Trip to Ellesmere Port / Chester 23-03-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3131	Ellesmere Port BS	Chester BS	2	Arriva NW&W
2629	Chester BS	Chester, opp Sealand Road P&R	10	Arriva NW&W
2635	Chester, opp Sealand Road P&R	Chester BS	10	Arriva NW&W
4486	Chester BS	Queensferry, Deeside Leisure Centre (NW-bound)	X11	Arriva NW&W
2629	Queensferry, Deeside Leisure Centre (SE-bound)	Chester BS	10	Arriva NW&W

Today we were going to Ellesmere Port and Chester. The day before it started to snow and snow and snow. It eased off during the day. Matthew didn't go to college as it had been closed for the day. We checked the weather for Saturday and it was going to continue to snow albeit lightly. The night before mum ad been out wit her friend from Barlaston and I dropped her off there. Blurton Road in Wedgwood was quite bad as snow had drifted off the nearby fields and snow was 2 feet deep in places. In the early hours of the morning I dropped off her friend again and the drifts were 3-4 feet deep now and we only just got there. Needless to say we came back the other way over the railway line! Mums friend was coming with us again today so after breakfast we set off just after 11:00 towards Barlaston the roads had cleared a little since the night before so we decided to go along Blurton Road again. Half way along we came across the Wardle Transport support vehicle and we could see a Wardle bus stopped in the distance. Another driver in front of me had turned in the road and come back passed me. I decided to get out and have a look. ardle Transport 2224 was stuck and it was being dug out. I got a picture whilst stood in a 2 foot snowdrift but it wasn't a very good one.

Wardle Transport 2224 on Blurton Road

Even tough the bus was nearly free at this point we decided to turn in the road and go around as it was cutting into Matthew's bus traveling time. We turned and went back onto the A5035 and then along Barlaston Old Road. and then across the level crossing at Wedgwood. We picked up mums friend and then headed back North. Barlaston Old Road, A5035, Stanley Matthews Way and onto the A50. It was now around 12:00. We stopped at Longport off the A500 to top up with LPG and then carried on North. The motorway was quiet. In Cheshire there didn't appear to be any snow! We passed Knutsford services and we saw City Buses and Coaches TJI 3131 from Fenton parked up there but I don't know where it was going to. When we reached the M56 we headed west and the snow appeared on the ground again. We headed North when we reached the M53 and came into Ellesmere Port along the A5032. We parked up at the markets and we had dinner there around 13:30. After a visit to the toilet Matthew ate a breakfast and drank Coke and had a chocolate cake for afters. We then walked to the bus station to wait for a bus to Chester. First bus that we saw was GHA ALX bodied bus SB46 on a #36 to Runcorn.

GHA SB46 in Ellesmere Port bus station

It was around 14:00 and there was a #2 service due at 14:08. band on time, required Arriva NW&W 3131 appeared.

Arriva NW&W 3131 in Ellesmere Port bus station

After getting a picture we trotted down to the stop and booked some Deeside Daysaver tickets. We sat down near the back on the bus which was relatively empty for a Saturday. The bus didn't pick many people up and we made good time down to Chester. I heard a rattling coming from behind me and i thought this vehicle was too new to have such a noise. Further investigation revealed an an empty can of carling had been wedged between the seat and the window cause the the rattle! We passed Stagecoach trainer 52172 which was on a MBC tour and then we passed the depot with stagecoach Dart 34604 at the front. We got to Chester bus station and Matthew waited for the bus to empty before taking a picture of the inside of 3131.

Inside Arriva NW&W 3131

We walked into the bus station to see that half of the bus station was closed for refurbishment. Most of the local Stagecoach service were operating from Gorse Stacks with only the Blacon Pointers and Saughall uses and the longer services such as the 1,2,10,11 and 22 operating from the bus station. It was very cold and so we decided to get on a bus as quick as possible. The first #10 to come in was dud Arriva NW&W 2629.

Arriva NW&W 2629 in Chester bus station

We decided to do this anyway as it was far to cold to hang around. We first did this bus back in December 2012. We got on and sat near the back. Once again the bus was a lot quieter than you would usually expect on a Saturday. We decided to do this bus to the Welsh border arnd get another #10 back. we got off in snowy Sealand and Matthew got another picture of 2629.

Arriva NW&W 2629 in Sealand

We hadn't passed another #10 which is quite unusual. We crossed over to see that there was one due any minute at 15:00. Oncee again bang on time required Arriva 2635 made an appearance.

