Trip to Newcastle / Biddulph 18-06-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67639	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trentham, adj Man-in-Space	22	First Potteries
41495	Trentham, adj Man-in-Space	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop R	21	First Potteries
41512	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop Q	Newcastle BS	2	First Potteries
32077	Newcastle BS	Tunstall, adj stop A	99	First Potteries
53122	Tunstall, adj stop B	Newcastle BS	99	First Potteries
32078	Newcastle BS	Porthill, Adj St Andrew's Church	99	First Potteries
53155	Porthill, Opp St Andrew's Church	Newcastle BS	98	First Potteries
65042	Newcastle BS	Newcastle BS	101	First Potteries
53041	Hanley BS	Biddulph, Adj Somerfield Store	7A	First Potteries
53122	Biddulph BS	Hanley BS	7A	First Potteries
66838	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	25	First Potteries

Today we decided to do a local trip. We had researched the the weather and it was for mainly cloudy dry weather. We gave Matthew a list of 2 places to choose from and from the list he chose Stoke & Tunstall. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had a giant crumpet and orange juice for breakfast. After he got dressed we set off to the bus stop all the over on Magdalen Road. We decided to go to Stoke for dinner, and we would travel via Trentham and catch a #21 service forwards. We waited at the bus stop for a Newcastle bound #22, and a few minutes later we saw an Enviro300 come around the corner from Finstock Avenue. As it got closer we saw that it was dud First Potteries 67639.

First Potteries 67639 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked a Smart Day ticket at £5.30 before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set of onto the A5035 and we crossed over the railway line into Trentham. We saw Free Spirits white minibus MK52 PXH parked up by the Trentham Hotel and we turned right into New Inn Lane. We saw the man in Space ahead of us and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we saw tat we had around a 10 minute wait for the #21 to Stoke. A few minutes later we saw required First Potteries 41495 on the #21 to the Trentham Hotel, so we knew we ere going to get a required bus. The bus turned into Pacific Drive and appeared again a few minutes later before going right onto New Inn Lane. Whilst we waited for the bus to returned we saw the next #22 to Longton approaching... As I got closer we saw that it was required First Potteries 67637. A minute or so later we saw required First Potteries 41495 reappear up New Inn Lane and we flagged it down.

First Potteries 41495 in Trentham

Just before we got on the bus we saw MJ Travel DE06 WZR go by. We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart day ticket to the driver. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 41495 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside First Potteries 41495

We set off up New Inn Lane and we turned right into Wilson Road an then left into Church Lane. We joined the A34 and we ran under the A500 into Trent Vale. We turned right into London Road and we ran through Oak Hill and the the West End before running into Stoke Town centre and Campbell Place. There was nothing of interest parked up in City cabs and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 41495 before it carried on towards Hanley.

First Potteries 41495 in Stoke

We went to cross the road and we saw First Potteries 53060 on a #21A to Trentham Gardens.

First Potteries 53060 in Stoke

We walked along Campbell Place around the corner and into Church Street. We went in a Matthew went to the toilet and the lady behind the counter sorted out our usual order! Matthew had his breakfast and washed it down with a can of Coke. After we had finished we said goodbye and we walked down to the Newcastle bus stop. A few minutes later we saw a couple of First Potteris Caetano bodied Darts approaching. The leading Dart was First Potteries 41522 on a #23A. Bringing up the rear was First Potteries 41512 on a #2 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 41512 in Stoke

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Church Street and we went forwards onto Hartshill Road. We climbed the hill and we went down into Newcastle down George Street. We turned left onto Barracks Road and we entered the bus station. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 41512.

Inside First Potteries 41512

We got off the bus and we had a look around to see what was about. On layover in Stubbs Street was First Potteries 37159.

First Potteries 37159 in Newcastle bus station

We also saw Arriva Midlands 3695 displaying #164 Newcastle... Service were terminating in Newcastle instead of Hanley due to the Women's tour cycling race.

Arriva Midlands 3695 in Newcastle bus station

We sat on the seat at the bottom of the bus station and Matthew had a Toffee Crisp. Whilst we waited to see if there was a suitable bus to do we saw ABC Supreme BU04 FKE.

ABC Supreme BU04 FKE in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes later we saw an ALX400 double decker enter the bus station at the Northern end off Barracks Road. It came down Stubbs Street and as it got closer we saw that it was dud First Potteries 32077 on a #98 service.

