Trip to Wigan / Platt Bridge 26-04-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4643	Wigan BS	Pemberton, Major Street	385	Arriva NW&W
4118	Pemberton, Enfield Street	Wigan BS	604	Go North West
2967	Wigan BS	Platt Bridge, Millers Lane	320	Arriva NW&W
3109	Platt Bridge, Millers Lane	Wigan BS	609	Go North West
3495	Wigan BS	Westhoughton, (Stop D)	607	Go North West
30656	Westhoughton, Stop E	Platt Bridge, Millers Lane	559	Rotala Diamond
3109	Platt Bridge, Millers Lane	Wigan BS	609	Go North West

Today we decided to re-visit Wigan. We asked Matthew where he wanted to go during the week and he chose to go to Wigan. Research for the trip was looking at the weather, which was for dry weather with some sunshine and we also researched a new place to eat. Matthew woke up around 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast for breakfast. Later on he had a can of Irn Bru. We got ready to go out and we went out around 11:45. We got in the car and we set off through Blurton onto Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and into Heron Cross and over the A50. At Heron Cross lights we turned left onto Grove Road. We ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. Once we had picked up uncle Dave, we continued down Wheildon Road and we joined the Northbound A500. We saw a S.A,S Travel CV68 TBX, blue minibus FG73 YBR, Z Carz YT17 GXA, taxi minibus SF67 BNV and Roseville KR16 SOA. We joined the M6 and it was mving well today. After a short while we saw we got on the M6 we saw Little's E4 heading Notyhwards.

Little's E4 on the M6

Continug up the M6 we saw 2 x Options, grey tri axle coach, an unidentified Robinson's coach, grey minibus MC74 XTP, white minibus AE56 HCJ. We pulled into Knutsford Services as we had a fault on the car. we stopped and restarted and the fault cleared. On the services we saw silver minibus EF19 JKE and Prospect PR15 JAK. We re-joined the M6 and as we travelled Northwards we saw Alfa 105.

Alfa 105 on the M6

We continued up the M6 and we came off at junction 24. We joined the Northbound A49 and we ran towards Wigan. We continued up the A577 and we went past the retail park. We crossed under a railway line closed to Wigan Pier we turned left onto Wilcock Street. We parked up and we went to the Frexh Cafe. Matthew used the toilet and mum went to order the food. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a bottle of Cherry Coke. When we had finished eating we went to the counter an bought a slice of cake. We headed back to the car and as we drove inti town Matthew ate the cake. We set off along Wilcock Street and we turned left onto Miry Lane. We turned right onto Prescott Street. We turned right onto Frog Lane and right onto Dorning Street. We turned left onto Richmond Street and continued onto Hallgate. There was nowhere to stop so we turned right Dorning Street. We turned left onto King Street West and left onto Crawford Street. We parked up and we said goodbye to mum. We walked onto Hallgate and we headed into the bus station. We stopped at the top end and Matthew used the toilet. We saw Go North West 4115 on a #601 to Hatfield Grange.

Go North West 4115 in Wigan bus station

A short time later we saw an Arriva double decker approaching. As it came on stand we sw that it was Arriva NW&W 4643 on a #385 to Southport.

Arriva NW&W 4643 in Wigan bus station

We got on the bus and we brought an system one anybus day ticket at £5 before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the bus station onto Hallgate and we continued onto Dorning Street. We turned left out of King Street West and we turned right onto Wallgate. We passed the 2 railway stations and we ran under the railway line and onto the A577. We ran to the Wigan Pier and at the big rounsabout we continued onto the A577 through Newton and into Pemberton. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4643 as it continued towards Southport.

Arriva NW&W 4643 in Pemberton

After the bus had gone we crossed over the road and we walked back 1 stop to give us more choice of buses we could do back into Wigan. After a few minutes we saw a bus turn the corner. As it got closer we saw it was Go North West 4118 on a #604 Kitt Green circular.

Go North West 4118 in Pemberton

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One anybus tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the road and we ran the last 2 miles or so to the edge of town and we went over the big roundabout and over the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. We ran past Wigan Pier and we ran forwards onto Wallgate and under the West Coast Main Line. We past the 2 railway stations and we turned left onto King Street West. We turned right onto Dorning Street and we crossed Hallgate and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we headed down to the bottom end to take a few pictures. we saw Go North West 5201 on a #639 to Worsley Hill.