Arriva NW&W 2635 in Sealand

We got on the bus and sat down near the back. The bus was nearly empty but that is quite common on a inbound bus at this time of day on a Saturday. Once again the journey was quick and we were back in Chester in just over 10 minutes. We walked over to our usual perch and waited for a bus we could catch. Matthew didn't fancy going back out on 2635 and there wasn't a #11 until 15:30. Whilst we waited we took a few picture. One such picture was of Stagecoach Merseyside 21249 which was First Manchester 66701.

Stagecoach Merseyside 21249 in Chester bus station

A few minutes later required Arriva NW&W Dart 2348 made an appearance on the #10.

Arriva NW&W 2348 in Chester bus station

We got up go and catch this and then required Arriva 4486 came into the bus station on a #11 to Holywell.

Arriva NW&W 4486 in Chester bus station

I thought it was best to do the Dart but Matthew wanted to do the 4486. After waiting a short while for the driver to re-appear We got on and went upstairs. There were a few people on this bus compared to some of the loadings we had seen today. The journey was quite pleasant and on the edge of Chester there was a diversion off the A5104. we turned back onto the Chester Road from Sandy Lane by the steel footbridge. As we carried on the snow was deeper on the ground. Hawarden looked like a scene from a Christamas card with snow covered trees and houses. We then headed into Queensferry passing dud 4484 at the stop opposite Asda. We got off at the next stop. Matthew wanted to stay on that side on the road and it soon became apparent why. We crossed over and sat in the stop opposite. We then saw Arriva 2348 on the opposite heading out to Connah's Quay. Matthew must have seen it in the distance as we passed the end of Chester Road East. There was a Chester bound bus due anyway and when it came we saw it was Arriva NW&W 2629 again!

Arriva NW&W 2629 in Queensferry

Not the bested planned move we ave ever done, but when it is this cold you just want to keep on traveling. In Garden City we passed required bus 2641. Back in Chester, Matthew photographed the inside of 2629.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2629

We got back to around 16:20 and the plan was to go toilet and then perhaps catch another bus or two. Matthew however wanted to go on a bit of a wander. We walked out of the bus station onto Northgate. We visited a shop and got Lottery tickets and Matthew had a can of Coke and a Milky Way. we then walked along the bottom of the wall to the Ring Road and back to the bus station. In the bus station we saw Avon 139 on a #22 to West Kirby. We also saw required dart 2352 on a #10. Matthew visited the toilet and when he came out required Arriva NW&W Dart 2341 was on the #10 too.

Arriva NW&W 2341 in Chester bus station

We went back to the car and had sausage rolls and Matthew ad his can of coke. We headed out of town around the ring road and then up the A56. We got onto the northbound M53 and then turned onto the Eastbound M56. Along here we saw Arriva ALX200 2303. Matthew was a little grumpy probably because we missed out on going on the required Darts. At the M6 we headed South and then came off at the A500. We got on the A50 and then we came off and dropped mums friend off near the Britannia Stadium before heading to Longton to go passed Z carz. It was still Light and there was snow on the ground. First in the row was on of the taxi fleet Renault YE52 UZX.

Z carz YE52 UZX in Longton

we then saw coach V690 EBC which still had its contract destination in the window 279.

Z carz V690 EBC in Longton

Next was Iveco minibus HX51 HRU with 'Blackfriars' in the window.

Z carz HX51 HRU in Longton

Next was Mercedes minibus CE02 LYX.

Z carz CE02 LYX in Longton

Then it was LDV minibus M420 UEH.

Z carz M420 UEH in Longton

Finally was minicoach W344 WNS.

Z carz W344 WNS in Longton

We then headed down Longton Hall Road stopping at the shop on Naishe Drive. Matthew had a can of Coke and we picked up a Chocolate Gateau for later. When we got home Matthew had a late tea of bangers and mash and this was followed later by a slice of the gateau with whipped cream. He then chilled out and used his computer up until bedtime around 23:30...Mark

Trip to Bucknall 21-03-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
1321	Bentilee	Bucknall Newhouse Road	Charter	Wardle Transport
MIB 536	Bucknall Newhouse Road	Newcastle Adventure Playground	Charter	Copeland's Tours
MIB 536	Newcastle Adventure Playground	Bucknall Newhouse Road	Charter	Copeland's Tours
1321	Bucknall Newhouse Road	Blurton	Charter	Wardle Transport

Today Matthew was going to college. He started the day in respite. He got up at 05:00 and had breakfast of toast and orange juice and got ready for college and then the bus appeared. It was Wardle Transport 1321.

