Trip to Rochdale / Littleborough 30-03-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
37726	Rochdale Interchange	Littleborough, stop A	590	First West Yorkshire
69506	Littleborough, stop B	Rochdale Interchange	457	First Manchester
287	Rochdale Interchange	Healey Dell	464	Transdev Rosso
285	Healey, Whambottom Lane	Rochdale Interchange	464	Transdev Rosso
11521	Rochdale Interchange	Oldham BS	409	Stagecoach Manchester
84206	Oldham BS	Shaw, Community Centre	57	Stagecoach Manchester

Today we decided to re-visit Rochdale. Last weekend there was an extension of the Bee Network area to include Oldham and Rochdale. First ceased operations in Oldham and these service were taken over by Stagecoach. First gained a small depot in Rocdale and now operate local services there previously operated by Transdev Rosso.Research for the trip consisted of checking the weather which was for dry and cool weather. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We got in the car and we set off just before 12:00. We set off through Blurton and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road past the former Coral shop which is new going to be flats. 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. We saw an unidentified minibus. We continued up to Barthomley Interchange and we joined the Northbound M6. Traveling up the M6 we saw grey minibus VN21 JFK, Moving People coach, Johnson coach and white minibus YX53 CYZ. We came off the M6 at junction 19 and we joined the Eastbound A556. Mum had looked for a place to have dinner and had found a small cafe in Wythenshawe. We continued onto the M56 and we headed towards the M60. At junction 3 we did a u-tun and headed Westwards back to junction 4. We turned left onto Simonsway and right onto Portway. We pulled in to where the cafe was and we parked up behind the block. We sat down and Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. Whilst we ate we saw Arriva NW&W 3101 on a #18 to Eccles. We got back into the car and we set off onto Portway. We turned left onto Simonsway and we turned right to re-join the M56. We continued East and ran forwards onti the anti-clockwise M60. We ran around the East side of Manchester amd we came off the motorway at Junction 21. We ran along the A6104 and we turned right onto the A663. We ran Northwards through Chadderton to Holden Fold and we joined the A627(M). At the end we turned right onto the A58. We turned right onto the A640 and we ran inti town. we turned right onto Water Street aand we ran past the end of the bus station. We turned left onto the A671 and we turned left onto Smith Street. We turned left onto Milton Street and we turned ariund in the car park at the end. Mum dropped up off and we said goodbye to her before turning left onto Smith Street. We headed to the bus station and as we arrived we saw Go North West 2047 on a #471 to Bolton.

Go North West 2047 in Rochdale Interchange

We walked into the Interchange and Matthew went to the toilet. Once he came out we went to see uncle Dave, and uncle Daves was having some trouble walking. We decided it would be best for him to return to where we were dropped off and mum would come back and pick him up. Matthew went into the shop and had a bottle of Coke and a caramel flapjack. We came out and said goodbye to uncle Dave and we walked around the interchange to see what we fancied catching. We saw a First double decker on stand. As we got closer we saw it was First West Yorkshire 37726 on a #590 to Halifax.

First West Yorkshire 37726 in Rochdale Interchange

We got on the bus an we booked System One Bus Day tickets at £5 each before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the interchange and we turned left onto the B6266. We turned left onto the A671 and we ran Northwards. At the junction we turne right onto the Eastbound A58. We ran through Wardleworth and through Smallbridge and Greengate. We got to the centre of Littleborough and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we headed towards the crossing to go back in the other direction. As we approached the crossing we saw Transdev Team Pennine 1725 on a #587 to Rochdale.

Transdev Team Pennine 1725 in Littleborough

As we approached the stop we saw another bus coming I asked Matthew if he wanted to do this bus and he said no. As it got closer we saw it was First Manchester 69507 on a #455 to Rochdale.

First Manchester 69507 in Littleborough

Whilst wewaited for a bus Matthew had his caramel flapjack. Afterwards he decided that he needed a drink so we went to the pub. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we had a small Coke each. We finished our drinks and we went outside to catch a bus. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Manchester 69506 on a #457 to Rochdale.

