Trip to Leek / Keele 15-12-2020

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
65041	Endon, High School	Leek BS	18	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going out on the bus later on. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst waiting to go out he watched buses out of the window. In the morning Matthew out on the bus. We went downstairs and We got in the car and we drove onto Temple Street. We turned right onto Christchurch Street and right onto Station Bridge Road. We followed the road around onto Heron Street and into Heron Cross. We went through the traffic lights and forwards onto Blurton Road. As we travelled through Blurton we passed First Potteries 65732 on a #22 to Longton. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Street and right onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home When we got home Matthew had toast and a small bottle of Coke. Later on we went to Endon. We got in a car and we set off onto Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Street and we continued onto Blurton Road. In Heron Cross we joined the Westbound A50. We ran up to Sideway and we joined the Northbound A500. We came off the A500 at Etruria and we went eastwards along the A53. We ran through Cobridge past the site of new Wrights Pie shop. We ran North through Badderley Green and into Stockton Brook where we saw Boydens YP64 HSC. We stopped at Endon. After visit my old workplace we walked to the bus stop. We waited for a bus to Leek. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 65041 on a #18 to Leek. We got on the bus and we booked to Leek before we sat down. We set off out of the bus station onto A53 and then we ran out into open countryside. We climbed the hill into Longsdon and we ran down Ladderedge into the Churnet Valley. We ran up the hill into the town centre and we turned right into Leonard Street. We turned into the bus station where we saw Stanton's of Stoke PSU 988. and we got up and got off the bus. Once we were in Leek we walked into the town centre to get something to eat. We walked through the arcade onto the A53 and we turned left onto the A523. We turned left at Derby Street and we went to the Coffee Bean Café. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. Once we had finished eating we returned to the bus station. After picking up a present We returned to Keele by car. We set off onto the A520 and we headed South down to Cheddleton. We stopped in the layby and we had bacon & cheese oatcakes. Once we had finished eating we set off down the A520 and we ran through Wetley Rocks. At Cellerhead we turned right onto the A52 and ran through Werrington and down Ash Bank into Bucknall. We ran up Bucknall New Road into Hanley and we joined the clockwise ring road. We ran around to the end and we turned left onto Etruria Road. We turned left onto the A53 and we rn through Etruria over the A500. We ran through Basford and down towards Newcastle. On the edge of town we saw First Potteries trainer 66805 parked up. We ran around the one way system and over the roundabout onto Ryecroft past the site of a potential new development af Newcastle council win a £11m pounds grant. We joined the Southbound A34 and we turned right onto the A525. We ran up the road and we turned right into the estate. After dropping something off er returned to Blurton. We set off onto the A525 and we ran down into Newcastle. We joined the Southbound A34 and we turned left on to the A527. We saw First Potteries 37121 on a #4A to Hanley.

First Potteries 37121 in Newcastle bus station

We joined the A52 and we ran around the one way system and headed towards Hartshill. We veered left onto Shelton New Road and we joined the Southbound A500. WE ran through Stoke and we came off the A500 at Sideway. We headed Eastwards towards Heron Cross and we turned right onto Blurton Road. and we veered right onto Church Street. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive we saw First Potteries 67650 on a #22 to Longton. We got back to Blurton. When we got home Matthew had a can of Cherry Coke and chilled out on his computer until it was time to go to the residential unit. We set off onto Finstock Avenue and onto Beaconsfield Drive passing JMS Topgear Travel BW14 ZTK. We continued along Beaconsfield Drive and we turned left onto Church Road and left again onto Blurton Road. We went through the traffic lights onto Heron Steeet. We carried on forwards onto Station Bridge Road. and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Masterson Street and we turned right onto Watkin Street. We continued onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went into the residential unit and upstairs. He chilled out on his computer and watched buses from the window. We saw First Potteries 37157.

First Potteries 37157 in Fenton

Also seen was Copeland's Tours MIB 116 on a #17 to Stoke.

