Trip to Kidsgrove / Hanley 05-09-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
161	Blurton, Ladybank Grove	Hanley BS	23	D&G Bus

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going out on the bus later on. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw Temple Street Church minibus RX18 GZW. Once Matthew had finished his breakfast he chilled out in his room until it was time to go to the day centre. We saw First Potteries 63175 on a #11 to Hanley. In the morning we went downstairs and we got in car. We set off onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw Temple Street church minibus RX18 GZW. We carried on along Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road and we ran down the hill into Stoke. We went under the railway line and we joined the Northbound A500. As we travelled Northwards up the A500 we saw JKT YN16 WUC and The Travellers Choice BX65 WCM. We ran through Etruria and Longport and we came off the A500 at Talke. We joined the Northbound A34 and we ran up towards the Caudwell Tavern. We followed the A34 to the right and we turned right into St Saviors Street. We ran forwards onto Mitchell Drive and we crossed over Mitchell Avenue onto Harecastle Avenue. We ran forwards onto Grove Road and we arrived at our destination. Once out of the car Matthew went around Clough Hall Park. We used the playground and we walked around the park. Matthew had a chicken sandwich washed down with bottle of Coke for dinner. When we had finished we returned to Fenton. We got in the car and we set off along Grove Road. We ran forwards onto Harecastle Avenue and forwards again onto Mitchell Drive. We ran forwards onto St Saviours Street and we turned left onto the A34. We ran past Costa Coffee. We followed the A34 to the left and we headed South. We joined the Southbound A50 and we ran through Longport and Etruria. We came off the A500 at Stoke and we turned left onto City Road. We turned left onto Smithpool Road and left 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. We went through the traffic lights and forwards onto Blurton Road. As we travelled through Blurton. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Street and right onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 13:00. When we got home Matthew had ttoast and a small bottle of dandelion & burdock. Today we were catching the 13:33 to Hanley. We set off around 13:51 on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Finstock Avenue. We waited for the bus to appear and a few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. The bus appeared and it was D&G Bus 161 on a #23 to Hanley.

D&G 161 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto Beaconsfield Drive. We ran to the end we turned left onto Church Road. We ran to Critchlow's Corner and we veered left onto Blurton Road running through Blurton. We crossed the A50 and at Heron Cross lights we went forwards onto Heron Street. We followed the road around onto Station Bridge Road. We turned left at Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road. and we joined the A52 to go under the railway line and over the A500. We continued onto Church Street and into the centre of Stoke. After a brief stop we continued around the one-way system onto Elenora Steet and right onto Copeland street. We turned left onto Glebe Street and we went under the railway line before turning left onto Station Road. We went past the railway station and we turned right onto College Road. After running the hill through Shelton we continued onto Cleveland Road and forwards onto Regent Road. We turned left onto Lower Bethesda Street and we crossed over the ring road onto Bethesda Street before we turned right onto John Street. Once in the bus station. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside D&G Bus 161.

Inside D&G 161

We got off the bus. We set off onto Lichfield Street and and went forwards onto Tontine Street. We walked through Tontine Square to the Intu Potteries shopping centre. We had a walk around the shops and afterwards we walked through Tontine Square onto Tontine Street. we saw First Potteries 67157 on a #3 to Crewe. We walked onto Lichfield Street and back to the bus station. we went outside the bus station to get a taxi back towards Fenton. We got in a City Cabs taxi and we set off along onto Lichfield Street. We crossed over the A52 and onto Victoria Road. we turned onto Manor Street. We turned right onto City Road and left onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street past the new building under construction and back to the residential unit. Matthew went back upstairs. Matthew returned to his room to chill out and drink his bottle of Coke. Matthew went downstairs and went to the main lounge for party food. He had a ham bap and he ate some of his cupcakes and a jammy dodger. He also ate a few party rings and a small bag of Haribo washed down with a glass of Coke. After the party Matthew went back upstairs to his room to chill out. Matthew used his computer and watched music videos on the television. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Hanley / Longport 16-05-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63099	Fenton, Victoria Place	Hanley BS	6	First Potteries
65731	Hanley BS	Tunstall, Asda superstore	3	First Potteries
32081	Longport, Westport Lake Road	Newcastle BS	98	First Potteries
63179	Newcastle BS	Fenton, Christchurch Street	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going out on the bus. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw First Potteries 63179 on a #11 to Hanley. we went downstairs and out of the unit. We set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street. At the day centre we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned right. We walked up City Road and we walked up to the roundabout and around the corner onto Victoria Road to wait for the bus to Hanley.

