Trip to Middleton / Rochdale 03-09-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3064	Middleton BS	Rochdale Interchange	17	Go North West
602	Rochdale Interchange	Bury Interchange	93	Transdev Rosso
3218	Bury Interchange	Heaton Park, stop C	135	Go North West
3227	Prestwich, The Woodthorpe	Cheetham Hill,	135	Go North West
67423	Cheetham Hill, Neighbourhood Centre	Bowker Vale, Blackley New Road	59	First Manchester
6218	Bowker Vale, stop a	Middleton BS	41	Go North West

Today we decided to re-visit Middleton. We chose Middleton based on the fact that we had travelled Eastwards a lot recently and non of the Manchester teams were playing at home. It is also easy to park and easy to find someone to eat. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and apple juice for breakfast. We set off just before 12:00 through Blurton and onto Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and into Heron Cross and over the A50. At Heron Cross lights we turned left onto Grove Road. We ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. Once we had picked up uncle Dave, we continued down Wheildon Road and we joined the Northbound A500. As we ran up towards the motorway we saw LJ09 EAF & silver minibus YP67 FXH. We joined the M6 and we headed Northwards. On the M6 we saw silver minibus CK17 YHO, Megabus 54208, at least 2 unidentified Belle Vue Coaches. We saw Turners WJ65 EKW go past us heading Northwards.

Turners WJ65 EKW on the M6

Also seen was Turners YT68 GWG.

Turners YT68 GWG on the M6

Continuing up the M6 we saw grey minibus YC20 FUP and Ellisons YT69 DWE. We got to Junction 21A and we joined the Eastbound M62. As we joined the clockwise M60 we saw Bayliss V123 BAY. We continued around the North side of manchester and we saw an unidentified white coach FN09 ???. We came off the M60 onto the A576 and we ran the last 2 miles into Middleton and we parked on top of the shopping centre. We walkde down into the shopping centre and Matthew used the toilet before we headed out onto Manchester New Road. We continued past Chicken Cottage and we stopped at the Middleton Cafe. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished eating we went outside and we said goodbye to mum before heading off down Manchester New Road towards the bus station. We decided to have a walk around the outside to take a few pictures before we caught a bus. We continued along Park Road and Middleton Way and we saw Go North West 3055 on a #18 to Manchester.

Go North West 3055 in Middleton bus station

Also seen was Stagecoach Manchester 19427 on a #112 to Manchester Piccadilly.

Stagecoach Manchester 19427 in Middleton bus station

We walked back into the bus station and Mtthew had indicated that he wanted to travel towards Rochdale. We sat neat to Stand A and we waited for a bus in that direction. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. We saw it was Go North West 3064 on a #17 to Rochdale.

Go North West 3064 in Middleton bus station

We got on the bus and we booked System One bus only tickets at £6.40 each before we went upstairs and we sat down. The bus set off out of the We set off out of the bus station and we turned left and ran past the Middleton Arena. We turned onto the A664. North up Long Street and then Rochdale Road. The road turned due North by the canal and we carried on under the M62 and into Castleton. We joined the A58 and we traveled Eastwards into town. We turned right onto Drake Street and we approached the interchange from the South. We got off the bus and we had to alook around to see what we could possibly catch. Across the way we saw First West Yorkshire 33883 on layover in between runs on the #590 to Halifax.

First West Yorkshire 33883 in Rochdale Interchange

We had a walk around the outside of the Interchange to see what we could see. We spotted Transdev Rosso 283 on a #464 to Accrington.

Transdev Rosso 283 in Rochdale Interchange

We came back inside the Interchange and Matthew went to the toilet. When Matthew had finished we spotted Transdev Rosso 1764 on a R1 service to Syke.

Transdev Rosso 1764 in Rochdale Interchange

We decided to go towards Bury and there was a bus that was starting to load. It was Transdev Rosso 602 on a #467 to Bury.

Transdev Rosso 602 in Rochdale Interchange

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One Bus Only Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the Interchange and we turned left onto Smith Street. We continued onto South Parade and we ran forwards onto Newgate. We turned right onto the A58 and we turned left onto Spotland Road. We headed North Westwards to the edge of town and we turned right onto Rooly Moor Road. We continued Northwards and we veered left. We turned right onto Ings Lane and we continued Northwards. We ran up to the turning circle at Daniel Fold and we headed back Southwards. We turned right onto Ings Avenue and we ran forwards onto Caldershaw Road. We turned left onto the A680 and we turned right onto Bagslate Moor Road. We continued onto Norden Road and at the B6222 we turned right and headed Westwards. We ran through Birtle and Fairfield past the hospital. We ran under the M66 and into Bury town centre, We turned left onto Derby Way and we past the site of the old First bus garage which is now a car dealership. We turned right onto the A58 and we saw Elcock Reisen BV22 WUJ and Station Coaches Y4 STA going the other way. We past the rear of the Market and we saw Timewell TL13 TWL cross over the road in front of us to pick up day trippers. We turned right onto Haymarket Street and right into the Interchange where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we headed over to the other side to visit the toilet. Afterwards we saw Rotala Diamond 40793 on a #471 to Bolton.

Rotala Diamond 40793 in Bury Interchange

We saw that there was a #135 on stand. We saw it was Go North West 3218 on a #135 to Manchester.