First Manchester 69506 in Littleborough

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One Bus Only Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towars the back of the bus. We set off along the A58 and we passed through Greengate. Just after the fire station we turned left onto Hammer Lane. We turned right onto Belfield Road and we ran forwards onto the B6266. We turned left onto the A671 and we turned right onto Water Street an we entered the bus ststaion from the South end. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we had a look around to see what we could catch next. we saw Stagecoach Manchester 84202 on a #17 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 84202 in Rochdale Interchange

Also seen was First Manchester 47629 on layover in between runs on the #461 Shawfield circular.

First Manchester 47629 in Rochdale Interchange

Matthew decided he wanted to do the Rosso bus. As we got to the stand we saw it was Transdev Rosso 287 on a #464 to Accrington.

Transdev Rosso 287 in Rochdale Interchange

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One Bus Day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto Water Street. We turned left onto the A671 and we headed Northwards. We crossed over the A58 and we continued to Healey and the border of Lancashire where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus We set off back down the road to the First bus stop in Greater Manchester and we waited for the next bus. We onoy had a few minutes to wait. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Transdev Rosso 285 on a 464 to Accrington.

Transdev Rosso 285 in Healey

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One Bus Day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along the A671 and we headed Southwards out of Healey. We continued South into Rochdale and we crossed over the A58. We turned right into Water Street and entered the interchange from the South end. We arrived at the bottom end and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. We walked out of the interchange and we took a few pictures. We saw Stagecoach 11801 arrive on a #409 from Aston-under-Line.

Stagecoach Manchester 11801 in Rochdale Interchange

Also seen was former First Manchester 67411 now Stagecoach Manchester 27945 which was on layover.

Stagecoach Manchester 27945 in Rochdale Interchange

We headed back into the Interchange and we looked for another bus to catch. We decided to do a bus towards Oldham. AS we got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Manchester 11521 on a #409 to Ashton-under-Line.

Stagecoach Manchester 11521 in Rochdale Interchange

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 turned left onto Oldham Road and we continued into Balderstone. We continued Westwards along the A671 under the M62 and into Royton. We got in touch with mum to find out how everyone was getting on. Mum let us know that she was at Asda in Shaw. We continued straight up Long Sight and 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 we walked to the other part of the bus station. We saw Nexus Move YJ61 JHY on a #356 to Ashton-under-Line.

Nexus Move YJ61 JHY in Oldham bus station

We had a walk around to see what was around. We saw Stagecoach Manchester 13190 on a #350 to Ashton-under-Line.

Stagecoach Manchester 13190 in Oldham bus station

We looked up what bus we needed to get to mum at Shaw. There was a #57 to Rushcroft in around 20 minutes. We popped to the shop and Matthew had chocolate bar. WE sat at the stop and after Matthew had eaten the choclate he decided he needed to toilet. The as a pub nearby that we could see and an alleyway next to it. We walked down the alleyway and we got to the main pedestrian street. The pub had closed down. There was a shopping centre nearby so we went in there. Matthew used the toilet and we cut past Home Bargain to the bus station. On the way to our stand we saw Stagecoach Manchester 37632 on a #149 to Chadderton.

Stagecoach Manchester 37632 in Oldham bus station

Also seen was former First Manchester 67412 now Stagecoach Manchester 27941 on a #82 to Sholver

Stagecoach Manchester 27941 in Oldham bus station

A few minutes later our bus appeared. As it came on stand we saw it was Stagecoach Manchester 84206 on a #57 to Rushcroft.

Stagecoach Manchester 84206 in Oldham bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One Day ticket for the final time today. We went upstairs and the top deck was empty, so Mtthew took a picture inside of Stagecoach Manchester 84206.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 84206

The bus set off out of the interchange and we turned right onto the B6477. We followed the B6477 through the town and we went past the former First Manchester depot which is now in Stagecoach hands. We turned left onto the A62 and left onto the B6194.