Wardle Transport 1321 in Bentilee

The bus set off down down Dividy Road and into Bucknall. The bus then went down Newhouse Road. After registration is transport to the adventure playground today was Copeland's Tours MIB 536. The coach set off onto Newhouse Road. In Bucknall they passed minibus SUI 2039. They then up to Hanley up limekiln Bank. They went around Hanley to Snow Hill and then along Shelton New Road. They then went down George Street into Newcastle and ten into the adventure playground. After a session in the playground they returned to Bucknall They headed out of Newcastle and up George Street to Shelton New Road. They then went up the the Hanley Ring Road and then down Limekiln Bank. On the A52 the turned onto Newhouse Road and into college. For dinner Matthew had chicken and chips with chocolate fudge cake for afters. Matthew went to say hello to someone. After an afternoon swimming session Matthew went outside to see Wardle Transport 1321 waiting for his trip home. The bus went onto Leek Road in Abbey Hulton before heading through Bucknall Leek Road to Joiners Square. They then Went Victoria Road and through Fenton. They went along Christchurch Street and trough Heron Cross and then home around 16:00. He took another picture of Wardle Transport 1321.

Wardle Transport 1321 in Blurton

He had toast and some scones. Later he had Chicken, Potatoes and carrots for tea around 19:00. later he had some chocolate fudge cake with custard. He then used his computer before bedtime...Mark.

Trip to Birkenhead / Heswall 17-03-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
19054	Birkenhead BS	Heswall BS	472	Stagecoach Merseyside & Lancashire
407	Heswall BS	West Kirby, West Kirby Station (Stop B)	87	Avon
4415	West Kirby, West Kirby Station (Stop A)	Birkenhead, o/s The Crown	437	Arriva North West & Wales
36813	Birkenhead BS	Woodchurch, Home Farm Road (N-bound)	42	Stagecoach Merseyside & Lancashire
4416	Woodchurch, adj Ackers Road	Birkenhead, nr Birkenhead Central Station	472	Arriva North West & Wales

Today we were going to Birkenhead. Mum was unavailable yesterday as she went out with er friends, so we planned our outing this week to be on Sunday. We gave Matthew a few choices and he chose Brkenhead. Matthew got up around 09:00 which is virtually unheard of for a Sunday! Dad went out to get some shopping and saw Wardle Transport 2532 on the Sunday #22 turn. Matthew had toast and some orange juice. Mum came home a little after 11:00 and we were ready to go at 12:00. We headed past The Hem Heath pub and then along Stanley Matthews Way. We then got onto the Northbound A500 and then the M6. The route along the M56 and M53 were quiet and we came off the M53 at junction 3, heading into Birkenhead along the A552. We parked up in Europa square as we often do, We arrived to find the bus station was in the middle of a refurb, and only a couple of stands were being used. We had dinner at Platters. Matthew used the toilet and we sat down to order the food. Whilst we waited for the food, I went across to Conway park railway station to get the Saveaway tickets. I got back to find that Matthew had eaten most of his breakfast and I quickly ate my bacon sandwich. On the wait out Matthew spied a millionaires shortbread which he had for later. We walked into the bus station to see Stagecoach Enviro400 19054 on stand on a #472 to Heswall. As we haven't been here since the Stagecoach takeover of First in the Wirral, we decided to do this required bus. We set off out of town through Prenton and passed The Swan pub before crossing over the M53. The us then went into Arrowe Park hospital and through Thingwall to Heswall. When we got there the bus emptied out and Matthew got his inside us picture.

Inside Stagecoach Merseyside 19054

We got off in Heswall bus station and ten got a picture of the outside of Stagecoach Merseyside 19054 too.

Stagecoach Merseyside 19054 in Heswall bus station

We looked up what was due to depart. Arriva NW&W 3001 was about to depart on a #472 to Liverpool. at 14:39 was a #87 to Leasowe and at 14:40 was going to be 19054 departing to Liverpool on a #471. Matthew turned down required 3001 on the #472 so it was either 19054 again or the unknown Avon bus on the #87. Whilst we waited Matthew had a us stop picnic consisting of is millionaires shortbread and a small bottle of Barr limeade. Pretty much bang on time required Avon Buses 407 made an appearance on the #87.

