Trip to Berrow / Burnham-on-Sea 29-10-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
YJ12 SGV	Fenton	Berrow	Charter	Z Carz
YJ12 SGV	Berrow	Burnham-on-Sea	Charter	Z Carz
YJ12 SGV	Burnham-on-Sea	Fenton	Charter	Z Carz

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going out later on. Matthew got up around 08:00 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 67154 on a #23 to Hanley. Around 09:00 we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw Temple Street church RX18 GZW.

Temple Street church RX18 GZW in Fenton

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 outside the old Court building.

BJ15 XSG in Fenton

We continued walking to the day centre. In the morning Matthew went out in Z Carz YJ12 SGV. We set off onto Glebedale Road. We ran forwards onto Station Bridge Road. At Heron Cross we joined the Westbound A50 and we ran down to Sideway. We turned left onto the Southbound A500 and we ran down to the motorway. We got onto the Southbound M6 and we ran Southwards through the West Midlands. At the junction 8 we got onto the Southbound M5. We ran Southwards for over a hundred miles and we cam off the M5 at junction 22 onto the Northbound A38. We turned left onto Brent Street and left onto Station Road. We ran into Berrow and we parked up. We visited the Animal farm Adventure park. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had dinner. For dinner Matthew had had a sausage sandwich washed down with a bottle of Coke. We set off towards Burnham-on-Sea on Z Carz YJ12 SGV. We set off Southwards along Red Road and into the centre of Berrow. We saw First Somerset and Avon 30930 on a #20 to Weston-super-Mare. We continued Southwards down the B3140 and we turned left onto College Street. We parked up in Burnham on Sea and we went to see the former co-operative bank which is new a dessert shop. Matthew had a red vel;evet cheesecake with custard washed down with a glass of Coke. We returned to Fenton in Z Carz YJ12 SGV. We set off along College Road and we joined the Southbound B3140. At the roundabout, we ran Eastwards along the B3140 and we crossed over the A38. We joined the Northbound M5. We ran for a hundred miles or so out of the West Country and into the Midlands. At the end of the motorway we got onto the Northbound M6. We ran North to junction 15 where we cam off onto the A500. We travelled North up to Sideway and then we joined the Eastbound A50. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and we turned left 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. Matthew went upstairs to use his computer and chill out in his room. Whilst there we saw Z Carz Z Carz GK02 NWJ going towards Hanley.

Z Carz GK02 NWJ in Fenton

Also seen was First Potteries 63146 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63146 in Fenton

For tea Matthew had haddock batter and chips followed by a Bakewell tart. Later on Matthew went out in the car. We went downstairs and we got in the car. We got in the car and we set off onto Temple Street where we saw Temple Street Methodist Church minibus DN03 WKK. 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 went around the one-way system. We ran up the hill into Hartshill and we continued to the edge of Newcastle. We crossed the roundabout onto Ironmarket and we parked up. Matthew went to the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had a glass of Coke. When we had finished eating we returned to Fenton by car. We got in the car and we set off onto Ironmarket and we Joined the one-way system. We ran ran onto the A52 and we turned left onto George Street. we ran forwards onto Hartshill Road and into Hartshill. We ran down to Stoke and onto the one way system. We turned right onto Elenora Street and we followed the road around onto Copeland Street. We ran forwards onto Glebe Street and we followed the one way system 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 Matthew chilled out in his room watching television and using his computer. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. He watched television and used his computer. Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Keynsham / Bradwell 17-06-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
MIB 615	Fenton	Keynsham	Charter	Copeland's Tours
MIB 615	Keynsham	Fenton	Charter	Copeland's Tours

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going to Keynsham later on. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw Z Carz YJ12 SGV.

