Trip to Hanley Park / Talke 04-06-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DG10 VMJ	Fenton	Hanley Park	Charter	Z Carz
DG10 VMJ	Hanley Park	Fenton	Charter	Z Carz

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. It was also the first day of the new #50 Hanley - Pool Dole - Longton - Dresden - Newstead bus service. Matthew was also going for tea with mum and dad. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst waiting to go to the day service We saw First Potteries 42552 on a #11 to Hanley. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street and to the day centre, where we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX parked up.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

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. Part way down Victoria Road we saw First Potteries 32635 on a #6A to Blythe Bridge. We turned left off Victoria Road and towards the supermarket. In Aldi Matthew picked up his weekly shop. On the way back up Victoria Road we saw First Potteries 63174 on a #6A to Hanley. We turned right onto Manor Street and walked to the end. Having crossed over City Road and we crossed over before turning right onto Christchurch Street. We stopped at the Co-operative Food store and we picked up some oatcakes. We then walked round the corner back to the day centre, For dinner Matthew had a beans on toast followed by a cupcake. In the afternoon we were going to the Hanley Park on Z Carz DG10 VMJ. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned left onto City Road. We ran down to the A52 and we turned right. We continued along the A52 and we veered left onto Boughey Road. At the end we turned right onto the Avenue. We stopped and Matthew and a few of his peers went into Hanley Park to use the play equipment. When they had finished they returned onto The Avenue to get on Z Carz DG10 VMJ to return to Fenton. We travelled West and we turned left onto College Road. We ran down to Station Road and we turned left. At the end we ran onto the A52. We turned left onto City Road and we ran up the hill. We turned right into Smithpool Road and then left into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to wait for time before going for tea. Matthew used his computer and watched buses out of the window. We saw Stanton's of Stoke SO57 OKE going towards Heron Cross.

Stanton's of Stoke SO57 OKE in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw A2B Airports minibus WF11 MOA going towards Stoke.

A2B Airports WF11 MOA in Fenton

Also seen was D&G Bus 111 on a #1 to Meir.

D&G 111 in Fenton

Across the road we saw Harry Shaw BU14 SYS going towards Stoke.

Harry Shaw BU14 SYS in Fenton

After a short while we saw First Potteries 67153 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67153 in Fenton

After a few minutes we saw Trinity Sixth Form minibus EU67 NWN going towards Stoke.

Trinity Sixth Form EU67 NWN in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw D&G 112 on a #1 to Park Site.

D&G 112 in Fenton

We turned up and we got ready to go out. We went downstairs and we got in the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road. We ran down the hill and under the railway line into Stoke. We crossed over the A500 and we went around the one-way system. We ran up the hill into Hartshill and we continued to the edge of Newcastle. We turned right into Albert Street and we crossed over the A53 onto Sandy Lane. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A527. We ran towards Wolstanton and then we realised the rod was close for major repair works. We turmned left onto Silverdale Road and we turned right onto the B5369. We joined the Northbound A34 and we ran Northwards. We crossed over the A34 and we ran up to Talke. We turned right at the traffic light onto the A34 and we stopped at the pub. We parked up and as we walked towards the pub we saw First Potteries 67638 on a #4A to Kidsgrove.

First Potteries 67638 in Talke

Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards he had a glass of Coke. For tea Matthew had a carvery. After having a re-fill of Coke, Matthew had choclate fudge cake and custard for afters. When we had finished we returned to Fenton in the car. We set off down the A34 and we followed it to the left. We ran through Talke and over the A500 into Crackley. We continued down through Bradwell and Cross Heath and into Newcastle. As we passed the depot which was empty. We turned left onto Ryecroft and at the roundabout we turned right onto Barracks Road. At the bus station we saw D&G Bus 35 on a #25 to Crewe. We continued onto the Southbound A34 we missed the turning for The Avenue. We continued to Southwards and we turned left onto Newcastle Lane. We ran up to Penkhull vilaage and we we ran forwards onto Penkhull New Road. We went down the hill and at the bottom we turned left onto London Road. We continued forwards onto the one-way system in Stoke onto Campbell Place. We followed the road around onto Church Street and we veered right onto Liverpool Road. We turned right onto Elenora Street and right onto Copeland Street. We ran forwards onto Glebe Street and we followed the one-way system forwards onto Church Street. We crossed over the A500 onto City Road and we went under the railway line. We ran up the hill into Fenton and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went up to Matthew's room and we wrote some of the Blog. Matthew also drank a can of Irn Bru. After doing a couple of entries I left and Matthew chilled out in his room watching television and using his computer. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. Matthew used his computer and watched music videos on the television. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Hanley Park / Basford 12-03-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DG10 VMJ	Fenton	Hanley Park	Charter	Z Carz
DG10 VMJ	Hanley Park	Fenton	Charter	Z Carz

