Trip to Parkhouse / Newcastle 06-07-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Parkhouse	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Parkhouse	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
63099	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Newcastle, Opp Cherry Tree PH	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going to see Grandma later on and going to the pub and returning to Blurton for a long weekend. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst we waited for time to go out Matthew watched buses from his window. Outside we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

Around 09:00 we set of onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw Wint's FL02 ZXV parked up.

Wint's FL02 ZXV in Fenton

We turned right onto Christchurch Street and to the day centre. In the morning we did some baking. Matthew made chocolate cake. For dinner Matthew had sausage chips and gravy followed by some chocolate cake. In the afternoon Matthew went to Parkhouse on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Glabebdale Road and we turned left onto City Road. We ran down the hill and forwards onto the A52 under the railway line. We turned right onto the A500 and we ran North. We saw National Express liveried Edwards Coaches BV66 WPP, white minibus CK05 XTB and Luckett's BN17 JJU. We turned left onto the Southbound A34 and we ran down to parkhouse. We turned left onto Parkhouse Road East and we turned into the car park and Matthew went to have his feet measured and checked. When we came out we saw ex Routemaster Buses H116 SAO. We set off back to Fenton on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto parkhouse Road East and left onto the Southbound A34. We ran through Milehouse and around Newcastle. We turned left onto Rycroft and we crossed over the Junilee Roundabout. We ran up George Street towards Hartshill and we veered left onto Shelton New Road. We ran up to Shelton and we turned left onto Snow Hill. We joined the anti-clockwise ring road and we turned right onto Lichfield Street. WE stopped at the pub to pick up some other service users and we continued down Lichfield Street to Joiners Square. We crossed over the roundabout onto Victoria Road and we ran up the hill into Fenton. We turned sharp right onto City Road and left onto Glebedale Road and back to the day centre. One off the minibus we walked to the pub. We continued onto Chrsitchurch Street and we stopped at the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and had a glass of Coke. When it was time to go we set off onto Christchurch Street and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to wait for me to come and pick him up. Whilst waiting we saw D&G Bus 100 on a #1 to Meir.

D&G 100 in Fenton

There are roadworks opposite to the residential unit at the moment. A few minutes later we saw Stanton's of Stoke SO57 OKE headning towards Heron Cross.

Stanton's of Stoke SO57 OKE in Fenton

Also seen was Stanton's of Stoke KN61 EYG going towards Heron Cross.

Stanton's of Stoke KN61 EYG in Fenton

After a short while we saw Meadows DX65 DMV going towards Stoke.

Meadows DX65 DMV in Fenton

I turned up around 15:00 after getting stuck in traffic and we got ready to go to Blurton. Once we were ready we went downstairs and out of the residential unit. We got in the car and we drove onto Temple Street. We turned right onto Christchurch Street and right onto Station Bridge Road. We followed the road around onto Heron Street and into Heron Cross where we saw D&G Bus 158 on a #40 to Fenton. We went through the traffic lights and forwards onto Blurton Road. As we travelled through Blurton we passed First Potteries 42553 on a #23 to Hanley. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Street and right onto Beaconsfield Drive. By OSSMA we saw Stanton's of Stoke RUI 2486. We got home around 15:30. When we got home Matthew had toast and a glass of Fanta ornage. Today we were catching the 15:56 to Newcastle as we were going to the pub via Grandma's House. We set off around 15:50 on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. The bus was a little late and we saw Lucky Seven DK11 BVX going into Blurton. The bus was a little late today due to traffic. When it appeared it was First Potteries 63099 on a #22 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63099 in Blurton

As we got on the bus we saw First Potteries 63097 on a #22 to Longton. We booked to Newcastle we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto the A5035. We went over the railway line into Trentham. We turned right into New Inn Lane and we ran up the hill into Hanford where we passed First Potteries 67660 on the final #22 turn. We turned right into Wilson Road and we ran down Church Lane. We continued down onto the A34 and as we joined the A34 we saw white minibus ND10 GZN and Sroke-on-Trent welfare bus LK17 DXD going Northwards. We crossed under the A500. We turned right into Harpfields Road and we saw City Cabs SF07 KSU. We continued forwards on Hilton Road and we turned into the hospital. As we travelled through the hospital we saw E-zec patient transport SF16 EFS. We turned right onto the A34 and we passed First Potteries 65026 on a #101 to Stafford. A couple of stops down the road we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 63099 as it carried onto Newcastle.