Go North West 3218 in Bury Interchange

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the bus station and onto Haymarket Street. We crossed over the A58 onto Knowsley Street before joining Manchester Road and running Southwards past Gigg Lane. We crossed the river Roch and we climbed the hill up towards Whitefield. At Besses O' The barn we deviated left onto Bury Old Road and we went under the tramway and over the M60 at the same point. We continued south along bury Old Road and we skirted the Western side of Heaton Park. We got up and got off the bus so that we could go and visit the pub. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Go North West 3218 as it continued towards Manchester.

Go North West 3218 in Heaton Park

We crossed over the road and we headed towards the pub. On the way we saw Go North West 3224 on a #135 to Bury.

Go North West 3224 in Heaton Park

We reached The Ostrich pub and we went inside. matthew visited the toilet and afterwards we went to the bar and ordered Cokes. We sat in the small room at the front and we watched the football scores on the TV. The Ostrich was once a regular haunt of Mark E Smith from The Fall. When we had finsihed we returned the glasses to the bar and we went outside to uncle Dave. We carried on Walking Southwards along Bury Old Road and we crossed over the road by The Woodthorpe. The Woodthorpe features in The Fall music video of Ghost in my House. We stood at the bus stop outside and we waited for the next bus towards Cheetham Hill. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Go North West 3227 on a #135 to Manchester.

Go North West 3227 in Prestwich

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off along Bury Old Road and the last time we did this stretch of road it was on the same bus back in June 2022. We continued along the A665 for a further mile or so and onto The North end of Cheetham Hill. We travelled to the South end and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we crossed over the road and we waited for a northbound bus to take us back Towards Middleton. A short time later we saw First Manchester 67423 on a #59 to Oldham.

First Manchester 67423 in Cheetham Hill

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off Northwards up the A665. We turned right onto the A576 and we ran Northwards. We ran under the tram line to Bury and we past Bowker Vale tram stop. We passed a #41 going the other way so we got up and got off the bus so that we could catch the next #41 Northwards to break up the journey. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of First Manchester 67423 before it continued towards Oldham.

First Manchester 67423 in Bowker Vale

Once off the bus we decided to walk back q few hundred yards to the stop by the Metrolink Station. We stood at the stop and we waited for the next #41 to Middleton. Whilst we waited we saw First Manchester 37449 on a #59 to Manchester.

First Manchester 37449 in Bowker Vale

A few minutes later we saw a coach approaching As it got closer we saw it was Red Rose UUI 4798 heading Northwards.

Red Rose UUI 4798 in Bowker Vale

We looked at the map and we watched the bus approaching. It was running around 10 minutes late. A short time later it apperared over the hill. It was Go North West 6218 on a #41 to Middleton.

Go North West 6218 in Bowker Vale

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only day tickets to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A576 and we turned right onto Blackley New Road. We turned left onto Riverdale Road and we turned right onto Chapel Road. We turned left onto Plant Hill Road and left onto Bank House Road. We turned right onto Tweedle Hill Road and right onto the A6104. We ran into the centre of Blackley and we turned left onto the A664. We crossed over the M60 and we ran Northwards over the hill and down into Middleton. We turned left onto the A576 and we entered the bus station from the West end. We got up and got off the bus. On the adjacent stand was Transdev Rosso 732 on a R7 service to Rochdale.

Transdev Rosso 732 in Middleton bus station

We decided to do a circuit of the bus station to take a few pictures before we returned to the car. We saw Go North West 3052 on a #17 to Manchester.

Go North West 3052 in Middleton bus station

We walked arount the outside to the shopping centre side of the bus station. We couldn't get in through that door so we carried on around. We saw Go North West 3238 on a ##17 to Rochdale.

Go North West 3238 in Middleton bus station

Also seen was Go North West 5003 on a #129 Boarshaw circular service.

Go North West 5003 in Middleton bus station

We tried the side entrance to the shopping centre and that was closed too. We walked around the back and we went up the ramp. We got back to the car and we had a choc ice from the cool box. We set off out of the var park and we joined the Eastbound A576. We continued onto the A664 and we ran about 1/2 mile out of town to Hill's chips shop and we parked at the rear. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Irn Bru. When I had finished eating we set off onto the A664 and we headed Westwards through Middleton and onto the A576. We ran the 2 or so miles to the M60 and we joined the anti-clockwise carriageway. We ran around the North Side of Manchester and we joined the Westbound M62. We ran up to the Croft Interchange and we joined the Southbound M6 at Junctio 21A. As we travelled Southwards we saw an unidentified Tyrer's coach. We joined the Southbound A500 and we ran through Talke, Longport, Etruria and Stoke. We came off the A500 at Stoke and we veered off onto Whieldon Road and into Fenton. We dropped off uncle Dave and Matthew got out of the car to use the toilet, drink some of uncle Rob's Irn Bru and update his calendar. We got back in the car and we conrinued along Wheildon Road past the former Regent which is back up for sale. We ran forwards onto Grove Road and we turned right onto Blurton Road. We should have turned left onto the A50 but I forgot, so we continued along Blurton Road and we turned left onto Longton Hall Road. We ran into Longton and crossed the A50 and onto Baths Road. We stopped at Tesco to fill up with petrol before re-joining the WEstbound A50. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran down the hill and right onto Church Street. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and left onto Finstock Avenue, getting back around 20:15. Later on we did some more of the Blog and we chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Middleton / Manchester 02-04-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3060	Middleton BS	Manchester Shudehill	18	Go North West
4005	Manchester Shudehill	Prestwich, St Ann's Road	93	Go North West
3263	Prestwich, Red Lion	Manchester Shudehill	98	Go North West
40820	Manchester Shudehill	Salford, Rossall Way (stop G)	8	Rotala North West
6154	Salford Shopping Centre (Stop A)	Cheetham Shopping Centre (Stop K)	52	Go North West
37431	Cheetham Hill, Neighbourhood Centre	Higher Blackley, Victoria Avenue	59	First Manchester
19421	Higher Blackley, Glenbrook Road	Blackley, Old Market Street	156	Stagecoach Manchester
3267	Blackley, Charlestown Road	Middleton BS	17	Go North West