Copeland's Tours MIB 116 in Fenton

For tea Matthew had bacon & cheese oatcakes. Later on we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw Temple Street church RX18 GZW. We walked onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street and onto Albert Square where we saw grey minibus BJ15 XSG parked up. We continued walking to the day centre. At the day centre we saw Shelton Care Group BL69 RFF parked up at the day centre. We went to the day centre and after spending some time baking. We made a cake and afterwards Matthew used the facilities. We returned to the residential uinit. We walked along Baker Street past the of the new housing development. We turned right onto Christchurch Street. We returned onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. When Matthew got back we went upstairs and went up to his room. 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 / High Lane 23-03-2020

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67158	Fenton, adj Royal Oak	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
65034	Hanley BS	Endon, High School	18	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going on the bus to Newcastle. All the Potteries services to operate a Saturday service Monday to Fridays. 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 First Potteries 67648 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67648 in Fenton

Later on we went to Newcastle in the car. We went downstairs to the car and we set off onto Temple Street where we saw Temple Street Church RX18 GZW. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we turned left onto City Road. We ran down the hill and under the railway line into Stoke. We crossed over the A500. We went around the one-way system. We ran up the hill into Hartshill. At the roundabout we ran forwards onto George Street and into Newcastle where we saw First Potteries 65041 on a #101 to Hanley. We ran forwards onto Ryecroft and we turned left onto the Southbound A34. We turned inti Hassell Street and we parked up in the Roebuck Centre car park. We walked through the Roebuck Centre and onto High Street. We turned left onto Hassell Street and we turned left onto Castle Walk. Matthew called into the pound bakery and brought a sausage roll and a bottle of Coke. We headed up Castle Walk and we turned right onto Ironmarket and we stopped at the pub. The pub was closed due to Covid 19, so we sat in the gardens outside the pub and Matthew had his sausage roll and Coke. where we saw MT Travel BK14 GAO. We set off along Ironmarket and we turned left onto castle walk. We stoppoed at JD Sport and we brought some stuff. We continued down to the bus station and saw First Potteries 65706 on a #4A to Talke.

First Potteries 65706 in Newcastle bus station

We headed to the toilet and Matthew used the facilities. Also seen was First Potteries 63173 on a #4 to Audley.

First Potteries 63173 in Newcastle bus station

We walked down towards Stubbs Street and we saw D&G Bus 51 on a #94 to Congleton.

D&G 51 in Newcastle bus station

A short time leter we saw D&G Bus 114 on a #1 to Park Site.

