Trip to Stafford / Cannock 12-11-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
44514	Blurton, Magdalen Road	Hanford, Mayne Street	22	First Potteries
171	Hanford, Mayne Street	Stone, Radford Street	100	D&G Bus
65036	Stone, Radford Street	Stafford, Chell Road	101	First Potteries
704	Stafford BS	Rugeley BS	828	Chaserider
169	Rugeley BS	Cannock BS	63	Chaserider
18	Cannock BS	Moss Pit, Opp School Lane	875	Select Bus
33	Moss Pit, Opp School Lane	Stafford, Gatehouse Theatre	7	Select Bus
37157	Stafford, Chell Road	Walton, Eccleshall Road Shops	101	First Potteries
65034	Walton, Eccleshall Road Shops	Stone, Stafford Road	101	First Potteries
171	Stone, Stafford Road	Trentham, Barlaston Old Road	100	D&G Bus
67179	Trentham, Barlaston Old Road	Blurton, Magdalen Road	22	First Potteries

Today we decided to go to Stafford as mum was at work. Research for today consisted of checking the weather which was a for a mild dry day with some sunshine. I also researched the times of the D&G #100 service from Hanford. Matthew got up around 09:15 and had toast for breakfast. We had seen there was a #100 bus from Hanford around 11:39, so we decided to go for the 11:00 departure from Blurton. We set off just before 11:00 and we walked to the stop all the way over on Magdalen Road. We waited for the bus and a short time later it turned the corner. It was as expected First Potteries 44514 on a #22 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 44514 in Blurton

We got on the bus and booked Knot Day ticket at £7. This ticket is a multi-operator ticket valid throughout the Staffordshire area. We sat down ear to the back of the bus and the bus set off onto the A5035. We went past the Trentham Hotel we turned right into New Inn Lane where we passed the building site where new housing is being built. At the top of the hill we turned right into Hanford along Wilson Road and left onto Church Lane. When we got to the bottom of Church Lane we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 44514 as it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 44514 in Hanford

We decided to not catch the next #101 which was due in a few minutes and we would wait for the #100. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 65042 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 65042 in Hanford

Whilst we stood at the bus stop waiting for the #100 service, we saw 4 unidentified Leon's coaches, an unidentifed Happy Days coach, an unidentified Daish Holidays coach, Cabability SB15 PJY and Tidy Team YT08 WKD. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. It was D&G Bus 171 on a #100 to Stone as expected.

D&G Bus 171 in Hanford

We got on the bus and we placed the Knot tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A34 past Trentham Gardens and we turned left onto the A5035. We turned right by Bod onto Barlaston Old Road and we headed Southwards past Strongford water treatment centre and Wedgwood. We continued into Barlaston village and we contnued Southpast the site of Meaford power station before joining the A34 near to Darlaston. We continued along the A34 for a short while and we Veered left onto Newcastle Road and we ran into Stone town centre. We stopped in the square and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of D&G Bus 171 before it returned to Hanley.

D&G Bus 171 in Stone

Once off the bus we had a short wait for the next #101 to Stafford. We went in the pub and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards we had a glass of Coke. When we had finished in the pub we crossed over the road to visit the cash machine. Whilst we waited we saw Bennetts Travel SJ16 BGU go past.

Bennetts Travel SJ16 BGU in Stone

We crossed back over the road and we waited for the bus to Stafford. A short time later we saw First Potteries 65036 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 65036 in Stone

We got on the bus and we scanned the Knot day tictes before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off around the one-way system past Morrisons and we saw Star MX13 APK. We continued down the A520 and we crossed over the A34 onto Eccleshall Road. We turned left onto Tilling Drive and we ran onto the industrial estate. We saw former Newcastle International Airport YJ16 DXP. 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 where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 65036.

