Trip to Wigan 19-05-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
31941	Wigan BS	Pemberton, o/s House 563 Ormskirk Road/Enfield Street‎	628	First Manchester
2715	Pemberton, Ormskirk Road/Enfield Street (W-bound)	Orrell Post, Orrell Road/Orrell Council Offices (Stop D)	395	Arriva NW&W
3083	Orrell Post, Orrell Road/Orrell Post (Stop C)	Pemberton, Ellesmere Road/Halfway House (E-bound)	385	Arriva NW&W
60146	Pemberton, Ellesmere Road/Halfway House (E-bound)	Wigan BS	628	First Manchester
2562	Wigan BS	Abram, Warrington Road/School Street (S-bound)	360	Arriva NW&W
2997	Abram, Warrington Road/School Street (N-bound)	Wigan BS	360	Arriva NW&W
4103	Wigan BS	Pemberton, Ormskirk Road/Enfield Street (W-bound)	375	Arriva NW&W
60149	Pemberton, o/s House 563 Ormskirk Road/Enfield Street‎	Wigan BS	628	First Manchester

Today we finally got to go to Wigan. We had planned on going on the 5th of May, but a late running Aiming High trip that morning (due to an accident on the A500) had forced us to temporarily postpone this trip and go to Nantwich intead. The 12th was the Wardle running day and so we rescheduled for today. Research had been to get the 2 TfGM maps for Wigan, as well as to get hold of a few choice timetables. Matthew got up around 11:00 today. We set off a little after 12:00. It was an overcast afternoon, and it was even trying to rain as we left. We filled up with LPG at Longport before continuing north along the A500. the roads were fairly quite and we did the M6 and then the A49 into Wigan. We parked on a street near the bus station arriving around 13:30. First thing as always is to find a cafe to eat. We found a place called Mr Chippy, a small cafe just around the corner form the bus station. Matthew had a breakfast, as well as helping his mum eat hers! We finished eating around 14:15 then walked to the bus station. The first thing we saw of interest in the bus station was required First Manchester 31941. It was just going off service and Matthew got a picture.

First Manchester 31941 lays over Between 621's and 628's

We deiced to wait around for a short while to see if it was going to work again. It was displaying 628 Kitt Green on the display so we looked up the stop for this service and waited there. There was already a Excel on stop P which left promptly. The next one was due off 12 minutes later at 14:42. Just before 14:42 did indeed move onto stop P and then we boarded the bus. We went upstairs and Matthew got a picture of the upper saloon.

Inside First Manchester 31941

Off we went, heading South West out of Wigan along Wallgate. Just after the big roundabout we turned to the right onto Ormskirk Road passing Arriva NW&W 4101 on an inbound service from Southport. I asked Matthew if he wanted to do this bus later and he said yes. I looked at the Wigan South map and worked out if we got off as the bus was returning back along Ormskirk Road and then crossed over, we could catch 4101 as it went out of town. We did 31941 around the estates and it was a pleasant journey, much better than when we did 31930 out of Bury. We got off as planned as the bus rounded the corner onto the A577. Matthew got another picture of this fine beast.

31941 in Pemberton

We crossed the road to wait for the 385. We consulted the bus stop timetable and we saw we had about 15 minutes to wait for the 385, so as another Arriva bus approached, I asked Matthew if he wanted to do this bus and he said yes. We flagged it down and Matthew got a picture of Arriva 2715.

Arriva NW&W 2715 in Pemberton

We got on the bus and looked at the fleet number as we sat down. It was required Arriva NW&W 2715! We decided to do this to Orrell, and if we got a bus quickly enough then maybe we could still get back for Arriva NW&W 4101. the bus journey to Orrell was swift. We got off and Matthew got another picture.

2715 in Orrell

We crossed the road and waited at the stop. Almost immediately a bus turned up and it was required Arriva NW&W 3083 from Southport depot. Matthew got a picture as it approached.

Arriva NW&W 3083 in Orrell

We got on the bus and set off towards Wigan. just as we were about to get up we passed 4101. we decided to get off anyway, as we could do a 628 back into Wigan which would almost certainly be required, rather than travel any further on this rather new bus. we got off and Matthew got another picture.

3083 by the Halfway House

So we waited for the #628, which we knew would almost certainly be an Excel and therefore a required bus. a few minutes later we saw an excel approaching in the distance. as it got closer we saw it was required First Manchester 60146.

First Manchester 60146 by the Halfway House

We got on and headed for the back. The Excels have mainly orange and red checked seats, which are very bright. The back seat is warm from the engine and they smell like a proper bus. we did this short journey back to Wigan bus station and Matthew took a picture of the inside of this interesting bus.

