Trip to Hanley / Longton 30-12-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
69174	Fenton, Christchurch Street	Longton, Market Street	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus and going to visit uncle Dave 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 69148 on a #11 to Hanley. Later on we went out for dinnr. We went downstairs and we went to Hanley by Lucky Seven taxi. We got in the taxi and we set off onto Temple Street and we saw Lightning Travel R6 DLT. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto City Road. We ran down the hil into stoke and forwards onto the A52 and we ran alongside the railway line. We passed near to the railway station and university and we ran up to Joiners Square. We turned left onto Lichfield Street and we ran up the hill towards Hanley. We joined the anti-clockwise ring road and we ran around Hanley onto Town Road. We got out of the taxi When we got into the Santander bank. Once we had finished we set of along Town Road and we continued onto Market Square. We visited a cash machine and we withdrew some money. We walked down to Tontine Square and we visited Lloyds Bank and used the cash machine and we headed back down Tontine Square. We continued onto Town Road and we stopped at the cafe. Matthew had a bacon sandwiches followed by toffee yoghurt. We washed with bottle of Coke. Once we had finished we set of along Town Road and we stopped at Nail Creation Matthew went to the toilet. Once we had finished we walked down Town Road and we waited for a taxi. We booked a Lucky Seven taxi. We got in the taxi and we set off along Town Road. We followed the one-way system onto Huntbach Street and we turned right onto Meigh Street. We turned right onto Burton Place and left onto Goodson Street. We turned left onto Old Hall Street and we turned right onto the clockwise ring road. We turned left onto Lichfield Street and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. Whilst we waited we saw grey minibus FG21 JXE going towards Bucknall. We crossed over the roundabout onto Victoria Road past Adsa and the B&M. We turned right onto Manor Street. We turned right onto City Road and we headed down the hill. We turned left onto Temple Street and left again onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out before going to uncle Dave's. He also watched buses out of the window. We saw Magnum DA08 BVW heading towards Longton.

Magnum DA08 BVW in Fenton

After a while we saw First Potteries 67156 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67156 in Fenton

We went downstairs and we walked through onto City Road. We crossed over at the crossing and we headed to the stop outside the shops. We waited for a bus towards Longton. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 69174 on a #11 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Longton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off up City Road and forwards onto King Street and we saw First Potteries 67147 on a #6 to Hanley. We ran through Foley and under the railway line into Longton town centre. The bus stopped on Market Street and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we crossed over the street and we headed up Transport Lane. We crossed over The Strand and we cut through the passage past Next and we headed towards Tesco. We used the cash machine and afterwards we headed into Tesco. We brought some Irn Bru and we went outside to book a taxi. The taxi appeared and it was an Autocabs taxi. We got in the taxi and we set off onto baths Road past the site of the new Greggs. We turned right onto the Westbound A50 and we came off at Heron Cross. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we went through the lights onto Heron Street. We ran forwards onto Station Bridge Road and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We stopped at the end near to Temple Street. We got out of the taxi and we walked onto Temple Street and back into the residential unit. 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. For tea Matthew had chicken potatoes and carrots with gravy followed by a slice of toffee cheesecake. Later on he had a drink of Fanta orange and a few digestive biscuits. 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 we turned onto Willowdale Avenue we saw silver minibus DK53 VRE parked up. We crossed the spare ground and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We saw white minibus PY06 AWV parked on the side Street. We turned right onto Temple Street past the Queen Elizabeth II Court. 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 Newcastle / Blurton 22-03-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63173	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going out on the bus later on and to Blurton. It was also the first day of the shuttle bus Joiners Square - Berry Hill Road - Victoria Place - City Road - Fenton Health Centre bus service by Stanton's of Stoke. 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 67155 on a #23 to Hanley. We went downstairs and we cut through onto City Road. We walked to the stop opposite the flats and we watched the digger across the road which had started work on the new sheltered housing complex. We waited for a bus towards Newcastle. A short time later we saw First Potteries 63173 on a #11 to Newcastle. 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. 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 waited for a bus towards the hospital. A short time later we saw First Potteries 67653 on a #98 to Ball Green. Once off the bus we walked along Hassell Street. We turned left onto high Street and we went under the A34 and into Morrisons. Matthew did some shopping. When we had finished we returned to Fenton with Matthew's weekly shop. We set off onto Goose Street and we ran to the end and turned left onto the A519. We crossed the roundabout onto Barracks Road and past the bus station where we saw First Potteries 67654 on a #99 to Bradeley. We crossed the roundabout onto the onto the A53 and we ran up and over into Etruria and we went onto the Eastbound A53. We veered left onto Garner street where we saw silver minibus SP09 NTV. We stopped at the food van by the builders yard and Matthew had a Cumberland sausage bap. once we had finished we got a car back to the residential unit. We set off along Garner Street and we turned right onto the A500. We headed South through Stoke. we turned left onto City Road. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to chill out in his room. For dinner Matthew had a Cumberland sausage bap washed down with a can of Coke followed by a lemon meringue pie. Until it was time to go out Matthew watched buses out of the window we saw Z Carz YN11 AHJ going towards Stoke.

