Trip to Longton / Etruria 04-11-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
43	Fenton, Albert Square	Longton Interchange	40	D&G
43	Longton Interchange	Fenton, Stewart Street	40	D&G

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 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 67650 on a #11 to Newcastle. We went downstairs and we set off onto on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street where we saw First Potteries 67665 on a #23 to Hanley. We continued along Christchurch Street and into the day centre where we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

In the morning Matthew we to Longton by bus. We set off on foot onto Christchurch Street and we stood at the bus stop by Albert Square to wait for a bus to Longton. After a short while we saw D&G Bus 43 on a #40 to Longton.

D&G 43 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Longton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Christchurch Street. At the end we turned right onto Station Bridge Road and we crossed over the railway line. We ran forwards Heron Street and we went through Heron Cross and over the A50. We ran into Blurton along Blurton Road and we saw grey minibus CN68 YHJ at the BP garage. We turned left onto Longton Hall Road. We ran up the hill and we ran forwards onto Heathcote Street. We turned left onto the high level A50 and at the roundabout we turned right onto Baths Road. We ran past Tesco before turning right into Longton Interchange. we got up and got off. We set off towards towards Tesco and we saw Z Carz HK57 LFY. When we had finished in Tesco we black cash box. When we had finished shopping we walked back to the bus station. Whilst we waited for the #40 we saw D&G Bus 173 on a #50 to Hanley.

D&G 173 in Longton Interchange

A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was D&G Bus 43 on a #40 as expected.

D&G 43 in Longton Interchange

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. we set off out of the Interchange onto Baths Road past Tesco we saw First Potteries 63174 on a #22 to Newcastle. We cross over the A50 onto Foley Road and at the end we turned right onto Longton Hall Road. We ran down the hill into Blurton and we turned right onto Blurton Road. We ran up the hill and at the roundabout we crossed over the A50. We went through the traffic lights onto Heron Street and we turned left onto Grove Road. We ran into Fenton and forwards onto Whieldon Road. We turned right onto Smithpool Road. We got up and got off at the stop near to Stewart street. Once off the bus Matthew walked up Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out until. We went downstairs and we got in a car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road. We ran down into Stoke and we went under the railway line. We joined the Northbound A500 and we ran North up to Shelton. We turned right onto Shelton New Road and left onto Etruscan Street. We stopped at the food van by the builders yard and Matthew had a Cumberland sausage bap washed down with a can of Coke. Once we had finished eating we set of along Etruscan Street and we turned right onto Shelton Old Road. We ran up through Hartshill to the roundabout and we continued forwards onto George Street. We turned left onto Marsh Parade by the old nightclub and right onto Victoria Road. We stopped briefly at Grandma's House and after picking something up we continued onto Victoria Street. At the bottom of the hill we turned left onto the Southbound A34 and we saw First Potteries 65034 on a #101 to Hanley. We continued into Trent vale along the A34. At Hanford Roundabout we headed North onto the A500. We ran Northwards up the A500 through Sideway and we came off the road at Stoke. We turned right onto City Road and we ran under the railway line. We ran up the hill into Fenton and we turned right into Smithpool Road. We turned left into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out. For tea Matthew had chicken & chips followed by cake. Later on Matthew went out to the pub. We went downstairs onto Temple Street. Outside we saw Cabability WF13 YTY parked up nearby. We turned right onto Christchurch Street and we continued to the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. Once we had finished in the pub we walked back to the residential unit. We set off onto Christchurch Street and we turned left onto Temple Street. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and use his computer. Matthew also watched television in his room and then had a bath. Later on Matthew had toast for supper before going to bed around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Fenton / Sunderland 17-10-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Sunderland	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Sunderland	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
HK57 LFY	Fenton	Hanley	Charter	Z Carz
HK57 LFY	Hanley	Fenton	Charter	Z Carz

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw First Potteries 67156 on a #23 to Hanley. Around 09:00 we did Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX to Sunderland.

