Trip to the POPS rally 13-05-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
198	Wedgwood	Longton BS	Special	PMT
198	Longton BS	Wedgwood	Special	PMT
62	Wedgwood	Trentham Gardens	Special	Stratford Blue
RM467	Trentham Gardens	Wedgwood	Special	London Transport
55	Wedgwood	Barlaston Green	Special	Bournemouth
A506 FSS	Barlaston Green	Wedgwood	Special	Northern Scottish
10	Wedgwood	Stone	Special	Turner's
10	Stone	Wedgwood	Special	Turner's

Today was the POPS rally, highlight of the North Staffordshire bus calender! We had always planned on being at this event, the Wardle double decker running day was an added bonus. I opened Matthew curtains around 09:00 revealing another fine sunny day. Matthew got up around 10:00 and we were ready just before 11:00. we picked up uncle Dave and then drove onto Wedgwood. When we arrived we brought a program and a local fleet list book. The first hour or so was spent looking at a few of the buses and Matthew was spending his money on books, DVD's and photos. Just before 12:00 we decided to catch a bus The Midland Red Olympian EEH 902Y was heading to Stone, and we just missed it. However behind that was PMT 198 on a mystery tour. The driver said it was going to take approximately 30 minutes and as we have yet to have this bus we decided to do it. We got on required 198 and off we went. the bus took the usual route to the A5035 then turned towards Trentham. We turned at Magdalen Road and then headed through Blurton along Beaconsfield Drive and onto Blurton Road. The bus actually went within a few hundred yards of our house! We then turned up Longton Hall Road and we guessed at this point it was probably going to the transport interchange at Longton. Sure enough we arrived in Longton and the driver said we could jump out and take a picture or two before returning. So we jumped out and did just that.

Mystery destination. PMT 198 in Longton

After getting back on, we rode back via Longton Hall Road, Blurton Road, Church Street, Trentham Road and back to Wedgwood. on the retun journey we worked out could either do required PMT 604 to Hanley (12:30) for dinner or we could required Routemaster RM467 to Trentham (12:35) for dinner. As we were approaching time was passing at it had gone 12:30, We passed 604 at the site entrance. As we turn toward the arrivals stop, we could see the Routemaster ready for departure. We got off and took a picture of PMT 198.

PMT 198 back at Wedgwood

By the time we got to the stop the bus had gone. as there was a small gap, Everyone sat down near the stop whilst i took the shopping back to the car. When I got back Straford blue 62 was at the depart stop. I look at the timetable and realised that this was the next Trentham. So I asked Matthew if he wanted to do this and he said yes. He took a quick shot of this required bus before we jumped on.

Statford Blue 62 at Wedgwood

We sat down over the offside rear axle and off we went. This is a very nice bus and was well filled with enthusiasts. This year the Trentham service was running to the drop off point for coaches by the retail village, as opposed to the old gate. This take a good mile off the journey as the return services used to have to run to Hanford to turn back to Wedgwood. I think if this continues it could be a good thing. It will save on fuel costs plus possibly get a few more passenger visit the event who have just come to Trentham for shopping. The buses when entering the site go around the outside of the car park before heading back to the coach drop off point. Straford 62 when along passed the car park and then turned back. As it turned it clipped the curb and made a loud bang as it dropped off. There then came a loud scraping noise from under the off side rear axle. I thought that perhaps it had tipped the curbstone and then dragged it along under the bus. When we stopped most people jumped out with a few going to inspect the bus. Matthew got off and took his picture.

62 at Trentham Gardens

As we were taking a few pictures, we heard someone saying that the exhaust had fallen off and was being dragged along. we decided it was time for dinner and a toilet stop. We headed to the riverside dinner and we ordered dinner. Matthew of course want a cake for afters too. I took a picture of him with a very chocolaty face as he tucked into a slice of fudge cake. We then walked back to the coach drop off point to wait for a return service. we photographed a couple of coaches before required RM467 appeared. Matthew got a picture before we boarded.