Go North West 5201 in Wigan bus station

We headed into the bus station and we decided to catch another Arriva Bus. As we got to the stand we saw that it was Arriva NW&W 2967 on a #320 to St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 2967 in Wigan bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One busonly day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station onto New Market Street and we turned right onto Mesnes Street. We ran forwards onto Compton Street and we crossed over the A49 onto the A573. We ran out of the town and we past Lidl and we crossed over the A577. We continued Southwards down the A573 and we crossed over the canal and under the railway line. We ran through Ince-in-Makerfield and we continued through Spring View and into Platt Bridge. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2967 as it continued towards St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 2967 in Platt Bridge

Once of the bus we decided to have a quick look at the nearby scrapyard theat has a few buses in it. Of Note was Stagecoach 40649. We crossed over the road and we went into the Co-op. Matthew bought a bottle of Dr Pepper and a couple of chocolate bars. We went to the Northbound bus stop and Matthew ate a Twirl. We walked Northwards up to the Burger King. Matthew went to the toilet and I order him a cup of Coke. When we collected the order we walked back towards the bus stop. On the way we saw Arriva NW&W 4614 on a #320 to Wigan.

Arriva NW&W 4614 in Platt Bridge

We got to the bus stop and Matthew finished off his drink. We waited for the next bus to Wigan. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Go North West 3109 on a #609 to Wigan.

Go North West 3109 in Platt Bridge

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One anybus tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off Northwards towards Spring View. We continued up the A573 though Ince-in-Makerfield and to the edge of Wigan. We turned left onto the A577 and we crossed over the A49. We ran forwards onto King Street and we turned left onto Wallgate. We turned right onto King Street West and at the end we turned right onto Dorning Street. We entered the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we headed down to the bottom to take a few pictures. We saw Holmeswood YX25 OEP on a #110 to Preston.

Holmeswood YX25 OEP in Wigan bus station

We decided tha we would go to Westhoughton as there was a #607 due. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Go North West 3495 on a #607 to Bolton.

Go North West 3495 in Wigan bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One anybus ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the bus station onto Dorning Street. We turned left onto King Street West and we turned left onto Wallgate. We turned right onto and we ran out of town. We travelled along Darlington Street East and we joined onto Manchester Road for the run into Hindley. We climbed up towards Castle Hill and we headed into the housing estate. We headed towards Hindley Green before turning and going past Greenbank industrial estate. We went North Eastwards towards Daisy Hill passing Orrell's NH14 HBH. We went through another housing estate before coming out on Market Street in Westhougton. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Go North West 3495 as it continued towards Bolton.

Go North West 3495 in Westhoughton

Once off the bus we headed into the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterqards we went to the bar and we ordered drinks. Matthew had a glass of Coke. We sat down and we finished off our drinks then went outside to meet up with uncle Dave. Once outside we saw Rotala Diamond 30650 on a #516 to Horwich.

Rotala Diamond 30650 in Westhoughton

We went to the bus stop and we looked for the next bus. We saw there was a #559 to Ashton-in-Makerfield due in a few minutes. Almost immediately we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Rotala Diamond 30656 on a #559 to Ashton-in-Makerfield.

Rotala Diamond 30656 in Westhoughton

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One anybus tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the Market Street and we passed through the town centre of Westhoughton. We turned left and we joined the Southbound A58. We went through the centre Hindley and we continued Eastwards through Platt Bridge. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Rotala Diamond 30656 as it continued towards Ashton-in-Makerfield.

Rotala Diamond 30656 in Platt Bridge

We crossed over the road and we waited for a bus up to Wigan. Whilst we waited we saw Bestway YJ68 CCX heading Southwards through PLatt Brdige.

Bestway YJ68 CCX in Platt Bridge

A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Go North West 3109 on a #609 to Wigan.