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 We ran under the railway line and then we turned right onto the Northbound A52. We ran North up to the M6 and we then went Eastwards along the M62 and then we joined the Northbound A1(M). We ran North up to junction 62 and then we went eastwards to Sunderland along the A690. We stopped at the toby Carvery at the edge of town and Matthew had A turkey carvery with carrots and roast potatoes followed by a blueberry cheesecake. we saw Go North East 5420 on a #20 to South Shields. When it to go we returned to Fenton in Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off down the A690 before going South down the A1(M). We went Westwards along the M62 as far as the M6 where we went Southwards. At junction 16 we went southwards down the A500. We came off the A500 onto City Road and We continued up City Road under the railway line up to Smithpool Road and we turned right. We turned left onto Temple Street and we went back to the residential unit. Matthew went back up to his room to use his computer and watch buses. We saw First Potteries 67159 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67159 in Fenton

Matthew was going out for tea Later on Matthew went out to the pub in Hanley it was Z Carz HK57 LFY. We set off onto Christchurch Street And we turned left onto Baker Street. we turned right onto City Road and then sharp left onto Victoria Road. We ran down the hill to Joiners Square and we ran across the roundabout onto Lichfield Street. We crossed over the ring rod and we turned right onto birch terrace. We continued onto Charles Street and we ran through Hanley onto Trinity street. We continued down onto Etruria Road and w stopped at the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and then had burger and fries followed by lemon meringue pie and a glass of Coke. We returned to Fenton. We walked up Etruria Road and forwards onto Trinity Street. We crossed through the town centre onto Old Hall Street and we walked down Charles Street to Birch Terrace where we saw it was Z carz HK57 LFY. We got on the bus and we set off onto Charles Street. We turned right onto Old Hall Street and we turned right onto the ring road. We turned left onto Lichfield Street and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed the roundabout onto Victoria Road and we ran up the hill into Fenton. We turned right into manor street and right onto City Road. We turned left onto Smithpool Road and left onto temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went u to his room to chill out and watch buses. We saw Afford Rent-a-Car WX67 YYR

Afford Rent-a-Car WX67 YYR in Fenton

Matthew listened to music on the computer. He also had a slice of chocolate cake. Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Fenton / Sheffield 12-09-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
BU54 SOS	Fenton	Sheffield	Charter	Stanton's of Stoke
BU54 SOS	Sheffield	Fenton	Charter	Stanton's of Stoke

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 41497 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 41497 in Fenton

Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street and to the day centre. In the morning Matthew went to Sheffield on Stanton's of Stoke BU54 SOS. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned right onto City Road. We turned right onto the A50 link road and then we we ran down to the A50. We joined the Eastbound A50 and we ran through Longton. We continued along the A50 through Blythe Bridge and Uttoxeter. We ran Eastwards to the motorway and we got onto the North bound M1. We ran North to Junction 35 and we ran into town from the North along the A629. We joined the Southbound B6087 and we stopped for dinner at a pub. Matthew wen to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. For dinner Matthew had a beefburger and fries followed by a chocolate brownie. We then returned to Fenton We ran back West through Chappeltown along the B6546 and onto the Northbound A61. We ran up to the motorway and we joined the Southbound M1. we ran down through South Yorkshire and Derbyshire to the junction of the A50 and then we went Westwards nearby Uttoxeter and Blythe Bridge. We ran down to Heron Cross and we came off the A50. We ran along Heron Street and forwards onto Station Bridge Road. We ran forwards onto Glebedale Road. once we got back we returned to the residential unit. We walked onto Christchurch Street and down Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out on his computer and watch buses out of the window. We saw First Potteries 67638 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67638 in Fenton

We also saw D&G Bus 114 on a #1 to Meir.

D&G 114 in Fenton

For tea Matthew had a pasty followed by treacle tart and custard. Later on Matthew went out to Newcastle. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road and we ran down the hill towards Stoke. We ran over the A500 and we went around the one-way system. We ran up Hartshill Road and we continued down George Street into Newcastle. We ran along the A527 and we went North up the A34. Near to the KFC we turned left onto Robertson Avenue. We crossed forwards onto Douglas Road and forwards to the disco. We spent some time at the disco. Matthew went to the toilet and a glass of coke. After doing some dancing we returned to Fenton. We ran back to the A34 and we went South into Newcastle. We turned left onto the A527 and we ran up to the Jubilee Roundabout. We ran around the one-way system onto George Street and we ran into Hartshill. We ran down Hartshill Road into Stoke and we went around the one-way system onto Church Street. We crossed over the A500 and onto City Road before going under the railway line. We climbed the hill and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. When Matthew got back he went up to his room. He used his computer and watched music videos on the Television. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Fenton / Crewe 23-08-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
NX13 XDH	Fenton	Stone Aldi	Charter	Shelton Care Group
NX13 XDH	Stone Aldi	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
HK57 LFY	Fenton	Crewe	Charter	Z Carz
HK57 LFY	Crewe	Fenton	Charter	Z Carz