Today we decided to re-visit Middleton. Matthew had wanted to go further afield, but we decided to schedule that for another weekend when we have an overnight stay. I did no research for this trip, other than check the weather, which was for a cold but mainly sunny day. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Mum returned home from work and we got ready to go out. We set off just before 12:00 through Blurton and onto Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and into Heron Cross and over the A50. At Heron Cross lights we turned left onto Grove Road. We ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. Once we had picked up uncle Dave, we continued down Wheildon Road and we joined the Northbound A500. As we ran up towards the motorway we saw City Centre Central FE15 UAD and Tyrer's TYR 11R and another unidentified Tyrer's coach. We joined the M6 and we headed Northwards. On the M6 we saw at least 3 unidentified Tyrer's Coaches, an unidentified Travel Express coach and St Peters School (Wisbech) WA68 BFP. We came off the M6 at junction 21A and we headed Eastwards along the M62. When we got to the M60 we joined the clockwise carriageway and continued Eastwards. On the M60 we saw Marchant's C7 FCT (Cheltenham Town FC club coach).

Marchant's C7 TFC on the M60

Continuing along the M60 we saw a double decker coach in black and white Totenham Hostpurs colous and grey minibus J30 PDA. We cae off the M60 at junction 19 and we ran Northwards up the A576. When we came to the edge of town we turned left onto Limetree Road and we entered the car park above Middleton Shopping Centre. There was a bit of kerfuffle trying to park up as they were doing some work on one of the barriers. We ended up going to a different park of the car park that was one-way. The exit barrier at the end was closed and out of action so we had to turn around and go back the wrong way. The guy running the intercom was very unhelpful to say the least! We eventually got back around to the shops area and we parked up. Once we had parked up we visited the toilet before exiting the shopping centre to look for a cafe to eat. The old van under the ledge by the bus station had gone and the substation was just closing as we got there. We walked up Manchester New Road and we stopped at Midddleton cafe. It was at this point we discovered that Internet wasn't working on my phone. I tethered my phone to mu's so that we were able to carry on looking at things. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished eating we went outside and we said goodbye to mum before heading off down Manchester New Road towards the bus station. We decided to have a walk around the outside to take a few pictures before we caught a bus. We continued along Park Road and Middleton Way and we saw Go North West 3007 on a #17 to Manchester.

Go North West 3007 in Middleton bus station

Also seen was Go North West 5001 on a #415 to Oldham.

Go North West 5001 in Middleton bus station

Another vehicle seen was Go North West 5001 on a #18 to Manchester.

Go North West 3060 in Middleton bus station

We decided to do this bus so we walked around and into the bus station. We got on the bus and we booked System One bus only day tickets at £6.40 each before going upstairs and sitting down. We set off out of the bus station onto Middleton Way and we turned right onto the A664. We crossed over the M60 and we ran through Blackley. We continued though Harpurhey and Collyhurst. We crossed the railway line and we were now into new territory. As we approached Manchester we saw Flixbus BV67 JZH parked up to the left on a side street. We continued for another few hundred yards and we turned right into Shudehill Interchange where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we had a walk around as we decided what to catch next. We sat down and Matthew had a Crunchie. We decided to go Northwards as we had done two weeks ago, so we waited for a bus off the top stand A few minutes later we saw Go North West 4005 on a #93 to Prestwich Tesco.

Go North West 4005 in Manchester Shudehill

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the Interchange and we turned right onto Shudehill. We continued onto Withy Grove and we turned right onto Corporation Street. We turned left onto Todd Street and we continued onto Victoria Station Approach. We ran past the front of Victoria Railway statio along Hunts Bank and we turned left onto Victoria Street. We ran along Chapel Street and we turned right under the railway line onto Blackfriars Road. We continued Northwards out fo the city centre and we crossed over the A6042. We continued Northwards up the A6041 and we continued forwards onto the A5066. We crossed over the river Irwell and we turned left onto Lower Broughton Road. The road turned to the right and we headed Northwards alongside the River Irwell. We turned left onto the A576 and we turned right onto Littleton Road. We crossed the Irwell and we continued Northwards. We turned right onto Moor Land and left onto Kersal Road. We turned right onto Hilton Land and left onto Butterstile Lane. We turned left at the roundabout onto Venwood Road and we turned left onto Woodwards Road. We turned left onto Kershaw Avenue and right onto Carr Avenue At the end we re-joined Buttersile Lane and continued Northwards. We continuned to the end of the Lane and we joined the Northbound A56. As we were approaching Prestwich we decided to get up and get off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Go North West 4005 as it continued towards Prestwich Tesco.