Go North West 3109 in Platt Bridge

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One anybus tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off Northwards towards Spring View. We continued up the A573 though Ince-in-Makerfield and to the edge of Wigan. We turned left onto the A577 and we crossed over the A49. We ran forwards onto King Street and we turned left onto Wallgate. We turned right onto King Street West and at the end we turned right onto Dorning Street. We entered the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. We came out of the bus station and we saw Go North West on layover.

Go North West 4024 in Wigan bus station

Also seen was Go North West 4037 on a #635 to Appley Bridge.

Go North West 4037 in Wigan bus station

We walked around the corner onto Hallgate and we waited for mum to arrive. Mum pulled up and we jumped into the car. We set off up Hallgate and we turned right onto dorning Street. We stopped at the bottom of the hill and uncle Dave jumped out quickly to photograph the uncle Joe's mintball factory. They have repainted this recently in a lighter shade of red than used to be there. We continued along Dorning Street and we turned left onto Frog Lane. We went under the railway bridge and we turned left onto Prescott Street. We turned left onto Miry Lane and right onto Herbert Street. We turned left onto the A577 and we ran around Wigan Pier before headed Southwards. We went under the Ormskirk line and at the big roundabout we veered left onto the B5386. We ran forwards onto the A49 and we stopped at the chip shop. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Irn Bru. After I had finished eating we continued South down the A49. We stopped at the petrol station and topped up with petrol. At thr roundabout we turned right to follow the A49 and we joined the Southbound M6. As we travelled down the M6 we saw silver minibus RX16 AVF and an unidentified Anthoy's Travel coach. We travelled Southwards through Cheshire and we came off the M6 at junction 16. We ran Southwards down the A500 through Longport and Etruria and we came off the A500 at Stoke. We ran forwards onto Whieldon Road and we stopped at uncle Dave's. Matthew used the toilet and had some of uncle Rob's orange Fanta. We update the calendar and we got back in the car. We set off up Whieldon Road and we ran forwards onto Grove Road. At Heron Cross we turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto the A5035 had just been re-surfaced. It was very dusty and very rough! We got back home just after 20:00. Matthew had his medication and we updated the Blog and wrote and e-mail. Matthew had a slice of cake and a cup of raspberry lemonade. We went to bed around 00:30... Mark

Trip to Belper / Newcastle 03-11-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
69168	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to Belper he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to Belper and we saw First Potteries 69163 on a #11 to Hanley. In the morning we went to Belper by Car. We went downstairs and we got in the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We crossed over City Road onto Manor Street and we headed onto Victoria Road. We turned left onto Victoria Road and we ran down to Joiners Square. We turned right onto the A52 and we ran up to Bucknall. At Bucknall we continued onto the A5009. We ran through Abbey Hulton and Milton and we joined the Northbound A53. We continued North through Endon. We ran through Longsdon and we ran into Leek. In the town centre we continued forwards onto the A53 and we ran out of town. We ran through Blackshaw Moor and then just after the Winking Man pub we turned right and ran to Longnor. We turned right onto the A515 and we ran South for a couple of miles. We then went Eastwards along the A5012 until we got to the A6. We then ran Southwards down the A6 until we got to Belper where we saw Little's B14 on a #142 to Alfreton. Matthew had dinner had the King Street fish and chip shop. He had sausage chips and gravy. We saw Trent Barton 842 on a #6.4 to Derby. When we had finished we set off Northwards up the A6 to Whatstandwell and we turned left onto the A5012. We travelled Eastwards for around 15 miles to Newhaven and we joined the Northbound A515. We ran Westwards from Hurlow through Longnor and we joined the Southbound A53 North of the Winking Man. We travelled south through through Blackshaw Moor and into Leek we ran South through Leek and continued along the A53. We ran through Longsdon and into Endon. We continued South Through Stockton Brook. We passed under the A5272 and down to Cobridge past the site of a new Wrights Pies. At the lights we turned left onto Waterloo Road. We ran down to the ring Road and then we ran around Hanley before going onto Lichfield Street. We ran down to Joiners Square and we continued onto Victoria Road. We ran up to the top and we turned sharp right onto City Road. We ran down to Smithpool Road and we turned left. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to use his computer and watch buses. We saw Travel Express YJ61 HAU going towards Longton.