Z Carz YJ12 SGV in Fenton

We went downstairs and we waited for our trip out We went out in a coach. It was Copeland's Tours MIB 615. We got on the coach and we sat down towards the back. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. we turned right onto City Road. We turned right onto the A50 link road and then we we ran down to the A50. Westbound A50 and we ran down to Sideway. We turned left onto the Southbound A500 and we ran down to the motorway. We got onto the Southbound M6 and we ran Southwards through the West Midlands. We came of the M6 at junction 8 and we joined the Southbound M5. We ran down to the junction of the M4 and we headed Westwards for a junction. We joined the Southbound M32. We turned left onto the A4174 and we headed down the last 6 mile or so into Keynsham. We ran forwards onto Durley Hill and into the town centre. We saw First Somerset and Avon 32669 on a #19 to Bath. We continued onto High Street and we saw First Somerset and Avon 37358 on a #178 to Radstock. ran forwards onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Rock Road. We turned left onto The Labbott and we got off the coach. For dinner Matthew went to the takeaway across the road. He had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Coke. After wards we visited the soft play area and Matthew used the facilities. When we had finished we returned to Fenton on Copeland's Tours MIB 615. We got on the coach and we sat down towards the back of the coach. We set off along Rock Road and we turned right onto West View Road. We turned right onto Charlton Road and we turned left onto Bristol Road. We ran forwards onto Durley Hill and we crossed over Keynsham by-pass onto the A4174. We ran to the M32 and we joined the Westbound M4. At the next junction we joined the Northbound M5. We ran to the Northern end of the M5 and we joined the Northbound M6. We ran Northwards up the M6 through the West Midlands and we ran North as far as junction 15 where we cam off onto the A500. We travelled North up to Sideway and then we joined the Eastbound A50. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and we turned left 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. Mathew went upstairs to use his computer and chill out. Until it was time to go out Matthew watched buses out of the window. Me and uncle Dave arrived to take him out for tea. We saw First Potteries 67647 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67647 in Fenton

Also seen was D&G Bus 119 on a #1 to Meir.

D&G 119 in Fenton

We turned up to pick Matthew up to take him out for tea. We went downstairs and we got in the car. We saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX parked up outside.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto City Road and we headed down the road into Stoke. We ran under the railway line and we crossed the A500. We ran forwards onto Church Street and we ran around Stoke town centre on the one-way system. We turned left onto Lonsdale Street and we turned right onto Flemming Road. We turned right onto Campbell Place and we ran forwards onto Church Street. We ran forwards onto Hartshill Road and we went up the hill through Hartshill. We ran forwards onto George Street and we ran down the hill onto the one-way system. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A527. We ran through May Bank. We continued into Wolstanton and at the top of Porthill Bank. We ran forwards into Bradwell and we stopped at the pub. We stopped at the pub and Matthew went to the toilet. For tea Matthew had burger and chips washed down with a glass of Coke. For dessert Matthew had chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. Whilst we ate we saw D&G 41 on a #94 to Congleton. When it was time to go we returned to the car for the trip back to Fenton. We set off onto Bradwell Lane and we crossed over the roundabout and ran through Wolstanton. We ran along the A527 through May Bank. We continued along the A527 and into Newcastle. We turned left onto Ryecroft and right onto Barracks Road. We ran past the bus station and we saw Arriva Midlands 3692 on a #164 to Market Drayton. We continued along Barracks Road onto the A34. We turned left at the Avenue and we ran up to Hartshill Road. We ran down to Stoke and onto the one way system. We turned right onto Elenora Street and we followed the road around onto Copeland Street. We ran forwards onto Glebe Street and we followed the one way system 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. Outside we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX parked up outside. 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 Wellington / Taunton 29-05-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
YR17 CYL	Fenton	Wellington	Charter	Harry Shaw
YR17 CYL	Wellington	Taunton	Charter	Harry Shaw
YR17 CYL	Taunton	Fenton	Charter	Harry Shaw