Z Carz YN11 AHJ in Fenton

Also seen was First Potteries 44511 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 44511 in Fenton

After a while we saw First Potteries 63112 on a #6 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63112 in Fenton

Matthew returned to his room and we saw D&G Bus 114 on a #1A to Wood Lane.

D&G 114 in Fenton

Once we were ready we went downstairs and out of the residential unit. We got in the car and we drove onto Temple Street. We turned right onto Christchurch Street and right onto Station Bridge Road. We followed the road around onto Heron Street and into Heron Cross. We went through the traffic lights and forwards onto Blurton Road. As we travelled through Blurton we passed First Potteries 65730 on a #22 to Longton. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Street and right onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 15:00. When we got home Matthew had ttoast and a small bottle of dandelion & burdock. When it was time to go we went back to the residential unit in the car. We set off onto Finstock Avenue. We turned right Beaconsfield Drive and we turned left onto Church Road. We turned left again onto Blurton Road and we ran down through Blurton to Heron Cross where we saw Lightning Travel CX04 FNV parked up. We crossed over the A50. We travelled up Heron Cross and we turned left into Grove Road. We continued down into Fenton and we ran down into Stoke. We ran alongside the A500 and we turned right onto Stoke Road. We went under the railway line and up the hill through Shelton and forwards onto Snow Hill and we parked up in a car park where we saw Harry Shaw KOV 2. We walked up to Shelton New Road and we turned left onto Broad Street and we turned left onto Marsh Street. We walked up Brunswick Street and onto Piccadilly. We turned left onto Bethesda Street. We walked up John Street to the bus station and we waited for a taxi back to Fenton. A short time later we saw First Potteries 65004 on a #3 to Crewe. We got in a City Cabs taxi and we set off along onto Lichfield Street. We crossed over the A52 and onto Victoria Road. we turned onto Manor Street. We turned right onto City Road and left onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street past the new building under construction and back to the residential unit. Matthew went back upstairs. For tea Matthew had lamb mince pasta bake cheese & bacon followed by a arctic roll. Later on we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw Temple Street church RX18 GZW. We walked onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street and onto Albert Square where we saw grey minibus BJ15 XSG parked up. We continued walking to the day centre. At the day centre we saw Shelton Care Group BL69 RFF parked up at the day centre.

Shelton Care Group BL69 RFF in Fenton

We went to the day centre and after spending some time baking. We made a cake and afterwards Matthew used the facilities. We returned to the residential uinit. We walked along Baker Street past the of the new housing development. We turned right onto Christchurch Street. We returned onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. When Matthew got back we went upstairs and went up to his room. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Fenton / Newcastle 26-10-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67634	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Newcastle, Opp Cherry Tree PH	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going to see Grandma later on and going to the pub and returning to Blurton for a long weekend. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst waiting to go to the day centre we saw First Potteries 67631 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67631 in Fenton

Also seen was Afford rent-a-car PO17 ZXK going towards Hanley.