Stagecoach Manchester 84206 in Shaw

We continued along Greenfields Lane and we turned left into Asda car park. We found mum and we got in the car. We got onto Greenfields Lane and we turned right onto Eastway. We turned left onto Beal Lane and we crosed the crossroads onto Rochdale Road. We turned left onto Collinge Street and we parked in the car park. I went to the chip shop and bought Matthew sausage chips and gravy. When I got back to the car, Matthew needed to toilet so we walked along Collinge Street and we crossed over Rochdale Road and we visited The Pineapple. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we headed back to the car and Matthew had his sausage chips and gravy. When we were ready we came out of the car park and we turned right onto Kershaw Street East. We turned left onto Westway and left onto Rochdale Road. We turned left onto the A663 and we ran through Royton. We crossed over the A627(M) and we continued Southwards through Chadderton ande Nimble Nook before joining the clockwise M60. We ran around the Eastside of Manchester and as we ran through Stockport we passed an American style school bus going the other way. We continued onto the Westbound M56 and we came off onto the A556. We joined the M6 at junction 19 and we ran down to junction 16. WE headed Southwards down the A500 through Talke Longport and Etruria into 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 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 the A5035 and back to Blurton. Later on we did some more of the Blog and wrote an e-mail. Matthew ate a birthday cake in a jar and we chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... 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.

Trip to Middleton / Oldham 08-12-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
39210	Middleton BS‎‎	Collyhurst, Queens Rd (Stop F)	18	First Manchester
10863	Collyhurst, Queens Rd (Stop B)	Blackley, Victoria Ave (Stop D)	118	Stagecoach Manchester
37390	Blackley, Hilldale Ave	Middleton BS	17	First Manchester
66864	Middleton BS‎‎	Cheetham Hill, Shopping Ctr (Stop L)	59	First Manchester
37458	Cheetham Hill, Bury Old Rd/Shopping Centre (Stop J)	Oldham BS	59	First Manchester
37470	Oldham BS	Middleton BS	59	First Manchester

Today we decided to re-visit Middleton. As one of the shortest days we didn't want to go anyway too far away and too difficult to get to. Mum also wanted to get her hair done at the shopping centre. As we knew where we were going and what we were doing we did no research for this trip, we didn't even check the weather. Matthew got up around 10:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. As I had done a night shift the night before mum drove up to Middleton. We set off just before 12:00 and we ran onto the A5035. We continued over the railway line into Trentham and we joined the Northbound A34. We turned left onto Whitmore Road and we crossed over the Trent and ran up towards Hanchurch. We turned right onto the A519 and we joined the Northbound M6. Travelling up the M6 we saw Park's of Hamilton (NX) LSK 838(#540), Robinson Executive Travel W6 RCT, Caledoniian Travel LSK 508, Jarvis Coaches YX07 AVJ, Global Travel BIG 9854 & Stanley Coaches Y2 STX. 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 10844 on a #112 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 10844 in Middleton bus station

We went into the bus station and we looked for bus to catch. On layover was dud First Manchester 37391.

First Manchester 37391 in Middleton bus station

We spotted required First Manchester 39210 on a #18 to Manchester.

First Manchester 39210 in Middleton bus station

We decided to do this bus so we got on and brought System One bus only tickets at £5.60 each. We went upstairs and the rear of the top deck was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside First Manchester 39210 before we sat down.

Inside First Manchester 39210

The bus set off out of the bus station. We joined the Eastbound A576 and then we went Southwards down the A664. We climbed up the hill out of town and then we ran down hill over the M60 and into Blackley. Further down the road we passed Blackley service station and then we saw a road that we recognised... We passed Old Market Street and the West end of Boggart Hole Clough. We continued Southwards into Harpurhey. We crossed the A6010 and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of First Manchester 39210 as it continued towards Manchester.

First Manchester 39210 in Harpurhey

Once off the bus we crossed over the A6010 and then over the A664. to the nearest Northbound bus stop. We didn't have to wait long before we saw a Stagecoach double decker approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required Stagecoach Manchester 10863 on a #118 to Dam Head.

Stagecoach Manchester 10863 in Harpurhey

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The bus set off up the A664 and we turned right onto Lathbury Road. We turned left onto Fernclough Road and we ran forwards onto Church Lane. We turned left onto Upper Conran Street and we stopped behind the shopping centre in Harphurey. We turned right onto Moston Lane and we ran up through Moston. We ran for around a mile and we turned left onto Charlestown Road. We turned right onto Grange Park Road and we ran up Hall Moss Road. WE continued onto Colmore Drive and we turned left onto Victoria Avenue East. We ran for around 1/2 mile and we turned left onto the A664 where we got up and got off the bus. At the bus stop there a number of youths sheltering for the rain so we decided to walk for to another bus stop. It had pretty much stopped raining so we went Southwards down the A664. As we walked towards the next bus stop we were passed by S Line Travel coach P24 WNL travelling towards Manchester.