LT RM467 at Trentham Gardens

We climbed the stairs and we had an enjoyable trip back. It's nice to view the Staffordshire countryside from an elevated position on a double decker bus. As we traveled along, we passed PMT 860. I had looked for it on the timetable, but it wasn't supposed to be working. A closer look at the timetable revealed that it must have worked the 14:05 to Trentham, taking over from Stratford blue 62's duties!

RM467 at Wedgwood

When we got back mum went off to do a little birthday present shopping whilst we worked out what we could do. We thought that perhaps 860 would work Stratford Blue 62's next duty, which was the 15:00 to Stone. There was a Barlaston circular at 14:30. We could do this and still be back for 15:00 so we decided that this was going to be the move. the circular was going to be Bournemouth 55 & Northern Scottish A506 FSS. we had been on A506 FSS when it was in Glovers colours, so we decided to do the required Bournemouth bus. If there was a stop in the middle, we could always swap. a few minutes later the 2 buses pulled up on the stop. we boarded Bournemouth 55 and off we went. We headed out towards rough close and then swung back into Barlaston, turning when we reached the village green pointing back towards Wedgwood. The buses did stop to allow for pictures and to allow passengers to swap between buses if desired. Matthew got a picture of Bournemouth 55.

Bournemouth 55 at Barlason Green

He took another one for good measure...

Bournemouth 55 at Barlason Green

Then he took one of Northern Scottish A506 FSS before we boarded it for the return journey.

Northern Scottish A506 FSS at Barlason Green

The journey back was down a narrow country lane that has speed bumps, is very dark due to being tree lined and is the same road in which we spun the car on ice back in February. The buses stopped under the tree for an addition driver change. Our bus was then driven past Bournemouth 55 for a photo on the same curve where we had spun the car. The buses then swapped over there order again and we drove back to Wedgwood

A506 FSS at Wedgwood

When we got back it was around 14:50 so we had a short wait for the Stone service. Matthew went on a few buses and took pictures before we saw Turners 10 pull up on stop. We asked the driver if this was going to Stone and it was. there was slight disappointment that it wasn't PMT 860, but it was nice to ride on this double decker again. The route out was via Trentham and the A34. turning into Stone from the roundabout just South of the town centre. There was a quick stop and we got off to take a picture.

Turner's 10 in Stone

We boarded the bus and after a minute or two we set off back North. The return journey was via the A520. we passed through Lightwood before turning by The New Florence towards Dresden. We then took the A5035 back to Blurton before turning left to wedgwood. When we got back Matthew took a further picture of this bus.

10 back at Wedgwood Stone

Back at Wedgwood buses were starting to leave and so we headed back to the car. As we drove uncle Dave back we put the Stoke match on the radio. Stoke were losing 1-2 to Bolton but Stoke drew level after Peter Crouch was allegedly brought down by Bogdan. Walter leveled from the spot and that is how the match ended. Bolton were relegated. We had got home at around 16:30. Matthew started to watch his new DVD's whilst I listened to the end of the match. And that is how this enjoyable but tiring weekend finished...Mark.

Trip to Stafford 04-02-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
40304	Ladybank Grove, Blurton	Handford, adj Bull's Head	22	First Potteries
65040	Hanford, adj Mayne Street	Stafford railway station	101	First Potteries
EDJ 244J	Stafford railway station	County showground	Charter	POPS
NEH 466	County showground	Stafford railway station	Charter	POPS
2307	Chell Street, Stafford	Moss Pit, opp School Lane	8	Arriva Midlands
2307	Moss Pit, opp School Lane	Stafford, opp St Patricks Street	8	Arriva Midlands

Today we decided to go to Stafford. We had seen on the Staffordshire and Merseyside bus group that 2 preserved bus were to run between Stafford railway station and the County showground. Mum was going to be away until dinnertime and so we decided to catch a bus down to Stafford. It was a freezing cold day and the forecast was for snow in the afternoon. As such we got out as early as possible. We walked the distance to Ladybank Grove around 11:25, and as we turned the corner we saw that the bus was already waiting at the stop. Matthew took a quick picture before we jumped aboard.

First Potteries 40304 in Blurton

We did the bus to Hanford so we could get some Wrights mini sausage rolls. As we got off Matthew got another picture of this bus.