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. We were also going out for tea as Matthew today. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst waiting to go out we saw First Potteries 67658 on a #11 to Newcastle. Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street where we saw D&G Bus 116 on a #40 to Longton.

D&G 116 in Fenton

We continued on to the day centre, where we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX parked up.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

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. Part way down Victoria Road we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 246. We turned left off Victoria Road and towards the supermarket. In Aldi Matthew picked up his weekly shop. On the way back up Victoria Road we saw Stoke-on-Trent city council welfare bus LK17 DWD. We turned right onto Manor Street and walked to the end. Having crossed over City Road and we crossed over before turning right onto Christchurch Street. We stopped at the Co-operative Food store and we picked up some oatcakes. We then walked round the corner back to the day centre, For dinner Matthew had a beans on toast followed by a cupcake. In the afternoon we were going to the Hanley Park on Z Carz DG10 VMJ. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned left onto City Road. We ran down to the A52 and we turned right. We continued along the A52 and we veered left onto Boughey Road. At the end we turned right onto the Avenue. We stopped and Matthew and a few of his peers went into Hanley Park to use the play equipment. When they had finished they returned onto The Avenue to get on Z Carz DG10 VMJ to return to Fenton. We travelled West and we turned left onto College Road. We ran down to Station Road and we turned left. At the end we ran onto the A52. We turned left onto City Road and we ran up the hill. We turned right into Smithpool Road and then left into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Outside we saw Jayjays Travel PO58 XFX going towards Hanley.

Jayjays Travel PO58 XFX in Fenton

A short while later we saw Kingsland Primary YP63 ENR going towards Hanley.

Kingsland Primary YP63 ENR in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw Wints coach R588 RRX going towards Longton.

Wints R588 RRX in Fenton

A few minutes later me and uncle Dave came to pick up Matthew to take him out for tea. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road and we ran down the hill and under the railway line into Stoke. We crossed over the A500 and we went around the one-way system. We ran up the hill into Hartshill and we continued to the edge of Newcastle. We turned right into Albert Street and right onto the A53. We stopped at the pub and parked up. Matthew went to the toilet and then we found a table that overlooked the main road. Whilst we waited for the food to come we saw white minibus YK08 PVA. For tea Matthew had a burger and fries as well as some of my chicken New Yorker! This was followed by cookie dough cheesecake and ice cream. Matthew removed all the cookie dough. When it was time to go we returned to the residential unit in the car. We turned left onto the A53 and ran through Basford down to Etruria. We turned left onto the A500. We came of the A500 in stoke and we turned left onto City Road. An we ran up the hill into Fenton. We turned right into Smithpool Road where we turned right. We turned left onto Temple Street and we returned to the residential unit. We went up to Matthew's room and we wrote some of the Blog. Matthew also drank a glass of orange squash. After doing a couple of entries I left and Matthew chilled out in his room watching television and using his computer. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. Matthew used his computer and watched music videos on the television. 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 Chester / Basford 20-11-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DG10 VMJ	Fenton	Chester	Charter	Z Carz
DG10 VMJ	Chester	Kidsgrove	Charter	Z Carz
DG10 VMJ	Kidsgrove	Fenton	Charter	Z Carz