Travel Express YJ61 HAU in Fenton

When we had finished Matthew transferred his pictures back onto the camera and got his batteries and bus pass. we saw First Potteries 69168 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 69168 in Fenton

Later on we went out for tea on the bus. We went downstairs and we set off on foot to the bus stop. We walked onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street. We continued up City Road and we saw Afford rent-a-car YP20 EWK outside there yard.

Afford rent-a-car YP20 EWK in Fenton

We carried on down the road and we waited for a bus towards Newcastle. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 69168 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 69168 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre along Church Street. After a brief stop in Stoke we continued along church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road where we saw First Potteries 69160 on a #11 to Hanley. We ran up the hill and into Hartshill. We ran forwards onto George Street and we ran down the hill into Newcastle. We turned left at the roundabout onto Barracks Road and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. We set off onto Hassell Street and we turned right onto High Street and we stopped at McDonalds. Matthew had a burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. Once we had finished we walked down High Street and we turned left into Church Street. We turned left onto the Southbound A34 and we went under the subway on to the A34. We turned left onto the A525 and we turned right onto Stanier Street. When we got into the building Matthew went to the toilet. He also spent time in the soft play area. Later on Matthew had a can of coke. Afterwards Matthew went outside and went on the slide. When we had finished we said goodbye and we returned to Fenton in a taxi. We set off along Stanier Road and we turned left onto Pool Side. We turned left onto Dunkirk and we turned right onto Knutton Lane. We around the roundabout and back onto the Ryecroft and we ran forwards onto the one-way system. We continued onto the A52 and we ran into Hartshill. At the end we turned right onto 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 onto Temple Street past the new building under construction and back to the residential unit. 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 Mansfield / Alfreton 22-06-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
27185	Mansfield BS	Alfreton BS	1	Stagecoach East Midlands
22647	Alfreton BS	East Midlands Designer Outlet	54	Stagecoach Yorkshire
22773	East Midlands Designer Outlet	Sutton-in-Ashfield BS	1	Stagecoach East Midlands
27184	Sutton-in-Ashfield BS	Mansfield BS	1	Stagecoach East Midlands
36522	Mansfield BS	Pleasley, adj Pit Lane	53A	Stagecoach East Midlands
36521	Pleasley, opp Pit Lane	Mansfield BS	23	Stagecoach East Midlands
27782	Mansfield BS	Mansfield, Moor Lane	1	Stagecoach East Midlands

Today we decided to re-visit Mansfield. Matthew chose the destination independently and as the weather forecast for today was for warm sunny weather throughout the Midlands and North West we decided to stick with Matthew choice. Research for the trip consisted of Matthew finding and e-mailing me the relevant bus maps for the Mansfield area and I looked up the different Stagecoach tickets that we could buy. Thanks for sharing,visit my site at. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:45 onto the A5035 and we headed through Dresden into Longton. We joined the Eastbound A50 and we headed through Meir. Travelling up the A50 we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 104, silver minibus SF19 KKD and Potteries Airport Travel YM19 CFD. We went close to Uttoxeter and we went up the hill on the Doveridge by-pass. We came off the A50 onto the A511 and we ran up to Hatton. We stopped The Salt Box Cafe for dinner and Matthew used the toilet. for dinner Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a bottle of Coke. Whilst we ate we saw Trent Barton 703 on a V1 Villager service to Burton and Midland Classic 79 on a #403 to Burton. Once we had finished eating we set off onto the A511. We turned right onto the A516 and we ran through Hilton under the A50. We continued Northwards for a few miles up to the A38. We ran through Derby and over the M1 and past the East Midlands Designer Outlet. On the edge of Mansfield we followed the A 38 to the right and we ran the last couple of miles into town past the Stagecoach bus garage. We turned right onto Rosemary Street and we turned left into Mansfield railway station. Mum dropped us off here and we said goodbye. We walked over to the bus station and we saw Stagecoach East Midlands 10666 on layover.

Stagecoach East Midlands 10666 in Mansfield bus station

Also on layover was Stagecoach East Midlands 18028.

Stagecoach East Midlands 18028 in Mansfield bus station

We went into the bus station and Matthew used the toilet. After Matthew had used the facilities we looked for a bus to catch. We saw required Stagecoach east Midlands 27185 on a #1 to Alfreton.

