Trip to Burton / Stepenhill 09-07-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2717	Burton upon Trent, New Street (stand 6)	Horninglow, adj Hospital main entrance	3	Arriva Midlands
2959	Horninglow, Adj Mona Road	Burton upon Trent, New Street (stand 8)	3	Arriva Midlands
2711	Burton upon Trent, New Street (stand 6)	Stepenhill, opp Maple Grove	2A	Arriva Midlands
2960	Stepenhill, opp Sycamore Road	Burton upon Trent, New Street (stand 8)	2	Arriva Midlands
4798	Burton upon Trent, New Street (stand 6)	Stepenhill, opp Maple Grove	2A	Arriva Midlands
4798	Stepenhill, opp Maple Grove	Eton Park, Adj Chaucer Close	2A	Arriva Midlands
3712	Horninglow, opp The Navigation	Burton upon Trent, New Street (stand 8)	1	Arriva Midlands

Today we decided to re-visit Burton upon Trent. After finding out the Arriva Midlands are transfer the majority of their Burton Upon Trent depot routes to Midland Classic (#9 and the X38 excepted), We thought it would be a good idea to visit Burton again.Have checked the weather it appeared that the weather in Burton would be better than locally or to the North. We gave Matthew a list of Midlands destination and from the list Matthew chose Burton. Apart from checking the weather, research consisted of making a spreadsheet of of the buses that are allocated to Burton and highlight the ones we have been on so that we know which ones to go for at a glance. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had a crumpet and orange juice for breakfast. We set off just after 11:30 and we joined the Eastbound A5035. We got onto the Eastbound A50 near to Longton and we saw Copeland's Tours Orange Coaches MIB 116 & MIB 118 parked up in the depot in Meir. At Blythe Bridge we followed the A50 to the right and we ran fast up to Uttoxeter. After running near to the town we followed the A50 to the left and we ran up the hill for a few miles until we got to the A511 turning. We crossed over the A50 and we ran south for a couple of mile to Hatton and we stopped at the Salt Box cafe. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. Whilst we ate we saw Glovers minicoach AIG 7450 going towards Tutbury and Trent Barton 450 & 664 on V1 Villager services. Once we had finished eating we got back into the car and we set off along the A511 over the level crossing and we followed the road to the left up the hill through Beam Hill. We ran down into Burton under the A38 and over the railway line. After we passed the brewery museum we turned right into Guild Street. We crossed through the crossroad and onto Union Street Street. Coming into town we saw Arriva Midlands 2711 on the #2 which was one of the buses on the hit list. We parked up in the surface park in front of the Coopers Square shopping centre and we said goodbye to mum and walked along the walkway to New Street and we saw Swann's Travel coach YT65 BYR facing West.

Swann's Travel YT65 BYR in Burton upon Trent

As we walked up New Street whilst we worked out what to catch we saw Midland Classic double decker 46 on the #19A to the Queens Hospital.

Midland Classic 46 in Burton upon Trent

We then saw required Arriva Midlands 2717 on a #3 to the Queens Hospital, which was another bus on the hitlist.

Arriva Midlands 2717 in Burton upon Trent

We crossed over the road and went back down New Street and we walked down to the stand where Arriva Midlands 2717 was. We got on the bus and we purchased an Arriva Burton Day Saver ticket at £4.20 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down New Street and we turned right into Union Street. We turned left Station Street and we passed required Arriva Midlands 4798 on the #2A service, the bus that we wanted to get the most! We continued onto Borough Road and we crossed over the railway line. We went forwards onto St Edwards Place and we went around St aul's Sqaure and forwards onto St Pauls Street West. We turned right onto Shobnall Street and as we ran Northwards we saw required Arriva Midlands 3706 on a #3 to Winhill. At the end of Shobnall Street we turned left onto Dallow Street. We crossed over the Trent & Mersey Canal and we went under the A38 onto Belvedere Road. At the roundabout we left Belvedere Road and we ran through the hospital grounds. As we started to emerge out of the hospital back onto Belvedere Road we though we were at the end of the run so we got up to get off the bus. Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 2717 before it ran about 100 yards around the corner to a turning circle.

Inside Arriva Midlands 2717

The next Arriva Midlands back through the hospital was not for another 30 minutes, but if we walked a short distance South of the round about on Belvedere Road we could pick up another #3 service. We walked down the road we crossed over the hospital entrance and the main road and we waited at the stop. Whilst we waited for the bus Matthew ate a packet of Milky Stars. We saw the bus go North around the estate first, and it was required Arriva Midlands 2959. A few minutes later it came back Southwards as expected required Arriva Midlands 2959.