Today Matthew was in residential and he was going to his day service. Matthew was also going to Crewe later. 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 67647 on a #11 to Newcastle. Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street. At the day centre we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

In the morning Matthew went to Aldi in Stone on Shelton Care Group NX13 XDH. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we ran forwards onto Station Bridge Road. We continued onto Heron Street and we went through the lights at Heron Cross onto Blurton Road. At the roundabout we joined the Westbound A50 and we ran down to Sideway. We joined the Southbound A500 and we ran down to Hanford where we joined the Southbound A34. We ran through Hanford and Trentham and we continued South through Tittensor and Darlaston and to the West of Stone town centre. We crossed the Eccleshall Road and we turned right into the supermarket. Matthew did his shopping and brought his weeks food shopping. Once we had finished we returned to the day centre in Shelton Care Group NX13 XDH. We set off onto the Northbound A34 and we ran along the Western edge of Stone up to Darlaston. We continued North through Tittensor and Trentham and up into Hanford. We ran under the A500 into Trent Vale and we turned right onto London Road. We ran into the West End and we turned left onto Penkhull New Road. We ran up the hill into Penkhull and at the roundabout we turned right onto St Thomas Place. We turned left onto Princes Road and we stopped at the soft play area. We ran tot the end of Princes Street and we joined the A52. We ran down into Stoke and we went around the one way system onto Church Street. We crossed over the A500 and under the railway line and and we ran up City Road. We turned right onto Glebedale Road and back to the day centre. For dinner Matthew had a ham sandwich followed by a Manchester Tart. In the the afternoon Matthew watched a DVD. when it was tinme to go back to the residential unit Matthew went on foot onto Christchurch Street and left onto Temple Street. Matthew went upstairs and chilled out in his room on his computer. We saw D&G Bus 113 on 'The Orange ONE' service to Meir.

D&G 113 in Fenton

We also saw Jayjay's Travel Ford minibus PO58 XFX heading towards Stoke.

Jayjay's Travel PO58 XFX in Fenton

Due to a few issues, Matthew ended up not going to visit uncle Dave today. Matthew went out for tea on Z Carz minibus HK57 LFY. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road and we ran down the hill onto the A52. We went under the railway line and then we turned right onto the Northbound A500. We ran north under the A34 and M6 and we wheeled around to the West. South of Crewe we turned right onto David Whitby Way. We turned left onto the A532 and we ran towards the railway station, stopping at the new Farmhouse Inns pub. Matthwe went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. For tea Matthew had a burger and fries followed by Giant Chocolate Éclair. When Matthew had finished eating we returned to Fenton on Z Carz HK57 LFY. We set off onto the A532 and we ran Eastwards along to the next roundabout. We ran Southwards down David Whitby Way and we turned left onto the Eastbound A500. We ran under the M6 and A34 and we continued Southwards into Stoke. We left the A500 onto the A52 and we ran under the railway line and onto City Road. we turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went back up to his room to chill out and use his computer. Matthew then watched some 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 Fenton / Stoke 18-04-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67157	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Stoke, adj stop P	23	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.

First Potteries 67154 in Fenton

Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and onto Christchurch Street. At the day centre in the morning Matthew went on the computer. For dinner Matthew had a ham sandwich. In the after noon Matthew went for a walk. We set off onto Christchurch Street and we turned right onto Masterson Street. We stopped at the minimarket and we picked up a bottle of Coke. Once we had finished shopping we walked back up Masterson Street and onto Christchurch Street and back to the day centre. For the rest of the afternoon Matthew watched a DVD. when in was time to return to the residential unit we set off on foot onto Christchurch Street and onto Temple Street. Back at the house Mathew had some toast and then chilled out in his room on his computer. We saw Free Spirits MV05 YMM going towards Longton.

