Trip to Longton / Birches Head 11-12-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Longton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Longton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going to Longton later on.He was also going to the disco later. 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 First Potteries 67156 on a #23 to Hanley. 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

In the morning Matthew we on the computer. For dinner Matthew had a jacket potato with tuna followed by a Bakewell tart. in the afternoon Matthew went to JTF on the bus. We set off on foot onto City Road and we saw Phil Smith Travel WPF 926. At the roundabout we turned right and walked past KFC and into JTF. Matthew went upstairs to the cafe and had toast and a drink of Coke. When we had finished we walked back to the residential. We set off past KFC and onto City Road before turning left into Christchurch Street and onto Temple Street. Back at the house Mathew had some toast and then chilled out in his room on his computer. We saw white minibus WJ55 ??? going towards Stoke.

WJ55 in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 63101 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63101 in Fenton

Also seen was First Potteries 41502 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 41502 in Fenton

Seen put of the other window was Wints coach R588 RRX parked up.

Wints R588 RRX in Fenton

Also seen was First Potteries 67152 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67152 in Fenton

Later on Matthew went tea out to Longton car. We went downstairs and we got into the car. We set off onto Christchurch Street and we turned right onto City Road. We ran up onto King Street past an old pub which has now been reopened as something else. and into Longton under the railway bridge. We turned right into baths Road and we did a u-turn over the A50 and into the retail park. We stopped at Pets at Home to pick up food for the rabbit. Afterwards we went to the Pepper Mill for a drink. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. For tea Matthew had a burger and fries followed by a red velvet cheesecake. Afterwards we returned to Fenton in car. We ran onto baths Road and we did a u-turn on the roundabout outside Tesco. We ran onto the A50 and we ran West along the A50 to Heron Cross. We joined the A50 link Road and we ran up to City Road. We turned left into Smithpool Road and left again into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We then went by car to the disco. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We went straight on onto manor Street and at the end 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. After a session on the dance floor Matthew returned home in a car. 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 we turned right into Manor Street. We turned right onto City Road and then left onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Later on Matthew had a bath and then toast and orange juice for supper. He chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Fenton / Newcastle 09-11-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63097	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Stoke, adj stop Q	11	First Potteries
32649	Stoke, adj stop Q	Newcastle, Opp Cherry Tree PH	25	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going to see Grandma later on and going to the pub and returning to Blurton for a long weekend. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Out of the window we saw Wints minibus SG52 VFO.

Wint's SG52 VFO in Fenton

Once Matthew had finished his breakfast he chilled out in his room until it was time to go to the day centre. We saw Lucky Seven MK18 UZX going towards Stoke.

Lucky Seven MK18 UZX in Fenton

When it was time to go out we went downstairs and 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

In the morning Matthew did some baking. He made some chocolate cup cakes. For dinner Matthew had sausage chips and gravy. After dinner Matthew went to the pub. We set off onto Christchurch Street and we stopped at the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had a glass of Coke. When it was time to go Matthew walked onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. I turned up around 14:20 just after Matthew. We went upstairs to his room to get ready to leave. We got things ready and we left the residential unit just after 14:50. I had left the car at Grandma's house as Grandma was going on a short break. We went downstairs and we set off on foot to the bus top on City Road near to the flats. On the way to the stop we saw City Cabs PE11 RWY. We got to the stop and within a few minutes we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was First Potteries 63097 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63097 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Stoke 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 where we got up and got off the bus. In front of us was First Potteries 32649 on a #25 to Keele.

First Potteries 32649 in Stoke

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before we went upstairs and sat down. Whilst we waited to depart we saw First Potteries 37158 on #25 to Hanley re-painted into the new colours. We set off along Church Street and off up the hill along Hartshill Road. We passed the Noah's Ark pub and Just after the pub we turned left by the Co-operative Food store and we headed to the hospital. As we travelled through the hospital we saw First Potteries 32647 on a #25 to Hanley and First Potteries 67154 on a #22 to Longton. We bounced our way through the hospital grounds over the severe speed bumps and we joined the North bound A34. A couple of stops up the road we got up and got off the bus. On the way up to Grandma's house we saw West Midlands Ambulance Service YJ66 HPF going towards the town centre.