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. Matthew was also going out for tea with mum and dad. 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. Across the road we saw First Potteries 67159 on a #23 to Hanley. Around 09:00 we saw it was Z Carz DG10 VMJ to Chester. We got on the bus and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and then left onto City Road. We ran down the hill and forwards onto the A52 and under the railway line. We turned right onto the Northbound A500 We ran North up to the M6 and we continued North as far as junction 20. At Junction 20 we went Westwards along the M56 At junction 15 we went Southwards down the M53 and forwards onto the A56. We then ran into the North end of Chester and we went on the clockwise ring road. We joined the Eastbound A51 and we went up Tarvin Road and around the one way system before going eastwards along the A5115. we stopped for dinner at The Peacock. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. For dinner Matthew had a burger and chips followed by chocolate fudge cake. Highlights of the bus sightings included Stagecoach Merseyside 47517. When it was time to return we got back on board Z Carz DG10 VMJ. We set of along the A5115 and forwards onto the A51. We ran Westwards to the ring road and then we went anti-clockwise around to the A56. We ran North up to the M53 and we went North one junction to the M56. We got onto the Eastbound M56 as far as the A556 and then we went down to the A50. We travelled South through Knutsford. We continued to Holmes Chapel and down into Kidsgrove. At Kidsgrove we got off the bus to go shopping in Tesco Matthew did some shopping and when we finished we returned to Fenton on Z Carz DG10 VMJ. We carried on South towards Tunstall and we turned left onto the A527. In Fegg Hayes we turned right onto Oxford Street and we ran through Chell Heath past Matthew's old school. In Smallthorne we turned right onto Ford Green Road and at the roundabouts we turned left onto the A5272. We followed the road through Sneyd Green and Northwood and down to Bucknall. We turned right onto the A52 and at Joiners Square roundabout we turned left onto Victoria Road. At the top of the hill we turned right onto City Road and we ran down the hill to Smithpool Road. We turned left and left again onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. In the residential unit Matthew chilled out on his computer whilst he waited for us to arrive. Whilst wait we saw Jayjay's Travel PO58 XFX going towards Hanley.

Jayjay's Travel PO58 XFX in Fenton

We also saw Autocabs SA57 GOJ going towards Longton.

Autocabs SA57 GOJ in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw Stoke-on-Trent city council welfare bus LK17 DXC going towards Longton.

Stoke-on-Trent city council LK17 DXC in Fenton

Later on we saw Intercity SV07 VLD going towards Longton.

Intercity SV07 VLD in Fenton

We also saw First Potteries 67602 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67602 in Fenton

We saw new arrival in the area First Potteries 67651 on a #11 to Newcastle

First Potteries 67651 in Fenton

In the yard was Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

Mum and dad arrived and we got ready to go out for tea. We set up a Christmas tree and some Christmas decorations. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road and we ran down the hill onto the A52. We ran down the hill under the railway line and over the A500 into Stoke town centre. We ran around the one-way system and we ran up Hartshill Road through Hartshill. We continued along the A52 to the edge of town and we turned right into Albert Street. At the traffic light we turned right onto A53 and we stopped at the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and then we found mum who had saved us a table. I ordered the food and Matthew had a glass of Coke whilst we waited. The food arrived and Matthew had a burger and fries. He also helped us eating the some of the meat and sausage on our mixed grills. Whilst we ate we saw D&G Bus 40 on a #2 to Hanley. For dessert Matthew had Chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. After we had finished eating we left the pub and went to the car. We turned left onto the A53 and ran through Basford down to Etruria. We turned left onto the A500. We came of the A500 in stoke and we turned left onto City Road. An we ran up the hill into Fenton. We turned left onto the private road on which the baths are situated and we dropped mum off outside the baths. We turned around and we ran back to City Road. We turned left and we saw Harry Shaw's TIL 6715. We turned right into Smithpool Road and we turned left. We turned left Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went up to Matthew's room and we wrote some of the Blog. After doing a couple of entries I left and Matthew chilled out in his room watching television and using his computer. Later on Matthew emptied his bin into a bin bag. had a bath and then had toast for supper. Later on Matthew He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Ripley / Birches Head 07-11-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DG10 VMJ	Fenton	Ripley	Charter	Z Carz
DG10 VMJ	Ripley	Fenton	Charter	Z Carz
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Birches Head	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Birches Head	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. Matthew also change his Facebook picture. Matthew got up and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst waiting for time to got to the day centre Matthew spent time in his room watching buses. We saw First Potteries 63176 on a #11 to Hanley. A short while later we saw dud Stanton's of Stoke BU54 SOS. Around Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street where we saw Z Carz LV59 DZC. We continued along Christchurch Street and into the day centre. We continued to the day centre and we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