Autocabs WR12 CNO in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 63099 on a #6 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63099 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down. We set off down Victoria Road. crossed over the A52 at Joiners Square. We ran up Lichfield Street instead of going to the bus stops outside the bus station, we turned left onto the ring road. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and right onto John Street and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew used the toilet. We waited for a bus to Tunstall. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 65731 on a #3 to Crewe.

First Potteries 65731 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Tunstall. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 65731 before we sat down.

Inside First Potteries 65731

Whilst we waited for departure time we saw The Travellers Choice BF68 LFG on a #333 to Bournemouth. We set off out of the bus station and onto John Street. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and we went straight across onto Marsh Street. We turned right up onto Trinity Street and we went past the former RBS now a new shop. We turned left onto Stafford Street. After picking up more passenger outside of Debenhams we followed the road around to the left and then back onto marsh Street. At the roundabout we went straight on onto Waterloo Road and we ran up the hill into Cobridge. We continued into Buslem and through the traffic lights onto Scotia Road. We went past the old Burslem PMT garage and we followed the road around to the left onto Williamson Street. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked around the corner onto Brownhills Road and we turned right into Westport Lake Road. At the lake Matthew went to the toilet. We then visited the green door centre and Matthew went around the lake on a bike. Once we had finished Matthew visited the toilet again. We went to the Westport lake centre and we had dinner. Matthew had cheese oatcakes washed down with a can of coke. Once we we had finished we set off onto Westport Lake Road and we crossed the road to wait for a bus to Newcastle. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 37146 on a diverted #98 to Ball Green. After a while we saw the bus approaching. It was First Potteries 32081 on a #98 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 32081 in Longport

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before we went upstairs. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 32081 before we sat down.

Inside First Potteries 32081

We set off down Brownhills Road over Trubshaw Cross roundabout through Longport and over the A500. We went up Porthill Bank and we followed the A527 through Wolstanton & May Bank and into Newcastle. We crossed the roundabout onto Barracks Road and we entered the bus station. Once in the bus station we waited for a bus back to Fenton. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 63179 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63179 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 63179 before we sat down.

Inside First Potteries 63179

We set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road and we ran up to the Jubilee roundabout. We ran onto the A53 and we saw Stanton's of Stoke LRV 731. We carried on around the one-way system onto the A52. We ran up George Street into Hartshill and we ran down the hill into Stoke town centre. After a brief stop we continued along Church Street out of Stoke and over the A500. We ran under the railway line and we continued onto City Road. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. We got off the bus by the shops and we cross over City Road. We through the passage onto Christchurch Street and down temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to chill out. Matthew chilled out in his room watching television and using his computer. Later on Matthew went we we went downstairs and we got in a car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Baker Street and we parked up. We crossed over Glebedale Road and we visited the Health Centre. Afterwards we went to do the weekly shop. We got in the car and we set off along Baker Street and we turned left onto Glebedale Road. We turned right onto City Road and we crossed over the roundabout onto King Street. We headed through Fenton and we turned left Hollings Street. We turned left onto Brocksford Street and left onto Burnham Street. We turned left King Street and we ran through Foley into Longton. We went under the railway bridge and we turned right onto Baths Road and we turned left into Tesco. Matthew went into Tesco and did his weekly shop. When he had finished we returned to the car to go for tea. We set off onto Baths road and we went around the A50 roundabout and we did a u-turn back onto Baths Road. We turned left onto Pheonix way and we visited the pub. Matthew had a carvery with beef, potatoes, carrots and Yorkshire pudding washed down with a glass of Coke. For afters Matthew had red velvet cheesecake. When we had finished we returned to Fenton by car. We set off along Pheonix Way and we turned left onto Baths Road. We did a u-turn at the roundabout and we joined the Westbound A50. We came off at Heron Cross and we turned right onto the link road. We turned left onto City Road and left onto Smithpool Road. We turned left on to Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew went back to his room to chill out. He used his computer and watched music videos on the Television. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Hanley / Nantwich 09-03-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67151	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
67151	Hanley BS	Fenton, opp Albert Square	23	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. Later on Matthew was going to Hanley on the bus. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst waiting for time to got to the day centre Matthew spent time in his room watching buses. We saw Roseville KR16 SOA.