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going to uncle Daves for tea. 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 67151 on a #23 to Hanley. We went downstairs and we saw that transport for the trip was Harry Shaw YR17 CYL We got on the coach and we set off onto City Road. We went under the railway line and we turned left onto the Southbound A500 and we ran down to the motorway. We got onto the Southbound M6 and we ran through Staffordshire into the West Midlands. We came off the M6 at junction 8 and we joined the Southbound M5 we ran for around 150 miles, out of the midlands and into the South West. We left the M5 at junction 16 and we turned right onto Taunton Road./ We ran the last few miles into Wellington and the coach stop and Matthew got up and got off. Once off the coach Matthew went to a café for dinner. He visited the toilet and afterwards had a sausage bap washed down with a can of Coke. When Matthew had finished we went outside to meet the coach. We boarded the coach and we set off along Fore Street. We ran forwards onto Taunton Road and at the roundabout we joined the Northbound A38. We continued to Tangier and we ran around the Southern end of the town centre. We continued onto east Reach and we and we ran forwards onto Critchard way. At the roundabout we west Westwards along the A3038. We turned right onto Station Road and we stopped near to the railway station we saw First Somerset and Avon 43202. After a short stop we returned to Fenton on Harry Shaw YR17 CYL. We set off along Station Road and we turned left onto the A3038. We ran forwards onto the Eastbound A358. We ran up to the motorway and we got onto the Northbound M5. We left the South West and we travelled into the Midlands> we ran to the very end of the M5 and we joined the Northbound M6. We ran North out of the West Midlands and into Staffordshire and up to junction 15 where we cam off onto the A500. We travelled North up to Sideway and then we joined the Eastbound A50. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and we turned left 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. Matthew went upstairs to use his computer and chill out in his room. Whilst there we saw D&G Bus 142 on a #1 to Meir.

D&G 142 in Fenton

After Matthew went for a walk to Aldi to get some shopping. We went downstairs and we set off onto City Road and we crossed over and onto Manor Street. We saw former BKS double decker coach C363 SVV.

BKS C363 SVV in Fenton

Further along Manor Street we saw grey minibus J88 SRS.

J88 SRS in Fenton

Also seen was ABC Supreme minibus SJ07 LSL.

ABC Supreme SJ07 LSL in Fenton

At the end of Manor Street we turned left onto Victoria Road and and we stopped at Aldi to pickup Matthew's weekly shop. Once Matthew had finished shopping we returned to the residential unit in Autocabs taxi. We set off up Victoria Road and we ran through the private road on which the swimming baths are situated. At the end we turned left onto City Road and right into Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and we returned to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. When it was time to go to uncle Dave's we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street and at the end we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We went across the spare ground onto Willowdale Avenue and onto Whieldon Road and into uncle Dave's. Matthew had some cheesecake and a can of Fanta orange. For tea Matthew had chicken potatoes and carrots. Later on he had another slice of cheesecake and a few digestive biscuits and custard creams. Uncle Dave now has a biscuit tin. Matthew chilled out in uncle Dave's house using his computer and watching television. Uncle Dave also did his DJ set. A couple of hours later staff came to escort Matthew back home. We set off onto Whieldon Road and by the shop we saw Autocabs KN62 XTR. We turned onto Willowdale Avenue. We crossed the spare ground and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Temple Street past the new building under construction, which is now getting near to completion. We continued back to the residential unit. Matthew went back to the room and went on 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 Bath 20-10-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
222	Stafford Town Centre, opp Railway Station	Bath Coach Park	Charter	Happy Days
42633	Bath BS	Batheaston, High Street (NE-bound)	231	First Somerset & Avon
67338	Batheaston, High Street (SW-bound)	Bath BS	231	First Somerset & Avon
42824	Bath BS	Bathford, Dovers Park (SE-bound)	13	First Somerset & Avon
42824	Bathford, Dovers Park (SE-bound)	Bath BS	13	First Somerset & Avon
46247	Bath BS	Bailbrook, Bailbrook Lane (NE-bound)	231	First Somerset & Avon
42557	Bailbrook, Bailbrook Lane (SW-bound)	Bath BS	13	First Somerset & Avon
222	Bath Coach Park	Stafford Town Centre, opp Railway Station	Charter	Happy Days