First Potteries 65036 in Stafford

Once off the bus we headed towards the market. We stopped at the toilet block oppsite to the market. One of the toilets wasn't open so Matthew had to use the other. We continued into the market up to the top corner and we stopped at The Chef's Cafe. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Dr Pepper. When we had finished eating we headed across to the bus station. We came out of the side entrance into the old guildhall shopping centre and we headed onto Chapel Street. We continued onto Broad Street and we turned right onto the passage through to Princes Street. We went forwards onto Hunters Row and we crossed Gaolgate Street past the Butler's Bell which is currently up for sale. We continued into the bus station and we saw Chaserider 194 on a #74 to Cannock.

Chaserider 194 in Stafford bus station

We asked Matthew which direction he would like to go in and he said Rugeley. There was a Lichfield bus in that direct in about 10 minutes. Whilst we waited we saw Select Bus 26 on a #9 to Highfields.

Select Bus 26 in Stafford bus station

A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Chaserider 704 on a #828 to Lichfield.

Chaserider 704 in Stafford bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Knot tickets to the driver. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Caserider 704 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside Chaserider 704

We set off out of the bus station and we joined the A34 and we turned left onto Chell Road. After a brief stop we continued onto Tenterbanks and we headed onto Bridge Street. We ran through the town centre and we crossed over the A34 onto the Northbound A518. We ran out of town for around a mile and we entered the hospital grounds. We returned to the A518 and we turned right onto Hydrant Way. We turned left onto Tixall Road and we crossed over Blackheath Lane. We continued into Tixall and we turned right onto Mill Lane. We turned right onto Main Road and we ran throught Great Haywood. We continued South through Little Haywood into Colwich and we joined A51. We travek South for 1/2 a mile or so and we turned right onto the A460. We turned right onto Plovers Rose and right onto Springfields Road. We followed the road around onto Crabtree Way and we turned left onto Green Lane. We turned right onto the A460 and we ran into town. We turned left onto Elmore Lane and we entered Rugeley bus station where we decided to get up and get off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Chaserider 704 before it continued towards Lichfield.

Chaserider 704 in Rugeley bus station

Already in the bus station was Chaserider 169 on a #63 to Cannock.

Chaserider 169 in Rugeley bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Knot tickets to the driver before we sat down towards back of the bus. The bus waited until departure time unil setting off onto Elmore Lane. We crossed the roundabout onto Sandy lane and we headed Southwards along the A460. We crossed over the Rugeley to Walsall line and we ran fast through the countryside to the North end of Hednesford. We turned right onto Victoria Road and we had a short wait at the main stops in Hednesford near to Tesco before continuing towards Cannock. We continued to the end of Victoria Street and we turned right onto Market Street. We crossed over the railway line and we turned left onto Cannock Street. We crossed over the roundabout and onto Belt Road. We turned left onto Huntington Terrace Road and we headed Southwards. We veered right onto Old Fallow Road and we turned left onto Pye Green Road. We joined the A34 and we ran Southwards into town. We turned left onto the B5012 and left into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew got another picture of Chaserider 169 before it returned to Rugeley on a #63 service.

Chaserider 169 in Cannock bus station

We walked down to the other end of the bus station and we saw Chaserider 611 on a #26 Pye Green circular.

Chaserider 611 in Cannock bus station

We headed into the shopping centre and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards we headed back into the bus station and we had a look around to see what we could catch. We saw Chaserider 195 on a #74 to Stafford. Behind that was a Select Bus on a Stafford service. We saw it was Select Bus 18 on a #875 to Stafford.

Select Bus 18 in Cannock bus station

We got on and flashed the Knot ticket to the driver before we sat down. The bus set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto the B5012 and we headed Westwards. We decided to go to Moss Pit and catch a #7 forward to Stafford. We crossed over the M6 and we turned left onto Woolgarston Way. We ran forwards onto Boscomoor Lane and we turned right into Vale Gardens.We ran forwards onto Filance Lane. We turned left onto Francis Green Lane and left onto Cannock Road. We continued onto New Road and we turned right onto the Northbound A449. We ran fast up the A449 and under the M6. We past Select Bus Services 31 on the #875 to Cannock. We crossed over the railway line and we climbed the hill up to Moss Pit where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Select Bus Services 18 before it continued towards Stafford.

