedes minibus BV51 BNO.

Z Carz BV51 BNO in Longton

Last but not least was airport transfer bus DL03 HHU.

Z Carz DL03 HHU in Longton

We then headed home via Longton Hall Road,getting home aound 15:50. After a couple of hour we went collecting around Trentham before going to Trent Vale Macdonalds. Whilst we were out we saw 60060 & 60083 on #21's. We then headed back home down the A34 and A5035. We got home around 19:45. Matthew then chilled out watching telly before bedtime...Mark.

Trip to Hanley Park / Newcastle Fire Station 21-08-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
FJ10 BJX	Shelton, opp Cemetery Road	Hanley Park	Charter	Aiming High
FJ10 BJX	Hanley Park	Shelton, adj Cemetery Road	Charter	Aiming High
FJ10 BJX	Shelton, opp Cemetery Road	Newcastle Fire Station	Charter	Aiming High
FJ10 BJX	Newcastle Fire Station	Shelton, adj Cemetery Road	Charter	Aiming High

Today Matthew was out with aiming high on a trip to Newcastle fire station. He got up around 08:30 and had some breakfast before setting off to Shelton around 09:30 The route was through Blurton passing First Potteries 40017 on the early #22A turn. We then continued through Heron Cross and up Victoria Road up to the edge of Hanley. As we approached Hanley we passed 60136 on a #6 service. We went around the town and down through Snow Hill to Shelton. We dropped Matthew off at the place and whilst it was quiet he got a picture of the transport for today Aiming High's FJ10 BJX.

Aiming High FJ10 BJX in Shelton

I walked him into the building and had a quick chat with one of the members of staff. They were going to Hanley park First for a short while before going on their fire station trip. After I left him they set off to the park which was less than a mile away. Matthew got another picture of the minibus here.

Aiming High FJ10 BJX in Hanley Park

He visited the playground and also went to the toilet whilst they walked around the park. They then headed back to Shelton for a while, presumably having their packed lunches here before heading off to Newcastle fire station. As they went through Newcastle, we spotted reliveried 40018 around town. At the fire station they had a good wander round. They went upstairs into the offices. He had his picture taken with a Firemans helmet on! They then walked around the depot. Here is a close up of the rear of one of the fire engines.

Fire engine DX61 GXG in Newcastle Fire Station

He also got to sit in the cab of on of the engines.

Inside a fire engine

After the visited the headed back to Shelton. We picked him up and Matthew took a close up of a cab that was waiting to pick up one of the other Aiming High users.

Close up of an Intercity cab

We then headed home via Z carz! The route took us down Stoke Road and passed a Shell Petrol station which is being refurbished. We then went onto the A500 and then onto the A50. before doubling back to go by the depot. There wasn't very much on today, with the exception of the 2 bigger coaches. Here's V690 EBC.

Z Carz V690 EBC in Longton

Besides D104 XAN, the only others visible were LDV minibus YN03 HJC and Mercedes minibus T131 SGA.

Z Carz D104 XAN in Longton

We then headed homeward. Later on we went out for a MacDonalds on Victoria Road. As well as eating is own he pinched some of his mums too! He then settled down for the evening before going to bed...Mark