Today we finally managed to get to Bath! We had been trying for most of the year to spot and book a suitable trip but the last one we had booked was canceled due to low numbers. We booked this trip which involved a 15 mile journey to meet the coach and then we kept our fingers crossed that the bus was full enough to run. We checked the weather for today as always and the forecast was for sunny interval and unseasonably mild weather. Research for the trip didn't really happen due to a lack of time. Departure on the coach was at 08:45 from outside station and so we set our alarm for 07:00. Matthew got up and had some toast and orange juice before setting off just after 08:00. Our route to Stafford was A5035, A34 through Trentham, Whitmore Road and then onto the M6 Southbound. We then came into Stafford from the North and around the town centre to the railway station. We parked up at the railway station. Parking is reasonable here on a Saturday as it is only £2 to park here all day. We crossed the road and waited for the coach. As we waited for the coach we saw Arriva Midlands 3604 on a #76 service. We saw the coach approaching from the Newport end of the station and as we had never been on a Happy Days coach before we knew it was going to be required. It turned out to be required Neoplan coach 222 (MT61 HUP). We got on the coach and we were lucky enough to have the front 4 seats. The view of the trip down was fantastic. we set off through Rising Brook and Baswich before heading into Cannock and the bus station. Whilst in Cannock we saw Arriva Midlands double decker 4791 on a #26 service. We then joined onto the M6 and headed Southwards. We had a hostess drinks service which started after we had left the bumpy park of the M5. Matthew was fascinated when he found out there was a fridge in the front window of the coach! I think he would like one fitted in the front of our car to replace the glovebox. The driver told us he was going to stop at Michaelwood services which we did for 10 minutes. We got off and went to the toilet. He also visited the WH Smith shop and brough some pop and the latest Buses magazine. We also had time to get a picture of this fine coach.

Happy Days 222 in Michaelwood services

We jumped on and carried on South down the M5. The driver was dropping off people in a place called Bog Island in the town centre as this was the most central location. We asked if we could stay on the coach and go to the coach park as we wanted to take pictures of the coaches and also we wanted to be close to the bus station. After everyone else had been dropped off Bog Island we carried on to the the coach park. As we went passed the bus station we saw First Somerset and Avon step entranced Dart 46225. I cannot believe that no one else on the coach had come to Bath to ride around on the local buses! We got to the coach park at just after 12:00 and we had to be back around 16:30 if we wanted to get a few pictures of coaches before we left. We decided to eat at the cafe by the coach park. We ordered breakfasts and uncle Dave had a sausage sandwich. It took a while to cook because the lady there was on her own but it worth the wait. After using the 'wonderful' toilets at the coach park we walked down to the bus station via Ambury where all the Faresaver buses usually park. Here we saw and he photographed Faresaver T436 EBD and Bugler Coaches Mercedes minibus BIG 7763.

Bugler Coaches BIG 7763 in Bath

By the time we had eaten and walked up to the bus station it was nearly 13:00 there were a couple of First Step entranced Darts parked up and a Mercedes minibus but these didn't look like they were going anywhere anytime soon. We also saw 46925. There was a low floor Plaxton Pointer about to move off so we decided to do this. It was required 42633 and when it moved onto stand Matthew got a picture through the glass of the door on stand 5.

First 42633 in Bath bus station

We got on and booked some local First Day tickets. We got on and sat near the back. We saw a double decker arrive on the 332 service. We fought our way through the busy Streets and back past Bog Island before heading off up on to London Road. We decided to travel out for around 20 minutes to give us time to get back and do at least 3 out and back journeys. As such, once we had sussed out which direction we were traveling in we decided to get off a few stops after we had crossed the A4/A46 roundabout. This turned out to be in the village of Batheaston, and when we got off Matthew got a picture of 42633 here too.

First 42633 in Batheaston High Street

We crossed the road to catch a return service. It was now around 13:40. We looked at the timetable on the bus stop and we saw that there was a #231 service due the other way. Shortly after this there was a #13 service too. We saw a long single decker approaching and as we had not been on any before we knew it was going to be required. As it got closer we saw it was First 67338 and Matthew got a picture.

First 67338 in Batheaston High Street

We got on this bus and sat near the back. The bus seats had a moquette design which we had not seen before. The bus journey back in was quite swift due to the bus lane on the inbound A4, and we were back in town a little after 14:00. As we came into Dorchester Street we saw a First East Lancs Sprite Dart. It's a type of bus that we had never seen in Bath before. When we arrived Matthew took a picture of the inside of the bus.