Free Spirits MV05 YMM in Fenton

For tea Matthew had chicken and chips followed by toffee yoghurt. Later on Matthew went to Stoke on the bus. We set off on foot onto City Road and we walked down to the stop by Travers Court. The bus appear and it was First Potteries 67157 on a #23 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Stoke before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off down City Road and we ran forwards onto the A52 were we saw First Potteries 53830 on #11 to Hanley. We ran under the railway line and we went over the A500. We ran into Stoke along Church Street and we got up and got off the bus. We then walked down the road to The Wheatsheaf. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. Highlights of the bus sightings included Roseville BP08 KJN & First Potteries 67158 on a #11 to Newcastle. We then walked back up to Fenton. We set off along Church Street and we saw Z Carz HK57 LFY. We crossed over the A500 onto City Road and we went under the railway line and up the hill. Back at the residential Matthew went up to his room and chilled out. Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. Matthew went to bed around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Fenton / Hanley 08-03-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Bentilee	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Hanley	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Hanley	Fenton Aldi	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton Aldi	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Bentilee	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DE61 RUO	Bentilee	Northwich	Charter	Roseville
DE61 RUO	Northwich	Bentilee	Charter	Roseville

Today Matthew was in respite and he was going into his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Matthew then sat in his room watching buses whilst waiting for his transport. We saw First Potteries 53124 on a #13 to Hanley.

First Potteries 53124 in Bentilee

We also saw Roseville minibus DE61 RUO heading towards Bucknall.

Roseville DE61 RUO in Bentilee

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 43876 on a #13 to Hanley.

First Potteries 43876 in Bentilee

Also on the main road was Z Carz minibus HK57 LFY also going towards Bucknall.

Z Carz HK57 LFY in Bentilee

A few minutes later Matthew's transport appeared and it was Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Bentilee

We set off onto Dividy Road and we ran eastwards up to Adderley Green. We turned right onto Anchor Road and we ran down towards Longton. We turned right into Upper Cross Street and we worked our way through the side street onto King Street. We ran down into Fenton and forwards onto City Road. We turned left onto Glebedale Road and to the day centre. In the morning Matthew went to Hanley on Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Fenton

We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned left onto City Road. We ran down the hill and forwards onto the A52 before going under the railway into Stoke. We turned right onto the A500 and ran North a cpuple of junctions up to Shelton New Road. We turned right and we ran up to the other day centre. After a short stop we continued onto Cemetery Road and then left onto Caledonia Road. We turned left onto Stoke Road and we ran up the hill to Snow Hill. We turned right onto College Road and then left onto Regent Road. At the end we stopped at Stoke-on-Trent markets. Matthew went to the toilet and then did a Zumba class. When they had finished we got in Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU for the run down to Aldi. We set off onto Lichfield Street and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed over the roundabout onto Victoria Road and we ran up the hill before turned right by McDonalds. We parked up and went into the shop. Matthew did some shopping and bought some ingredients for baking. We then returned to Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU for the run back to the day centre. We ran up Victoria Road and we turned sharp right onto City Road. We turned left onto Glebedale Road and into the day centre. For dinner Matthew had Pizza and chips followed by a Bakewell Tart. In the afternoon Matthew watched a DVD. At the end of the day Matthew returned to respite on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned right onto City Road. We ran through Fenton and we went Forwards onto King Street. We ran into Longton and we went under the railwat line and onto Market Street. We turned left onto Anchor Road and we ran up the hill into Adderley Green. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A5272 and we ran the last mile or so into Bentilee and back to respite. When Matthew got back he went into his room to chill out and watch buses. We saw Allendale minibus GU52 RNZ dropping off one of the other service users.

