Trip to Normacot / Kidsgrove 08-02-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
FJ13 CUU	Fenton	Kidsgrove	Charter	Stanton's of Stoke
FJ13 CUU	Kidsgrove	Fenton	Charter	Stanton's of Stoke

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going out to Kidsgrove later on. At the day centre 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 67602 on a #11 to Hanley. Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. A few minutes later we saw Stanton's of Stoke GSU 344 going towards Stoke. We walked onto Temple Street and onto Christchurch Street. In the morning Matthew went Children's centres in Normacot. Transport for the trip was Intercity taxi. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned right onto City Road. We continued up past KFC and we turned right onto the A50 link road. We joined the Eastbound A50 and we travelled through Longton to Notmacot where we came off the A50. We turned right and crossed over the A50 onto Upper Normacot Road and we turned right onto Chaplin Road. We turned right onto Buccluech Road and we stopped at the children's centre. Matthew went to the toilet and went to the cafe and had a can of Coke. When we had finished we returned to Fenton on Intercity taxi. We set off onto Beccleuch Road and we turned left onto Chaplin Road. We turned left onto Upper Normacot Road and we joined the Westbound A50. We came of the A50 at Heron Cross and we ran through the lights onto Heron Street. We followed the road around onto Station Bridge Road and forwards Glebedale Road and back to the day centre. For dinner Matthew had sausage chips and gravy followed by a Bakewell Tart. In the afternoon Matthew walked to the pub. We set off onto Christchurch Street and walked down to the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we walked along Christchurch Street and we stopped at the newsagents on the corner of Temple Street. Matthew brought a can of Coke. We walked onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew chilled out in his room using his computer and watching buses out of the window. We saw Stanton's of Stoke HXZ 9939 going towards Heron Cross.

Stanton's of Stoke HXZ 9939 in Fenton

Also see was E-zec patient transport YN15 FJY heading towards Stoke.

E-zec patient transport YN15 FJY in Fenton

After a while we saw First Potteries 41498 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 41498 in Fenton

Another vehicle seen was D&G Bus 115 on a #1 to Park Site.

D&G 115 in Fenton

Also seen was Copeland's Tours MIB 268 going towards Stoke.

Copeland's Tours MIB 268 in Fenton

A second dart appeared when we saw First Potteries 41499 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 41499 in Fenton

We went out for tea. Transport for the trip it was Stanton's of Stoke FJ13 CUU. We got on and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we turned left onto City Road. We ran down the hill and we joined the A52 and ran under the railway line. We turned right onto the Northbound A500 and we ran up to the A34. We turned right at the roundabout onto the A34 and we ran up to Talke. At the traffic light we followed the A34 to the right and we ran into Kidsgrove. We turned right onto the B5371 and right onto Clough Hall Road. We stopped at the pub and Matthew went to the toilet. He also had a glass of Coke. For tea Matthew had a beefburger and fries followed by a lemon meringue pie. When it was time to go back we returned to Fenton on Stanton's of Stoke FJ13 CUU. We set off onto Clough Hall road and we turned left onto the B5371. At the end we turned left onto the A34 and we ran upn to Talke. At the traffic light we followed the A34 to the left and we ran down to the A500. We joined the Southbound A500 and we ran through Longport and Etruria. We came off the A500 at Stoke and we turned left onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and we went forwards onto City Road and into Fenton. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room and chilled out 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 Hanley / Birches Head 18-10-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
41499	Fenton, Victoria Place	Hanley BS	6	First Potteries
65042	Hanley BS	Fenton, Victoria Place	6A	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going to Hanley 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 Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 268 running towards Stoke.

Copeland's Tours MIB 268 in Fenton

Around 09:00 we went downstairs and we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street and into the day centre. At the day centre in the morning Matthew did communication studies. For dinner Matthew had a cheese oatcake followed by a Bakewell Tart. In the afternoon Matthew went to Hanley on the bus. We set off on foot onto City Road. We crossed over City Road and we walked up to Victoria Place to wait for a bus to Hanley. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 41499 on a #6 to Hanley.