Inside First 67338

I had not realised that we had been on a Dennis Lance even though I saw Matthew taking a picture of the Dennis logo just inside the door! We came out of the door of the bus station and the Sprite was still on Dorchester street. It was going to be required as we have never been on a bus of this type before. We saw it was 42824 and then Matthew got a picture before we got on.

First 42824 in Dorchester Street

We booked to the end in Bathford and sat down near the back. So we went out through the town centre and back up the A4. The outwards journey were starting to take a little longer as traffic was starting to build towards the Saturday equivalent of the evening rush hour. I thought that we may get off before the end as we might be able to get in a different bus back but Matthew had other ideas! I think he wanted to get a good picture of the inside of this bus as it was the First of this type we had been on, and it also had the pastel purple moquette that we had seen for the first time on the last bus. When we got to the terminus of the service he did get his picture.

Inside First 42824

Whilst we were off we had a sandwich each from our emergency supplies and we also shared a can of Barr limeade. We headed back into town and we were due in around 15:30. We came into own along the A4 and we stopped at the bottom to await time for 2 minutes. We also saw 46260 on a #272 service. As we went through the centre of town we saw a Plaxton Pointer Dart behind us on a #231 service. I stood up to look at which one it was and we saw it was required 46247! I arranged to meet with mum at the bus station so that I give her the lottery fast pay cards. We got off 42824 to get a picture and we also got a picture of 46247 too.

First 46247 in Dorchester Street

Mum had the lottery cards and came with us to wait for 46247 to come into the bus station and ready itself for service. Matthew was keen to get a picture of the inside of this bus so he kind of got to near the front of the queue to make sure that he did! When the door did open having seen Matthew keeness the family at the front decided it might be a good idea to let him on first. As I booked his ticket he got a picture of the inside of the bus.

Inside 46247

As we were leaving we also saw 46261 and 46238 on a #161 service. The bus had filled to standing and we picked a couple more people as we passed through town. The journey out of town on what was the slightly late running 15:17 #231 to chippenham was quite slow. as we crossed over the A4/A46 roundabout we passed 42633 on a inbound #231 which we had been on earlier. We knew if we got to Batheaston for 15:54-ish, there would be an inbound #13. We got there for around 14:48 and Matthew got another picture of this fine old step-entranced bus.

First Somerset & Avon 46247 near Batheaston

We crossed the road and we had around 5 minutes to wait for the next Bath service. It was required First Somerset & Avon 42557.

First Somerset & Avon 42557 near Batheaston

The bus was empty as we got on Matthew got a picture before we sat down.

Inside First Somerset & Avon 42557

Only a few people got on this service as would be expected at this time of day and we had a swift inbound journey. We had quite a wait at the Snow Hill timed stop before setting off again and we still got to Dorchester Street early due to the slack timings for this service in a very busy town. When we got of the bus mum was waiting for us. We started to make our way back to the coach park, taking a few pictures on the way. We saw 40535 heading off under the railway line. Faresaver MCW Evolution TBZ 5834 was parked up on Ambery, and then we turned the corner to walk towards the car park and we saw the Wessex Connect rum Uniconnect service too.

Uniconnect BX62 FYY in Bath

Back at the coach park, we used the facilities and then took a few pictures of coaches in the car park. Matthew saw a really good example of a Van Hool bodied DAF, which was endeavour G2 END. He smiled at the driver and went to the front window to have a look in the coach to get a good look. The driver let him on and took a picture or 2 of the inside of the coach before say thank you. We got back to our coach and chatted to our driver awaiting time before departure. Matthew had his picture taken in the drivers seat of out coach and the driver had a quick flick through Matthew's Buses magazine! Around 16:45 we set off through town to Bog Island to pick up the rest of the passengers. We arrived there for our designated 16:50 pick-up slot and the coach filled up with the exception of one passenger. As it was getting close to 17:00 the driver had a look around to see if he could see him. He was sitting outside a pub finishing off his pint! After he had boarded we set off bang on time. We set of Northwards on the reverse of our route down. We stopped around 18:20 at Strensham services again for a quick 10 minute toilet stop. As usual we squeezed in a visit to the shop and taking a couple of pictures. Park's National Express Liveried coach HSK 652 was also here. Back on the motorway we continued to reverse the route we had done coming down. We started to drop off in Cannock around 19:30 and we reached Stafford railway station around 20:00. I think this trip has to qualify as the most well organised and profession coach trip that we had ever been on. It was then back to the car and after I had paid for parking we set off towards Stoke-on-Trent. We dropped off Uncle Dave and then drove back home. back home matthew helped me to upload my pictures to flickr before we went to bed...Mark