First Potteries 63099 in Newcastle

Behind us we saw E-zec patient transport YJ16 GFA going towards Newcastle town centre.

E-zec patient transport YJ16 GFA in Newcastle

Also seen was Rosevile EJ61 VGZ going towards Newcastle.

Rosevile EJ61 VGZ in Newcastle

Across the road we saw First Potteries 32648 on a #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 32648 in Newcastle

We crossed over the A34 and we walked up the hill to Grandma's house. At Grandma's Matthew had a can of Irn Bru and a slice of lemon drizzle cake and used her computer. Around 18:00 we set off onto Victoria Street. We turned left onto the A34. We continued down the A34 and we ran down into Trent Vale and we saw E-zec patient transport YN15 FEO. We carried on down the A34 and we went into the pub. Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with custard. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses included Posh Limos PO55 SSH going Northwards and First Potteries 32649 on a #101 to Stafford and First Potteries 65037 on a #101 to Hanley. Once we had finished eating we set off back to Blurton. We ran down the A34 and we joined the A500 at Hanford. We went North up the A500 to Sideway and we went Eastwards along the A50 following Stanway's PIL 2678. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and we saw ABC Supreme FY52 NSV. We dropped down into Fenton to pick uncle Dave up. Once we had picked him up we ran up to Heron Street and we crossed over the A50. We continued into Blurton along Blurton Road. We turned right onto Church Road and we turned right into Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 19:15. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we composed a few e-mails and sorted a few things out. We then chilled out on the sofa doing e-mails and writing the until bedtime around 01:00... Mark

Trip to Crewe / Tarporley 26-03-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
LJ04 LGK	Crewe BS	Nantwich BS	C84	Routemaster Buses
LJ04 LGK	Nantwich BS	Tarporley. o/s Rising Sun PH	C84	Routemaster Buses
LJ04 LGK	Tarporley, o/s Shops	Crewe, Opp Earl of Crewe	C84	Routemaster Buses

Today we decided to re-visit Crewe. On the Friday we found out that Routemaster Buses were suspending there C84 service, so we decided to get up to Crewe to try and ride on a few of there buses before it happened. We had checked the weather and it was for heavy rain all over the North West and the Midlands. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We had to pop up to Hanley on the way, so we set off around 11;30. We drove down Beaconsfield Drive and left onto Church Road. At Critchlow's Corner we went forwards onto Blurton Road. We crossed over the A50 and at Heron Cross lights we turned left. We turned right at Smithpool Road an as we we joined city road we saw First Potteries 42554 on a #23A to Newstead. We went down City Road and we joined the A52. As we stopped at the lights near to the railway station Happy Days mini coach 229 came up the inside of us to turned onto Station Road. We continued onto Joiners Square and at the roundabout we turned left onto Lichfield Street. At the ring road we turned right and we ran around to the Intu Potteries shopping centre and we parked outside in the street in a loading by whilst mum ran in to a shop to return an item. We set off back around onto the ring road and we ran down to the bottom of Waterloo Road. At Cobridge we turned left onto the A53 and we ran down to the A500. We went North on the A500 and we passed Space Bus P246 UCW. At the Mr we went straight across and we carried on a couple of junctions and we overtook Paul's of Stoke M41 KCU. We took the new road under the Alsager line and we came up to the roundabout turning left onto the A534. By the side of the railway station we saw another Happy Days coach 225. We turned right at Edleston Street and we ran down to Delamere Street and past the bus station. We wound around the streets and we parked up at Asda. For dinner we went to Vernon's fish bar. After Matthew went to the toilet we ordered him sausage, chips and gravy with bread and butter washed down with a glass of Coke. After we had finished eating we paid and we said goodbye to mum. We had missed the 13:05 departure, and we had around 40 minutes to wait for the nest Routemaster Buses bus. whilst we waited we took a few bus pictures. We saw D&G Buses 103 on a #1B to Nantwich.