Arriva Midlands 2959 in Horninglow

We got on the bus and we flashed the riva Burton Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We ran back into town down Belvedere Road and we went under the A38 and over the canal. We went forwards into Dallow Street before we turned right into Shobnall Street. We entered town and went around the one-way system before crossing over the railway line on Borough Road. We continued onto station Street before turning right into Union Street. We turned left into New street and the bus emptied out before Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 2959.

inside Arriva Midlands 2959

We got off the bus and we decided to use the toilet. On the way up we saw Arriva Midlands 4798 having a driver change on Lichfield Street. On the way up we saw Midland Classic 47 on a #19 to the Queens Hospital.

Midland Classic 47 in Burton upon Trent

We also saw Midland Classic 51 on a #21 to Swadlincote.

Midland Classic 51 in Burton upon Trent

We went up to the market hall and Matthew used the toilet. We came back out and through the arcade onto High Street and we saw Arriva Midlands 4798 turned the corner out of New Street onto Lichfield street whilst working a #2A to Stepenhill. We walked down to New Street to see what was on the next #2 to Horninglow, but it was dud Arriva Midlands 2716. Whilst there we saw Trent Barton 745 on a X38 service to Derby.

Trent Barton 745 in Burton upon Trent

We walked back up to the top of New Street and we saw Arriva Midlands 3774 on a #9A to Coalville.

Arriva Midlands 3774 in Burton upon Trent

Plus we also wanted to get a ride on double decker Arriva Midlands 4798! Back down New Street we saw Trent Barton 659 on a V4 villager service to the Centrum Business Park.

Trent Barton 659 in Burton upon Trent

We crossed over the road and a few minutes later we saw required Arriva Midlands 2711 on a #2 to Stepenhill.

Arriva Midlands 2711 in Burton upon Trent

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Burton Day saver ticket to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off up New Street and we turned right into Lichfield Street. At the bottom of Lichfield Street we turned left onto the A5189 and we crossed over the floodplain, passing required Arriva Midlands 4798. On the other side of the plain we turned right at the roundabout onto Main Street. We turned right into Hill Street and then right on Heath Road. We turned left onto Short Street and at the mini roundabout we continued onto Somerset Road We turned left onto Cumberland Road and at the top of the road we crossed over Rosliston and onto Sycamore Road where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 2711 as carried on back towards Burton and Horninglow.

Arriva Midlands 2711 in Stepenhill

Once off the bus we had around 15 minutes. We formulated a plan to finally catch up with double decker. We would return to New Street in Burton where in theory the double decker would be on the opposite side of the road, returning to Stepenhill on the #2A. In the meanwhile Matthew had a Milky Way and a can of Vimto. We got up the Arriva App on the phone and on the map we could see the bus approaching on Watersided Road. As we had a few minutes we decided to walk across Rosliston Road onto Cumberland Road about 40 yards away to get extra distance on the bus, which we expected to be required Arriva Midlands 2960. As the bus got onto the wider section of the road it came into view and we saw that it was indeed Arriva Midlands Versa 2960.

Arriva Midlands 2960 in Stepenhill

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Burton Day saver ticket to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along Sycamore Road and we traveled up to Brackenwood Road. We went to the end and we turned right onto Rosliston Road. We continued North onto Main Street and at the roundabout we joined the A5189 to travel across the floodplain, where we passed dud Arriva Midlands 2716 on the #2 to Stepenhill. On the other side of the Trent we turned right onto LIchfield Street and at the end we turned left onto New Street. As we went towards the stop we passed Arriva Midlands 4798 going the other way up towards the stop. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 2960.

Arriva Midlands 2960 in Burton upon Trent

We crossed the road and we briskly walked up to Arriva Midlands 4798 on the #2A service to Stepenhill, which was still loading up. Matthew took a picture of Arriva Midlands 4798 before we jumped on the bus.

Arriva Midlands 4798 in Burton upon Trent

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Burton Day saver ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. As the top deck was nearly empty Matthew took a photo inside Arriva Midlands 4798.

