Trip to Newcastle/Longton 01-04-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
T131 SGA	Blurton	Lower Milehouse Road	Charter	Z Carz
T131 SGA	Lower Milehouse Road	Blurton	Charter	Z Carz
2532	Ladybank Grove, Blurton	Longton TI	22	Wardle Transport

Today matthew got at 07:00 and had breakfast.At 08:42 we saw Copeland's Tours coach MIB 246 working an excursion to Blackpool. At dinner time we went up to Morrisons for dinner. We saw Z Carz T131 SGA. We went along the A5035 to Trentham onto the northbound A34. We then went passed First Newcastle garage and saw 65729 and 40017. For dinner Matthew had a breakfast and a lemoon meringue cake. He brought some Irn Bru ans dandelion and burdock in the shop itself. We headed South and saw a few more buses as we passed the garage. these were 40015/151 and Scania's 60208/215/61143. We passed the bus station where Volvo 66847 was parked up and double decker 32635 was on a #25 service. On the a34 we passed 65038 on a Northbound #101 followed by 40025 on a #21A we headed North up the A500 and onto the A50 to longton. Z Carz was packed and had D104 XAN.

Z Carz D104 XAN in Longton

Lightning Travel loanee minibus NX03 JYJ was near the front.

Z Carz NX03 JYJ in Longton

Followed by Mercedes minibus T131 SGA.

Z Carz T131 SGA in Longton

Then we saw Mercedes minibus BV51 BNO in Willow Row being washed.

Z Carz BV51 BNO in Longton

In Longton we passed 61246 and 61145 on #6B followed by 60006 on a #6B in Fenton. In Heron cross we passed 41497 on a #23 followed by Wardle Transport 2532 on the Longton bound #22.

Wardle Transport 2532 in Blurton

we got on We went and sat down set off to Longton TI. The bus went along Beaconsfield drive to Blurton Road, and then up Longton Hall Road to Longton. we got off and mum picked him up and he returned back in the car down Longton Hall Road into Blurton and home along the We got home and I did some writing on the blog. For tea we had Omelette and french fries and beans with some desserts chocolate gateau. He then chilled out on his computer before bedtime...Mark.

Trip to Newcastle 27-12-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
T131 SGA	Blurton	Lower Milehouse Road	Charter	Z Carz
T131 SGA	Lower Milehouse Road	Blurton	Charter	Z Carz

Today we to go to Morrison's in Milehouse to have a late dinner. Matthew got up around 12:00 and had some toast with some orange juice for a late breakfast. We set off 14:15 and our transport was Z Carz T131 SGA. We went down the A5035 to Trentham. We then headed North up the A34 to Newcastle. We passed the bus station where we saw 40136 on a #22 and 40146,40151 and 60006 on other services. Wardle Transport 2407 was parked up between duties. We then headed North up the A34 and then down Lower Milehouse road to the Morrisons. When we arrived Matthew went to use the toilet first. For dinner Matthew had the alternative big breakfast (minus the mushrooms and tomatoes with extra toast). We were unable to get a lemon meringue pie in the cafe as they had run out. Whilst we waited for the food Matthew and mum went into the shop to get a lemon Meringue pie for later. By the time they had finished the food had arrived and we tucked in. We then set off back home on Z Carz T131 SGA. We called at the petrol station for diesel before setting off via the First Newcastle garage where 66842 was at the front of the depot. We then headed up George Street where we passed 32635 on the #25 service. We then went onto Shelton New Road. We got on the Southbound A500 and then onto the A50 to Longton where we went passed the Z Carz depot. On the depot today was D104 XAN.

Z Carz D104 XAN in Longton

Next on he row was LDV minibus T408 JUX. This had a sticker in the front saying Stone.

Z Carz T408 JUX in Longton

This was followed by T131 SGA.

Z Carz T131 SGA in Longton

Then was Mercedes minibus BV51 BNO.

Z Carz BV51 BNO in Longton

Last but not least was airport transfer bus DL03 HHU.