Roseville KR16 SOA in Fenton

Later we went to Hanley on the bus. We went downstairs and we set off onto City Road and down to the stop outside the flats. We waited for a bus to Hanley. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 67661 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67661 in Fenton

A few minutes later we aw a bus turned the corner. As it got closer we saw that it was First Potteries 67151 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67151 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down City Road and we joined the A52 to go under the railway line and over the A500. We continued onto Church Street. and into the centre of Stoke. After a brief stop we continued around the one-way system onto Elenora Steet and right onto Copeland street. We turned left onto Glebe Street and we went under the railway line before turning left onto Station Road. We went past the railway station we turned right onto College Road. After running the hill through Shelton we continued onto Cleveland Road and forwards onto Regent Road. We turned left onto Lower Bethesda Street and we crossed over the ring road onto Bethesda Street. We turned right onto John Street. We entered the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we set we saw First Potteries 65039 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 65039 in Hanley bus station

Also seen was Stanton's of Stoke Stanton's of Stoke 6052 VT on a #61 to Bradeley village.

Stanton's of Stoke 6052 VT in Hanley bus station

Another vehicle seen was National Expressed liveried The Travellers Choice BX65 WCM on a #333 to Bournemouth.

The Travellers Choice BX65 WCM in Hanley bus station

We set off out of the bus station up Lichfield Street and forwards onto Stafford Street. We stopped at Wilko and we brought a Galaxy caramel bar. Once we had finished in Wilko we carried on along Stafford Street and into Debenhams. We went upstairs to the cafe in Debenhams. We also visited the Stoke City shop Matthew brought a football. Once we had finished we went out the main entrance of the Intu Potteries shopping centre shopping centre and onto Tontine Square. We carried on to Tontine Street and we stopped at the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had a glass of Coke, For dinner Matthew had burger and fries followed by chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. When we had finished we carried on along Tontine Street and forwards onto Lichfield Street and back to the bus station. We waited for a bus back to Fenton. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 67151 on a #23 to Newstead.

First Potteries 67151 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before we sat down. We set off onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We crossed over the ring road and we ran down onto Regent Road and forwards onto Cleveland Road. We ran down though Shelton along College Road and we ran down to the railway station. We turned right onto Glebe Street and under the railway line an we ran around the one-way system in Stoke and stopped by Stoke Minster. We turned left onto Church Street and we crossed the A500 and we ran under the railway line. After climbing up the hill into Fenton we turned right into Christchurch Street where we got up and got off the bus. We then walked back to the day centre. Later on we returned to the residential unit. We set off onto Christchurch Street and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out on his computer and watch buses out of the window. we saw blue minibus SF14 BXH going into the car park off City Road.

SF14 BXH in Fenton

Later on Matthew went to Nantwich by car. We went down stair and car we set off onto Temple Street. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto City Road. We ran down the hill into Stoke and we joined the Westbound A52. We ran under the railway line and we joined the Northbound A500. We went under the M6 and we continued to the South of Crewe and to the Eastern edge of Nantwich. At the edge of town. We continued Westwards along the B5074 and we ran around the Southern end of town. We turned right onto Pillory Street and we headed Northwards into town. We parked up and we walked Northwards up the high Street. We saw the shop next to Nationwide buidling society and the former Co-op Pharmacy which is now an Italian restaurant. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had a glass of Coke. For tea Matthew had steak and hand cooked chips. When we had finished we returned to Fenton in a car. We set off along Hospital Street and forwards onto the B5074. We ran to the edge of town and forwards onto the A500. We ran to the South of Crewe and under the M6 and down through Longport and Etruria. We came off the A500 in Stoke and we turned left onto City Road. We went under the railway line. We ran up the hill into Fenton and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. Matthew used his computer and watched music videos on the television. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Hanley / Newcastle 25-03-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67156	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
65033	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	101	First Potteries
159	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	9	D&G
67153	Hanley BS	Fenton, opp Albert Square	23	First Potteries
LB11 LVV	Fenton	Hanley Park	Charter	City Cabs
LB11 LVV	Hanley Park	Fenton	Charter	City Cabs

