Trip to Fenton / Longton 09-02-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DV10 JCU	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Haywood Hospital	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Haywood Hospital	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Longton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Longton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DX53 VCA	Fenton	Benitlee	Charter	Shelton Care Group

Today Matthew went into respite but not before he spent the day with his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and juice for breakfast. The bus turned up and it was his usual transport, Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Blurton

We got on the bus and it picked up another service user before going onto the A5035. We then turned left into Church Road. We went through Blurton and into Heron Cross. We carried onto Heron Street and then turned left onto Christchurch Street before getting to the destination. This morning Matthew had an appointment at the Haywood Hospital in relation to his feet. He went in his usual minibus Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. The bus set off and went to High lane via Victoria Road and the Hanley ring Road before travelling through Sneyd Green and Smallthorne. Matthew had his feet checked and then they went back to Fenton in the minibus Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. The bus went back along High Lane and they rounded Hanley on the ring road and backnup Victoria Road where they stopped off at Aldi so that Matthew could pick up his weekly shop. They went back to the day centre and Matthew had a baked potato with tuna and cheese. In the afternoon they decided to go up to Longton to have a look at the animals at pets at Home. They went in the usual minibus Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We set off up to the A50 Link Road and then we joined the A50 up to Longton. At the roundabout we turned sharp left to go onto the retail park. After seeing the animale we went to Tesco car park so we could see a few buses before we returned to the day centre. First we saw First Potteries 63171 on a #6B to Blythe Bridge.

First Potteries 63171 in Longton Interchange

Then we saw First Potteries 60202 on a #22 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 60202 in Longton Interchange

On a #2 to Hanley was First Potteries 60013.

First Potteries 60013 in Longton Interchange

Since Scraggs have taken over the #50 the service is worked almost exclusively by Scraggs Versa YJ59 GHH just as it was on this occasion.

Scraggs YJ59 GHH in Longton Interchange

A relatively new service is D&G's 'The Orange One'.Seen working the service towards Meir was D&G 112.

D&G 112 in Longton Interchange

The next bus seen leaving the interchange was First Potteries 63178 on a #6B to Hanley.

First Potteries 63178 in Longton Interchange

Another bus on the #2, this time bound for Newcastle was First Potteries 60012.

First Potteries 60012 in Longton Interchange

Demonstrator bus carrying the Raspberry Route colours but with a Northern Irish style cherished registration DRZ 9713 is First Potteries 63180 displaying #6 Longton.

First Potteries 63180 in Longton Interchange

We then saw another D&G bus, 113 doing 'The Orange One' towards Newcastle.

D&G 113 in Longton Interchange

We also saw another #22 service. This time it was First Potteries 60069 working a #22 towards Dresden.

First Potteries 60069 in Longton Interchange

This was followed by First Potteries 40009 on the #22A to Newstead.

First Potteries 40009 in Longton Interchange

The next #6B towards Hanley was being worked by First Potteries 63175.

First Potteries 63175 in Longton Interchange

On the following #2 to Newcastle was heritage liveried Scania First Potteries 60171.

First Potteries 60171 in Longton Interchange

Also present was First Potteries 60189 working the next #2 to Hanley via Meir.

First Potteries 60189 in Longton Interchange

We then saw First Potteries 63172 on another #6B to Blythe Bridge.

First Potteries 63172 in Longton Interchange

before we left we saw D&G Solo 114 on 'The Orange one' towards Meir.

D&G 114 in Longton Interchange

Going back to the day centre we set off out off Tesco's car park and went past the bus station onto King Street. We headed down King Street and forward onto City Road before turning left onto Glebedale Road and to our destination. When it was time to go we got in Shelton Care Group DX53 VCA for the journey up to the respite centre. We headed back out onto City Road and towards Longton on King Street. We turned left into clarence road and we headed over onto Anchor Road avoiding Longton town centre. When we got to Anchor Road we turned left and we headed up to Adderley Green. We turned left and we headed into Bentilee. Matthew was dropped off and he went upstairs to his room whilst he waited for tea. There were a few other buses dropping off service users. First to arrive was Stantons of Stoke minibus VU06 KFA.

Stantons of Stoke VU06 KFA in Bentilee

This was followed by Intercity taxi minibus SF58 EXE.