Allendale GU52 RNZ in Bentilee

For tea Matthew went to the Chesterway in Northwich by Roseville taxi minibus DE61 RUO. We set off onto the A5272 and we ran down towards Bucknall and onto the A52. At Limekiln lights we turned right onto Leek Road. We ran up through Milton and we joined the A53 at Badderley Green. We ran up into Leek town centre and then we went onto the A523. We ran through Rushton Spencer and Bosley and into Macclesfield. We ran onto the A537 and through to Knutsford. We then went West along the A5033 and we joined the A556. We ran to the edge of Northwich and joined the A559 before we stopped at the pub. Matthew had a breakfast followed by a cake. Matthew then went to the toilet. we returned to respite on Roseville taxi minibus DE61 RUO. Once we had finished eating we ran out of town Eastwards along the A559. We then ran down to Holmes Chapel and onto the A50. At Arclid we turned left onto the A534 and we ran into Congleton. We went ofrwards onto the A527 and we ran past Congleton railway station and into Biddulph. We went past the site ofthe new KFC and we ran down through Knypersley and Bridley Ford to Oxford. We turned left onto Oxford Road and we ran past Matthews old school into Smallthorne. We turned right onto Ford Green Road and left onto Norton Lane. We crossed over the A53 and we ran forwards into Milton before turning left onto Leek Road. At the traffic lights we turned left onto the A52. We ran through Bucknall and we turned right onto the A5272. We ran into bentilee and back to respite. matthew chilled out and watched television. later on he had a bath followed by toast for supper. Matthew went to be around 23:00...Mark

Trip to Bromsgrove / Redditch 16-01-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
30160	Bromsgrove BS	Redditch BS	143	Rotala Diamond
30402	Redditch BS	Matchborough, opp Warwick Highway	57	Rotala Diamond
30406	Matchborough, opp Warwick Highway	Redditch BS	58	Rotala Diamond
20361	Redditch BS	Batchley, adj Pine Tree Close	51	Rotala Diamond
20361	Batchley, adj Pine Tree Close	Redditch BS	51	Rotala Diamond
40544	Redditch BS	Winyates, adj Winyates Centre	58	Rotala Diamond
30857	Winyates, adj Winyates Centre	Redditch BS	58	Rotala Diamond

Today we decided to revisit Bromsgrove. We had checked the weather the night before and the better weather seemed to be to the South of us, so we told Matthew that we would be going to Bromsgrove. Matthew got up at 10:00 and had toast and blackcurrant juice for breakfast. I cleared the car of frost and we set off around 12:00. We headed onto the A5035 and we crossed the railway line into Trentham. We continued to the end of the road and we turned right onto the A34. We traveled north for a few hundred yards before turning left onto Whitmore Road. At the end of Whitmore Road we turned right onto the A519 and then onto the Southbound M6. As we went down the M6 we passed a number of buses coming the other way. We saw an Eavesway liveried coach towing a trailer, LSK 825 park's (National Express livery) on a #570 service, Barnes WA14 DTX, a couple of Birmingham International coaches and a Kings Ferry Coach. New to Hilton Services we caught up with a National Express Coach. It was National Express BX65 WCN. As we neared junction 10 the coach came past us.

National Express BX65 WCN on the M6

We got down to junction eight really quickly today. We diverted onto the M5 and we ran down to junction 4 for Bromsgrove through light traffic. We Joined he Southbound A38 and the right onto Birmingham Road for the last mile or so into town. We parked up at Adsa and then walked across into town. At the top end of the bus station was required First Worcester 33043 on a #144 to Birmingham.

First Worcester 33043 in Bromsgrove bus station

Matthew went to the toilet and then we headed across to the Market Plaice for dinner. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Coke. After we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and we headed out in to the bus station. We then saw dud Clearway PEZ 3058 on the #99 to Charford.

Clearway PEZ 3058 in Bromsgrove bus station

Further down the bus station we saw a Streetlite. It was required Rotala Diamond 30160 on a #143 to Redditch.