Go North West 4005 in Prestwich

Once off the bus we headed Northwards towards the centre of the village. We spotted a pub across the road and Matthew indicated that he needed to toilet so we crossed the road and we went to the Red Lion. After using the toilet Matthew sat at the bar and had a glass of Coke. Once we had finished we went outside and we joined uncle Dave. We walked a few yards to the Southbound bus stop and we waited for a bus. Whilst we waited we saw Go North West 3205 on a #98 to Bury.

Go North West 3205 in Prestwich

A minute or so later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Go North West 3263 on a #98 to Manchester Shudehill.

Go North West 3263 in Prestwich

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only day tickets to the driver before we went upstais and sat down. We set off Southwards down the A56 and we continued through Sedgeley park. We turned right onto Great Clowes Street and we stopped at the Murray Street stop to await time. A minute or so later we headed Southwards over the A576 and past Albert Park. We now joined the part of the route we did in the opposite direction 2 weeks ago. We crossed the Irwell and we continued Southwards into Manchester along Blackfriars Road. When we got into the centre of Manchester we hit traffic. We went under the railway line and we turned left onto Chapel Street. We ran forwards onto Victoria Street and we turned right into Hunts Bank. We turned right onto Victoria Station Approch and onto Todd Street where we saw Ausden Clark BIG 9828 & BIG 9834. Coming the other way was McLeans S90 ASM. We veered left onto Withy Grove and forwards onto Shudehill before turned left inti Shudehill Interchange where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked up to Shudehill where we saw Go North West 3107 arriving on a #97 to Bury.

Go North West 3107 in Manchester Shudehill

We decided to head out towards Salford. We had seen the #8 on the top stand on previous visits, so I checked that it went via Salford and it did. A few minutes later we saw Rotala Diamond North West 80420 on a #8 to Bolton.

Rotala Diamond 40820 in Manchester Shudehill

We crossed over the exit and we entered the bus station. We waited for the bus to be readied for service. When the bus was was ready we got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only day tickets to the driver before we went upstais and sat down. We set off out of the bus station and we turned right onto Shudehill. We continued onto Withy Grove and past the Printworks. We turned right onto Corporation Street and we turned left onto Todd Street. We continued onto Victoria Station Approach and around the corner onto Hunts Bank. We turned left onto Chapel Street and we crossed the Irwell. We turned left onto Victoria Bridge Street and we crossed over the Irwell again. We went past a building site where a concrete building was being demolished and turned right into Deansgate. We turned right into Bridge Street and we crossed over the Irwell again. We were in traffic and we were passed by white minibus Y611 AKV going the other way. We went under the railway line by Salford Central railway station. and we turned left onto Chapel Street. We continued onto the A6 and we ran past Salford Crescent. We continued Westwards to the roundabout by the police station and we pulled up outside of Salford Shopping Centre. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Diuamond North West 40820 as it continued towards Bolton.

Rotala Diamond 40820 in Salford

We decided to go Eastwards around the top of Manchester to head back towards Middleton. To do this we were going to catch a #52 to Cheetham Hill. We walked around the corner and down to stop A where the #52 departs from. When we got there we saw Rotala Diamond 20054 on a #74 to Agecroft.

Rotala Diamond 20054 in Salford

A few minutes later we saw an approching bus. As it got closer we saw it was Go North West 6154 on a #52 to Cheetham Hill.

Go North West 6154 in Salford

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Hankinson Way and we crossed over the A6 onto the A576. We turned right onto Langley Road South and we headed Northwards. We turned right onto Douglas Green and we turned right onto Gerald Road. At the roundabout we rejoined the Eastbound A576. We crossed over the Irwell and we ran past Albert Park where we boarded a #52 in the opposite direction two weeks previously. We crossed over Great Clowes Street and we ran into new territory. We continued Eastwards over the A56 and we veered left to continue following the A576. We ran past Mandley Park and we continued to the North end of Cheetham Hill and the junction of the A665. We turned right onto the A665 and we ran through the main part of Cheetham Hill. We turned left onto Thomas Street and we started to go around the Tesco car park until we got to the bus stop where we got up and got off the bus. Once of the bus Matthew took another picture of Go North West 6154 before it Continued to Failsworth.

Go North West 6154 in Cheetham Hill

Once of the bus we walked back along Thomas Street and we walked Southwards down the A665. We walked down to the junction of Woodlands Road and we crossed over the A665 to catch a bus back North towards Middleton. We didn't have to wait long before we could se a First Manchester bus approaching in the distance from the South. As it got closer we saw it was dud First Manchester 37431 on a #59 to Oldham.

First Manchester 37431 in Cheetham Hill

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only day tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off Northwards up the A665. This weas a bus that we first had from Heap Bridge to Bury on a #163 back in November 2013. We turned right onto the A576 and we ran Northwards. We ran under the tram line to Bury and we past Bowker Vale tram stop. As Matthen had been excellent today, I asked him if he wanted to break the journey and get few extra buses in, to which he agreed. A quick bit of research revealed that there was a #156 to Manchester from around the corner in about 20 minutes. As we approached the junction with Victoria Avenue we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of First Manchester 37431 as it continued Northwards towards Oldham.

