Trip to Leek / Newcastle 29-11-2023

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67143	Fenton, Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
35948	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	25	First Potteries
67154	Hanley BS	Fenton, opp Albert Square	23	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to Belper he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to Belper and we saw First Potteries 63361 on a #11 to Hanley. In the morning Matthew went to Leek. We went downstairs and we got in a car. We set off onto Temple Street. we turned left onto Christchurch Street whwre we saw First Potteries 67153 on a #23 to Hanley. We turned left onto Baker Street and left into Glebedale Road and we turned right onto City Road. At the roundabout we turned sharp left onto Victoria Road. down the hill to Joiners Square. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A52 and we ran up to Bucknall. At the lights we continued onto the A5009 and we ran through Abbey Hulton and Milton to Stockon Brook and we joined the Northbound A53 and we ran through Endon and and Longsdon. We continued through Ladderedge and up the hill into Leek town Centre. We turned left onto St Edwards Street and left onto the A523 past the site of the new Tim Hortons. We took the next right turning and parked up. We went in the pub and Matthew went to the toilet. Matthew had a mixed grill with beans washed down with a glass of Coke. For afters Matthew had chocolate fudge cake and custard. When we had finished we got in the car and we set off onto the A523. We turned right onto St Edwards Street and right onto the A53. We ran out of lee town centre and we climbed the hill up towards Ladderegde. We continued through Longsdon and down towards Endon. We continued down through Stockton Brook and we turned left onto the A5009. we ran through Baddeley Green and into Abbey Hulton. We continued under the railway line and into Bucknall. At the light we ran forwards onto the A52 and towards Joiners Square. We turned left onto Victoria Road past Adsa and the B&M. We turned right onto Manor Street and we turned left onto City Road and we turned right Glebedale Road. We turned right Baker Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. We ran to the end of the road and we got out. We walked around the corner onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room and chilled out in his room and use his computer and watch buses out of the window. We went downstairs and we set off onto City Road. On the way to the bus stop we saw AJS Passenger Travel WX08 BMY.

AJS Passenger Travel WX08 BMY in Fenton

We continued down to the bus stop and whilst we waited we saw Warringtons of Ilam BX11 HHG going towards Stoke.

Warringtons of Ilam BX11 HHG in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67143 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67143 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre along Church Street. After a brief stop in Stoke we continued along church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road. We ran up the hill and into Hartshill. We ran forwards onto George Street and we ran down the hill into Newcastle. We turned left at the roundabout onto Barracks Road and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we waited for a bus towards Hanley. A few minutes later a bus appeared and it was First Potteries 35938 on a #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 35938 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we went upstairs. When it was time to go the bus set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We turned left at the roundabout onto the A34. we ran South as far as the hospital where we turned left. As we travelled through the hospital. We came out of the hospital and turned left onto Hilton Road. We ran into Hartshill and we turned right onto the A52. We ran down the hill into Stoke town centre and along Church Street. After a brief stop we continued along the A52, over the A500 and under the railway line. We followed the A52 to the left and we ran alongside the railway and onto Station Road. We passed the railway station and we turned right onto Stoke Road and we turned right onto Avenue Road. At the roundabout we turned left onto College Road. We ran up the hill through Shelton and we followed the road to the right onto Cleveland Road and we turned left onto Hinde Street. We crossed over the ring road and we turned right onto Broad Street. We turned right onto Marsh Street and then we turned right into Pall Mall. We ran forwards onto Bagnall Street and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67154 on a #23 to Newstead.