Z Carz DL03 HHU in Longton

We then headed home via Longton Hall Road,getting home aound 15:50. After a couple of hour we went collecting around Trentham before going to Trent Vale Macdonalds. Whilst we were out we saw 60060 & 60083 on #21's. We then headed back home down the A34 and A5035. We got home around 19:45. Matthew then chilled out watching telly before bedtime...Mark.

Trip to the Adventure Playground 13-12-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
1450	Bentilee	Bucknall Newhouse Road	Charter	Wardle Transport
T131 SGA	Bucknall Newhouse Road	Newcastle Adventure Playground	314	Z Carz
T131 SGA	Newcastle Adventure Playground	Bucknall Newhouse Road	314	Z Carz
1648	Bucknall Newhouse Road	Bentille	Charter	Wardle Transport
1450	Bentilee	Ladybank Grove Blurton	Charter	Wardle Transport

Today Matthew was going to the Adventure Playground from college. we was in respite today and he got up around 07:00 for breakfast. Whilst he was waiting for the bus to we college we saw Phil Smiths Travel K451 VVR out of the window. we also saw ABC taxis minibus YN55 KXO.The bus arrived around 08:00 and it was his usual bus Wardle Transport 1450.

Wardle Transport 1450 in Bentilee

we got on bus sat down bus set off. The route was down towards Bucnknall. we also saw Wardle Transport 1501. we then went along empty the A52 to Newhouse Road. When we got off to college we was T131 SGA we got on sat down bus set off there to take them to the Adventure Playground. The route was via the A52 to limekiln bank and leek Road. They went through stoke and up to Newcastle where we got off turned to go to the adventure playground. After a couple of hours they returned back to college for dinner. The route back was via First Newcastle garage and up the A34 through to Kidsgrove and then along First Avenue to the A50 we headed South to the A527 and then across to High Lane. Then then headed South to Hanley and then around the ring road to Limekiln Bankand Leek Road to the bottom of Limekiln Bank before heading into Bucknall on the A52. Matthew had his dinner and a rice crispy cake for afters. at 15:00 he went out to catch his bus back home. Whilst we was waiting also saw Wardle Transport 1648 to Meir Heath.

Wardle Transport 1648 in Abbey Hulton

After we was Wardle Transport 1648 we got on on bus sat down set off Despite us ringng up to college there had been a mixup with respite and he was due home today, people didn't listen. Matthew knew he was due home today which is why he had his camera. he went up to Bentilee to respite and we got off 1648 out and went in the building. we had a lemon meringue pie. After they worked out we was Wardle Transport 1450 we got on and sat down bus set off mean to be at home Matthew got back onto the bus to continue his journey home. The went up to Longton past the Z Carz depot. we saw BV51 BNO & V690 EBC W344 WNS on the depot as they went past. they then came down down Longton Hall Road and into Blurton. When we got off Wardle Transport 1450.

Wardle Transport 1450 in Blurton

we got home around 16:15 and then had some toast. later we had Chicken, Potatoes and carrots for tea around 19:00. we also had a raspberry ripple mousse. He then used his computer before bedtime...Mark.

Trip on the Beatrice 26-08-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
FJ10 BJX	Cemetery Road, Shelton	Cheddleton	Charter	Aiming High
FJ10 BJX	Cheddleton	Cemetery Road, Shelton	Charter	Aiming High

Today Matthew was due to go on the Beatrice but he didn't really want to go out! We persuaded him to get up and told him that if he wasn't going to go out he had to tell the Crossroads workers himself. When They turned up a little a little after 09:00 he decided that he was going to go after all! Off he went to meet up with the rest of the group at Shelton. Matthew went past the Hem Heath pub and along Stanley Matthews Way. They then got onto the A50 and then onto the A500. They cme o the A500 at Shelton New Road and to Cemetery Road. The bus was waiting and it was the usuual Crossroads based Aiming High bus FJ10 BJX.

Aiming High FJ10 BJX in Shelton

After calling into John Street on Hanley they set off towards Cheddleton. They headed off to Meir, and then went along the A520 though to Cheddleton. Scraggs Blue bus 42 was on the #16 service. They then spent a few hours in the Beatrice.