Inside Arriva Midlands 4798

We set off up New Street and right onto Lichfield Street as we had done on Arriva Midlands 2711 earlier. We followed the exact same route along the A5189, Main Street, Hill Street & Heath Street. Unlike on the #2 service we went straight across and on to Waterside Road, which as the name suggest run alongside the river Trent. We turned left onto Bedford Road and right onto Norfolk Road. St the roundabout we re-joined the route of the #2. I went down to the driver to show the ticket as we were returning North on the bus to Horninglow. We ran up Cumberland Road and we ran back towards the A5189 via Sycamore Road, Brackenwood Road, Rosliston Road and Main Street as we had done earlier. This time we passed Arriva Midlands 2711 on the A5189. We crossed over the Trent and we ran into town up Lichfield Street before we stopped in New Street for a few minutes. and we saw Midland Classic 53 go by. After the bus had waited time we ran down to the junction and we turned right onto Union Street before turning left onto Station Street. We went forwards onto Borough Road and we crossed over the railway line before we went onto the on way system onto Waterloo Street. We went North up the road and straight onto Victoria Crescent. We turned left onto the A511 and we ran a few hundred yards up to Shakespeare Road. We went to get off the bus but the bell didn't work so we went a stop further up the road than we had planned. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 4798 before it carried on back towards Burton.

Arriva Midlands 4798 in Eton Park

We walked back onto the A511 and we check the timetable for the return bus. We had 15 minutes so we decided to take Matthew to the shop on the opposite side of the road. We crossed at the crossing and we went into the Nisa shop. Matthew had a couple of cans of Coke and some chocolate. Once we had paid for the stuff we left the shop and we walked back over to the bus stop. At the bus stop Matthew had a Flake whilst we waited for the bus. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching from under the A38. As it got closer we saw that it was required Arriva Midlands 3712.

Arriva Midlands 3712 in Horninglow

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Burton Day saver ticket to the driver for the final time today before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off down the A511 and we ran into town over the railway line. We passed the brewery museum and we ran around the one way system and onto the High Street. The bus stopped outside the market and we got up and got off the bus. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 3712.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3712

The bus that we had just got off Arriva Midlands 3712 had now become a #8 to Swadlincote. Across the road we saw Arriva Midlands 3773 on a X38 to Derby.

Arriva Midlands 3773 in Burton upon Trent

We went to the market and Matthew used the toilet before we returned onto New Street. On the way back to the car we saw Trent Barton 660 on a V4 to the Centrum Business Park.

Trent Barton 660 in Burton upon Trent

We walked back to the car park and mum was waiting with some Greggs sausage rolls. Washed washed his down with a can of Irn Bru. We set off onto Union Street and at the end we went straight onto . We turned left onto the A511 and we ran under the A38 and out of town. When we got to Hatton we caught up with Arriva Midlands 2987 which was on the #1 to Uttoxeter. We joined the Westbound A50 and we ran fast towards Uttoxeter. coming the other way we passed Several Ausden Clark coach which included BIG 9829 & BIG 9834 as well as an unidentified Paul S Winson coach. We carried on along the A50 to Longton and we came off to check out what was at Z Carz today. In the first row was Z Carz Mercedes minibus CE02 LYX.

Z Carz CE02 LYX in Longton

Next in the row was Z Carz Vauxhall minibus X599 WDY.

Z Carz X599 WDY in Longton

Closest in the first row was Z Carz Ford minibus YS09 LWV.

Z Carz YS09 LWV in Longton

In the second row we saw Z Carz LDV minibus CN57 HWA.

Z Carz CN57 HWA in Longton

We turned into Willow Row to see what was in the compound. We saw Z Carz airport division MJ03 DPU.

Z Carz MJ03 DPU in Longton

We turned around and we also saw Z Carz Ford minibus HK57 LGW.

Z Carz HK57 LGW in Longton

We headed back onto the A50 past the T K Maxx construction site and then we came off the A50 at Heron Cross. We ran through Blurton along Blurton Road and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right into Beaconsfield Drive and we got home around 18:00. For tea for a change we had sausage chips an gravy from the chip shop followed by a cornflake cakes. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Joiners Square / Trent Vale 08-07-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DV10 JCU	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Joiners Square	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
67602	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going to the pub for his tea, but not before he had been to his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had a giant crumpet and orange juice for breakfast. Just before 09:00 his transport to his day service turned up and it was Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Blurton