Today Matthew was in residential and he was going to his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Today Matthew was going out on a local trip from the residential unit. We set off onto City Road and we walked down to the bus stop to wait for a bus to Hanley. Whilst at the bus stop we saw First Potteries Solo 53122 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 53122 in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw the approaching.. As it got closer we saw that it was dud First Potteries 67156 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67156 in Fenton

We got on the bus and booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we joined the A52 and ran under the railway line. After crossing over the A500 we ran into Stoke town centre along Church Street. We followed the one-way system around onto Elenora Street and right onto Copeland Street. We turned left onto Glebe Street and we ran under the railway line before turning left onto Station Road. After stopping briefly outside the railway station we turned right onto College Road and we ran up the hill through Shelton. We continued onto Cleveland Road and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We crossed over the ring road and we continued along Bethesda Street before turning right onto John Street. We ran up the hill into the bus station and onto stand. Once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. In the bus station we saw required D&G Bus 146 on a #16 to Leek.

D&G 146 in Hanley bus station

A few minutes later we spotted First Potteries 65033 on a #101 to Stafford, which we decided to do. We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto John Street. At the bottom of the hill we turned right onto Bethesda Street before turning left onto Broad Street. We saw Arriva Midlands 3692 on a #164 to Hanley. We continued onto Snow Hill and at the roundabout we turned right onto Shelton New Road. We ran down the hill and over the canal and railway line and we climbed up the hill into Hartshill. After crossing the traffic lights on Victoria Street we continued to the edge of Newcastle. At the roundabout we ran onto george street and we ran down the hill into Newcastle and onto the one-way system. After crossing the Jubilee roundabout we turned left onto Barracks Road and we turned right into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and in the bus station we saw D&G Bus 115 on a #73 to Park Site.

D&G 115 in Newcastle bus station

On Stubbs Street we saw First Potteries 66303 which appeared to have broken down and was receiving attention from a bus fitter.

First Potteries 66303 in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes later we saw it was D&G 159 on a 'Nines' service to Biddulph.

D&G 159 in Newcastle bus station

We decided to do this bus so we got on it and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We ran down to the A34 and we headed South to the hospital where we turned left. We saw City Centre Central minibus SD10 BMZ. We ran through the hospital grounds and out the other side onto Hilton Road. At the roundabout we went left onto Newcastle lane and we ran up the hill into the centre of Penkhull. We turned left onto St Thomas Place and forwards onto Princes Street. We past the old school on the left which is now a new soft play area and the old North Staffs Royal Infirmary. At the end of the road we turned right onto the A52 and we ran down into Stoke. We passed through Church Street and we crossed over the A500. after running under the railway line we followed the A52 around to the left running parallel to the railway line. We then turned left onto to station Road. After stopping briefly outside the railway station we turned right onto College Road and we ran up the hill through Shelton. We continued onto Cleveland Road and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We crossed over the ring road and we continued along Bethesda Street before turning right onto John Street. We ran up the hill into the bus station and onto stand. Once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we saw The Travellers Choice National Express liveried coach PO62 LMK on a #333 service to Bournemouth.

The Travellers Choice PO62 LMK in Hanley bus station

Matthew then went for dinner at McDonalds. We set off on foot onto Lichfield Street and at the top we turned right onto Old Hall Street. We turned left onto parliament Row and we went into McDonalds Matthew used the toilet and then had a burger meal with fries and a cup of Coke. After we had finished eating we walked back to the bus station. We set off onto Parliament Row and we turned right onto Old Hall Street. We turned left onto Lichfield Street by Blackburn House and we walked down to the bus station. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 67153 on the #23 to Blurton. We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto john Street. At the bottom of the hill we turned left onto Bethesda Street and we crossed over the ring road. We continued to the end of Bethedsa Street and we turned right onto Regent Road. We ran forwards onto College Road and we ran down the hill through Shelton. We turned left onto Station Road and we stopped briefly outside the railway station. At the end of station road we turned right onto Glebe Street. We ran onto the one-way system and we followed it onto Church Street. After crossing over the A500 we ran under the railway line onto City Road. We ran up the hill and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. When we got to Albert Square we got up and got off the bus. We then walked back to the residential unit. Once inside matthe went up to his room and chilled on on his computer as well as watching buses out of the wind. We saw First Potteries 32647 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 32647 in Fenton

We also saw Magnum taxi minibus SF54 LPP on the road opposite.

