Trip to Middleton / Oldham 28-04-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
10854	Middleton BS	Harphurey, Queens Park	112	Stagecoach Manchester
37403	Harphurey, Queens Rd (Stop C)	Middleton BS	163	First Manchester
YJ11 ENR	Middleton BS	Chadderton, Town Hall	419	MCT
67425	Chadderton, Chadderton Precinct (Stop B)	Royton, Shaw Road (Stop C)	182	First Manchester
33736	Royton, Shaw Road (Stop E)	Oldham BS	182	First Manchester
BU05 HEJ	Oldham BS	Mills Hill Station (Stop A)	406	M Travel
MX59 NWN	Mills Hill Station (Stop A)	Middleton BS	419	MCT

Today we decided to re-visit Middleton. Mum had been away for a night out and we had arranged to pick her up from the railway station on our way out. As such we decided not to go to far today. We checked the weathr for today and it was for dry weather with sunny intervals. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast for breakfast. We had run out of orange juice! We set off 11:15 and we ran along Beaconfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Street and left onto Blurton Road. At the BP petrol station we saw Paul's of Stoke M20 BUS. We continued along Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We turned left onto Grove Road and we ran forwards onto Whieldon Road. We went under the railway brdige and the A500 and we turned right onto the A52. We crossed back under the railway line and we followed the A52 towards the railway station. We went slight left onto Station Road and we pulled into one of the drop off points to pick up mum. Once we had picked her up we continued along Station Road and left onto Stoke Road. We crossed over the A500 and we joined the Northbound carriage way. We neede some petrol so we came off the A500 at Wolstanton and we went to the Asda Petrol station. Once we had filled up we continued Northwards up the A500. We got on the M6 at junction 16 and as we travelled North we saw 3 unidentified Orion Travel coaches, An unidentified Olympia Travel coach, 4 unidentified ABC Coach Hire coaches, Paul's of Stoke Y17 POS, Park's of Hamilton LSK 812, Titterington Holidays TH16 TTH & 2 unidentified Tyrer's coaches. We came off the M6 at junction 19 and we went Eastwards onto the A556. We continued onto the M56 and we did the link road up to the M60. Once on the M60 we ran around Manchester in an anti-clockwise direction. On the M60 we saw Andrew's YX17 OGU & taxi minibus YD17 ODS. We came off the M60 at junction 19 and we went North-Eastwards up the A576. At the edge of town we turned left onto Limetrees Road. We turned right into the passage by Factory Street and we parked in one of the spaces in front of the Dusty Miller. Once we had parked up we walked into the shopping centre and we went upstairs. Matthew went to the toilet and we went back outside again. We went arund the corber towads the bus station and we stopped at the food van under the shopping centre. Matthew had a sausage, bacon and egg bap washed down with a can of Coke. Whilst we ate we saw required First Manchester 30948 on a #59 to Rushcroft. Once we had finished we said goodbye to mum and we went towards the bus station. On stand was required Stagecoach Manchester 10854 on a #112 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 10854 in Middleton bus station

Also seen was First Manchester 37422 on a #163 to Bury.

First Manchester 37422 in Middleton bus station

We crossed over to the bus station and we saw Stagecoach Manchester 36075 on layover.

Stagecoach Manchester 36075 in Middleton bus station

We had a quick walk around the bus station whilst we decided what to catch. In the end we decided to do Stagecoach Manchester 10854 on a the #112 to Manchester. We got on the bus and we booked System One anybus day tickets at £5.60 before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach Manchester 10854.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 10854

We set off out of the bus station and we turned left and ran past the Middleton Arena. We turned right onto Market Place and then right again onto Townley Street. We crossed over the A669 and we continued to the end of the street where we turned left onto Grishaw Lane and we ran down to Middleton Junction. We turned right onto Greengate and we carried on down Greengate over the M60 and to the roundabout. We joined Moston lane and we passed 67408 on the #81 to The Gardners Arms. Further South we passed required Stagecoach Manchester 10855 on a #114 to Alkrington. We continued South and when past the Blue Bell pub and through Moston. As we approached Harpurhey we turned left onto Upper Conran Street. We continued Southpast Harpurhey shopping centre and we turned right onto Fenclough Road. We travelled for around 1/3 and when we joined the Southbound A664 we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Manchester 10854 as it continued towards Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 10854 in Harpurhey

We then walked North to try and crossed the road and we saw dud First Manchester 37405 on a #163 to Manchester.