Inside 60146

We now had a few minutes to regroup and think about our next move. I decided to take Matthew to the toilet whilst we had the chance. Whilst he was in there, I saw a strange looking bus at the other end of the bus station. I thought hat it might be an Ikarus bodied DAF on the 360 to Warrington, so when Matthew came out I asked if he wanted to do that bus and he said yes. As we got closer it was confirmed as required Arriva NW&W 2562. We got on this bus and booked to Platt Bridge. It was quite full and we had to sit near the back as these were the only available seats. We set off around the bus station and as we were heading back up the bus cut out! it was soon restarted and of we went. As we traveled down we passed Arriva NW&W 2556. The bus did empty out a little as we went towards Platt Bridge, but it was still quite full as we got off. Matthew wasn't able to get a good picture of the front of 2562, but he took one of the rear as it went.

Arriva NW&W 2562 disappearing towards Warrington

We crossed the road and looked at the timetable. There was a bus due almost immediately, and it turned up and was required Arriva NW&W 2997, just transferred from Manchester. we got on to a completely empty bus. On the journey up one person did get on and then got off again before we reached Wigan. When we got into the bus station Matthew took a picture of the inside of the empty bus.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2997

At this point we knew we would only have time for one more quick out and back run before the 17:00 rush. Within a few minutes required 4103 came into the bus station and we knew Matthew would want to do it.

Arriva NW&W 4103 in Wigan bus station

It wasn't due out for around 15 minutes, and so we decided to stand and take picture for 10 minutes. One such picture was First Manchester 40391 on a service to Leigh.

First Manchester 40391 in Wigan bus station

We also saw First Manchester 40064 at this point too. We saw First Manchester 40390 here too. After a few minutes we saw 4103 move of from its stabling point to go onto stand U so we headed off to the stop. We boarded the bus and Matthew go a picture of the empty upper saloon on this bus.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4103

And so off we went. The plan was to do this to Pemberton, and catch one of 352/375/385/395 or 628 back. s we left town we passed the car and mum was reading awaiting our return. We got talking to another passenger about Matthew travels and when we got to the edge of Pemberton we got off 4103 and Matthew got another picture of this bus.

Arriva NW&W 4103 in Pemberton

Behind us was a Dennis coach. It was Hartley's P509 NBP. We crossed the road to wait for a return bus. It wasn't long before we saw an Arrive bus approaching. It was something new looking so we let it go and decided to wait for another Excel on a #628. After a few minutes we saw an Excel turn the corner. It was required 60149.

First Manchester 60149 in Pemberton

Same as before we sat at the back. The bus was warm and had the same real bus smell as the other Excel. When we got back Matthew photographed the inside of this bus too.

Inside 60149

when we got off Matthew had a quick wander round and said hello to a few people. As we walked back to the car past the stabled buses, we noticed there were further stabled buses on the street below. so e walked back to the car the long way, taking picture of Excels and other buses as we went. one bus we saw was Arriva NW&W 2800.

Arriva NW&W 2800 in Wigan

We then walked back to the car and met mum who was waiting with sausage rolls. As we left Wigan I got a little lost. As I could see the DW stadium to my left I worked out I was heading North West. i turned left at the next big junction and then when I saw the DW stadium close up I knew we were heading towards the big roundabout near Wallgate. We got back onto the A49 and headed south until we reached the M6. As we approached the M56 I got talking to mum and forgot to move over to car on South on the M56. And so we were on the M56 heading toward Chester. I was going to come off at the next junction, but as we traveled west we spotted a Bristol RE in the distance. We overtook it just as we got to the next junction and Matthew got a picture out of the rear opening window.

Crosville YFM 280L on the M56

It was just too late to turn off at the A49, and so we went to the next junction for the A56. We rounded the roundabout and then headed back to the M6. We headed south until we reached junction 16 and then got onto the A500. Matthew wanted to go South as far as the A34 in Hanford, and so we turned and turned again up Church Lane. We then went along New Inn Lane, and then called in at McColls on The Lea. We then headed home, getting back around 18:40...Mark.