D&G 114 in Newcastle bus station

We walked out of the bus station We turned left onto High Street. We Walked up to ironmarket and we got in the car. We turned left onto Ryecroft and we joined the Northbound A34. At Milehouse we turned left onto and we ran through Knutton. We turned right onto the B5367 and we stopped at the park. Matthew went to the toilet. When we had finished at the park we ran back down into Knutton and we ran onto Silverdale Road. We joined the A525 and we ran onto the Southbound A34. We turned left onto the A527 and we ran past the bus station. We turned right onto the A53 and we followewd the one-way system onto the A52. We verred left onto Shelton New Road and we joined the Southbound A500. We turned left onto City Road. We went under the railway line and up the hill into Fenton. We turned right into Smithpool Road and left into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to chill out in his room and use his computer. we saw First Potteries 67159 on a #11 to Hanley. For tea Matthew had chichen, curry and rick followed by a Bakewell tart. we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw Temple Street church minibus RX18 GZW. We carried on along Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We waited for a bus towards Hanley. After a short wait we saw First Potteries 67158 on a #23 to Hanley. We got on the bus and We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley. before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road. and we joined the A52 to go under the railway line and over the A500. We continued onto Church Street and into the centre of Stoke. After a brief stop we continued around the one-way system onto Elenora Street and right onto Copeland street. We turned left onto Glebe Street and we went past Swift House which is being demolished for a new build near Stoke railway station. We continued along Glebe Street and we went under the railway line before turning left onto Station Road. We went past the railway station and and turned right. We ran up Stoke Road and we turned right onto Avenue Road. At the roundabout we turned left onto College Road. After running the hill through Shelton we continued onto Cleveland Road and forwards onto Regent Road. We turned left onto Lower Bethesda Street and we crossed over the ring road onto Bethesda Street before we turned right onto John Street where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we waited for a bus to Leek. A short time later we saw First Potteries 65034 on a #18 to Leek. We got on the bus and We got on the bus and we booked to Endon. before we sat down. We set off out of the bus station onto john Street and we ran down the hill to Bethesda Street. We ran past the museum and we ran forwards onto Marsh Street. We turned right onto Trinity street and at the top of the hill we turned left onto Stafford Street. We ran forwards onto Quadrant Road and we went across the ring road along Town Road. We ran forwards onto the A5272 and into Sneyd Green. We turned right onto Milton Road and we ran down the hill before turning left onto Berwick Road. At the end of the road we turned right onto the A53. We ran North through Badderley Green along the A53 and into Stockton Brook. We continued into Endon and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked up to where I work. Later on we returned to Fenton by car. We set off onto the A53 and we headed South into Stockton Brook. We veered left ono Leek Road and we ran through Milton. We continued into Abbey Hulton and towards Bucknall. At Bucknall we ran forwards onto the A52 and towards Joiners Square. We continued towards Stoke and we ran alongside the railway line. We turned left onto City Road and we ran up into Fenton. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew went to his room to chill. 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 Blackbrook Zoo / Leek 07-04-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Blackbrook Zoo	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Blackbrook Zoo	Leek	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Leek	Endon	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Endon	Bagnall	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Bagnall	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. H e was also going out to the zoo and around the Staffordshire Moorlands. 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 67152 on the #23 to Newstead. At 09:00 we went to Blackbrook Zoo. Transport for the journey it was Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Baker Street and left into Glebedale Road and we turned right onto City Road. At the roundabout we turned sharp left onto Victoria Road and down the hill to Joiners Square. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A52 and we ran up to Bucknall. At the lights we continued onto the A5009 and we ran through Abbey Hulton and Milton to Stockon Brook. We joined the Northbound A53 and we ran through Endon and and Longsdon. We continued through Ladderedge and up the hill into Leek town Centre where we saw Robin Hood SO15 TWU. In the centre of Leek we turned left onto Stockwell Street. We realised we were going in the wrong direction, so we turned left into St Edward Street. We turned left onto the A53 and at the end we turned right onto the A523. As we passed the end if the bus station we saw Aimee’s YK07 BFX on a #165 to Leek. We continued out of the town through Bradnop and Bottomhouse. We turned right onto Ellastone Road and we stopped at Peak Wildlife Park.

Birds

The wildlife park was closed, so we decided to go soemwhere else. We returned onto A523 and we ran through Bottomhouse and Lowe Hill. We continued into Leek and in the centre we ran forwards onto Stockwell Street. We veered left onto Church Street and we turned left onto Salisburys Street. We turned left onto High Street and left onto St Edward Street. We turned right onto Sheep Market and onto Stanley Street where we stopped for dinner. Matthew had a glass of Coke whilst we waited. The food arrived and Matthew had a Burger on an Artisan Brioche bun, with Chipotle Mayo and skin on Fries. For dessert Matthew had Cheesecake and ice cream. We walked Stanley Street onto Market Street and Derby Street. We returned along Stanley Street and Derby Street and back onto High Street. We returned to Bagnall in Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We got on the bus and we sat down. We ran up the track to the Sneyd Street and we turned right onto the A53 and we headed South. We ran through Leek town centre and out the other side along the A53. We travelled South up the hill through Ladderedge and down into Longsdon and Endon. We continued as far as Stockton Brook where we turned left onto Stanley Road. We turned right onto Clewlows Bank and left onto Springs Bank. We turned left omnto Old Mill Lane and we stopped at a farm. We got off the bus and we had a look around. We went to the stables and we saw the horses.

Horses

Also at the farm were some chickens.

Birds

There were also a few dogs.

Dog

Matthew went to the toilet. When we finished at the farm Matthew continued his journey of Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We ran down Old Mill Lane and we turned left onto Springs Bank. We continued onto Thornyedge Road and we stopped at Jacksons Nurseries. We visited the Tea Room & Farm Shop. Matthew had a glass of Coke and then used the toilet. When we had finished we continued our journey on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We turned left onto Thornyedge Road and we continued onto Armshead Road. We joined the Eastbound A52 and we ran into Cellarhead. At the crossroads we turned right onto A520 and we ran into WEston Coyney. SAt the traffic light we turned right onto the A5272. By the gas tower we turned left onto Anchor Road. We ran down towards Longton and we turned right into Heathcote Street. We turned left Longley Road and we crossed over Ashwood onto Clarence Road. We turned right onto King Street. We ran through Fenton, running forwards onto City Road. We turned left onto Glebedale Road and we ran along Baker Street onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and right onto Masterson Street. We turned right onto Watkin Street and onto Temple Street to go back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out and use his computer. We saw Lucky Seven PO11 CCG going towards Hanley.