First Manchester 37405 in Harpurhey

It was a bus we had been on from Bury to Heywood back in May 2017. We decided it was easier to go Southwards and crossed over the road so that is what we did. Once across the road we stood at the stop to wait for the next bus back Northwards. We saw A First Manchester double decker approaching in the distance. As it got closer we saw that it was required First Manchester 37403 on a #163 to Bury.

First Manchester 37403 in Harpurhey

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Manchester 37403 before we sat down.

Inside First Manchester 37403

The bus set off Northwards up the A664 we we travelled through Harpurhey past the World Famous Embassy Club. We paused for a short while and then we continued North past Boggart Hole Clough and Into Blackley. We crossed over the M60 and we ran the last mile or so into Middleton. We crossed over the A669 and we entered the bus station. Once we got off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. Across the way First Manchester 69205 was on layover. We walked around the bus station whilst we decided what bus to do next. There was nothing in the bus station that Matthew wanted to do so we waited by the last stop in the main area. A few minutes later required MCT YJ11 ENR appeared on a #419 to Ashton-under-lyne.

MCT YJ11 ENR in Middleton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto A669 and we ran Eastwards out of town to Mills Hill railway station. JUst after the station we turned right onto Baytree Avenue after runniung South for a while we followed the road around onto Firwood Park and we headed back Northwards up to the main road. We turned right onto the A669 and after a short run we turned left onto Chadderton Park Road. We turned right onto Cathederals Road. We followed the round and we turned right onto Parkway. We turned left onto Park Avenue and we ran up to the back of the Chadderton Park Travelodge. We turned right onto the Northbound Burnley Lane . We went around the rouandbout at the start of the A627(M) and we went Southwards down the A663. At the crossroad we turned left onto the A669 and we missed the stop for the shopping centre so we got up and got off at the next stop by the town hall. As we walked back to the shoping centre we saw First Manchester 37467 on a #59 to Rushcroft.

First Manchester 37467 in Chadderton

When we got to the shoping centre we went into the post office and Matthew brough a couple of cans of Coke and a couple of chocolate bars. Once we had paid for the good we went outside to the Oldham bound stop. As couple of minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required First Manchester 67425 on a #182 to Shaw.

First Manchester 67425 in Chadderton

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A669 and we turned left onto Garforth Street. We ran up the hill to we turned right onto Burnley Lane. At the end we turned right onto the A627. We had a quick check on TfGM and we noticed that the #182 didn't go into Oldham. We saw that it was going up to Royton and we knew we could get a bus to Oldham from Royton. We turned left onto the A6048, We veered left onto the A671 and we went past the Royal Oldham Hospital. We ran through Long Sight and we crossed the A663. It was this point we decided to get up and get off the bus. We crossed over the road and we waited for the next Oldham bound bus. We only had to wait a couple of minutes and we saw a double decker approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required First Manchester 33736.

First Manchester 33736 in Royton

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off Southwards down the A671 and we crossed over the A663. 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, enetering from the North end. Once off the bus we went to the toilet, but the toilet was shut due to 'Ongoing drain issues'. We then walked around the bus station taking bus pictures. We saw MCT Enviro200 MX12 DZE on a #412 to Middleton.

MCT MX12 DZE in Oldham bus station

We walked around to the East side of the bus station and we saw required First Manchester 33676 on a #83 to Sholver.

First Manchester 33676 in Oldham bus station

We walked down to the other part of the bus station and we saw required First Manchester 37549 on layover.

First Manchester 37549 in Oldham bus station

We went back to the other part of the bus station and we saw First Manchester 42940 on a #415 to Middleton.

First Manchester 42940 in Oldham bus station

We need to start considering how to get to Middleton as mum would be abkle to drive to meet us today. We saw a double decker on the #59 to Manchester but Matthew didn't fancy doing it. As it got closer we saw that it was required First Manchester 37444 on a #59 to Manchester. 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 a M Travel #406 to Mills Hill due in a few minutes. A few minutes later we saw it approaching and it was required M Travel Dart BU05 HEJ on a #406 to Mills Hill.

M Travel BU05 HEJ in Oldham bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station down West Street and right onto Rochdale Road. We went up to and into the Oldham Royal Infirmary and then we went back South down the A6048 to the A627. We turned right onto the A627 and we headed up to the roundabout at Holden Fold. We crossed over the A627(M) and we went onto Burnley Road before turning left into Parkway. After what happened last time we did the #406 we checked the TfGM site to make sure this #406 was going all the way to Mills Hill station. We ran around the estate and we returned to Burnley Road. We ran Westwards onto Chadderton Hall Road and forwards onto Haigh Lane. We turned right onto the A669 and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of M Travel BU05 HEJ as it went back towards Oldham.