First Potteries 41499 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down. We set off down Victoria Road and we crossed over the A52 at Joiners Square. We ran up Lichfield Street and we crossed over the ring road. We then got up and got off the bus at the stop outside the bus station. Once off the bus we set off up Lichfield Street and went straight on onto Stafford Street. We walked up Tontine Street and around the corner into Tontine Square. We went into Harley's and Matthew had a glass of Coke. Once we had finished there we walked across the square to the Into Potteries shopping centre. WE went up the escalator onto the first floor and we went to the pattiserie stall outside HMV. Matthew brought a biscuit on a stick. Once we had finished we set off across Tontine Square onto Tontine Street. Matthew went into the pub on the corner of Old Hall Street to use the toilet. AS it was a nice day we sat on the seats and watched buses on Stafford Street. We saw First Potteries 53155 on a #8 to Ball Green.

First Potteries 53155 in Hanley

A few minutes later we saw D&G Bus 127 on a #9 to Newcastle.

D&G 127 in Hanley

Also seen was First Potteries 41497 on a #8B to Endon.

First Potteries 41497 in Hanley

A short time later we saw City Cabs taxi minibus SF60 AWY heading out of Hanley.

City Cabs SF60 AWY in Hanley

After a while we saw D&G Bus 38 on a #2 to Clayton.

D&G 38 in Hanley

After a while we saw Scraggs Solo 9685 VT on a #44 to Stanley.

Scraggs 9685 VT in Hanley

Afterwards we saw First Potteries 67643 on a #7 to Kidsgrove.

First Potteries 67643 in Hanley

Also seen was First Potteries 67635 on a #3A to Kidsgrove.

First Potteries 67635 in Hanley

Another bus seen was First Potteries 67640 on a #7A to Biddulph.

First Potteries 67640 in Hanley

After a while we saw First Potteries 65027 on a #3 to Crewe.

First Potteries 65027 in Hanley

Also seen was D&G Bus 33 on a #85 to Crewe.

D&G 33 in Hanley

Another bus seen was First Potteries 67658 running out of service.

First Potteries 67658 in Hanley

We walked back down Lichfield Street and we stood at the stop outside the bus station and waited for a bus back to Fenton. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 65042 on a #6A to Blythe Bridge.