First Potteries 67154 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we ran down John Street and left onto onto Bethesda Street. We turned right onto the clockwise ring road and we turned left onto Hinde Street and we saw Paul's of Stoke YN61 AXR. We turned right 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 under the railway line. We ran up City Road 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 walked back to to the residential unit. We set off onto Christchurch Street and left onto Temple Street and we got in the car and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we crossed over City Road onto Manor Street. We turned left onto Victoria Road and we stopped at McDonalds. Matthew had a burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we returned to Fenton in we got in the car and we set off onto Victoria Road and at joiners Square. We went straight onto Lichfield Street and we turned left onto the clockwise ring road and we turned left onto Broad Street. We ran down the hill and over the ring road onto Snow Hill Before we turned right onto Shelton New Road and we saw Cabability minibus DG17 UYM parkd up at their depot. We ran along the B5045 and through Hartshill and we ran forwards onto the A52 and at the roundabout we ran forwards onto Ryecroft. We continued onto Knutton lane and we turned left onto Dunkirk. We turned right onto Poolside and we arrived at Our Space. Matthew went to the toilet. He also spent time in the soft play area. When we had finished we said goodbye and we returned to Fenton in a taxi. We set off onto Stanier Street. When we returned to Fenton in a Intercity taxi. We set off along Stanier Road and we turned left onto Pool Side. We turned left onto Dunkirk and we turned right onto Knutton Lane. We around the roundabout and back onto the Ryecroft and we ran forwards onto the one-way system. We continued onto the A53. We ran into Basford and over the Soutbound A500 and we ran through Shelton and Stoke. We came off the A500 and we turned left onto City Road. We ran up the hill into Fenton and we turned right onto Smithpool Road, We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. When Matthew got back we went upstairs and went up to his room. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Sandbach / Hanley 10-12-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67663	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
44514	Hanley BS	Fenton, opp Albert Square	23	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 later on. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice 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 Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. Later on Matthew went downstairs to do his shopping. We set off onto City Road. After crossing over the road we turned right into Manor Street. At the end we turned left onto Victoria Road. Part way down Victoria Road we saw First Potteries 67653 on a #6A to Blythe Bridge. We turned left onto Victoria Road. and we ran down to Joiners Square. We crossed over the roundabout and we ran forwards onto Lichfield Street. We ran up to the ring road and we ran anti-clockwise around Hanley. We turned right onto the A50 and we ran Northwards through Cobridge into Burslem. We continued up Scotia Road towards Tunstall and we continued onto the High Street and Northwards through Goldenhill. We ran down the hill to Kisgrove and we continued under the railway line and canal into Cheshire. We ran through to Rode Heath and we turned right onto the A5011. We turned left onto the A533 and we ran the last few miles into Sandbach. We followed the A533 Northwards through town and we turned right into the town centre. We parked up on the common and we saw D&G Bus 140 on a #316 to Cooksmere Lane. We walked down the High Street and we stopped at the pub for dinner. Matthew went to the toilet and after wards had dinner. He had a burger and chips washed down with a glass of Coke. For dessert Matthew had a chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. When we had finished we walked back to the Common. We returned to Fenton in a lucky Seven taxi. We set off onto the A533 and we headed Southwards. We ran down to Rode Heath and we turned right onto the B5011. We turned left onto the A50 and we ran through Kidsgrove. We ran through Goldenhill and we joined the A527 towards the Chatterley Valley. We joined the Southbound A500 and we ran through Longport and Etruria. We came off the A500 at Stoke and we turned left onto City Road. We ran up the hill into Fenton and we and right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street past the new building under construction and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs and back to his room to chill out. we saw First Potteries 67663 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67663 in Fenton

Also seen was silver minibus SF19 AXC going towards Heron Cross.

SF19 AXC in Fenton

Another vehicle seen was First Potteries 44515 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 44515 in Fenton

Later on we went downstairs and we set off onto City Road and we saw Afford rent-a-car KV19 NUK outside there yard.

Afford Rent-a-car KV19 NUK in Fenton

We stood at the bus stop outside the flats and we waited for a bus to Hanley. Whilst we waited we saw Stanton's of Stoke RUI 2486 heading towards Stoke. A short time later we saw First Potteries 67663 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67663 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 Street 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 due to roadworks we ran to the end of Station Road and turned right. We ran up Stoke Road and we turned right onto Avenue Road. At the roundabout we turned left 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 and once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Lichfield Street where we saw Warringtons of Ilam BX11 HHG going towards the centre of town.

Warringtons of Ilam BX11 HHG in Hanley

We turned left onto Stafford Street. We continued forwards onto Bryan Street and we went to Cineworld. Matthew had a hot dog and Coke. He went to the toilet and afterwards he saw Motherless Brooklyn at the cinema. When he had finished we set off back down Bryan Street onto Stafford Street we saw First Potteries 67635 on a #7 to Kidsgrove. We turned left onto Lichfield Street and we saw First Potteries 63146 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63146 in Hanley

We headed into the bus station and we waited for a bus back towards Fenton. A short time later we saw First Potteries 44514 on a #23 to Newstead.

First Potteries 44514 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 44514 before we sat down.

