Trip to Longton / Hanley 23-02-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Fenton	BET365 Stadium	Charter	Shelton Care Group

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going to watch the Stoke City match 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. we saw First Potteries 63175 on a #11 to Hanley. whilst waiting we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

Also seen was Afford Rent-A-car HN16 CLY going towards Stoke.

Afford Rent-A-car HN16 CLY in Fenton

Another vehicle seen was First Potteries 63178 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63178 in Fenton

Later on we went to Longton by. We went downstairs and got into the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. We turned right onto Station Bridge Road and we followed the road around onto Heron Street. We went over the traffic lights onto Blurton Road and at the roundabout we joined the Eastbound A50. We came off the A50 at Longton and we ran along the high level road to the other end of town. We turned sharp left onto The Strand. We turned off the Strand and we parked up. Once we went to the cafe on the corner. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards he had a can of Coke. We set off onto The Strand and we went under the railway line onto King Street we saw First Potteries 63097 on a #6A to Blythe Bridge. We ran through Foley into Fenton. City Road we saw First Potteries 67660 on a #6 to Weston Coyney and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and we returned to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to use his computer and watch buses out of the window. We saw First Potteries 32650 to the BET365 stadium. We went downstairs and we set off to the BET365 stadium. Transport for the trip was Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We got on the bus and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned right onto Christchurch Street and right onto Station Bridge Road. We ran forwards onto Heron Street. We went through the traffic lights and forwards onto Blurton Road. At the roundabout we joined the Westbound A50. We came off the A50 onto Stanley Matthews Way and we were dropped off opposite to the stadium. Across the road we saw First Potteries 37160 on a BS1 Stoke shuttle service.

First Potteries 37160 in BET365 Stadium

Matthew went into the football ground and took his seat in the West stand. Matthew went to the toilet and had a bottle of Coke. The result in the end was a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa. After the match had finished Matthew walked back to Fenton. We set off onto the path adjacent to the A50 and we crossed over the footbridge and walked down the path onto Grove Road. We continued onto Wheildon Road and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. WE walked past the park and over the railway line. We turned right onto Temple Street past the new sheltered housing project and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out. For tea Matthew had chicken nuggets with chips followed by a Bakewell Tart. Later on Matthew went to Hanley in an intercity taxi. We set off out of Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We crossed over City Road onto Manor Street and at the end we turned left onto Victoria Road. We ran down the hill to Joiners Square and we crossed over the roundabout onto Lichfield Street. We crossed over the ring road and we stopped outside the bus station. Once out of the taxi we walked up Lichfield Street and we went forwards onto Tontine Street. We stopped at the pub and Matthew went to the toilet. He had a glass of coke and chilled out on the pub. When it was time to go we set off along Tontine Street. We went forwards onto Lichfield Street and we waited for a taxi back to Fenton. We returned to Fenton in an Intercity taxi. We set off down Lichfield Street and over the ring road. We ran down to Joiners Square and we turned right onto the A52. We ran past the end of the railway station and alongside the railway line. We turned left onto City Road and up into Fenton. We turned right into Smithpool Road and left into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. After going upstairs 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 Chester Zoo / Newcastle 22-02-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Chester Zoo	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Chester Zoo	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 Chester zoo. 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. Christchurch Street where we saw Stanton's of Stoke minibus PSU 989. We walked to the day centre and we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