First Manchester 37431 in Higher Blackley

We watched First Manchester 37431 go off into the distance and we had around 20 minutes to do a few hundred yards around the corner to the bus stop we needed. We crossed over the very busy and complex junction of the A576 and Victoria Avenue onto the North side of Victoria avenus and we crossed over the Victoria Avenue Bridge over the River Irk. We continued a few hundred yards Eastwards and we crossed over Glenbrook Road and we got to the bus stop. We sill had around 10 minutes so Matthew had a can of orange Fanta whilst we waited for the bus. After about 10 minutes chatting to a lovely local lady, we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Manchester 19421 on a #156 to manchester Shudehill as we had seen on the bustimes.org bus map.

Stagecoach Manchester 19421 in Higher Blackley

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only day tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off Eastwards and we ran up past Tweedle Hill. We turned right onto Plant Hill Road and we ran past the Manchester Co-operative Academy where one of the Manchester Bee's is situated. At the end we turned left onto Chapel Lane and right onto Mill Brow. We ran forwards onto Delaunays Road and we ran down to the North Manchester General Hospital. We turned right into Crumpsall Way and we stopped at the NMGH bus terminal. After a short wait we turned right onto Delaunays Road and we headed back Northwards. We followed the road to the right onto Mill Brow and we ran forwards onto Old Market Street. We turned right into Slack Road and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked onto Grant Close and forwards onto Old Market Street. We turned right onto Old Middleton Street and we saw Go North West 3267 above us on the A664. We climbed up some steps onto the A664 and Matthew got a picture of Go North West 3267 before we got on it.

Go North West 3267 in Blackley

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only day tickets to the driver for the final time today before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off Northwards up the A664 and we went towards Blackley. As we waited at the crossroad we saw Anderson Travel WJ19 HPZ going Southwards. We crossed the M60 and we ran up the hill through Alkrington. We crested the hill and we ran down towards Middleton. When we got to the roundabout we ran forwards onto Park Road and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we had a walk around the outside of the bus station. We saw First Manchester 37552 on a #59 to Oldham.

First Manchester 37552 in Middleton bus station

We walked around to the other side and we saw Go North West 6161 ona #41 to Sale.

Go North West 6161 in Middleton bus station

Also seen was Stagecoach Manchester 10848 on a #112 to Manchester Piccadilly.

Stagecoach Manchester 10848 in Middleton bus station

Once we had finished taking pictures we tried to get into the shopping cente through the East entrance. This had been locked off, so we walked back around to the South Entrance and up the stairs to the top floor. We met up with mum and we went back to the car. Matthew had a can of Irn Bru and mum went to pay for the parking. We decided to go to Tesco to use the toilet before we headed back homewards. We came out of the car oark and we foolishly turned right onto Limetrees Road. We continued onto Factory Street and turned left onto Wood Street. We turned right onto Eastway and at the roundabout we ran forwards onto Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell VC Way! We turned right onto Oldham Road and right onto Park Road before entering Tesco. Had we turned left out of the car park it would have been about 1/4 of the distance! We parked up and Matthew went into tesco and used the facilities. When we had finished we set off out of Tesco onto Oldham Road and we headed North Eastwards. We past our intended chip shiop and we continued towards Mills Hill railway station. When we realised we had missed it we turned into a side street and we headed back Westwards. We turned right into Hilton Fold Lane. We turned right onto Norman Street and we parked up at the back of the chip shop. I went back onto Oldham Road and I got the food. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy. We set off up Norman Street and turned around. We turned left onto Hilton Fold Lane and right onto Oldham Road. We ran back into Middleton and we joined the Southbound A576. We ran the 2 or so miles back to the motorway and we joined the anti-clockwise M60. We ran around the North side of Manchester and we came off at junction 12 onto the Westbound M62. We continued Westwards for around 10 miles until we reached the M6, where we joined the Southbound Side. We crossed the Manchester Ship canal and we continued through Cheshire. Travelling back along the M6 we saw Selwyn's Travel (NX) BD65 JFA(#550) / BV19 XSA(#540), an unidentified blue and yellow coach & silver minibus SG63 KGF. We came off the M6 at junction 16 and we headed Southwards. We ran through Longport and Stoke and we veered left onto Wheildon Road. We went under the railway line and we stopped at uncle Dave's house. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards drank some of uncle Rob's pop. He also updated uncle Dave's calendar with the details of today's trip. We said goodbye to uncle Dave and we set off back to Blurton. We set off onto Wheildon Road and we ran forwards onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto the A5035 we got back to Blurton around 20:30. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we did some of the Blog. We also wrote a few emails and generally used the computer to entertain ourselves. We watched TV and Matthew got ready for bed. Matthew settled down around 00:30... Mark

Trip to Middleton / Rochdale 27-11-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3101	Middleton BS	Rochdale Interchange	17	Go North West
37460	Rochdale Interchange	Kirkholt, Hogarth Road	6	First Manchester
69539	Kirkholt, Hogarth Road	Rochdale Interchange	6	First Manchester
37459	Rochdale Interchange	Oldham BS	409	First Manchester
33682	Oldham BS	Ashton BS	409	First Manchester
12197	Ashton BS	Hyde BS	330	Stagecoach Manchester

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to St Helens. We decided to re-visit Widnes. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to Widnes he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw Afford rent-a-car DY21 JWE.