Trip to the POPS rally 13-05-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
198	Wedgwood	Longton BS	Special	PMT
198	Longton BS	Wedgwood	Special	PMT
62	Wedgwood	Trentham Gardens	Special	Stratford Blue
RM467	Trentham Gardens	Wedgwood	Special	London Transport
55	Wedgwood	Barlaston Green	Special	Bournemouth
A506 FSS	Barlaston Green	Wedgwood	Special	Northern Scottish
10	Wedgwood	Stone	Special	Turner's
10	Stone	Wedgwood	Special	Turner's

Today was the POPS rally, highlight of the North Staffordshire bus calender! We had always planned on being at this event, the Wardle double decker running day was an added bonus. I opened Matthew curtains around 09:00 revealing another fine sunny day. Matthew got up around 10:00 and we were ready just before 11:00. we picked up uncle Dave and then drove onto Wedgwood. When we arrived we brought a program and a local fleet list book. The first hour or so was spent looking at a few of the buses and Matthew was spending his money on books, DVD's and photos. Just before 12:00 we decided to catch a bus The Midland Red Olympian EEH 902Y was heading to Stone, and we just missed it. However behind that was PMT 198 on a mystery tour. The driver said it was going to take approximately 30 minutes and as we have yet to have this bus we decided to do it. We got on required 198 and off we went. the bus took the usual route to the A5035 then turned towards Trentham. We turned at Magdalen Road and then headed through Blurton along Beaconsfield Drive and onto Blurton Road. The bus actually went within a few hundred yards of our house! We then turned up Longton Hall Road and we guessed at this point it was probably going to the transport interchange at Longton. Sure enough we arrived in Longton and the driver said we could jump out and take a picture or two before returning. So we jumped out and did just that.

Mystery destination. PMT 198 in Longton

After getting back on, we rode back via Longton Hall Road, Blurton Road, Church Street, Trentham Road and back to Wedgwood. on the retun journey we worked out could either do required PMT 604 to Hanley (12:30) for dinner or we could required Routemaster RM467 to Trentham (12:35) for dinner. As we were approaching time was passing at it had gone 12:30, We passed 604 at the site entrance. As we turn toward the arrivals stop, we could see the Routemaster ready for departure. We got off and took a picture of PMT 198.

PMT 198 back at Wedgwood

By the time we got to the stop the bus had gone. as there was a small gap, Everyone sat down near the stop whilst i took the shopping back to the car. When I got back Straford blue 62 was at the depart stop. I look at the timetable and realised that this was the next Trentham. So I asked Matthew if he wanted to do this and he said yes. He took a quick shot of this required bus before we jumped on.

Statford Blue 62 at Wedgwood

We sat down over the offside rear axle and off we went. This is a very nice bus and was well filled with enthusiasts. This year the Trentham service was running to the drop off point for coaches by the retail village, as opposed to the old gate. This take a good mile off the journey as the return services used to have to run to Hanford to turn back to Wedgwood. I think if this continues it could be a good thing. It will save on fuel costs plus possibly get a few more passenger visit the event who have just come to Trentham for shopping. The buses when entering the site go around the outside of the car park before heading back to the coach drop off point. Straford 62 when along passed the car park and then turned back. As it turned it clipped the curb and made a loud bang as it dropped off. There then came a loud scraping noise from under the off side rear axle. I thought that perhaps it had tipped the curbstone and then dragged it along under the bus. When we stopped most people jumped out with a few going to inspect the bus. Matthew got off and took his picture.

62 at Trentham Gardens

As we were taking a few pictures, we heard someone saying that the exhaust had fallen off and was being dragged along. we decided it was time for dinner and a toilet stop. We headed to the riverside dinner and we ordered dinner. Matthew of course want a cake for afters too. I took a picture of him with a very chocolaty face as he tucked into a slice of fudge cake. We then walked back to the coach drop off point to wait for a return service. we photographed a couple of coaches before required RM467 appeared. Matthew got a picture before we boarded.

LT RM467 at Trentham Gardens

We climbed the stairs and we had an enjoyable trip back. It's nice to view the Staffordshire countryside from an elevated position on a double decker bus. As we traveled along, we passed PMT 860. I had looked for it on the timetable, but it wasn't supposed to be working. A closer look at the timetable revealed that it must have worked the 14:05 to Trentham, taking over from Stratford blue 62's duties!

RM467 at Wedgwood

When we got back mum went off to do a little birthday present shopping whilst we worked out what we could do. We thought that perhaps 860 would work Stratford Blue 62's next duty, which was the 15:00 to Stone. There was a Barlaston circular at 14:30. We could do this and still be back for 15:00 so we decided that this was going to be the move. the circular was going to be Bournemouth 55 & Northern Scottish A506 FSS. we had been on A506 FSS when it was in Glovers colours, so we decided to do the required Bournemouth bus. If there was a stop in the middle, we could always swap. a few minutes later the 2 buses pulled up on the stop. we boarded Bournemouth 55 and off we went. We headed out towards rough close and then swung back into Barlaston, turning when we reached the village green pointing back towards Wedgwood. The buses did stop to allow for pictures and to allow passengers to swap between buses if desired. Matthew got a picture of Bournemouth 55.

Bournemouth 55 at Barlason Green

He took another one for good measure...