Select Bus 18 in Moss Pit

We had just missed Select Bus 14 on a #7 to Stafford. The next bus that was due at the stop was the #878 to Stafford. Whilst we waited Matthew ate a rather squashed Fudge which I found in the bottom of the trip bag. We could see on the map that this was running a little late. We saw a bus turn the corner. As it got closer we saw it was Select Bus 33 on a #7 to Stafford.

Select Bus 33 in Moss Pit

When it was time for departure the bus set off up the A449. We ran Northwards over the railway line and we ran into Stafford. We crossed the big roundabout and we joined the Northbound A34. We turned left onto South Walls and rught onto Cope Street. We turned left onto Eastgate Street and where we got up an got off the bus. We got off the bus and crossed over the road. Matthew got another picture of Select Bus 33 as it went on a short layover.

Select Bus 33 in Stafford

We walked forwards onto Malt Mill Lane and we turned left onto North Walls and continued to the bus station. We saw Chaserider 62 on a #841 to Uttoxter.

Chaserider 62 in Stafford bus station

Also seen was Chaserider 610 on a #826 to Lichfield.

Chaserider 610 in Stafford bus station

We saw on the map that First Potteries 37157 was on it's way down the A34. so we decided to walk around the corner onto Chell Road and get on the bus there. A short time later as expected we saw First Potteries 37157 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 37157 in Stafford

We got on the bus and we the Knot ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off along Chell Road and we ran down to the railway station. Whilst we waited for time outside the railway station we saw an unidentified Borland Roadliner coach go past the end of the road on the A518. We set off from outside the railway station and 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 got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 37157 before it continued on towards Hanley.

First Potteries 37157 in Walton

Once off the bus we walked along Eccleshall Road and we visited the Walton Fish Bar we brought sausage chipe and gravy and we went outside. We sat down outside the petrol station which is currently being refurbished, and we ate our sausage chips and gravy. Matthew washed down his food with a can of Coke. We set off back along Eccleshall Road and we waited for the next bus into Stone. A short time later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 65034 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 65034 in Walton

We got on the bus and we placed the Knot tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We worked out that we could intercept the #100 in Stone and reduce how far we had to walk. We set off along Eccleshall Road and we crossed the A34 onto Stafford Road. We turned left onto Crown Street and we got up and got off the bus by the toilet block. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 65034 before it continued on towards Hanley.

First Potteries 65034 in Stone

Matthew visited the toilet and afterwards he sat on the wall by the bus stop. Almost as soon as he sat on the wall the bus appeared from around the corner. It was as expected D&G Bus 171 on a #100 to Hanley.

D&G Bus 171 in Stone

We got on the bus and we flashed the Knot tickets to the driver. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside D&G Bus 171 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside D&G Bus 171

The bus set off along the one-way system and we veered left onto Newcastle Street. We continued up to the end and we joined the Northbound A34. We travleed about 1/3 mile Northwards and at the roundabout we turned right onto Meaford Road. We continued Northwards through Barlaston onto Barlaston Old Road and we ran Northwards to the end where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of D&G Bus 171 as it continued Northwards towards Hanley.

D&G Bus 171 in Trentham

Once off the bus we crossed over Barlaston Old Road and walked past Bod before crossing over the A5035. We walked to the nearest stop and we saw that there was a #22 to Newstead due in a few minutes. We waited for a while and the bus turned the corner. We saw it was as expected First Potteries 67179 on a #22 to Newstead.

First Potteries 67179 in Trentham

We got on the bus and we placed the Knot ticket under the scanner for the fianl time today before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Longton Road towards Blurton. We crossed over the canal and the railway line and ran past the end of Stanley Matthews Way. We ran past the lay-by and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67179 as it went back to the depot.