In the morning Matthew went to Ripley it was Z Carz minibus DG10 VMJ. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned right onto City Road. We turned right onto the A50 link road and then we we ran down to the A50. We joined the Eastbound A50 and we ran through Longton. We continued along the A50 through Blythe Bridge and Uttoxeter and we continued all the way to the A38. We ran North through Derby and we continued another 15 miles and we came off the A38 onto the Eastbound A610. We ran for around 1/3 mile and we stopped at the Brewers Fayre pub for dinner. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. for dinner Matthew had a mixed grill followed by a lemon merinque pie. When we had finished eating we returned to Z Carz minibus DG10 VMJ for the journey back to Fenton. We travelled Westwards along the A610 and then we got onto the Southbound A38. We ran through Derby and Southwards onto the Westbound A50. We travelled Westwards for another 30 or so miles and we came off the A50 at Heron Cross. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we ran through Heron Cross onto Heron Street. We followed the road around onto Station Bridge Road and forwards onto Glebedale Road and back to the day centre. When it was time to go back to the residential unit we set off on foot onto Christchurch Street. We turned right onto Temple Street and then went back to the the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out and use his computer. Out of the window we saw Stoke-on-Trent city council LK17 DWE going towards Blurton.

Stoke-on-Trent city council LK17 DWE in Fenton

We also saw Stoke-on-Trent city council going towards Stoke.

E-zec patient transport SF16 EFT in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 67153 on a #23A to Hanley.

First Potteries 67153 in Fenton

It was starting to go dark... A few minutes later we saw an unidentified maroon coloured minibus going towards Stoke.

Maroon in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 63177 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63177 in Fenton

For tea Matthew had sausages and chips followed by cake. Later on Matthew went to the disco on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Baker Street and left onto Glebedale Road. We turned right City Road and at the roundabout we turned left onto Victoria Road. We ran down the hill to Joiners Square. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A52 and we ran North to Bucknall. We went straight cross onto the A5009 and we ran up through Abbey Hulton. We turned left onto Birches Head Road and we stopped at the disco. On the way in we saw Parklands AE15 NKU parked up. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. Matthew danced to Halloween themed song until it was time to go home. The transport back to Fenton was Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Birches Head Road and we turned right onto the A5009. We ran through Abbey Hulton and into Bucknall. We ran forwards onto the A52 and at joiners Square we turned left onto Victoria Road. We ran up the hill and went forwards onto City Road. We turned right onto the A50 link Road and we turned right onto the Westbound A50. We came off at Heron Cross and we turned right onto Blurton Road. We ran through the lights and we went forwards onto Heron Street. We ran forwards onto Station Bridge Road and Glebedale Road and we turned left onto City Road. We turned left onto Smithpool Road and we turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. When Matthew got back he went up to his room. He used his computer and watched music videos on the Television. 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 Fenton / Meir Park 03-07-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DG10 VMJ	Fenton	Hanley Park	Charter	Z Carz
DG10 VMJ	Hanley Park	Fenton	Charter	Z Carz

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. later on he was going out for tea with a few friends. Matthew learned that Firstbus had taken over the running of the Ipswich Park and Ride bus service. 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. Across the road we saw First Potteries 41497 on a #23 to Hanley. Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street. At the day centre we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. In the morning Matthew went down Fenton to go swimming. We set off on foot onto Christchurch Street and we crossed over City Road. As we passed the car hire place we saw Afford rent-a-car's new minibus PO17 ZYE.