First Potteries 32077 in Newcastle bus station

We decided to do this bus as it was going to become a #99 to Chell via Tunstall. We walked up to the top of the bus station and we waited for the bus to be readied. A few minutes later we got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. As the rear of the top deck was empty, Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 32077 before we sat down.

Inside First Potteries 32077

The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We crossed the Jubilee Roundabout onto the A527 and we ran through Wolstanton and to Porthill. We ran down the hill and we crossed the A500 and we ran into Longport. At Trubshaw Cross we turned left onto Brownhills Road we climbed the hill into Tunstall town centre. We went straight onto Tunstall High Street and we passed First Potteries 37146 on a Newcastle bound #99 service. At the top of the High Street we got up and got off the bus. Matthew then took another picture of First Potteries 32077 before it carried on towards Chell Heath.

First Potteries 32077 in Tunstall

We turned to see Roseville minibus EX57 HKT going North up the High Street.

Roseville EX57 HKT in Tunstall

We walked down to the Tunstall Cafe and Matthew went to the toilet whilst I sort out his food. The lady here also now knows our order by heart! Matthew had a slice of Toffee Cheesecake which he washed down with a can of Coke. One we had finished eating we said goodbye and then we crossed the road to the bus stop opposite. Matthew had indicated that he wanted to do the #99 back to Newcastle, so when First Potteries 67640 appeared on the #3 to Hanley we turned this down. A few minutes later we saw a First Potteries Solo turn the corner. As it got closer we saw that it was required First Potteries 53122.

First Potteries 53122 in Tunstall

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We sat off down the High Street and forwards onto Brownhills Road. We ran down the hill to Trubshaw Cross and we joined Longport Road. We crossed over the roundabout and climbed Porthill bank before turning left onto Wolstanton High Street. We ran through Wolstanton and out the other side and down into Newcastle. We crossed the Jubilee Roundabout and we ran onto barracks Road before we turned into the bus station. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 53122.

Inside First Potteries 53122

Once off the bus we went to investigate the Arriva Midlands Versa. It was required Arriva Midlands 2993 on a truncated #164 service.

Arriva Midlands 2993 in Newcastle bus station

Matthew headed to the toilet. Afterwards we walked back down to the bottom end of the bus station. We then saw D&G Solo SR 101 arrive on a #85 to Crewe.

D&G 101 in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes alter we saw another First Potteries ALX400 come into the bus station from the North. As it got closer we saw that it was required First Potteries 32078 on a #98 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 32078 in Newcastle bus station

It was going to work the next #99 to Chell Heath so we decided to do this bus. We walked to the top end of the bus station and by the time we got there the bus was already loading. We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 32078 before we sat down.

Inside First Potteries 32078

The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We crossed the Jubilee Roundabout and we went forwards onto the A527. We ran through Wolstanton, and we were going out the other side Matthew decided he wanted to get up and get off the bus. Once off the bus, Matthew got another picture of First Potteries 32078.

First Potteries 32078 in Porthill

We crossed the road at the crossing and we walked to the bus stop opposite. We didn't have to wait long at all before we saw a raspberry coloured Solo approaching. As it got closer we confirmed it was required First Potteries 53155 on a #99 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 53155 in Porthill

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We ran back through Wolstanton along the High Street and out the other side into Newcastle. We crossed the roundabout and we went onto Barracks Road before we entered the bus station. In the bus station unusually was a silver coach. We waited for the bus to empty and then Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 53155.

Inside First Potteries 53155

Once off the Solo, We looked across at the silver coach, which was Holmeswood Coaches PO16 HTD which was working a shuttle service to the Ethiad Stadium in Conjunction with The Stone Roses concert in Manchester. The coach departed quickly and we decided to go towards Hanley next. We turned around to see required First Potteries 65042 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 65042 in Newcastle bus station

We decided to do this bus, so we walked over to it and got on. We flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We crossed the Jubilee Roundabout and we went onto the A53 one way system. We followed the road around the one way system onto George Street At the roundabout we went onto Shelton New Road and we ran through Etruria up to Snow Hill. We turned left to go towards Hanley and we queued for a while trying to get into town. At the ring road, instead of going Straight onto Broad Street, we turned right onto the ring road due to the cycling road closures. We ran around to Bethesda Street and we came into the bus station up John Street. The bus didn't unload very quickly, so we skipped getting a picture inside the bus and we got off. Matthew used the toilet and then we headed outside the bus station to go to John Street car park. Outside Matthew spotted a coach... It was Holmeswood Coaches PO16 HTD again making another stop on it's way to the Ethiad Stadium.