First Potteries 67179 in Blurton

We walked around the corner onto Magdalen Road and we got back to Blurton around 18:15. We chilled out and Matthew had a can of Cherry Coke. We uploaded pictures and we started to do some work on the Blog. Around 20:30 we went to take uncle Dave home via Aldi. We set off onto the A5035 and we turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way. We stopped st Aldi and we picked up some food for the weekend. When we had finished we set off onto Stanley Matthews Ways and we joined the Eastbound A50. We ran up to Heron Cross. We turned left into Grove Road and we ran forwards onto Wheildon Road. 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 past the former Regent pub which is now up for sale. We ran forwards onto Grove Road and we saw green minibus R482 NDM parked up. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We continued through Blurton and at the roundabout we veered right onto Church Street. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and left onto Finstock Avenue and back to Blurton. Later on we did some more of the Blog and wrote an e-mail. Matthew ate a peice of a scotch egg and a slice of cheesecake and we chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Hanley / Acton Gate 23-10-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67157	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
67158	Hanley BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	23	First Potteries
32	Stafford, Chell Road	Moss Pit, School Lane	7	Select Bus
30	Moss Pit, School Lane	Acton Gate, Garage	875	Select Bus

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the dentist and we saw Roseville BV60 BAA.

Roseville BV60 BAA in Fenton

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

Temple Street Church RX18 GZW in Fenton

We went downstairs and we and we cut through onto City Road to wait a bus to Hanley. At the Afford garage we saw Afford rent-a-car RE21 JCO parked up.

Afford rent-a-car RE21 JCO in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67157 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67157 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down City Road and we joined the A52 to go under the railway line and over the A500. We continued onto Church Street. and into the centre of Stoke. After a brief stop we continued around the one-way system onto Elenora Steet and right onto Copeland street. We turned left onto Glebe Street and we went under the railway line before turning left onto Station Road. We went past the railway station and due to roadworks we ran to the end of Station Road and turned right. We ran up Stoke Road and we turned right onto Avenue Road. At the roundabout we turned left onto College Road. After running the hill through Shelton we continued onto Cleveland Road and forwards onto Regent Road. We turned left onto Lower Bethesda Street and we crossed over the ring road onto Bethesda Street before we turned right onto John Street bus station. We got up and got off and we walked up Lichfield Street. We continued onto Tontine Street. We went into the Intu Potteries and we went up to HMV. Matthew visited the toilet and afterwards we left shopping centre and we walked across Town Road and we visited Barclays Bank. We walked down Quadrant Road onto Town Road. We went into the Intu Potteries shopping centre and we went in the shopping centre. Once we had finished shopping we set off along Parliament Row and we stopped at McDonalds and Matthew had chicken nuggets and fries and a cup of Coke. We walked back along parliament Row and we stopped at Poundland. We continued along Parliament Row and we stopped Boots and afterwards we went into Tontine Street onto Lichfield Street and back to the bus station. We waited for the next bus back to Fenton. A short time later we saw First Potteries 65027 on a #6A to Blythe Bridge.

First Potteries 65027 in Hanley bus station

A few minutes later we saw it was First Potteries 67158 on a #23 to Newstead.

First Potteries 67158 in Hanley bus station

Whilst we waited for the bus to be readied for service we saw First Potteries 69163 on a #101 to Stafford. Once First Potteries 67158 was ready we got on the bus and we booked to Fenton. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 67158 before we sat down.