Inside First Potteries 44514

Whilst we waited for departure time we saw Park's of Hamilton BF68 LBN on a #548 to Birmingham. We set off out of the bus station and onto john Street. At the bottom of the hill 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. We turned right onto Avenue Road and left onto Stoke Road. We went passed the former chemists which is becoming a new dessert shop. and we ran down the hill and we turned left onto Station Road and past 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 residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. Later on Matthew had a bath and had toast for supper. Matthew went on his computer until bedtime around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Kidsgrove / Birches Head 03-12-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67152	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
67159	Hanley BS	Fenton, opp Albert Square	23	First Potteries
67151	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
67152	Hanley BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	23	First Potteries
BN14 JCY	Fenton	Birches Head	Charter	Lucky Seven
YS66 VRK	Birches Head	Fenton	Charter	ABC Supreme

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 Warringtons of Ilam W636 MKY.

Warringtons of Ilam W636 MKY in Fenton

we went downstairs and 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 and to the day centre. At the day centre we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

In the morning Matthew went out on the bus. We set off onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road and we walked down to the stop outside the flats. We waited for a bus to Hanley. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 63100 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63100 in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw a bus come around the corner. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67152 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67152 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 Street 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 due to roadworks we ran to the end of Station Road and turned right. We ran up Stoke Road and we turned right onto Avenue Road. At the roundabout we turned left 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 and once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Lichfield Street. We continued onto Tontine Street and we crossed over Tontine Square. We visited Primark and afterwards we went to the Card Factory. After we had finished we walked across Tontine Square. We stopped at a cafe for dinner and Matthew had a burger washed down with a can of Coke. Afterwards we walked down Tontine Street onto Lichfield Street and back to the bus station. We waited for a bus back to Fenton. A short time later we saw First Potteries 67651 on a #6 to Coalville.

First Potteries 67651 in Hanley bus station

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 67159 on a #23 to Newstead.

First Potteries 67159 in Hanley bus station

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. We turned right onto Avenue Road and left onto Stoke Road. We went passed the former chemists which is becoming a new dessert shop. and we ran down the hill and we turned left onto Station Road and past 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. we went upstairs and chilled out in his room. we used his computer and watched buses out of the window. we went downstairs and we got in car. 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. 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 off the bus Matthew went around Clough Hall Park. We used the playground and we walked around the park. 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 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 went upstairs and Matthew chilled out in his room for a while. Later on Matthew went out on the bus again. We went downstairs and we cut through onto City Road. We waited for a bus towards Hanley. A few minutes later we saw 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 Street 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 due to roadworks we ran to the end of Station Road and turned right. We ran up Stoke Road and we turned right onto Avenue Road. At the roundabout we turned left 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 and once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Lichfield Street. We turned right onto Old Hall Street and left onto Parliament Row. We stopped at McDonalds and we had tea. Matthew had a burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. When we had finished we walked along Parliament Row and across Tontine Square. We stopped at Bodycare and we went into the Intu Potteries and we went up to HMV. Matthew visited the toilet and afterwards we left shopping centre and we walked across Tontine Square onto Tontine Street. We walked onto Lichfield Street and we entered the bus station. We saw First Potteries 67154 on a #23 to Newstead.

First Potteries 67154 in Hanley bus station

We missed that bus so we waited for the next bus to Fenton. A while later we saw First Potteries 67152 on a #23 to Newstead.

First Potteries 67152 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 67152 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside First Potteries 67152