We set off onto the A5035 and we ran over the railway line into Trentham. We turned right into New Inn Lane and we picked up another service user. We then returned onto New Inn Lane. We rejoined the A5035 and we ran over the railway into Blurton before turning left into Church Road. We ran down through Blurton along Blurton Road and we crossed the A50 and into Heron Cross. We went straight onto Heron Street and over the railway line into Fenton. We turned left into Christchurch Street and reached our destination. In the morning Matthew spent his time baking. Matthew made some jam tarts. For dinner Matthew walked to MacDonalds. We set off on foot onto Christchurch Street and we crossed over City Road onto Manor Street. At the end of Manor Street we turned left onto Victoria Road and we walked down to MacDonalds. Matthew used the toilet and then had a burger and fries with a cup of Coke. Once we had finished eating we carried on down the Victoria Road to Joiners Square. We crossed over the A52 onto Lichfield Street and we went into the pub. In the pub Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. Hightlights of the bus sightings included First Potteries 67637 on a #6 to Weston Coyney. When it was time to go home Matthew climbed aboard Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We set off onto Palmeston Street and at the end we turned left onto the A52. We crossed straight over the roundabout onto the A52. We continued into Stoke past the end of station Road and right onto City Road. We crossed the A500 and we went around the one way system and then left onto London Road. In Oakhill we saw Aimee's YN04 YHZ. We joined the A34 at Trent Vale and we ran under the A500 into Hanford. We continued down the A34 until we got to Trentham Gardens and then we turned left onto the A5035 and we turned into New Inn Lane. We dropped off another service user and we saw St Dominic's minibus YR13 CGF. We returned onto New Inn Lane and we turned left onto the A5035 and we saw Z Carz YJ61 GYZ by the McColls. We turned left onto Church Road and we turned left onto Beaconsfield Drive. We ran to the bottom and we turned left onto Finstock Avenue. We ran up past the shops and we turned left onto Emsworth and back onto Beaconsfield Drive. Matthew got home just before 15:00 and he took a another picture of Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Blurton

As Matthew came into the house we saw Stanton's of Stoke KY12 YGC. Matthew had toast and a drink of limeade whilst he waited for the time to go out and catch the bus. Today we went to catch the 16:26 to Newcastle. We set off on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. We had seen the turn earlier in the day and it was booked to be dud First Potteries 67602. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 67632 on a #22 to Longton.

First Potteries 67632 in Blurton

A few minutes later the bus turned the corner and as expected it was dud First Potteries 67602.

First Potteries 67602 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Harpfields Road before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We turned right onto the A5035 and we crossed the railway into Trentham and we passed Z Carz minibus LG09 WPE before we turned right into New Inn Lane We climbed the hill into Hanford and we turned right into Wilson Road. At the end of Wilson Road we turned left onto Church Lane and we ran down the hill to the A34. We crossed under the A500 into Trent Vale and we we saw Daish's coach FJ08 BYO. We turned right into Harpfields Road where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67602 before it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 67602 in Trent Vale

We walked back onto the A34 and we sat on the wall outside the pub to wait for mum to arrive from Grandma's. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 67631 on the final #22 turn, going towards Longton.

First Potteries 67631 in Trent Vale

A few minutes later we saw Stanton's of Stoke coach ONZ 1128 going North up the A34.

Stanton's of Stoke ONZ 1128 in Trent Vale

Mum turned up in the pub and Matthew and inside the pub Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses included freshly repainted First Potteries 65039 on a Hanley Bound #101 service as well as ABC Supreme P881 RND on a South bound shuttle. When it was time to go we got in the car to go and pick up uncle Dave. We went South down the A34 and we turned left onto the A500. At Sideway we caught up with Stanton's of Stoke coach 614 WEH We went Eastwards up the A50 to Heron Cross and we dropped down into Fenton to pick up uncle Dave. We returned to Heron Cross and we crossed over the A50. We carried on through Blurton along Blurton Road passing Approach minibus NK08 LVC. We turned right onto Church Road and then turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive getting home just before 18:20. Matthew then chilled out on his computer and we ate a few of his home made jam tarts until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Fenton / Newcastle 05-07-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DV10 JCU	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
67601	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Newcastle, opp Cherry Tree PH	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going to visit grandma, but not before he had been to his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00. He got dressed and had a giant crumpet and orange juice for breakfast. Just before 09:00 his transport to his day service turned up and it was Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Blurton

We set off onto the A5035 and we went over the railway line and into Trentham. We turned right into New Inn Lane and we picked up another service user before. We rejoined the A5035 and we ran over the railway into Blurton before turning left into Church Road. We ran down through Blurton along Blurton Road and we saw Fiat/Mellor demonstrator SF65 AUA. We crossed the A50 and we went straight onto Heron Street and over the railway line into Fenton. We headed straight onto Glebedale Road and reached our destination. In the morning Matthew spent his time on the computer. For dinner Matthew had cheese oatcakes. In the afternoon Matthew went swimming. We set off on past the Co-operative Food store onto City Road and we walked down to the private road on which the swimming baths is situated. On the way down the road we saw Anytime Airport minibus PE11 RWY.