Bournemouth 55 at Barlason Green

Then he took one of Northern Scottish A506 FSS before we boarded it for the return journey.

Northern Scottish A506 FSS at Barlason Green

The journey back was down a narrow country lane that has speed bumps, is very dark due to being tree lined and is the same road in which we spun the car on ice back in February. The buses stopped under the tree for an addition driver change. Our bus was then driven past Bournemouth 55 for a photo on the same curve where we had spun the car. The buses then swapped over there order again and we drove back to Wedgwood

A506 FSS at Wedgwood

When we got back it was around 14:50 so we had a short wait for the Stone service. Matthew went on a few buses and took pictures before we saw Turners 10 pull up on stop. We asked the driver if this was going to Stone and it was. there was slight disappointment that it wasn't PMT 860, but it was nice to ride on this double decker again. The route out was via Trentham and the A34. turning into Stone from the roundabout just South of the town centre. There was a quick stop and we got off to take a picture.

Turner's 10 in Stone

We boarded the bus and after a minute or two we set off back North. The return journey was via the A520. we passed through Lightwood before turning by The New Florence towards Dresden. We then took the A5035 back to Blurton before turning left to wedgwood. When we got back Matthew took a further picture of this bus.

10 back at Wedgwood Stone

Back at Wedgwood buses were starting to leave and so we headed back to the car. As we drove uncle Dave back we put the Stoke match on the radio. Stoke were losing 1-2 to Bolton but Stoke drew level after Peter Crouch was allegedly brought down by Bogdan. Walter leveled from the spot and that is how the match ended. Bolton were relegated. We had got home at around 16:30. Matthew started to watch his new DVD's whilst I listened to the end of the match. And that is how this enjoyable but tiring weekend finished...Mark.

Trip on the Wardle Transport running day 12-05-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2963	Ladybank Grove, Blurton	Hanley BS	Plumline	Wardle Transport
4622	Hanley BS	Bradeley, adj Moorland View	61	Arriva Midlands
4545	Bradeley, opp Moorland View	Hanley BS	61	Wardle Transport
4687	Hanley BS	Wardle Transport garage, Adderley Green	Charter	Wardle Transport
4891	Wardle Transport garage, Adderley Green	Hanley BS	Charter	Wardle Transport
4547	Hanley BS	Tunstall, adj Asda superstore	61	Wardle Transport
4547	Tunstall, adj Asda superstore	Hanley BS	61	Wardle Transport
60196	Hanley BS	Cross Heath, Swift House	34	First Potteries

Today was the double decker running on the #61 service. We have know about this for a month or so and so it has been marked in our calender for some time. As it was a local trip not much research was carried out. We brought a copy of Buses magazine as there was an advert about the event, although the advert was quite vague about what was happening regarding the shuttle service to the depot. we also checked the times of the #61 service on Saturdays, and the times of our local Wardle service to Hanley, which is the Plumline. News had come through in the week that Arriva Midlands 4622 was coming up from Oswestry depot on a feeder service for the event. 4622 is A bus that is mainly confined to schools work. I was up very early today, and it was a fine sunny morning. I opened Matthew's curtain early around 08:00. the early he got up, the more buses we could ride on. The First Plumline service was at 08:40, and this made it on to the second departure from Hanley. Matthew got up around 09:00, and so after breakfast we made it on to the second Plumline at 09:40. The bus was 2963, dedicated bus for the service in the Plum coloured livery. This was only the second time we had been on this bus, the first being on 05/12/2008 5 days into the new service. We booked a Wardle Day ticket, and apparently it was the first one the driver had ever sold! We set off to Hanley picking up quite a few more passengers on the way. We picked up another enthusiast at the railway station and the driver sold another Wardle Day ticket. We arrived in Hanley around 10:10 and we actually saw the 10:00 departure disappearing towards Tunstall although we didn't know at the time. So we now had around 50 minutes to wait, which we spent on the balcony watching and photographing buses. the time passed quite quickly, Arriva Midlands 4701 arrived, on what I can only assume was another feeder service from the Leicester area. Just before 11:00 required 4622 arrived, but I wasn't sure if it was from the depot or directly from Oswestry.

Arriva Midlands 4622 in Hanley bus station

We went down to the bus station and it was obvious it was being made ready for service. The ticket machines were being swapped over from an Arriva to Wardle one. A couple of minutes later the bus started to load. At the wheel was non other than Robert Thompson, owner of of Dart DRN116. we had a very quick chat before I chased Matthew up the stairs. There were a handful of regular passengers and 20 plus bus enthusiasts. Upstairs the bus was filled with the sound of bus related chat. We had found out that required Wardle tri-axle Volvo 4545 had gone out on the 10:00, so we knew if we got off part way we could get it back into Hanley. After around 20 or so minutes on the bus we got off in Bradeley, and Matthew got another picture of this fine beast!