Avon Buses 407 in Heswall bus station

The bus was empty aside from the one gentleman that got on the us at the same time as us. Matthew sat near the back and took his empty bus picture facing forward.

Inside Avon Buses 407

Today seemed dead in terms of how few people there were about. We decided to go to West Kirby so that Matthew could use the toilet there. The journey was swift with a lot of the run in ope countryside, well as open as you can get in the Wirral! We joined onto the route of the #437 and then we passed Avon 155 on a eastbound #87. We got to West Kirby and it started to rain. We got and Matthew got another picture of this fine beast.

Avon Buses 407 in West Kirby

We crossed the road and ran to the toilet. Whist Matthew was in the facilities, required Arriva NW&W 4415 made an appearance on the #437. Matthew got a picture after it had unloaded.

Arriva NW&W 4415 in West Kirby

The bus waited a few minutes and then drew forward and we got on. We got on and Matthew photographed the rear of the top deck.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4415

The rain stopped and the sun came out again. We set off Eastwards, the journey was very pleasant because we could not see out of the steamed up windows to see where we were. We passed Laird Street depot and saw the rows of new hybrid buses waiting to come into service sometime in the near future. We carried on along the A553 and ten got off the us opposite the us station. We crossed over the road to contemplate what we were going to do next. As we thought about our next move Stagecoach Merseyside 36813 appeared in te bus station on a #42 to Woodchurch. We decided to do this as it was required and we wanted to keep moving. We did the us all the way down the A552 and as it turned onto the Woodchurch estate we got off and Matthew got a picture of this bus.

Stagecoach Merseyside 36813 in Woodchurch

We walked back onto the A552 to wait for a bus back. We didn't have to wait long before Arriva NW&W 4416 appeared.

Arriva NW&W 4416 in Woodchurch

It was the first dud bus of the day. We had this us back in May 2010 on a run out to New Brighton. We got on the us and sat down on the top deck. We went back up the A552 and got off near Birkenhead Central station. It's Lucky that we did at the bus turned right into the tunnel as headed off! We Walked back to the car were mum was waiting with sausage rolls. We headed back down the A552 to the M53. As we went we passed Together Travel L649 ADS coming up the road. Off the M53 we joined the Eastbound M56 and then joined the Southbound M6. All was going well into we saw the matrix signs saying there were ques between junction 18-17. We made a decision to come off at junction and we went into Middlewich. we tried to go down the A533 but with the roadworks we didn't work out how to get on it we ended up traveling through back lanes and appearing on the A533 by Sandbach station. As we passed by town we saw Arriva NW&W Cadet 2497 heading North on the #37E service. We then got back on the M6 and went down to the A500. We came off the A500 in Stoke and dropped Uncle Dave off at home. We also dropped a birthday card off in Heron Cross before returning home around 18:30. Matthew had a late tea potatoes and chicken followed by lemon meringue pie for afters. He had a bath, and then chilled out on is computer before bedtime...Mark

Trip to Wigan 09-03-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
FJ10 BJY	Packmoor	YMCA Hanley	Charter	Aiming High
FJ10 BJY	YMCA Hanley	Packmoor	Charter	Aiming High
16959	Wigan BS	Hindley Green, Atherton Road/Hindley Green (Stop B)	32	Stagecoach Manchester
22144	Hindley Green, Atherton Road/Hindley Green (Stop A)	Wigan BS	598	Stagecoach Manchester
2626	Wigan BS	Standish, o/s House 104 Wigan Road/Almond Crescent	362	Arriva NW&W
2995	Standish, Wigan Road/Ashfield Park Drive (SE-bound)	Wigan BS	362	Arriva NW&W
16956	Wigan BS	Hindley Green, o/s House 573 Atherton Road/Long Lane	32	Stagecoach Manchester
22361	Hindley Green, Atherton Road/Lincroft Road (W-bound)	Wigan BS	598	Stagecoach Manchester

Today we had decided to go to Wigan. Research for Wigan was not don other than to check the weather. It was going to be cold with light rain, 3'. There was also the small matter of Matthew going to do some archery first. Matthew got up around 08:30 today and had toast for breakfast. He had a shave and then we jumped into the car. We set off past the hem Heath pub and down Stanley Matthews Way. We got onto the west bound A50 and then headed north along the A500. North of Longport we got on the A527 Tunstall Bypass and we did this through to Packmoor, before turning left and driving to Middlehurst school. We said goodbye and Matthew ran off down to the computer room for a few minutes before they set off. Today they went to the YMCA in Aiming High FJ10 BJY.