Afford rent-a-car's PO17 ZYE in Fenton

We continued down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and we turned right into the private road and we walked down to the baths. we saw Global Travel HUI 6822.

Global Travel HUI 6822 in Fenton

After a quick swimming session we headed back to the base on foot. At the end of the private road, We walked onto City Road and we crossed over before turning right onto Christchurch Street. We stopped at the Co-operative Food store and we picked up some oatcakes. We then walked round the corner back to the day centre, For dinner Matthew had a ham sandwich followed by a cupcake. In the afternoon we were going to the Hanley Park on Z Carz DG10 VMJ. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned left onto City Road. We ran down to the A52 and we turned right. We continued along the A52 and we veered left onto Boughey Road. At the end we turned right onto the Avenue. We stopped and Matthew and a few of his peers went into Hanley Park to use the play equipment. When they had finished they returned onto The Avenue to get on Z Carz DG10 VMJ to return to Fenton. We travelled West and we turned left onto College Road. We ran down to Station Road and we turned left. At the end we ran onto the A52. We turned left onto City Road and we ran up the hill. We turned right into Smithpool Road and then left into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We turned up to pick Matthew up and we saw First Potteries 32081 on a #11 to Newcastle. We grabbed some batteries and set off onto Temple Street. We turned right onto Christchurch Street and we ran to the end. At the end we turned right onto Station Bridge Road and we crossed over the railway line. We ran forwards Heron Street and we went through Heron Cross and over the A50. We ran into Blurton along Blurton Road and we veered right onto Church Street. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive we stopped to pick up the friend and then we continued down Beaconsfield Drive. We turned right onto Finstock Avenue and then left onto Magdalen Road. At the end we turned left onto the A5035. We ran through Dresden up to Longton and then we crossed over and joined the Eastbound A50. We ran up to Meir Park and we came of the A50 and right at the roundabout into the pub. We beat the other group to the pub and around 5 minutes later they turned up. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. For tea Matthew had a burger and fries as well as some of his mum's mixed grill! For afters he had a chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. After we had finished eating we said goodbye to the friends and we got in the car to go back to Fenton. In the car park we saw Arley Hall Shopping Spectacular minibus BX10 BYT.

Arley Hall Shopping Spectacular BX10 BYT in Meir Park

We set off onto Lysander Road and we turned left onto the A50. We ran down to Heron Cross and we came of the A50 and onto the link road. We ran up to City Road and we saw silver minibus DS17 WFV. We ran down to Smithpool Road and we turned left and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We took matthew up to his room and we said goodbye for a few days. Matthew went to his room and chilled out for a while. 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 Newcastle / Biddulph 28-01-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67159	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trentham, adj Man-in-Space	22	First Potteries
67154	Trentham, adj Man-in-Space	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop R	21	First Potteries
66303	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop Q	Newcastle BS	25	First Potteries
41493	Newcastle BS	Tunstall, Adj Stop A	99	First Potteries
140	Tunstall, Adj Stop B	Newcastle BS	94	D&G Bus
66306	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	4	First Potteries
41501	Hanley BS	Biddulph BS	7A	First Potteries
41520	Biddulph BS	Hanley BS	7A	First Potteries
65040	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	25	First Potteries

Today we decided to stay local as mum was feeling a little under the weather. We checked the for day and it for for dry and cloudy with rain shower moving in in the late afternoon. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We decided do catch the 12:21 departure towards Newcastle today. We set off on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. A few minutes later our bus appeared and it was unusually a First Potteries E200 MMC which are branded for the #21/23. As it got closer we noticed that it looked a little different... It was in fact required new First Potteries 67159 which had only been in service for a couple of days!