Afford rent-a-car PO17 ZXK in Fenton

Around 09:00 we set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street and we continued to the day centre. In the morning Matthew did some baking, but first he went to the shop to get some supplies. We walked onto Christchurch Street and into the Co-operative Food store. After buying some shop we walked along Christchurch Street and back to the day centre. Matthew made cupcakes. For dinner Matthew had sausage chips and gravy. After dinner Matthew went to the pub. We set off onto Christchurch Street and we stopped at the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had a glass of Coke. When it was time to go Matthew walked onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. I turned up around 14:30 at the same time as Matthew. We went upstairs to his room to get ready to leave. We got things ready and we left the residential unit just after 14:50. We went downstairs and we got into the car. We drove onto Temple Street. We turned right onto Christchurch Street and right onto Station Bridge Road. We followed the road around onto Heron Street and into Heron Cross. We went through the traffic lights and forwards onto Blurton Road. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Street. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 15:00. When we got home Matthew had toast and a glass of Cherry Coke. Today we were catching the 15:56 to Newcastle as we were going to the pub via Grandma's House. We set off around 15:45 on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. Whilst we waited for our bus we saw Plants JP18 NTS going into Blurton.

Plants JP18 NTS in Blurton

A few minutes later we saw a bus come around the corner. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67634 on a #22 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67634 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle and sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto the A5035 and we saw First Potteries 67653 on a #22 to Longton. We went over the railway line into Trentham. We ran up the hill into Hanford where we saw Destination Courtesy Travel YE17 AHA parked up. We turned right into Wilson Road. We ran down Church Lane We continued down onto the A34. We crossed under the A500 and we ran into Trent Vale where we saw First Potteries 63100 on the final #22 turn. We turned right into Harpfields Road and white minibus ML63 OCH. We continued forwards on Hilton Road and we turned into the hospital. We ran through and we saw First Potteries 37160 on a #25 to Hanley and ABC Supreme FY52 NSV. We turned right onto the A34. A couple of stops down the road we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67634 as it continued towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 67634 in Newcastle

Right behind us was First Potteries 32648 on a #25 to Keele.

First Potteries 32648 in Newcastle

Also seen was Stanton's of Stoke KXZ 2173 going towards Newcastle.

Stanton's of Stoke KXZ 2173 in Newcastle

We set off along the A34 and we crossed over to the middle island. Before we crossed over the to road fully we saw First Potteries 32630 on a #25 to Keele.

First Potteries 32630 in Newcastle

We walked up the hill to Grandma's house. At Grandma's Matthew had a can of Irn Bru and used her computer. When it was time to go we went to the pub in the car. We set off just after 17:40 and we ran down Victoria Street. We turned left onto the A34 and we saw ABC Supreme KX14 EBZ parked up in the retail park. We continued southwards into Trent Vale and we stopped at the pub. We walked into the pub and sat down out our normal tables. Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with custard. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses included First Potteries 65033 on a #101 to Stafford and white minibus P879 MOL. Once we had finished eating we set off to uncle Dave's to pick him up. We ran down the A34 and we joined the A500 at Hanford. We went North up the A500 to Sideway and we went Eastwards along the A50. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross. We dropped down into Fenton to pick uncle Dave up. Once we had picked him up we ran up to Heron Street and we crossed over the A50. We saw Lightning Travel SM06 MVY at the Lightning house. We continued into Blurton along Blurton Road. We turned right onto Church Road and we turned right into Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 19:30. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we composed a few e-mails and sorted a few things out. We then chilled out on the sofa doing e-mails and writing the until bedtime around 01:00... Mark

Trip to Hanley / Talke Pits 28-07-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67152	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
65727	Hanley BS	Talke, Swan House	3A	First Potteries
65727	Talke, Swan House	Newcastle BS	4A	First Potteries
67656	Newcastle BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. Later on Matthew was going out on the bus and going to the disco. 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 Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

Also seen was D&G Bus 113 on a #1 to Meir.

D&G 113 in Fenton

When it was time to go we set off onto Temple Street and walked through onto City Road. On the way to the bus stop we saw Afford Rent-A-Car minibus EU67 VML outside their yard. Once we had finished we walked back out onto City Road and we saw D&G Bus 119 on a #1A to Meir.

D&G 119 in Fenton

We got to the bus stop and we saw D&G Bus 112 on a #1 to Park Site.