The Beatrice at her moorings in Cheddleton

After boarding the barge Matthew informs me that they headed South East out of Cheddleton towards the railway. They passed a few moored barges. One such barge was this black one named Kurt.

A barge named Kurt

After passing through a lock they passed another barge coming the other way.

A barge on the move

Another barge they saw was this blue one called Walveran.

Walveran

They must have turned around and headed back to the mooring. This gave Matthew a chance to photograph a few moor barges such as this red and green on.

A different red and green barge

After the barge got back to the mooring they got back on Aiming High Fj10 BJX before going back down the A520 to Cellarhead and then across through Bucknall . They went passed Scraggs depot and saw Blue Buses 64 and 1655 VT. He then went on the A5008 to Hanley and then Shelton. He got off the bus and into the the car of one of the staff. They went along Shelton New Road to the A500. They got onto the A50 up to Longton. On the way home He passed Z Carz depot which had T131 SGA parked up there along with BV51 BNO and T408 JUX. They then went past Longton bus station traveling down he old A50 through Fenton. He went on the A50 link road to Heron Cross going past Duke Street. He the went though Heron Cross before traveling home passing Wardle Transport 2532 on the #22 service. He got home a little after 15:15 and then he settled down for the evening. He had chicken popcorn or tea and had a bath before bedtime...Mark

Trip to Hanley Park / Newcastle Fire Station 21-08-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
FJ10 BJX	Shelton, opp Cemetery Road	Hanley Park	Charter	Aiming High
FJ10 BJX	Hanley Park	Shelton, adj Cemetery Road	Charter	Aiming High
FJ10 BJX	Shelton, opp Cemetery Road	Newcastle Fire Station	Charter	Aiming High
FJ10 BJX	Newcastle Fire Station	Shelton, adj Cemetery Road	Charter	Aiming High

Today Matthew was out with aiming high on a trip to Newcastle fire station. He got up around 08:30 and had some breakfast before setting off to Shelton around 09:30 The route was through Blurton passing First Potteries 40017 on the early #22A turn. We then continued through Heron Cross and up Victoria Road up to the edge of Hanley. As we approached Hanley we passed 60136 on a #6 service. We went around the town and down through Snow Hill to Shelton. We dropped Matthew off at the place and whilst it was quiet he got a picture of the transport for today Aiming High's FJ10 BJX.

Aiming High FJ10 BJX in Shelton

I walked him into the building and had a quick chat with one of the members of staff. They were going to Hanley park First for a short while before going on their fire station trip. After I left him they set off to the park which was less than a mile away. Matthew got another picture of the minibus here.

Aiming High FJ10 BJX in Hanley Park

He visited the playground and also went to the toilet whilst they walked around the park. They then headed back to Shelton for a while, presumably having their packed lunches here before heading off to Newcastle fire station. As they went through Newcastle, we spotted reliveried 40018 around town. At the fire station they had a good wander round. They went upstairs into the offices. He had his picture taken with a Firemans helmet on! They then walked around the depot. Here is a close up of the rear of one of the fire engines.

Fire engine DX61 GXG in Newcastle Fire Station

He also got to sit in the cab of on of the engines.

Inside a fire engine

After the visited the headed back to Shelton. We picked him up and Matthew took a close up of a cab that was waiting to pick up one of the other Aiming High users.

Close up of an Intercity cab

We then headed home via Z carz! The route took us down Stoke Road and passed a Shell Petrol station which is being refurbished. We then went onto the A500 and then onto the A50. before doubling back to go by the depot. There wasn't very much on today, with the exception of the 2 bigger coaches. Here's V690 EBC.

Z Carz V690 EBC in Longton

Besides D104 XAN, the only others visible were LDV minibus YN03 HJC and Mercedes minibus T131 SGA.