4622 in Bradeley

We got off the bus and it started to rain a little. We also saw step entranced Volvo B6 Bakerbus 227 on a #9 to Biddulph. We then crossed over to the stop, After a few minutes we saw 4545 head into Bradley village, and then re-appear a couple of minutes later. Matthew got a picture of required 4545 as I flagged it down.

Wardle Transport 4545 in Bradeley

We went upstairs in this very unusual vehicle. the sun came out again and we had a very pleasant journey back to Hanley. As we got off Matthew got a picture of the inside of this bus.

Inside 4545

when we got to Hanley we saw that the 12:00 from Hanley was going to be unrequired 4607, and 4545 was heading back to the depot. So we decided that we were going to stop for diner. We went to the tardis toilet at the end of the bus station. and we were walking back to the cafe when we saw another Wardle transport double decker. It was required 4687. i asked the driver where he was going, and he told us he was going to the depot only and so we jumped on. We went upstairs and it was virtually empty. Matthew got a picture of the empty top deck.

Inside Wardle Transport 4687

We did this to the depot, which is a good 15-20 minutes from Hanley. When we got there the few people that were on the bus got off.

4687 at the Wardle Transport garage

The yard had been split off, with the public being allowed in the front part of the yard. We found out that you could go in the yard if you sign into the office and if you wear a hi viz. We had one in the bag and we went to visit the office. Matthew use to be a fairly regular visit to this depot when it used to be D&G. He would come up about once a month with Outreach and have a look around the yard. after he had a bit of an explore around the office we got extra hi viz jacket and went around the yard. He took pictures of the buses inside and out, he also went in to see his usual college vehicle 1450, which was having some work done on it. Whilst we were in the depot tri-axle Volvo 4547 went off to work the 13:00 from Hanley. After finishing around the depot we waited for the next service back to Hanley. as we had not yet had dinner, we broke into our emergency rations pack, which had a double milky way and a very squashed Toffee Crisp. We also had a small bottle of limeade too. Eventually Wardle 4891 was started up to work to Hanley. As we waited Arriva Midlands 4622 arrived and seemed to bring in quite a few people to the depot. required 4891 pulled up in the front part of the yard and we got on it. Matthew took a picture of the top deck.

Inside Wardle Transport 4891

When we got off we now had chance to do dinner. the 14:00 was 4891 and we had just been on that. We went to Tony's cafe and we had breakfast's and uncle Dave had a sausage sandwich. After dinner we had around 30 minutes to wait for the 15:00 departure. We knew required 4547 was on it's way back from Tunstall, but it was unlikely to work the #61 again when it got back. We st on the balcony in the afternoon sun just watching the buses. Eventually 4547 arrived back from Tunstall. It still had the Tunstall card in the front window so perhaps it would go again? We went down the stairs to the bus station and before long it started to load. We knew it was the #61 as there were normals getting on and using their bus passes. Arriva Midlands 4622 arrived from the depot with a load more passengers. As we were getting on the driver was speaking to someone through the window about which bus was going to Tunstall. Apparently, the 15:00 should have been Arriva Midlands 4701 and the driver was to swap over the machines so he could issue tickets. however the driver had sai that he hadn't been told and he had loaded up with passengers. We were glad 4547 was going again, as AM 4701 is a much newer bus and we will probably have a chance to get this bus another time. As we went upstairs Matthew got a picture of the empty top deck.

Inside Wardle Transport 4547

The plan was now to go to Bradeley, come back on WT , and then cover the last #61 from Hanley. When we got to Bradeley Matthew decided that he didn't want to get off, and so we went on to Tunstall. As we got off, Matthew got a picture of 4547 in Tunstall.

4547 in Tunstall

we now about 30 minutes to kill, and so we walked up the hill to the public, toilets. On the way back we went to an ice cream van in the Matalan car that we had spotted on the way up. We then got back to the bus and Matthew was getting a bit restless. it had been a long day. So we go back on the bus ans sat upstairs and waited for time. it was boiling hot on the bus. It had no opening windows and the air con didn't feel like it was working. We got a can of pop out of the emergency supplies to try and cool down. Eventually 16:10 came around and we set off. The plan was now to go back to Hanley and then catch a bus to somewhere so that mum could meet us. At Bradeley we passed the 16:00 from Hanley and it was required WT 4692. that was slightly disappointing but at least we had got everything else that we want that worked today. When we got to Hanley we went up to the balcony we need to pick a bus to somewhere and then make a call. Matthew suggested 60013 on a #34A, but as we started to go towards it, it pulled off. We then saw 60196 come in and lay over for a short while. It was displaying #34, and so I thought this would be a good time to pick of another NE Scania. When the bus came onto stand we walked down to it and Matthew got a picture.