D&G 112 in Fenton

We waited for a bus to Hanley. A few minutes later we saw abus turn around the corner. AS it got closer we saw that it was First Potteries 67152 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67152 in Fenton

We got on the bus and booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we joined the A52 and ran under the railway line. After crossing over the A500 we ran into Stoke town centre along Church Street. We followed the one-way system around onto Elenora Street and right onto Copeland Street. We turned left onto Glebe Street and we ran under the railway line before turning left onto Station Road. After stopping briefly outside the railway station we turned right onto College Road and we ran up the hill through Shelton. We continued onto Cleveland Road and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We crossed over the ring road and we continued along Bethesda Street before turning right onto John Street. We ran up the hill into the bus station and onto stand. Once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. In the bus station we saw D&G Bus 43 on a 'Nines' to Biddulph. Matthew went to the toilet and waited for a bus. We decided to do First Potteries 65727 on a #3A to Talke.

First Potteries 65727 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 65727.

Inside First Potteries 65727

We set off through the bus station where we saw dud Arriva Midlands 2966 on a #164 to Market Drayton. We ran down John Street and right onto Bethesda Street. We ran forwards onto Marsh Street and we turned right onto Trinity Street. We turned left onto Stafford Street and we stopped to pick up a few more passengers. After picking up more passenger outside of Debenhams we followed the road around to the left and then back onto marsh Street. At the roundabout we went straight on onto Waterloo Road and we ran up the hill into Cobridge. We continued into Buslem and through the traffic lights onto Scotia Road. We went past the old Burslem PMT garage and we followed the road around to the left onto Williamson Street. At the corner we turned right onto Tunstall High Street and we continued North onto the A50. We ran through Goldenhill and down the bank into Kidsgrove. At the bottom of the hill we turned left onto The Avenue. We ran forwards onto First Avenue and we ran to the end. We turned left onto the A34 and at the light we ran straight onto Coalpit Hill. We ran forwards onto Swan Bank and we turned left onto Chester Road. We decided do go through to Hanley. The bus continued along Chester Road Ashenough Road. We turned left onto Monument Road and left onto High Street. We continued down through Talke along High Street and at the roundabout we went forwards onto Talke Road. We crossed over the A500 and we continued onto Liverpool Road. We ran down Crackley Bank over Parkhouse West Road. We turned left onto London Road and at roundabout we went left onto Wolstanton Road. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A34 and we ran Southwards through Cross Heath through to the edge of Newcastle, We veered left onto Liverpool Road and we turned left onto Ryecroft. At the roundabout we turned right onto barracks Road and we turned right into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew went to the toilet and we went into Wilko to do some shopping. Once we ad finished there we walked back down onto Hassell Street and we turned right onto High Street. We stopped at Wrights Pies and Matthew brought a sausage roll and a can of Coke. Once we had finished in Wright's Pies we walked down the High Street and we turned left onto Hassell Street. We went back to the bus station and Matthew ate his sausage rolled washed down with a can of Coke. We waited for the next bus back to Fenton. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 67656 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67656 in Newcastle bus station

We walked around to the stand and we decided to do First Potteries 67656. We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto Barracks Road and we ran up to the Jubilee roundabout. We ran onto the A53 and around the one-way system onto the A52. We ran up George Street into Hartshill and we ran down the hill into Stoke town centre. After a brief stop we continued along Church Street out of Stoke and over the A500. We ran under the railway line and we continued onto City Road. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. We crossed over City Road and we saw First Potteries 67602 on a #11 to Newcastle. We crossed over City Road and we walked through to Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out and use his computer. He also watched buses out of the window. We saw Lightning Travel MX54 VVF parked up on the road opposite.