M Travel BU05 HEJ in Mills Hill

We were on the right side of the road for the bus back to Middleton. A quick check at the bus stop timetable we saw that there was a #419 to Middleton due. Wew assumed it would proably be YN11 ENR that we were on later and we could do the following #59 service. As the bus approached we saw that it was a different vehicle so we flagged it down. As it got closer we saw that it was required MCT Enviro200 MX59 NWN on a #419 to Middlton.

MCT MX59 NWN in Mills Hill

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One ticket to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. THe bus set off along the A669 and we ran Westwards into Middleton. We crossed over the first roundabout and at the second we turned right into the bus station. We decided to take a few more bus picture before we left. We saw dud First Manchester 37385 on layover in between #19 to Langley.

First Manchester 37385 in Middleton bus station

Also seen on the main road was required First Manchester 37351 on a #163 to Bury.

First Manchester 37351 in Middleton

As we got to the other side of the bus station we saw required First Manchester 37453 on a #59 to Manchester.

First Manchester 37453 in Middleton bus station

We walked past the shopping cebtre and around the corner. We dropped the stuff off in the car and Matthew went to the Dusty Miller to use the toilet. We also had a swift half of Coke. We returned to the car where mum was waiting with sausage rolls and a can of Irn Bru. We set off up the passage and we turned left onto Limetrees Road. We ran forwards onto the A576 and we joined the M60 at junction 19. We ran clockwise around Manchester and as we travelled we saw an unidentified M&D Travel minibus and an unidentified Garnetts coach. We ran through Stocport and onto the link road to the M56. We ran Westwards along the M56 and we joined the Westbound A556 we we got to the M6 junction 19 we saw Alfa 69 on the roundabout. We joined the M6 and as we travelled Southwards we saw 3 unidentified Reays coaches, an unidentified Minsterley Motors coach and 3 unidentified Dhillons coaches. Further down the motoway we were passed by GreyShells Travel YN08 DGY.

Greyshells Travel YN08 DGY on the M6

We continued down the M6 and we saw Courtesy Destination Travel YE17 AHA. As we left the M6 at junction 16 we were passed by national Express liveried Park's of hamilton HSK 652 on a #540 to London.

Parks of Hamilton HSK 652 on the M6

We joined the Southbound we saw an unidentified National Express liveried coach(#570), white minibus YN53 ZDE, Orion Travel 8201 VC and We were evetually caught up by Stanways white coach EGZ 1850.

Stanways EGZ 1850 on the A500

We came off we saw an Pete Bus YJ08 ZHK. the A500 at Etruria and we went Eastwards along the A53. We turned right onto Etruria Road and we turned right onto the clockwise ring road past the pub with the Dennis the Menace play area. We turned right onto Lichfield Street and we stopped at the Venus Fish Bar. For tea Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a small bottle of Coke. Whilst we ate we saw Bagnalls BAG 564S set down opposite to us. Once we had finished eating we turned left Lichfield Street. We ran over the roundabout at Joiners Square onto Victoria Road. We ran up the hill and forwards onto City Road. We turned right onto the A50 Link Road which we did up the A50. We came off the A50 at Longton and we turned left into Baths Road. We stopped at Tesco for Petrol and then we returned onto the high level A50. We crossed over the A50 and we to the other side. We stopped at Z Carz to see what was parked up this evening the spare ground was empty so we turned left into Willow Row where we saw Z Carz Ford minibus HK57 LFY.

Z Carz HK57 LFY in Longton

Also seen was Z Carz Renault minibus PE10 MJE.

Z Carz PE10 MJE in Longton

Another minibus in the compound was Z Carz Renault minibus DS07 LSN.

Z Carz DS07 LSN in Longton

Also seen was Z Carz Peugeot minibus YJ62 RCO. We went West along the A50 to Heron Cross and we turned left onto Blurton Road. By the BP garage we saw Alfa 64. We continued up to Church Road and we saw Stanton's of Stoke YN16 UKU parked up by the road. We turned right into the A5035 and we got back home at 19:30. When we got back Matthew had a can of Orange Fanta followed by a millionaire's shortbread biscuit. We did an e-mail and we wrote some of the Blog. Matthew went to bed around 00:00.... Mark.