Anytime Airport PE11 RWY in Fenton

Matthew went swimming and then had a drink of Coke. We returned to the day centre in a Intercity taxi. We ran along the private road and we turned left onto City Road. We turned right onto Glebedale Road and to the day centre. When it was time to go home Matthew climbed aboard Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We set off onto Christchurch Street and we turned right onto Station Bridge Road, We followed the road around onto Heron Street and we went through the traffic lights and over the A50 on Blurton Road. We went through Blurton and we followed the road around to the right onto Church Road. At the end we turned right onto the A5035 and we ran over the railway line into Trentham. We turned right into New Inn Lane and we dropped off another service user before we returned onto New Inn Lane. We returned along the A5035 over the railway line into Blurton. Matthew got home just before 15:00. Matthew had toast and orangeade whilst he waited for the time to go out and catch the bus. Today we went to catch the 16:26 to Newcastle. I had seen the turned earlier and it was booked to be First Potteries 67601. We set off to the bus stop all the way over on Magdalen Road. When we got to the bus stop we saw First Potteries 67636 on a #22 to Longton.

First Potteries 67636 in Blurton

A few minutes later we saw the bus come around the corner and it was dud First Potteries 67601 as expected.

First Potteries 67601 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto the A5035 and we headed over the railway line into Trentham where we passed Free Spirits minibus MV05 YMM. We turned right into New Inn Lane and we saw First Potteries 41520 on the #21 to the Trentham Hotel. We climbed the hill into Hanford and we turned right into Wilson Road. We ran down the hill onto the A34 and we saw South Staffordshire College minibus HJ58 KZA. We went under the A500 ans we passed First Potteries 41540 on a #21A to Trentham gardens. As we went through Trent Vale we passed Global Travel coach YKZ 9965. We turned right into Harpfields Road and we passed First Potteries 67638 on the final #22 turned to Longton. We turned into the hospital and we saw ABC Supreme E331 UYC & First Potteries 37158 on a #25 to Hanley. We turned right onto the A34 and as we were getting up to get off the bus we saw Scraggs coach 1 HVT on the opposite side of the A34. We got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67601 as it carried on towards Newcastle bus station.

First Potteries 67601 in Newcastle

We set off on foot towards grandma and we saw D&G 158 on a 'Nines' service to Biddulph. Once at Grandma's Matthew used the toilet and the used the computer. He also had a drink of Irn Bru. Just after 18:00 we said goodbye and we set off back onto the A34. We entered Trent Vale and we saw First Potteries 65038 on a #101 to Hanley. We stopped at MacDonalds to pick up matgthew's tea and then we carried on along the A34 into Hanford and then into Trentham. As we joined the A5035 we saw First Potteries 41540 on a #21A to Hanley. We crossed over the railway line into Blurton and we got home around 18:45. Matthew then chilled out on his computer and watched telly until bedtime around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Crewe / Congleton 02-07-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2623	Crewe BS	Nantwich BS	84	Arriva NW&W
4476	Nantwich BS	Crewe BS	84	Arriva NW&W
4491	Crewe BS	Congleton BS	38	Arriva NW&W
4490	Congleton BS	Sandbach, o/s Common	38	Arriva NW&W
2608	Sandbach, o/s Common	Elworth nr railway station	37A	Arriva NW&W
2614	Elworth adj railway station	Crewe BS	37	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to re-visit Crewe. We checked the weather for today and it was for sunshine & showers, with the weather being better to the South and West. Other research involved checking the GHA & Cheshire East sites to see if the GHA #84 service still ran. We gave Matthew a list of places to visit and from the list Matthew surprisingly chose Crewe. Matthew got up around 10:00 and I forgot to give him breakfast! We set off around 11:40 and we ran onto the A5035. As we turned into Stanley Matthew Way we saw D&G 170 on a #14 service. We traveled North up to the A50 and we went West to Sideway. We then turned right onto the A500 and we headed North. We passed an unidentified AC Williams coach and we crossed under the M6 and we carried on Westwards. On the single lane section of the A500 we passed Routemaster Buses RML2515 going the other way. We turned right onto David Whitby Way and then left onto the A532. We followed the road around to left past the railway station and we turned right onto Edleston Road. As we traveled up the road we past required Arriva NW&W 4106 on a #37 to Northwich. We also past a shop called Total Tile & Bathrooms where there was a lady mannequin sitting on a toilet! We followed the road into town and left onto Delamere Street past the bus station. We whizzed around the street to Asda and we parked up. We walked around the corner to Vernon's Fish Bar and after Matthew had used the toilet he had sausage chips and gravy with bread and butter washed down with a glass of Coke. After we had finished we left mum to pay the bill and we walked around the corner into the bus station and we saw D&G Solo SR 103 on a #12 to Shavington.