Stagecoach East Midlands 27185 in Mansfield bus station

We got on the bus brought a Family Explorer Dayrider ticket at £11.60 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station onto Rosemary Street and we turned left onto the A38. We ran for a couple of miles out of the junction and we ran forwards onto the B6023. We continued for a further mile into the centre on Sutton-in-Ashfield and at the main roundabout we entered the bus station. After a brief stop we re-joined the B6023 and we continued Westwards. At the next roundabout we went forwards onto the B6026 and we ran for a round a mile into Huthwaite. We turned left B6027 and left onto Lane. We turned left onto Columbia Street and left onto Blackwell Road. We turned right onto Main Street and left onto Chesterfield Road. We ran North-Westwards out of town and we crossed over the track bed of an old railway line. We turned left onto Wild Hill and we went over the M1. We ran through Lane End and into Tibshelf. We travelled Southwards down the B6026 into Newtown and we ran forwards onto Alfreton Road. We ran through Blackwell and Westhouses and we joined the Southbound A61. We ran into Alfreton and we turned left onto Hall Street. We ran past Tesco and we entered the bus station. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach East Midlands 27185 before we got off.

Inside Stagecoach East Midlands 27185

Once we got off the bus Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach East Midlands 27185 as it returned on the #1 to Mansfield.

Stagecoach East Midlands 27185 in Alfreton bus station

Matthew wanted to use the toilet so we spotted a cafe right next to the bus station. He used the toilet and afterwards we purchased a small bottle of cola. We went outside to the the bus station and Matthew drank his bottle of Cola. Whilst we waited for the next bus we saw Nova Tours NT65 NTL pull into the bus station.

Nova Tours NT65 NTL in Alfreton bus station

A short while later we saw Little's YJ16 DZP on a #150 to Matlock.

Little's YJ16 DZP in Alfreton bus station

Matthew ate a Freddo whilst we waited for the bus. A few minutes later we saw a bus enter the bus station. It was required Stagecoach Yorkshire 22647 on a #54 to the East Midlands Designer Outlet.

Stagecoach Yorkshire 22647 in Alfreton bus station

We decided to do this bus so we got on and flashed the Family Explorer Dayrider to the driver. The back of the bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach Yorkshire 22647 before we saw down towards the back of the bus.

Inside Stagecoach Yorkshire 22647

We set off out of the bus station onto Hall Street and we turned left onto the A61 As we travelled Southwards we passed Stagecoach Yorkshire 15829 on a #56 to Chesterfield. We joined the Eastbound A38 and we ran fast along the road for around 3 miles. We crossed over the M1 and we ran for a further 1/3 mile before we left the A38. We crossed over the road and we ran down to the East Midlands Designer Outlet. We did a u-turn at the roundabout we we came back up the hill to the bus stop. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture Stagecoach Yorkshire 22647 before it worked the X54 to Chesterfield.

Stagecoach Yorkshire 22647 in East Midlands Designer Outlet

We sat down on a bench and we waited for the next bus towards Sutton-in Ashfield. We didn't have to wait long and we saw a bus approaching off the A38. As it got closer we saw it was required Stagecoach East Midlands 22773 on a #1 to Mansfield.

Stagecoach East Midlands 22773 in East Midlands Designer Outlet

We got on the bus and we flashed the Family Explorer Dayrider ticket to the driver. The rear of the bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach East Midlands 22773 before sitting down towards the back of the bus.

Inside Stagecoach East Midlands 22773

We sat for a few minutes until departure time and we set off onto the B6406 and we crossed the A38. We saw an unidentified blue coach in Coleman's garage. We joined the Eastbound A38 and we ran to the next junction and we turned left onto Common Road. We ran Northwards for about a mile through an industrial area then into the housing estate to the South of Huthwaite. We turned right onto Blackwell Road and left onto Market Street. There was a bus at the stop so we went past and we turned left onto Main Street. We turned left onto Blackwell Road. We paused for a short while and we went back round the triangle. We turned left onto Market Street and we stop briefly at the main b us stop in town. We turned left onto Main Street and we headed Southwards down Common Road. We turned left onto Cross Lane. We turned left onto Columbia Street and at the end we turned right onto Blackwell Road. We ran for around a mile along the B6026 Sutton-in-Ashfield and at the main roundabout we turned right and entered the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach East Midlands 22773 before it continued to Mansfield.