In the morning Matthew went to Chester Zoo on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned right onto City Road. We turned left onto Victoria Road and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed the roundabout and we went forwards onto Lichfield Street. when we got to Hanley we turned left onto the clockwise ring road. We ran to the end and we joined Etruria Road. At festival Park we joined the Westbound A53. We ran up to Etruria and we turned right onto the Northbound A500. We ran out of Staffordshire into Cheshire and we ran under the M6. We continued to the South of Crewe and to the Eastern edge of Nantwich. We joined the Nantwich bypass and we ran around the Northern side of town. We continued Westwards along the A51 to Tarven and we joined the Westbound A54. At the edge of Chester we crossed the A55 and then joined the Northbound A41. We continued Northwards for a few miles until we reached Chester Zoo. We parked up and we entered the zoo. Matthew went to the toilet and then spent some time walking around the zoo. We stopped for dinner and Matthew had egg sandwiches washed down with a can of Coke. We spent some more time going around the zoo until it was time to return to Fenton. Transport for the trip was Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We got on the bus and we set off onto the Southbound A41. We joined the Eastbound A54 and crossed over the A55. WE ran Eastwards for a few miles up to Tarvin before joining the Eastbound A51. We continued towards Nantwich and we went arounf it on the on the A51 by-pass and we joined the Eastbound A500. We skirted the Southern edge of Crewe and crossed under the M6 before continuing the last 8 miles or so down to Stoke. We came off the A500 onto City Road and we saw First Potteries 32648 on a #25 to Keele. We continued up City Road under the railway line up to Smithpool Road and we turned right. We turned left onto Temple Street and we went back to the residential unit. Matthew went back up to his room to use his computer and watch buses. We saw D&G Bus 44 on a #1 to Park Site.

D&G 44 in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw D&G Bus 134 running out of service towards Longton.

D&G 134 in Fenton

Afterwards we saw First Potteries 67631 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67631 in Fenton

Another bus seen was First Potteries 67156 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67156 in Fenton

Also seen was 365 Airports DX17 PXZ going towards Longton.

365 Airports DX17 PXZ in Fenton

Matthew returned to the residential unit and went upstairs. Later on we went to Newcastle in a car. We wens downstairs and got in the car and set off onto Temple Street. We turned left into Christchurch Street and left onto City Road. We ran down the hill onto the A52 and we went under the railway line. We crossed over the A500 and we ran into Stoke and on the one way system. We followed the road onto Lonsdale Street and right onto Fleming Street. We turned right onto Campbell Place and we followed the road around back onto Church Street. We ran up the hill into Hartshill and edge the edge of Newcastle we ran onto George Street. We went forwards onto the ring road and we crossed the roundabout onto Ironmarket. We parked up and and we went to the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and had a glass of Coke. Matthew had a cheese and bacon beefburger with fries. For dessert he had chocolate fudge cake with ice cream. When we had finished we set off along Ironmarket to the High Street. We turned left onto Hassell Street and we walked past the bus station. We walked onto the ring road and past the new council building and into the park. We got back in the car and we returned to Fenton in a car. We set off onto the roundabout and we turned right onto barracks Road. We joined the Southbound A34 and we ran down to Trent Vale. We turned left onto Harpfields Road and we went forwards onto Keelings Drive. We turned left onto London Road and we ran through Boothen into Stoke. We ran around the one-way system and onto Church Street. We crossed over the A500 and under the railway line into Fenton. We ran up City Road and we turned right into Smithpool Road and left into Temple Street and 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 Hanley / Biddulph 20-02-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67654	Fenton, Victoria Place	Hanley BS	6	First Potteries
67652	Hanley BS	Biddulph BS	7A	First Potteries
150	Biddulph BS	Knypersley, Woodland Street	93	D&G
67155	Knypersley, Woodland Street	Biddulph BS	7A	First Potteries
67640	Biddulph BS	Hanley BS	7A	First Potteries
67152	Hanley BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	23	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going to visit uncle Dave 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 silver minibus AE56 GZX stopped in the street opposite.