Holmeswood PO16 HTD in Hanley bus station

On the way across to the car park we saw a Routemaster outside the Victoria Theatre. It was Routemaster Buses (of Nantwich) RML2515 which was being used for a wedding.

Routemaster Buses RML2515 in Hanley bus station

We carried on towards the car park and we saw what might have been the return of the first through. It was Arriva Midlands 3696 on a #164 to Shrewsbury.

Arriva Midlands 3696 in Hanley bus station

We went into the car park and we took a few pictures. We saw First Potteries 67635 on a #3 to Crewe.

First Potteries 67635 in Hanley bus station

We also saw required D&G 100 which was unusually on a #9 service to Clayton.

D&G 100 in Hanley bus station

Matthew drank a small bottle of lemonade followed by a bag of Milky Stars which he shared with me and uncle Dave. We decided to go back down to the bus station and catch something else. We stopped at the Spar shop and Mathew had a can of Coke and a bottle of Irn Bru as well as a couple of bar of chocolate. Once we had finished and paid in the shop Matthew decided he wanted to go towards Biddulph. Matthew turned down required First Potteries 41498 which was on a #7 to Kidsgrove. We could have done this to Chell and caught to following #7A. He also turned down required D&G 157 which was on the #9 to Biddulph. A few minutes later We saw dud First Potteries 53041 get readied for service and come onto stand from one of the layover spaces.

First Potteries 53041 in Hanley bus station

We set off out of the bus station and we ran down onto Bethesda Street. We joined the ring road and we ran around to Etruria Road and we ran up Trinity Street to Stafford Street. We carried on to Quadrant Road and we left Hanley along Town Road. We traveled through Sneyd Green and over Smallthorne roundabouts to Chell. At the roundabout we turned right and we ran down the A527 through Brindley Ford. We turned left to run through Brown Lees. We crossed over the A527 at Knypersley and we ran around through the housing estates of Biddulph before running into town along Well Street. We turned right onto the High Street and left onto South View where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 53041 before it turned around for the journey back to Hanley.

First Potteries 53041 in Biddulph

Behind us was D&G 191, which was on a #94 to Congleton.

D&G 191 in Biddulph

We went to the toilet and afterwards we walked down to the kebab house on the top of the High Street and we brought some fries. On the corner of High Street and Wharf Road we saw D&G 157 returning to Clayton on the #9 service. We went to the bus station shelter and we ate our chips. Matthew also drank a bottle of irn Bru. Whilst we were there we saw First Potteries 37146 on a #7A to Hanley. After we had finished eating we sat outside in the sun whilst we waited 15 minutes for the next #7A. The D&G bus turned up first and it was dud D&G 159 on the #9 service. The #7A turned up and it was dud First Potteries 53122.

First Potteries 53122 in Biddulph bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off onto High Street and we turned left onto Well Street. We ran around the estate and we crossed over the A527 at Knypersley We ran through Brown Lees and we rejoined the A527 by the industrial estate. We ran down through Brindley Ford and Fegg Hayes and then we ran up the hill to Chell. We turned left onto High Lane and we ran back through Smallthorne & Sneyd Green into Hanley. When we got back to Hanley we walked down to the bottom stands to catch something towards Newcastle. On stand was was First Potteries 66838 on a #25 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 66838 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart day ticket to the driver for the final time today. We ran down through Stoke and Hartshill through the hospital and int Newcastle. We got off the bus and we saw First Potteries 32057 on a #98 to Ball Green.

First Potteries 32057 in Newcastle bus station

We also saw Roseville minibus SA05 ENF.

Roseville SA05 ENF in Newcastle bus station

Mum picked us up and we we ran down the A34 to Trent Vale where we saw silver minibus PF15 AHY. We stopped for some chips and then we continued on to the A500 where we went North. At Sideway. We went East on the A50 an we came off the at Longton to see what was parked up at Z Carz today. In the first row was Z Carz Ford minibus YS09 LWV.