First Potteries 67159 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we purchased a Smart Day tickets at £5.30 before we sat down and the bus set off onto the A5035 where we turned right. We passed Stanley Matthews Way and we crossed the railway line and we entered Trentham where we saw First Potteries 53122 on a #22 to Longton. W before turning right into New Inn Lane and we passed First Potteries 67154 on a #21 to the Trentham Hotel. As we approached the Man in Space we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67159 before it continued on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 67159 in Trentham

Having seen First Potteries 67154 on the #21 we knew it was going to be our bus forwards to Stoke. A quick check of the Buses I Have Travelled on page revealed the First Potteries 67154 was was of only 3 buses of the batch that we had been on before today. A short while later the bus returned off the A5035 and it was as expected dud First Potteries 67154 on a #21 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67154 in Trentham

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver. The bus was nearly empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 67154 before we sat town towards the back of the bus.

Inside First Potteries 67154

The bus set off up New Inn Lane and into Hanford passing First Potteries 67642 on the fianl #22 turn. We turned right into Wilson Road and then we turned left onto Church Lane. We lane down the hill and we joined the Northbound A34 where we saw Destination Courtesy Travel minibus MV58 MFA and white minibus R2 OGO. We crossed under the A500 into Trent Vale and we turned right into London Road by the black Lion passing First Potteries 67158 on the #21 to the Trentham Hotel. We ran the couple of miles into Stoke town centre where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture First Potteries 67154 before it carried on towards Hanley.

First Potteries 67154 in Stoke

Once off the bus we walked along Campbell Place and around the corner into Church Street and into the Stoke Cafe. Matthew went to the toilet and then we ordered breakfast. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. The surreal nature of the day continued as whilst we ate our dinner a large group came into the cafe. Amongst the group were non other than Jeremy Corbyn and Gareth Snell, the new Labour candidate for the Stoke Central seat. Such was the size of the party that a few were standing outside the cafe waiting for a seat. Once we had finished eating, we left the cafe and the people outside came in, eager to re-gain the seat. On the way to the Newcastle bus stop we bumped into uncle Rob. We let dud D&G Bus 113 go which was on 'The Orange ONE' in the hope of something better or required turning up on the #25 or #11. Going to other way towards Longton we saw First Potteries 32650 on a #11 to Hanley. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching and it was an early First Potteries Volvo B7RLE. As it got closer we saw that it was dud First Potteries 66303.

First Potteries 66303 in Stoke

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat town towards the back of the bus. We set off along Church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road. We climbed the hill and we ran through Hartshill turning left onto The Avenue, WE turned onto Hilton Road and we turned right into the City General hospital. After passing through the ground we turned right onto the A34 and we ran into Newcastle from the Southern end. We crossed the roundabout onto Barrack Road and we entered the bus station. As it was a through bus the bus didn't empty out so we got up and got off the bus. The area around the bus station was being re-paved and barriers up around these area, so there were part of the bus station that we couldn't get to like the bench at the Southern end. On Stubbs Street we saw D&G Bus 41 on layover, presumably in between #85 Crewe services.

D&G 41 in Newcastle bus station

The benches at the top end of the bus station were still accesible, so we decided to go up there whilst we decided what we were going to do next. On the way up there we saw D&G Bus 49 arrive into the bus station on a #17 to Wolstanton.

D&G 49 in Newcastle bus station

We didn't have a particularly good view from behind the lamp posts. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 37158 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 37158 in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 41496 come into the bus station about to work a #98 to Ball Green.

First Potteries 41496 in Newcastle bus station

We also saw Arriva Midlands 3696 on the #164 to Hanley.

Arriva Midlands 3696 in Newcastle bus station

We decided we would do the next Tunstall bound service and we had just missed dud D&G bus 137 on the #94 Congleton service. A few minutes later we saw another dart come into the bus station and it was dud First Potteries 41493 on the #99 to Bradeley.

First Potteries 41493 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We crossed the Jubilee Roundabout and onto the A527, where we saw First Potteries 53207 on an inbound #97 service. We continued through May Bank & Wolstanton and to Porthill. We ran down the hill and we crossed the A500 and we ran into Longport. At Trubshaw Cross we turned left onto Brownhills Road and we climbed the hill into Tunstall town centre past the new building on the left. We went straight onto Tunstall High Street and at the top of the High Street we got up and got off the bus. Matthew then took another picture of First Potteries 41493 before it carried on towards Bradeley.