First Potteries 67158 in Fenton

We set off out of the bus station onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street we saw Harry Shaw YR17 CYL at the depot. We crossed over the ring road and we ran down onto Regent Road and forwards onto Cleveland Road. We ran down though Shelton along College Road and we ran down to the railway station. We turned right onto Glebe Street and under the railway line an we ran around the one-way system in Stoke and stopped by Stoke Minster. We turned left onto Church Street and we crossed the A500. We ran under the railway line and we continued onto City Road. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. We crossed over City Road and we saw First Potteries 69155 on a #11 to Newcastle. We walked back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew drank his bottle of Coke. Later on Matthew went out to KFC. Matthew went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and right onto City Road. We walked past Philpots and at the roundabout we turned right into KFC for food to take away. Matthew had a chickenburger and fries washed down with a cup of Tango orange. Once we had finished eating we walked back along City Road and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to chill out in his room. He watched television and used his computer. Matthew had a chickenburger and fries washed down with a cup of Tango orange. Later on Matthew went downstairs and we went out in a car. We set off onto Temple street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. We turned right onto Station Bridge Road and we continued onto Heron Street. We went through the traffic lights and we crossed over the A50. We continued through Blurton along Blurton Road and we turned right onto Church Road. At the light we turned right onto the A5035 We continued over the railway line into into Trentham and at the A34 and we continued South through the roadworks and past Stone. As we passed to the West of Stone near to The George & Dragon. South of the A51 we had a good fast run down to Beaconside and we ran the last couple of miles into Stafford town centre. At the big roundabout we went right onto Chell Road and we went passed Sainsbury's. We turned left by the College and we parked at the car park next to Wilkinson's. Matthew visited the toilet and we said goodbye to mum before we walked onto Chell Road. As it got closer we saw that it was dud Select Bus 32 on a #7 to Moss Pit. We got on the bus and we booked Knot Day ticket at £5.95 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off through the town along Broad Street and Earl Street. We went around the Lichfield Road Gyrator and onto the A449. As we traveled towards the railway line. When we got to Rising Brook we turned right onto John Amery Drive and we ran through the estate and forwards Burton Banks Lane. At the end we turned left onto Moss Pitt where we got up and got off the bus. As we considered what we could do, we saw a bus stopped down the road heading our way. As it got closer we saw that it was required Select Bus 30 a #875 to Cannock. We got on the bus and we flashed the Knot Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus before the bus set off along Moss Pit the A449. We ran through Acton Gate where we got up and got off the bus. We walked around the corner onto Mill Lane. We continued through Acton Trussell and we turned right onto Cook's Bank. Matthew visited mum at work and afterwards returned to Fenton by car. We set off out of Acton Trussel and we headed along Mill Lane up the the A449. We turned left onto the A449 and at the roundabout we joined the Northbound M6. We ran up the motorway for 2 junction and we came off the M6 at Hanchurch. We joined the Northbound A500 and we ran up to Sideway and we we turned right onto the Eastbound A50. We turned left onto Blurton Road and at the traffic lights we ran forwards onto Heron Street. We ran forwards onto Station Bridge Road and we turned left into Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Masterson Street and right onto Watkin Street. We turned right 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 Stafford / Cannock 02-10-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
192	Stafford BS	Rugeley BS	826	Chaserider
51	Rugeley BS	Cannock BS	63	Chaserider
6757	Cannock BS	Landywood, Oakenhayes Farm	X51	NX West Midlands
6717	Landywood, Fairoaks Drive	Cannock BS	X51	NX West Midlands
30	Cannock BS	Moss Pit, Opp School Lane	875	Select Bus
29	Moss Pit, Opp School Lane	Stafford BS	7	Select Bus

Today we decided to do a relatively short trip due to the bad weather and the current fuel shortage. After checking the weather we decided to go to Stafford as Matthew as yet to travel on any Chaserider buses. Matthew got up around 10:30 and had toast and a diet Irn Bru for breakfast. Around 12:00 we set off to pick up uncle Dave as he did not stop over last night. We set off through Blurton and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive. We turned right onto Church Road and at the mini roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road. We ran past the BP garage we seemed to be be okay for fuel if not a little expensive. We ran Up Blurton Road into Heron Cross and we crossed over the A50 before turning left onto Grove Road. We continued down Wheildon Road and we stopped to pick up uncle Dave. We turned around and headed back up to Heron Cross. We turned right onto Blurton Road and right onto the Westbound A50. At Sideway roundabout we turned left onto the Southbound A500. As the weather was quite bad and I didn't know how traffic was flowing on the motorway, we decided to go down the A34 route. At Hanford roundabout we turned left onto the A34 and we ran through Trentham and past Trentham Gardens. We continued through Titensor and through Darlaston. We ran to the Wst of Stone and we continued down through Aston by Stone to the North end of Stafford. We ran along the last urban section of the A34 South of the M6 link road, and at the top end of Stafford we turned right onto Chell Road. We turned left onto Broad Street and we parked on the car park at the rear of Wilko. We paid for the parking at we headed towards the market. In the corner of the car park was black minibus H6 THY.