Trip to Bath 27-08-2011

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
MIB 978	Brunswick Street, Newcastle	Bath Coach Park	Charter	Copelands Tours
46225	Bath BS	Lower Weston, Windsor Villas (SW Bound)	332	First Somerset & Avon
46259	Lower Weston, Windsor Villas	Combe Park, The Homestead (N bound)	14	First Somerset & Avon
42899	Combe Park, The Homestead (S bound)	Bath BS	14	First Somerset & Avon
53804	Bath BS	Southdown, Jones Stores (N bound)	10	First Somerset & Avon
53812	Southdown, Jones Stores (N bound)	Southdown, Kingsway Post Office (N bound)	10	First Somerset & Avon
52564	Southdown, Kingsway Post Office (SW bound)	Bath BS	10	First Somerset & Avon
MIB 978	Bath Coach Park	Brunswick Street, Newcastle	Charter	Copelands Tours

Having enjoyed visit to bath last year, When Matthew saw this trip in the Copeland's Tours leaflet he wanted to do it. Preparation for the trip consisted of printing out the 3 maps of bath from the First site and digging out last years First timetable book in order to have a rough idea of what the timetable would be in case we couldn't get an up to date version. This time we drove to Newcastle and parked up for the day as we knew this would be a long trip. We arrived around 08:30 to give me time to park up and get back to Brunswick Street before the booked 08;50 departure. Whilst waiting there was a real flurry of activity with buses and coaches coming and going virtually constantly. The bus arrived a few minutes late and then we set of promptly after the driver told us where we were going to stop. We set of and went via the A34, A500 and then M6.
Shortly after we joined the M5 we stopped at Frankley services for a quick toilet and snack break.


MIB 978 in Frankley services (Matt)

After going to the toilets, we went into the shop to try and by Buses magazine but they didn't have one! We left mum in the queue whilst we stood by the coach waiting. After a few minutes mum hadn't returned so I left Matthew with uncle Dave and I went to find her. She had gone out of the wrong door, having failing to notice the we entered via the back of the M&S store from the coach park! We got back on the coach and we set off South along the M5. We hit traffic just North of Bristol, and after crawling for around 20 minutes we reached the junction for the M4 and got going again. We entered the city of Bath via the same route as last time along the A46. As last time we crawled into the city along this very busy road. We parked up in the coach park around 12;20. We could eat at the same cafe as last time because it had closed, so we walked into town towards the bus station. On the corner of the bus station is MacAvoy's cafe which has a few tables outside which would be perfect for us to eat and observe the buses. We ordered 2 breakfasts, teacakes and a sausage sandwich with 3 drinks. the food was very nice and we were able to make some important observations. Whilst waiting for the food i nipped around to the travel office and picked up a copy of the latest first timetable book for 20p! we also saw 52554 on the #1 service, 46259 on a #14 service and we saw 46225 arrive which is a step entranced Dart. after we finished eating we went around the back of the bus station by the river footbridge and we could see 46225 was still on stand. We decided to walk around to the bus station and see what service the bus was on. Closer inspection revealed that 46225 was on a #332 Bristol service. A quick check of the timetable and local revealed that the #332 heads west out of the city along Upper Bristol Road. We decided we could catch this bus out along the A4 and there were plenty of other service that we could do back. We got on the bus and booked 2 local day rovers for £4 each and the a ticket for Matthew to Upper Bristol Road. Matthew also observed that this bus was taxed until July next year so hopefully it will be running for a while yet! We headed out of town and we were behind 46259 on service #14, a service which we had covered last year. When we reached the outskirts of bath we got off this bus and Matthew was able to get a good picture.


