Trip to Southport 09-07-2011

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2143	Esplanade Park & Ride	Southport, Union Street (Stop Gb)	PR1	Arriva NW&W
2821	Southport, Union Street (Stop Gb)	Ainsdale, Ainsdale Village	49A	Arriva NW&W
7654	Ainsdale, Fairfield Road	Southport, Monument	49A	Arriva NW&W
4074	Southport, Lord St, Duke St (opp)	Meols Cop, Haig Avenue (adj)	375	Arriva NW&W
4060	Southport, Everard Road (adj)‎	Southport, Lord St, Duke St (adj)	375	Arriva NW&W
2144	Southport, Monument	Esplanade Park & Ride	PR1	Arriva NW&W

Matthew had been away in As he hadn't been out on a bus since then, we arranged to take Matthew out on a more distant trip. Originally it was going to be Shrewsbury, until mum realised that it was Southport she was thinking of! We set off a fraction after 12:00 and we stopped for LPG at Longport on the way. It was a mainly sunny day but there was plenty of cloud about too. Traffic was relatively light, we passed through Ormskirk quite quickly and we got into the Esplanade P&R just before 14:00. As we drove in we noticed that the Cleveland cafe was closed so we needed to look for another eatery. We also noticed a big music festival in the park opposite the P&R called Southport rocks! On the P&R bus, which was 2143 this time, we spotted the thistle tea room and grill at the first stop on Lord Street so we jumped off the bus. We had 3 breakfasts and a sausage sandwich, 2 cokes and a tea which came to around £19. The food was nice, but the sausage sandwich was a bit on the expensive side! As we ate matthew was able to see some of the buses out today. First 49A that we spotted was Marshall 7637. we also saw 7636, 7656, 7652 and a B6 which I can't remember.


Arriva NW&W Marshall 7637 on a 49A service to Woodvale(Matt)


7656 on a #49A service (Matt)

having just missed one 49A Woodvale service, we crossed the road and waited for the next one. After about a 10 minute wait required but slightly disappointing Volvo B6 2821 rounded the corner...


B6 2821 0n a #49A to Woodvale (Matt)

The journey was quite quick and we passed 2291 on Carr lane about to start it's journey on a #43 High Park service. When we got off Matthew got another picture of this bus.


2821 in Ainsdale (Matt)

After he took the picture we crossed the road and within about a minute we could we a Marshall approaching. The bus was required 7654.


7654 in Ainsdale (Matt)

Another relatively uneventful journey back to Southport passed on this fine beast. We saw 2294 on carr lane on a terminating #46 service. we alighted somewhere in the middle of lord Street and Matthew took another picture of 7654.


7654 in Lord Street, Southport heading towards Crossens (Matt)

When we got off we crossed the road and it had been my intention to catch another #49A to try and get some of the required Marshalls working on this service. The next 49A Woodvale was another Volvo B6 we matthew didn't want to do. I asked Matthew what bus he did want to do and I gave him the Southport bus map and a pen. He wrote '375' on the map. We started walking along Lord Street looking at stops to see if they were for the 375. We got to one stop and it said 375 Southport so we knew we had to cross the road at this point. as we were walking along we could see a double decker in the distance. The bus then turned at the roundabout and stopped on the 'Duke Street (opp)' which is the starting point of the service. We walked briskly to the stop and managed to get on it before it left. We sat downstairs... originally we sat under to stairs in the bay with 3 seat, but when someone got on with a pushchair we moved to the back. The back of these refurbished buses can be likened to a plush troop carrier with windows as all seats but the back seat itself face each other across the bus. As we didn't really now where we were going we booked to Scarisbrick New Road and it was mt intention to get off towards the end near Meols Cop. We couldn't really see where we were going at the back and we got off one stop short just before the King George V College. Matthew took a picture here...