Aiming High FJ10 BJY in Middlehurst

They set off to High Lane and Chell then we saw First PMT 40030 on a #8 service. they headed to Hanley and then drove around Hanley and then turned into the YMCA. They went upstairs and Matthew did some climbing and archery before returning to the bus. They then headed to the edge and drove around the ring road and onto High Lane. They then went straight up to Burslem. we saw 40140 on a #20 service. They headed up to Tunstall and then to Packmoor. When they got back we arrived a minute later to pick him up. They car was running a little hot so we decided to add a bit of water to the coolant to make sure it didn't overheat on the journey up. We then set off to Turnhurst and back down the A527 to the A500. We turned north heading through the roadworks up to the M6. The traffic was light today and we made good progress. We got to the A49 by around 13:30 and we parked up in wigan around 13:45. We walked through the bus station to The Courtyard Cafe. Matthew had a small breakfast and then fudgecake and custard for afters. We got out of the cafe around 1420 and we saw Arriva NW&W hybrid 4499 about to depart on a #715 service. I asked Matthew if he wanted to do it and he said yes. He took a picture of the bus and it pulled off before we could get round to it!

Arrva NW&W 4499 in Wigan bus station

Behind 4499 on stand was Stagecoach Manchester 16959 about to work a #32 to Manchester. We decided to do this. Matthew got a picture and then we went to get on it.

Stagecoach Manchester 16959 in Wigan bus station

We booked our system one bus tickets and then sat upstairs. It was empty so Matthew got his empty bus picture straight away.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 16959

We didn't know the exact route so we downloaded the table from the TfGM site and looked at the route on the Wigan South map. We decded that Athehton was too far for today, but Hindley Green would give us a choice of bus back. We set off Eastward to Hindley and then through the housing estates to Hindley Green. We got off and before we could cross the road we saw 19517 heading back to Wigan on a #32. So we crossed the road to wait for a #598. We only had to wait 10 minutes and then required Stagecoach Manchester 22144 made an appearance from around the corner. We got on and sat down near the back. Th journey takes a little longer on the #598 as it heads further over toward Ince before retuning North to Wigan. When we reached the bus station he waited for the bus to empty and then got his empty bus picture.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 22144

We then had a little time to take a few pictures. We saw Arriva NW&W 721 on a #360 to Warrington and then 2269 arrived from golborne on a #360 short.

Arriva NW&W 2269 in Wigan bus station

I asked Matthew if he wanted to do 2269, but surprisingly he turned it down. We then saw cadet 2626 arrive on a #362 to Chorley and he said yes to that. We got on the bus and booked to Standish. We set off and headed North out of town past the hospital and then just outside of the town we got off. Matthew then got a picture of this bus.

Arriva NW&W 2626 in Standish

We then crossed the road to wait for a return service. There was a #113 due until 34 past so were waiting for the next #362. Stagecoach Manchester 47336 went North on a #113 and then a few minutes later, required Arriva NW&W Pulsar II 2995 made an appearance.

Arriva NW&W 2995 in Standish

The journey back was swift and I was expecting Matthew to get his empty bus picture. He spotted a young lady on the #32 stand waiting for Stagecoach Manchester 16956 to be readied for service so he went over to say hello to her. he then went to the toilet, and wen he was done 16956 still hadn't finished loading so he decided he wanted to do this. We got and after he said hello to his friend again we went upstairs. We decided to get off a couple of stops earlier than before so we might get a #32 back. Unfortunately we passed the #32 just before we got off.

Stagecoach Manchester 16956 in Hindley Green

We got off and called into a garage for soe chocolate and a can of Coke. We then crossed the road to wait for a #598. Whilst we were there we saw South Lancs Travel 3 on a #641 service. We didn't ave to wait too long before we saw a another Stagecoach Manchester ALX300 approaching. It got closer and we saw it was required 22361.

Stagecoach Manchester 22361 in Hindley Green

We got back into the bus station around 17:20 and then we walked passed the buses on Hallgate and Dorning Street. We got back to the car and had sausage rolls and pop. Back at the car we drove out of town and onto the A49 at Wigan Pier. We circled the Pier and then headed South down the A49 and onto the M6. We came off at junction 16 and down the A500 to Sideway. We then got on the A50 to Longton. At Longton we went past the Z Carz depot. Today it was all smaller vehicles. First on the row was his former college bus LDV minibus M420 UEH.