Lightning Travel MX54 VVF in Fenton

For tea matthew went out. We set off onto Temple Street amd we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto City Road and we ran down the hill to the A52. We went under the railway line and we turned left onto the Southbound A500. We ran past Sideway to Hanford. We joined the Northbound A34 and we ran under the A500 into Trent Vale. After we passed Tesco we turned left onto Clayton Lane. We veered left to continue up Clayton Lane and we turned right onot the Northbound A519. At the next junction after the petrol station we turned left onto Seabridge Lane. We ran into the station for nearly a mile and we stopped at the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and than we found a seat in the lounge before ordering the food. Matthew had a chicken and beef burger with chips washed down with a glass of Coke. For afters Matthew had a chocolate fudge cake with ice cream. After we had finished eating we got back into the car and we returned to Fenton in the car. We set off along Seabridge Lane and we turned left onto the Northbound A519. We ran into Newcastle and we went around the roundabout onto Barracks Road and past the bus station. We crossed the Jubilee Roundabout onto the A53 and we ran through Basford to Etruria. We got onto the Southbound A500 at Stoke. We turned left onto City Road and we went under the railway line and up into Fenton. We continued up City Road before turning right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew spent a little time in his room chilling out. later on he went out to Hanley in a car. We set off onto Temple Street amd we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto City Road and left onto Manor Street. At the end we turned left onto Victoria Road. We crossed over the roundabout at Joiners Square onto Lichfield Street and the taxi stopped near to the bus station. We set off on foot up Lichfield Street and we ran forwards onto Stafford Street. We turned left onto Trinity Street and we turned right onto Foundry Street and we stopped at the pub. Matthew had a drink of Coke and spent an hour or two listening to music and dancing. When it was time to go home we walked along Foundry Street. We turned left onto Trinity Street and right onto Stafford Street. We continued onto Lichfield Street and we called for a taxi. We were picked up by an Intercity taxi. We ran along Birch Terrace and forwards 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 and we ran forwards onto Victoria Road. We turned right onto Manor Street and right onto City Road. We turned left onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Later on 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 Joiners Square / Trent Vale 27-02-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DV10 JCU	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
41512	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way (Unmarked)	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going for tea in Trent Vale but not before he spent the day with his day service. Thanks for the valuable feedback. I think that strategy is sound and can be easily replicable. Great posts. I love this article. Gerrards Cross Taxis Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and juice for breakfast. The bus turned up and it was his usual transport, Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Blurton

We set off into Blurton an picked another service user up before going up Finstock Avenue onto Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and continued onto Blurton Road. We crossed over the A50 and went straight across Heron Cross lights into Heron Street. We continue over the railway line and turned right onto Christchurch Street before reaching the destination. In the morning Matthew went into the sensory and spent time using a computer. We went to fetch dinner from the chip shop. For dinner he had sausage chips and gravy from the chips shop followed by toffee cheesecake. Matthew had been due to go to the pub in Joiners Square. Today Matthew went in an Autocab taxi. We got in the taxi and the bus set off onto Glebedale Road. We went across City Road onto Fountain Street before going left onto William Street. We turned right onto Manor Street and then we headed straight down Victoria Road and across the roundabout at Joiners square onto Lichfield Street. When we got to the pub Matthew went to the toilet and had a drink of Coke. After we had finished at the pub we returned back in a City Cabs taxi. We went onto Lichfield Street and onto Victoria Road. We turned right onto Manor Street and we went across onto Christchurch Street and we reached our destination. AS we got out of the taxi we we saw Roseville WA61 GYU opposite us.

Roseville WA61 GYU in Fenton

Matthew spent some time on the computer again and when it was time to go home we returned home on his usual bus, Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We went onto Glebedale Road and we followed it over the railway line and onto Heron Street. We crossed the A50 and we saw Mercedes minibus SN03 ZCE being refurbished at the Lightning travel property. We continues along Blurton Road and we turned right into Beaconsfield Drive. We got home just after 15:00. Matthew had some toast and a drink of dandelion & burdock whilst we waited for the time to pass. Today we went out to catch the 16:07 from Blurton, which I had viewed earlier in the day. We were expecting it to be First Potteries 41512, the only Dart out on the #22 today. We set off to the bus stop and we saw D&G 170 on the Blurton Plumline service.

D&G 170 in Blurton

16:07 came and went and we were still waiting for the bus. Whilst we waited we saw Intercity taxi minibus YK07 NYX heading into Blurton.

Intercity YK07 NYX in Blurton

There was a bus due towards Dresden at 16:17... This time came and went. Just after 16:35 running near 20 late we saw First Potteries 60202 on the #22 to Dresden.

