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 Mansfield 29-06-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
22799	Mansfield BS	Pleasley, opp Anthony Bek School	Pronto	Stagecoach East Midlands
17709	Pleasley, opp Pit Lane	Mansfield BS	23	Stagecoach East Midlands
33214	Mansfield BS	Ladybrook, opp Annesley Way	6	Stagecoach East Midlands
33849	Ladybrook, opp Annesley Way	Mansfield BS	6	Stagecoach East Midlands
18044	Mansfield BS	Shirebrook, Market Place (Stop 3)	23	Stagecoach East Midlands
18043	Shirebrook, Market Place (Stop 1)	Mansfield BS	12	Stagecoach East Midlands

Today we decided to return to Mansfield. This was our first return here since the new bus station opened at the end of March. Research consisted of looking at the Stagecoach website, looking at the Nottinghamshire County Council website and looking at the British Bus Publishing book to see what is currently allocated to Mansfield. From the rear of the book (page 135) we saw that there was one Olympian (dud 16456) and one East Lancs bodied Dart (required 33214). There were also 10 Tridents of which all but 17738 were required, and 23 other dart of which all but 2 were required. We also checked the weather and it was for a mild grey day with sunny intervals. Matthew got up around 10:00 and he had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:30 today. We headed into Longton on the A5035. here we saw Z Carz M372 NWN going to Bath parked up in the distance at the depot. We got onto the A50 and headed East. Many miles later we hit the M1 and then went North. At junction 28 we left the M1 and went onto the Northbound A38. We followed the road to the edge of Mansfield and we saw required Dart 33214 on a #6 service. We then followed the Sat Nav to a car park on Toothill Road. We missed the turn the first the around so we had to do another circle of town! We parked up and started to walk towards the bus station. We walked onto Clumber Street to head towards the bus station and we saw this ADL Trident 18120 on a #28B service to Eakring.

Stagecoach East Midlands 18120 in Mansfield

We carried on through town and had our dinner at the same place as last time the Gala cafe. After visiting the toilet Matthew sat down to have a breakfast washed down with Fanta. We finished eating around 13:45 and we walked to the new bus station. First impressions of the bus station were great, it had much more passenger space that our local bus station, nearly as many stands and cost a fraction of the money! we visited the travel desk and picked up a few timetables as well as the really useful Stagecoach Mansfield Move bus guide. We saw a Chesterfield bound Pronto and Matthew decided he wanted to do it. It was required Stagecoach East Midlands 22799.

Stagecoach East Midlands 22799 in Mansfield bus station

We purchased out Dayrider Plus tickets got on and sat down on this busy service near the back. It was quite well filled and Matthew wasn't able to take a picture inside this bus. We traveled through town and then onto Chesterfield Road South. we decided to travel up to Pleasley which was the furthest point we could travel to and still get a choice of buses back to Mansfield. As we sat awaiting time at Mansfield we removed our jackets at it was really warm on the bus. The journey was swift and the bus emptied a little, but not enough for him to get a picture inside the bus. we passed the roundabout at Pleasley and turned left so we decided to get off the bus here. Matthew got a picture of Stagecoach East Midlands 22799 as it sped off into the distance.

Stagecoach East Midlands 22799 near Pleasley

Behind the bus stop we could see a path heading away from the footbridge in the photograph so I guessed that this path headed back into the village. We headed back onto Chesterfield Road and Pit Lane back toward the village. There was a Mansfield bound stop opposite Pit Lane so we crossed the road to see if there was a timetable. There was only a Pronto timetable in the stop, so we were about to set off further into the village when we turned and saw a #23 service. I stuck my hand out and it stopped. It was required Stagecoach East Midlands Trident 17709. We had a bit of bother as I thought I had lost Matthew's pass so we brought him a Dayrider Plus ticket. He then went to say hello to someone who didn't speak English so it took a while before they understood him too! We sat down and I found his pass in my wallet so that problem was solved albeit being £4.70 down. We traveled into town back down Chesterfield South Road. It seemed to take a little longer going South on the double decker. When we got back Matthew waited for the bus to empty and took a picture inside of this beast.