Z Carz M420 UEH in Longton

Next was Iveco minibus HX51 HRU.

Z Carz HX51 HRU in Longton

We then saw Mercedes minibus CE02 LYX and then Renault minibus.

Z Carz CE02 LYX & YE52 UZX in Longton

Last on the row was Renault BU04 GYW.

Z Carz BU04 GYW in Longton

We turned into willow row and were surprised to see the Ex Lightning Travel/Z Carz orange bus FD53 UNX, so we turned in the road so he could get a picture of it.

Z Carz FD53 UNX in Longton

We then headed down Longton Hall Road and into Blurton. We got home around 18:45. For a let tea tonight Matthew had bangers and mash and he also had a small angel cake slice too. He the chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:30...Mark

Trip to Bucknall 08-03-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
1501	Blurton	Bucknall Newhouse Road	Charter	Wardle Transport
1648	Bucknall Newhouse Road	Blurton	Charter	Wardle Transport

Today Matthew was at college again. This week has been exceptional for different buses working on his college run. most weeks the same bus work there and back every weekday. Up until last night 4 different buses had work this week. Matthew got up around 07:30 and got dressed. The bus arrived just after 08:00 and it was Wardle Transport 1501 which he scored on Wednesday evening but didn't get a photo. Today he got a picture, but it wasn't fantastic as it was a misty grey day outside.

Wardle Transport 1501 in Blurton

The bus went through Blurton to Heron Cross and the they got on the eastbound A50. They did this to Longton and then got onto Anchor Road were we passed Wardle Transport 1647. we turned right at then end and went past the First garage where he saw First Potteries 41500. They carried on to Dividy Road were we saw wardle Transport 4891. we then we onto the A52 and then onto Newhouse Road. At college Matthew had for fish and chips for dinner with ice cream roll for afters. He then went to the toilet. Afternoon lesson over matthew went out to find his bus was a little late arriving. When it did turn up it was Wardle Transport 1648 and a fifth bus for the week! we got on the bus. This bus had the same grey and red patterned seat that were in Wardle Transport 1649. we set off down Newhouse Road and then crossed over the A52 and cu through the back streets to Twigg Street. the went along Dawlish Drive and then onto Dividy Road by Lidl. we went passed the First garage and saw 40379 at the back of the depot. They then went round the top end of the Longton one way system and onto the A5035. Despite not having at bus at 15:30 he was back home by 16:22! As I had been warned we would be late I took his camera out to him expecting a different bus to appear and it did. Matthew took a picture of the seats before getting a picture of the outside of the bus.

Wardle Transport 1648 in Blurton

Mum arrived home a few minutes later and then we went to the Black Lion. We set off down the A5035 and then onto the Northbound A34 until we got there. Matthew had a Brunch and then toffee sponge and custard for afters. Whilst eating we saw Wardle Transport 1424 head South down the A34. After calling uncle Dave on the hone to say we were coming. We set off back down the A34 and then onto the A5035. Matthew went in the house with mum and I carried on to fetch uncle Dave. He chilled out on his computer whilst we watch music on MTV Rocks, going to bed around 23:30...Mark

Trip to Bucknall 05-03-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
1321	Blurton	Bucknall Newhouse Road	Charter	Wardle Transport
1649	Bucknall Newhouse Road	Blurton	Charter	Wardle Transport

Today was a normal college day, but there was a surprise to be had later. Matthew got up around 07:30 and quickly got dressed and ready for college. The bus turned up and it we was unusually Wardle Transport 1321.

Wardle Transport 1321 in Blurton

we got on bus went set off to Heron Cross and then onto the A50 to Longton. The bus then went up Anchor Road and through Adderley Green. The bus went along Dividy Road and then onto Twigg Street before cutting through to the A52 via Marychurch Road They then turned onto the A52 before turning into Newhouse Road. we got off college around 09:00. For dinner he had sausage and chips followed by lemon merringue pie. In the afternoon he visited Morrisons. They went down to the A52 and up limekiln bank to Hanley. They went around Hanley and then down to the A53 and onto festival Park. In Morrisons he bought a can of coke and a cake before returning to college. After a day at college he came out around 15:00 to discover that we Wardle Transport 1649 was going to take him home! we got on went down bus set off to the A52 and then headed towards Hanley, we passed First Potteries 31518 on a school bus turn. This was follwed by 34286 on another school bus turn. They turned at Dividy Road and travelled towards Adderley Green. They carried onto to the roundabout and then headed towards Longton down Anchor Road They went around Longton and then onto the A50. They did this to Heron cross before heading through Blurton and back Home. When he got back he asked mum to get his camera so he could get a picture we got off 1649. He took a picture of one of the grey and red patterned seats before taking a picture of the outside of the bus too.