First Potteries 60202 in Blurton

A minute or so late we saw First Potteries 41512 come around the corner as expected... Only it was running best past of 30 minutes late!

First Potteries 41512 in Blurton

We got on the bus and booked to Harpfields Drive before sitting down towards the back of the bus. Generally speaking the buses run to time, but today it seemed as all the #22 were running quite late. The bus turned onto the A5035 and we saw Bennetts Mercedes minibus VU06 KFD go ahead of us at the junction. In Trentham we turne into New Inn Lane and we passed First Potteries 40378 on the #21A to the Trentham Hotel. We carried on into Hanford an we passed First Potteries 60072. We headed down Church Lane passing First Potteries 41495 on a #21 to Trentham before we joined the A34. We crossed under the A500 and we turned into Harpfields road where we got off the bus. We walked back onto the A34 and we stopped near to the pub to take a couple of pictures. First we saw Stafford Grammar School minibus BD64 RSV.

Stafford Grammar School BD64 RSV in Trent Vale

This was followed by First Potteries 65035 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 65035 in Blurton

We we went into the pub and met up with mum. Matthew had a brunch with bread and butter followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses were First Potteries 65027 on the #22, ABC Supreme FJ53 FBU and Stanton's of Stoke CC04 MAL. After we had finished eating we went out to the car. We called Uncle Dave and we went to pick him up. We drove along the A34 and onto and A500 before turning East on the A50 and going into Heron Cross before we headed into Fenton. After we had picked up uncle Dave, we headed up to Heron Cross and through Blurton, getting home around 18:05. Matthew then chilled out watching bus videos and using his computer before bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Fenton / Trent Vale 05-09-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
43876	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way (Unmarked)	22	First Potteries

Today we decided to go to Trent Vale on the bus. Not before Matthew had been out for the day with his new day service. Matthew got up around 07:45 and had some toast and orange juice and used his computer whilst he waited to be picked up. He was picked up a little before 09:00 and the drove him through Blurton via Beaconsfield Drive and we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 346. We turned left onto Church Road, forwards onto Blurton Road. At Heron Cross we saw P715 UWW at the Lightning Travel house. At Heron Cross lights we went straight over and then left onto Christchurch Street and then to his destination. Matthew spent the morning in the sensory room and using a computer. For dinner Matthew had sausage chips and gravy. In the afternoon they went to a pub in Joiners Square. We drove across City Road and onto Foutain Street. We turned left onto William Street and onto manor Street. We went down Victoria Road and up Lichfield Street. We turned into Hampton Street and parked behind the pub. Whilst there Matthew went to the toilet and then we saw an unidentified white Setra coach. Coming back we went via Victoria Road up to the roundabout near KFC and onto City Road before reaching our destination. At home time we took Matthew onto Christchurch Street and into Heron Cross. We went through Blurton and onto Church Road. We then went right onto the A5035 getting home around 15:00. At home Matthew had toast and some bubblegum Barr pop. Just before 16:00 we set off waling all the way to the bus stop on Magdalen Road. I had seen the buses earlier and we were expecting First Potteries 43876 on the bus. Bang on time a MPD Dart turned the corner and it was First Potteries 43876 as expected.

First Potteries 43876 in Blurton

We got on the bus and booked to Harpfields Road. Matthew misbehaved slightly as he said hello to someone and then we sat down near to the back of the bus. The bus was nearly empty and he took a picture of the empty back seat.

Inside First Potteries 43876

We set off right onto the A5035. The bus carried on through to Trentham and we passed Z Carz Y568 XFV going towards Longton. In Trentham we passed First Potteries 41493 on a #21 to Pacific Drive. We carried on down towards Hanford and down Church Lane. We joined onto the A34 and crossed under the A500. We passed the pub and then turn right into Harpfields Road. Here we got off the bus and Matthew took a picture of First Potteries 43876 as it went off into the distance.

First Potteries 43876 in Trent Vale

We walked back onto the A34 and we sat on the wall of the oub whilst we waited for mum to appear. Whilst we waited Matthew took a few pictures. The first bus we saw was First Potteries 41500 on a Dresden bound #22.