AE56 in Fenton

Also seen was First Potteries 67656 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67656 in Fenton

Later on we set off on foot to the bus stop. We went downstairs and we walked through onto City Road and we walked up to the roundabout and around the corner onto Victoria Road to wait for the bus to Hanley. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 41499 on a #6 to Weston Coyney. A few minutes later we saw the bus appear and it was First Potteries 67654 on a #6 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down. We set off down Victoria Road and we crossed over the A52 at Joiners Square. We ran up Lichfield Street instead of going to the bus stops outside the bus station, we turned left onto the ring road. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and right onto John Street and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew used the toilet. We waited for a bus to Biddulph. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 67652 on a #7A to Biddulph. We got on the bus and we booked to Biddulph before we sat down towards the back of the bus. and we set off out of the bus station and we ran down John Street. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and we crossed Broad street onto Marsh Street. We turned right onto Trinity Street and we stopped on Stafford Street to to pick up more passengers before we left town along Quadrant Road. We crossed over the ring road and we headed out of town towards Sneyd Green along Town Road. We continued to Smallthorne roundabouts and we continued forwards onto High Lane. At the end of High Lane we turned right onto the A527 and we ran down the hill through Fegg Hayes and up into Brindley Ford. We continued up towards Knyperlsey and we turned left onto Brown Lees Road. We ran through the estate and we crossed over the A527 and into the Biddulph estate. We went passed the barley Mow and we turned left onto St John's Road. At the end we re-joined the A527 and we entered the town at Wharf Road and we stopped at the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we turned right onto the High Street and we stopped at the cafe Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. Once we had finished we walked down the High Street and we turned left onto Wharf Road. We decided to do the next bus which was D&G Bus 150 on a #93 Biddulph Moor circular. We got on the bus and we booked to Knypersley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off onto the High Street and we turned left onto Wells Street. We ran around the estate and onto Woodland Street where we got up and got off the bus. We waited for the next bus to Hanley. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 67155 on a #7A to Biddulph. We got on the bus and we booked to Biddulph before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We ran through the estate and we crossed over the A527 and into the Biddulph estate. We went passed the barley Mow and we turned left onto St John's Road. At the end we re-joined the A527 and we entered the town at Wharf Road and we stopped at the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. We waited for the next bus back to Hanley. A short while later we saw First Potteries 67640 on a #7A to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off onto the High Street and we turned left onto St Johns Road. We ran around the estate and onto Woodland Street. We crossed over the A527 at Knypersley. We ran through Brown Lees and we rejoined the A527 by the industrial estate. We ran down through Brindley Ford and to Fegg Hayes. We ran up the hill to Chell and we turned left onto High Lane. We ran back through Smallthorne & Sneyd Green into Hanley. When we got back to the bus station we waited for a bus back to Fenton. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 67152 on a #23 to Newstead. We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton and sat down towards the back of the bus. Whilst we waited for departure time we saw First Potteries 37156 on a #25 to Keele. We set off onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We crossed over the ring road and we ran down onto Regent Road and forwards onto Cleveland Road. We ran down though Shelton along College Road and we ran down to the railway station. We turned right onto Glebe Street and under the railway line an we ran around the one-way system in Stoke and stopped by Stoke Minster. We turned left onto Church Street and we crossed the A500 and we ran under the railway line. After climbing up the hill into Fenton we turned right into Smithpool Road where we got up and got off the bus. We walked back up Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street. At the day centre. to the residential unit we set off on foot onto Christchurch Street and left onto Temple Street. Matthew went upstairs to his room and use his computer whilst he waited to go to uncle Daves for tea. He also watched buses out of the window. We saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX going towards Stoke.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

Also seen was D&G Bus 44 on a #1 to Park Site.

D&G 44 in Fenton

After a short while we saw First Potteries 67657 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67657 in Fenton

Another vehicle seen was white minibus NJ57 XHB going towards Stoke.

NJ57 XHB in Fenton

Also seen outside the garage was Afford rent-a-car CN68 JJL parked up.