Wardle Transport 1649 in Blurton

I got home short time later, and then we went to get a MacDonalds from Trent Vale. The route was along the A5035 past the Hem Heath pub. We then Headed north along the A34. We returned back home along the same route and then Matthew tucked into his food. He then chilled out on his computer until bedtime...Mark

Trip to Leigh 02-03-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
69522	Leigh BS	Hag Fold, o/s House 334 Newbrook Road/Broadway	582	First Manchester
69523	Hag Fold, opp House 286 Newbrook Road/Bolton Boundary	Leigh BS	582	First Manchester
31947	Leigh BS	Daubhill, nr House 462 St Helens Road/Blethyn Street	582	First Manchester
69531	Daubhill, nr House 443 St Helens Road/Blethyn Close	Leigh BS	582	First Manchester
2708	Leigh BS	Lane Head, Newton Road/Sandup Farm (SW-bound)	34	Arriva NW&W
7644	Lane Head, o/s House 518 Newton Road/Sandup Farm	Leigh BS	34	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to re-visit Leigh. We hadn't been here for a while and certainly not since Stagecoach had taken over the First Wigan operation last December. Research for this trip consisted of a quick viewing of the Wigan South, Bolton and Salford bus maps to look at services in the area. The weather was forecast as cloudy and 8' C. Matthew got up a little after 10:00 today and had crumpets and orange juice today. We set off a little after 12:00 and we headed straight for the A500 and onto the M6. Just on the M6 we passed Copeland's tours MIB 246 heading South. We also overtook a Leyland Titan on the M6 near Thellwall. We came off the M6 one junction North of the m62 and did the A572 into Leigh town centre. As we approached the town we passed an Arriva Volvo B10BLE 2711 on a St Helens bound #34 service. We also saw South Lancs Travel R104 GNW arrive on a service #581. We parked up by the Spinning Jenny shopping centre and walked around it into the bus station. We decided to eat first, but we were distracted by the sight of First Manchester 31947 on a #582 Bolton service. Matthew got a picture before we went to the outdoor cafe.

First Manchester 31947 in Leigh bus station

We sat down and had some food and then he went the toilet. We decided to go after 31947 as we didn't even know they still had Dennis Arrows in the First Manchester fleet. We had noted it was on the #582 and so we found it went from stand A n the bus station. There was a large crowd there and we saw 2 buses arrive at once. On emptied out and then went off stand. This was followed by First Manchester 69527 which emptied out and then went on stand. Another bus arrived behind this, emptied and left the stand. The number of people on stand a for the bus was quite large and 69527 was soon full. We decided not to do this bus but to wait for the next one. After it departed we didn't have to wait very long before required First Manchester 69522 reappeared on stand. There were only a few people on this bus. We got on and booked System One tickets for our journey. Matthew took a picture of the rear of this bus before we sat down.

Inside First Manchester 69522

We sat down near the rear and consulted the map. We decided to go around half way to Bolton as we did not know how long it would be before 31947 returned if indeed it did at all. We decided that we would go just passed Atherton and then get off somewhere we thought we didn't have to walk far to the stop opposite. We went past the railway station and we decided to get off a couple of stops further on. We spotted to stops close to each other on a corner and so we rung the bell and got up. When we got off Matthew got a picture of our bus up 69522.

First Manchester 69522 in Hag Fold

We crossed the road and went to the stop opposite. According to information on the stop the service was only every 20 minutes at this point. Did some #582's only run between Leigh and Atherton...? Had we missed 31947 if it had done a short and had gone back down the high street out of sight? Had it just worked back to Bolton and gone back onto the garage? We saw another bus approaching that was on the timetable and that was South Lancs Travel 58 on a #581 to Leigh. Matthew got a picture of it as it whizzed past.

South Lancs Travel 58 in Hag Fold

According to the timetable the next bus was at 14:31. A few minutes later we saw another bus approaching. It was required First Manchester 69523.

First Manchester 69523 in Hag Fold

We got on and sat down near the front as the bus was quite full again. A few people got off in Atherton and so we went to the back to sit together away from those flip down seats! When we got back the bus emptied out and Matthew got his empty bus picture.