Lucky Seven PO11 CCG in Fenton

Also seen out of the window was Afford Rent-A-Car minibus PO17 ZXK outside there garage.

Afford Rent-A-Car PO17 ZXK in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 65027 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 65027 in Fenton

For tea Matthew had sausage, egg and beans followed by a slice of bakewell tart. Later on Matthew went to his room to chill out. Hr watched television and used his computer. Matthew had a bath and had some toast for supper. He chilled out until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Fenton / Hanley 26-08-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67156	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Hanley, stop J1‎	23	First Potteries
67156	Hanley BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road / Raglan Walk	23A	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in residential and he was going to his day service. 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 67154 on a #23 to Hanley. In the morning Matthew chilled out in his room whilst waiting to out later. When it was time to go we set off onto temple Street and walked through onto City Road. On the way to the bus stop we saw D&G Bus 112 on 'The Orange ONE' to Meir.

D&G 112 in Fenton

A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67156 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67156 in Fenton

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 and into the centre of Stoke. After a brief stop we continued around the one-way system onto Elenora Steet and right onto Copeland street. We turned left onto Glebe Street and we went under the railway line before turning left onto Station Road. We went past the railway station ans we turned right onto College Road. After running the hill through Shelton we continued onto Cleveland Road and forwards onto Regent Road. We turned left onto Lower Bethesda Street and we crossed over the ring road onto Bethesda Street before we turned right onto John Street where we got up and got off the bus. Once we got off the bus we walked down John Street and we saw D&G Bus 119 on a 'Nines' service to Biddulph.

D&G 119 in Hanley

We turned right onto Bethesda Street and we saw First Potteries 41495 on a #8A to Endon.

First Potteries 41495 in Hanley

We turned left onto Broad Street and we walked down towards the ring road. We crossed over the ring road and we visited The Unconventional Menagerie. After going to see the animals we crossed over Broad Street and over the ring road and went to the delicious cafe for dinner. For dinner Matthew had a sausage and bacon sandwich washed down with a can of Coke. Once we had eaten dinner we crossed over Broad Street and we visited the museum. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a look around the exhibits. We went to see the natural history section and then went to see the Spitfire. After we had finished in the museum we went out onto Bethesda Street and we saw First Potteries 67640 on a #7 to Kidsgrove.

First Potteries 67640 in Hanley

We walked up John Street to the bus station and we waited for a bus back to Fenton. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 67156 on a #23A to Newstead.

First Potteries 67156 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We crossed over the ring road and we ran down onto Regent Road and forwards onto Cleveland Road. We ran down though Shelton along College Road and we ran down to the railway station. Due to a diversion we turned right onto Station Road and left onto Stoke Road. After crossing the A500 we got onto the one-way system and we turned left onto Copeland Street. We continued forwards onto Glebe Street and we followed the road around onto Church Street. We crossed the A500 and we ran under the railway line. After climbing up the hill we turned right onto Smithpool Road where we got up and got off the bus. We then set off onto foot back to the residential unit. We turned right onto Temple Street and back into the residential unit. Once we got back Matthew went upstairs to chill out in his room and use his computer. We saw First Potteries 32634 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 32634 in Fenton

We also saw First Potteries 32632 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 32632 in Fenton