Intercity SF58 EXE in Bentilee

For tea Matthew had shepperds pie followed by cake. Matthew watch some television and then had a bath before going to his room. He used his computer and went to bed around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Fenton / Hanley 06-10-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DV10 JCU	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DX53 VCA	Fenton	YMCA Hanley	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DX53 VCA	YMCA Hanley	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Fenton Victoria Road	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton Victoria Road	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group

Today Matthew was at his day service. Also with new buses going into service on today, it is likely that some of the First Potteries Scanias would be withdrawn from service, Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. The bus turned up just before 09:00 and it was the usual Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Blurton

We got on the bus and sat down. The bus set off onto the A5035 and then headed through Blurton via Church Road and Blurton Road. We the crossed the A50 and went into Heron Cross. We went down Heron Street and into Fenton to our destination. In the morning we were going to the YMCA in Hanley to do some sport activities. The bus for the journey up to the YMCA was Shelton Care Group DX53 VCA.

Shelton Care Group DX53 VCA in Fenton

We got on the bus and sat down. The bus went through the side Streets of Fenton and came out on City Road near to the bottom. We turned onto the A52 and past the railway station and towards joiner Square. The bus went up Lichfield Street and we saw First Potteries 63174. As far as we know only First Potteries 63174 was in service today, all the other Streetlites were not ready for service yet. We turned left at Regent Road. We saw Wardle Transport 3604 on the X28 service. We got to the YMCA and we got off the bus. Matthew went to the toilet and then played football for a while before getting back on the bus to return to the base. The bus headed up onto the ring road and we visited Tesco for Diesel. We headed back onto the ring road and down Lichfield street. At joiners square we crossed the A52 and went up Victoria Road. WE turned right at Manor Street and into Fenton getting back to the base. For dinner Matthew had fish fingers and chips. After dinner it was time to do the weekly shop. For the shopping trip we were going on Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We got on the bus and the bus went down City Road.We turned right and went past Fenton manor Sport centre before turning onto Victoria Road. We turned left by Macdonald and went to the supermarket. After buying the weeks food and some Coke, we got back into the bus and headed back to base. The bus went back Via Victoria Road and Tesco Longton as the bus need some diesel. WE headed on the A50 and we came off at Heron Cross. We headed though Heron Cross and onto Heron Street getting back to the base. WE put all the shopping away before getting back on the bus for the journey home. The bus went down City Road and onto the Southbound A500 in Stoke. WE went South to Sideway before joining the East bound A50. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and we went through Blurton via Blurton Road and Beaconsfield Drive.Matthew got home around 15:00. Matthew had toast and a drink of pop and then we had to leave for a dentists appointment. We set off onto the A5035 and onto Stanley Matthews Way. We went via heron Cross and onto Heron Street. We carried on to Glebedale Road and we saw Z carz YE52 UZX before joining onto City Road. We headed down to the A52 and we went past the railway station and onto joiners Square. We turned left onto Lichfield Street. AS we joined the ring road we saw Blackfriars CN59 AEW. We got to the dentist just before 16:00. Matthew had his checkup and we got back into the car for the journey home. We went back round the ring road and onto Lichfield Street. We carried on up Victoria Road and the towards the A50. We went to Heron Cross and through Blurton via Blurton Road and Beaconsfield Drive. Matthew had a nap when he got back from the dentist. For a late tea he had potatoes and chicken. We had to wake him up for his tea and he was a little moody. He then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 23:30... Mark

Trip to Joiners Square / Trent Vale 03-10-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DV10 JCU	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Joiners Square	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Joiners Square	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DX53 VCA	Fenton	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
42892	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way (Unmarked)	22	First Potteries
41501	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Blurton, adj Ballinson Rd	22	First Potteries
41502	Blurton, opp Ballinson Rd	Blurton, opp Ladybank Grove	22	First Potteries
40378	Blurton, opp Ladybank Grove	Newstead (Stoke-on-Trent), adj Shops	23	First Potteries

Today Matthew was at his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Around 09:00 the bus appeared to pick him up and it was his usual transport, Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Blurton

We got on the bus and it set off onto the A5035. The bus went through Blurton via Church Road and Blurton Road, and then went through Heron Cross via Heron Street. The bus carried on into Glebedale before arriving at his day service. In the morning Matthew spent time in the sensory room and using the computer. For dinner Mathew had sausage chips and gravy and then we went to the pub in Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. The bus set off onto City Road an then onto Victoria Road. At Joiner Square we carried on over the roundabout onto Lichfield Street before turning into and parking at the pub. Whilst there we saw Scanias 60006/60136/60173/60201 on the #6 service. Matthew went to the toilet and had a drink Coke. When it was time to go we saw the bus had been swapped for Shelton Care Group DX53 VCA.

