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 03-09-2022

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

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

Turners WJ65 EKW on the M6

Also seen was Turners YT68 GWG.

Turners YT68 GWG on the M6

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

Go North West 3055 in Middleton bus station

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

Stagecoach Manchester 19427 in Middleton bus station

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

Go North West 3064 in Middleton bus station

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

First West Yorkshire 33883 in Rochdale Interchange

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

Transdev Rosso 283 in Rochdale Interchange

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

Transdev Rosso 1764 in Rochdale Interchange

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

Transdev Rosso 602 in Rochdale Interchange

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

Rotala Diamond 40793 in Bury Interchange

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

Go North West 3218 in Bury Interchange

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

Go North West 3218 in Heaton Park

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

Go North West 3224 in Heaton Park

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

Go North West 3227 in Prestwich

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

First Manchester 67423 in Cheetham Hill

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

First Manchester 67423 in Bowker Vale

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

First Manchester 37449 in Bowker Vale

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

Red Rose UUI 4798 in Bowker Vale

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

Go North West 6218 in Bowker Vale

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

Transdev Rosso 732 in Middleton bus station

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

Go North West 3052 in Middleton bus station

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

Go North West 3238 in Middleton bus station

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

Go North West 5003 in Middleton bus station

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

Trip to Middleton / 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.