Magnum SF54 LPP in Fenton

later on Matthew had sausages and chips for tea followed by cake. After tea Matthew went out. We took a City Cabs minibus LB11 LVV to Hanley Park. we set off down City Road and at the bottom of the hill we turned right onto the A52. We continued past the station and we turned left onto Cauldon Road. We turned right onto Boughey Road and we stopped on The Avenue where we got off out of City Cabs minibus LB11 LVV. Matthew then walked around Hanley Park for a while. We walk northwards through the park and into the North West corner to the sensory play area. After spending a while there we walkd back to the South East corner of the park. We returned back to Fenton in a City Cabs minibus LB11 LVV. We set off along The Avenue and otno Boughey Road. We turned left onto Cualdon Road and we ran down to the A52 where we turned right. We continued along the A52 past the railway station and onto City Road. We ran u the hill and to the residential unit. We went back inside and then Matthew had a bath and got ready for bad. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Wigan / Leigh 24-10-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
22304	Wigan BS	Leigh BS	598	Stagecoach Manchester
27823	Leigh BS	Platt Bridge, before Warrington Road/Millers Lane	658	Stagecoach Manchester
2579	Platt Bridge, before Warrington Road/Millers Lane	Wigan BS	360	Arriva NW&W
4581	Wigan BS	Orrell, opp Orrell Road/The Mount	385	Arriva NW&W
2968	Orrell, o/s Orrell Road/The Mount	Wigan BS	352	Arriva NW&W
47332	Wigan BS	Standish, adj Preston Road/Avondale Street	113	Stagecoach Lancashire
2685	Standish, before Preston Road/Avondale Street	Wigan BS	362	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to re-visit Wigan. We had checked the weather and there was going to be rain up until around 13:00 with brighter spells moving in from the West. Had we not been to Chester last week we probably would have gone there instead. The weather in Bromsgrove was predicted for rain until around 16:00. We gave Matthew a choice of destinations in the North West and from the list Matthew chose Wigan. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Around 12:00 We set off through Blurton along Church Road and it was raining. We went forwards onto Blurton Road and we stopped at mum's friends to drop off some of the Christmas Cake that Matthew had helped to make the night before. At Heron Cross we joined the Westbound A50 and we went Northwards onto the A500. We passed S&S Travel Services R400 STL, Stanton's of Stoke 815 DYE, luck Seven FM04 NPK & Holmeswood Coaches PN08 CNF. When we got to the M6 there was some traffic which slowed our progress. AS we went North we saw Silver minibus EK55 XWS, A Maghull Coaches Mercedes minibus, a BBC local radio non PSV converted from an East Lancashire Mylenium single decker and Days Rented silver minibus CU15 PPZ. As we got to the A49 junction to head towards Wigan there were blue skies and sunshine. We ran the last few mile up the A49 and we passed Wigan Pier before going past the railway stations and Parking in Dorning Street. We ate at Mr Chips again and Matthew used the toilet. For dinner Matthew had had a breakfast with a few of mum's chips as well as a bottle of Coke. When it was time to leabe we said goodbye to Mr Chips and we walked down the road to the bus station. On layover adjacent to Hallgate was required Arriva NW&W 2980.

Arriva NW&W 2980 in Wigan bus station

Also on layover between service was dud Stagecoach Manchester 19521, which was about to work a #32 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 19521 in Wigan bus station

We crossed over to the other side of the bus station and we saw dud Stagecoach Manchester 19522 about to work a #32 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 19522 in Wigan bus station

On the other side of that block of bus stands was required Stagecoach Manchester 22304 which was bout to work a #598 to Leigh.