Afford rent-a-car CN68 JJL in Fenton

Later on we went to uncle Dave's. We set off onto Temple Street and onto Christchurch Street. We walked onto City Road and we saw First Potteries 63175 on a #11 to Newcastle. We crossed over and onto Manor Street. At the end of Manor Street we turned left onto Victoria Road and we went down the hill to Aldi. Matthew brought his shopping and then we got a Lucky Seven taxi back to the residential unit. We set off onto Victoria Road and we ran up the hill. We turned right onto Manor Street and right onto Hallam Street. We turned right onto Elsing Road and we saw Afford rent-a-car CN68 FRJ in their yard. We turned right onto City Road. We turned left onto Smithpool Road and left again onto Temple Street. We went back to the back to the residential unit. When it was time to go to uncle Dave's we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street and at the end we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We went across the spare ground onto Willowdale Avenue and onto Whieldon Road and into uncle Dave's. Matthew had some cheesecake and a can of Tango orange. For tea Matthew had chicken potatoes and carrots. Later on he had another slice of cheesecake and a few digestive biscuits and custard creams. Uncle Dave now has a biscuit tin. Matthew chilled out in uncle Dave's house using his computer and watching television. Uncle Dave also did his DJ set. A couple of hours later staff came to escort Matthew back home. We set off onto Whieldon Road and we turned onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Temple Street past the new building under construction, which is now getting near to completion. We continued 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 Southend-on-Sea / Longton 19-02-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
YR17 CYJ	Fenton	Southend-on-Sea	Charter	Harry Shaw
YR17 CYJ	Southend-on-Sea	Fenton	Charter	Harry Shaw
YJ62 LSX	Fenton	Longton	Charter	Z Carz
YJ62 LSX	Longton	Fenton	Charter	Z Carz

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. Adventure Island Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst waiting to go to the day service we saw blue minibus GV54 ??? going towards Longton.

GV54 in Fenton

Around Around 09:00 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 went to Southend-on-Sea on Harry Shaw YR17 CYJ. We got on the coach and we sat down. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. We turned right onto Station Bridge Road and we continued onto Heron Street. We went through the traffic lights and we crossed over the we joined the Westbound A50 and we ran down to Sideway. We turned left onto the Southbound A500 and we ran down to the motorway. We got onto the Southbound M6 and we ran through the West Midlands & Warwickshire to the end of the motorway. We got onto the South M1 and we ran South through Northamptonshire into Hertfordshire. We left the M1 at junction 6A and we got onto the clockwise M25. We ran around to Junction 29 and we got onto the eastbound A127. We ran for around 15 miles to the end of the A127 into Southend-on-Sea and we were dropped off. Matthew went to Adventure island. Matthew went for dinner and had an egg sandwich wash down with a can of Coke. Matthew went to an arcade and went on the rides. He also travelled on the miniature railway. When it was time to go we returned to Fenton on Harry Shaw YR17 CYJ. We got on the coach and we set off through town and onto the A127. We ran through to the M25 and we got onto the anti-clockwise carriageway. We ran around to the M1 and we got onto the Northbound motorway. We ran through Hertfordshire into Northamptonshire and we got on to the start of the Northbound M6. We ran Northwards into Warwickshire and the West Midlands and up through Staffordshire. We ran North to junction 15 where we cam off onto the A500. We travelled North up to Sideway and then we joined the Eastbound A50. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and we turned left onto Blurton Road. We went through the traffic lights onto Heron Steeet. We carried on forwards onto Station Bridge Road and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Masterson Street and we turned right onto Watkin Street. We continued onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to use his computer and chill out in his room. We saw Lucky Seven DK11 BVX heading towards Heron Cross.

Lucky Seven DK11 BVX in Fenton

Also seen was D&G Bus 113 on a #1A to Wood Lane.

D&G 113 in Fenton

After a while we saw First Potteries 63097 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63097 in Fenton

For tea Matthew had chicken and chips followed by cake. Later on Matthew went out to Longton in Z Carz YJ62 LSX. We went downstairs and we got on the minibus. We set off onto Christchurch Street and we turned right onto City Road. We ran up onto King Street 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. Matthew also had a red velvet cheesecake. Afterwards we returned to Fenton in Z Carz YJ62 LSX. We got on the minibus and we set off 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. 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 Bolton / Horwich 16-02-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
39246	Leigh BS	Salford, Pendleton Church (Stop U)	V1	First Manchester
33841	Salford, Rossall Way (stop G)	Bolton BS	36	First Manchester
2678	Bolton BS	Horwich, The Crown (Stop C)	575	Arriva NW&W
2681	Horwich, The Crown (Stop C)	Wigan BS	575	Arriva NW&W
19522	Wigan BS	Lowton, Lowton Labour Club	10	Stagecoach Manchester
22587	Lowton, Lowton Labour Club	Leigh BS	10	Stagecoach Manchester