Trip to Middleton / Rochdale 07-03-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
37385	Middleton BS	Rochdale Interchange	17	First Manchester
37451	Rochdale Interchange	Oldham Road/High Barn Street (Stop F)	182	First Manchester
33738	Oldham Road/High Barn Street (Stop F)	Oldham BS	409	First Manchester
30959	Oldham BS	Middleton BS	64	First Manchester
40336	Middleton BS	Greengate/Middleton Junction (Stop C)	415	First Manchester
22219	Greengate/Middleton Junction (Stop C)	Middleton BS	112	Stagecoach Manchester

Today we decided to re-visit Middleton. We had checked the weather an it was for cloud and sunny interval throughout the Midlands and North West. We gave Matthew a list of places in the North West and Midlands and he chose Middleton. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast an orange juice for breakfast. We set off a few minutes after 12:00 and we headed onto the A5035. We turned into Stanley Matthews Way and we caught up with D&G 170 on the Blurton Plumline outside of the Hem Heath pub. We stopped at the traffic light at the junction of Stanley Matthews Way and Eastern Rise. This was to let out Z Carz S952 VMY which was loaded and South North towards the A50. We followed the bus towards the A50 and we joined the Westbound A50 before going onto the Northbound A500. We went North and we joined the Northbound M6 at junction 16. It was a nice day and almost spring like. This was reflected in the number of coaches we passed going South. We passed four Fourway Coaches... Does that make a sixteen way? We carrie on North over the Thelwall viaduct and as we approached the junction for the M62 we were passed by 2 coaches. Firstly we saw Greenline B13 BOW.

Greenline B13 BOW the on M6

This was immediately followed by National Express liveried Park's of Hamilton LSK 814 which was working a #570 service to Blackpool. We took the M62 East towards Manchester and we joined the Clockwise M60. As we were getting onto the M60 we caught up with a coach. We fell behind a little on the M60 and we didn't catch it back up until after we had passed the M61. It was Ashcroft Travel HIG 1254 which can be seen is working as the team coach for prescott cables FC who were playing at Mossley, just East of Manchester on the edge of the Pennines.

Ashcroft Travel HIG 1254 the on M62

We carried on around the M60 and we came of at the A576. We drove the last couple of miles into town and we parked in the small car park near to MacDonalds. We walked passed the shopping centre and Matthew stopped to say hello to someone before we carried on to the pavement cafe on the other side of the shopping centre. The cafe was full so the owner disappeared behind the van to get another table and some chairs. Whilst we waited Matthew got a picture of Stagecoach Manchester 17242 which was on the #112 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 17242 in Middleton bus station

Matthew had a bacon, sausage and egg barm and also had a bowl of fries which we all shared. He washed this down with a can of Coke. Mum's food was a little delayed, so when we had finished we said goodbye to mum and we set off towards the bus station. We saw Stagecoach Manchester 17241 on a #112 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 17241 in Middleton bus station

We also saw First Manchester 37387 on a #59 to Rushcroft.

First Manchester 37387 in Middleton bus station

Matthew needed the toilet so we went inside the bus station. The disabled toilet was occupied and the ordinary toilet has a turnstyle, so it wouldn't be practical for us to use. We went to the travel shop to see if there was an alternative, but the travel shop was un-staffed. 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 First Manchester 37385 on a #17 to Rochdale.

First Manchester 37385 in Middleton bus station

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 bus station and onto Middleton Way We turned onto the A664 and we stopped outside the shops. We noticed the bus was empty in front of us and Matthew took a picture inside First Manchester 37385.

Inside First Manchester 37385

I looked up First Manchester 37385 in the Buses I have travelled on page and it was a required one... The bus carried on North up Long Street and then Rochdale Road. I had thought it was a quick journey up to Rochdale... It turned out it took around 30 minutes! 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! Uncle Dave had noticed that the path adjacent to the interchange had now opened, and and the sun was in a great position for taking picture off the path. 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 66880.

First Manchester 66880 in Rochdale Interchange

We had been on First Manchester 66880 from Unsworth to Bury back in January 2011. We then saw First Manchester 33755 on a #409 to Ashton-under-Lyne.

First Manchester 33755 in Rochdale Interchange

We carried on down the walkway and we saw required First Manchester 37393.

First Manchester 37393 in Rochdale Interchange

We also saw required First Manchester 37282 on a #17 to Manchester.

First Manchester 37282 in Rochdale Interchange

This was followed by required First Manchester 37451 on a #182 to Manchester.