For tea Matthew had pasta and tuna followed by a a slice of toffee cheesecake. Later on Matthew went out for a drive and to do a small shop. We set off onto Christchurch Street and we turned left onto baker Street. We turned left onto Glebedale Road and we turned right onto City Road. At the roundabout we turned sharp left onto Victoria Road and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A52 and we headed to Bucknall. We turned left onto the A5272 and we veered right witht the road and through Northwood. We followed the A5272 to thr right and through Sneyd Green and up to Smallthorne. At the roundabout we turned right onto Ford Green Road and we ran down the hill. We ran upp the other side into Norton and we continued through Brown Edge. We got to the A53 and we turned right into Endon where we stopped at the Co-operative Food store. We went in the shop and Matthew bought a can of Coke. We then returned to the car and we continued South down the A53. We ran south through Stockton Brook and Sneyd Green and into Cobridge. We crossed over the traffic lights and ran through Festival park up to Etruria. We turned left onto the southbound A500 and we ran South to Stoke. We came off the A500 onto the A52 and we ran under the railway line onto City Road. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out. He watched television and used 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 Hanley / Kidsgrove 27-05-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2531	Newstead, adj Magdalen Road	Longton TI	22	Wardle transport
60063	Longton TI	Hanley BS	6B	First Potteries
61531	Hanley BS	Kidsgrove Town Centre, adj Queen Street	7	First Potteries
65732	Kidsgrove Town Centre, opp St Johns RC Primary School	Hanley BS	20A	First Potteries
2410	Hanley BS	Endon, adj The Plough Hotel	18	Wardle Transport

Today we decided to go out for a few hours around tea time. Matthew got up around 11:00 and had some toast and orange juice for breakfast. Matthew chilled out on the computer and i went to view the buses on the local services First Potteries 40030 & 40373 were on the #23/23a turns and Wardle Transport 2531 was on the #22 turn. Non of the buses were required, but we didn't have anything better to do so we decided to go out. We had a late dinner of Chicken and potatoes around 15:00 followed by lemon meringue cheesecake. Around 16:20 we set off to the bus stop. As it was now raining we walked to the stop on the A5035 as it has a shelter. Around 16:35 the bus turned up and was Wardle Transport 2531 as expected.

Wardle Transport 2531 in Blurton

We got on the bus and sat at the back of the bus. This could have possibly been the last Sunday #22 bus into Longton. Unless someone steps in and agrees to run this service from next week, or the council suddenly find some money this Sunday service may never run again. The journey was swift and over all too soon. We got to Longton and the last five people got off this bus and then Matthew took a picture inside this vehicle.

Inside Wardle Transport 2531

We waited around the side of the bus station for the bus to set off to Newcastle for the last time. The bus pulled off stand and paused in the bus station wist Matthew took a picture.

Wardle Transport 2531 in Longton transport interchange

We let 61556 on a #26 to Newcastle go, we also let 60004 which was on a #6B to Blythe Bridge go too. 60063 pulled into the bus station on a #6B to Longton so we decided to get on it.

First Potteries 60063 in Longton transport interchange

This bus was not required, but it was a long time ago when we last had it back in July 2009! We sat down at the back and there was only one other person on this bus. I can't remember anyone getting on this bus either. The bus went down King Street and Victoria Road. We crossed Joiners Square and went into Hanley up Lichfield Street. When we got to Hanley bus station Matthew waited for the one person to get off the bus and then he photographed the empty 60063.

Inside First Potteries 60063

We got off the bus and Matthew visited the toilet. After a bit of a wander around Matthew sat down and had a small bottle of Limeade and most of a Galaxy Caramel which he shared with me. We saw an interesting Ex Chester Scania which I thought was required, First Potteries 61531. It was going to Kidsgrove on a #7 so we decided to gt on it.

First Potteries 61531 in Hanley bus station

We sat down near the back. The bus was quite well filled. As we went off it turned out not to be required, but he had only done this us once before. We set off out of Hanley along High Lane and through Smallthorne. Here we passed 61553 on an inbound #7 short from Chell. We carried on through Packmoor and into Kidsgrove from the east side. When we arrived we were the last 2 people on this bus. We got off and took a picture of the inside of the empty 61531.

Inside First Potteries 61531

Matthew visited the public toilet here, and then we walked onto the a50 to see when then next bus to Hanley was due. It had just turned 18:00 and the next bus, a #20A was not due into 18:28. We decided to visit the Moorland Takeaway and have a portion of fries between us and 2 cans of Coke. We checked out the time of the next #34A (18:29) and then we walked to the bus stop outside Kidsgrove job centre to sit and shelter whilst we ate the fries. Matthew wouldn't let me have a can of Coke, but he did let me share his. We waited for the bus, keeping an eye out in the other direction for the #34A which was due at roughly the same time. Both buses turned up at the same time, both a coupe of minutes late. Ours came first, and it was dud First Potteries 65732.