40304 in Hanford

after getting off the bus and purchasing sausage rolls, we headed down Mayne Street and onto the A34 to wait for the Stafford bus. We had just missed one service so we had to wait best part of 20 minutes for the next bus to turn up. Whilst we waited we saw 40383/60011/61246 working on Trentham services. Mum called to say she was back home, and that she was heading into Stafford to meet us later. Eventually, required 65040 turned up and matthew got his picture.

First Potteries 65040 in Hanford

Whilst on the bus South it started to Snow. We reached Stafford station just before 13:00 and as there was a 13:00 departure to the County showground we didn't have time for another picture of 65040 at Stafford. As we approached we had seen the the 13:00 service was Martyn Hearson and Tim Machin's Berresford liveried bus EDJ 244J. We have been on this bus before but we had not got a recorded journey on it so we counted it as a score! We raced across the road and jumped on the bus, making sure we gave a donation as we got on.

Berresfords EDJ 244J outside Stafford station

We boarded the bus and the bus was fired up. It was a very throaty sounding vehicle. The bus was a really nice ride especially out on the open road towards the county showground. The driver really gave it some wellie and the bus roared through the Staffordshire countryside. We arrived at the county showground and as the bus emptied out Matthew got his inside shot.

Inside EDJ 244J

The bus driver was telling another passenger that there was going to be an hour break in the service so that the drivers could get their legal breaks. The next bus out was going to be the double decker we could see in the distance in a matter of minutes! Matthew quickly took his picture before we ran around the corner to the waiting double decker.

EDJ 244J at the Stafford county showground

We got to the bus and the driver wasn't in the cab...yet. This bus was required. We had often seen it work at bus rallies, but had never been on it before. Matthew was able to get a good picture.

PMT NEH 466 at the Stafford county showground

We got on the bus, throwing some coins in the donation box as we climbed the stairs. The bus has a weird "4 seats in a row" seating arrangement. We managed to squeeze on the end of three rows upstairs and the bus very quickly started up and was off. Some passenger were turned away from this service so in one respect we were very lucky. The journey wasn't as pleasant as the one out. There was a lot of traffic and the windows were steamed up. The snow was really coming down by now. as we traveled back, as we were near the back of the bus, Matthew got a picture of the stairs.

Inside NEH 466

Eventually we hit town. When we got to the station everybody got out and Matthew got a couple more pictures of this old PMT bus.

NEH 466 outside Stafford station

We had asked Matthew if he wanted to go back to the car at this point and he said no. The plan at this point was to get some hot food so we walked through the snow to the chip shop by the windmill. It was just gone 14:00 and the chip shop was closed. We carried on to Chell Street whilst we decided what to do. The bus on the end of the Westward bound row was Arriva Midlands 2307. Matthew got a picture from across the road.

Arriva Midlands 2307 in Chell Street

At this point we decided to catch this bus as this batch of Arriva Midlands Darts with the Burgundy coloured seat are some of Matthews favourites, and it was cold! We crossed the road and booked to a point near the end of the route. As the bus emptied out towards the rear Matthew got a picture of the inside.

Inside 2307

At a pint near the end of it's circular run, i got up and booked tickets back into Stafford. At this point we decided to call it a day. I rang mum and arranged to meet her by Sainsbury's. We stayed on the bus past the bus station thinking that the bus would go back along Chell Street and form the next #8 bus. What we didn't know at the time is that when the #8 passes North through the town it becomes the #10 ad carries on North! As we sailed past the end of Chell Street we got up to get off at the next stop. The next stop is about 1/4 mile North so when we got off we were going to have a long walk back. Matthew got a picture of this beast as it sped off into the distance.

2307 on the A34 North of Stafford

We jogged back into town with the snow blowing into our faces. It was quite a refreshing walk back. As we turned the corner into Chell Street we saw an Arriva Midlands Volvo B10 3605. Matthew got a picture of this in a very snowy Chell Street.