Z Carz YS09 LWV in Longton

We also saw Z carz Renault minibus MV53 KKO.

Z Carz MV53 KKO in Longton

We also saw Z Carz minibus Y568 XFV.

Z Carz Y568 XFV in Longton

Nearest on the first row was Z Carz minibus X599 WDY.

Z Carz X599 WDY in Longton

On the second row was Z Carz minibus CN57 HWA.

Z Carz CN57 HWA in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row to see what was in the compound. Amongst the cars was Z Carz Mercedes minibus CE02 LYX.

Z Carz CE02 LYX in Longton

We headed back onto the A50 and we passed Copeland's Tours Bova coach MIB 516. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and we ran through Blurton along Blurton Road. We turned right int Church Road and then right again into Baeconsfield Drive where we saw white minibus NX03 BFP. We got home around 19:00. For a late tea we had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a Manchester Tart. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 01:00... Mark

Trip to Newcastle / Hanley 31-10-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
41540	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trentham, adj Man-in-Space	22	First Potteries
40009	Trentham, adj Man-in-Space	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop R	21A	First Potteries
60171	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop Q	Newcastle BS	2	First Potteries
185	Newcastle BS	Tunstall, adj stop A	94A	D&G
53830	Tunstall, adj stop B	Newcastle BS	99	First Potteries
32081	Newcastle BS	Porthill, Adj St Andrew's Church	98	First Potteries
197	Porthill, Opp St Andrew's Church	Hanley BS	17	D&G
53120	Hanley BS	Bucknall, opp Granville Road	5	First Potteries
50296	Bucknall, adj Cliveden Road	Hanley BS	5	First Potteries
65567	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	4A	First Potteries

Today we decided to have a local trip. Apart from eating in Stoke and Tunstall, we would try and go after the remaining non-DDA compliant buses in the First Potteries fleet that we haven't been on yet. The only two still in service that Matthew hasn't had are First Potteries Dart 42356 and Solo 50296. We also go to Newcastle and most times we end up going to Hanley too. A quick check of the weather revealed that it should be mainly dry with sunny intervals. Matthew got up just after 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Around 11:45 we set off on foot to the stop all the way over on Magdalen Road. On the way to the stop we saw First Potteries 53209 on the #23A to Hanley. We also saw First Potteries Dart 40367 on the #22 to Longton. A few minutes later a Dart rounded the corner, and with it's all over evening Sentinel advert we knew it was dud First Potteries 41540.

First Potteries 41540 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked a Smart Day ticket at £5.30. We sat down towards the back of the bus and the bus set off onto the A5035. We crossed over the railway line into Trentham and we turned right into New Inn Lane. As we went down the road we passed dud First Potteries 53119 on the #21 which we thought we would probably end up catching. When we got to the man in Space we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 41540 as it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 41540 in Trentham

We were thinking that we would have to wait for First Potteries 53119 to return, but a minute or so later we saw a different Solo approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was dud First Potteries 40009.

First Potteries 40009 in Trentham

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver. The bus was already quite well load on it's return from Trentham Gardens, and we sat down towards to rear of the bus. This was a bus that we had only been on quite recently for the first time, when it appeared on the #22 back in September 2015 between Blurton & Trent Vale. The bus set off up New Inn Lane and left into Hanford along Wilson Road. We went down Church Lane and we joined onto the A34. We went under the A500 and into Trent Vale. As we turned onto London Road we passed a bus going the other way and there was a Roman centurion sat on the bus with armour on. His helmet was beside him on the seat... We carried on the mile or so along into Stoke and we got up and got off the bus as we entered Campbell Place. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 40009 as it carried on towards Hanley.

First Potteries 40009 in Stoke

I was a little short of cash so we walked up to the cash machine outside Lloyds Bank. One I had used the machine we walked back down Hide Street onto Campbell Place. As we crossed the road we saw required First Potteries 53042 on a #21 to Trentham.

First Potteries 53042 in Stoke

We walked around the corner in to Church Street and we went in the Stoke Cafe. Matthew went to the toilet and I ordered the food. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of orange Tango. After we had finished eating we walked onto Church Street to catch a bus to Newcastle. When we got to the stop we saw 66851 on a #3 to Keele and we turned it down. Going the other way we saw First Potteries 42893 going towards Hanley.