D&G 103 in Crewe bus station

We also saw Routemaster Buses LJ04 LGK which we assumed was going to be the 14:05 C84 departure to Chester.

Routemaster Buses LJ04 LGK in Crewe bus station

We also saw Arriva NW&W 2623 on a #84 service.

Arriva NW&W 2623 in Crewe bus station

On layover across the was was Arriva NW&W 4104.

Arriva NW&W 4104 in Crewe bus station

On the following #84 service was Arriva NW&W double decker 4476.

Arriva NW&W 4476 in Crewe bus station

We walked up the other end of the bus station and we saw D&G Buses 102 on a #8A to Sydney Drive.

D&G 102 in Crewe bus station

Down the side of the bus station we saw Arriva NW&W Solo SR 708 on a #6 service.

Arriva NW&W 708 in Crewe bus station

We walked back up to the other end of the bus station and we sat down to wait for the 14:05 departure. Matthew had a Cadbury's Snack bar which he shared with me and uncle Dave. Just before the bus was due we got up up and had a wander around. We saw dud Arriva NW&W 2626.

Arriva NW&W 2626 in Crewe bus station

We also saw Routemaster Buses YJ53 VDT arrive on the 12:35 C84 departure from Chester. The bus emptied out and headed up the top corner to go on layover.

Routemaster Buses YJ53 VDT in Crewe bus station

Once the bus had gone up to the top corner Routemaster Buses double decker LJ04 LGK came off layover and onto the stand. We got on the bus and we booked day tickets at £5.00 each. The bus was empty so Matthew photographed the empty lower saloon.

Inside Routemaster Buses LJ04 LGK

We went upstairs and Matthew also took a picture inside the empty top decker too before we sat down.

Inside Routemaster Buses LJ04 LGK

We set off out of the bus station and onto Delamere Street. We followed the road around to the right and over the old railway bridge and forwards onto Edleston Street. At the end we turned right onto Nantwich road. We continued West for a couple of miles before we turned left onto Wistaston Road. We traveled down for about a quarter of a mile towards the level crossing before we turned right onto Coppice Road. We turned left back onto the A534 and we traveled down to The Peacock roundabout. We carried on across the roundabout over the Nantwich by-pass and we ran around 1/2 a mile to the Eastern edge of town we turned right onto the B5074 and left onto Beam Street. We passed M&S and the library and we entered Nantwich bus station. As we entered the bus station we saw Kee travel coach 0006 KEE depart the bus station and we saw GHA minibus EEZ 2362 parked up being used for drivers. We decied to go forwards towards tarporley to see what the next turn was. we saw Routemaster buses Dart PL05 PLN come into the bus station but we weren't sure what this bus was working. The town centre was busy today. We had forgotten that it was the Nantwich Jazz Festival this weekend. We set off back onto Beam Street and we went through the town centre. As it was busy we were delayed a few minutes leaving town. We went through the traffic lights and over the river onto Welsh Row. We went under the canal and we went forwards onto the A51. we went past Snugbury's and into Wardle. We crossed over the railway line at Calverley and forwards into the village of Alpraham. We joined the A49 and a few yard up the road we left the main road to run into Tarporley. We passed the garage with the Spar shop and at the next stop we decided to get up and get off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Routemaster Buses LJ04 LGK as it carried on towards Chester.

Routemaster Buses LJ04 LGK in Tarporley

Once off the bus we had around 10 minutes for the return service in theory. We gave Matthew a choice of going to the pub and using the toilet or going across the road and going to the Co-operative food to do some shopping. Matthew chose to do shopping... Before we crossed the road we saw required Arriva NW&W 4477 on a #84 to Crewe.