First Potteries 65042 in Hanley

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off up Lichfield Street and we turned right into Birch Terrace. We followed the road around to the left onto Charles Street. At the top we turned right onto Old Hall Street before turning 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. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. One off the bus we set off on foot onto City Road and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned right onto Temple Street and we returned to the residential unit. For tea Matthew had chips and beans followed by a Bakewell Tart. Matthew then went to his room to get ready to go out. Whilst we waited .Tonight Matthew went out to the disco in a car and we saw Stanways LIG 2362 going to Hanley. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Baker Street and left onto Glebedale Road. At the end we turned right onto City Road. At the roundabout we turned sharp left onto Victoria Road. We ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We turned right onto the a52 and we ran up to Bucknall. At the lights we went straight on, forwards onto the A5009 and we ran through Abbey Hulton. We turned left onto Birches Head Road and we stopped at the disco. Matthew went to the toilet and had a drink of Coke and did some dancing. When it was time to go back to Fenton we travelled back on car. We set off onto Birches Head Road and we turned right onto the A5009. We ran down though Abbey Hulton and into Bucknall where we went straight onto the A52. We ran through Joiners Square and towards Stoke railway station we continued along the A52 along side the railway line and we then turned left onto City Road. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out. He 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 Newcastle / Stafford 13-06-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67665	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
37158	Newcastle BS	Stafford, Station Road Railway Station	101	First Potteries
65035	Stafford, Station Road Railway Station	Newcastle BS	101	First Potteries
63171	Newcastle BS	Fenton, Christchurch Street	11	First Potteries
67153	Fenton, Fenton Manor	Fenton, Adj Railway Bridge	23A	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in residential and he was going to his day service. He was going to see uncle Dave later. He was also going out on the bus. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. Across the road we saw First Potteries 65037 on a #11 to Hanley. When it was time to go out we set off on foot onto City Road and we walked down to the stop outside the flats. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it was First Potteries 67665 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. Once off the bus we waited for the next bus to Stafford. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 37158 on a #101 to Stafford. We got on the bus and we booked to Stafford before going upstairs and sitting down. We set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road. We ran Southwards onto the A34 and we ran down through Trent Vale and into Hanford. We continued down through to Trentham and then we got onto the fast section of the A34. We ran through Tittensor to Darlaston pas the Darlaston Inn which closed. We continued down the A34 to the North end of Stone. We Veered left onto Newcastle Road and we ran into Stone town centre. After going around the one-way system and onto Stafford Road. We crossed over the A34 onto Eccleshall Road. We turned left onto Tilling Drive and we ran onto the industrial estate. We saw former Western Greyhound minibus WK53 EUT. We rejoined the A34 at the roundabout where the A51 goes Eastwards and we ran Southwards through the fast section on the A34 to the A513 roundabout. We ran the last couple of miles into town down the A34 onto Foregate Street and we turned right onto Chell Road. We crossed the roundabout onto Tenterbanks and we turned right onto Victoria Road. We turned left onto Station Road and we got up and got off the bus. We Once off the bus we walked onto Victoria Road and we turned left onto Tenterbanks. We had already planned to visit Theo's Cafe on the corner of Mount Street. We continued onto Chell Road and we cut through the car park by Wilko. On the way we stopped at the toilet block and Matthew used the facilities. In the Cafe we ordered a breakfast and a can of Coke. After we had finished eating we headed back onto Chell Road. On Chell Road we aw Arriva Midlands 3755 on a #5 to Telford. Chell Road and forwards onto Tenterbanks. We turned right onto Victoria Road and we went into the Park. Whilst we waited for the bus we wemt to the cafe in the park to get a drink of Coke. When we had finished we went out of the park onto Station Road to waited for the bus back to Newcastle. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 65035 on a #101 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we gooked to Newcastle before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Station Road and at the end we turned left onto the A518. We ran around the South end of town and over the river onto Cope Street. We ran up Eastgate and along North Walls and into the Gaol Square bus station. We left the bus station onto the A34 and we ran Northwards to the edge of town. We continued up the fast section of the A34 to the edge of Stone and then we turned left onto the industrial estate. We ran around the estate and onto Tiling Drive. We turned right onto Eccleshall Road and we crossed the A34 onto Stafford Road. We turned left onto Crown Street and we stopped at the main stop in Stone. We ran North up Newcastle Road and we re-joined the Northbound A34. We ran Morth through Meaford and Tittensor and up into Trentham. We continued North through Hanford and Trent Vale and we past the City General hospital before going into Newcastle. We turned right onto Barracks Road and we entered the bus station from the South end. We got up and got off the bus and we saw First Potteries 67661 on a #4A to Hanley. There was a short wait for the bus back to Fenton so we walked along Hassels Street to McDonalds. Matthew had a cup of Coke and then went to the toilet. We returned to the bus station along Hassell Street. A short while later we saw First Potteries 42553 on a #11 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before we sat down towards then 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 walked across to Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew wen up to his room to chill out and use is computer. He also watched buses out of the window. A few minutes later we saw A1 Embassy SD06 HTC going towards Longton.

A1 Embassy SD06 HTC in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 268 going towards Stoke.

Copeland's Tours MIB 268 in Fenton

After wards we saw First Potteries 63171 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63171 in Fenton

Also seen was Harry Shaw NH05 CDH going towards Stoke.

Harry Shaw NH05 CDH in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 67647 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67647 in Fenton

Later on we went to uncle Daves. When it was time to go we set off on foot onto Temple Street and we walked down to Smithpool Road. We walked down City Road and we crossed over the road to the bus stop. We waited for the next #23A so we could go to uncle Dave's. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67153 on a #23A to Newstead. We got on the bus and we booked to Mount Pleasant. The bus set off up City Road and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. When we got to the railway bridge over the line to Derby we got up and got off the bus. We then continued along Smithpool Road before turning right onto the path the leads onto Willowdale Avenue. We went onto Whieldon Road and we went to uncle Dave's house. For tea Matthew had chicken potatoes and carrots followed by a slice of toffee cheesecake. later on he had a drink of Fanta orange and a few digestive biscuits. Matthew chill out in uncle Dave's house using his computer and watching television. 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 crossed the spare ground and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right into City Road and we turned left onto manor Street. We continued to the end of Manor Street and we turned left onto Victoria Road and we stopped at Aldi to pickup Matthew's weekly shop. Once Matthew had finished shopping we returned to the residential unit in a Lucky Seven taxi. We set off up Victoria Road and 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 also drank a can of Coke. 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 / Brampton 20-06-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
LL09 SSV	Fenton	Brampton	Charter	City Cabs
YX61 VVO	Brampton	Fenton	Charter	City Cabs