Inside Stagecoach East Midlands 17709

He also took a picture of the outside of 17709 through the glass of the bus station too.

Stagecoach East Midlands 17709 in Mansfield bus station

We didn't see anything immediately that wanted to do, so we decided to have a walk around the outside of the bus station and take a few pictures. We walked out of the bus station and we saw required Stagecoach East Midlands Dart 33834 on a #14 service to Kirton.

Stagecoach East Midlands 33836 enters Mansfield bus station

We crossed over the bus station entranced and walked around the outside of the bus station to take a few pictures. Matthew got a picture of one K&H Doyles full length Darts on layover. It was required W975 ETW.

K&H Doyle W975 ETW in Mansfield bus station

We also saw another of the Stagecoach East Midlands Man / Enviro 300's leaving the bus station towards Nottingham. It was required 22774.

Stagecoach East Midlands 22774 in Mansfield bus station

Next we saw required K&H Doyle Trident T183 CLO move into one of the layover spaces.

K&H Doyle T183 CLO in Mansfield bus station

At this point we saw dud Stagecoach East Midlands 16456 arrive on a #28B service from Eakring. Required 17737 also made an appearance and was about to do the 15:00 to Newark. Stagecoach 16456 parked up in the layover area. We walk back to the bus station with the intention of catching 17737. At this point Matthew wanted the toilet. whilst he was in there 17737 departed for Newark. That didn't matter too much as whist he was there required East Lancs Dart 33214 reappeared so we decided to do that. Matthew got a picture through the glass before we got on.

Stagecoach East Midlands 33214 in Mansfield bus station

We got on and sat down near the back of the bus. It was still on the #6 circular service to Ladybrook, so we decided to do the bus until it was empty, or until it started to fill again before we got off. We set off out of town and onto Bancroft Lane. we then went onto Ladybrook Lane before starting to circle the estate. People started to get off the bus, unfortunately one person got on, so we waited for the bus to nearly empty and then Matthew got a picture inside 33214.

Inside Stagecoach East Midlands 33214

We got off at the next stop and we had 15 minutes to wait. We passed the time by having a mini picnic at the bus stop. Matthew had a can of Fanta and a squashed Milky Way. It was warm and there was bright sunshine. We checked the time of the next #23 from Mansfield and we saw that it was due off 5 minutes after we got back into the bus station. We then spotted the Dart approaching. It was required Stagecoach East Midlands 33849. Matthew got a close up of the bus as it came onto the stop.

Stagecoach East Midlands 33849 in Ladybrook

It was empty as we got on the bus so he got his picture there and then.

Inside Stagecoach East Midlands 33849

After sitting down near the back We carried on around estate and back on Ladybrook Lane and then back into town. when we got there we saw required 18044 on stand for the #23 to Langwith so we decided to jump on this bus after Matthew took a picture

Stagecoach East Midlands 18044 in Mansfield bus station

We went upstairs and we had a couple of minutes to wait. whilst we were there we saw an Olympian that we didn't know was there. it was required Stagecoach East Midlands 16455. We also saw Mc Ewens N711 LTN which we think was working the bingo bus service. The bus set off along the Chesterfield South Road. and through Pleasley The bus then headed over to Shirebrook. As the bus emptied a little Matthew got a picture of the front of the bus.

Inside Stagecoach East Midlands 18044

The bus got to Shirebrook and we could see another double decker in the streets nearby. We got off and took a picture of this fine beast.

Stagecoach East Midlands 18044 in Shirebrook

Almost as soon as we had taken the picture of 18044 we saw another bus come on stand just behind it. It was required stagecoach East Midlands 18043 on a Mansfield bound #12 service.

Stagecoach East Midlands 18043 in Shirebrook

We got on and went upstairs. We had planned on going to the shop in Shirebrook but seeing this bus had changed our minds. The bus was empty upstairs so he got a picture as soon as he sat down.