West Midlands Ambulance Service YJ66 HPF in Newcastle

We walked up the hill to Grandma's house. At Grandma's Matthew had toast and a can of Irn Bru and used her computer. When it was time to go we went to the pub in the car via uncle Daves house. We set off just after 16:40 and we set off onto Occupation Street. We turned right onto Parkstone Avenue and at the end we turned left onto The Avenue. At the end we turned right onto Hartshill Road. We ran down to Stoke and onto the one way system. We turned right onto Elenora Street and we followed the road around onto Copeland Street. We ran forwards onto Glebe Street and we followed the one way system onto Church Street. We crossed over the A500. We turned right onto the A500 and we veered left int Fenton to pick up uncle Dave. We set off back down towards Stoke and onto the A500. We went around the one-way system. We ran up the hill into Hartshill and we continued to the edge of Newcastle. We went forwards onto the one way-system and we turned left onto Barracks Road. As we passed the bus station we saw Arriva Midlands 2968 on a #164 to Hanley. We turned left onto the A34 and at the hospital we turned left. We ran through the grounds and we turned right onto Hilton Road. We continued onto Harpfields Road. At the end of the road we turned left onto the A34 and we ran to the pub. We walked into the pub and sat down out our normal tables. Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with custard. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses included First Potteries 65033 on a #101 to Stafford and A2B Airports GK17 LRU. Once we had finished eating we set off We carried on along the A34 through Hanford and into Trentham. We turned left onto the A5035 and we crossed over the railway line and into Blurton. We got back around 19:00. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we sorted a few things out. We wrote the Blog and we sent a couple of e-mails. We chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Hanley Park / Basford 12-03-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DG10 VMJ	Fenton	Hanley Park	Charter	Z Carz
DG10 VMJ	Hanley Park	Fenton	Charter	Z Carz

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. We were also going out for tea as Matthew today. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst waiting to go out we saw First Potteries 67658 on a #11 to Newcastle. Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street where we saw D&G Bus 116 on a #40 to Longton.

D&G 116 in Fenton

We continued on to the day centre, where we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX parked up.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

Matthew walked to Aldi to do his weekly shopping. The walked along Christchurch Street and across City Road and onto Manor Street. At the end of Manor Street we turned left onto Victoria Road. Part way down Victoria Road we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 246. We turned left off Victoria Road and towards the supermarket. In Aldi Matthew picked up his weekly shop. On the way back up Victoria Road we saw Stoke-on-Trent city council welfare bus LK17 DWD. We turned right onto Manor Street and walked to the end. Having crossed over City Road and we crossed over before turning right onto Christchurch Street. We stopped at the Co-operative Food store and we picked up some oatcakes. We then walked round the corner back to the day centre, For dinner Matthew had a beans on toast followed by a cupcake. In the afternoon we were going to the Hanley Park on Z Carz DG10 VMJ. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned left onto City Road. We ran down to the A52 and we turned right. We continued along the A52 and we veered left onto Boughey Road. At the end we turned right onto the Avenue. We stopped and Matthew and a few of his peers went into Hanley Park to use the play equipment. When they had finished they returned onto The Avenue to get on Z Carz DG10 VMJ to return to Fenton. We travelled West and we turned left onto College Road. We ran down to Station Road and we turned left. At the end we ran onto the A52. We turned left onto City Road and we ran up the hill. We turned right into Smithpool Road and then left into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Outside we saw Jayjays Travel PO58 XFX going towards Hanley.

Jayjays Travel PO58 XFX in Fenton

A short while later we saw Kingsland Primary YP63 ENR going towards Hanley.

Kingsland Primary YP63 ENR in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw Wints coach R588 RRX going towards Longton.