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going to the disco later. around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst waiting to go out we saw First Potteries 67155 on a #23 to Hanley. 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. At the day centre we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX parked outside.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

In the morning Matthew went to Brampton Park in a City Cabs minibus LL09 SSV. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned left into City Road. We ran down the hill under the the railway line and we joined the Northbound A500. We ran up to Shelton and we came off onto Shelton New Road and we ran though Hartshill up to Newcastle. We ran down into the centre down George Street and at the roundabout we turned right onto the A527. We ran up to the Brampton and we turned right into the car park. At the park Matthew went to the play area. When we had finished we walked back to the car park and we were picked up by City Cabs YX61 VVO. We set off onto the Southbound A527 and we ran into Newcastle. After going sharp right on the roundabout we went around the one way system and onto the A52 and into Hartshill. We went forwards onto Shelton New Road and through the crossroads and down the hill. we joined the Southbound A500 and we ran through the centre of Stoke coming off at the City Road exit. We ran up City Road and under the railway line and we climbed the hill before turning right into Glebedale Road and back to the day centre. For dinner Matthew had a cheese oatcake followed by a Bakewell tart. In the afternoon Matthew went swimming. We set off on foot onto City Road and we walked down the hill. We crossed over the old railway line to Leek and we turned right into the private road on which the baths are situated. Matthew had a session in the swimming pool and then set off back to the day centre. Half way along the road back to City Road we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 268 going towards the swimming baths.

Copelands Tours MIB 268 in Fenton

We carried on onto City Road and we turned left. We walked up past the bloke of flats and we cut across to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to chill out in his room an watch buses. We saw D&G Bus 111 on 'The Orange ONE' service to Meir.

D&G 111 in Fenton

For tea Matthew chips and beans followed by a slice of coconut cake. He then went back to his room to wait to out later. Whilst waiting we saw First Potteries 63179 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63179 in Fenton

Matthew went on his computer for a while and then he went out to the disco in a car. We set off onto Temple Stret and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We went straight on onto manor Street and at the end we turned left onto Victoria Road. We ran down the hill to Joiners Square. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A52 and we ran North to Bucknall. We went straight cross onto the A5009 and we ran up through Abbey Hulton. We turned left onto Birches Head Road and we stopped at the disco. On the way in we saw unidentified minibus silver Nissan EY66 VSM parked up.

EY66 VSM in Birches Head

Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. After a session on the dance floor Matthew returned home in a car. We set off onto Birches Head Road and we turned right onto the A5009. We ran through Abbey Hulton and into Bucknall. We ran forwards onto the A52 and at joiners Square we turned left onto Victoria Road. We ran up the hill and we turned right into Manor Street. We turned right onto City Road and then left 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 Bucknall / Festival Park 22-05-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
1321	Bentilee	Bucknall Newhouse Road	Charter	Wardle Transport
MIB 268	Bucknall Newhouse Road	Festival Park	Charter	Copeland's Tours
MIB 268	Festival Park	Bucknall Newhouse Road	Charter	Copeland's Tours
1321	Bucknall Newhouse Road	Bentilee	Charter	Wardle Transport

Today Matthew was in respite. He got up and had breakfast and around 08:30 the bus came to collect him for college. It was his usual vehicle Wardle Transport 1321.