Arriva Midlands 3605 in Chell Street

Back at the car we drove North up the A34 to the chip shop. This was incidentally about 30 yards from where we got off the last bus! We filled up with chips and whilst we sat adjacent to the road admired the Military Tank parked up opposite. We then continued North home-wards. As we had a friend in the car today we took a different route home than usual via Barlaston and Wedgwood. Firstly, mum nearly missed the turning and when she braked the car slid, stopping just short of the central reservation. As we drove between Barlaston and Wedgwood, we turned a corner with a slight camber on the road and we slid and ended up facing the wrong way on the road! We did manage to get home without further incident, and we got home a little before 16:00. Incidentally Stoke lost 0-1 to Sunderland after having a man controversially sent off and Sunderland Taking advantage in the second half. We did have a go at them but the bad weather and luck just weren't with us today, at least where football is concerned. With buses and staying alive we faired a lot better...Mark

Trip to the POPS rally 08-05-2011

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
G759 XRE	Wedgwood	Hanley bus station	66	Ex First PMT
CTT 23C	Hanley bus station	Wedgwood	66	Ex Devon General
RGV 690W	Wedgwood	Stone, Crown Street	10	Prince of the Road
GFM 104X	Stone, Crown Street	Wedgwood	10	Ex First PMT

Today was the annual Wedgwood POPS rally, and we had been planning to come here for quite a while. Setting off around 10:20 we arrived on site to see Ex First PMT 860 depart on a Hanley bound service. First thing we do after getting a programme is to go shopping! Matthew brought £48 worth of DVD from Mrs Spencer and then brought some packs of photo's (10 for £5). He also brought the new First Fleet book and then checked to see if his favourite buses were still running or had been withdrawn. he brought another couple of books and then we had a wander round the non PMT bus exhibits. He had a quick sit on Bassetts SUX 476X and then we went to the PMT exhibits. As we were about to sit down and work out which buses we were going to catch, we saw ex First PMT Olympian 30035 move off. A quick consult of the program and it was seen to be doing the 11:30 to Hanley



Ex First PMT 30035 (759) sets off towards the bus stop to form the 11:30 to Hanley (Matt)

So we all went around to the bus stop where 30035 was waiting. We went on the top deck near to the stairs. on the way up, Matthew tried to help himself to the antique 320 hanley - Crewe timetable until I told him not to do it. As we travelled down to Hanley via Blurton Road, the A50 link and Victoria Road, we passed ex first PMT 30039 coming the other way. We checked the programme to see if we could get 860 in later. It turns out that it did it's one and only turn early on and we missed it! The next bus due towards Hanley was down to be worked by "B35/B36". It was at this point that I wished i pad attention to the number in the bus windows! We made a snap decision to wait for the next bus and to let 30035 go back to Wedgwood without us. We has some food in Tony's cafe and then Matthew took some pictures in the bus station, at the bus station was 31519 between relief duties for Alton Towers.


31519 in Hanley bus station (Matt)

After a few minutes, a maroon colour single decker appeared. It turned out to be Ex devon General 23.


Ex Devon General 23 arrives in Hanley bus station on the 12:00 from Wedgwood (Matt)

Not sure if there was more than one bus scheduled for this run, I asked the driver if this was the only 12:30 to Wedgwood to which he replied "yes". So we did this bus, which was quite full. Matthew sat down with a total stranger and we had to persuade him to sit with mum by offering him a window seat. So we did this back to Wedgwood. I don't think was on Matthew's wish list but he enjoyed it anyway. This bus took the route via snow hill and then past the railway station. There was a Wardles ALX400 outside the station on football duties. The bus then went back via Leek Road, City Road, A50 and then A5035. At this point we had another look around whilst mum went shopping on her own for "future" events :-). We decide that we were going to do the 13:30 departs to stone for 801 back. The 13:30 was book for a Prince of the Road coach and two PMT Bristols. Matthew wanted to do the coach and uncle Dave wanted to do one of the Bristols. I persuaded Uncle Dave to do the coach as the Bristols are regular performers at the Rally. We went to see the buses turn in so we could get a photograph before we went around to the bus stop.


Prince of the Road RGV 690W sets off towards the bus stop to form the 13:30 to Stone (Matt)

The coach was the first to set of and the Bristol followed straight behind. At the junction of the A5035 / A34 all three buses were together. The bus took the usual route to Stone, by passing the town and in through the south end of town.