Stagecoach Manchester 22304 in Wigan bus station

We decided to do this bus. We got on the bus and we booked System One bus only day tickets at £5.20 each. We left the bus station out of the West end and around Morrison's before passing through the town centre. We went into Darling East Street and we carried on onto Manchester Road. The #598 serves the area to the North of Manchester Road into an area called Belle Green. We turned left onto Belle Green Lane and we went around a few street before returning to the main road via Makerfield Way. We turned left onto the main road and we passed through Hindley and Hindley Green before we turned right onto A578. We headed south through Tamar & Westleigh and we headed into Leigh via Railway Road and King Street. When we got to the bus station we let the bus empty and then Matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach Manchester 22304.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 22304

We got off the bus and Matthew visited the toilet. We had spotted a giant cartoon hot dog display next to the food truck that we usually eat in when we visit Leigh, so after Matthew had been to the toilet he had a picture done of himself next to the hot dog. We then went to the other end of the bus station to take a few pictures whilst we decided what bus to do next. We saw Rotala Diamond 20720 on a #694 Leigh Atherton circular service.

Rotala Diamond 20720 in Leigh bus station

We also saw dud Stagecoach Manchester 19525 on a X34 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 19525 in Leigh bus station

A minute or so later we saw Stagecoach Manchester 27823 on a #658 to Wigan.

Stagecoach Manchester 27823 in Leigh bus station

We decided to do Stagecoach Manchester 27823 so we walked up the bus station and we saw Jim Stones BUS 1S on the way, which was on a #593 to Wigan.

Jim Stones BUS 1S in Leigh bus station

We got on the Stagecoach bus, and we flashed the System One bus ticket to the driver before we sast down near to the back of the bus. A quick check of the buses I have travelled on page revealed that Stagecoach Manchester 27823 was a dud one. We had been on this bus before from Westhoughton to Daisy Hill back in January 2013. The bus set off out of the bus station and we went Westwards along the A578. We followed the A578 right as it became Wigan Road and we ran up to Tamar. At Tamar we turned left onto the B5237 to travel through Bickershaw. Tyhe bus emptied out in front of us so Matthew took a picture inside of Stagecoach Manchester 27823.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 27823

The bus carried on Westwards to Abram and then we turned right onto the A573. We were then in Platt Bridge... I had forgotten that the #658 went through Platt Bridge. I asked Matthew if he wanted to get off here and he said yes, so we got up and got off the bus as we approached the centre of town. Matthew then took another picture of Stagecoach Manchester 27823.

Stagecoach Manchester 27823 in Platt Bridge

As we approached the stop we saw the Blakeleys Recycling scrap yard opposite and there appeared to be a new addition or two to the buses we had seen previously. We crossed the road and walked over to the yard where we saw former First Potteries vehicles 40007/40179/61239, First West Yorkshire 50282 & First Glasgow 41301. There was also a Mercedes minibus T134 ARE and an unidentified coach. After we had been to look at the scrapyard we crossed back over the road and we visited the Co-operative Food store. Matthew had a can of Coke for later and picked a few chocolate bars to stock up the trip bag. After we paid we went to the bus stop and Matthew at a Toffee Crisp. As bus came up the road and as it got closer we saw that it was required Arriva NW&W 2579.

Arriva NW&W 2579 in Platt Bridge

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus tickets to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off Northwards and we passed through Spring View along Warrington Road. We came into Wigan and we came into the bus station along King Street and King Street West. When we got to the bus station we waited for the bus to empty and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2579.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2579

We decided to visit the toilet whilst we were here and we saw Manchester Ring & Ride bus BU08 GXY which was on the adjacent Ring & Ride stand.

Ring & Ride BU08 GXY in Wigan bus station

We had seen an Arriva double decker on the #385 to Southport. On the way across the other side of the bus station to check it out we saw Rotala Diamond 30508 on a #635 to Appley Bridge.

Rotala Diamond 30508 in Wigan bus station

When we got to the other side of the bus station we saw that the Southport bus was required Arriva NW&W 4580.

Arriva NW&W 4580 in Wigan bus station

We decided to do the double decker so we got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus left the bus station and we went along King Street West before turning right to go past the railway stations. Outside Wigan North Western station were B&N Coaches A12 BXN & Finches Y311 HUA on rail replacement work. We went South down the A49 and around Wigan Pier and at the big roundabout we joined the A577 Ormskirk Road. We climbed the hill past Halfway and today we decided to go a bit further than usual through Pemberton and over the M6. Just after the motorway we decided to get up and get off before we dropped off the Western edge of Manchester. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4580 as it carried on towards Southport.