Afford rent-a-car DY21 JWE in Fenton

Matthwe went into the living room and we saw Temple Street Church RX18 GZW.

Temple Street Church RX18 GZW in Fenton

Around 11:30 we came to pick Matthew up. After getting ready we went downstairs to the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Wheildon Road and we ran down the hill and picked up uncle Dave. under the railway line towards Stoke and we joined the A500. As we travelled Northwards up the A500 we saw silver minibus DG64 KUT, white minibus HT68 HHE, an unidentifled blue minibus and an unidentifled Moffat & Williamson coach. The A500 was quite bus as far as Longport and afterwards it eased off a little. We ran into Cheshire and we joined the Northbound M6 at junction 16. As we went up the M6 we saw silver minibus DN08 GOC, an unidentifled Parks of Hamilton coach, an unidentifled A2B Travel minicoach, an unidentifled Atlantic Travel coach and City Centre Central KE64 HFG. We ran up to Junction 19 and we got onto the Eastbound A556. We continued for a few miles and we ran forwards onto the M56. As we travelled Eastwards we saw an unidentified coach on National Express(#328). We took the junction to go onto the The anti-clockwise M60 and we circled around Manchester. We ran through Stockport and we passed an unidentified coach on National Express 540. When we got to the right junction we left the M60 and got onto the Eastbound A576. We ran the last couple of miles into middle and at the roundabout we ran forwards onto Limetrees Road. We entered the car park and we parked up. After visiting the toilet in the shopping centre we went outside to a newish cafe called Sub Station. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. Once we had finished we said goodbye to mum and we walked over to the bus station. We saw Stagecoach Manchester 10850 on a #112 to Manchester. We went into the bus station and we looked for bus to catch. On layover was dud Go North West 6204. As we thought about where we could go we saw Go North West 3101 on a #17 to Rochdale. We got on the bus and we booked System One bus only tickets at £5.20. We went upstairs and we sat down. The bus set off out of the We set off out of the bus station and we turned left and ran past the Middleton Arena. We turned onto the A664. North up Long Street and then Rochdale Road. The road turned due North by the canal and we carried on under the M62 and into Castleton. We joined the A58 and we traveled Eastwards into town. We turned right onto Drake Street and we approached the interchange from the South. We got off the bus and we headed straight for the toilet. So we headed out of the bus station and up the steps onto this elevated walkway. parked up next to the steps in between doing #6 Kirkholt circulars was dud Transdev Rosso 733. It turned out it took around 30 minutes. We carried on down the walkway and we saw required Rotala Diamond 40740 on a #471 to Bolton. Afterwards we had a walk around the bus station to see what we could catch. We saw First Manchester 37460 on a #6 to Kirkholt. We got onto the bus and we flashed the System One tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and we sat down. The bus set off out of the interchange. We went down River Street and onto Water Street. We turned left onto the A6223. We turned left onto Oldham Road. We turned right onto the A664 and we turned left onto Daventry Road. We continued into Kirkholt and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked up Daventry Road. We went to use the disabled toilet on Daventry Road but it was in use so Matthew went to the gents. Having used the toilet we walked down to Daventry Road Matthew used the Gents. Afterwards we waited for a bus towards Rochdale. Whilst we waited we saw Transdev Rosso 1232 on a R7 to Castleton. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 69539 on a #6 to Rochdale. We got onto the bus and we flashed the System One tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along Daventry Road. We turned right onto the A664 and we turned left onto Oldham Road. We turned left onto Milnrow Road and we turned right onto Drake Street. We turned right onto Water Street and into the Interchange where we got up and got off the bus. We walked to the Interchange and we waited for a bus towards Oldham. After a while we saw First Manchester 37459 on a #409 to Ashton. We got onto the bus and we flashed the System One tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and we sat down. The bus set off out of the interchange. We went down River Street and onto Water Street. We turned left onto the A6223 and we saw First Manchester 33747 on a #409 to Rochdale. We turned left onto Oldham Road and we continued into Balderstone. We continued Westwards along the A671 under the M62 and into Royton and we saw an unidentified Jacko's Travel midicoach. We continued straight up Long Sight. We continued Southwards past thr Royal Oldham Hospital and we turned left onto St Mary's Way. We travelled Eastwards for a short distance and we turned right into Oldham bus station. We walked down to the other part of the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus. and we saw required First Manchester 37461 on layover. The plan now was to head up back to the other half of the bus station and we saw First Manchester 33831 on a #83 to Manchester. As we were about to enter the bus station to go to the newsagents we saw required First Manchester 33682 on a #409 to Ashton. We decided to abandon the plan to go to the newsagent and catch the required First double decker. We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and we sat down. The bus set off out of the bus station and down the hill before turning left. We crossed Oldham way and we went South Down the A627. We continued Hathershaw and Into Fitton Hill. We ran up the hill and into Bardsley. We ran forwards onto Waterloo and we ran down the hill into Ashton. We turned left onto the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. We waited for a bus towards Hyde. A short time later we saw Stagecoach Manchester 19352 on a #237 to Glossop. We walked into the bus station and Matthew used the toilet. We stood by the #330 stop and we watched buses coming and going from the bus station. On stand we saw Stagecoach Manchester 12126 on a #219 to Manchester. We looked up the time of the next #330 bus up to Hyde. A few minutes later we saw Arriva Midlands 12197 on a #330 to Stockport. We got on the bus and we flashed the System One day tickets to the driver for the final time today before we went upstairs and we sat down near to the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto the A6043. We turned left onto the A627 and we through Dukinfield and we ran into Hyde. We turned left onto Bank Street and we entered the bus station from the East end. Web got up an got of the bus and we saw Stagecoach Manchester 36422 on a #346 to Ashton. Once off the bus Matthew decided he wanted the toilet. The bus station toilet were closed so we went for a walk to look for somewhere for Matthew to go. We ran up Clarendon Street and we spotted a pub on the corner. We went in the pub and Matthew went to the toilet. After using the toilet Matthew had a glass of Coke. After we finished the drink we went outside and met up with uncle Dave. We walked back down Clarendon Street and mum was waiting for us in the car near to the old entrance to the railway station. Mum was waiting with a sausage roll and a can of Irn Bru. We set off along Clarendon Street and we turned right onto the A57. We turned right onto Clark Way and we ran to the end. We turned left onto the B6170 and we turned left onto A627. A few hundred yards up the road we pulled into a parking area and we stopped to pick up chips. Once we had the chips we continued on our journey. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy on a tray. We rejoined the A627 and we turned right onto the B6170. We turned left onto the M67 and we turned left onto the clockwise M60. We ran forwards onto the M56 and as we travelled Westwards. We ran forwards onto the A556 and we continued forwards as far as the M6. We joined the Southbound M6 and as we travelled down we saw Gwyn Jones YN06 NZX. We came off the M6 at junction 16 and we joined the Southbound A500. Seen on the A500 were taxi minibus SF11 MVO, white minibus BX60 ELH. We ran through Longport and Etruria and into Stoke. We came off the A500 and we ran through Shelton and Stoke. We came off the A500 and we turned left onto City Road. We ran up the hill into Fenton and we turned right onto Smithpool Road, We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew 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 Middleton / Rochdale 27-02-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3003	Middleton BS	Rochdale Interchange	17	Go North West
67430	Rochdale Interchange	Kirkholt, Hogarth Road	6	First Manchester
67424	Kirkholt, Hogarth Road	Rochdale Interchange	6	First Manchester
67408	Rochdale Interchange	Oldham BS	409	First Manchester
37431	Oldham, Lord Street	Uppermill Commercial Hotel	184	First Manchester
33687	Uppermill Commercial Hotel	Oldham BS	84	First Manchester