S Line Travel P24 WNL in Blackley

We decided to go back Northwards towards Middleton so we could use the toilet. We crossed over the road and we waited at the Northbound stop. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was required First Manchester 37390 on a #17 to Middleton.

First Manchester 37390 in Blackley

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The bus set off up the A664 and we travelled for around a mile to the edge of Middleton. We crossed the roundabout and we entered the bus station. The bus pulled onto the stand and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet and then we decided to go around the bus station and take a few pictures. We saw First Manchester 66912 on layover.

First Manchester 66912 in Middleton bus station

As we approached the bus station we saw a minibus parked up by the bingo hall. We decided to go over and investigate. When we got to the bingo hall we saw it was Rothwells Mercedes minibus FE02 BVN waiting to pick up passengers from the bingo.

Rothwells FE02 BVN in Middleton

Once we had seen the minibus, we walked back into the bus station to see what we could catch next. We spotted First Manchester 66864 on a #59 to Manchester.

First Manchester 66864 in Middleton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we crossed the roundabout onto the A576. We ran the couple of miles down to the M60 and we crossed over and into Blackley we past the East side of Heaton Park. We carried on for another couple of miles and we turned left onto Bury Old Road. It seemed like the centre of Cheetham Hill as it was a busy shopping area so we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we went to the world market shop and we brought a couple of cans and a few chocolate bars. We crossed the road and we sat at the stop to wait for a Northbound bus. Whilst we waited Matthew ate a toffee crisp and drank a can of Irn Bru. A few minutes later we saw a double decker approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required First Manchester 37458 on a #59 to Oldham.

First Manchester 37458 in Cheetham Hill

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. As this was our fifth bus of the day we decided to do this through Middleton to Oldham and we could do a bus back to Middleton for the last bus. The bus set off up Bury Old Road and we turned right the A576 where we stopped for a short while. he bus carried on along the A576 towards Blackley. We crossed the M60 and we ran the couple of miles into town. We entered the bus station. We left Middleton bus station and we went East out of town along the A669. The weather had now turned and it was starting to snow! A couple of miles out of town we crossed under the railway line by Mills Hill railway station. We carried on another 3 miles or so through Chadderton. We crossed under Oldham Way and we ran up the hill and into the bus station. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of First Manchester 37458 before it continued towards Rushcroft.

First Manchester 37458 in Oldham bus station

Once we ad got off the bus we walked around the bus station whilst we decided what bus to do next. We saw required Stotts PX55 EFM about to work a #343 to Hyde.

Stotts PX55 EFM in Oldham bus station

We used the toilet and then we went down to the other half of the bus station. At the bottom half of the bus station we saw MCT YJ13 HLG on a #402 to Royton.

MCT YJ13 HLG in Oldham bus station

Once we had finished taking picture we walked back up to the top half of the bus station to wait for either a #59 back to Middleton. We saw dud First Manchester 42944 on a #415 to Middleton and we turned it down. Behind it was dud First Manchester 37470 on a #59 to Manchester which we decided to do.

First Manchester 37470 in Oldham bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only ticket to the driver before we went upstairs.The top deck was empty at the rear so Matthew took a picture inside First Manchester 37470.

Inside First Manchester 37470

The bus set off out of the bus station and forwards 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 entered the bus station. We got off the bus and we had a look around before we returned to mum. We saw First Manchester 37280 about to work a #17 to Rochdale.