Arriva NW&W 4477 in Tarporley

We crossed the road and we went into the Co-operative Food store. Matthew had a can of Coke and a couple of small bottles of pop as well as a couple of chocolate bars. After we had finished paying we went outside and Matthew decided he wanted to go to the toilet after all. We crossed back over to The Rising Sun and Matthew went to the toilet. We came out of the pub and it was raining. I think Matthew wanted to stay in the pub but with an hourly service we could afford to miss this bus. We crossed the road and we walked down towards the bus stop. On the way Matthew went into a coffee shop called Latte Da to say hello to someone and then we went into the bus stop. There was only a few minutes to wait for our bus in theory... It was due at 15:11... The late running 15:06 GHA service #84 to Crewe appeared around 15:16 being worked by Centro CA07 GHA.

GHA CA07 GHA in Tarporley

There was an Arriva bus due around 15:40... We waited for close to 30 minutes for the Routemaster Buses service to appeared but it was a no show. We decided to go back to the pub and have a drink to get out of the rain and we could then come out for the 16:11 which should definitely be running as was booked to be Routemaster Buses LJ04 LGK returning. We fought our way through the rain back up the High Street and we dived into The Rising Sun again. Me and Matthew had a glass of Coke and uncle Dave had some crisps, but Matthew wouldn't let him eat them! He wouldn't even let us put the crisps in the bag I had to put them in my coat pocket. Whilst in the pub the rain came down pretty hard. I think it was a good decision to go to the pub. Just after 16:00 Matthew went to the toilet again and we saw the unidentified Arriva double decker on the #84 to Crewe running over 20 minutes late. Chester traffic can be a nightmare on a Saturday afternoon... We stood up at the bus stop as the rain had soaked the seats. When we first got there there was a river running down the street. As the rain eased off it got down to a mere trickle. The bus appeared around five late and as expected it was Routemaster Buses LJ04 LGK.

Routemaster Buses LJ04 LGK in Tarporley

We got on the bus and we flashed the day tickets to the driver before we went upstairs. There were quite a few people on the bus, but not many upstairs. there had been a few more as the windows were are misted up. We opened a window to try and de-mist the bus windows a little. We set off down the High Street and onto the A49. At the traffic lights we went straight across onto the A51 and we went through Alpraham and Calverley. We crossed the railway line and we went out into open countryside before passing through Wardle. We passed the Snugbury's ice cream and we went through Acton along the B5341 and into Nantwich town centre along Welsh Row. We crossed the river and as we waited at the traffic light we saw an unidentified Alfa Coach turning the corner to go South. We crossed the lights and we turned right into the bus station where we saw GHA Solo YJ54 ZYF & D&G Buses 101 on the #1B service. We left the bus station and we went onto Beam Street and around the Eastern side of town. We joined Crewe Road and we went East to the Peacock roundabout. we carried on along the A534 before turning right onto Coppice Road. At the end we turned left onto Wistaston Road and we re-joined the A534. We considered the doing the 17:05 from Crewe back to Nantwich. It was now getting close to 17:05 so we thought that if the bus was going to swap at Crewe we would need to get off to intercept it. As we got to the edge of Crewe by the shops on Nantwich Road we got up and got off the bus. The bus carried on towards Crewe bus station and we crossed the road to the stop outside Aldi. The bus etop timetable said that the Routemaster Buses bus was due at 17:09. Whilst we where there we saw GHA Centro CA07 GHA on the #84 to Chester again.

GHA CA07 GHA in Crewe

A few minutes later we saw required Arriva NW&W 2625 on a #84 to Nantwich.

Arriva NW&W 2625 in Crewe

We decided to give up on today so we called mum to come and pick us up. Five minutes later she arrived from where she was parked in Crewe town centre. We jumped in the car where Matthew had a Greggs sausage roll and a small bottle of Irn Bru. We turned around and we went back down the A534 we turned right just after the railway station onto the Weston Road By the Brewers Fayre pub The Brocklebank We took the new road down to the A500. We went East under the M6 and down to Sideway where we took the eastbound A50 up to Longton. At Z Carz this evening there were more than usual parked up on the spare ground. This was probably down to it being the Easter weekend. Towards the back of the front row was Z Carz Volkswagen minibus OV05 WSW.