First Potteries 41500 in Trent Vale

We then saw LX12 CGO heading towards Hanford.

LX12 CGO in Trent Vale

We saw a couple of #101's going North. First we saw First Potteries 65027. A few minutes later this was followed by First Potteries 65001.

First Potteries 65001 in Trent Vale

We waited for a few minutes for mum to arrive and we went into the pub where Matthew had a brunch with bread and butter followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses was an unidentified Stantons of Stoke coach plus Robin Hood Coaches YJ08 NSN. After we had finished eating we called Uncle Dave and we went to pick him up. We drove along the A34 passing Bennetts minibus NIL 8662, and onto the Northbound A500. We went East at the A50. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and we dropped into Fenton. After we had picked up uncle Dave,we set off back through Heron Cross and through Blurton getting home at around 18:00. Matthew then chilled out watching bus videos on his computer. He then chilled out until bedtime around 00:00...Mark

Trip to Trent Vale 18-04-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
65727	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way (Unmarked)	22	First Potteries

Today was by and large a bit of a chill day. Matthew had been in respite the day before and we decided that we would catch the bus up to Trent Vale to meet mum. Matthew got up around 10:30 after I went up to see him in his room and then he had toast and orange juice for breakfast. He spent most of the say on his computer catching up on what had been going on in Flickr for the last few days. For dinner I made him an omelette with some oven fries. I had been viewing what buses were out on the #22. Out of the three buses out today running a Saturday service, there was only one required one and that was First Potteries 65727. There is a rumour that this batch of Scanias are about to depart to Adderley Green. We find it easier to get Newcastle Scanias in, which we used to get on the #22A when it returned to Newcastle, and of late on the #22 when the service went over to be predominately worked by these buses. Once they go to Adderley Green they will be slightly harder for us to get. We worked out that 65727 would be on the 16:20 Longton - Newcastle departure, so we texted mum to arrange to meet in Trent Vale at the appropriate time. Just after 16:00 Matthew got dressed and we left the house and walked all the way to the stop on Magdalen Road. As we waited we were expecting to see the Longton bound #22 go past just before our bus arrived. As expected we saw First Potteries 66842 round the corner and Matthew got a picture of it.

First Potteries 66842 in Blurton

A few minutes later, First Potteries 65727 rounded the other corner and I flagged it down whilst Matthew got a picture of the bus.

First Potteries 65727 in Blurton

We booked our tickets and we sat down near the back of the bus. The bus pulled out onto the A5035 and we headed into Trentham. We then passed D&G 174 on the Trentham Plumline, before we saw First Potteries 40155 on the #21A Hanley service. We turned onto we Inn Lane and we could see a #21 to Hanley in front of us. We didn't manage to catch up with this bus as our bus kept stopping to let people off. When we got into Hanford the last off the people in front of us got off the bus and Matthew took a picture facing forwards.

Inside First Potteries 65727

At the top of Church Lane we passed 60059 on a Trentham bound #21 and we headed down the hill to join the A34. As we went towards the A500 we passed First Potteries 65035 on a southbound #101. This was followed quickly by First potteries 65732 on the third and final #22 turn. As we pulled over to the centre of the road to ,turn into Harpfields Road and we rang the bell and we stood up and got off the bus. Matthew got another picture of First Potteries 65727 before it headed off towards the hospital.

First Potteries 65727 in Trent Vale

We walked back onto the A34 and back to the pub where mum was waiting in the car in the pub car park. Inn the pub Matthew had his usual meal. It was sausage egg and chips with extras of bacon and bread and butter. This was followed by toffee sponge pudding and ice cream. After we had finished eat we went back to the car and gave Uncle Dave a call. Matthew had a conversation with him on the phone and then we set off to go and pick him up. We headed South on the A34 until we reached the A500. At the A500 we went North and then onto the Eastbound A50 which we did to Heron Cross. We went into Fenton and picked up Uncle Dave before we went back through Heron Cross. Here we saw T2 DLT near to the Lightning Travel base and we headed through Blurton. We caught up First Potteries 65727 again and we also caught up with First Potteries 40373 on a #23 to Newstead. Coming the other way was First Potteris 66842 on the Longton bound #22: We got home a little after 18:00. We chilled out, did a bit of gardening, watched the telly and Matthew watched bus videos on his computer. For a snack later on we had some lemon Meringue pie. Matthew continued to chill out on his computer and he went to bed around 00:00...Mark