We set off out of the bus station onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street we saw Harry Shaw YR17 CYL at the depot. 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. We turned right onto Avenue Road and left onto Stoke Road. We went passed the former chemists which is becoming a new dessert shop. and we ran down the hill and we turned left onto Station Road and past 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. 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 crossed over City Road and we saw ABC Supreme YS66 VRK. We over to the minibus it was Lucky Seven BN14 JCY. We got on the minibus and we set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Baker Street and left onto Glebedale Road. We turned right City Road and at the roundabout we turned left onto Victoria Road. We ran down the hill to Joiners Square. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A52 and we ran North to Bucknall. We went straight cross onto the A5009 and we ran up through Abbey Hulton. We turned left onto Birches Head Road and we stopped at the disco. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. Matthew danced to Halloween themed song until it was time to go home. The transport back to Fenton it was ABC Supreme YS66 VRK. We got on the bus and we sat down. We set off onto Birches Head Road and we turned right onto the A5009. We ran through Abbey Hulton and into Bucknall. We ran forwards onto the A52 and at joiners Square we turned left onto Victoria Road. We ran up the hill and went forwards onto City Road. We turned right onto the A50 link Road and we turned right onto the Westbound A50. We came off at Heron Cross and we turned right onto Blurton Road. We ran through the lights and we went forwards onto Heron Street. We ran forwards onto Station Bridge Road and Glebedale Road and we turned left onto City Road. We turned left onto Smithpool Road and we turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. When Matthew got back he went upstairs to his room. 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 Lichfield / Burntwood 06-12-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
YJ59 PKC	Lichfield BS	Pipehill, Opp Pipehill Farm	35B	Central Buses
JJD 411D	Pipehill, Adj Pipe Marsh	Burntwood Town Centre, Adj Victory Avenue	66	Central Buses
JJD 411D	Burntwood Town Centre, Adj Victory Avenue	Lichfield BS	66	Central Buses
YX63 ZXK	Lichfield BS	Freeford, Adj Horse and Jockey PH	X55	Central Buses
BU12 LJO	Freeford, Opp Horse and Jockey PH	Lichfield BS	X55	Central Buses
CUV 220C	Lichfield BS	Burntwood Town Centre, Adj Victory Avenue	66	Central Buses

Today we decided to re-visit Lichfield. Earlier in the week we had found out that Central Buses were operating their two Routemaster buses on the #66 Lichfield - Burntwood service as a 'Vintage running Day'. It would also give an opportunity to get some of other buses they operate in the Lichfield area. Matthew got up around 10:15 today and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. research consisted of looking at the timetables online for the #35B, the #66 and the X55 services. We also looked up tickets. The Central Buses Staffordshire Day bus ticket costs £5 and cover these three service thought for an entire day. Today we set off around 12:15. We saw First Potteries 60068 on a Longton bound #22 service before we drove onto the A5035. We did the A5035 to the end on the A34 and then we turned South towards Stone. Just South of Trentham we passed First Potteries 65035 on a Hanley bound #101 service. We passed around the outskirts of Stone before turning left onto the A51. As we headed South through Colwich we passed Arriva Midlands 3764 on a #825 to Stafford. Just North of Rugeley we headed off the A51 to visit the chip shop just off Green Lane as we had done on our previous trip to Lichfield back in August 2014. Matthew had a large sausage chips and gravy. Due to a bit of an ordering mix up it took nearly 20 minutes to get the food but they were really nice chips! We ate the food in the car and then we headed back up to the A51 and we carried on going East. We skirted the North end of Rugeley and then carried on towards Lichfield. We then passed Arriva Midlands 3760 on another #825 to Stafford. When we got closer to town we passed Midland Classic 1 on a X12 to Sutton Coldfield service. We also saw one of the Routemasters turn off the road ahead of us on the 13:55 departure to Burnwood. We pulled up in the car park behind Lichfield bus station around 14:00. After we had parked up used the toilets at the end of the bus station, we had around 20 minutes to take pictures before our first bus. On an X65 to Tamworth we saw dud Arriva Midlands 3003.

Arriva Midlands 3003 in Lichfield bus station

There were also five coaches parked up in the bus station today, presumably visiting on Chritmas shopping trips. First in the row off three adjacent to the bus stops was former Brighton & Hove coach Viking R501 HUF.

Viking R501 HUF in Lichfield bus station

Behind the Viking coach was Airshuttle Neoplan coach X7 OPC.

Airshuttle X7 OPC in Lichfield bus station

At the back of the row of three coaches was Alan Davies Travel's tri-axle coach A2 ADT.

Alan Davies Travel A2 ADT in Lichfield bus station

We then got a picture of the first bus we were going to catch, Central Buses Solo YJ59 PKC.

Central Buses YJ59 PKC in Lichfield bus station

This service was worked by a single bus and only departed every two hours... If we were going to get all 5 buses in for the day we had to catch this bus first. We had some time still before it was due to depart, so we went to take picture of the remaining two coaches on the end of the bus station. Closest to the car park end of the row was Warrington's of Ilam Bova coach OIJ 721.

Warringtons of Ilam OIJ 721 in Lichfield bus station

Behind this was another Bova bodied coach, Eclipse EXZ 7243.