Prince of the Road RGV 690W on arrival at Stone (Matt)

At Stone there was a few minutes wait for the the rear Bristol to arrive as it must have been held up at some lights.


Prince of the Road RGV 690W and Ex PMT 198 forming the 14:00 to Wedgwood (Matt)

We let these buses go in order to wait for the 14:30 to Wedgwood which was booked to be Ex First PMT Optare Delta. It's a bus that we have been on twice before but Matthew is a big fan. Whilst waiting we saw the road go quiet. It was closed off for a few minutes in allow a band to march past the end. then First PMT 65039 turned up on the service bus to Hanley.After a few more minutes the red and yellow Delta appeared.


Ex First PMT 801 on arrival on the 14:00 from Wedgwood (Matt)

As we took the picture we heard someone say "an Olympian was following us down". Sure enough Ex first PMT 30039 turned up on an addition 14;00 from Wedgwood. We asked Matthew if he want the Delta or the new Olympian and he choose the Olympian.


Ex First PMT 30039 forms an additional 14:30 to Wedgwood (Matt)

We got and were able to get top deck front seats. The bus went back via the A520 to Rough Close and then via Lightwood and then joining the A5035 in Dresden. Whilst I took a picture of Matthew in the domed mirror, tree hit the front window and gave me a right scare! We we arrived back Matthew allowed the bus to empty and took a picture of the top deck.


Inside Ex First PMT 30039 (Matt)

He also took another picture of the bus outside for good measure...


Ex First PMT 30039 on arrival at Wedgwood (Matt)

After this we had a quick look around. 801 had already got back and was parked up back in it original spot. we returned to the car and then we decided to go home at a few minutes after 15:00. On the way back we put the match on the radio to find that Stoke were winning 2-0! Final score for the match was stoke 3 arsenal 1. bring on Man City next Saturday... (Mark)

Trip to the POPS rally 09-05-2010

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
JBF 169N	Wedgwood	Stone, Crown Street	10	Ex Turner's
A506 FSS	Stone, Crown Street	Wedgwood	10	Ex Glovers
C221 WAJ	Wedgwood	Stone, Crown Street	10	Stanways
H801 GRE	Stone, Crown Street	Wedgwood	10	Ex First PMT

It's the main local bus rally of the year, so it stands to reason Matthew wants to be here. After a quick car journey to the site, we proceed to look at the program to see which buses he wants to catch, and work out how we can fit them in. A quick look at the program reveals the Glovers Dennis Lancet was leaving for Stone at 13:00. We do the stalls, and then sit and have dinner on a grass bank were Matthew could photograph the buses as they did the shuttle services.


Beresford's bus at Wedgwood (Matthew)

We went down to the bus stops at around 12:40, but Matthew was getting restless with regard to going on the next bus (PMT 801 due off at 14:00). As a filler, we did Turner's 10 to Stone, and waited for the Glovers bus on it's return.


Turners bus 10 (JBF 169N) leaves Stone for Wedgwood. (Matthew)


After a short lay-over at stone, the Glovers Lancet appeared and we did this back to Wedgwood.


Glover Dennis Lancet A506 FSS at Stone (Matthew)

When we returned to Wedgwood, it was looking like PMT 801 would not start! Due off at the same time was a bus provided by Reliance Bus Works. This was a Dennis Dominator (C221 WAJ). We boarded this bus as we need to distract Matthew so he didn't get too upset. As we sat on the top deck awaiting time to leave, it appeared they had started 801. Since we were now settled on the double decker, the plan was to get off at stone and swap onto 801 for the return. We got off at stone and let the double decker go.


C221 WAJ at Stone (Matthew).

The next bus that turned up was a half cab single decker which we contemplated catching due to 801's non appearance. Just as we were about to give up, 801 appeared much to everybodies relief! Also on board was Matthews favourite DVD producer Dave Spencer of PMP videos fame.


First PMT 801 (H801GRE) at Stone (Matthew)

So Matthew had a short ride on 801 back to Wedgwood. After this there was just time for him to buy £22.50's worth of photographs before returning to the car...

Also of note which I guess he will want to catch next time is this Ex Northern Ireland Leyland Tiger


NXI 4619 at Wedgwood (Matthew).


Mark