Shelton Care Group DX53 VCA in Joiners Square

We got back into Shelton Care Group DX53 VCA step entranced minibus for the journey back to base. The bus went down Licfield Street and across the Joiners Square roundabout onto Victoria Road. We then turned right onto Manor Street and onto City Road. We turned into Glebedale Road and back to the base. When it was time to go home we got back onto Shelton Care Group DX53 VCA. The bus set off onto Glebedale Road and through Heron Cross via Heron Street. We carried on through Blurton via Bluton Road and Church Road and onto the A5035. Matthew got home around 16:05. He saw somebody he wanted to say hello to at the bus stop, but by the time we locked the house the bus came and they got on the bus. Matthew was very well behaved and return home with no problems. He had some toast and a drink and at around 16:00 we set off walking all the way to the stop on Magdalen Road to catch a bus to Trent Vale. I had seen most of the buses on the #22 and I was expecting it to be dud First Potteries 42892. Just after 16:10, a minute or two late we saw First Potteries 42892 come around the corner.

First Potteries 42892 in Blurton

We got on the bus and booked to Harpfields Road. We sat down towards the back of the bus and the bus set off onto the A5035. At the end of New Inn Lane we passed First Potteries 41498 on the #21A to Hanley. The bus was quite full, but the seat opposite us had just emptied out so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 42892.

Inside First Potteries 42892

We carried on through Trentham and into Hanford before joining the A34 and going into Trent vale. The bus turned into Harpfields Road and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew then took another picture of First Potteries 42892 as it carried on towards Newcastle & Hanley

First Potteries 42892 in Trent Vale

We crossed the road and walked onto the A34. we got to the pub and mum hadn't arrived. At the same time that we saw mum, First Potteries 41497 appeared on the #22 to Dresden.

First Potteries 41497 in Trent Vale

We met up with mum and walked into the pub. Matthew had a brunch with bread and butter followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses were 31518 on the #22. This was the first double decker we have seen on the #22 since the timetable change in July. Also seen were First Potteries 60171 & 60176 on the #101 Stafford service and Telford's SG12 ABE. After we had finished eating we called Uncle Dave and we went to pick him up. We drove along the A34 and onto the Northbound A500. We went East at the A50. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and we dropped into Fenton. After we had picked up uncle Dave, we headed up to Heron Cross and through Blurton, getting home around 18:00. As Matthew had been good, we decided to go out and attempt to get a ride on dud First Potteries 31518. Our one and only previous trip on this bus was from Newcastle to Hanley back in October 2013. I had worked out in my headed that it was going to be on the 18:37 from Blurton to Newcastle. We could catch the 18:17 going the other way to head off the bus in Longton Hall Lane, getting it back home a few minutes later. We got to the stop and almost immediately we saw dud First Potteries 41501 approaching on the #22 to Dresden.

First Potteries 41501 in Blurton

We booked to Longton Hall Lane and sat down near to the back. The bus went through Blurton via Beaconsfield Drive and as we went it dawned on me that we had probably missed the bus as it was on the 18:07 though Blurton. We had seen someone waiting at the stop, so if we got off early and it was running late we might be lucky enough to get it. We got up and got off the bus on Blurton Road and we preceded to wait for the next #22, whatever it was. We turned down required First Potteries 53405 on the #23A to Newstead.

First Potteries 53405 in Blurton

This was follow by required First Potteries 40378 on the #23 to Newstead. This was immediately followed by dud First Potteries 41502 on the #22 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 41502 in Blurton

The bus went through Blurton up Blurton Road and along Beaconsfield Drive. When we got to the end we spotted First Potteries 40378 was stopped and awaiting time. So we decided to get off First Potteries 41502 and to get onto required First Potteries 40378, but not before getting a photograph of this fine Dart.