H6 THY in Stafford

We walked into the market and we headed to the cafe at the top end. Mum went to get the food and me and Matthew headed around the market to find the toilet. The toilet was near to the entrance to the right hand side. After using the facilities we headed back to the cafe to meet up with mum and uncle Dave. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. He also had some of mum's cheese on toast! After we had finished we said goodbye to mum and we headed to the bus station. We set off onto Stafford Street and we turned left onto Gaolgate Street. At the end of the road we turned right and into the bus station. We decided almost straight away we were going to do the #826 service towards Lichfield. Whilst we waited the 15 or so minutes we took a few bus pictures. We saw Chaserider 24 on a #841 to Uttoxeter.

Chaserider 24 in Stafford bus station

We also saw Select Bus Services 7 on a #875 to Cannock. A few minutes later we saw Chaserider 192 on a #826 to Lichfield.

Chaserider 192 in Stafford bus station

We got on the bus and we booked The Knot day tickets at £7.00 each before sitting towards the back of the bus. We had previously been on this bus when it was 3907 in the Arriva Midlands fleet back in August 2017 from the other end of Acton Gate to Stafford.. We set off out of the bus station onto the A34 and we turned right onto Chell Road. After a brief stop we continued onto Tenterbanks and we headed onto Bridge Street. We joined the Southbound A518 before crossing the big roundabout onto the A34. We crossed over the London railway line amd the Queens retail park and we continued South Eastwards to Weeping Cross. We turned left into Baswich lane and we turned right onto Porlock Avenue. We turned right onto Bodmin Avenue and right onto Stockton Lane. We turned left onto the A513 and we headed through Walton-on-the-Hill. We continued on through Mildford Common and we ran through a fast section of road through Cannock Chase. We joined the Eastbound A51 and we ran towards Rugeley. We passed Adams minibus and we turned right onto the A460. We turned right onto Plovers Rose and right onto Springfields Road. We followed the road around onto Crabtree Way and we turned left onto Green Lane. We turned right onto the A460 and we ran into town. We turned left onto Elmore Lane and we entered Rugeley bus station where we decided to get up and get off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Chaserider 192 before it continued towards Lichfield.

Chaserider 192 in Rugeley bus station

Once off the bus Matthew decided he wanted the toilet. The tardis toilet that was by the bus station had been removed so we had a walk around the market to see if there was one there that we had previously missed. We did not find one there so we headed to the crossing to cross over the road to go to the petrol station. Opposite the crossing was the entrance to a park and what looked like a toilet block. It looked a little old and like it might not be open, but closer investigation revealed that it was open. It was a little basic and did not even have a sink! Not to worry as we had wet wipes in the bag. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards washed his hands with a wet wipe. We placed the wipe in a nearby bin and we crossed back over the road. As we crossed the road we saw a bus entering the bus station. As we got closer we saw it was Chaserider 51 on a #63 to Cannock.

Chaserider 51 in Rugeley bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Knot tickets to the driver. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Caserider 51 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside Chaserider 51

The bus had around 10 minutes before it's booked departure time so I looked up the timetable on the phone. It was only 10 minutes to Hendesford and further 12 minutes into Cannock. The bus waited until departure time unil setting off onto Elmore Lane. We crossed the roundabout onto Sandy lane and we headed Southwards along the A460. We crossed over the Rugeley to Walsall line and we ran fast through the countryside to the North end of Hednesford. We turned right onto Victoria Road and we had a short wait at the main stops in Hednesford near to Tesco before continuing towards Cannock. We continued to the end of Victoria Street and we turned right onto Market Street. We crossed over the railway line and we turned left onto Cannock Street. We crossed over the roundabout and onto Belt Road. We turned left onto Huntington Terrace Road and we headed Southwards. We veered right onto Old Fallow Road and we turned left onto Pye Green Road. We joined the A34 and we ran Southwards into town. We turned left onto the B5012 and left into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew got another picture of Chaserider 51 before it returned to Rugeley on a #63 service.