First Potteries 42893 in Stoke

A few minutes later we saw dud First Potteries Scania 60171 approaching from under the railway line.

First Potteries 60171 in Stoke

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off up Church Street and up Hartshill Road. We carried on through Harthill and we dropped into Newcastle down George Street. We turned left into Barracks Road and then into the bus station. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 60171.

Inside First Potteries 60171

When we got off the bus we decided to have a look around to see what buses were about. We stood at the top end of the bus station and we saw D&G Solo 121 depart on a #73 to Park Site.

D&G 121 in Newcastle bus station

We also saw First Potteries double decker 32053 on a #98 to Ball Green.

First Potteries 32053 in Newcastle bus station

We walked down to the bottom end of the bus station and we sat on the bench. Matthew shared a double Milky Way with we and uncle Dave. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 66305 on a #3 to Crewe.

First Potteries 66305 in Newcastle bus station

The was followed by one of D&G buses newer arrivals... D&G Solo 129 was on the #85 to Crewe.

D&G 129 in Newcastle bus station

Another arrival into the bus station was First Potteries 66306 on a #4 service.

First Potteries 66306 in Newcastle bus station

We also saw former First Northampton Scania, now First Potteries 65561 on a #3 to Keele village.

First Potteries 65561 in Newcastle bus station

We saw a Dart park up on Stubbs Street on layover. As we got closer we saw that it was former Bath Dart now First Potteries 42552.

First Potteries 42552 in Newcastle bus station

Whilst we considered what bus to do towards Tunstall we saw required D&G 185 come into the bus station. went down Stubbs Street and then it pulled around onto the stand to work the #94A to Kidsgrove.

D&G 185 in Newcastle bus station

Whilst we waited for the bus to be readied for service we stood at the top of the bus station and we took a few more pictures. Whilst there we saw Arriva Midlands 3698 on the #164 to Market Drayton & then Shrewsbury which goes forwards as the #64 service.

Arriva Midlands 3698 in Newcastle bus station

This was followed by First Potteries 66962 on a #4A to Audley.

First Potteries 66962 in Newcastle bus station

After the Volvo single decker was dud First Potteries 32632, which was about to work the next #98 to Ball Green via Burslem

First Potteries 32632 in Newcastle bus station

The new driver of D&G 185 made ready the bus, and we got on it flashing him Smart Day ticket before we sat down towards the rear of the bus. The seats opposite to us were empty, and Matthew took a picture inside D&G 185.

Inside D&G 185

The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. At the Jubilee roundabout we took the A527 towards Wolstanton. We passed through Wolstanton and we turned right to go down Porthill Bank. We crossed the A500 and we went into Longport. At Trubshaw Cross we turned left onto Brownhills Road and straight onto Tunstall High Street. At the top of Tunstall High Street we got up and got off the bus. Before we went to the Cafe, Matthew took another picture of D&G 185 as it carried on towards Kidsgrove.

D&G 185 in Tunstall

We went into the Tunstall cafe and Matthew went to the toilet. I ordered the food whilst matthew was in the toilet. He had a slice of toffee chessecake washed with a can of Coke. Whenwe had finished eating we went out into the High Street and we crossed over to wait for a bus. We turned down First Potteries 66841 on a #3 service, and D&G 185 returned from Kidsgrove and was now heading towards Newcastle again. We decided to do the next bus, and the next bus turned out to be dud First Potteries 53830 on a #99 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 53830 in Tunstall

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down the High Street and forwards onto Brownhills Road. At Trubshaw Cross we saw relatively new arrival, First Potteries 32081 on a #98 to Newcastle. We followed the double decker down through Longport and over the A500. We overrook the bus on Porthil Bank and we turned left following the A527 through Wolstanton passing Roseville WF11 WHC. We carried on into Newcastle and we crossed the Jubilee roundabout and we went onto Barracks Road before entering the bus station. When we got into the bus station we let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 53830.

Inside First Potteries 53830

We got into the bus station and we saw required D&G 197 on a #17 to Hanley. We also knew that there would be a required double decker entering the bus station any minute now. We asked matthew which bus he wanted to do and he chose to do the double decker. As expected a few minutes later the bus came down Barracks Road, new arrival required First Potteries 32081.