DAF ALX 400 4074 heading towards Wigan along Scarisbrick New Road (Matt)

we crossed the 2 main roads and stood at the stop. we checked the timetable and saw there was a 375 Southport due in 5 minutes. First there was a 42 and this was B6 2804. About a minute behind this was another DAF ALX400 4060.


4060 on Scarisbrick New Road (Matt)

Matthew insisted in going upstairs, and when we got off Matthew took a picture of the upper deck.


Inside 4060 (Matt)

As it was getting on towards 17:00 as we got off the bus, we decide we were going to meet up with mum and do the P&R bus back. we walked up the the bandstand and met her there. as we walked up matthew took a few more pictures.


Arriva NW&W 3033 in Lord Street, Southport (Matt)

We waited for the P&R1 service and this was 2144. when we got to the Eco Centre, matthew photographed the inside of the bus.


Inside 2144 (Matt)

After a quick toilet stop Matthew went to look at the coaches across the way. Some of the coaches he looked at a bit too closely, but eventually we managed to get him back to the car for a quick sausage roll snack before we hit the road. As we left Southport we passed 7648 on a 375 Southport. The journey back was pleasant and quick, and we got in a little before 19:00... Mark

Trip to Llandudno 03-07-2011

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
N718 GRV	Wolstatnton	Llandudno	Charter	James Cooper Sons
N718 GRV	Llandudno	Wolstatnton	Charter	James Cooper Sons

respite last weekend where they had taken him to Matthew was taken to Llandudno stopping for fuel around 11:00 in a BP garage near Chester on the way (Wrexhan road service station). 2503 was seen on a #84 Crewe - Chester service. 867 was also seen near Crewe. Whilst in Llandudno he did Arriva NW&W 817 on a local service. Matthew ate dinner with his friends in a cafe and then Brad had ice cream. We spent some time on the promenade. MUI 2448 was also seen.


james Cooper & sons coach in Llandudno (Matt)

Buses seen at Llandudno also include N718 GRV and Arriva NW&W 814. On the way back Matthew returned via Chester Services the A51 & A500. After his day out he returned to the respite unit in Wolstanton around 19:00 and then stopping at the local Co-op food for a snack...Mark

Trip to Foxfield Railway / Trentham Gardens 02-07-2011

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
N721 GPV	Wolstatnton	Foxfield	Charter	Ellisons
N721 GPV	Foxfield	Wolstatnton	Charter	Ellisons
N574 CEH	Wolstatnton	Trentham Gardens	Charter	Ellisons
N574 CEH	Trentham Gardens	Wolstatnton	Charter	Ellisons

Matthew was in respite, and 40136 40143 were on services 99's. They decided to take him out on Ellisons N721 GPV. The Ex First Hampshire & Dorset was a trip to the Foxfield railway. when at the railway Matthew photographed the working steam engine running around it's train.


Florence No2 runs around the train in Foxfield station (Matt)

Once the engine had run around, he got another picture before it departed.


Florence No2 on the front of the train (Matt)

Matthew then jumped on the train and had a round trip on this engine. Once back at Foxfield, Matthew got back N574 CEH for his transport to go to Trentham Gardens. At the gardens Matthew headed to frankie & Benny's for dinner. Whilst having diner, Matthew photographed various coaches working in and out of the gardens coach parking. There are seven photogrpahs below with coaches from Scraggs, Hollinshead and Clowes Coaches.


Hollinshead RIL 1017 in Trentham gardens (Matt)


Hollinshead RIL 1023 (Matt)


Scraggs 1672 VT (Matt)


Clowes Coaches LIL 8540 (Matt)


Scraggs P886 GBF (Matt)


Hollinshead RIL 1016 (Matt)


Clowes Coaches FNZ 6990 (Matt)

25 seats on the bus. After dinner Matthew got back in his transport and returned to the respite unit...Mark

Trip to the Britannia Stadium 30-06-2011

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
W187 RRE	Blurton	Abbey Hulton	Charter	Z Carz
MIB 270	Abbey Hulton	West Midlands Safari Park	Charter	Copeland's Tours
MIB 270	West Midlands Safari Park	Abbey Hulton	Charter	Copeland's Tours
S260 JUG	Abbey Hulton	Blurton	Charter	Z carz
2933	Britannia Stadium	Stanley Matthews Way, Hem Heath	500	Wardle Transport

Usual transport to college with W187 RRE, a day out to WMSP on Copeland's tour MIB 270 and then a different bus back home in S260 JUG. It is a Mercedes 614D minibus.