D&G 103 in Crewe bus station

We turned the corner and we saw Arriva NW&W 4477 which had broken down and was about to get towed away, and GHA Solo CN06 BXS which was about to work a #44 to Nantwich.

GHA CN06 BXS in Crewe bus station

We walked down to the other end of the bus station and we saw First Potteries 67633 on a #3 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67633 in Crewe bus station

Also in the bus station were Arriva NW&W 4100 on a #37 service and 2617 was on layover by the old garage. We were hoping to see the 13:03 #84 service to Chester, but it appeared not be running today. On stand was required Arriva NW&W 2623 on a #84 to Nantwich.

Arriva NW&W 2623 in Crewe bus station

In the absence of the GHA bus, we decided to do Arriva buses instead. We got on the bus and we booked an Arriva Day Saver ticket at £5.30 and then we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and we went along Delamere Street and around the corner onto Chester Bridge. We went forwards onto Edleston Road and we passed required Arriva NW&W 894 on the #6 service. At the end of the road we turned right onto the A534 and we headed West. After traveling a couple of miles we turned left onto Wistaston Road and just before he level crossing we turned right onto Coppice Road. At the end of the road we re-joined the westbound A534 and we crossed over A51 at the Peacock Roundabout. Just before town we turned right onto Millstone Lane passing Arriva NW&W 3159 on a #84 to Crewe. By the tractor shop, we turned left onto Beam Street. We passed Marks & Spencer's and the library and we entered the bus station. Matthew didn't take a picture inside the Arriva bus... For some reason a few of the passenger though it was a through bus to Chester and just sat there and didn't move! We got of the bus and we spotted an interesting looking GHA minibus. We walked over to the other side of the bus station and we saw GHA Mercedes minibus X996 AHT.

GHA X996 AHT in Nantwich bus station

We saw GHA Solo SR 1201 on the #52 to Sainsbury's, and then we headed into town. We walked down Market Street and into the market and we went to the toilet. After we used the toilet we stopped at the stall where Matthew usually has a few sweets from, but it was now a workwear and safety equipment stall. We asked if there was a sweet still in the market and it turned out it had moved next door! Talk about having tunnel vision! We brought a few spearmint chews and then we walked back to the bus station. We considered what to do next. We had planned on going forwards to Chester, but there was a large crowd at stand C waiting for the bus, presumably because the GHA bus hadn't run. The bus was due at 14:02 and when it turned up it was dud Arriva NW&W single decker 2617. We decided to turn it down and do the next bus back to Crewe which was an #84 from Chester. A few minutes later the bus rolls in and it was required Arriva NW&W 4476.

Arriva NW&W 4476 in Nantwich bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Day Saver ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus pulled out of the bus station just as dud Arriva NW&W 2613 came in which would work the next #84 back to Crewe. We went East along Beam Street and we turned right onto Millstone Lane and the left onto the A534. We ran out of Nantwich and we crossed the Peacock Roundabout carrying on Eastwards. We turned into Willaston along Coppice Road and at the end we turned left onto Wistaston Road. We rejoined the A534 and we ran a couple of miles into Crewe before we turned left into Edleston Road. We ran along the long straight road and we went over the Chester railway line onto Chester Bridge before the bus followed the road around onto Delamere Street. We turned right into the bus station and we let the bus empty out before Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 4476.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4476

We got off the bus and immediately we saw required Arriva NW&W 4491 on the #38 to Macclesfield.