Today we decided to re-visit Leigh. Still being darkest Winter we wanted somewhere not to far away with a multi-operator ticket. We gave Matthew a list of place from the Midlands and the North West to chose from and from the list he chose Leigh. Research consisted of checking the roads were clear on AA Roadwatch, checking the weather and we also looked to see if the new Wigan bus station had been completed, which it had. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. After getting ready, we set off around 11:45 on to the A5035. We turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way and we went past the Gordon Banks statue where growing number of tributes had been laid after his sad passing away earlier in the week. We turned left onto the Westbound A50 and at Sideway roundabout we joined the Northbound A500. We travelled Northwards and traffic was quite light today and we made good progress. Near to Wolstanton we were passed by Holmeswood coach PO68 BYG.

Holmeswood PO68 BYG on A500

We quickly got up into Cheshire and we joined the Northbound M6. As we travelled North up the M6 we saw Eavesway YJ11 GKD, gold coach BX54 ECT, The Travellers Choice PO16 LZS / PO17 CLJ, an unidentified North West Construction minibus, an unidentified Reays coach and black minibus EG16 WLA. We came off the M6 at junction 22 and we headed Eastwards up the A576. At the end we joined the A572 and we continued Eastwards. We crossed the A580 and we continued up the A572 the last few miles into the centre of Leigh. We turned right onto Spinning Jenny Way and we saw JR's Airport Express YJ53 WPE. We turned left onto Queen Street and left again onto Brown Street South. We turned right onto Gas Street and we entered the shopping centre car park. The car park is currently free at weekends in a bid to help shoppers in town. Once we had parked up the car we went to the toilet block and the toilet appeared to be closed. We walked through the shopping centre and Matthew visited the toilet in the bus station. We sat at the open air dinner by the food van and Matthew had a cheeseburger with a few fries washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we said goodbye to mum and headed over to the bus station to see what we could catch. We saw First Manchester 39246 on a V1 to Manchester.

First Manchester 39246 in Leigh bus station

Also seen was Jim Stones BUS 1T on a #593 Tamar circular.

Jim Stones BUS 1T in Leigh bus station

As we considered what to catch we saw First Manchester 69526 on a #582 to Bolton.

First Manchester 69526 in Leigh bus station

We decided to do required First Manchester 39246 on the V1 to Manchester as far as Salford. We got on the bus and we booked System One Bus Only Day tickets at £5.80 each. We went upstairs and we sat down near to the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto Spinning Jenny way. We ran forwards onto Princess Street and onto the guided busway. In a nearby yard we saw red double decker bus R781 SOY parked up. We ran along the busway for approximately 4 miles and we joined the Southbound B5232 in Ellenbrook. We ran South for around 1/4 mile and we turned left onto the A580. We ran fast along the A580 and we crossed under the A580 and the Wardley park and ride car park. We continued Eastwards and the A580 merged with the A6. We continued on to Pendleton and near the the police station we cam off the main A6 and onto a parallel slow lane where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of First Manchester 39246 as it continued towards Manchester.

First Manchester 39246 in Salford

Behind our bus was required First Manchester 33726 on a #36 to Manchester.

First Manchester 33726 in Salford

We visited the Paresh Newsagents like we had done on out first visit to Salford back in May 2016 and Matthew brought a can of Coke and a can of Vimto. We also brought a couple of chocolate bars. Once we had finished in the shop went into the subway and we headed over to the Salford Shopping Centre. We went under the roundabout and over the A6. We walked around the police station and under the shopping centre access road and into the shopping centre. We decided to have more of a look around that we have had before and we took a few bus pictures. We saw First Manchester 37399 on a #100 to the Intu Trafford Centre.