Z Carz D104 XAN in Longton

We then headed homeward. Later on we went out for a MacDonalds on Victoria Road. As well as eating is own he pinched some of his mums too! He then settled down for the evening before going to bed...Mark

Trip to the 'Potteries Connection' running day 05-08-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
55	Gladstone pottery Museum	Stone, Crown Street	252	Bournemouth (Preserved)
55	Stone, Crown Street	Gladstone pottery Museum	252	Bournemouth (Preserved)
4777	Gladstone pottery Museum	Hanley BS	6	Wardle Transport
EEH902Y	Hanley BS	Gladstone pottery Museum	6	Midland Red North (Preserved)

Today Smart Matthew and the staff at his respite unit had plans. They were going to Bath today. He was too excited and didn't sleep until 03:30. He was looking at Bath's latest bus on Dorchester Street thinking about his next visit. Matthew was in his new respite unit today, so we arranged for them to take him out to the 'Potteries Connection' running day as this is one of the local highlights of the bus calender. We arranged for a PA to go in and help out with his trip. Matthew got up around 07:00. Matthew had some toast for breakfast. He saw Z Carz T131 SGA to Bath out of the window. Unfortunately the had to cancel last minute due to a fault on the vehicle. we drove to Longton and waited for the coach around 09:15. after a few minutes, we phoned up to see where the coach was and we were told the bad news. We got in the car and drove from Longton to the depot to sort things out. Whilst mum spoke to the control Matthew got a picture of the coach we were due to be on. We went into the office to mum and we sorted out a new date for a trip on this coach. A member of the staff then took Matthew onto the coach in order for him to take a few pictures of the inside. They then went to Longton and then walked in to the Gladstone Pottery Museum car park where the event is held. we also saw Wardle Transport 2531 on the #22 Newcastle service. They brought a programme and Matthew purchased a few photographs from on of the stalls. They also spent a short amount of time taking pictures. One such picture was of this fine example of a Leyland Lynx.

Ex PMT 860 in Stoniers livery at the Gladstone Museum

we also saw National Express AFH 186T and PMT Daimler Fleetliner 147. Another bus we saw was Plaxton bodied coach Bassetts JRE 354V displaying 'Blackpool' on the front. we also saw Midland Red JHA 227L. We also saw PMT L466 and Turners 10. Matthew also spied Bournemouth 55, which we had been on previously to Barlaston back in May.

Preserved Bournemouth 55 at the Gladstone Museum

Matthew decided he was going to do this and so they did it on a run to Stone. The bus went along the A50 to Meir, and then onto the A520 down to Stone. When they went around Stone, they went past Morrisons. They then got off behind the Crown Hotel. Matthew got another picture of this fine beast.

Preserved Bournemouth 55 in Stone

They then went back to Gladstone on the same bus. They went around Stone and back onto the A520. They did this up to Meir and then onto the A50 to Longton. When then got back they saw Wardle Transport 4777 about to work to Hanley and so they decided to do this too. They got on and they went upstairs. The bus got onto the A50 to Heron Cross and then went on Victoria Road. They crossed the roundabout over Joiners Square and then went up to Hanley and then into the bus station. As he was about to get off Matthew got a picture of the empty top deck.

Inside Wardle Transport 4777

Whilst in Hanley we saw First Potteries 60189 on a #20 service.Going from to Hanley was preserved Midland Red North 1902. we also went upstairs on this bus too. He wasn't able to get a decent picture of this bus. They went down Through Joiners Square to Fenton. At Victoria place they got onto the link road and then onto the A50 up to longton. Whilst at Gladstone he also saw Bournemouth Transport 103. It was then off along the A5035 to Blurton. They saw Wardle Transport 2531 on the #22 service. They went to the Gables for Lunch. Matthew ate gammon, egg and chips, with bread and butter. For dessert he had chocolate fudge cake and custard. He also had a coke. When he was finished he went to the toilet. It was then time to go back to the respite unit. They went back past Longton Transport interchange. we They saw V690 EBC at the Z Carz depot. They set off back around 13:30. The route back was along Anchor Road to Adderley Green and then on to Bucknall. He then settled down to an afternoon in his new respite unit. Using his computer, watching telly and running around outside in the garden. For tea he had fish and chips with a yogurt for afters. He then had bath before bedtime..Mark.