Arriva NW&W 4491 in Crewe bus station

We decided to do this bus, and Matthew wanted to do it to Congleton, so we got on and we flashed the Arriva Day saver tickets to the driver before we went upstairs. This was the last required bus of the batch of three 'Sapphire' buses that work on the #38 service. The bus set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto Delamere Street. We followed the road aroundto the right onto Chester Bridge and we crossed the railway line and onto Edleston Road. At the end of the long straight road we turned left onto the A534 and we ran past the railway station ans past B&Q. We traveled Eastwards along Crewe Road. We went through Haslington and Winterley and further North through Wheelock Heath. We crossed the A534 and we ran through Wheelock where we saw Arriva NW&W 4489 on a #38 to Crewe. We ran over the canal and into Sandbach town center past Sandbach School. When we got to the Common we stopped for a short while and we saw Arriva NW&W 2618 on a #37A to Sandbach. Around 15:10 we set off out of the Common onto Congleton Road. We joined the A534 and we crossed over the M6 and into open countryside. I had now got the phone to work downloading the Arriva mobile App and we worked out that we could go to Congleton and have around 10 minutes before returning on the next #38 towards Crewe (or wait another hour!). We carried on through open countryside and we crossed over the Arclid crossroads. On the edge of Congleton we joined the A34 and we ran East along the road for a short while before going onto West Street. We entered town along Antrobus Street, Mill Street and Mountbatten Way. We turned right into Market Street, past the Bear Grills cafe and into the bus station. We got off the bus and we took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4491 before it carried on towards Macclesfield.

Arriva NW&W 4491 in Congleton bus station

Matthew decided he wanted to go to the toilet and I asked someone if there was a public toilet nearby. There was one just around the corner and then I remembered when we used to come to Congleton regularly we used it all the time! We used the toilet and the couple of minutes we were in there uncle Dave got slightly wet as it had started to rain. By the time we had both come out it had stopped raining! we started to walked down to stand 1 where the Arriva Bus App instructed u to go to, and on the way we saw GHA Enviro200 1407 on a #42 to Crewe.

GHA 1407 in Congleton bus station

We also saw GHA 'Beartown' branded 1471 on a #90 town circular service. As we walked down to stand 1 we saw the bus approaching of Mountbatten Way. It was another 'Sapphire' branded bus so we knew that it wouldn't be a required one. As it got closer we saw that it was dud Arriva NW&W 4490.

Arriva NW&W 4490 in Congleton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva day saver tickets to the driver before we went upstairs. As we had passed the #38 just the other side of Sandbach, and we had also seen the #37A to Northwich which connect into the #38 in both directions, we decided to got to Sandbach to get the #37A north to the railway station, before coming back South on the following #37 to Crewe. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto market Street and we ran down the hill onto Mountbatten Way. We turned left onto Mill Street and we climbed the hill, turning right onto West Street. At the roundabout we went straight onto the A34 and at the following junction we went straight ahead onto the A534. We went out of town through West Heath and then out into open countryside. We crossed the A50 at the Arclid crossroads and we passed a large lake. It was now bright sunshine as we crossed the M6, where we saw an unidentified National Holidays coach going North. On the west side of the m6 we left the A534 and turned right onto Congleton Road and we ran into Sandbach Common. As we were getting up the bus behind us emptied out so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 4490.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4490

Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4490 before it carried on towards Crewe.

Arriva NW&W 4490 in Sandbach

As we had run around, had seen the bus that was going to be the #37A... It was dud Arriva NW&W 2608. It wasn't due off for another 10 minutes so we visited McColls to do a bit of shopping for Matthew. We brought a can of Coke and a bottle of Irn Bru as well as a a pack of Milky Ways. We paid for the good and we walked down to our bus to get a picture, Arriva NW&W 2608.

Arriva NW&W 2608 in Sandbach

We sat down at the bus stop and Matthew ate cadbury's Snack, sharing some of it with me but not with uncle Dave for some reason. Whilst we were there we saw A&A minibuses transit YLZ 1348. A few minutes later the bus pulled on stand and we got on Arriva NW&W 2608. We flashed the Arriva day Saver ticket to the driver, and as the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2608.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2608

Sandbach railway station is a round a mile out of the town centre in the Elworth area. The bus set off out of the Common. We passed the town hall and we joined the A533 and we went West. A mile or so along the road just before the railway station, we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2608.

Arriva NW&W 2608 in Elworth

We crossed the road and we stood at the bus stop to wait for the next bus to Crewe. We were hoping that it was going to be required Arriva NW&W 4106, which we had seen on the #37 earlier in the day. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching and it was another Centro single decker, there was only a 1 in 6 chance of it being a required one. As it got closer we saw that it was required Arriva NW&W 2614.