First Manchester 37399 in Salford

We had planned on going North and we had already found the relevant bus stop. After looking at a few other buses we walked back to the stop to see required First Manchester 33841 on a #36 to Bolton.

First Manchester 33841 in Salford

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One Bus Only Day tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off from the stop and we headed up to the Westbound A6. We ran alongside the main carriageway in a bus lane for a few hundred yards and we veered left onto Bolton Road. We ran alongside the A6 for a 3/4 of a mile and we cam to a large roundabout. The A580 and the A6 split off from each other and we followed the A6 for around a mile into Swinton. We stopped briefly outside a brutalist Lancastrian Hall in the centre of town. We continued Westwards into Walkden and we asked Matthew if he wanted to get up and off the bus. Matthew decided he wanted to stay on the bus and continue up to Bolton. We continued Westwards out of Wakden along the A6 and we turned left into Hilton Lane passing Rotala Diamond 20989 on the VH2 Walkden circular service. We turned right onto Hulton Avenue and we continued forwards onto Madams Wood Road. We crossed the A5082 and we ran forwards onto Kenyon Way. We ran through the estate and we reappeared on the A6. We headed Eastwards for a short distance and we turned left onto the A5082. We crossed over the M61 and we turned left onto Tennyson Road. We ran forwards onto George Street across Highfield Road and forwards onto Laburnam Road. We crossed the B6199 and we ran North up Harper Green Road. We turned left onto Lavender Road and right onto Bradford Road. We crossed Green Lane and we continued north towards Bolton. We ran forwards onto Nelson Street and forwards onto Thynne Street. We turned left onto the A579 and right onto Black Horse Street. We turned right onto Great Moor Street and right into Newport Street and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. In the adjacent stand was First Manchester 66905 on a #561 Withins circular.

First Manchester 66905 in Bolton bus station

This was our first visit to Bolton since the new bus station was built. The bus station is triangular in shape and has layover bays for buses down either side. Matthew visited the facilities and then we walked around the other side to see what buses we could catch. We took a few pictures through the glass of buses on layover and we spotted a 575 which could get us back towards Wigan and then onwards to Leigh. We went to get on a Rotala Bus, but it pulled off before we got to it. On an adjacent stand we saw Arriva NW&W 2678 on a #575 to Horwich.

Arriva NW&W 2678 in Bolton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One Bus Only Day tickets to the driver The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2678 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2678

The bus set off out of the bus station and onto the A575. We turned left onto Deansgate and right onto Bridge Street. We turned left onto the B6205 and we crossed the ring road onto the B6226. We veered left onto the A673 and we ran Westwards out of town. We ran through Heaton and Lostock and we continued Northwards for the last couple of miles. When we got to the North end of town in familiar territory, we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took a picture of Arriva NW&W 2678 as it ran up to the roundabout for the return trip to Bolton.

Arriva NW&W 2678 in Horwich

Once off the bus we crossed the road and we visited The Crown. Matthew used the toilet and then we went to the bar to get a drink. Matthew had a glass of Coke and we sat at a table for a few minutes whilst Mathew had his drink. We went back outside to met up with uncle Dave and we spotted a bus approaching. It was required Arriva NW&W 2681 on a #575 to Wigan.

Arriva NW&W 2681 in Horwich

We crossed the road and we got on the bus. We flashed the System One Bus Only Day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off up the road and we turned left onto the B5238. We went under the M61 and past Blackrod railway station. At the end of the Road we turned right onto the A6 and we headed Northwards. We turned left onto the B5408 and Southwards through Blackrod. At the Southern end of Blackrod we turned Scot Lane and we ran into Aspull. We went around the triangle in the centre and we stopped briefly at the bus stop. We headed North up the B5239 and we turned left onto Saint David's Crescent. We turned right onto Holly Road and right onto the B5238. We ran Southwards through New Springs and Whelley and we turned right onto the A573. We crossed the A49 onto Crompton Street and we ran forwards onto Mesnes Street. We turned left onto the B5375 ans we entered the bus station for the North End. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew visited the toilet. This was our first visit to Wigin since the bus station was re-built. When Matthew had finished in the bus station we had a walk around to take a few bus pictures. We saw Arriva NW&W 2997 on a #575 to Bolton.