First Manchester 37451 in Rochdale Interchange

We decided to First Manchester 37451 as it was on the #182 service. We had been on the #182 a few time and we find it to be an enjoyable and scenic ride. We walked over to the other side of the bus station and we got on the bus. We flashed the System One tickets and as the bus was empty Matthew photographed the lower saloon.

Inside First Manchester 37451

We went upstairs and he also took a picture of the empty top deck.

Inside First Manchester 37451

Opposite us we saw Rossendale Easyride 167 which was on layover in between runs on the #446 Walbank circulars.

Rossendale 167 in Rochdale Interchange

The bus set off out of the bus station and we joined the Eastbound A640. We went under the railway line and into Newbold. We headed through Firgrove and into Milrow. We joined the A663 and we went crossed under the M62 and headed through Newhey and down through the scenic bit following the tram line and into Shaw. In the town centre we saw required Checkmate Solo which was on the #404 Shaw circular service. We carried on to Luzley Brook and we turned right onto High Barn Street. In Royton we turned right onto Oldham Road and we got up and got off the bus. In the stop ahead of us was required First Manchester 33708.

First Manchester 33708 in Royton

We had a short wait for the next bus so Matthew had a Bakewell flapjack. He washed this down with a can of Fanta. Whilst we waited for the bus we saw required First Manchester 30962 on a Manchester bound #64 service.

First Manchester 30962 in Royton

Before our bus turned up we saw required First Manchester 37561 on a #181 to Manchester.

First Manchester 37561 in Royton

This was immediately followed by required First Manchester 33738 which was on the #409 to Ashton and the bus we wanted to catch.

First Manchester 33738 in Royton

We got on the bus an we flashed our System One tickets to the driver. We went upstairs and the bus set off down the Oldham Road. We passed quite a few buses coming the other way but most of these were Branded E400's like the one we were on that were allocated to work on the #409 service. We crossed the A663 and continued into town before turning left onto Saint Marys Way before entering the bus station from the North. Before we got off bus Matthew took a picture of the now empty rear of the bus.

Inside First Manchester 33738

We got off the bus and we headed towards the toilet. After we had been we had a walk around the bus station taking a few pictures. We saw First Manchester 33754 on a #184 to Manchester.

First Manchester 33754 in Oldham bus station

We then saw another Enviro400 on the #409 service... It was required First Manchester 33706.

First Manchester 33706 in Oldham bus station

On the #159 to Middleton was required Manchester Community Transport MX09 MHV.

MCT MX09 MHV in Oldham bus station

On an X80 to Manchester was required First Manchester 33752.

First Manchester 33752 in Oldham bus station

We walked down towards the other half of the bus station. There is a council building on the corner that has an elevated walkway... An ideal place from which to take bus pictures. We saw Stagecoach Manchester 10046 which was on a #76 service to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 10046 in Oldham bus station

Heading back into the Northern end of the bus station we saw dud First Manchester 37463.

First Manchester 37463 in Oldham bus station

We last rode on First Manchester 37463 back in September 2014 from Rochdale to Wrens Nest where the terminated suddenly. At the West end of the bus station we saw required First Manchester 69328 on a #149 service to Manchester.

First Manchester 69328 in Oldham bus station

We then saw required First Manchester 67420 on a #58 to Middleton.

First Manchester 67420 in Oldham bus station

We also saw First Manchester 41788 on a #415 to Holt.

First Manchester 41788 in Oldham bus station

Since our last the visit the #415 service has changed. The frequency had been reduced to every 30 minutes and extended from Oldham to Holts. We then saw required First Manchester 67414 on a #408 service to Droylsden,

First Manchester 67414 in Oldham bus station

We headed back the the Northern end of the bus station to catch something towards Middleton. We had a choice of services... #58, #59, #64, #159 & #415. We though we were in luck when required First Manchester 30963 came in on a #64 service.

First Manchester 30963 in Oldham bus station

The bus then had a driver change and went out of service! We though we would have to do the next #59, but just as we were considering boarding a new double decker, First Manchester 30959 appeared on a #64 service.

First Manchester 30959 in Oldham bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One ticket to the driver. We went upstairs and Matthew took a picture inside the empty First Manchester 30959.