Rotala Diamond 30160 in Bromsgrove bus station

We decided to do this bus as we had been to Redditch for a while. We got on the bus and we booked Worcestershire Connecta day tickets at £7 each. We sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and we went Southwards onto the A448. We went forwards onto Worcester Road and we turned left into the Charford estate. We went around the estate and we crossed the A38 and went into Morrisons. After calling at Morrisons we went forwards up the A38 and we turned right into Aston Fields. We turned left onto Warrick Avenue and we went around the estate coming out near to Bromsgrove Railway station. We crossed over the railway line and we went past Bromsgrove Rugby Club as we headed towards Finstall. We ran along the B4148 through Tardebrigge to Hewell Grange were we joined the B4096. We continued South for a cople of miles and we crossed over the A448. We ran along Birchfield Road into Webheath and we turned left under the A448 onto Bromsgrove Road. Another mile or so and we came into Redditch. We saw the railway station and we went straight ahead and into the bus station under the Kingerfisher Shopping centre. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Rotala Diamond 30160.

Inside Rotala Diamond 30160

When we got off the bus we went straight up to the bus departure monitor to see when the next bus to Bromsgrove was due. There was a X3 departure at 14:28 that we could do in a few minutes. In the meantime we had a quick look around the bus station. On layover was the bus we should be catching. It was required Rotala Diamond 30500.

Rotala Diamond 30500 in Redditch bus station

A few minutes before the bus was due to depart, Matthew decided he wanted the toilet, so we walked into the hub where we quickly found one. Matthew took age in the toilet and when he came out we saw Rotala Diamond 30500 departing at the other end of the bus station. We now had time before the next departure to Bromsgrove... Thirty minutes or so before the there was a #143 which was probably going to be worked by Rotala Diamond 30160 again. We decided to have a walk around and to take a few bus pictures. On the car park side of the bus station we saw required Rotala Diamond 32101.

Rotala Diamond 32101 in Redditch bus station

We saw a double decker come into the bus station so we went around the other side of the bus station to see it. It was required Rotala Diamond 40543.

Rotala Diamond 40543 in Redditch bus station

We thought about catching the double decker, but it run off out of service. At the top of the bus station we saw dud Rotala Diamond 30382 on a #48 Alexandra Hospital circular.

Rotala Diamond 30382 in Redditch bus station

Rotala Diamond 30382 was a bus that we first had from Bromsgrove to Kidderminster on the X3 service back in August 2014. We walked back down to the opposite corner of the bus station and we saw required Rotala Diamond 30857 in it's special silver 'Monopoly Redditch edition' livery.

Rotala Diamond 30857 in Redditch bus station

Having though we were going to do the double decker on the #57 service, we had looked at the map in the bus station to see were we could do the bus to. The #57 is a circular service with the #58 running the opposite way around the circle. With a high frequency service, we decided that this would be a good service to do. We went back around to the stand where the #57 goes from and we saw required Rotala Diamond 30402 about to load up.

Rotala Diamond 30402 in Redditch bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed our Worcestershire Connecta day tickets to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto Station Way. We went down the hill and around the corner onto Ipsley Street. At the roundabout we went straight across onto Holloway Lane and under the A441. Holloway Lane became Studley Road and we crossed under Warwick Highway. We went forward over a 'Buses Only' section of road and into the Woodrow estate. To an outside it seems like a very unusual place. It seems to be a series of housing estates that link directly onto fast roads. Only buses can travel between the estates and motorist have to travel in and around town along the raised fast main roads. We passed nearby an industroialmestate and then we turned left at the next roundabout onto Washford Drive. At the next roundabout we followed Washford Drive along the right hand turn off the roundabout and then we crossed the river Arrow we turned left onto the B4497 and as we turned right onto Matchborough Way we passed one of the double deckers coming the other way. The bus emptied out a little opposite to us and Matthew decided to take a picture inside Rotala Diamond 30402.

Inside Rotala Diamond 30402

We traveled a further 1/2 mile North though another buses only section of road, and we decided to get up and get off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Rotala Diamond 30402 as it carried on back towards Redditch.

Rotala Diamond 30402 in Matchborough

We crossed the road and there was another bus due in a few minutes. We saw it stop up the road on the other side of the Warwick Highway. We could see that it was a Plaxton Centro. As it got closer we saw that it was required Rotala Diamond 30406.

Rotala Diamond 30406 in Matchborough

We got on the bus and we flashed the Worcestershire Connecta day tickets to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The interior of this bus was very nice and the bus was fitted with coach style high backed seats. The plan now was to get back to Reddich in time for the 15:28 X3 departure towards Bromsgrove. The bus set off back down Matchborough Way and towards Washford. We went up to Studley Road past the park Farm industrial estate and into Woodrow. We crossed back into the Lakeside area of town before going under the A441. We then ran into town along Ipsley Street and Station Way. As we entered the bus station at 15:28 we saw the X3 departing! We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Rotala Diamond 30406.