Wints R588 RRX in Fenton

A few minutes later me and uncle Dave came to pick up Matthew to take him out for tea. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road and we ran down the hill and under the railway line into Stoke. We crossed over the A500 and we went around the one-way system. We ran up the hill into Hartshill and we continued to the edge of Newcastle. We turned right into Albert Street and right onto the A53. We stopped at the pub and parked up. Matthew went to the toilet and then we found a table that overlooked the main road. Whilst we waited for the food to come we saw white minibus YK08 PVA. For tea Matthew had a burger and fries as well as some of my chicken New Yorker! This was followed by cookie dough cheesecake and ice cream. Matthew removed all the cookie dough. When it was time to go we returned to the residential unit in the car. We turned left onto the A53 and ran through Basford down to Etruria. We turned left onto the A500. We came of the A500 in stoke and we turned left onto City Road. An we ran up the hill into Fenton. We turned right into Smithpool Road where we turned right. We turned left onto Temple Street and we returned to the residential unit. We went up to Matthew's room and we wrote some of the Blog. Matthew also drank a glass of orange squash. After doing a couple of entries I left and Matthew chilled out in his room watching television and using his computer. 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 Abbey Hulton / Meir 28-09-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Abbey Hulton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Abbey Hulton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
63179	Fenton, Christchurch Street	Hanley BS	11	First Potteries
32635	Hanley BS	Meir, Meir Square	11A	First Potteries
65040	Meir, Meir Square	Florence, Lennox Road	6	First Potteries
67642	Florence, Lennox Road	Fenton	6	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. We were also going out for tea as Matthew today. Around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst waiting to go out we saw First Potteries 67642 on a #11 to Newcastle. Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street and onto Albert Square where we saw Afford rent-a-car YR63 YXP parked up outside the old Court building. the day centre. At the day centre we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX parked outside.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

In the morning Matthew went on the computer. For dinner Matthew had ham sandwich followed by a Bakewell tart. In the afternoon Matthew went trampolining in Abbey Hulton on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned left onto City Road. We ran down the hill and we joined the Eastbound A52 as far as the railway station. We ran onto Station Road and we turned right onto College Road. We ran through Shelton and we continued forwards onto Regent Road. After a brief stopped we continued Eastwards before turning left onto Lichfield Street. We ran anti-clockwise around the ring road and we ran down Bucknall New Road to Limekiln lights. We turned left onto the A5009 and we ran Northwards as far Abbots Road and we stopped at the sports centre. At the sports centre we saw Stoke-on-Trent city council welfare bus LK17 DWD.

Stoke-on-Trent city council LK17 DWD in Abbey Hulton

We also saw silver minibus EU16 ENV.

EU16 ENV in Abbey Hulton

Matthew had a session on the trampoline and then he went to the toilet before having a drink of Coke. When it was time to return to Fenton we got aboard Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off along Abbots Road and at the end we turned left onto the A5009. We ran to Bucknall and then we turned right onto the A5008. We ran up the hill to the ring road and then we went clockwise around to Botteslow Street. We turned right onto Derby Street and we crossed over Lichfield Street onto Regent Road. We stopped for a short while and we continued onto College Road and down through Shelton. We turned left onto Station Road and we ran forwards onto the Westbound A52. We followed the railway line and we turned left onto City Road. We stopped outside the old Newtown pub and we crossed over the road and walked up Temple Street back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out and use his computer. We also watched buses out of the window. We saw Wints R588 RRX going towards Longton.

Wints R588 RRX in Fenton

Matthew then went out on the bus. We set off onto City Road and we saw Stanton's of Stoke NSU 531 going towards stoke. We crossed over and stood at the bus stop opposite to the flats. We saw Z Carz minibus PO55 URE going towards Stoke. A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was First Potteries 63179.