Z Carz OV05 WSW in Longton

Further down the row we saw Z Carz Mercedes minibus CE02 LYX.

Z Carz CE02 LYX in Longton

Next to the Mercedes was Z Carz Volkswagen minibus S973 OVP.

Z Carz S973 OVP in Longton

At the end of this row was Z Carz MV53 KKD.

Z Carz MV53 KKD in Longton

last on the spare ground was Z Carz Ford minibus T418 WYJ.

Z Carz T418 WYJ in Longton

We turned left into Wilow Row to see what was in the compound. With it still being daylight we were able to see more of the buses today. The first we could see was Z Carz PY08 KDX.

Z Carz PY08 KDX in Longton

Next to this was Z Carz Iveco minibus YJ53 WPD.

Z Carz YJ53 WPD in Longton

Finally was saw Z Carz Airport Division minibus MJ03 DPU.

Z Carz MJ03 DPU in Longton

As we were turning the car we also saw Z Carz HK57 LGW which was parked on the road.

Z Carz HK57 LGW in Longton

We got back onto the A50 and we drove West up to Heron Cross. We ran through Blurton along Blurton Road and forwards onto Church Road. We then turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive getting home around 18:20. For a late tea Matthew had sausage, potatoes and carrots followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 01:00... Mark

Trip to Crewe / Chester 27-02-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
1202	Crewe BS	Nantwich BS	39	GHA
H119 SAO	Nantwich BS	Tarvin, o/s Londis Store	C84	Routemaster Buses
S644 KJU	Tarvin, o/s Londis Store	Chester BS	82	GHA
34810	Chester BS	Chester, opp Northgate Avenue	51	Stagecoach Merseyside
5000	Chester BS	Chester, after Newton Lane	X30	Arriva NW&W
5001	Chester, by Hamilton Street	Chester BS	21	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to re-visit Crewe. With GHA starting a #84 service on Monday, we decided to go to Crewe to check it out. Research consisted of checking the weather (which was for cool cloudy weather with sunny intervals) and going on the GHA website to download the timetable and check bus times. We gave Matthew a choice of destination from the North West to visit, but Matthew picked Crewe from the list. Matthew got up around 10:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:30 onto the A5035. We turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way and we passed the Britannia stadium where there was already activity ahead of todays clash against Aston Villa. We went West onto the A50 and then North onto the A500. As we joined the A500 we saw Stanton's of Stoke minibus YX53 CYZ. As we continued North we saw Tyrers YN65 AXR, City Centre Central SA08 ONW, SS Travel PN57 CUY & SO Coaches T431 KLE. The A500 was blocked West of the M6 so we had to divert around. We went North up the A5078 and we turned left to go towards Barthomley. We went West along a road designated R70 and we went through the villages of Englesea Brook & Weston. We turned right onto Main Road and we joined the old route to Crewe opposite to Crewe Hall. We turned left and we ran up to the A534 where we turned right towards the railway station. Outside Crewe station was Eavesway YJ14 BYG & silver taxi minibus EK60 KMG. We ran along the A534 before turning right onto Edleston Road. As we travelled up into Crewe town centre, we saw a number of buses. Coming the other way we Routemaster Buses H116 SAO on a C84 to Chester, Arriva NW&W 4104 on a #37 to Winsford, D&G 130 on a #85 to Newcastle, Arriva NW&W 2623 on a #84 and First Potteries 66305 on a #3 to Hanley. We went past and around the bus station and we parked up in Asda. For dinner we visited Vernon's Fish Bar. After visiting the toilet, Matthew had sausage chips and beans with a round of bread and butter and a glass of Coke. After we had finished eating, we said goodbye to mum and we walked over to the bus station. On the way in we saw D&G 154 which had developed a fault whilst working a #12 service.