46225 on Upper Bristol Road (Matt)

When we got off, we were considering crossing the road to return to Bath, when 46259 appeared on a Weston Bound #14 service. We must have overtaken this bus at some point and I hadn't noticed. As we had done this service before we decided to get on it and do it up to the hospital. We boarded the bus and then traveled a mile or so towards the hospital. We got off earlier than we should have done, and Matthew took a picture as it went off into the distance.


46259 on Combe Park (Matt)

We were about to walk up to the hospital entrance when uncle Dave noticed a stop on the opposite side of the road in the other direction. we walked down and waited for the bus. we only had to wait around 3 minute when 42899 turned up on a Bath bound #14


42899 on Combe Park (Matt)

We did the bus back to the bus station where Matthew took a picture of the empty Dennis Dart.


Inside 42899 (Matt)

When we got off the bus, Matthew misbehaved and we had to take him away from the bus station for 20 minutes or so to calm him down. Whilst waiting around the back of the bus station we observed 52564 on a #10 service. We walked back into the bus station and saw that 53806 was now on the #1 service replacing 52554. We walked to the west end of the bus station and we gave Matthew a choice of several buses on services #5, #10, #14 and #17 after around 10 minutes Matthew chose to do 53804 on a #10 service. We boarded the bus and booked to Southdown for Matthew. The bus headed west then South, over the river and railway line. We passed 52564 around the Kingsway area. When we thought we were somewhere on the loop part of the service we got off the bus and Matthew got a picture of the Solo.


53804 in Southdown (Matt)

At this point we decided to stagger our journey back and to attempt to get the Mercedes minibus back. We waited for 12 minutes and then caught the next service which was Optare Solo 53812


53812 in Southdown (Matt)

We did the bus to Kingsway and we saw 53810 going in the other direction. At this point I realised that there were 4 buses working the service and if we waited on this side of the road we would get 53810 and pass 52564 going out. We then decided walk around the corner and to catch the outward service which we were hoping was going to be the step entranced minibus. At this point I gave mum a text to meet at the bus station around 16:00. We waited on the wrong side of the road sitting on a wall and then crossed over a couple of minutes before the bus was due. The bus appeared promptly and it was indeed 52564.


52564 near Kingsway PO (Matt)

Matthew went to the back of the bus. this bus is unusual as it only has 4 back seats with a gap in the middle. The journey back was interesting as someone got on with a pushchair which if often the case when a service is mainly low floor. having wrestled the pushchair into the luggage area the bus returned in to Bath. Matthew did manage to get another shot of this bus in the bus station as it pulled off the stand.


52564 in bath bus station (Matt)

we then waited for mum for mum. after a couple of minutes we met up and then slowly made our way back to the coach park. Matthew photographed a few buses on the way back including 41142. this is a bus from the same batch that arrived in Stoke from London back in 2003. Because they were displaced before the national numbering they have completely different number ranges.


41142 in Dorchester Street (Matt)

As we passed behind the back of the bus station, Matthew took a picture of a CT Coaches minibus in the bus station.


CT Coaches Mercedes minibus S281 LGA (Matt)

We walked back to the coach park via Ambury where there were 4 buses parked up, and along Corn Street. At the coach park Matthew photographed most of the coaches and used the facilities. we had the customary sausage rolls as we wait time for the coach to depart. We set off a few minutes before 17:00 and after we left bath we had clear roads all the way. We stopped at Frankley again around 18:50 After we stretched our legs and mum stocked up with drinks for us, we set off North around 19:10. We reached Newcastle just before 20:00 passing 30033 in Newcastle bus station. Matthew, mum and Uncle Dave went to get food whilst I went to fetch the car. I picked them up and then we dropped uncle Dave off at home before returning home ourselves. This was quite a good trip which was slightly marred by Matthews behaviour. We made a good recovery but his could have been a disaster! Matthew need to behave better if he want to continue to have coach trips out...Mark