First Potteries 63179 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off up City Road and we went forwards onto King Street. We ran through Foley and we under the railway line into Longton town centre. We stopped outside the old job centre as the #11 no longer calls in the Interchange. We ran up Market Street and we turned left onto Anchor Road. We turned right onto Sutherland Road and we passed blue minibus GN03 MTZ. We turned left onto Weston Coyney Road and we ran up the bank. half way up the bank we turned left onto Farnworth Road. we jinked onto Lindburn Road and we ran to the end turning right onto Amison Street. At the end of the street we turned right onto Anchor Road. We ran up the hill to the top and ran down to the roundabout in Adderley Green. At the roundabout at the East end of Bentilee we turned right onto Beverley Drive and then left onto Dawlish Drive. We ran to the end and we turned left onto Beverley Drive. At the end we turned right onto Dividy Road and we ran down the hill to Bucknall. We turned left onto the A52 and we ran to limekiln lights and we went across onto Bucknall New Road. We climbed the hill up to Hanley and we joined the clockwise ring road. We ran around to Lichfield Street and we turned into the the stop outside the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. We then travelled back to towards Meir Square.It was First Potteries 32635 on a #11A service. We got on the bus and we booked to Meir before going upstairs. We set off up Lichfield Street and we turned right onto Birch Terrace. We followed the road around onto Charles Street and we turned right onto Old Hall Street. We crossed over the ring road onto Bucknall New Road. We ran down the hill through Limekiln lights and we turned right onto Dividy Road. We turned left onto Beverley Drive and right onto Dawlish Drive. We ran through the estate and back onto the A5272. We ran up to Adderley Green and we continued towards Park Hall. We turned right onto Defoe Drive and we ran through the estate back to park hall Road. We crossed over the A520 onto Caverswall Road and we looped around through Main Street back onto the A520. We headed South and we turned left into Brookwood Drive. We ran into the estate and when the bus stopped at Meir Square we got up and got off the bus. We then went forwards to Florence on a #6. When it turned up it was first Potteries 65040. We got on the bus and we booked to Florence before we sat down. We ran back down to the A520 and we headed through Meir and we turned right into Waterhead Road. We ran through to Upper Belgrave Road down to Florence. We got up and got of the bus. We walked across the rod to the pub and Matthew went to the toilet. He then had a glass of Coke. For tea Matthew had Burger and fries followed by chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. When we had finished we went outside to wait for the bus back to Fenton. a few minutes later it appeared and it was first Potteries 67642 on a #6 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We ran along onto Lightwood Road and into Longton. We crossed over the A50 and we ran down The Strand. After a brief stop we ran down under the railway bridge onto King Street. We ran down through Fenton and forwards onto City Road. We got up and got off the bus and we walked back to the residential unit. Matthew went back to the room and went on his computer. 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 Fenton / Newcastle 03-05-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63100	Fenton, Victoria Place	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
37159	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	25	First Potteries
67156	Hanley BS	Fenton, opp Albert Square	23	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst waiting to go out we saw First Potteries 67152 on a #23 to Hanley and AT Travel CM52 BUS. Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and we saw Wints coach F705 PAY.

Wints F705 PAY in Fenton

We right onto Christchurch Street and to the day centre where 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 on foot onto Glebedale Road and we turned right onto City Road. We waited at the bus stop for a bus to Newcastle. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 63100 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63100 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off down City Road and we ran over the old Leek railway line before joining the A52. We continued under the railway line and over the A500. We went forwards on Church Street and into the centre of Stoke. After stopping to pick up passengers we continued up the hill into Hartshill. We ran forwards into George Street and we dropped down into Newcastle. At the Jubilee roundabout we turned left onto barracks Road and we entered the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Across the bus station on the top stands we saw National Express liveried Selwyn's coach BD65 JEU on a #370 to Clacton-on-Sea.

Selwyns BD65 JEU in Newcastle bus station

Once off the bus we went to the pub for a quick drink. We walked up Castle Walk and right onto Ironmarket and into the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. On the way back to the bus station we stopped at Greggs to pick up a jam filled shortbread biscuit for later. After we had finished in Greggs we walked back up Castle walk and onto Ironmarket. We walked down the High Street and into the arcade by the Vue cinema. After we had finished there we walked along Hassall Street and back to the bus station. We saw D&G Bus 160 on a 'Nines' to Biddulph.

D&G 160 in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes later we saw required First Potteries 32650 on a #25 to Keele.

First Potteries 32650 in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes later a bus to Hanley appeared and it was dud First Potteries 37159 on a #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 37159 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we went upstairs. The top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 37159.

Inside First Potteries 37159

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 and we ran South as far as the hospital where we turned left. As we travelled through the hospital we saw ABC Supreme mini coach KX13 DZL and First Potteries 32630 on a #25 to Keele. 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 College Road. We ran up the hill through Shelton and we followed the road to the right onto Cleveland Road and Regent Road. We turned left onto Lower Bethesda Street and we crossed over the ring road, continuing onto Bethesda Street. We turned right onto John Street and we ran up the hill into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. We went to catch a bus back to Fenton, as we saw First Potteries 67156 on a #23 to Newstead.