First Potteries 65732 in Kidsgrove

We sat down near the back. First Potteries Dart 40144 appeared on the #34A service. 65732 is bus we had done back in August 2011. We set off towards Tunstall along the A50 picking up plenty of passengers on the way. i was really impressed when it stopped on Kidsgrove bank and pulled away from the stop with ease. We carried on through Tunstall passing First Potteries Solo 40026 on a #21 on Bradeley. We went trough Buslem and Cobridge and then into Hanley along Hope Street and Stafford Street. We pulled into the bus station and Matthew waited for bus to empty before getting a picture inside this fine beast.

Inside First Potteries 65732

So far we hadn't had much luck in picking up required buses. We sat down in the bus station and waited for soething intersting to turn up. required first Potteries 60060 was parked up and about to work something. Also first potteries 61238 came in aon a #6b to Blythe Bridge. Matthew turned this down and we shared another can of Coke whist we waited. The Wardle transport 2410 appeared on the doomed Sunday eveving service to leek. I checked the 'Buses have traveled on' page and found it was required. We decided to this and Matthew got a picture of this required Dart before we boarded it.

Wardle Transport 2410 in Hanley bus station

We got onto this bus and there was one other person on this service. Matthew took a picture from half way down the bus before we sat down.

Inside Wardle Transport 2410

We set off at 19:15 out of Hanley towards Sneyd Green. We passed First Potteries 65037 near the Berwick pub which was sitting with the rear engine cover open. We headed onto the A53 and then turned towards Leek. The bus took no time to run up to Endon where we had arranged to meet mum. As we stood up to get off Matthew photographed the blue lighting in this vehicle.

Lighting inside Wardle Transport 2410

We got off and waited for mum to appear. Mum turned up about 10 minutes later and we got in the car. We headed back down the A53 and then divert to Captain Kooks, but it wasn't open today. We then headed into Hanley along High Lane and then around the ring road to Broad Street. We stopped at Chunky Chicken and Matthew used the toilet here. To eat Matthew had a chicken burger and fries was down with orange Tango. After we had finished we drove home Via Stoke Road, The A500, the A50 and Stanley Matthews Way getting back around 20:45. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:30...Mark

Trip to Hanley / Tunstall 31-12-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
40003	Ladybank Grove, Blurton	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
3415	Hanley BS	Endon, adj The Plough Hotel	118	Wardle Transport
40155	Endon, opp The Plough Hotel	Hanley BS	18	First Potteries
4687	Hanley BS	Bradeley, adj Moorland View	61	Wardle Transport
60004	Bradeley, opp Moorland View	Hanley BS	29	First Potteries
4687	Hanley BS	Tunstall, adj stop M	61	Wardle Transport
40020	Tunstall, adj stop M	Longport, adj Longport Road	99A	First Potteries

Today we decided to do a local trip. We had had heard on the Stafforshire and Merseyside bus group that Wardle Transport Scania 3415 had been doing the #118 Hanley - Buxton service. We thought that if we were lucky then the bus would work again today. We checked the weather for today and it was for rain. Matthew got up around 11:15 and he had an oatcake and some orange juice for breakfast. we set off just after 12:00 and we walked to the distance over to the Ladybank Grove stop. We saw a Plaxton bus approaching as we walked to the stop and we decided to run for it. As we got to the stop we turned to see it was dud first Potteries 40003.

First Potteries 40003 'Dinky Donut' #23 favourite!

We got on the bus and booked a Smartday ticket. We sat down near the back of the bus and it was nearly empty. The bus filled up as we headed through Blurton and Heron Cross. At Heron Cross we passed Lightning Travel NX03 JYJ parked up. In Stoke we saw First Potteries 32632 on a Hanley bound #25. We then headed up past the railway station and up College Road. We reached Hanley a little before 13:00 and when we got there we went onto the balcony. I went to fetch some chips and Matthew and Uncle Dave stood on the balcony. Whilst I was getting chips required Wardle Transport 4896 made an appearance on the #30 to Bradwell.

Wardle Transport 4896 at Hanley bus station on a #30

At the same time Wardle Transport 2038 appeared to work the #190 service to Cranberry.