Eclipse EXZ 7243 in Lichfield bus station

As we waited for the Central Buses Solo to be readied for service, Arriva Midlands 3733 arrived on their competing #35 service.

Arriva Midlands 3733 in Lichfield bus station

We also saw the other of the two Routemasters on the #66, required Central Buses CUV 220C.

Central Buses CUV 220C in Lichfield bus station

We were letting this bus go for now as we had plans to get this bus in later... When YJ59 PKC was ready for service we got on and purchased a Staffordshire Day ticket at £5 as we had researched earlier. We sat down and at 14:23 as timetabled the bus set off out of town. It soon became apparent why this service was worked by a Solo. We passed through the Darwen Park housing estate which consists of Large expensive looking Georgian style town houses with green spaces and narrow roads. We had to stop and reverse at one point because a motorist came around the corner a little too quickly and was able to reverse into a parking space. The bus was nearly empty in front of us so Matthew took a picture of the bus in front of us.

Inside Central Buses YJ59 PKC

We came out of the estate at the Southern end nest to a large Waitrose supermarket we turned onto Limburg Avenue and then we turned Westwards onto the A461. The plan was to catch the bus to where the road splits from the A5190 and then to walk back to the A5190 to catch the #66 towards Burntwood. When the bus turned we got up and then driver didn't see us and went a stop further down the road! Matthew honked the horn before we got of the bus and then he took another picture of YJ59 PKC as it headed off towards Walsall.

Central Buses YJ59 PKC in Pipehill

We set off on foot back towards the A5190. We weren't 100% sure we were where we had planned to be (albeit a stop further up the road) so I tried unsuccessfully to use my phone to get our location. We got to the main road and we could see bus stops on opposite sides of the road. The road was busy and we didn't have the timetable on us. I assumed the 14:25 had long gone and that we might be able to catch the inbound bus that would form the 14:55. So we crossed the road by the roundabout and set off the hundred and fifty or so yards to the Lichfield bound stop. pretty mush as we got to the stop we turned and saw the late running 14:25 to Burntwood whizz passed running approximately 15 minutes late! There was quite a bit of bus activity along this stretch of road. We saw a Dart (possibly Arriva Midlands 2277) go past on a #15 service as well as a Cannock bound Wright bodied bus. Going towards Lichfield was dud Arriva Midlands 3741.

Arriva Midlands 3741 in Pipehill

It had now gone 14:55 so we had to assume that the 14:55 had already gone past and was on its way back towards Burntwood. We saw Arriva Midlands 3733 in the distance turn the corner towards Brownhills on the #35 service to walsall. We crossed the road to wait for the 14:55 to Burntwood. We didn't have to wait for too long before we saw a routesmaster climbing the hill out of Lichfield. As it got closer we saw that it was as expected required Central Buses JJD 411D.

Central Buses JJD 411D in Pipehill

The bus pulled over and we got on the bus through the open rear platform and went straight upstairs. The bus started up and we carried on along the A5190. Considering how common Routemasters are, this was only the 3rd one on which we have traveled, the other two being RML 2518 at the Newcastle 80 celebration and RM 467 at the POPS rally in May 2012. We continued to Burntwood Green before turning left to head towards Chasetown. The bus was quite bouncy as it went towards Chasetown over some speed bumps. There was a small child at the front of thee bus that bumped his head on the side window. He seemed to enjoy this as he continued to try and bump his head and his dad had to put his had between the boys head and the glass to stop him from doing it again op purpose! At the end of Queens Street we turned sharp right into Chasetown High Street. This time the lad really did give head an bang and cried for a few minutes. Obviously not as much fun as he thought it would be. At the top of the High Street we turned North Eastwards for a short wuhile before going West along Bridge Cross Road and through the main crossroad in Burntwood. We carried on West along cannoack Road before turning North onto Ironstone Road. A few hundred yards along we turned right onto High Street and the Right again onto Rugeley Road. We then approached the crossed road from a different side before turning left to go back towards Lichfield. After as short run on the A5190 we got back onto Chasetown High Street before doing the sharp left turn back onto Queens Street. We carried on towards Burntwood Green and we took on a few more passengers. I heard the conductor say that the last journey from Lichfield back to Burntwood was 17:10 and this information stuck in my head for later use. We carried on through Pipehill and into town before running towards the bus station along the Friar. We passed the other bus in town around 15:42 which must have been running around 15 minutes late. We came into the bus station from the North end and onto the bus stand. We let the bus behind us empty and Matthew got a picture inside Central Buses Routmaster JJD 411D.