First PMT 60196 in Hanley bus station

As we sat down we could see the seat were like new and so this must have been a recent internal refurb. We had booked to Cross Heath, as we thought this would be a good place to meet mum. When we got to Newcastle bus station, Matthew want to get off, but we had already arranged to meet mum. Newcastle bus station isn't really well suited to Matthew as it is a long and very thin glass tube. It is hard at most times, but at 17:20 on a Saturday it would just be too difficult. A few minutes later we were at Cross Heath and we got off. Matthew got another picture of this bus after we had alighted.

60196 in Cross Heath

Mum had parked up around the corner, and as we walked back to the car I spotted a take away. Matthew jumped in the car and I decided to get him a small fries to keep him going until our late tea. We headed back through, Hempstalls Skirted Newcastle and joined onto the Southbound A500 in Shelton. We arrived home a little after 18:00 after a very long day. We then had our tea for sausages and mash and carrots gravy...Mark

Trip to Newcastle/Stoke 08-05-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
1450	Blurton	Abbey Hulton	Charter	Wardle Transport
NIL 3944	Abbey Hulton	Cheddleton	Charter	Procters
NIL 3944	Cheddleton	Abbey Hulton	Charter	Procters
1450	Abbey Hulton	Blurton	Charter	Wardle Transport
40003	Ladybank Grove, Blurton	Newstead	23	First Potteries
40003	Newstead	Church Street, Stoke	23	First Potteries
66841	Church Street, Stoke	Newcastle Town Centre, adj Alma Inn PH	25	First Potteries
61553	Newcastle Under Lyme, adj Seagrave Street	Church Street, Stoke	26	First Potteries
40024	Church Street, Stoke	Stoke railway station	23	First Potteries
66849	Stoke railway station	Church Street, Stoke	25	First Potteries
2962	Stoke railway station	Stanley Matthews Way	500	Wardle Transport

Todays was Matthews first day back at college after the bank holiday weekend. He was also having a trip out on the Beatrice today aswell. Matthew was up shortly after 07:00 and on his college bus at 08:00. It was the usual bus Wardle Transport 1450.

Wardle Transport 1450 in Blurton

Whilst at college, Matthew did Procters NIL 3944 to Chedleton. He had Procters NIL 3944 back to college too. He came home once again on Wardle Transport 1450. Mathew then had his tea which was sausage carrots and potatoes. As it was a nice evening, I asked Matthew if he fancied a jaunt down to Stoke on the bus to which he said yes! We set off a little after 20:00 and we waited for the Hanley bound bus. We saw the bus heading in the other direction so we decided to cross over and do it to Newstead first. As it approached we could see it was first PMT 40003 as it often is on this turn. We got on the bus and took our seat near the back. we noticed that this bus had been refurbished, and the seats were now in first colours. The old grey and salmon zig-zag pattern seats had been replaced. When we got to Newstead I got up and booked back to Stoke station. When we got back to Blurton, an old school friend of Matthew's got on the bus and we chatted to as we headed towards Stoke. As we were late we decided to get off in Stoke town centre so we could see both of the buses we night catch. As we got off Matthew got a good picture of 40003.

First PMT 40003 in Stoke

Matthew immediately decided he need to go to the toilet so we went to the one's by the market. We got back onto church street just in time to see the #26 to Newcastle, which was required 61553. we decided to turn this down for now, and to wait to see what the following #25 was, as we would be coming back on 61553 anyway. We waited a further few minutes and dud 66841 appeared on the Keele bus. As we traveled up to Newcastle we passed 66849 on the Hanley bound #25, a little further up the road than usual. We did it to the edge of Newcastle where Matthew got a picture of this bus.

First PMT 66841 in Newcastle

We got off the bus and crossed over to wait for 61553. sure enough after a few minutes a appeared from around the corner. As we rode on this bus to stoke, we could see how different this bus was internally to some off the Scania's that were original to PMT. We approached stoke and there were 2 possibilities. if we got to Stoke and the #23 hadn't gone past then we would do this to stoke station. Otherwise it would be the #25. as we approached stoke there was a couple of minutes before the #23 was due off. We got to Stoke and it was waiting at the stop. Cool as a cucumber, Matthew insisted on getting a picture of 61553 before walking over to the Solo across the road.