Wardle Transport 1321 in Bentilee

we got on 1321 and the bus set off down Dividy Road and towards the A52. The bus went along Werrington Road before turning into Newhouse Lane and to college. After registration we had a trip out to the Festival Park. For the trip out college had chartered Copelands Tours MIB 268. Everyone loaded onto the coach and then we set off. The coach headed out onto the A52 and then up Limekiln Bank to the ring road. The coach then went around Hanley to Etruria Road and then down to festival Park. After a morning's bowling we had dinner. For dinner I had Chips and a drink of Coke. we the returned to the coach, Copeland's Tours MIB 268. The bus travel back up Etruria Road and around Hanley on the ring road. The coach then went down Bucknall New Road and onto the A52. Te coach then turned into Newhouse Road and then to college. In the afternoon Matthew had a cooking class and then after college Wardle Transport 1321 appeared to take him back to respite. The bus went back onto the A52 and then onto Dividy Road and to the respite place. He went to his room and whilst he waited for tea he took a few bus pictures. The first we saw Intercity Volkswagen minibus YK07 NYX.

Intercity YK07 NYX in Bentilee

We then saw Wardle Transport 1649 arrive too.

Wardle Transport 1649 in Bentilee

For tea Matthew had sausages and Mash with Carrots. For afters he had had a fudge flavoured yoghurt. He then chilled out and watched television. He also walked up to the local shop and brought a galaxy caramel. He chilled out a bit longer before having a bath and going to bed around 23:00...Mark

Trip to the Britannia Stadium 09-06-2011

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
BS51 ZJT	Blurton	Abbey Hulton	Charter	Z carz
GN53 EZT	Abbey Hulton	Newcastle	Charter	Z carz
GN53 EZT	Newcastle	Abbey Hulton	Charter	Z carz
BS51 ZJT	Abbey Hulton	Blurton	Charter	Z carz
40028	Ladybank Grove, Blurton	Heron Street, Heron cross	23	First Potteries
2961	Britannia Stadium	Blurton	500	Wardle Transport

Matthew hadn't been out for a few days and it was a clear night, so I asked him if he fancied a ride on the 500. This is a service we have been to photograph at this time of year in the past, but there are only a bout 4 weeks of the year when it is light enough to get a good picture at the hem Heath end. Previous viewing of this service have seen an X reg step entranced bus a couple of years ago and more recently Optare Solo's. In order to get to ride on the bus, i worked out you could catch a bus to Heron Cross, walk to the Britannia Stadium and then cath the bus to the end of Stanley Matthews Way. We made the long walk to Ladybank Grove and waited for the 20:52 from Newstead. Whilst we ere waiting we saw the bus go in the opposite direction. It was Optare Solo 40028 which we have not previously travelled on.


40028 heading towards Newstead (Matt)

After around 6 or 7 minutes, the bus returned on the Hanley bound service.


40028 on a #23 to Hanley (Matt)

After the short journey to Heron Cross, Matthew photographed the bus as it left towards Hanley.


40028 departs Heron Cross for Hanley (Matt)

After we got off, we walked the long walk to the Britannia Stadium. when we arrived at the stop we had around 25 minutes to wait. Eventually, we saw the bus go up the ramp and we could see it was a Versa! We did the quick journey along Stanley Matthews Way and just before we got off Matthew photographed the empty inside.


Inside Wardle Transport 2961 (Matt)

It was just too dark to get a good picture of the bus, but he did manage to get a picture.


2961 turning on the roundabout, about to form the #500 to Norton (Matt)

After we watched the bus go, we walked home the rest of the way... Mark

Trip to Bath 16-10-2010

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
MIB 268	Longton Hall Road, Blurton	Bath Coach Park	Charter	Copelands Tours
46218	Bath BS	Eastfield Avenue	14	First Somerset & Avon
42901	Eastfield Avenue	Royal United Hospital	14	First Somerset & Avon
42967	Royal United Hospital	Bath BS	14	First Somerset & Avon
46237	Bath BS	Bear Flat	267	First Somerset & Avon
40542	Bear Flat	Bath BS	13	First Somerset & Avon
MIB 268	Bath Coach Park	Longton Hall Road, Blurton	Charter	Copelands Tours

Matthew had spotted this trip on the Copelands Tours brochure, and after a bit of persuasion he got mum to book the trip for us. I didn't do as much research as perhaps I should have done, but on the morning of the coach trip I printed out the Bath City zone 1 map, the Bath network map and the Bath Area Bus services map from the First website. I also downloaded the service 178/84 service timetable and the list of low floor services (so I could work out which buses aren't low floor). We set off at around 07:30 to Longton hall Road so we made the 07:55 pick up in good time. MIB 268 was the transport for today. I think Matthew was hoping for a different coach, but he was just glad to be going on such an epic trip. After getting on the coach then came an epic journey around town picking up other passengers. last pick up was Newcastle at 08:50! As per usual the driver called in to say he had picked up all the passengers then we set off. Newcastle, A519, M6, M5.