First Potteries 40378 in Blurton

We got on the bus and booked to Newstead. The bus was terminating at the shops as it was its last run off the day. This was the last of the former First Manchester Darts that Matthew hadn't been on. We sat down near to the back and the bus went onto Finstock Avenue before turning into Ripon Road. We crossed the A5035 and onto Barlaston Road before turning into Waterside Drive. The bus turned into Wimbourne Avenue and terminated at the shops. We got up to get off and Matthew got a picture inside First Potteries 40378.

Inside First Potteries 40378

We walked down a path and across a green before going onto Waterside Drive via Umberleigh Road. We took a path onto the A5035 and we saw former Chesterbus 374 Now First Potteries 41070 running empty towards the depot at Adderley Green. We walked onto Magdalen Road and we got home around 19:00. matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 23:30...Mark

Trip to Fenton / Trent Vale 01-08-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
41520	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way (Unmarked)	22	First Potteries

Today we decided to go to Trent Vale on the bus. Not before Matthew had been out for the day with his new day service. Matthew got up around 07:45 and had some toast and orange juice and used his computer whilst he waited to be picked up. He was picked up a little before 09:00 and the drove him through Blurton via Finstock Avenue passing First Potteries 53207 on the #23 on Beaconsfield Drive. At Heron Cross lights we went straight over and the turned right onto Christchurch Street and then to his destination. In Fenton we saw Shelton Care DX53 VCA on a to Freeport Talke.

Shelton Care Group DX53 VCA in Fenton

we spent the morning in the sensory room and using a computer. For dinner Matthew had sausage chips and gravy. We walked to the local pub and spent the afternoon looking at buses go past. Highlight were seeing Wardle Transport 2249 & 3615 on the X51 service. Running empty was Wardle Transport 2265. On the #1 were First Potteries 60075/081/174 & 175. Seen on the #23 were First Potteries 53207/208 & 209. Seen on the #40 was Copeland's tours MIB 302. At home time we took Matthew onto Christchurch Street and through Heron Cross and along Blurton Road and Beaconsfield Road, getting home around 15:00. At home Matthew had toast and some dandelion & burdock. Around 16:30 we walked all the way to the bus stop on Magdalen Road. Having seen all eight #22's today, we knew the bus was going to be required First Potteries 41520, a recent transfer from Adderley Green to Newcastle depot. As the bus turned the corner we could see it had a small front numbers and was as expected First Potteries 41520.

First Potteries 41520 in Blurton

We got on the bus and booked to Harpfields Road. We sat down towards the back of the bus and we set off onto the A5035. The bus was quite full and was filling up even more so Matthew to a picture of the empty seat opposite before it was filled.

Inside First Potteries 41520

We carried on past the Trentham Hotel and we saw First Potteries 40173 on a #21A to Hanley & 43875 on a Dresden bound #22. We turned onto New Inn Lane and we saw First Potteries 41522 on a Hanley bound #21. Opposite the man in space we saw First Potteries 41499 on a Trentham Gardens bound #21B service. We carried on through Trentham and into Hanford before dropping down onto the A34. We crossed under the A500 and as we passed the Black Lion we saw First Potteries 41496 on a Trentham bound #21A. We turned onto Harpfield Road and we got up and got off the bus.

First Potteries 41520 in Trent Vale

We walked back onto the A34 to walk to the pub. On the way we saw First Potteries 65041 on a Stafford bound #101.

First Potteries 65041 in Trent Vale

We waited for a few minutes for mum to arrive and we went into the pub where Matthew had a brunch with bread and butter followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses included Leons Coaches 211, Parks of Hamilton's national Express liveried coach HSK 644, Glovers coaches AIG 8900 and Clynnog & Trefor YX14 SHZ. Another rarity was classic Scania 60059 on the #101 to Stafford. After we had finished eating we called Uncle Dave and we went to pick him up. We drove along the A34 and onto the Northbound A500 going East at the A50. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and we dropped into Fenton to pick up uncle Dave. We set off back through Heron Cross and through Blurton getting home at around 18:30. Matthew then chilled out watching 'On the Yorkshire Buses' and bus videos on his computer. He then chilled out until bedtime around 00:00...Mark