First Potteries 32081 in Newcastle bus station

The bus pulled into the bus station and after sitting in Stubbs Lane for a minute or so it came around onto stand. We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart day ticket to the driver before going upstairs. The top decker was empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 32081.

Inside First Potteries 32081

The D&G single decker 197 left the bus station and we realised that we could have the other bus too, and use it to get to Hanley If we got off this double decker at Porthill we could cross the road and do the D&G forwards to Hanley after it had been around Bradwell. We set off out of the bus station and onto the A527 via Barracks Road and the Jubilee roundabout. We passed through Wolstanton and as we approached Porthill bank we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of first Potteries 32081 as it carried on towards Ball Green.

First Potteries 32081 in Porthill

We crossed the Road and we looked at the timetable at the bus stop. According to the timetable we had around a 5 minute wait for the #17 service. Bang on time we saw the dart approaching, and as expected it was D&G 197.

D&G 197 in Porthill

We got on the bus and the bus set off down the A527 through Wolstanton. We turned right onto Basford Park Road and we emerged onto the A53. We went down the hill and over the A500 and towards Festival Park. At the big roundabout we did a U turn and we went back onto Etruria Vale Road. We turned left onto Clough Street and we stopped outside what used to be the old PMT Hanley bus garage. We went forwards onto the ring road and we turned right before going left onto Broad Street. We turned left onto Marsh Street and right onto Pall Mall. A the end of Pall Mall we joined Bagnall Street and we ran into Hanley bus station. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside D&G 197.

Inside D&G 197

We got off the bus and Matthew went to the toilet. As we usually do when we are in Hanley we headed over to John Street car park to take pictures of buses. On the way to the car park we saw First Potteries 32627 on layover.

First Potteries 32627 in Hanley bus station

We climbed the stairs in the multi storey car park so we could overlook the buses. Both of the two buses that we wanted to ride on were on layover in the bus station. First Potteries Solo 50296 was in between duties on the #5 to Abbey Hulton and Dart 42356 was on displaying not in service. We realised that we wouldn't be in the car park long today.Whilst we waited for the buses to work we saw D&G 191 on the #43 to Badderley Green.

D&G 191 in Hanley bus station

After that we saw First Potteries Solo 53207 on a #7 to Kidsgrove.

First Potteries 53207 in Hanley bus station

This was followed by First Potteries 66308 on a #4A to Kidsgrove.

First Potteries 66308 in Hanley bus station

Matthew ate a bag of Milky Stars whilst we waited. We saw First Potteries Dart 42356 leave the layover bay and it ran around the bus station and ran out running out of service... Drat!

First Potteries 42356 in Hanley bus station

Just after the Dart left we saw the driver get into the driving seat in First Potteries Solo 50296 so we set off towards the bus station. We got around to the bus station in time to see the bus in the bus station but Matthew was more interested in visiting the shop! We let the required Dart go and we went into the Spar shop where Matthew brought pop and chocolate, as well as saying hello to the lady who works there. Once we left the shop we decided to wait for the next #5 service to Abbey Hulton to head off the required Solo. We waited at Bay F and Matthew ate a toffee Crisp and drank a bottle of Irn Bru. We saw required First Potteries 32634 outside the bus station on a #2 to Newcastle. We though about doing this bus down to Bucknall pull it pulled off as we stood up. The next #5 to Abbey Hulton came into the bus station and it was required First Potteries 53120.

First Potteries 53120 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Abbey Hulton, although we knew we would get off before then. We sat down near to the back and the bus filled up rapidly. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto the ring road. We turned up Lichfield Street and we went past the outside of the bus station before turning right into Birch Terrace. We followed the road around onto Charles Street before turning right onto Old Hall Street. We crossed the ring road and we went down Limekiln Bank and into Bucknall. As we travelled through Bucknall we decided that we would get off the bus near to Matthew's old college. The bus turned into Newhouse Road and about half way along we decided to get up and get off the bus. As we got off we spotted the now unique in the fleet First Potteries 50296 so we quickly crossed the road. Matthew just had time to turn and get a picture of First Potteries 50296 as it approached us...