It was another nice night, so we decided to Walk down to the Britannia Stadium and catch the bus back. Setting off just after 21:00, we got to the Britannia stadium around 21:35. After around 1 minutes wait the bus appeared It was 2933 again!


2933 on the #500 to Trentham Lakes (Matt)

We did the short run along to the end of Stanley Matthew Way and then Matthew got another picture
as the bus turned to return to Norton.


2933 turns about to work the #500 to Norton (Matt)

Another great run out with the added bonus of a nice long walk to help keep us fit... Mark

Trip to Stoke 28-06-2011

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

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

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


40027 in Newstead (Matt)

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


40027 outside Stoke railway station (Matt)

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


40003 outside Stoke railway station (Matt)

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


60194 in Church Street Stoke (Matt)

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


66839 outside Stoke railway station (Matt)

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


Inside 2933 (Matt)

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


2933 on Stanley Matthews Way (Matt)

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

Trip to Bury 25-06-2011

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
40353	Bury BS	Walshaw War Memorial	510	First Manchester
40339	Walshaw War Memorial	Bury BS	510	First Manchester
60212	Bury BS	Ramsbottom Lane/market Place (Stop A)	472	First Manchester
30804	Ramsbottom Lane/market Place (Stop B)	Bury BS	472	First Manchester
60235	Bury BS	Manchester Road, Dumers lane (Stop B)	524	First Manchester
34019	Manchester Road, Dumers lane (Stop A)	Bury BS	524	First Manchester

Having has 2 consecutive local trips, Matthew was asked where he wanted to go this weekend and he chose Bury. We set off around 12:00 but we had to make 3 stops including picking up uncle Dave and LPG from Longport. We arrived in Bury around 13:30. We ate at the usual place. Least said about this today the better! We then stood around watching buses waiting for something worthwhile. Pretty much the first 3 buses we saw in bury were the ex Birkenhead Royales. 30804 was see on a #472 Ramsbottom circular, 30807 was on a #93 Manchester and 30806 we didn't see were it was going. Matthew managed to get a picture of 30807.


30807 in Bury Interchange on a #93 service (Matt)

A couple of NC Olympians were also in and out but none of them were required. We decided to wait for the next 510 as this probably would be required. The next 510 in was 40353 and it was required so we decided to do the usual trip up to Walshaw with this service.


40353 in Walshaw (Matt)

As always, after we crossed the road, we only had to wait a couple of minutes before the return service appeared. This was also required in the form of 40339.


40339 in Walshaw (Matt)

On return to bury Interchange Mathhew got a picture of the interior of this bus.


Inside 40339 (Matt)

We then had a period of inaction where Matthew was frantically try to catch some thing interesting. He photographed ex Birkenhead Scania 60183


60183 on a #137 service (Matt)

We also saw NC Olympian 34019 on a service 524, but this was not required so we decided to let it go.


34019 on a #524 to Bolton (Matt)

Eventually we saw 30804 return on a 472 Ramsbottom. With 60212 already on stand on this service, we decided to do this to Ramsbottom and catch 30804 back.


60212 on a #472 Ramsbottom circular (Matt)

As we boarded the bus Matthew took a picture inside.


Inside 60212 (Matt)

Just Before 60212 came on stand, Mercedes single decker 60264 went out in front. We spent most of the journey to Ramsbottom Going in front and then falling behind this bus. When we reached Ramsbottom we got off at the main town stops.