Trip to Abbey Hulton 19-07-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
1450	Benitlee	Bucknall Newhouse Road	Charter	Wardle Transport
T131 SGA	Bucknall Newhouse Road	Newcastle Adventure Playground	314	Z Carz
T131 SGA	Newcastle Adventure Playground	Bucknall Newhouse Road	314	Z Carz
1648	Bucknall Newhouse Road	Ladybank Grove Blurton	Charter	Wardle Transport

Today Matthew was doing his usual Thursday #314 09:00 Bucknall - Newcastle timething. He got up a little after 07:17. After getting ready the bus came to pick him up around 08:00. It was Wardle transport 1450.

Wardle 1450 in Blurton

was going. We got on a went. As we set off The route was down Dividy Road to Bucknall and then along the A52 to Newhouse Road. When he arrived at college, he was going to go to Newcastle like he does on most Thursdays. Today however the transport we was unusually Z Carz T131 SGA on the #314. The route was via Bucknall, where we saw First Potteries 34311. They then went along Leek Road, Stoke and up Hartsill Road. after there usual session they returned to college for dinner. This was on Z Carz T131 SGA again. The route back was via Hartshill, Stoke, Leek Road and Bucknall. In the afternoon he had a party at college as some of the pupils we leaving the following day. They had a disco and then a private party to say goodbye to a few of the pupils in a quieter setting. A little after 15:00 the bus came to take him back. we was Wardle Transport 1648. we got on and sat down set off back along his usual route towards Fenton. we saw 1421 on his way to Heron Cross. He got to Heron Cross at a little after 16:15. It was Wardle Transport 1648 we got off was very happy. Matthew had an omelette for tea. He had a bath and went to bed around 23:00...Mark

Trip to Cheddleton / Beatrice 24-06-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
FJ10 BJX	John Street, Hanley	Cheddleton	Charter	Aiming High
FJ10 BJX	Cheddleton	John Street, Hanley	Charter	Aiming High
D104 XAN	John Street, Hanley	Longton BS	Charter	Z carz
T131 SGA	Longton BS	Longton BS	Charter	Z Carz
BV51 BNO	Longton BS	Longton BS	Charter	Z Carz
T131 SGA	Longton BS	Longton BS	Charter	Z Carz
2532	Longton BS	Blurton Ladybank Grove	22	Wardle Transport

Today Matthew was lucky enough to be invited on a second Aiming High trip in two Sundays. As last week we discovered there is no access from John Street we decided to go out a little bit earlier so Matthew could see some buses before he went on his trip. We got up around 08:00 and we set off after breakfast around 09:15. Matthew directed up to Hanley via Milton and back along the A53 to Cobridge before coming into Hanley along Waterloo Road. We parked up in the small car park opposite the bus station and the plan was to spend a few minutes here to get a few bus pictures before we drove around to John Street. Matthew dragged us across to the bus station, but because this wasn't planned we didn't have his pass with us. Whilst there we saw 40025 parked up and 60063. Also wardle Transport 3152 was on the #118 to Buxton. We eventually got back across saw Z Carz W344 WNS Copelands Tours MIB 236 going to Llandudno, but Matthew didn't want to get in the car to fetch his pass or drive around to John Street. I sat with Matthew by the car park whilst mum drove around to John Street to see someone from Crossroads. Mum brought back a member of staff from Crossroads and this time Matthew got in the car and we drove around to the bus. This was Z carz HX51 HRU, one that Matthew has been on a few times before. Matthew got a picture of the minibus. He said hello to a few people before he went. was Aiming high FJ10 BJX waiting.

Aiming High FJ10 BJX in John Street Hanley

Matthew got into the bus and was now all smiles after his few minutes of drama and off they went. They went up to Weston Coyney via Dividy road and past the Esso garage. They got to Cheddleton where the Beatrice was waiting for them at her moorings. Matthew got a picture of the barge.

The Beatrice at her moorings in Cheddleton

As far as I can tell from his photo graphs Matthew headed eastwards along the route of the railway towards Consall. They passed through at least one lock as he took a picture of the lock wall through the barge window. Further down the canal they passed this sorry looking barge moored up along side of the canal.