Stagecoach East Midlands 22773 in Sutton-in-Ashfield bus station

We crossed over the bus station and we saw Trent Barton 676 on a #141 to Nottingham.

Trent Barton 676 in Sutton-in-Ashfield bus station

Matthew spotted a bus next to the bus station and he wanted to go to the toilet. After using the facilities Matthew had a small glass of Coke. When we had finished the drink we went outside and met up with uncle Dave again. We walked down to the bottom stand to wait for the next bus to Mansfield. A few minutes later we saw required Stagecoach East Midlands 27184 on a #1 to Mansfield.

Stagecoach East Midlands 27184 in Sutton-in-Ashfield bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Family Explorer Dayrider ticket to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station onto the roundabout and we turned right onto the B6023. We travelled Eastwards for around a mile and we ran forwards onto the A38. We did the last couple of miles into town and we ran past Stagecoach bus garage. We turned right into Rosemary Street and left into Station Road. We pulled into the bus station and we got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew walked over to one of the ens stands and sat down. There was a bus to Halfway at 17:35, in just over 40 minutes time. We waited for the bus to arrive and it was required Stagecoach East Midlands 36522 a #53A to Halfway.

Stagecoach East Midlands 36522 in Mansfield bus station

We waited for the bus to be readied for service. Whilst we waited Matthew decided to visit to toilet. A few minutes before time the driver appeared and set the bus up ready for departure. We got on the bus and we flashed the Family Explorer Dayrider ticket to the driver. The rear of the bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach East Midlands 36522 before sitting down towards the back of the bus.

Inside Stagecoach East Midlands 36522

We set off out of the bus station onto Quaker Way and we ran behind the back of the shopping centre. We ran forwards onto St Johns Street and we turned left onto the A6009. We ran Northwards our of town along the A6191 and we went forwards onto the A617. We ran to the South end of Pleasley and we veered left onto Chesterfield Road. We went a couple of stops up the road and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach East Midlands 36522 before it continued of it's journey towards Halfway.

Stagecoach East Midlands 36522 in Pleasley

We crossed the road and we waited for the next bus back to Mansfield. There was one due in a few minutes. We saw the bus approaching and as it got closer we saw it was required Stagecoach East Midlands 36521.

Stagecoach East Midlands 36521 in Pleasley

We got on the bus and we flashed the Family Explorer Dayrider ticket to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along Chesterfield Road and at the end we turned right onto the Southbound A617. At the North end of town we ran forwards onto the A6191. By Tesco we ran forwards onto the A6009 before turning right into Wood Street. We turned left onto Rosemary Street and we turned left into Station Road. We pulled into the bus station and we got up and get off the bus. As we got into the bus station we saw National Express liveries Travel de Courcey coach FJ13 EBA on a #311 to Hull. We arranged with mum to meet her on the outskirts town near to where she had being talking to our friend. In order to get to her we had to catch a #1 out of town to meet her. There was a bus due in less than 10 minutes. Whilst we waited for the bus to appear Matthew decided we were visiting the shop in the bus station. We brought a can of Coke and a bottle of Fanta, and Matthew also brought a few chocolate bars. Once we had finished shopping we headed back to the bus top to wait for the bus. Matthew sat down and ate a packet of Milky Stars. The bus arrived and it was required Stagecoach East Midlands 27182 on a #1 to the East Midlands Designer Outlet.