First Potteries 67156 in Hanley bus station

Whilst we waited for the bus to be readied for service we saw First Potteries 41494 on an #8A to Endon.

First Potteries 41494 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 67156 before we sat down.

Inside First Potteries 67156

The bus set off out of the bus station onto John Street, and we ran down the hill. We turned left onto Bethesda Street and we crossed over the ring road. At the end of Lower Bethesda Street we turned right onto Regent Road. We went forwards onto Cleveland Road and College Road and we ran down the hill to the railway station. We turned left onto Station Road and we ran forwards onto the A52. We ran adjacent to the railway line and we turned left onto City Road. We ran up the hill over the old Leek railway line and we turned right into Christchurch Street. When we got to the Square we got up and got off the bus and walked back to the day centre. For dinner Matthew had sausage rolls followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. In the after noon Matthew went onto the computer. When it was time to go we set off on foot onto Christchurch Street and we saw First Potteries 67153 on a #23 to Newstead. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew chilled out in his room on his computer and watching buses out of the window. Grandma & Grandad came to visit and spent some time with Matthew a stick of rock from Yarmouth. After Grandma & Grandad left Matthew had fish fingers & chips for tea, followed by cake. After tea Matthew went for a walk. We set off onto Temple Street and at the end we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We had a walk around the pool and then we returned along Smithpool Road and Matthew had a can of Coke from the chip shop. We turned right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. later on Matthew had a bath and then chilled out in his room. He had toast for supper and went to bed around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Widnes / Runcorn 16-07-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2555	Widnes, Green Oaks	Runcorn BS	79C	Arriva NW&W
2535	Runcorn BS	Halton Lea, Hospital	3A	Arriva NW&W
2554	Halton Lea, Hospital	Runcorn BS	110	Arriva NW&W
HIG 5672	Runcorn BS	Halton Lea South	52	Ashcroft's Travel
2524	Halton Lea South	Runcorn BS	110	Arriva NW&W
2519	Runcorn BS	Murdishaw Central	79C	Arriva NW&W
3138	Murdishaw Central	Runcorn BS	X1	Arriva NW&W
2554	Runcorn BS	Widnes, Green Oaks	110	Arriva NW&W

Today Matthew decided that we were going to Runcorn. As we had never been to Rucorn by road we asked Matthew if it would be OK to drive to Widnes and catch a bus to Runcorn which he said was OK. We had checked the weather for today and it was for cloudy weather and showers in the North West and North Midlands and better weather to the South. We gave Matthew a list of Midlands destinations, but he didn't seem too happy. He instead point to a picture of a Halton Transport bus he had taken at Huyton which was a Rucorn service, and he wrote Runcorn on his day planner! Research then consisted of down loading the Halton & Widnes Arriva map from the website. Matthew got up around 10:00 and toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 12:00 and we went onto the A5035. We turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way and we ran down to the A50. We went West to Sideway and then we took the Northbound. As we ran North up the A500 we saw Stanton's of Stoke 3093 RU, white minibus MX05 NFA and an unidentified Belle Vue coach. When we got to the M6 we turned right onto the Northbound side. On the M6 we saw quite a few coaches as the southbound traffic was slow due to an earlier accident. We saw Alfa 67, YN11 AYA on a #550, An unidentified Andrew's Coach, Telford's X5 TCN, blue coach ???? XYJ, Phillips BT57 LCT, black minibus SF16 DWE & Park's of Hamilton LSK 832 on a #570. We had made a decision to go via thw M62 and not the M56, which turned out to be a good decision. We left the M6 onto the Westbound M62 and on the M62 we passed Maghull Coaches coach WK02 UMC. At junction 7 we left the M62 and we went South down the A557. Approaching Widnes we saw Oakward's Travel A12 OWT. We turned right and we went North into the Green Oaks shopping centre car park where we parked up near to the bus stops and the market hall. On the way to the market we saw Halton Transport Solo 55 on a #26 circular service to Cronton.