Inside Rotala Diamond 30406

As we got off the bus in front of us was required Rotala Diamond 30885 on a #58 Matchborough circular service.

Rotala Diamond 30885 in Redditch bus station

We went back to the departure board to see when the next departure to Bromsgrove was. There was a #143 at 16:15 and a X3 service at 16:28. We noticed a required Dart on the #51... A quick look on the Redditch bus maps revealed at was a circular service that served the West of the town above the North of the A448. It didn't look like a very long route. We went back to the stand where the #51 to Batchley was and Matthew took a picture of Rotala Diamond 20361.

Rotala Diamond 20361 in Redditch bus station

We got on the bus and we asked the driver how long it would take to do the circle. The driver told us it would be back in the bus station at 15:51 which meant we see the next two departure to Bromsgrove even if we did this bus. We flashed the Worcestershire Connecta day tickets to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Hewell Road up as far as the A Poole & Son factory and then we turned left into Batchley Road. A few yards down the road we passed Rotala Diamond 30701 coming the other way on a #51 service. We went around the estate along Foxlydiate Crescent, Salters Lane and Oak Tree Avenue before returning onto Batchley Road running back towards town. We passed Rotala Diamond 30701 again and we turned right onto Hewell Road and we ran back down to the bus station. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Rotala Diamond 20361.

Inside Rotala Diamond 20261

We now had round 20 minutes before the 16:15 to Bromsgrove was due. We had a walk around the bus station to see what was around. At the top of the bus station on layover was Rotala Diamond 30884.

Rotala Diamond 30884 in Redditch bus station

Whilst we were waiting for our bus to turn up we saw a Stagecoach bus in Redditch for the first time. It was on a #26 service from Stratford-upon-Avon. It was required Stagecoach Midlands 15675.

Stagecoach Midlands 15675 in Redditch bus station

It had now gone 16:00 so as a precaution we decided to take Matthew to the toilet as a precaution so that we didn't miss the bus when it turned up. Matthew used the toilet and we sat down for a while whilst we waited for 16:15... The time cam and went and the bus hadn't appeared in the meanwhile, dud Rotala Diamond 30637 came on stand to work the X3 service, which we were going to do if we missed the 16:15.

Rotala Diamond 30637 in Redditch bus station

We went to get on the X3 service and Matthew decided that he didn't want to do it. The late running 16:15 also made an appearance and he didn't want to do that either! We told him that he had a choice of two buses and he didn't want to get on either of them... First the #143 service departed a few minutes late, and then the X3. We had to come up with another plan. a quick check of the board revealed that there wasn't another bus until 17:28. We were probably going to be stuck for a while. We had an hour so we went for a walk down the bus station. At the bottom of the bus station was required Rotala Diamond 40544 which was about to work a #58 service.

Rotala Diamond 40544 in Redditch bus station

I asked Matthew if he wanted to do this bus and he said yes. He waited for the bus to be readied for service and then we climbed aboard Rotala Diamond 40544. We flashed the Worcestershire Connecta day tickets to the driver before going upstairs. The rear of the top decker was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside Rotala Diamond 40544 with it's rather unusual tartan seat moquette.

Inside Rotala Diamond 40544

It was now going dark as we turned right out of the bus station onto Unicorn Hill. In the old town centre we turned left onto Church Green West and then right onto Easemore Road. We called mum and we decided that mum was going to come and get us rather than go to Bromsgrove, not getting there much before 18:00. We crossed the A441 and then we went forwards onto Park Way. we traveled along a very long section of 'Buses only' road that was close to a mile long. We went forwards onto Church Hill Way and another 500m section of buses only road which took us South over the A4023. We were now on Winyates way and the bus was starting to empty out. We looked like we were in a similar place to where we got off before so we were considering getting off. The bell rang and we saw a few shops ahead of us, so we decided to get up and off the bus here. The bus pulled off quickly and matthew was unable to get a picture as Rotala Diamond 40544 carried on back towards Redditch. We went to the One Stop Shop opposite to the bus stops ans Matthew had a can of Coke and a few chocolate bars to stock up the trip bag. We went back to the bus stop and the bus back was due at 17:02. Uncle dave check the bus stop opposite and the #57 was also due at 17:02. Matthew drank a bottle of cherry Coke and we heard a bus approaching. It was required Rotala Diamond 40543 on the #57 service opposite. We didn't manage to get across the road to catch the bus, so we went back to the stop where we got off. A minute or so late the bus came around the corner an it was required Rotala Diamond 30857 in the silver 'Monopoly Redditch Edition' livery.