Stagecoach East Midlands 27182 in Mansfield bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Family Explorer Dayrider ticket to the driver for the final time today before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station onto Rosemary Street and we turned left onto the A38. We ran out of town past the Stagecoach bus garage and we got up and got off the bus. Meanwhile mum had decided to go and drop her friend off back at home. She turned up a few minutes later and turned into Moor Lane. We got in the car and Matthew had a bottle of Irn Bru. As we had no sausage rolls we decided to stop at a chip shop. We turned the car around and we turned left onto the A38. A few hundred yards up the road we pulled into a parking area and we stopped to pick up chips. Whilst there we saw Johnson Bros coach 7 JBT. Once we had the chips we continued on our journey. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy on a tray. We rejoined the A38 and crossed over the M1. We continued Southwards through Derby and we saw an unidentified Slacks coach. We veered left onto the A516 and a few miles down the road we joined the Westbound A50. As we travelled towards Stoke along the A50 we saw Roberts E11 RTG, Harpur's MX04 AEV & silver minibus YS17 ZKB. We came off the A50 and Longton and we went to Z Carz to see what was parked up tonight. The spare ground had no buses on it this evening so we turned left into Willow Row. We saw Z Carz Volkswagen minibus OV05 WSW parked up in the yard.

Z Carz OV05 WSW in Longton

Also there was Z Carz minibus YE52 UZX which is still parked up SORN. We turned the car around and we returned onto the A50. We ran up the Heron Cross and we turned left onto Blurton Road. We carried on down the hill into Blurton. We ran through Blurton before turning right onto Church Road we saw white minibus HV63 XXO parked up. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we got home around 19:30. We had already had tea so when we got home we had a slice of cake. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we did some more of the Blog. Matthew went to bed around 01:00... Mark.

Trip to Bucknall / Belper 05-03-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
HV18 GVR	Fenton	Bucknall	Charter	ABC Supreme
HV18 GVR	Bucknall	Belper	Charter	ABC Supreme
HV18 GVR	Belper	Fenton	Charter	ABC Supreme

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going to Belper later on. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst he was waiting to out we saw Christchurch Primary DU56 DNN.

Christchurch Primary DU56 DNN in Fenton

we set off on foot to the day centre. we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street where we saw First Potteries 67156 on a #23 to Newstead.

First Potteries 67156 in Fenton

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

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

In the morning we went to Belper via Biucknall. Transport for the trip was ABC Supreme HV18 GVR. We got on the bus and we ran onto Glebedale Road and left onto City Road we saw First Potteries 67661 on a #11 to Newcastle. We turned right onto Manor Street and we headed onto Victoria Road. We turned left onto Victoria Road and we ran down to Joiners Square. We turned right onto the A52 and we ran up to Bucknall to go to Farmfoods. Matthew did some shopping and the we continued on our journey on ABC Supreme HV18 GVR. At Bucknall we continued onto the A5009. We ran through Abeey Hulton and Milton and we joined the Northbound A53. We continued North through Endon. We ran through Longsdon and we ran into Leek. In the town centre we continued forwards onto the A53 and we ran out of town. We ran through Blackshaw Moor and then just after the Winking Man pub we turned right and ran to Longnor. We turned right onto the A515 and we ran South for a couple of miles. We then went Eastwards along the A5012 until we got to the A6. We then ran Southwards down the A6 until we got to Belper where we saw Little's B7 on a #142 to Alfreton. Matthew had dinner had the King Street fish and chip shop. He had sausage chips and gravy. We saw Trent Barton 685 on a #6.4 to Derby. When we had finished we set off Northwards up the A6 to Whatstandwell and we turned left onto the A5012. We travelled Eastwards for around 15 miles to Newhaven and we joined the Northbound A515. We ran Westwards from Hurlow through Longnor and we joined the Southbound A53 North of the Winking Man. We travelled south through through Blackshaw Moor and into Leek we ran South through Leek and continued along the A53. We ran through Longsdon and into Endon. We continued South Through Stockton Brook. We passed under the A5272 and past the site of a new building and down to Cobridge. At the lights we turned left onto Waterloo Road. We ran down to the ring Road and then we ran around Hanley before going onto Lichfield Street. We ran down to Joiners Square and we continued onto Victoria Road. We ran up to the top and we turned sharp right onto City Road. We ran down to Smithpool Road we saw Z Carz WX55 OHH. and we turned left. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to use his computer and watch buses. We saw First Potteries 63097 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63097 in Fenton

for tea Matthew had chicken and rice followed by a pancake. Later on Matthew went out to the pub. We went downstairs and onto Temple Street. we turned right onto Christchurch Street and along the road to the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had a glass of Coke. After spending time in the pub Matthew returned to the residential unit. We set off along Christchurch Street and we turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs and went to his room. 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.