Halton Transport 55 in Widnes

Also in Green Oaks was Halton Transport 3 on a #61A to Huyton.

Halton Transport 3 in Widnes

We walked into the market Hall and Matthew went to the toilet, and then we walked down to the other end to the Market Cafe. Matthew had a breakfast which he washed down with a can of Coke. After we had finished eating we spotted the disabled toilet which Matthew had to quickly explore, and then we went out of the market hall to the bus stands outside. Whilst we waited for a bus to Runcorn we saw Halton Transport 46 on a #61 to Widnes.

Halton Transport 46 in Widnes

A few minutes later we saw an Arriva bus coming around the corner. It was required Arriva NW&W 2555 on a #79C to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 2555 in Widnes

We decided to do this bus so we got on and booked Arriva Day Saver tickets at £5.30 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto Green Oaks Way ans we ran South into the old town via Gerrard Street. Milton Road and Kingsway. Traffic was very busy and queue to cross over the roundabout. In front of us was Arriva NW&W 3138 on a X1 to Windmill Hill. After we crossed the roundabout we ran out of town and over the railway line and under the A533. There are quite a few roadworks at the moment due to the building of a new bridge over the Mersey referred to as the Mersey Gateway project. We joined the A533 and we ran over the Mersey on the Silver Jubilee Bridge and we saw required Arriva NW&W 2522 on a #110 to Warrington. We ran around in a near circle and we got onto the High Street. We passed The Waterloo, the pub which ise the feature in the sitcom 'Two pints of lager and a packet of crisps' and we ran into the Old Town town centre where there was a small collections of bus stands just off the High Street. As we came int the bus station we saw a coach parked up.Matthew decided he wanted to get off here so we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another Arriva NW&W 2555 before it carried on towards Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 2555 in Runcorn bus station

On the other side of the bus station we saw Arriva NW&W 2538 on a #3C to Weston. We walked over to the coach which was Anthony's Travel RB16 ANT.

Anthony's Travel RB16 ANT in Runcorn bus station

A few minutes later we saw Arriva NW&W 2535 which was on a #3A to Halton Hospital.

Arriva NW&W 2535 in Runcorn bus station

Immediately behind that was required Arriva NW&W 2554 on a #110 to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 2554 in Runcorn bus station

We decided to do required Arriva NW&W 2535 on the #3A service to Halton Hospital. We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we turned right and up the hill. We crossed the canal and we went under the A533. We turned left into Boston Avenue and we ran Eastwards. We turned left into Halton Brook Avenue and then erm turned right into Halton Brook Avenue. This was our first time in Runcorn, and as a new town part of it are designed differently as we were about to find out... We went forwards off Halton Brook Avenue on to Brackendale and after crossing over the B5155 onto Halton Lodge Avenue we turned left onto the busway. With Runcorn being radically different, there are three types of Roads. Tgere are main roads for passing through quickly. Local roads for residential traffic and special busways which run in between the housing estates that only have buses on them and residents walk off the estates to to the busway to stops rather like stops on a tramline. This particular busway ran under the A533 central expressway and into the Halton Lea shopping centre. The Eastbound busway calls at the library on an elevated road. After a brief stop we continued to the hospital where the bus terminated. We got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2535 before it ran up to the turning circle.

Arriva NW&W 2535 in Halton Lea

We crossed over the busway and we waited for a bus back to Runcorn. We saw required Arriva NW&W 5006 on a terminating #21 service from Chester, and we few minutes later we saw another Arriva bus approaching, As it got closer we saw that if was required Arriva NW&W 2554 on the #110 to Warrington that we had turned down earlier.