D&G 154 in Crewe bus station

When we got in the bus station we had around 5 minutes before the 13:03 GHA #84 to Chester was due. The plan was to do this as far as Tarvin before doing a #82 forwards to Chester. Whilst there we had a look around to see what was in service in Crewe today. Parked up in the bus station, presumably for driver comfort breaks was GHA Mercedes minibus OEZ 2159.

GHA OEZ 2159 in Crewe bus station

Formerly 1421 in the Wardle Transport welfare fleet, this is one of the few buses in the fleet that Matthew hadn't been on around the time of the sale to Stanton's of Stoke. Also parked up on layover was Routemaster Buses East Lancs bodied Dart PL05 PLO.

Routemaster Buses PL05 PLO in Crewe bus station

We also saw Routemaster Buses YJ07 JWD, which was about to work their 13:00 C84 service.

Routemaster Buses YJ07 JWD in Crewe bus station

There was a bit of activity around the hour... Required Arriva NW&W 894 was on a #6 service, required Arriva NW&W 2615 was on a #31A and required Routemaster Buses PL05 PLN was about to work a #9 service.

Routemaster Buses PL05 PLN in Crewe bus station

13:03 came and went and the GHA #84 bus come in. We had noticed the Routemaster Buses 12:00 C84 was running a little late, so we thought it might have been caught in traffic. Across the other end of the bus station we saw required GHA 1202 come in, which was going to work the 13:25 #39 departure to Nantwich.

GHA 1202 in Crewe bus station

The driver had a quick comfort break and then returned to the bus. When the driver got the bus ready for service we boarded the bus and we booked GHA day tickets at £5 each. Matthew honked the horn before he sat down... :( At 13:25 the bu set off out of the bus station and we headed up to the A534 via Delamere Street, Chester Bridge, High Street and Mill Street. After turning left we turned right onto Gresty Road and we were followed by a maroon Gordon's coach. We past the Alexandria Stadium and we went through the housing estate to the North of the Crewe Shrewsbury railway line. We crossed over the railway line on Rope Lane and we turned left onto Gresty Lane. After going eastwards for a while we crossed the A500 and we travelled through Basford before crossing over the West Coast main line. We passed through the villages of Weston, Hough and Shavington before coming into Wybunbury from the North. We traveled down to Walgherton and we joined the A51. We then headed North up the A51. we came into town along the B5074 and we crossed over the Crewe Shrewsbury line for a third time before going around the town centre to the East and into the bus station along Beam Street. When we got to the bus station we let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside GHA 1202 before we got off.

Inside GHA 1202

Having taken a very circuitous route from Crewe to Nantwich, the next bus towards Chester was due soon. The Routemaster Buses bus was due at 14:24 and the GHA bus was due at 14:27. Mum had now committed to pick us up from Chester, so we decided to catch the next bus going towards Chester whichever one turned up first. In the meanwhile we had a few minutes to take bus pictures. On layover in the bus station was GHA Solo YJ59 GHB.

GHA YJ59 GHB in Nantwich bus station

We walked over to stand E to wait for the bus and as we got there Routemaster Buses Olympian H119 SAO came into the bus station into the wrong stand!

Routemaster Buses H119 SAO in Nantwich bus station

We walked over to the bus and a few passengers came off the bus. We got on the bus and we found out why the bus came into the wrong side. It was because there was a diversion around town and we had to turn right out of the bus station which isn't possible from stand E. We booked to Tarvin and whilst we were sorting the tickets Matthew took a picture of the empty lower saloon.

Inside Routemaster Buses H119 SAO

After we got the tickets we went upstairs and Matthew took a picture of the inside of the upper saloon too.

Inside Routemaster Buses H119 SAO

We set off out of the bus station onto Beam Street and then we turned left onto Barony Road. We passed silver minibus FN13 EWF. We joined the A51 and we passed Routemaster Buses X616 JCS on the #56A service. We continued West along the A51 and we passed Snugbury's Ice cream and through Wardle. Further West we passed required Routemaster Buses G706 TCD on a Crewe bound C84 service. We joined the A49 and we then we went through Tarporley where we saw Arriva NW&W 4216 on a Crewe bound #84 service. we left Tarporley and we got back onto the A51. We ran around another 5 miles along the A51 before turning off to go into Tarvin village. We went up Tarporley Road and we turned into High Street. When the bus got to Londis we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Routemaster Buses H119 SAO before it carried on towards Chester.