Chaserider 51 in Cannock bus station

We had a quick walk around the bus station taking picture whi;lst we decided what to do next. We saw Chaserider 7 on a #25 Pye Green circular.

Chaserider 7 in Cannock bus station

Also seen was Chaserider 162 on a #71 to Wolverhampton.

Chaserider 162 in Cannock bus station

A short time later we saw National Express West Midlands 6757 on a X51 Birmingham service.

NX West Midlands 6757 in Cannock bus station

We decided we were going to do this bus, and whilst we waited for the bus to be readied for service we saw Alfa 89 enter the bus station on a coaching holiday excursion.

Alfa 89 in Cannock bus station

When the bus was ready for service we got on the bus and we flashed the Knot ticket to the driver before going upstairs and sitting down. The bus set off out off the bus station and we joined the A34. We ran onto the roundabout and did a 180' onto the ringway. We crossed the roundabout onto the A5190 and past the Mill Farm pub which is going to be a Carter and Miller steakhouse. We turned left onto the A460 and we ran past the McArthur Glen designer outlet. We pulled into the bus stop and we returned back Southwards down the A460. We turned left onto Votager Drive and we entered the Orbital Retail Park. We followed Voyager Drive to the left and we turned left onto Orbital Way. We rejoined the Southbound A460 and we crossed over the M6 toll road onto the A34. We turned right onto Hilton Lane and we turned left onto Gorsey Lane. At the roundabout we turned left onto Holly Lane and at the end we turned right onto the A34. We spotted a shop so we decided to get up and get off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 6757 before it continued on towards Birmingham.

NX West Midlands 6757 in Landywood

Once off the bus we walked back up the A34 to the shop. Matthew had a can of Pepsi max and a couple of chocolate bars before going outside. We met back up with uncle Dave and we went to the bus shelter opposite. Matthew ate a double Milky Way and I looked up the bus times. It turned out that the service from the stop on the A34 was for the #74 which was Mondays - Fridays only so we had to go around the corner onto Holly Lane to catch a X51 back to Cannock. There was a large puddle by this bus stop and whilst we waited we got soaked 3 time by careless motorists. If I had taken there details they could have been charged for driving without due care and attention. We checked to see what bus was approaching on the map. A few minutes later the bus came around the corner and it was National Express West Midlands 6717 as expected.

NX West Midlands 6717 in Landywood

We got on the bus and we flashed the Knot ticets to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off along Holly Lane and we turned right onto Gorsey Lane. We turned right onto Hilton Lane and then left onto the Northbound A34. We crossed the M6 toll and we ran Northwards up the A460. We turned right onto Votager Drive and we entered the Orbital Retail Park. We followed Voyager Drive to the left and we turned left onto Orbital Way. We rejoined the Northbound A460 and we ran up to the McArthur Glen retail outlet village. After looping around to the stops for McArthurs Glen we rejoined the Southbound A460. We turned right onto the A5190 and we ran to the edge of the town centre. We went Westwards onto the ringway and at the roundabout we turned left onto the B5012 before turning left into the bus station. We got up and as the bus was now empty Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 6717 before we got off the bus.

Inside NX West Midlands 6717

Once off the bus Matthew decided he wanted to go to the toilet. We went into the shopping centre and after using the facilities we came out of the shopping centre and looked around for a bus we could do to start heading back towards Stafford. We spotted Select Bus Services 30 which was about to do a #875 to Stafford.