Boat moored by the Cauldon Canal

Somewhere down the canal the turned the boat around and head back towards Cheddleton. Matthew photographed some more boat that where moored o but these appeared to be just resting temporarily.

More boats moored by the Cauldon Canal

Further along there were some more boats having a short rest.

More boats moored by the Cauldon Canal

Back at Cheddleton, they headed back towards Hanley on the Aiming high bus. They arrived back by Z carz coach D104 XAN in Hanley just a little after 15:00 and he was in a far better mood than he had been this morning. As we were low on LPG we decided to have a drive around. We headed to the Shell garage at Festival Park as this was the closet that did LPG. On the way we saw Z carz V690 EBC heading East along the A53 through Cobridge lights. Whilst I filled up mum and Matthew went shopping! Matthew brought some Coke, millionares short bread. We drove back towards Hanley and then headed towards Bentilee so we could drive past the First garage at Adderley Green. We also went past Longton bus station which was empty at the time. we had just passed First PMT 61554 on either a #6 or #26. We then went passed the Z carz garage where we saw D104 XAN which had been to York, W344 WNS to Manchester,BV51 BNO local and T131 SGA local too. Matthew took a picture as we drove past the depot on Edensor Road.

Vehicles parked up at Z Carz in Longton

He then took a couple of trips on the Z carz buses BV51 BNO from Edensor Road depot T408 JUX was out as well as S973 OVP was then and then and from Longton bus station was Z Carz T131 SGA and then back there to the in Longton depot.We saw M283 BLD to Longton Bus station was Wardle Transport 2532 on the #22 service before we headed Home. He also saw PMT MMM120 & PMT SDC863 out and about today. We headed home on 2532 and saw Z carz W591 YBN in Blurton. we also saw First PMT 42727 on the #23 service. We had a homemade Chicken dinner for tea before we settle down for the evening...Mark.

Tirp to Jacksons Nurserry 22-05-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
1450	Heron Cross	Abbey Hulton	Charter	Wardle Transport
CN59 AEW	Abbey Hulton	Jacksons Nursery	Charter	Blackfriars
CN59 AEW	Jacksons Nursery	Abbey hulton	Charter	Blackfriars
1450	Bucknall Newhouse Road	Heathcote Street,Saxonfields	Charter	Wardle Transport
1623	Heathcote Street,Saxonfields	Heron Cross	Charter	Wardle Transport

Today Matthew was going on a trip to Jacksons Nursery from college. He was in respite in Heron Cross today. He would have gotten up around 07:00 in the morning with Kerry Holdcroft and then waited for his transport to college. On the he went before to Birkenhead. we saw Wardle Transport 4776 on a X50 to Derby. On the he had been to Nantwich from Sandbach via Crewe. He would like to go to be Northampton soon. The bus came around 08:00 and we was his usual Wardle Transport 1450.

Wardle Transport 1450 in Heron Cross

we got on would have gotten to college around 09:00. Today we Blackfriars CN59 AEW we got on we set off went to Jackson Nursery we got off. Whilst there he would have had a meal and a drink of coke followed by a cake. He then would have come back to college. Back at college we set off around 15:00 on his usual college transport and this was Wardle Transport Mercedes minibus 1450. we got On the way back we set off via Bucknall. saw Z Carz T131 SGA around Limekiln Bank. we then went along Dividy Road. On Dividy Road we saw First PMT 61243 on a #26 service. Bentilee past the Esso petrol station Adderley Green, First Aderley green garage. we saw First PMT 40779 on a service #1. to Heathcote Street,Saxonfields we got off transferred from his usual bus which outing was Wardle Transport 1450 Mercedes minibus and onto another bus which we was Wardle Transport 1623 we got on which has 16 seats. we set off liked the interior of this bus other bus. we saw First PMT 61235 on a service #1 to Hanley. we then carried on along Longley Road and King Street. In Fenton we saw Wardle Transport 2245 on a #50 service. we got off to Heron Cross Wardle Transport 1623 around 16:00. Whilst in respite picture of Wardle Transport 1626.