Inside Central Buses JJD 411D

We got off the bus and we took another picture of Central Buses JJD 411D.

Central Buses JJD 411D in Lichfield bus station

We had 3 buses left to get in on our Centrel Buses bus ticket. There were 2 buses on the X55 service and the other Routemaster which had only just left town towards Burntwood. As the first of the X55's was due off in less than 10 minutes we decided to go after these 2 buses. Already on stand ready to work the 15:55 was Central Buses YX63 ZXK.

Central Buses YX63 ZXK in Lichfield bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed our Central Buses Staffordshire Day ticket. As it was empty Matthew took a picture as we got on the bus.

Inside Central Buses YX63 ZXK

We didn't have the timetable for this service, but I remember reading that the service was booked to Leave Lichfield at 25 and 55 minutes past the hour and the bus from Tamworth left at 20 and 50 minutes past the hour, with an approximate journey time of 20 minutes. I worked out if we traveled for around 5 minutes out of town we should probably make the other bus coming the other way. At 15:55 the bus left town and we turned left into Upper St John Street. We turned left onto the A51 and we ran along side a section of disused canal. After we had crossed the A38 we saw there was a pub and bus stops on opposite sides of the road. I decided to get up and get off here. Matthew took another picture of Central Buses YX63 ZXK as it continued towards Tamworth.

Central Buses YX63 ZXK in Freeford

We crossed the road and we didn't have to wait for more than a couple of minutes before we saw another Central Buses bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was required Central Buses BU12 LJO.

Central Buses BU12 LJO in Freeford

We got on the bus and we flashed out Staffordshire Day ticket. For once everything seem to have worked out how it supposed to! The bus carried on Westwards along the A51 before turning right into Upper st John Street. We went under the railway and we turned right again before entering the bus station. The bus pulled up on stand and we waited for the bus to empty so that Matthew could get a picture inside the now empty Central Buses BU12 LJO.

Inside Central Buses BU12 LJO

There was only one bus left to get in for the day for Central Buses, and that was the remaining Routemaster CUV 220C. We had around 10 minutes before the bus was due inti the bus station, so we went to the toilet and after Matthew had a bottle of Fanta and a Curly Wurly from out of the trip bag supplies. After he had finished we saw required Arriva Midlands 2702 on a #62 service to Cannock.

Arriva Midlands 2702 in Lichfield bus station

Arriva Midlands Centro 3733 made another appearance on the #35 to Walsall, as did Central Buses YJ59 PKC on the #35B to Walsall. A few minutes later that last bus that we wanted came into the bus station, Central Buses CUV 220C.

Central Buses CUV 220C in Lichfield bus station

We waited for the bus to empty and then we got on the rear platform and went upstairs. I thought that it was the 16:25 departure, but looking at the timetable when we got this later departure is not due to go until 16:40. The bus loaded and then sat there for a while. I couldn't understand why it hadn't departed... The bus set off when it was due to at 16:40, although I did bot know this at the time. The plan was to do one round trip before going back to the car... The bus went through the town centre and onto Walsall Road. We joined the Westbound A461 and then onto the A5190. It was now fully dark... We entered Burntwood Green and we turned left towards Chasetown. On Queen Street we made the tight right turn onto Chasetown High Street before heading though Burntwood along Bridge Cross Road / Cannock Road. It was around 17:00 and we passed a Lichfield bound #60 service being worked by a Wright bodied Arriva Midlands bus. The Arriva bus turned out of Rugeley Road left into Bridge Cross Road. As we headed around the loop of the service the conductor asked us where we were going. I said we were just going back to Lichfield. He said "We've got a bit of a problem... The bus only going to Sankey's Corner and then terminates before running back empty!" Oh!... Drat... He talked to the driver and he told he could possibly drop us off somewhere on the way back to Lichfield but he couldn't take us back into town. As we had seen the #60 turn the corner we thought we could catch one of these back and the conductor thought that there was one 5 minutes behind us. The bus emptied and Matthew took a picture inside Central Buses Routemaster CUV 220C.