Mileage machine Copelands Tours MIB 268 in the M5 / M50 Services Southbound(Matt)

After a short break in the M5 / M50 services, we continued south M5 M4
and then into Bath. At the coach park there was a small cafe which we had dinner before moving to the bus station. when at the bus station we decided to stand and watch for a short while to see where the buses were going and to work out what buses were doing what. One the buses we saw was step entranced dart 46225.


46225 enters Bath bus station (Mark)

I left Matthew there for a short while with uncle Dave whilst I picked up some timetables from the office. When I returned we decided to walk up to by the railway station. as we walked up we were able to take further bus and coach pictures. One of the reason I wanted to got to the railway station was to get a photograph from the car park overlooking the bus station. A few weeks before there had been a picture in 'Buses' magazine with the exact same view. here's my best effort...


Bath bus station...Photo inspired by the one that appeared in 'Buses' magazine a month or so ago... (Mark)

We then returned back to the bus station. Matthew spotted 46218 on a local service and we decided to go for it and start riding on the local buses. it was a number #14 service which we saw on the map as a service going to the hospital and with a circular end. we did the bus passed the hospital and we got off in the estate and then waited for the next bus.


46218 disappearing off into the distance along Eastfield Avenue, Weston on service #14 (Matt)

After a short wait 42901 appeared on the following bus. The next stopped appeared to be the terminus as we waited there for a few minutes! We decided to do this bus to the hospital and get off so we could get another different bus.


42901 at the Royal United Hospital, Bath (Matt)

After another wait where we saw a Wessex connect minibus, 42967 turned up and we did this bus.


42967 at the Royal United Hospital, Bath (Matt)

back at the bus station we didn't have loads of time so we decide to try and do another short trip out. Matthew had spotted 46237 on a Frome service so I looked it up on the map and there seemed to be a place where a lot of service diverged call 'Bear Flat'. I thought if we did the bus to here then we would have a few choices of bus back. Matthew got a picture and then we walked around and got on the bus.


46237 in Bath bus station about to work the 1528 service #267 to Frome (Matt)

the bus was very full and we were luck to get a seat at all. Bear Flat is about a mile out of town o the other side of the river and at the top of a very steep hill. as the bus turned and leveled off, we got off the bus and Matthew took another picture.


46237 powers away into the distance away from Bear Flat on service #267 to Frome (Matt)

We then crossed the road and waited for a bus back. We then phoned mum and arranged to meet up back at the bus station. There were a couple of choices and we decided to wait for the number 13 bus. When it eventually appeared it was an ex South Yorkshire bus 40542. we did this back to the bus station where I got a picture.


Ex Doncaster 40542 in Dorchester Street Bath (Mark)

After we arrived back in Dorchester Street, We took Matthew to the exit corner of the bus station and then I went to find where mum was sitting. We all met up together in the corner of the bus station and then made our way back towards the coach park stopping a few times to take pictures.


52554 in Dorchester Street on service #1 (Matt)


46235 in Bath bus station between duties (Matt)

We walked back via, Broad Quay, Ambury and Corn Street to the coach park...


First Somerset & Avon hybrid bus 39000 enters Bath bus station (Matt)


Forget the usual sights of Bath... No trip to here is complete without seeing one of their orange bendy Buses! 10176 in Corn Street (Matt)

We had about 30 minutes at the coach park, where we all used the facilities and Matthew took a few pictures of the coaches parked up. We set of back at 17:00 making 1 stop at the Northbound M5 / M50 services.


MIB 268 in the M5 / M50 Services Northbound(Mark)

We reached the outskirts of Stoke at 20:00 and after dropping off most of the other passengers we eventually reached Longton Hall Road at around 20:50.