First Potteries 41493 in Tunstall

Once off the bus bus we walked down the High Street to Tunstall Cafe. Matthew went to the toilet and I ordered him a can of Coke. They had ran out cheesecake. Once he had finished his drink we went out of the cafe and across the road to the bus stop opposite. Almost immediately a bus turned up and it was required D&G Solo 140 on a #94 to Newcastle.

D&G 140 in Tunstall

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver. The bus was nearly empty so Matthew took a picture inside D&G Bus 140 before we sat town towards the back of the bus.

Inside D&G 140

Matthew was well behaved and didn't even try and beep the horn! We ran down the High Street past the new building on the right and forwards onto Brownills Road. We continued down the hill and at Trubshaw Cross we continued down through Middleport into Longport. We crossed over the A500 and we climbed up Porthill Bank. At the top we turned left and we ran through Wolstanton and May Bank. We ran into Newcastle and we crossed the Jubilee roundabout onto Barracks Street. We went into the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. once in the bus station we had a look around to see what we might be able to catch. On Stubbs Street we saw D&G Bus 38 on layover, presumably in between #85 Crewe services.

D&G 38 in Newcastle bus station

We looked around to see what we could catch to Hanley next. There was an #4A in the bus station and a #4 just coming in. We went over to First Potteries 63179 which was on the 4 bus by the time Matthew had taken his picture it had pulled off. Almost Immediately First Potteries 66306 pulled in on the adjacent stand.

First Potteries 66306 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We crossed the Jubilee Roundabout and onto the A53. We ran into Basford and we passed an unidentified Paul S Winson coach. As we ran towards Hanley we passed a mixture of Scania's and Enviro300's on the #4/4A's. They were First Potteries 65728/65733/67633/67636. We ran down into Etruria and over the A500. We continued along the A53 and we turned left onto Forge Lane. We ran out along the Lane and we crossed over the canal before we returned back into Etruria along festival Way. We crossed under the A53 onto Etruria Road. We ran into Hanley and into the bus station. The entire journey was made unpleasant by a group of 'adults' that were old enough to know better. As this is Matthew's Blog I won't discuss the details here any further. Once off the bus we went to the toilet and then headed up to the car park to take a few bus pictures. Just before we went into the car park we saw First Potteries 37159 on a #32 to Uttoxeter.

First Potteries 37159 in Hanley bus station

We went into the car park and 'up the stairs mister' so we could get a few bus pictures. On layover were D&G Bus 171 and First Potteries 41500.

First Potteries 41500 in Hanley bus station

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries Volvo B7LRE 66851 on a #18 to Leek.

First Potteries 66851 in Hanley bus station

Whilst we were in the car park Matthew had a Milky Way. There are only four 02 reg Solo's left in service as far as I know. First Potteries 53123 was on a #5 to Abbey Hulton.

First Potteries 53123 in Hanley bus station

We had seen a First Potteries Dart on #7A to Biddulph, so we figured by the time we walked back and had been to the shop it would be nearly time for the next one. We walked past the Victoria Theatre and back into the bus station and we stopped at the shop. Matthew had a can of Coke and a small bottle of Irn Bru as well as a couple of chocolate bars. After we had paid for the goods we walked down to the stand to wait for the bus. A couple of minutes later we saw dud First Potteries 41501 pull onto stand.

First Potteries 41501 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. Bizarrely the last time that we did the bus to Biddulph it was also First Potteries 41501 back on Christmas Eve 2016! We set off out of the bus station and we ran down John Street. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and we crossed Broad street onto Marsh Street. We turned right onto Trinity Street and we stopped on Stafford Street to to pick up more passengers before we left town along Quadrant Road. We crossed over the ring road and we headed out of town towards Sneyd Green along Town Road. We continued to Smallthorne roundabouts and we continued forwards onto High Lane. At the end of High Lane we turned right onto the A527 and we ran down the hill through Fegg Hayes and up into Brindley Ford. We continued up towards Knyperlsey and we turned left onto Brown Lees Road. We ran through the estate and we crossed over the A527 and into the Biddulph estate. We went passed the barley Mow and we turned left onto St John's Road. At the end we re-joined the A527. We entered the town at Wharf Road and we stopped at the bus station. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 41501 before it returned to Hanley.