Inside First Manchester 30959

We set off out of Oldham and we took a route parallel to the Oldham Road before joining on to it half a mile or so up the road. In Royton we turned left at the crossroads and headed towards North Chadderton under the A627(M). In North Chadderton we went past Chadderton Hall Park which looked like a very well kept green space. We joined Middleton Road and we went past Mills Hill station. We turned North and went through the Boarshaw area before heading South into town. As we got to the edge of town we followed First Manchester 40336 into the bus station which was on the #415 service. When we got to the bus station we got off and we headed to the toilet. This time it was available... We needed to do another short out and back to get 2 more buses in for the day. I remember the #415 was due off at 16:41 and it was nearly that time. So we walked down West end of the bus station to catch First Manchester 40336.

First Manchester 40336 in Middleton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One tickets to the driver. Matthew was very good and he didn't try and honk the horn... We sat down at the back of the bus and the bus set off out of town and around Tesco Extra before heading South down Townley Street. We went onto the Alkrington estate down Kirkway and over the many many speed bumps here, which is why I refer to the #415 as the 'Alkrington rollercoaster'... The bus emptied out a little and Matthew took a picture of the back seat of the bus.

Inside First Manchester 40336

Partway around the estate we passed First Manchester 40335 on a Middleton bound #415. We left the estate along Mainway East and we joined Greengate. We got up and got off the bus. I had no idea that we were being followed by another bus on the #112 route, but Matthew knew and as soon as we got off the bus he turned and we saw required Stagecoach Manchester 26130.

Stagecoach Manchester 26130 at Middleton Junction

Had I know the bus was there I might have tried to flag it down... We looked at the time table and we saw the next #112 was in 20 minutes time. It doesn't seem that long ago when the bus ran every few minutes with Stagecoach and JPT competing with each other. Since JPT were taken over by Stagecoach the competition had gone so the service was drastically reduced. Whilst we were waiting we ate a Milky Way and drank a can of Cherry Coke. We saw a double decker approaching and we thought it might be the #112 running earlier, but it disappeared into Mainway East. A few minutes later we saw a Stagecoach MAN approaching. It was the first one we had seen today. As it got closer we saw that it was required Stagecoach Manchester 22219.

Stagecoach Manchester 22219 at Middleton Junction

We got on the bus and we flashed our System One tickets to the driver for the final time today. We sat down near to the back of the bus and the bus Went North along Greengate before we turned left into Grimshaw Lane. The #112 is much quicker than the #415 as it is a more direct route and much more comfortable without all the speed bumps. We came into town and into the bus station and we waited for it to empty before Matthew got a picture inside Stagecoach Manchester 22219.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 22219

We met up with mum and Matthew went to the toilet again before we set off back to the car. On the way we took a few more bus pictures. First we saw required First Manchester 66857 on a 59 to Manchester.

First Manchester 66857 in Middleton bus station

We also saw required First Manchester 37283 on a #18 to the Manchester Royal Infirmary.

First Manchester 37283 in Middleton bus station

We walked to the car and waiting for us were some Greggs sausage rolls and a can of Irn Bru. We set off back home around 17:30 and we went down the A576 to the M60. For the return journey we decided to go clockwise down to the M56. We did the M56 Westward towards the Lymm services and then we headed onto the Southbound M6. Doing this avoid the need to travel down the A556 which I find tedious as it is a long straight road and dangerous as it is a duel carriage way with no central reservation! I was starting to feel a bit tired so when we were approaching Sandbach services we pulled over and mum drove the rest of the way back. We rejoined the M6 and then left at the next junction onto the Southbound A500. At Sideway we went East along the A50 to Heron Cross an we stopped at mum friends shop to pick up oatcakes. Matthew decided he was desperate to use the toilet and he jumped out and went into the shop. We regrouped and we got back in the car and we headed to Z Carz. We went via Blurton Road, Drubbery Lane and the A5035. At Z Carz there were 3 buses on the spare ground tonight. First in the row was Ford minibus Z Carz PY08 KDX.

Z Carz PY08 KDX in Longton

Next in the row was Ford minibus Z Carz MJ03 DPU.

Z Carz MJ03 DPU in Longton

We noticed that at the back of the land in the shadows was Mercedes minibus M372 NWN. Last in the front row was Mercedes minibus CE02 LYX.

Z Carz CE02 LYX in Longton

We turned into Willow Row and there was a single minibus in the compound, Z Carz LG09 JVX. We headed back onto the A50 and we went to Heron Cross. We traveled through Blurton along Blurton Road and we followed this onto Church Road at Chritchlow's Corner We turned right into Beaconsfield Drive and we got home just after 19:00. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by the remainder of the cheesecake from the night before. Matthew the chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 01:00... Mark