First Potteries 50296 in Bucknall

We got on the bus and we flashed the smart Day ticket to the driver. Matthew attempted to honk the horn on this Solo and we had to wrestle him away from front of the bus! We sat down at the back and the bus and the bus set off down Newhouse Road and we turned right onto the A52. We ran up to the top of Limekiln Bank and we sat at the traffic lights next to First Potteries 32630 which was on a #32 from Uttoxeter. We turned right onto the ring road and we headed to the bus station via Quadrant Road, Stafford Street and Bagnall Street. When we got to the bus station in Hanley Matthew took a picture of the now empty First Potteries 50296 facing forwards.

Inside First Potteries 50296

As we were getting off the bus once again we had to wrestle Matthew away from the driver as he attempted to honk the horn again. We started to go down towards the bottom of the bus station to catch the final bus towards Newcastle to meet mum. On the way down we saw an unusual working. First Potteries Streetlite 63099 was about to work a #18 to Leek.

First Potteries 63099 in Hanley bus station

As we were considering do a #3 towards Newcastle, we spotted former Northampton Scania First Potteries 65567 that I haven't been on going a #4A to Kidsgrove.

First Potteries 65567 in Hanley bus station

As Matthew had only done this bus once before himself, we decided to do this bus. We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver for the final time today. The bus was already quite full and we sat towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and we went down to Bethesda Street. We went forwards onto Marsh Street and then we turned left onto Etruria Road. We crossed under the A53 and we went into Festival Park. Next to Waterworld we saw Chase Grammar Mercedes minibus BHZ 4613 loading up. We Went along Festival way and we turned left into Forge Lane. We crossed back under the A53 and we joined the westbound carriageway. We crossed over the A500 and we went up the hill towards Basford. Near to Queens we passed 32079 on either a #4 or a #4A to Hanley. We climbed the hill and we dropped into Newcastle via Borough Road and brunswick Street. At the Jubilee roundabout we went onto Barracks Road and into the bus station. The bus went straight onto stand and as it was a through bus it didn't empty enough to get a picture inside it. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew got another picture of First Potteries 65567.

First Potteries 65567 in Newcastle bus station

When we got off we decided to take a few more picture before we headed up to the lay-by where we usually meet mum. Across the way we saw dud First Potteries double decker 37157 on a #4A to Hanley.

First Potteries 37157 in Newcastle bus station

Matthew wanted to go to the toilet, and we saw a Shrewsbury Park & Ride bus on the #164 service. We decided to go over to it rather than wait. As we got around the other side the bus pulled off stand. It was Arriva Midlands Versa 2965.

Arriva Midlands 2965 in Newcastle bus station

On the way to the toilet we saw First potteries 32055 on a #4 to Audley.

First Potteries 32055 in Newcastle bus station

We crossed the road and Matthew used the facilities... He just came out in time to see D&G MCW eVolution 132 on a #9 to Clayton.

D&G 132 in Newcastle bus station

We walked up to the lay-by and we had beaten mum to the rendezvous point. A minute or two later mum appeared and we got into the car, mum gad purchase some mini Wrights sausage rolls and Matthew washed his down with a bottle of Irn Bru. We did a 180 around the Jubilee roundabout and we headed back down Barracks Road and onto the Southbound A34. We went down the Lyme Valley to Trent Vale and we stopped at the riverside chippy to get some chips. We carried on down the A34 to the A500 and we turned left onto the Northbound carriageway which we did up to Sideway. At Sideway we went Eastwards along the A50 and we came off at Longton to see what was present at Z carz this evening. It was now quite dark and it was hard to see the buses. second in the first row was Z Carz Ford minibus NA06 SUO.

Z Carz NA06 SUO in Longton

The nearest minibus in the front row was Z Carz green Ford Transit T418 WYJ.

Z Carz T418 WYJ in Longton

Nearest on the second row was Z Carz Mercedes high bodied minibus CE02 LYX.

Z Carz CE02 LYX in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row to see if there were any buses in the compound. There were a couple of minibuses including Z Carz Volkswagen minibus S973 OVP & Mercedes minibus M372 NWN.

Z Carz M372 NWN in Longton

We went back onto the A50 and we ran down to Heron Cross where we turned left onto Blurton Road. We continued onto Church Road and we turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home at around 18:00. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash followed by a Halloween gingerbread man. After all the trick or treaters had finished coming around, Matthew chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:30... Mark