Trip to Packmoor / Hanley 16-02-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
GN60 GZM	Packmoor	YMCA Hanley	Charter	Middlehurst
GN60 GZM	YMCA Hanley	Packmoor	Charter	Middlehurst

Today Matthew was going on an Aiming trip to the YMCA in Hanley to do activities such as archery. We got up around 08:30, and then we realised that the activity started at 09:30 so we rushed to get ready and we set off just after 09:00. We drove onto the A5035 and onto Stanley Matthew Way past the Hem Heath pub. We then got onto the Westbound A50 and then the Northbound A500. We got off the a500 and did the Tunstall by-pass up to Packmoor turning left at the top of the hill. We got there just in time and Matthew we down to the computer room as he usually does as he waited for time. When it was time to go he got a picture of his transport which was unusually Middlehurst bus GN60 GZM instead of the usual Aiming High vehicle.

Middlehurst GN60 GZM about to set off for the YMCA

The bus left and went onto the A5272 to the edge of Hanley then around the ring road. They left the rod near the fire station and then drove down to the YMCA. First activity of the day was archery, and reports came came that Matthew did really well at this.

Archery in the YMCA

They then had a stint on the climbing wall, which is something he has done before so we knew he could do this well.

Climbing wall in the YMCA

They then set off back to Middlehurst. They went up to the ring road and back along the a5272 to Chell continuing on to middlehurst. He had a quick session on the computers before we arrived to pick him up at 12:30. Whilst mum talked to staff about his activities I drove him down the car park to get a picture of Aiming High FJ10 BJY in the bottom car park.

Aiming High FJ10 BJY in Middlehurst

We turned around and he got another picture of GN60 GZM before we left.

Middlehurst GN60 GZM back at school

We had decided to go Westport Lake for the afternoon but we had left uncle Dave at home. So we decided to pick up some food and go back before setting off to Westport Lake. We drove down the Tunstall by-pass down to the A500. We then drove south to the A50 and then came off at Heron Cross. We passed Lightning Travel NX03 JYJ and visitor WX06 VSA currently being worked on. We stopped at the new sandwich shop on Blurton Road and ordered some food before returning home passing 41512 on the #23. After eating the food we set off back to Westport Lake. We went along Stanley Matthews Way to the A50 and northbound on the A500, We came off at Longport and we saw 40145 on a Newcastle service. We then went up to Trubshaw Cross and turned towards Tunstall before turning off for Westport Lake. We had brought brown bread and seeds to feed the birds, and we spent around an hour going around the lake and feeding birds.

Ducks and geese in Westport lake

When we got back round to the car there was an ice cream van so mum and Matthew had some ice cream. We then set off on a bit of an extended drive home. We headed North through Tunstall and toward Kidsgrove. We passed 61143 on a Southbound #20 and we could see a Northbound #20 in front of us. We eventually caught it up a mile or so up the road and it was 60015. We carried on up the A50 to Fourlanes End before turning right. We travelled through the village of Smallwood and a few mile on before reaching the A34. We headed South through Scholar Green and Talke. When we crossed the A500 we saw Bakers Coach 3563 RU which we followed down to Milehouse. We passed the Newcastle First depot where we saw 40017/018/60069/205. We the headed up George Street and onto shelton new road before joining the Southbound A500. We did this to the A50, and we got off the A50 at Longton to view the Z Carz depot. There were only 3 buses present today. First we saw Scania coach D104 XAN...

Z Carz D104 XAN in Longton

We the saw coach V690 EBC...

Z Carz V690 EBC in Longton

Last but not least we saw LDV minibus T408 JUX

Z Carz T408 JUX in Longton

We then headed down Longton hall Road, stopping at the shops for lottery tickets, pop and cakes! We passed 40153 on the #22 and passed 41512 on the #23 again. We got home just after 16:00. We had a late tea of bangers and mash and Matthew chilled out on his computer before bedtime...Mark