First Manchester 37280 in Middleton bus station

We walked into the shopping centre and we met up with mum. We went to the toilet and then we returned to the car. Mum had brought some sausage rolls and a bottle of Irn Bru. We left the car park and we turned left onto Limetrees Road and turned left on the roundabout onto the A576. We entered Tesco and we filled up with petrol. Once we had filled up we rejoined the A576 and we ran Westwards down to the M60. We joined the clockwise M60 and as we ran we saw Swans Travel YH17 YWB. We ran through Stockport and forwards onto the M56. Seen on the M56 were red minibus PJ16 KPZ & Swans Travel YT68 LCO. We jined the Westbound A556 and we ran up the the motorway. At junction 19 we got onto the Southbound M6. As we travelled down the M6 we saw an unidentified JH Coaches coach, Malbank Coaches YN58 CFP, Stanway's BIG 7013, white minibus HK56 UZO, ABC Supremen KX13 DZL and an unidentified white Jones coach. At junction 16 we left the M6 and joined the Southbound A500. Seen on the A500 were a handful of unidentified Tyrer coaches, an unidentified Ellison's coach and an unidentified AVA Coaches coach. At Sideway we came off the A500 and we joined the Eastbound A50. At Longton we ran along the high level A50 and we did a u-turn at the East end of town to see what was parked up at Z Carz. We turned left into Willow Row and we saw Z Carz Renault minibus BU04 GYW in the compound.

Z Carz BU04 GYW in Longton

We ran Westwards along the A50 and we cam of at Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton. We continued up to Church Road and we turned right into Beaconsfield Avenue and back home at 19:30. For a late tea bangers and mash with carrots followed by jam filled shortbread biscuit. We did an e-mail and we wrote some of the Blog. Matthew went to bed around 00:00.... Mark.

Trip to Middleton / Ashton 18-08-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
10858	Middleton BS	Miles Platting, Osborne St	112	Stagecoach Manchester
39213	Miles Platting, Osborne St	Middleton BS	18	First Manchester
MX59 NWN	Middleton BS	Ashton BS	419	MCT
YJ13 HLM	Ashton BS	Waterloo, Oldham Road	395	MCT
30945	Waterloo, Tree House Ave	Oldham BS	409	First Manchester
30948	Oldham BS	Middleton BS	59	First Manchester

Today we decided to return to Middleton. Mum had a late finished last night and was also working early Sunday. So we needed a shortish trip but one with plenty of good buses to do and places to go to. As Matthew badge had just expired we to influence the pick towards a place where we knew we could park easily. We gave Matthew a list of places in the Midlands and North West and from the list he chose Middleton. research consisted of checking the weather which was for mainly dry but overcast weather. Matthew got up around 10:15 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 12:00 onto Stanley Matthews Way and we passed D&G 170 on a #14 to Hanley. We joined the Westbound A50 and we we got to Sideway we passed a former Albert Wilde Bova going Eastwards. We got onto the Northbound A500 and as we got to Etruria the traffic started to slow. We came off the A500 at Wolstanton and we ran to the Asda petrol station to fill up. We re-joined the Northbound A500 and the traffic was still slow. We were diverted of the A500 at the A527 junction and car were doing a u-turn to get back onto the Northbound A500. We passed an accident on the other side of the A500 and traffic was backed up all the way to the M6. As we went up the A500 we passed white minibus YN61 CLO, Marshall MHZ 9211 and Edwards Coaches BV66 WPW(#528). We got onto the M6 and we travelled Northwards up to junction 19. On the M6 we saw Sutton Grammar School YP63 HJE, Kier YS15 CRJ, blue minibus GL05 RVJ & Bennetts YX04 AWR. We got onto the Eastbound A556 and we ran up to the M56 passing LMT taxi's R13 LMT. We continued forwards onto the M56 and then we took the link road onto the anti-clockwise M60. as we travelled around the outside of Manchester we saw Stagecoach Megabus 54269 and white minibus T223 AVP. 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. Matthew had a sausage and egg bap and a few fries, 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 Stagecoach Manchester 10858 on a #112 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 10858 in Middleton bus station

We decided to do this bus, so we got on the bus and we booked System One anybus day tickets at £5.60 before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach Manchester 10858.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 10858

We set off out of the bus station and we turned left and ran past the Middleton Arena. We turned right onto Market Place and then right again onto Townley Street. We crossed over the A669 and we continued to the end of the street where we turned left onto Grishaw Lane and we ran down to Middleton Junction. We turned right onto Greengate and we carried on down Greengate over the M60 and to the roundabout. We joined Moston lane and we passed First Manchester 67402 on the #81 to The Gardners Arms. Further South we passed required Stagecoach Manchester 10846 on a #114 to Alkrington. We continued South and when past the Blue Bell pub and through Moston. As we approached Harpurhey we turned left onto Upper Conran Street. We continued South past Harpurhey shopping centre and we turned right onto Fenclough Road. We travelled for around 1/3 and when we joined the Southbound A664 we continued Southwards for about 1/2 a mile where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Manchester 10858 before it continued on towards Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 10858 in Miles Platting

We crossed over the road and whilst we were crossing we saw First Manchester 47476 on a #81 to Manchester and First Manchester 37422 on a #163 to Bury. We waited for a Northbound bus and a few minutes later we saw a bus approaching, As it got closer we saw that it was required First Manchester 39213 on a #18 to Langley.