First Potteries 41501 in Biddulph bus station

Once off the bus we went to the toilet. When we came out we saw required D&G Bus 45 about to work a #9 to Newcastle.

D&G 45 in Biddulph bus station

We decided not to do this, and to make up for the earlier disappointment of not having cheesecake, we decided to go and see if we could get a cake from Wrights Pies. We walked around the corner onto High Street and a few hundred yards South. Just as we got to the shop the staff were coming out as it was closing for the evening. We walked back to the stop and we saw D&G Bus 45 about to depart. Matthew turned it down again and we decided to wait at the stop for the next #7A. Whilst we waited Matthew had a Crunchie. A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was dud First Potteries 41520.

First Potteries 41520 in Biddulph bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver. The bus was empty when we got on it so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 41520 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside First Potteries 41520

The bus set off onto the High Street and we turned left onto Wells Street. We ran around the estate and we crossed over the A527 at Knypersley We ran along the normal route through Brown Lees and we rejoined the A527 by the industrial estate. We ran down through Brindley Ford and to Fegg Hayes. We ran up the hill to Chell and we turned left onto High Lane. We ran back through Smallthorne & Sneyd Green into Hanley. We got off the bus and on one of the adjacent stands was dud First Potteries 32649 which was about to work the next #32 service to Uttoxeter.

First Potteries 32649 in Hanley bus station

When we got back to the bus station we went to look for a bus to get us to Newcastle where we arranged to meet mum. At the bottom of the bus station we saw a #25 to Keele. Closer inspection revealed it was dud First Potteries 65040.

First Potteries 65040 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart day ticket to the driver for the last time today before we saw down towards the back of the bus. As we were leaving the bus station we saw National Express FJ11 RDU on the #540 service. Last time we rode on First Potteries 65040 back in October 2016, it was still carrying the Evening Sentinel advert. We ran down John Street onto Bethesda street and we crossed over the ring road. We ran down through Shelton along Cauldon Road and we turned left onto Station Road outside the railway station. We went forwards onto A52 and we followed the road around to the right and under the railway line. We crossed over the A500 ans we ran into Stoke centre along Church Street. We went out of the other side of Stoke and up Hartshill Road into Hartshill. We turned left into The Avenue and we ran down to Hilton Road and we turned right into the hospital. We ran through the hospital and we turned right onto the A34. We ran up to Newcastle and forwards onto Barracks Road at the roundabout. We came into the bus station from the South and we got up and got off the bus. It was now fully dark. On the way out of the bus station we saw D&G 115 on a #74 to Park Site.

D&G 115 in Newcastle bus station

We walked across Barracks Road and we met up with mum in the car park. Mum was waiting with Wrights sausage rolls and a small bottle of Irn Bru. We set off down barracks Road and onto the A34. We went past the hospital into Trent Vale and we stop at the chip shop to pick up some chips to share between us. Once we had finished we continued South to the A500 and then we went North up the A500 to Sideway. We went East on the A50 and we came off at Longton to see what was parked up at Z Carz this evening. In the first row was Z Carz Ford minibus FP06 WTW.

Z Carz FP06 WTW in Longton

Also in the first row was Z Carz Renault minibus PE10 MJK.

Z Carz PE10 MJK in Longton

Nearest vehicle in the first row was one of Z Carz new arrivals, Vauxhall minibus DG10 VMJ.

Z Carz DG10 VMJ in Longton

In the second row was Z Carz Renault minibus BU04 GYW.

Z Carz BU04 GYW in Longton

We turned into Willow Row to see what was parked in the compound tonight. In the compound we saw Z Carz Mercedes minibus LV52 TZY.

Z Carz LV52 TZY in Longton

We got back onto the A50 and we ran fast to Heron Cross before going onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and right onto Church Road before we turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 18:30. for a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a millionaire's shortbread. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until 00:00... Mark