60212 heads towards the turning point in Ramsbottom (Matt)

We saw 60212 head North and the return South. We didn't have to wait long for 30804 to make an appearance. We tried to flag it down but it sailed past us. We quickly realised that this stop must be set down only so we crossed the road to wait for its speedy return.


30804 on a #472 Ramsbottom circular (Matt)

We then enjoyed a top deck front seats return to Bury. It turned out hat we had been on this bus a couple of years ago in Birkenhead! At Bury Matthew photographed the inside.


Inside 30804 (Matt)

On retun we only had time to have a quick ride, so i gave Matthew a choice of a couple of service to catch along the Manchester road. He chose 60235, but to be honest it was either a Bendibus or a Merc an neither are that great! when we got to Dumers lane we got off.


60235 on a #524 to Bolton (Matt)

At the return stop we let a Merc (60258) and a Bendibus go past (12001), and it paid off as he next bus was the returning NC Olympian 34019. As we got off matthew photographed the empty inside...


Inside 34019 (Matt)

As the bus station Matthew just had time to take a picture of 34263 on a #98 Manchester before we returned to the car to meet mum.


34263 departs Bury Interchange on a #98 Manchester (Matt)

The return was uneventful, but we did pass a Bakers coach on the motorway near home. As we returned we went to the late shop for lottery tickets and we were home around 18:00... Mark

Trip to Stoke 21-06-2011

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
W187 RRE	Blurton	Abbey Hulton	Charter	Z carz
DX56 FYZ	Abbey Hulton	Tittesworth Reservoir	Charter	Blackfriars
DX56 FYZ	Tittesworth Reservoir	Abbey Hulton	Charter	Blackfriars
S973 OVP	Blurton	Abbey Hulton	Charter	Z carz
40166	Waterside Drive, Shepley Grove Walk	Stoke railway station	23	First Potteries
65728	Stoke railway station	Church Street, Stoke	25	First Potteries
2933	Stoke railway station	Stanley Matthews Way, Hem Heath	500	Wardle Transport

Matthew had his current usual transport to college, and whilst there was taken to Tittesworth resvoir and back on minibus DX56 FYZ. once again one the way back the bus was swapped for VW minibus S973 OVP.

The Internet was going a bit slow so I decided to take Matthew out for an hour or so. Also it was the longest day and the sky was relatively clear. I already seen that 40166 was out on the 23A evening turn, which I knew Matthew had not been on. I worked out that we could do this bus to Stoke station for a 25 minute wait for the 500 back. Also there was a 25 Newcastle about the same time, and one back that you might just make. We decided to get an extra mile or so on the bus by taking a slightly longer walk and catching the bus in Newstead. We arrived at the stop a few minutes before the bus turned up as expected 40166.


40166 in Waterside Drive in Newstead (Matt)

After an approximately 25 minute journey we arrived outside Stoke railway station. We didn't have to wait long for the 25 to turn up. This was required 65728.


65728 opposite Stoke railway station (Matt)

We did this bus to Church Street, Stoke and just as we approached Stoke we passed 66849. We got off and Matthew got another picture.


65728 in Church Street, Stoke (Matt)

After we got off, we walked around to Glebe Street. As we had out 12 minutes to wait we decided to walk back to the railway station. We walked briskly back to the station, seeing 40166 heading back towards Blurton. We also noticed 2 coaches behind the North Staffordshire Hotel. Once we got
back to the stop we didn't have to wait long for the 500. todays offering was short Optare Solo 2933


Inside Wardles Transport 2933 (Matt)

The bus was reasonably loaded for a Short Solo, with most getting off at the Sainsbury's distribution centre. As we were about to get off Matthew photographed the inside of this colourful Solo. Today we waited for the bus to come back to the starting point of the return service so we could get a reasonably good picture.


Wardles Transport 2933 at the Stanley Matthew Way origin point (Matt)

By the time we left the bus the sky had clouded up so the photo opportunity had worked out as well as I'd hoped for him. We then had the long walk home...Mark