Routemaster Buses H119 SAO in Tarvin

Once off the bus we headed to the Co-operative Food store just off the High Street. In the shop Matthew had a can of Coke and a small bottle of Irn Bru as well as a couple of Milky Way twin bars and a pack of Curly Wurlies. Once we finished shopping we paid for the goods and we headed back to the stop where we got off. Going the other way we saw GHA Centro CN57 EFD going towards Northwich on a #82 service. Whilst we waited for the bus Matthew share one of his Milky Way twin bars with me and uncle Dave. A few minutes later we saw the Chester bound #82 round the corner on the High Street. As it got closer we saw that it was dud GHA Northern Counties bodied Volvo S644 KJU.

GHA S644 KJU in Tarvin

We got on the bus and we flashed the GHA day ticket to the driver before going upstairs. The bus set of down the High Street and we joined onto the Westbound A54. A few hundred yards down the road we joined the A51. We climbed the hill through Littleton and to the M53 where we passed another GHA 57 reg Centro on the #82 to Northwich. We crossed the A41 and we ran into the East end of Chester through Vicars Cross. At thr bottom of foregate Street as we joined the ring road we saw Gold coloured Stagecoach Merseyside 47515 on a #7 service. We went around the northern end of town and we came into the bus station down Northgate and under the City Wall. We turned by the theatre which is in the middle of a major refurbishment and into the bus station. When we got off the bus we saw Stagecoach Merseyside 21258 on a #1 to Blacon.

Stagecoach Merseyside 21258 in Chester bus station

As we walked down to our usual perch we saw required Arriva NW&W 2649, which has been refurbished up to Sapphire Bus standard on a #11 to Holywell.

Arriva NW&W 2649 in Chester bus station

Matthew went to the toilet under the market by the car park, which has now been fixed albeit the sink is still not working. We then perched in our usual spot to watch the buses go by. Whilst there we saw a couple of lorries coming and going in relation to the theatre refurbishment. The first one we saw was leaving with a large section of We saw Stagecoach Merseyside 21273 on a #31 Sealand Road park and ride service.

Stagecoach Merseyside 21273 in Chester bus station

We also saw Stagecoach Merseyside 27258 which was on a #1 to Liverpool.

Stagecoach Merseyside 27258 in Chester bus station

A few minutes later we saw required Arriva NW&W 5002 on a #21 to Runcorn Hospital.

Arriva NW&W 5002 in Chester bus station

The gold coloured 'Investors in People' bus also made an appearance. Required Arriva NW&W 3047 was on the #2 to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 3047 in Chester bus station

When then next #82 was due we went over to the stops. Whilst we were waiting we saw required Stagecoach Merseyside 34810 on a #51 to Plas Newton.

Stagecoach Merseyside 34810 in Chester bus station

We also saw Stagecoach Merseyside 21258 again, this time on a #1A to Blacon.

Stagecoach Merseyside 21258 in Chester bus station

Matthew decided he wanted to go and say hello to someone on the Plas Newton bus. When we got on after saying hello he decided he going to do the bus. Required GHA double decker W469 BCW came into the bus station and Matthew still refused to get off the bus! We let uncle Dave know we were going and we booked to the back of the bus depot. The bus set off out of the bus station and we went down to the ring road and we turned right. We crossed the Liverpool Road and Matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach Merseyside 34810.

Inside Stagecoach Merseyside 34810

We turned left onto Victoria Road and we got up and got off the bus. We set off back to the bus station on foot. We walked back onto the ring road and we went under the roundabout onto Northgate Street. On the way back to the bus station we saw required Arriva NW&W 5000 on the X30 to Chester.