Wardle Transport 1626 in Heron Cross

He then had a tea and then settled down for the evening. Matthew visited one of the neighbours house too. we saw Z Carz YJ61 GYZ outside the respite unit. He then had a bath and used the toilet. He had some toast and orange juice before bedtime...Mark

Trip to the Snowdome 22-04-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
W187 RRE	Heron Cross	John Street, Hanley	Charter	Z Carz
FJ10 BJX	John Street, Hanley	Snowdome, Tamworth	Charter	Aiming High
FJ10 BJX	Snowdome, Tamworth	John Street, Hanley	Charter	Aiming High
T131 SGA	John Street, Hanley	Heron Cross	Charter	Z Carz

Today Matthew was in respite, but he had also been accepted to go on a trip to the Snowdone with Aiming High. We made arrangements for them to take him to Hanley. In Heron Cross Z carz W187 RRE arrived. A step entranced minicoach with 20 seats. It had a very nice interior, it even had a radio! Matthew would have set off around 09:30 to get to Hanley at 10:00. he had Z carz W187 RRE to Hanley. Scraggs 42 step Entranced minibus 42 was on the #16 to Leek. This was a bus he had been on before when it worked his college transport. In Hanley we saw First Potteries 60011 heading into town. Matthew transfered on Aiming High FJ10 BJX, another bus that he has been on before. He got a picture before he got on.

Aiming High FJ10 BJX in John Street, Hanley

In Hanley was Acton Coaches BXI 33 drove to Shelton. According Matthew the route they took to the Snowdome was through Shelton was Acton Coaches BXI 33 to going Blackpool onto the A500 to Hanford and then on the A34 towards Stone. South of Stone they got onto the A51 and then went through Lichfield to the A5. Matthew saw Arriva Midlands 3728 in Cannock on a #74 service. They stopped for fuel at the Colwich filling station.Harvest Energy. Londis shop for Coca Cola and mint Aero for a snack. They got back on minibus. They then did the short distance into Tamworth and to the Snowdome. They would have arrived just after 11:00. Matthew had a great time on the Snow in Tamworth. He went to the snowplay section of the Snowdome. They also did some ice skating. They also visited Starbucks Coffee lounge for a drink and a cake. Aterward on the way home, we saw the coach Dudleys M750 VYB on the tiny little screen at the front of the coach. we saw Watts Coaches M677 KVU too. we saw Edwards coaches LUI 7923 aswell. He returned back on FJ10 BJX, via Cannock, A5 and then onto the M6. They got back in Hanley around 16:00 where Z Carz T131 SGA was waiting. there are 24 seats in this bus. Someone came to meet him in Hanley where he transfered onto Z Carz T131 SGA inside of this bus again to go back to Heron Cross. He was back in respite by around 16:30 where he had his tea...Mark

Trip to Stoke 14-07-2011

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
T131 SGA	Blurton	Abbey Hulton	Charter	Z carz
T131 SGA	Abbey Hulton	Blurton	Charter	Z carz
40171	Waterside Drive, Shepley Grove	Stoke railway station	23	First Potteries
66838	Stoke railway station	Cauldon College (adj)	25	First Potteries
2406	Cauldon College (opp)	Stanley Matthews Way, Hem Heath	500	Wardle Transport

Today Matthew unusual had T131 SGA to college and back. Matthew was really pleased with this bus turning up on his transport!

Matthew went to Hanley earlier to open a new account, and he was really well behaved so I decided to treat him to a quick trip later. I went out just before 20:00 to see what was on the 23A diagram. It was required 40171... Just after 20:30, we went out and walked the short distance to Newstead to catch the 23 to Stoke station. The bus was due at around 20:52, but it did not turn up until around 21:00. We did the bus to the station as per usual and Matthew took a shot as it disappeared into the distance...


40171 heads towards to Hanley on a #23 service (Matt)

Due to our slight lateness we were unable to do the #25 into Stoke. So I hatched a plan to do the #25 towards Hanley as far as the College in order to pick up the #500 there. We had about 5 minutes to wait and before long required 66838 appeared. As we got on the bus Matthew decided to say hello to a lady on the bus. As he went to wave at her, the man sitting in the seat in front visibly flinched as he thought Matthew was going to punch him. When he realised what was happening he did smile as I apologised for Matthew scaring him! We sat down as we did the bus about 1/2 a mile up the road. Matthew got a shot as it accelerated away...