Inside Central Buses CUV 220C

We got off and we saw the bus go back towards the depot. We looked at the timetable... it was 17:12 and there wasn't a bus back towards Lichfield until 17:45. We decided to call mum to come and rescue us as were only around 15 minutes away. We told her we were going to Sankey Fish Bar to get some chips whilst we waited for her to find us and pick us up. We went into this large chip shop and we ordered a portion of chips between us and 3 cans of pop. We sat down on some seats inside the shop to eat the chips as it was now quite cold out. After we had finished we went outside to see if we could see mum. There was a Barclay bank opposite so we decided to visit the cash machine to get some money whilst we waited. his was one of those rare machines that have £5 notes in them... After we had finished we headed back to the chip shop as that is where we said we would be. We could see what looked like our car about to turn right into Rugeley Road so we waved mum down as she made the turn.She sapped into the passenger seat and I carried on driving... Mum handed out the Greggs sasage rolls and Matthew washed this down with a small bottle of Irn Bru. I turned the car and I headed back towards Lichfield as I knew the way home from there. Thinking about it after the fact, if we had carried on along Rugeley Road we would have probably ended up closer to home in Rugeley and would have cut 5-7 miles off the journey home! We headed back into Lichfield along the A5190 before joining the A51 and going West. We passed North of Rugeley and we stopped in Colwich for diesel. We carried on North through Weston and onto the A34 South of Stone. We by-passed Stone and did the A34 up Trentham before we went North East along the A5035 to Longton. WE dropped mum at a chemist on the Strand before we headed back onto the A50 to go and visit Z Carz, passing Z Carz Mercedes Minibus M372 NWN on the way. There was only one bus on the spare ground tonight and that was Z Carz Ford minibus GL04 CVE.

Z Carz GL04 CVE in Longton

In the compound there were more minibus including Mercedes minibus S952 VMY. We headed back onto the A5035 past the old Somerfield supermarkets and we picked mum up on the Strand before going back on the A5035 again. We got home at 19:00. Mum went out with her friend for a girls night in, and we stopped at home. for a late tea we had bangers and mash with carrots and Matthew helped to chop up some of the carrots. Just after 10 we took uncle Dave home. We went via the A5035, Stanley Matthews Way, Heron Cross and Grove Road. After we had dropped him off we came back via Grove Road, Blurton Road and Beaconsfield Drive. Matthew then chilled out on his computer. Mum came home a little after 23:00 in a Roseville taxi and then Matthew went bed around 00:30... Mark

Trip to Leek 21-02-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
WA62 HHZ	Chell Heath	Leek	Charter	ABC Supreme
WA62 HHZ	Leek	Chell Heath	Charter	ABC Supreme

Today Matthew had an activity day in his new watermills school. He got up around 08:45 where we drove him down the stairs into the living room so he could get dressed and have breakfast. Breakfast was toast. I made him a packet lunch and cut all the crusts off his bread because he wont it otherwise. We set off around 09:30 passed the Hem Heath pub. As we waited at the junction we saw Warringtons of Ilam MX56 FXG. We carried on along Stanley Matthews Way. We then went on the A50, A500 and A527 Tunstall by-pass. At Turnhurst we went onto High Lane and then headed down Spring bank Road to his destination. We said goodbye to him as we went off to do the weekly shop. we saw it was ABC Supreme Renault minibus WA62 HHZ.

ABC Supreme WA62 HHZ in Chell Heath

we got on to Leek. We sat down near the back we set off down Chell Heath Road to Smallthorne where we turned left. we Headed through Norton and Brown Edge until we eventually reached the A53 at Endon. we then carried on to Leek town centre. we got off had his packed lunch (he ate it for a change) and then we returned back down to Endon on the A53 where we turned right towards Brown Edge. we went through Norton an turned right on Chell Heath Road. Mum picked him up former school. we went to the Premier shop in Chell and brought some pop and a toffee cheesecake and a kinder egg. After getting the food we headed towards Fegg Hayes. We saw 40152 on a #99 service. we carried on up to Turnhurst and then got onto High Lane. we drove to Hanley and then drove around hanley to Stoke Road. The drove down Stoke Road onto the A500. we did this to the A50 and then we came of at Heron Cross. we stopped in Blurton to see a friend then drove home. I arrived home and we had tea of fish fingers, chips and bean. Matthew had a whole family sized toffee cheesecake for afters. He then chilled out before bedtime...Mark