Inside First Manchester 69523

At this point we didn't know what we were going to do. We thought we would see what came in next. South Lancs Travel 79 arrived in on a #126 from the Trafford Centre and we thought we may do this if nothing better turns up before it is due off.

South Lancs Travel 79 in Leigh bus station

A few minutes later 31947 reappeared. It went off empty but it only went to park up for a short while.

First Manchester 31947 in Leigh bus station

I asked the driver when he was due off and he said 10 minutes. In the mean time Matthew had a Milky Way, and then we saw Arriva NW&W 2254 arrive on the #34. It parked up for a short while, and when it went on stand we went to take a picture.

Arriva NW&W 2254 in Leigh bus station

At the same time 31947 was moving onto stand and so we went up to get on it. We got on and went upstairs and Matthew took a picture of the empty top deck.

Inside First Manchester 31947

We decided to do this bus a bit further than we had done 69522 out before. We went through Atherton and headed North towards Bolton. We crossed over the M61 and then went through Four Lanes end we decided to go a couple of stops further and then get off, and this happened to be in a place called Daubhill. We got off 31947 and crossed over the road and went into a Premier shop. We bought a can of coke and a Galaxy Caramel bar. The shop didn't sell lottery tickets though. We went to the stop outside and waited for the next bus. It just happened to be another #582 and it was required First Manchester 69531.

First Manchester 69531 in Daubhill

We got on this bus and sat near the back. One again the bus emptied a little when we went through Atheron and then we all sat together. We called mum to say we would probably do another 2 buses and to tell her we hadn't got lottery tickets. She was going to meet us at stand a so she could have the fast pay cards and then we would do another couple of buses. Just before we got back in the bus station we saw our first ever Network Warrington double decker 155 on a #19 service. When we got back into the bus station and matthew photographed the empty First Manchester 69531.

Inside First Manchester 69531

We met up with mum who said to us "you do know where the lottery place here is..?" didn't and it turned out to be right around the corner by stand a in the bus. We got lottery and a couple of Milky Ways. I said to Matthew we would check out the next Arriva bus and there was an Arriva driver by the lottery stand so we knew there was one in! He went to the toilet and then we went to se what was on the #34. It was required Volvo B10BLE 2708 so we went to to do this.

Arriva NW&W 2708 in Leigh bus station

There were few people on this bus, so Matthew got a picture of the inside of this bus near the rear.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2708

We sat down near the rear to enjoy the ride on this fine bus. We decided to do it to the edge of Manchester catching another #34 back. As we headed out of town we passed 2715 We headed out through to village of Lowton, across the A580 and when we saw the M6 in the distance we stood up to get off. once off Matthew got another picture much to the amusement of the driver who gave him a wave as he took it.

Arriva NW&W 2708 in Lane Head

I could see a bus in the distance and so we crossed the road quickly. We left uncle Dave on the other side of the road. He eventually caught us up and then we saw the in the distance. it was a Marshall bodied Dart. It was Arriva 7644 and the first un-required bus of the day.

Arriva NW&W 7644 in Lane Head

done it out of Northwich on a #37. The bus was empty apart from one man. We got on and sat down near the back. A few people got on as we headed back through Lowton, but not many. Before long we were back in the bus station. When the bus emptied out he got his empty bus picture in Arriva NW&W 7644.

Inside Arriva NW&W 7644

We met up with mum and walked back to the car. Waiting for us were some Greggs sausage rolls and matthew had a large can of dandelion and burdock. We set off back down the Lowton Road and we passed 2703, another Volvo B10BLE bound for Leigh. I decided to carry on down the A572 to Newton and then drive down the A49 to Winwick. At Newton we passed Hattons W146 WGT on a #141 service. Biggest surprise was passing Arriva NW&W Solo 710 o a #360 Warrngton - Wigan service. Apparently St Helens have taken over the running of this service recently. We then carried on along the A49 onto the M6 one junction North of the M62. We carried on down the M6 and onto the A500. At Sideway we joined the A50 and we came off at Longton to view the Z Carz depot. First in the row was Z carz V690 EBC.

Z Carz V690 EBC in Longton

Also present were Iveco HX51 HRU, LDV minibuses M420 UEH and W591 YBN and Mercedes minibus CE02 LYX and Renault X848 JFR. We carried on down Longton Hall Road and got home around 18:10 just as it was going dark. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash and then cheesecake for afters. He then chilled out on his computer before bedtime...Mark