Arriva NW&W 2554 in Halton Lea

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Day Saver ticket to the driver. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2554.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2554

We sat down towards the back of the bus and the bus set off along the busway Westwards. We stopped on the Southside of the Halton Lea shopping centre where there was an elevated road on which the buses run and a platform with 3 bus stands on it. It was considerably bigger than the Northside library stop. The busway went around an Asda store and North under the Halton Link Road. the busway was on a sweeping curve to the right and we went through the middle of the Castlefields area. After around 3/4 of a mile we left the busway and went forwards on Tyrell Way. We followed the road around to the left and we turned left onto Castlefields Avenue East. We crossed over the A558 Daresbury Expressway and we then turned left onto another busway. We ran Westwards through the Astmoor area of town which is an industrial estate and docks. The busway crossed over road every couple of hundred yards and there were traffic lights which usually turned to green and we approached them. We also passed under the Southern end of where the Mersey Gateway bridge is being built. We went under the B5155 adjacent to the canal and we turned right at a roundabout off the busway onto Lieria Way with the town centre in sight. We ran down the hill and we turned left into the bus station. As we came in we spotted a minibus on the opposite side. Once we got up and got off the bus we took a picture of Ashcroft's Travel Renault minibus HIG 5672 which was about to work a #52 service to Beechwood.

Ashcroft's Travel HIG 5672 in Runcorn bus station

We crossed over to the other side of the bus station and we waited at the appropriate stand. A quick check of the time table revealed that the bus was due off in 5 minutes and it was going via the southside of Halton Lea shopping centre. A few minutes later the bus came on stand and we got on and booked to the shopping centre. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside Ashcroft's Travel HIG 5672.

Inside Ashcroft's Travel HIG 5672

We sat down and the bus went out of the bus station Eastwards onto the B5155. We crossed the canal and we turned left onto Halton Road. We traveled around 1/2 mile and we turned left onto Halton Brow, running under the A533. At the end of Halton Brow we turned right onto Main Street through and old part of the town with older building that you typically find in a rural village in Cheshire. The road curved around to the East ans we turned right onto Holt Lane. e ran through part of the Halton Lea shopping centre that were very run down and the we circle around onto the Southway and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Ashcroft's Travel HIG 5672.

Ashcroft's Travel HIG 5672 in Halton Lea

Once off the bus we decided to go for a little walk and find the toilet. We went downstairs and we walked around a little until we found a mall map and we worked out where the toilet were. The direct route had been cut off by re-development work on a new shop, so we went around in big circle! Matthew used the facilities which were unusual as all the toilet stall doors were different colours with a large gents type sign with crossed legs! We walked back towards the bus station and we went up the escalators to the bus station level. We got there in time to see required Arriva NW&W 3139 on a X1 service to the Liverpool One bus station.

Arriva NW&W 3139 in Halton Lea

a few minutes later we saw another Arriva bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was required Arriva NW&W 2524 on a #110 to Warrington.

Arriva NW&W 2524 in Halton Lea

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We traveled back through Castlefields via the busway and then we headed back into Runcorn via the busway through Astmoor. When we got back into Runcorn Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2524 before it carried on towards Warrington.

Arriva NW&W 2524 in Runcorn bus station

It wasn't quite 16:00 so we decided to do another trip out East. A few minutes later required Arriva NW&W 2519 made an appearance on a #79C to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 2519 in Runcorn bus station

We decided to do this bus so we got on and flashed the Arriva day Saver ticket to the driver. As it was the first time we had done a #79C beyond Runcorn we getting to experience yet another different way to travel between Runcorn and Halton Lea. We set off out of town as we had done on the #3A earlier and as we got close to the town hall on Heath Road, we turned right into Ivy Street and left into Langdale Road. We ran through Halton Lodge Norleane Crescent and Linkway. This is an older part of town and perhaps the roughest part... There were gangs of kids wearing masks hanging around the bus stop. We ran clockwise around Grangeway and we joined the busway and we ran though Halton Lea North close to the library. We decided to go a bit further East to Murdishaw. We ran past the hospital and we discovered the run up to Murdishaw was entirely along the busway. We traveled East for about a mile and the busway opened out at a turning circle and we guessed we had reached the end of the run. we got up and we let the bus empty before Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2519.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2519

The bus ran off around the other side to go layover where there was also required Arriva NW&W 2525 on a #79 to Hough Green. By the bus stop was a Co-operative Food store. We went in and brough a can of Coke and a small bottle of Irn Bru as well as some chocolate. After we had paid food the stuff we went back to the bus stop and Matthew had a double Milky Way and drank a can of orange Fanta. Whilst he ate we saw Halton Transport 49 go on layover.