66838 also Hanley bound outside Cauldon College (Matt)

I did a 84268 text to see when the bus was due. We had about 4 minutes for the 500. When a Dart came over the hill I was surprised. Having seen Solos and Versas on this service, it was nice to see another new type. Originally i though it was M113, but as it got closer we saw it was 2406, which we had been on from Middleport to Hanley back in 2009. Matthew got a shot as it approached.


Wardle Transport 2406 on College Road (Matt)

The bus was lightly loaded and the journey was quiet. After we had dropped the other passengers of at Sainsbury's and we were crossing the A500, a Z carz minibus appeared behind us. The driver must have recognised Matthew as he gave him a thumbs up as he tried to take a picture out of the rear window. We got off near the end of Stanley Matthews way and then waited for the bus to return to the starting point of the return journey where Matthew got a picture.


2406 at Journeys end (Matt)

As we crossed the road to walk home, we saw the bus in the sunset and took another picture. He used the upright of the crossing to steady his camera.


2406 about to work off into the sunset... (Matt)

We then went back home for a bottle of Aldi shandy before bedtime.... Mark

Trip to Stoke 28-06-2011

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
T131 SAG	Blurton	Abbey Hulton	Charter	Z carz
DX56 FYZ	Abbey Hulton	Park hall	Charter	Blackfriars
T412 JUX	Park hall	Trentham	Charter	Z carz
T413 JUX	Trentham	Abbey Hulton	Charter	Star Travel
S973 OVR	Abbey Hulton	Blurton	Charter	Z carz
40027	Waterside Drive, Shepley Grove	Stoke railway station	23	First Potteries
60194	Stoke railway station	Church Street, Stoke	25	First Potteries
66839	Church Street, Stoke	Stoke railway station	25	First Potteries
2933	Stoke railway station	Stanley Matthews Way, Hem Heath	500	Wardle Transport

T131 SGA was the power for this morning, once at college he did college transport to Park Hall. He then did T412 JUX to Trentham. He then did Star Travel T413 JUX to Abbey Hulton. he returned home on VW minibus S973 OVP.

It was a fine evening so we decided to go out tonight. I went to view the 23a diagram which was 40027. This wasn't a required bus but we hadn't been on it since January 2009! We walked the short distance to the Shepley Grove stop and after a short wait sure enough 40027 appeared.


40027 in Newstead (Matt)

A short journey later and we were by Stoke station. in this fine summer evening Matthew was able to get a good picture here.


40027 outside Stoke railway station (Matt)

We crossed the road and waited for the #25 which was a Newcastle bus and usually required. Whilst waiting the other 23 diagram turned up with it's usual power 'dinky donut' 40003.


40003 outside Stoke railway station (Matt)

A few minutes later the #25 turned up and it didn't disappoint! It was Ex Manchester Scania 60194! We then did the short run into Stoke town Centre where he got a good picture.


60194 in Church Street Stoke (Matt)

We noticed we hadn't passed the Hanley bound 25 this time, and there were people at the stop so we crossed the road to wait for that bus. Unfortunately there was a drunk who was a bit abusive. We just smiled and kept our fingers crossed he didn't turn violent. I often have to hold Matthews hand to keep him safe, so he called us a derogatory term for homosexuals! As we got on the bus the drunk also called everyone on the bus w*****rs because they wouldn't have a sing song! the bus was 66839. one which Matthew had been on before with his respite carers, but I had not. We got off at the station thankful to be in one piece...


66839 outside Stoke railway station (Matt)

We then had Approximately 10 minutes before the 500. the bus turned up and it was same as last time Solo 2933. the bus was reasonably well filled up to the distribution centre and then we were the only one left on. Before we got off Matthew got a picture of the inside.


Inside 2933 (Matt)

he then got an OK picture as it went to turn around for the Norton leg of the journey.


2933 on Stanley Matthews Way (Matt)

Another good nights bus travel slightly marred by the drunken fool...Mark