Arriva NW&W 2997 in Wigan bus station

The layover bays in the bus station area are in the same place as they were. We walked through a little gate and along the row. We saw Arriva NW&W 4607 on layover in between runs on the #375 to Southport.

Arriva NW&W 4607 in Wigan bus station

Also in the row was Arriva NW&W 2983 on a #395 to Skelmersdale.

Arriva NW&W 2983 in Wigan bus station

Another vehicle on layover was Rotala Diamond 20814 service unknown.

Rotala Diamond 20814 in Wigan bus station

Once we had finished looking at the buses on layover we walked back up to the bus station stanf=d and we looked for a bus that could take us towards Leigh. We spotted required Stagecoach Manchester 19522 on a #10 to Leigh.

Stagecoach Manchester 19522 in Wigan bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One Bus Only Day tickets to the driver before we went upstairs. The top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach Manchester 19522 before we sat down.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 19522

The bus set off out of the bus station and down Dorning Street and onto King Street West. We turned right past the rail stations and we saw Pemberton ML56 SWK. We continued South down the A49 past Wigan Pier. We ran through the Marus Bridge area. After Taybarn's we continued South down the A49 into Bryn. We turned right into Old Road and then we ran into Ashton-in-Makerfield. We turned left onto Bolton Road and after around 1/2 a mile we turned right onto Golborne Road. We turned right into Edge Green Lane and we zigged down to the Southern end of Golborne along Bank Street and Heath Street. In Golborne we turned left onto the High Street and we stopped in town before going over the railway line before the bus turned into Lowton Road. We ran forwards onto Church Lane and when we got to the A580 we went Eastwards. We turned left onto the A572 and we got up and got off the bus near to Lowton Social Club. Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Manchester 19522 before it continued towards Leigh.

Stagecoach Manchester 19522 in Lowton

The plan was to catch the next #34 or #10 bus up to Leigh, whichever came first. Whilst we waited we shared a trio Bounty which we had purchased in Salford earlier in the day. Going the other way we saw Arriva NW&W 2982 on a #34 to St Helens and Stagecoach Manchester 19518 on a #10 to Wigan.

Stagecoach Manchester 22587 in Lowton

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One Bus Only Day tickets to the driver for the final time today before we went sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off Northwards up Newton Road and we crossed the A579. We ran the last mile or so into the centre of Leigh and we turned right onto Spinning Jenny Way. We turned left into the bus station and we ran through to the other side and onto the stops on the B5215. Once we got off the bus we saw Arriva NW&W 2672 which had passed us on the #34 whilst we were stopped in Lowton.

Arriva NW&W 2672 in Leigh bus station

We had a quick walk around the bus station taking pictures before we returned to the car. We saw Rotala Diamond 30536 parked up between duties.

Rotala Diamond 30536 in Leigh bus station

Around the other side of the bus station we saw Rotala Diamond 20902 on a #583 to Hag Fold.

Rotala Diamond 20902 in Leigh bus station

Mum had moved the car during the day and was now parked on Bradshaw Gate. We walked out of the bus station past Lloyds and onto Bradshaw Gate. We dropped the bag in the car and we went to McDonalds. Matthew used the toilet and we each had a portion of fries. He also had a Greggs sausage roll and a can of Irn Bru. We set off out of Bradshaw Gate and we turned left onto the B5215. We ran Southwards onto the A572 and we ran Southwards to Lowton. We crossed the A580 into Lane head and we turned right onto the A579. We joined the Southbound M6 and we ran through Cheshire. As we travelled Southwards we saw an unidentified Reays coach. at junction 16 we joined the Southbound A500. Seen on the A500 was an unidentified Kirby Lonsdale coach hire midi coach. At Sideway roundabout we joined the Eastbound A50. Seen on the A50 was an unidentified Barratts (Nantwich) coach. We came off the A50 at Longton and we went to see ehat was parked up at Z Carz this evening. The spare ground was empty as expected so we turned left into Willow Row to see what was in the compound. We saw Z Carz Peugeot minibus YJ62 LSX.