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going out to re-visit Middleton. The long-running ‘fire and rehire’ dispute between bus drivers at Go North West and their bosses escalated further over the weekend, with the announcement staff would be staging indefinite strike action. 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 D&G Bus 111 on a #1A to Meir.

D&G 111 in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 63096 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63096 in Fenton

Later on we went to Bury in the car. We went downstairs to the car and we set off onto Temple Street where we saw Temple Street Church RX18 GZW. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we turned right onto City Road. We turned sharp left at the roundabout onto Victoria Road and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed over the roundabout onto Lichfield Street and we ran up the hill towards Hanley. We ran anti-clockwise around the ring road and we went Northwards out of town along Town Road. We joined the Northbound A5272 and we ran through Sneyd Green and Smallthorne. We crossed over the roundabout and we continued up to Chell. We turned right onto the A527 and we ran north through Brindley Ford and Brown Lees up towards Biddulph. We went West of Biddulph on the by-pass and we continued North towards Congleton and through the town onto the Northbound A536. We ran Northwards up to Macclesfield and we went through the town onto the A523. We continued Northwards to Hazel Grove and we joined the Northbound A6. We continued Northwards into Stockport and under the M60. We came off the M60 onto the Northbound A576 and we ran the 2 or so mile into Middle town centre. We ran forwards onto Limetrees Road and we turned right into the car park. Once we had parked up we walked through the shopping centre to the toilets at the other end. Once we had finished in the shopping centre we went down the stairs and out and round the corner to the food van on the pavement opposite to the bus station. we went outside to a newish cafe called Sub Station. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and we walked over to the bus station. We saw First Manchester 37470 on a #59 to Manchester. We walked back to the toilet and it was still occupied. We decided to catch a bus to another local town with a bus station so that we find another toilet. As we thought about where we could go we saw Go North West 3003 on a #17 to Rochdale. We got on the bus and we booked System One bus only tickets at £5.20. We went upstairs and we sat down. The bus set off out of the We set off out of the bus station and we turned left and ran past the Middleton Arena. We turned onto the A664. North up Long Street and then Rochdale Road. The road turned due North by the canal and we carried on under the M62 and into Castleton. We joined the A58 and we traveled Eastwards into town. We turned right onto Drake Street and we approached the interchange from the South. We got off the bus and we headed straight for the toilet. So we headed out of the bus station and up the steps onto this elevated walkway. parked up next to the steps in between doing #6 Kirkholt circulars was dud First Manchester 67430. It turned out it took around 30 minutes. We carried on down the walkway and we saw required Rotala Diamond 40740 on a #471 to Bolton. Afterwards we had a walk around the bus station to see what we could catch. We saw First Manchester 67430 on a #6 to Kirkholt. We got onto the bus and we flashed the System One tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the interchange. We went down River Street and onto Water Street. We turned left onto the A6223. We turned left onto Oldham Road. We turned right onto the A664. We turned left onto Daventry Road. We continued into Kirkholt and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked up Daventry Road. We went to use the disabled toilet on Daventry Road but it was in use so Matthew went to the gents. Having used the toilet we walked down to Daventry Road Matthew used the Gents. Afterwards we waited for a bus towards Rochdale. Whilst we waited we saw Transdev Rosso 1616 on a R7 to Castleton. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67424 on a #6 to Rochdale. We got onto the bus and we flashed the System One tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along Daventry Road. We turned right onto the A664. We turned left onto Oldham Road. We turned left onto Milnrow Road. We turned right onto Drake Street. We turned right onto Water Street and into the Interchange where we got up and got off the bus. We walked to the Interchange and we waited for a bus towards Oldham. After a while we saw First Manchester 67408 on a #409 to Ashton. We got onto the bus and we flashed the System One tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the interchange. We went down River Street and onto Water Street. We turned left onto the A6223. We turned left onto Oldham Road. We continued into Balderstone. We continued