Arriva NW&W 4580 in Orrell

We crossed the road and we stood at the stop outside The Mount pub to wait for the return bus. We didn't have to wait long before we saw dud Arriva NW&W 2968 coming up the hill. We got on the bus and we flashed the System One tickets to the driver. This was a bus we first had back in July 2015 from Platt Bridge to Wigan on the #360 service. We crossed the M6 and we went down the hill through Pemberton. We stopped near to Halfway and somebody how was in the street decided to mock and then moon Matthew! We carried on past the big roundabout and we swiftly went up the hill past the Pier and the railway stations before travelling into the bus station via King Street West. Matthew waited the bus to empty and took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2968.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2968

We got off the bus and Matthew took a picture of Arriva NW&W 2968.

Arriva NW&W 2968 in Wigan bus station

As we came into the bus station we saw Stagecoach Lancashire 47332. We decided to do this bus so we walked up to the top end of the bus station.

Stagecoach Lancashire 47332 in Wigan bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One ticket to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and we went onto A49 and North past the hospital. We crossed over the West coast main line at Lower Standish and we carried on Northwards for another mile or so into the centre of Standish and and we decided to get up and get off the bus. Matthew said hello to a lady on the bus and kissed her hand being the cheeky monkey that he is! We got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Lancashire 47332 as it carried on towards Preston.

Stagecoach Lancashire 47332 in Standish

We crossed the road and we waited for the bus back to Wigan at the stop outside Lidl. Matthew ate a Milky way and drank a can of orange Fanta as we had just missed a bus and the next one was in just less that 15 minutes. As we waited we saw Alfa coach 57 going Northwards.

Alfa 57 in Standish

The time past quickly and before we knew it required Arriva NW&W 2685 approached from the North on the #362 to Wigan.

Arriva NW&W 2685 in Standish

We got on the bus and we flashed the 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 back down the A49 and through the centre of Standish before running the three miles or so into Wigan. When we got back into the bus station we let the bus empty before we got a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2685.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2685

We got off the bus and we went up towards the toilet. On the way we took another picture of Stagecoach Manchester 27823 which we had been on earlier in the day.

Stagecoach Manchester 27823 in Wigan bus station

Whilst Matthew was in the toilet a coach arrived into the bus station. It was The Travellers Choice PO12 GWP in National Express livery on the #571 to Whitehaven.

The Travellers Choice PO12 GWP in Wigan bus station

We decided to take a few pictures of buses on the way back to the car. At the bottom of the bus station was dud Stagecoach Manchester 22354 on a #600 to Leigh.

Stagecoach Manchester 22354 in Wigan bus station

At the bottom corner of the bus station we saw Arriva NW&W 2980 on a #352 to Orrell.

Arriva NW&W 2980 in Wigan bus station

We also saw required Arriva NW&W 4581 on a #375 to Southport.

Arriva NW&W 4581 in Wigan bus station

On layover was Rotala Diamond Scania 30541 still in South Lancs Travel colours.

Rotala Diamond 30541 in Wigan bus station

We came out of the bus station and onto Hallgate and we saw Stagecoach Manchester 27232 on layover.

Stagecoach Manchester 27232 in Wigan

We got into the car opposite and Matthew had a Greggs sausage roll was down with a small bottle of Irn Bru. We set off towards Wigan Pier via Frog Lane and under the railway lines, and we went around the Pier onto the Southbound A49. We carried on Southwards out of town and we joined the link road before going onto the Southbound M6. It was now going dark and we made good time we went South passed the M62 and M56 and we came off the M6 at junction 16. We went down the A500 and when we got to Sideway we went Eastwards on the A50. At Longton we came off the A50 and we went to check out what was parked up at Z Carz this evening. Once again there were two rows. In the first row was Z Carz Ford Minibus NA06 SUO.

Z Carz NA06 SUO in Longton

At the near end of the first row was Z Carz green minibus T418 WYJ.

Z Carz T418 WYJ in Longton

Nearest bus in the second row was Z Carz minibus GL04 CVE.

Z Carz GL04 CVE in Longton

We turned the corner into Willow Row and there was a Volkswagen minibus S973 OVP as well as Ford minibus YS09 LWV.

Z Carz S973 OVP in Longton

We returned onto the A50 and we ran up to Heron Cross before going onto Blurton Road. We continued onto Church Road and we turned right into Beaconsfield Drive. We got home just after 19:00. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a jam filled shortcake biscuit. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:30... Mark