Wardle Transport 2038 at Hanley bus station on a #190

As I walked up with the chips to the balcony, Wardle Transport 3415 made an appearance and it was on the inbound 118 service. So unless it swapped it was going to work the 13:45 to Buxton. We ate our chips and we spent 30 or so minutes taking picture from the Balcony. We saw required Wardle Transport 4652 on the 13:00 #61 to Tunstall. We also saw Wardle Transport 4687 on the 13:30 #61 to Tunstall too. So we had seen 2 of the 3 Wardle double deckers buses that Matthew requires working in a few minutes. Just before 13:45 we decided to walk down to stand W to wait for the #118 service. Matthew got a picture of the bus whilst it waited on the opposite side.

Wardle Transport 3415 at Hanley bus station

Just before time it pulled of the waiting area and did a lap of the bus station and pulled onto the stand. Inside the bus it had been configured for schools work, with 57 seats arranged in a 2 + 3 arrangement, fitted with seatbelts too.

Inside Wardle Transport 3415

With this arrangement its chances of working a service bus are somewhat limited. We deicede to do this bus up to Endon which is the limit of our Smartday ticket. As we pulled off we also saw Wardle Transport 2300 was also parked up by the bus station between duties. As we passed Meigh Street we saw Wardle Transport 4692 on the other #61 turn. This meant that all 3 of Matthew required wardle deckers were working today. The bus sounded really good and hopefully it will have a few more years work left in it. As we approached Endon we shouted to let the driver know we wanted to get off. There appears to be only one bell one this bus and it is at he front. You don't really need bells on a School bus as they generally only have one destination! After we got of we crossed the road to wait for the return service to Hanley. We had around 10 minutes w saw a bus in the distance. A couple of minutes dud First Potteries 40155 appeared.

First Potteries 40155 in Endon

We sat down near the back and then relaxed as we did the 20 odd minute journey into town. We got off and went onto the balcony. We decided to do the next #61 as 2 of the 3 buses out were required ones. Unfortunately for us, the next one out at 15:00 was worked by the one bus we had been on before, Wardle Transport 4687.

Wardle Transport 4687 in Hanley bus station

We got on and sat upstairs. Matthew took a picture of the bus which had been re-upholstered since we last did this.

Inside Wardle Transport 4687

We decided to do this to Bradley, hopefully getting one of the other required buses back. We did the bus up to Bradeley but we didn't pass any of the other buses whilst we were out. If I had checked I would have seen the the 15:00 off Hanley only goes to Chell and then comes back. We got and got a picture.

Wardle Transport 4687 in Bradeley

We then crossed the road to wait for the return. I had the idea of catch the #29 back instead of doing the #61. We could always do the #61 back out. The #29 approached and it was dud First Potteries 60004.

First Potteries 60004 in Bradeley

The bus was empty so he got his empty bus picture there and then.

Inside First Potteries 60004

We got back in Hanley around 15:50ish and then a few minutes later Wardle Transport 4687 re-appeared! We thought it was going to be one of the other 2 buses. Matthew want to go to the toilet, but as we tried to go to the tardis at the end it was busy with someone else waiting to use it too. I asked Matthew if he wanted to do 4687 to Tunstall so he could use a toilet there instead and he said yes. So we got back on Wardle 4687 to go to Tunstall. it was now starting to go dark and it rained quite hard for most of the journey up. When we got to Tunstall High Street it was fully dark and raining hard. We got off the bus and jogged down to the toilets. I then arrange with mum to meet us at Longport. We ran back up to the stop and there was an Optare Solo at the stop on a #99A. It was required First Potteries 40020.

First Potteries 40020 in Tunstall

Matthew beeped the horn as he got on and we sat down. It was nearly empty but a couple more people got on before we set off. We went down the road towards Trubshaw Cross, past the potential site of a new Morrisons. We picked up a couple more on the trip down and then we got off at Longport. Mum wasn't waiting for us so we decided to nip to the local off license. Matthew got a big bottle of Coke and a galaxy Caramel. We went back to the stop to shelter from the rain. A few minutes later mum appeared to rescue us from the rain. We headed back down the A500 to stoke where came off on Wheildon Road to drop Uncle dave off home. We then went up to heron Cross and then home. We got home around 17:30. For tea matthew had a fish finger sandwich with a chocolate cake and cream for afters. He then chilled out before welcoming in the New Year...Mark