First Manchester 39213 in Miles Platting

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The bus set off Northwards up the A664 we we travelled through Harpurhey past the World Famous Embassy Club. We paused for a short while and then we continued North past Boggart Hole Clough and Into Blackley. We crossed over the M60 and we ran the last mile or so into Middleton. We crossed over the A669 and we entered the bus station. Once we got off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. We had a walk around the bus station and we took a few pictures. We saw First Manchester 53807 on a #415 to Oldham.

First Manchester 53807 in Middleton bus station

We also saw a white minibus MJ64 FKL picking up outside the Club 3000 bingo club.

MJ64 FKL in Middleton

As we were heading into the bus station we saw MCT single decker MX59 NWN on a #419 to Ashton-under-Lyne.

MCT MX59 NWN in Middleton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto A669 and we ran Eastwards out of town to Mills Hill railway station. Just after the station we turned right onto Mills Hill Road after running South for a while we followed the road around onto Firwood Park and we headed back Northwards up to the main road. We turned right onto the A669 and after a short run we turned left onto Chadderton Park Road. We turned right onto Cathederals Road. We followed the round and we turned right onto Parkway. We turned left onto Park Avenue and we ran up to the back of the Chadderton Park Travelodge. We turned right onto the Northbound Burnley Lane. We went around the roundabout at the start of the A627(M) and we went Southwards down the A663. At the crossroad we turned left onto the A669 and continued past the shopping centre in Chadderton. We turned right onto Peel Street and we ran forwards onto Walsh Street. We turned left onto Denton Lane and at the next roundabout we went South down the B6192. We crossed the A62 and we saw First Manchester 37553 on a #184 to Manchester. We continued down the dead straight B6192 and we turned left onto Hollins Road. We turned right onto the A627 and we ran Southwards for the last couple of miles into Ashton-under-Lyne. We turned left onto the A6043 and we turned right to enter the bus station. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside MCT MX59 NWN.

Inside MCT MX59 NWN

Once off the bus Matthew visited the tardis toilet by Stand A. Once he had finished we went around the bus station to take a few bus pictures. We saw First Manchester 33663 on a #409 to Rochdale.

First Manchester 33663 in Ashton bus station

At the top end of the bus station were a few buses on layover. We saw First Manchester 53808 on a #353 to Uppermill.

First Manchester 53808 in Ashton bus station

Also seen was Stagecoach Manchester 19626 on layover.

Stagecoach Manchester 19626 in Ashton bus station

We walked around the top end of the bus station and we saw First Manchester 63107 on a #393 to Hunts Cross. We walked back into the bus station and we saw Stagecoach Manchester 10587 on a #330 to Stockport.

Stagecoach Manchester 10587 in Ashton bus station

Matthew wanted to do this bus but we would have gone too far away from Middleton if we had done. The building at the back is going to be the new bus interchange. We continued around the bus station and we saw Stagecoach Manchester 36424 on a #346 to Hyde.

Stagecoach Manchester 36424 in Ashton bus station

I wanted to do a #409 to Oldham so we could head back towards Middleton. Matthew didn't really fancy doing one. I spotted MCT Solo SR YJ13 HLM on a #395 to Limehurst Farm, so we decided to do this as it was heading in the right direction.