First PMT 61553 in Stoke

After he had taken the picture we ran over to the #23. another lady had already run across in front of us, obviously she didn't have to stop to take a picture of the other bus! We got across the road and jumped straight on it. We sat down and we didn't even know which one we were on. as we got off we made a conscious decision to what we had been on and it was required 40024. Matthew got a picture just as it pulled away.

First PMT 40024 in Stoke

It had now just about gone dark. We crossed the road for the impending #25. As expected it was dud 66849. It was a little late turning up and quite full. The move is usually to stoke town for the Hanley bound #25. As we pulled into Church street we passed 66852. We now had 2 choices... Wait for the #500 in Stoke Town centre, or walk back to the railways station. As we approached the stop in stoke town centre the bell's in Stoke minster were sounding out and Matthew decided he want to catch the bus from by the station. We had 12 minutes to get there. as we passed the end of Kingsway matthew spotted a coach in front of the Kings Hall. We had to go and have a look. It was Leon's Coaches AT61 LCT which was in town with the Stoke city end of season awards ceremony. We also saw a coach behind the north Staffs hotel which we had to go have a look at. It was Simpson's coaches SM12 SON. we got to the stop by the railway station with about a minute to spare! It rounded the corner and we could see it was a Versa so we knew it was probably not going to be a required bus. As it approached we saw it was Wardle Transport 2962. We did the bus to the end as usual, and just before we got off Matthew got a picture of the very brightly lit interior of this bus.

Inside Wardle Transport 2962

We got off and waited for the bus to come back onto the bus stop so we could take a few more pictures of this beast.

2962 on Stanley Matthews Way

We then walked the long walk home, before getting ready to go to bed...Mark

Trip to Conkers / Nantwich 05-05-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
GN60 GZM	Packmoor	Conkers	Charter	Middlehurst
GN60 GZM	Conkers	Packmoor	Charter	Middlehurst
3348	Sandbach o/s Common	Crewe BS	37	Arriva NW&W
4040	Crewe BS	Nantwich BS	84	Arriva NW&W
SL17	Nantwich BS	Nantwich, o/s Sainsbury's	52	GHA
SL17	Nantwich, o/s Sainsbury's	Nantwich BS	52	GHA
26	Nantwich BS	Crewe BS	45	D&G
3331	Crewe BS	Sandbach o/s Common	37	Arriva NW&W

Todays was going to be a trip to Wigan. Also today was a trip for Matthew to Conkers with Aiming High. Research for the Wigan trip consisted of downloading timetables from the transport for greater Manchester site. Matthew was due to leave Packmoor at 09:30, so we set of a fraction after 09:00. After we dropped Matthew off we went home to mow the lawn and make final preparation for the Wigan trip. In the meantime Matthew found out he was going to be going on a different minibus than usual, Middlehurst minbus GN60 GZM. Matthew got a good picture of the bus before it loaded up.

Middlehurst GN60 GZM about to set off for Conkers

Conkers is an activity centre near Ashby-de-la-Zouch and Matthew reportedly had a great time and took a few pictures inside the visitor centre.

Beetle in the Indoor Activity Centre at Conkers

Whilst out he saw Arriva Midlands 2242 in Burton-on-Trent. They also stopped somewhere for chips and Coca Cola. The called into a garage near Uttoxeter and saw saw Arriva Midlands 2200. He also had cake. The plan was now to pick up Matthew after his outing and to get to Wigan around 14:30. We set off a little after 13:00 to pick Matthew up from Packmoor. As we approached the A527 turning on the A500 we noticed the traffic had started to build up. we go stuck in slow moving traffic and had to move over for emergency vehicle several times so we guessed there had been a serious crash up ahead. We passed the crash site just before we got to our turnoff, and it appeared a car a crossed the central reservation and landed on it's roof. We got to Packmoor around 13:40 and Matthew had not yet got back on the minibus. They eventually turned up just before 14:00. the road had been closed behind us and the bus had been diverted via Tunstall and had taken a extra. 20 minutes to get there. Matthew went to use the toilet and then we got into the car to North and saw Wigan Coachways N551 VDC. As we wanted Matthew to have a good long trip to Wigan we made the decision to go to Sandbach instead. We would put off going to Wigan for a short while. We got to Sandbach around 14:20 and Matthew was a little disappointed at not going further today. At the stop on the common, Matthew pointed at the 14:55 GHA 319 service to Goostrey and Homes Chapel. i downloaded the timetable and saw that this circular service didn't return back to Sandbach so doing this probably wasn't going to be an option today. There was a 14:40 to Crewe which might be something good, so we decided to wait and see what this was. just before 14:40, Arriva NW&W 3348 appeared and Matthew had a big smile on his face so we knew this was going to be the first bus that we did today. We brought NW day rovers and went upstairs. Matthew got a picture of the empty upstairs as we got on.