Halton Transport 49 in Murdishaw

We also saw Halton Transport 90 on a #62 to Halebank.

Halton Transport 90 in Murdishaw

We were considering doing Arriva NW&W 5004 on a #2 Halton Lea circular when from the opposite direction we saw required Arriva NW&W 3138 on a X1 to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 3138 in Murdishaw

We decided to do this up to Runcorn so we got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus turned around the turning circle and we ran West up the busway to Halton Lea hospital. The bus emptied a little and Matthew to a picture of the empty seat adjacent to us inside Arriva NW&W 3138.

Inside Arriva NW&W 3138

We pulled up in Halton Lea South and the bus didn't load up very much. We ran back into town via Castlefield up the busway. After around 3/4 of a mile we left the busway and went forwards on Tyrell Way. We followed the road around to the left and we turned left onto Castlefields Avenue East. We crossed over the A558 Daresbury Expressway and instead going along the busway we traveled Westwards along Astmoor Road. Where the road crossed the busway we joined the busway and we also passed under the Southern end of where the Mersey Gateway bridge is being built. We went under the B5155 adjacent to the canal and we turned right at a roundabout off the busway onto Lieria Way with the town centre in sight. We ran down the hill and we turned left into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and we saw Halton Transport 81 on stand opposite to us.

Halton Transport 81 in Runcorn bus station

We also saw Halton Transport 43 on a #61 to Huyton bus station.

Halton Transport 43 in Runcorn bus station

A few minutes later we saw an Arriva bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was dud Arriva NW&W 2554 on the #110 which we had scored earlier in the day.

Arriva NW&W 2554 in Runcorn bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Day saver tickets to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off up the High Street and we passed close to the Waterloo pub as was and we joined the A533. We crossed over the Mersey and we ran into the old town of Widnes up Victoria Road. We crossed over the roundabout and we ran through a bus lane into the Asda car park. We joined onto Gerrard Street past Marks & Spencers and we turned left onto Green Oaks Way. We we got to the bus stops by Green Oaks we got up and got off the bus. We saw Halton Transport 92 on a #14C to the old town in Widnes.

Halton Transport 92 in Widnes

We walked over to the car and mum was waiting with Greggs sausage rolls and Irn Bru. We set off out of the car park and as we couldn't turned right we ran up to the B5178. What we should have done is turn around at the roundabout and go back onto the A557 and onto the M62. What I ended up doing is going East towards Warrington on the B5178 and onto the A562 past Fiddlers Ferry power station. We went into Penketh past the Tesco Express that we caught a bus to from Warrington back in April 2012. We turned sharp left onto Liverpool Road and we ran North up the junction 8 of the M62 via Lingley Green Avenue. Once on the M62 we ran East to the M6 and then we went South. The journey back was uneventful, except as we left the M6 we caught up with Wint's coach FL02 ZXV heading back towards the moorlands. We ran South down the A500 to Sideway and then east onto the A50. As we were going towards Longton I realised the coach was behind us. As we came off the slip road for Longton Matthew got a picture of Wints FL02 ZXV.

Wints FL02 ZXV on the A50

We went over to Z Carz to see what was parked up there this evening. On the spare ground in the first row tonight we saw Z Carz Ford minibus LG09 JVX.

Z Carz LG09 JVX in Longton

We also saw Z Carz Ford minibus BN03 OVS.

Z Carz BN03 OVS in Longton

In the second row was Z Carz Ford minibus YS09 LWV.

Z Carz YS09 LWV in Longton

We turned into Willow Row to check out what was in the compound this evening. We saw Z Carz Ford minibus LG09 WPE.

Z Carz LG09 WPE in Longton

We also saw Z Carz Iveco minibus YJ53 WPD.

Z Carz YJ53 WPD in Longton

We got back onto the A50 and we crossed over to the other side onto Baths Road. We stop at Tesco petrol station yo take on Diesel and then we returned onto the A50. We traveled West to Heron Cross an we came off onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Road and then right onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home just before 19:00. For a late tea we had sausages, potatoes and carrots followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. We then chilled out on the computer and watching telly until 01:00... Mark