Z Carz YJ62 LSX in Longton

Also seen was a new arrival. It was Z Carz Peugeot minibus YJ12 SBY.

Z Carz YJ12 SBY in Longton

We turned around and got back onto the A50 and we went Westwards to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton. We ran forwards onto Church Street and we turned right into Beaconsfield Drive. We got home just before 19:00. For a late tea bangers and mash with carrots followed by jam filled shortbread biscuit. We did an e-mail and we wrote some of the Blog. Matthew went to bed around 00:00.... Mark.

Trip to Fenton / Newcastle 15-02-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67655	Blurton. Magdalen Road	Newcastle, Opp Cherry Tree PH	22	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. Whilst waiting to go to the day centre we saw white minibus G14 SBX. Around 09:00 we went downstairs and we set off onto 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 parked up.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

In the morning Matthew did baking. 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. We went upstairs to his room to get ready to go to Blurton for the weekend. Whilst we waited to go out we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 542 going towards Stoke.

Copeland's Tours MIB 542 in Fenton

We got things ready and we left the residential unit just after 15:00. We went downstairs and we got into the car. We drove onto Temple Street. We turned right onto Christchurch Street and right onto Station Bridge Road. We followed the road around onto Heron Street and into Heron Cross. We went through the traffic lights and forwards onto Blurton Road. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Street. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 15:00. When we got home Matthew had toast and a glass of Irn Bru. Today we were catching the 15:56 to Newcastle as we were going to the pub via Grandma's House. We set off around 15:45 on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. The bus was a little late due to traffic. Eventually the bus turned the corner and as it got closer we saw that it was First Potteries 67655 on a #22 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67655 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle and sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto the A5035 we saw First Potteries 63177 on a #22 to Longton. We went over the railway line into Trentham and we turned right into New Inn Lane. We ran up the hill towards Hanford passing First Potteries 63175 on the final #22 turn to Longton. We turned right into Wilson Road and we ran down Church Lane and we continued down onto the A34 and we saw First Potteries 65027 on a #101 to Hanley. We crossed under the A500 and we ran into Trent Vale. We turned right into Harpfields Road. We continued forwards on Hilton Road. we turned into the hospital. We ran through and we saw ABC Supreme HV18 FHH & D&G 42 on a #2 to Birches Head. We turned right onto the A34 we saw First Potteries 67652 on a #101 to Stafford. A couple of stops down the road we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew we crossed over the A34 and we saw First Potteries 32648 on a #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 32648 in Newcastle

We walked up the hill to Grandma's house. At Grandma's Matthew had a can of Irn Bru and used her computer. When it was time to go we went to the pub in the car. We set off just after 18:00 and we ran down Victoria Street. We turned left onto the A34. We continued southwards into Trent Vale and we stopped at the pub. We walked into the pub and we sat down at our one our normal tables. Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with custard. Whilst we ate there was quite a heavy snowfall. Highlights of the bus sightings included E-zec patient transport YJ66 JFN and First Potteries 65039 on a #101 to Stafford. Once we had finished eating we set off to uncle Dave's to pick him up. We ran down the A34 and we joined the Northbound A500. At Sideway we turned right onto the A50 and we came off the A50 at Heron Cross. We dropped down into Fenton to pick uncle Dave up. Once we had picked him up we ran up to Heron Cross and we joined the Westbound A50. we veered left onto Stanley Matthews Way and we ran to the end. We turned left onto the A5035 and we got home around 19:30. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we composed a few e-mails and sorted a few things out. We then chilled out on the sofa doing e-mails and writing the until bedtime around 01:00... Mark