Select Bus 30 in Cannock bus station

The bus was due off in around 10 minutes and whilst we waited we saw former D&G Solo's now Chaserider 104 & 106, Former Tyrer's Solo now Chaserider 148 and Daish's Holiday BJ16 KYO. The driver returned to the bus and we got on and flashed the Knot ticket to the driver before we sat down. The bus set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto the B5012 and we headed Westwards. The origina; plan was to get off in penkridge and catch another bus forwards to Stafford. However, a consultation of the timetable revealed that this was the last bus from Penkridge to Stafford for the day! We decided to go to Moss Pit and catch a #7 forward to Stafford. We crossed over the M6 and we turned left onto Woolgarston Way. We ran forwards onto Boscomoor Lane and we turned right into Vale Gardens.We ran forwards onto Filance Lane. We turned left onto Francis Green Lane and left onto Cannock Road. We continued onto New Road and we turned right onto the Northbound A449. We ran fast up the A449 and under the M6. We past Select Bus Services 7 on the #875 to Cannock. We crossed over the railway line and we climbed the hill up to Moss Pit where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Select Bus Services 30 before it continued towards Stafford.

Select Bus 30 in Moss Pit

Once off the bus we had around 17 minutes to wait until the next and final #7 was duse to depart. Worryingly the departure board didn't have another bur displayed on it! Also here was no bus on the bustimes.org map apart from the #7 we had just missed which was heading towards stafford. I checked the Staffordshier CC bus times sight, bustimes.org & Select Bus Services own website whixh said there was a 17:50 departure. Whilst we waited Matthew ate a toffee crisp and we saw AJ's minibus MC15 DMX going Southwards. A few minutes later Matthew switched on his camera and the bus turned the camera out of Burton Bank Lane. As it approached we saw it was Select Bus Service 29 on a #7 to Stafford.

Select Bus 29 in Moss Pit

We got on the bus and we flashed the Knot ticket to the driver for the final time today. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Select Bus Services 29 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside Select Bus 29

A quick bit of research revealed that this bus used to be 226 in the Bakerbus fleet, but it was still a required bus as it was branded for service #391 in Stockport. When it was time for departure the bus set off up the A449. We ran Northwards over the railway line and we ran into Stafford. We crossed the big roundabout and we joined the Northbound A34. We turned left onto South Walls and rught onto Cope Street. We turned left onto Eastgate Street and we ran forwards onto Salter Street. We followed the one way system to the right onto Malt Mill Lane and we turned left onto North Walls. We veered left into the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. We had arraned to meet mum in B&M car park. Before we set off to the car we took a few more bus pictures. We saw Chaserider 64 on a #74 to Cheslyn Hay.

Chaserider 64 in Stafford bus station

Also seen was First Potteries 63174 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63174 in Stafford bus station

We headed southwards along North Walls on foot and we walked into the car par adjacent to B&M. Mum was still in the shop when we got back to the car and she appeared a couple of minutes later. Matthew had a sausage roll and a bottle of Irn Bru. We set off out of the car park and we joined the A34. We headed Northwards out of town and through Aston by Stone and to the West side of town. We decided to stop at Walton Fish Bar tea as they do really nice fish! Mathew went to the Londis store next door with mum and I went to the chip shop. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down a bottle of Cherry Coke. We ate the chips in the car and when we had finished we set off onto the Northbound A34. We had a couple of little things to do before we went home so we ran through Titensor and Trentham and into Trenbt Vale. We turned right into Harpfields Road. We turned around to face back Southwards and we stopped at a house so mum could pick some stuff up that she brought on an auction. Afterwards we went to get petrol. WE decided to go to Sainsbury's in Stoke as it was on the way to uncle Dave's house. We set off along Harpfields Road and at the roundabout we turned left onto Keelings Drive. We turned left onto London Road and we ran through the West End into Stoke. We stopped at the petrol station and filled up with diesel. We then headed inbto the car park to see the City Cabs minibuses. We saw City Cabs GN07 KXK parked up there.

City Cabs GN07 KXK in Stoke

Also seen was City Cabs FT61 UEP.

City Cabs FT61 UEP in Stoke

We set off onto London Road and we ran forwards onto Campbell Place. We continued around the one-way system onto Church Street and we veered right onto Liverpool Road. We turned right onto Elenora Street and right onto Copeland Street. We followed the one-way system onto Glebe Street and we turned left onto Church Street. We crossed over the A500 and we turned right 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. 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 Beaconsfiels Drive and we got back to Blurton around 19:50. 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 00:00... Mark