Westwards along the A671 under the M62 and into Royton. We continued straight up Long Sight. We continued Southwards past thr Royal Oldham Hospital and we turned left onto St Mary's Way. We travelled Eastwards for a short distance and we turned right into Oldham bus station. We walked down to the other part of the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus. and we saw required First Manchester 44189 on layover. We went back to the other part of the bus station and we saw Go North West 4006 on a #415 to Middleton. Whilst we decided what to do next Matthew had a Milky Way washed down with a small bottle of cola. We saw that there was #184 to Uppermill due in a few minutes. we walked up West Street and the nearest toilet was in The Spindles shopping centre. and we turned the corner and went up a floor and the toilet where at the near end. We continued through the Market Place and forwards onto Yorkshire Street. A few minutes later we saw it approaching and it was required First Manchester 37431 on a #184 to Huddersfield. We got on the bus and we flashed the System One ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off down Yorkshire Street. We continued through the Mumps. We entered Oldham Transport Interchange. After a brief stop we ran out onto the A62. We turned right onto Soho Street. We turned left into Greenacres Road. We ran up the hill and into Top of Moor. We ran forwards onto Dunham Street. We turned right onto Stamford Road. We headed through Lees. We joined St John Street. we went across onto Elliott Street. We turned left into High Street. We ran through Springhead. We turned into the A669. We ran down into Grotton. We ran through Grasscroft. We continued into Uppermill. we went onto the High Street and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked up to High Street. We stopped at the Co-op and Matthew had a bottle of Coke and some chocolate bar. We crossed over the road and we headed to the bus stop. We waited for a bus back to Oldham. Matthew also ate one of his milky Way bars. We went back down to the bus stop and we saw First Manchester 69529 on a #350 to Ashton. As it got closer we saw that it was required First Manchester 33687 on a #184 to Oldham. We got on the bus and we flashed the System One tickets to the driver for the final time today before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off down High Street. We ran through Grasscroft. We ran down into Grotton. We turned into the A669. We ran through Springhead. We ran onto the High Street. We turned right onto Elliott Street. We joined St John Street. We headed through Lees. we went across onto Stamford Road. We turned left into Stamford Road. We ran up the hill and into Top of Moor. We turned left into the A62. We entered Oldham Transport Interchange. We continued through the Mumps. We continued onto Union Street. We turned right onto Greaves Street. We turned right onto Yorkshire Street. We turned left into St Mary's Way. we turned left into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we saw First Manchester 37428 on a #57 to Shaw. Once off the bus we waited for mum to arrive and we took a few more bus pictures. We saw required First Manchester 33657 on a #409 to Ashton. Mum appeared and we got in the car. Matthew had a sausage roll and a can or orange Fanta. We set off along St Mary's Way. We turned left into Rochdale Road. We turned right onto Middleton Road. We went under Oldham Way and we ran forwards around a mile into Chadderton. We continued forwards into Mills Hill and we went under the railway line. We ran the last mile or so into Middleton and we ran past the bus station. we ran Westwards towards the A576. We ran the 2 or so miles down to the M60 and we joined the clockwise carriageway. We ran South around Manchester and through Stockport. We came off the M60 and we went along the Handforth by-pass down to Wilmslow. We past near to Alderley Edge and and over Monks Heath crossroad. We continued Southwards through capesthorne and we ran to the West of Congleton town centre and through Talke down to the A500. At Talke we got onto the Southbound A500 and we ran through Longtport and Etruria into Stoke. WE came off the A500 in Stoke onto City Road and we went under the railway line. We ran up City Road onto Fenton and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room. For a late tea Matthew had a chicken burger from kfc. He also had some fries and a cup of Coke followed by a a slice of chocolate gateau and custard. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. Matthew used his computer and watched music videos on the television. 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. Later on he had a few digestive biscuits and and some Irn Bru. 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 crossed the spare ground and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Temple Street past the new building under construction, which is now getting near to completion. 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.