Inside Arriva NW&W 3348

As we left Sandbach, we passed the previous #37 to Crewe returning, which was Arriva NW&W 3331. The plan had been to go Haslington and come back on the #38 which would probably be required as we have only been on one of the three new Gemini's that usually work on the #38 service. Matthew had other ideas though, and he didn't want to get off. We ended up doing 3348 all the way to Crewe. As we went into Crewe station we could see another double decker along side us on the adjacent stand. It was required 4040. we got off 3348, and as we waited to see where 4040 was going Matthew got a picture of 3348.

3348 in Crewe bus station

4040 was going to Nantwich, which wasn't what I planned to do, but at least it was a required bus and so we waited for the driver to return. When the driver got on, we booked to Nantwich and we went upstairs. Matthew got a picture of the empty top deck on this bus.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4040

the ride down to Nantwich via Willaston was very pleasant. On the way down we passed a few different Plaxton Centro's returning from Nantwich and chester. One of the Centro's we saw was our bogie machine 2619 ,so it was good to know this bus was out of the way! When we got to Nantwich Matthew was able to get a good shot of 4040 in the bus station.

4040 in Nantwich bus station

As Matthew didn't want to go back on 4040 we had an approximately 15 minute wait for the next service. We saw GHA Solo SL14 on a #73 service which Matthew wanted to do,but i wasn't sure how we could get back. When the next Solo came in on a Sainburys circular, he got a picture of it, Solo SL17.

GHA SL17 in Nantwich bus station

After taking the picture Matthew decided to get on the bus. I asked the driver how long it took to do the circle and he said 15 minutes. So we decided to do a quick trip down to Sainsbury's and back leaving uncle Dave behind. When we reached Sainsbury I got up to pay for the return journey. When we got back we just missed a Cadet heading to Crewe. Matthew must have seen something or someone when we were out on the circular, because then he took us on a walk around town. we stopped and sat on a bench on an island in the road where he had a bottle of Coke from the emergency rations. When we got back to the bus station 2619 was on stand to return to Crewe and Matthew walked straight passed to find a toilet. We found one next to the market, and on the way back we had to stop at a sweet stall he noticed on the way to the toilet. Needless to say 2619 had now departed. I made an executive decision that in order to get back to Sandbach we would catch the next bus back whoever operated it. the next bus back happened to be required D&G 26 and so after Matthew had got picture we got on.

D&G 26 in Nantwich bus station

We paid the fare £2.50 each for an adult single and sat down. It was now 16:20 and we worked out how to get back to Sandbach. Mum couldn't come to meet us anywhere as she wasn't feeling well enough to drive so we had to get back on our own. As we traveled back towards Crewe we passed D&G 42. There was a 16:35 #38 and the next bus was a 17:17 #37. We got into Crewe at 16:37 and must have just missed the #38. Before we got off Matthew to a picture of the inside of D&G 26.

Inside D&G 26

We now had a fair wait for our bus and we saw and photographed quite a few others whilst we waited. D&G 41 which we saw at Nantwich made an appearance at Crewe. Arriva 2619 arrived from Nantwich on the #84 we had missed half an hour previously. we saw 4040 again working another turn to Nantwich. Of the 2 Arriva buses that had been parked up, 2615 worked off empty presumably back to Winsford, and 2502 went on to work an #84

Arriva NW&W 2502 on a #84

We turned down returning to Sandbach via Winsford on 2612 which as on a the 17:01 #31A. At around 17:05 our bus arrived in the bus station and it was the dud but interesting Arriva 3331.

Arriva NW&W 3331 in Crewe bus station

After taking a few more pictures and waiting until time, we boarded the bus. the bus filled up due to the fact that the Crewe game had just let out. Crewe had just managed a 2-2 draw and this meant that had made the division 2 play-offs! at the railway station even more people got on and needless to say the journey was a lively one. considering the bus was quite full, 3331 moved really quickly. As we stopped in Haslington near to the Co-op, a car decide to overtake us and subsequently flattened a bollard on the central reservation. the bus did empty out a little. As we approached sandbach we passed 3330 again going towards Crewe. eventually we got to Sandbach where Matthew got another picture of this beast.

3331 on Sandbach Common

When we got to the car, Matthew had a sausage roll waiting for him. We headed back along the A534 to the M6 and we came off at junction 16 for the A500. Matthew decided he wanted a slight detour around the city as we traveled home. we came off at the A34 and went north to Talke. We then traveled home past Tesco and then via Kidsgrove, Whitehill, Newchapel, Packmoor, High Lane, Smallthorne, Hanley and Fenton. We got home around 18:20...Mark