Inside Stagecoach East Midlands 18043

The journey back was on the #12 was longer. We set off towards Warsop though open countryside and then through an housing estate. At Warsop we paused for a minute or 2 before setting off South through Mansfied Woodhouse and into town. When we got to Mansfield we met up with mum. We took him to the shop and Matthew brought some Coke, 3 Crunchie's for a pound and a toffee flavoured yoghurt. Matthew then visited the toilet before we left the bus station. Mum had moved the car to a nearby 30 minute waiting area so we walked across to there and got in the car. We had already purchased sausages rolls and matthew washed one down with a personalised bottle of Coke. We drove out of town on the A38 and to the Travelodge to drop mum off. She told us to wait for a coupe of minutes and after she had dropped some stuff of she asked us to take her to the Speed the Plough pub where uncle Chris was waiting. We dropped her off and headed back to the A38. Part way along this road towards the M1 we saw Trent Barton 474 on a 'Nines' emerge from the road to the right whilst we were stopped at the traffic lights.

Trent Barton 474 near Sutton

We followed the bus for a short while. It eventually turned into the East Midlands Designer Outlet. At the next junction we joined the southbound M1 and we did this down to Junction 24A. On the A50 we saw a number of buses and coaches. At uttoxeter we saw Wardle Transport 4695 running empty of an X50 service. We also saw Royalls Travel G231 LDW heading East near the JCB factory. At the Meir Heath junction we passed preserved SUX 476X with ribbons attached, I'm guessing it had been attending a wedding! We also passed Copelands TIL 4508, the Ex Tappins Plaxton Paramount coach. At Longton we came off the A50 to go visit the Z Carz depot. First we saw airport tranfers minibus Z Carz MJ03 DPU, which we have never seen in daylight before!

Z Carz MJ03 DPU in Longton

Also there was DAF minicoach W344 WNS.

Z Carz W344 WNS in Longton

We check to see if there was anything in Willow Row, and when we saw there wasn't we set of down Longton Hall Road. We saw First Potteries 40011 on the #22 to Longton looking like it had been involved with a collision with a tin of blue paint and not cleaned off properly! We got home around 18:45 and Matthew ate his toffee flavour yoghurt whilst he waited for his tea. We had a late tea of bangers and mash with carrots and this was followed by a piece of cheesecake. We then chilled out watching Glastonbury on the telly and Matthew used his computer before going to bed at the unusual time of 11:15 on a Saturday night which surprised us all...Mark

Trip to Mansfield 09-02-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
16456	Mansfield BS	Shirebrook, Market Place (Stop 1)	12	Stagecoach East Midlands
33834	Shirebrook, Market Place (Stop 2)	Mansfield BS	23	Stagecoach East Midlands
17738	Mansfield BS	Market Warsop, High Street (NE-bound)	11	Stagecoach East Midlands
34464	Market Warsop, adj High Street	Mansfield BS	12	Stagecoach East Midlands

Today we went to Mansfield. The trip had been planned for a while as mum was going to meet friends for a night out and Matthew had never been here before. Research consisted on downloading a couple of maps from the Nottinghamshire county council website. We didn't check the weather until the day and it was forecast for cloudy and 4' C. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had some toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:30 today, as mum was going to meet up with her friend around 16:00 after we had been on the buses. For a change we weren't going North! We set off along the A5035 to Longton and then got on the A50. We did this all the way to the M1 and then we headed North. When we reached the A38 we did this into the centre of Mansfield past Morrisons. at the end of the A38 the road faces the bus station. We turned onto the A60 and went around town passing East Lancs Sprite dart 33214 as we drove. We parked in a space on the street near to the bus station and the Beales department store. We walked into a pedestrianised area and had lunch in a cafe. Matthew had a cooked breakfast and toast. We finished the food and walked up to the bus station. Immediately as we turned the corner we spotted a step entranced double decker on one of the far stands. It was required Stagecoach East Midlands 16456. It was on a 12 to Shirebrook so we decided to do it and get a picture later. We got on and booked day plus tickets and then went upstairs. Matthew noticed K&H Doyle double decker T184 CLO parked up as we left the bus station. There were other people already on the top deck so Matthew had to wait until after we had left Warsop to get his empty bus photo.