MCT YJ13 HLM in Ashton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we turned right onto the A6043. We turned left onto Turner Lane and we went under the railway line. We followed the road to the right and we passed The Junction pub. There were dozens of bikers and a traction engine in steam outside. We turned left onto Lordsfield Avenue. We turned right onto Cranbourne Road and left onto Vicarage Road. We turned right onto Wilshaw Road and left onto Wilshaw Grove. We turned left onto Downshaw Road and right onto Yew Tree Close. We turned left onto Beech Mount and right onto Reins Lee Road. We re-joined Downshaw Road and we turned right onto the A627 right onto Springwood Way and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked back onto the A627 and we crossed over the road. We sat at the Northbound bus stop to wait for a bus to Oldham. Whilst we waited we saw taxi minibus K3 HHN heading towards Oldham. Whilst we waited Matthew had a double Milky Way and a can of Irn Bru. A few minutes later we saw a First Manchester ALX400 approaching. As it got closer we saw it was dud First Manchester 30945 on a #409 to Rochdale.

First Manchester 30945 in Waterloo

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus tickets to the driver before we went upstairs. We sat down and the bus set along the A627. The bus carried on up the A627 and over Oldham Way onto King Street. At the roundabout we turned right onto West Street and into the bus station before we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked out of the bus station and around the side. Matthew took another picture of First Manchester 30945 before it continued on to Rochdale.

First Manchester 30945 in Oldham bus station

We decided to take a few bus pictures before we returned to Middleton. We saw First Manchester 37450 on a #59 to Rushcroft.

First Manchester 37450 in Oldham bus station

We continued around to the other half of the bus station. We saw Stagecoach Manchester 19487 on a #76 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 19487 in Oldham bus station

As we walked back to the other half of the bus station we saw AVA Coach PT59 AVA arrive into the bus station.

AVA Coach PT59 AVA in Oldham bus station

At the top end of the bus station we saw First Manchester 30948 on a #59 to Manchester.

First Manchester 30948 in Oldham bus station

Matthew didn't want to do this bus at first. We went to the newsagents and we brought a can of Coke and a bottle of Fanta. We also brought a couple of chocolate bars and a some jelly snakes. We returned out of the newsagent to see that required First Manchester 30948 was still on stand, so we quickly walked over to it and got on it. We flashed the System One bus tickets to the driver for the final time today before we went upstairs. The bus set off out of the bus station and forwards 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 entered the bus station. We got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of First Manchester 30948 before it continued on towards Manchester.

First Manchester 30948 in Middleton bus station

Matthew went to the toilet and we walked around the bus station. We saw Stagecoach Manchester 36402 on layover.

Stagecoach Manchester 36402 in Middleton bus station

Also we saw First Manchester 53810 on a #415 to Oldham.

First Manchester 53810 in Middleton bus station

We walked around the outside and we saw Stagecoach Manchester 10865 on a #112 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 10865 in Middleton bus station

Also seen was First Manchester 37280 on a #17 to Rochdale.

First Manchester 37280 in Middleton bus station

We headed into the shopping centre and we met up with mum. We went up to the roof and to the car. Mum had brought Matthew a Greegs sausage roll and a can of Irn Bru. We set off out of the car park onto Limetrees Road and we crossed the roundabout onto the A576. We ran out town for a couple of miles and we joined the clockwise M60. As we travelled around the the M60 we saw Cab Travel BX64 JZU and taxi minibus SJ63 BVF / KX11 ETU / YM14 EPN. We ran forwards onto the M56 and as we travelled Westwards we saw National Holidays NH13 GWH. 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 Kier WR17 NDX, Selwyn's SHZ 9024, Alfa 102, taxi minibus SF12 GJG and an unidentified Longmynd Travel coach. 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 at Sideway and as we joined the A50 we saw Intercity WJ12 NKX on the roundabout. We travelled Eastwards as far as as Longton. Seen in Longton was grey minibus GX11 EUW. We ran around to Z Carz to see what was there this evening. The spare ground was empty so we turned into Willow Row to see what was in the compound. We saw Z Carz Volkswaggen minibus OV05 WSW which is currently VOR.

Z Carz OV05 WSW in Longton

We also saw Z Carz Vauxhall minibus DG10 VMO arrive at the depot.

Z Carz DG10 VMO in Longton

We went West along the A50 to Heron Cross and we turned left onto Blurton Road. We continued up to Church Road and we turned right into Beaconsfield Drive. We ran down Finstock Avenue and we stopped briefly for mum to pick up some baps. We continued down Finstock Avenue and we got back home at 19:30. When we got back for a late tea Matthew had a cumberland sausage and mash followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. We did an e-mail and we wrote some of the Blog. Matthew went to bed around 00:00.... Mark.