Arriva NW&W 5000 in Chester

After we went under the City Wall Matthew went to say hello to someone in a cafe before we carried on past the theatre and into the bus station. We got within about 20 yards of uncle Dave and Matthew decided to jump on another bus! We booked to Hoole Road and we sat down. The bus set off out of the bus station and Matthew waved at uncle Dave as we went past him. We went down to the ring road and we went around to the A56. As we passed the railway station we were along side JAK Travel YN05 VTE. We went over the railway line and we continued North for a short while and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 5000 before it carried on towards Warrington.

Arriva NW&W 5000 in Chester

We saw a coach up the road and we went up to see it. It was a French coach Maury AP 784 TS. We crossed the road and we looked at the timetable on the bus stop. There was a bus to Chester due in a couple of minutes. I thought it would be better to catch a bus back even though it would coast more money, as we might stand a better chance of getting back to uncle Dave without Matthew jumping on another bus. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required Arriva NW&W 5001.

Arriva NW&W 5001 in Chester

We got on the bus and we booked to Chester before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down the A56 and we crossed the railway line and went past the railway station. After going around the ring road anti-clockwise we entered the city down Northgate and we entered the bus station. We let the bus empty out and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 5001.

Inside Arriva NW&W 5001

Once off the bus we met up with uncle Dave again and went over to the toilet. After using the facilities Matthew went to the gent to wash his hands. We then went back to our usual spot to take a few pictures. We saw a white coach enter the bus station. It was Arrowebrook P209 RWR.

Arrowebrook P209 RWR in Chester bus station

We considered doing the 17:20 #82 towards Tarvin. We went over to check it out and it was required GHA Solo YM52 TPX. Matthew didn't fancy doing it for some reason. We went back to the spot and we watched it depart.

GHA YM52 TPX in Chester bus station

A few minutes later Matthew jumped up and dragged us over to the other side of the bus station. Required Routemaster Buses Leyland Olympian G706 TCD had returned from Crewe on the C84 service.

Routemaster Buses G706 TCD in Chester bus station

We did consider doing this bus, and if we had done W469 over to Tarvin, we would have almost certainly come back on this bus. Mum arrived from Ellesmere Port and we decided to call it a day. We went back to the via the shopping centre. Mum hadn't been able to get Greggs from Ellesmere Port as it had closed early. The Greggs in Chester appeared to have shut too. We decided to go back to the car and get some chips on the way home instead. Matthew had a small bottle of Irn Bru. We left the car park and we went around the ring road to the A56. We went North for a round 1/2 mile and we cut through the housing estate to the Kingsway Shopping Centre where we knew there was a chip shop. Mum brought a couple of portions of chips between us to keep us going until we got home and cooked tea. We went back to the A56 and then we joined the Northbound M53. We went up one junction and then we joined the Eastbound M56. It was now dark as we went through Cheshire. We continued over to Lymm and we joined the Southbound M6. We rolled through the roadworks on the M6 and then we came off at junction 16. The westbound A500 was shut and I'm not sure if it had anything to do with the accident earlier. As we went Southdown the A500 we caught up with First Potteries 66838 running out of service. At sideway we went east up the A50 to Longton. We came off the A50 and we went to Z carz to see what was parked up there tonight. There wasn't much on the spare ground this evening. At the front was Z Carz green Ford minibus T418 WYJ.

Z Carz T418 WYJ in Longton

Towards the back of the site was Z Carz maroon Volkswagen minibus S973 OVP.

Z Carz S973 OVP in Longton

We turned into Willow Row to see what was parked up in the compound. has it been often recently the compound was packed with minibuses, the closest to the gate being Z Carz minibus HK57 LGW.

Z Carz HK57 LGW in Longton

We got back onto the A50 and we ran up to Heron Cross. We left the A50 and went through Blurton along Blurton Road. We carried on forwards to Church Road and then we turned right onto Beaconsfield Road. As we travelled along we passed First Potteries 67601 on the final Longton bound #22 of the day. We got home shortly after 19:00. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a Caramac Breakaway. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 01:00... Mark