Inside Stagecoach East Midlands 16456

A few minutes later we pulled into the market place in Shirebrook and we decided it looked like a good place to get off. We got off and finally got a picture of this fine beast.

Stagecoach East Midlands 16456 in Shirebrook

We looked at the timetable and we saw we had around 15 minutes to wait for a different bus back, so we went to a paper shop for Coke and Milky Ways. We sat and ate some chocolate whilst waiting for a bus. First arrival was 22648 on a Chesterfield bound 82 service.

Stagecoach Yorkshire 22648 in Shirebrook

A few minutes later we saw a Plaxton Dart round the corner and it was required Stagecoach East Midlands 33834. Matthew batteries went on his camera so he didn't get a picture as we got on. The #23 which we caught goes back via Pleasley and into town along the A617/A6191. The journey back was a little quicker than the journey up on the #12 as it is a more direct route. As we pulled into the bus station we saw Mc Ewens Alexander bodied Volvo B10 L306 PSC departing. As we got off Matthew took a picture of the inside of 33834.

Inside Stagecoach East Midlands 33834

We also spotted a double decker over the far end again. Matthew got a picture of 33834 before we walked over to investigate.

Stagecoach East Midlands 33834 in Mansfield bus station

The bus on stand was required Stagecoach East Midlands 17738 which we seen early on a #12. Stagecoach East Midlands 33214 was along side this bus too and it pulled off as we stood there.

Stagecoach East Midlands 17738 in Mansfield bus station

We decided to do 17738 as it was on a #11 and we knew where it was going. We got on a went upstairs. As we set off North we passed 16456 on the Inbound #12 service. When we got to Warsop, we decided to get off to wait for an #11 or #12 back. matthew got a picture of 17738 after we got off.

Stagecoach East Midlands 17738 in Warsop

We walked around the corner to the Southbound stop and waited. We thought we were going to have to wait for 20 or so minutes for a return bus, but after 5 minutes we saw another Plaxton bodied Dart approaching from the North. It was required Stagecoach East Midlands 34464.

Stagecoach East Midlands 34464 in Warsop

We did this bus back down A60 into town gettnig in around 15:45. When we got off Matthew got a picture of the inside of this bus too.

Inside Stagecoach East Midlands 34464

We went to the toilet and then took a few pictures of buses as we headed back to the car. One such bus was K&H Doyle Dart W975 ETW.

K&H Doyle W975 ETW in Mansfield bus station

We also saw Trent Barton Optare 257 on a #141 service. After visiting a sweet shop in the shopping arcade We got back in the car. We tucked into some Greggs sausage rolls before heading back along the A38. Where the road turn we carried atright on to drop mum off at the Travelodge to meet up with her friends. We said goodbye and drove past Frankie & Bennys as we left. We then got back onto the A38 which we did down to the M1. We did the M1 South to the A50, and then we did this west. As we crossed the a38 we got the signal back on Radio Stoke to find stoke had beaten Reading by two goals to one. We the carried on to Longton and came off the A50 to go past the Z carz depot. not many on today as Stoke had only finished playing 30 minutes earlier. First in the row was minibus HX51 HRU with 'Fenton' on a piece of paper in the window.

Z Carz HX51 HRU in Longton

Then it was Mercedes minibus T131 SGA.

Z Carz T131 SGA in Longton

In the background was LDV minibus M420 UEH with '541' in the window.

Z Carz M420 UEH in Longton

We turned left to see if anything was in the Willow Row compound and we spotted Airport transfer bus DL03 HHU parked up.

Z Carz DL03 HHU in Longton

We turned around to head home and as we reached the end of the street LDV minibus T408 JUX had made an appearance.

Z Carz T408 JUX in Longton

As we headed down Longton Hall Road we also passed Z carz V690 EBC heading towards the depot. We then went home getting in around 17:40. For a late tea we had bangers and mash with carrots. He had some cheesecake for afters. Matthew chilled out on his computer before going to bed around 00:00...Mark