Rotala Diamond 30857 in Winyates

We got on the bus and we flashed the Worcestershire Connecta day tickets to the driver for the last time today. We sat down towards the back of the bus and the bus set off Southwards down the road. It turned out that we were two stops short from the stop that we had boarded 30406 on the #58 earlier in the day. We crossed under Warwick Highway and we went forwards onto Matchborough Way. We carried on down Matchborough Way and towards Washford. We went up to Studley Road past the park Farm industrial estate and into Woodrow. We crossed back into the Lakeside area of town before going under the A441. We then ran into town along Ipsley Street and Station Way. We got off the bus and we tried to work out where mum was parked up. She said that she was near to a bus garage and she could see a chemist. Before we left the bus station we took a couple more pictures. We saw required Stagecoach Midlands 17054 on a #26 to Stratford-upon-Avon in Unibus livery.

Stagecoach Midlands 17054 in Redditch bus station

We also saw dud Rotala Diamond 30383 on a #64 to Woodrow North.

Rotala Diamond 30383 in Redditch bus station

We walked down to where we though mum was and we could not see her or the chemists. We then walked back up along Station Way as mum said she had a car park on her left and we still couldn't find her. She told me that she was on Adelaide Street so I brought up a map and i saw that she was on the other side of the Redditch Ringway. We went along Hewell Road and under the ringway on a pedestrian walkway. AS we walked up Bates Hill we were on the phone and she beeped her horn which we could hear quite clearly. We kept going onto Unicorn Hill and we turned left into Church Green West before turning left again onto Church Street. We could now see a bus parked up outside a bus depot... What we didn't know is that Rotala have two bus depots in Redditch hence to confusion. We took a couple of picture by the depot and then we walked over to the car. Mum was waiting for us with Greggs sausage roll and Matthew had a bottle of Irn Bru. We set off onto Church Street and back down towards the bus station along Church Green West and Unicorn Hill. We went along Bromsgrove Road and right on to Birchfield Road before joining the westbound A448. We ran fast along the dual carriageway until we met the A38 and then we went North to the M5. As we ran North up the M5 we overtook white Solo S632 JRU. We also passed more NAT coaches going South and the Cardiff City team coach which we believe to be Edwards WA14 DTZ. On the M6 we made good time. As we went North through Staffordshire we overtook Satgecoach Oxford 22762 and 22764 which are probably transferring to another depot. We came of the M6 at Junction 15 and onto the Northbound A500. At Sideway we went East onto the A50 up to Longton so we could see what was parked up at Z Carz this evening. In the middle of the front row we saw Z Carz Mercedes minibus M372 NWN.

Z Carz M372 NWN in Longton

Next to that was Z Carz silver minibus CN57 HWA.

Z Carz CN57 HWA in Longton

At the end of the first row we saw Z Carz green Ford minibus T418 WYJ.

Z Carz T418 WYJ in Longton

In the second row was the relatively new arrival Z Carz HK57 LFY, which now has decals.

Z Carz HK57 LFY in Longton

At the very back of the site was Z Carz Mercedes minibus S952 VMY.

Z Carz S952 VMY in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row to see what was in the compound. Amongst the vehicles we saw Z Carz Ford minibus YS09 LWV.

Z Carz YS09 LWV in Longton

We got back on the high level A50 and we went to the Tesco petrol station to put some diesel in. After filling up we got back onto the A50 and we came off it at Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and We went forwards onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we got home around 19:15. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a millionaires shortbread biscuit. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:30... Mark