Arriva NW&W 2614 in Elworth

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Day Saver ticket to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down the A533 and we went into Sandbach town centre and around the Common. After a brief stop we went Westwards out of the town onto Crewe Road and through Wheelock. We crossed the A534 and we ran through Wheelock Heath and Winterly, passed the pond. We continued into Haslington and Crewe Green and forwards onto the A534. We ran past the railway station and we turned right onto Edleston Road. We entered Crewe town centre and we followed the road around onto Delamere Street. When we got into the bus station we got off the bus and we had a quick walk around the few uses that were still in the bus station. On an adjacent stand we saw D&G 121.

D&G 121 in Crewe bus station

We headed back through the bus station and onto Victoria Street and into Adsa car park where mum was waiting with some Greggs sausage rolls. Matthew also had the bottle of Irn Bru from the bag which we had purchased earlier. We set off out off the car park and around town via Flag lane, Alton Street and Derrington Avenue. As we approached Edleston Road we saw an unidentified Burland Coach heading into town. We turned right onto Edleston Road and at the end we turned left onto the A534. We passed the railway station and we turned right onto the A532 past the Brocklebank pub. At the next roundabout we turned right onto David Whitby Way and across the roundabout and at the end we turned left onto the A500. We ran onto the single lane section of the road and then we crossed under the M6. As we traveled down we passed an unidentified silver Happy Als coach and an unidentified Waltons coach. At Sideway we went East on the A50 up to Longton to see what was parked up at Z Carz tonight. In the first row we saw Z Carz Iveco minibus YJ53 WPD.

Z Carz YJ53 WPD in Longton

Also in the first row was Z Carz Ford minibus YS09 LWV.

Z Carz YS09 LWV in Longton

Next to the Ford minibus was Z Carz Vauxhall minibus X599 WDY.

Z Carz X599 WDY in Longton

Closest minibus was Z Carz Renault minibus Y568 XFV.

Z Carz Y568 XFV in Longton

In the second row was Z Carz Renault minibus MV53 KKO.

Z Carz MV53 KKO in Longton

We turned into Willow Row to see what was parked up in the compound tonight. Closest to the gate was Z Carz Volkswagen minibus S973 OVP.

Z Carz S973 OVP in Longton

We rejoined the A50 and we ran up to heron Cross before turning left onto Blurton Road. We stopped in Blurton by the shops for a short while and then we continued along Blurton Road and then right onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we got home just before 18:00. For a late tea a had chicken, potatoes and carrots followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. Matthew then chilled out until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Joiners Square / Trent Vale 01-07-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DV10 JCU	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Joiners Square	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
67634	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going to the pub for his tea, but not before he had been to his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Just before 09:00 his transport to his day service turned up and it was Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Blurton

We set off onto the A5035 and we ran over the railway line into Trentham. We turned right into New Inn Lane and we picked up another service user. We then returned onto New Inn Lane. We rejoined the A5035 and we ran over the railway into Blurton before turning left into Church Road. We ran down through Blurton along Blurton Road and we crossed the A50 and into Heron Cross. We went straight onto Heron Street and over the railway line into Fenton. We turned left into Christchurch Street and reached our destination. In the morning Matthew spent his time baking. Matthew made some lemon Meringue. For dinner Matthew got a Z Carz taxi down to MacDonalds. We set off onto Glebedale road and straight across onto Fountain Street. We followed the road around to the left onto Williams Street and we turned right onto Manor Street. At the end of Manor Street we turned left Victoria Road and we ran down the hill to MacDonalds. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards he had beefburger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. After we had finished eating we got a Magnum taxi down to the pub. We set off onto Victoria Road and at Joiners Square roundabout we went straight across onto Lichfield Street and to our destination. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. Highlights of the bus sighting included was Phil Smith's Travel DS15 BZV, First Potteries 63175 on a #6 to Hanley and First Potteries 41494 on a #6 to Weston Coyney. When they had finished they go on Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU for the journey home. We set off onto Palmeston Street and at the end we turned left onto the A52. We turned left onto Victoria Road and we continued to the top bwfore turning sharp right onto City Road. We turned into Glebedale Road and we stopped briefly at the day centre before continuing back on to Glebedale Road. We followed the road forwards onto Station Bridge Road and we followed it around onto Heron Street. We crossed the A50 into Blurton and we carried on forwards onto Church Road. We turned right onto the A5035 and we ran over the railway line in Trentham and we turned right into New Inn Lane. After dropping off another service user we came back towards Blurton. Matthew got home just before 15:00. Matthew had toast and a drink of limeade whilst he waited for the time to go out and catch the bus. Today we went to catch the 16:26 to Newcastle. We set off on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. We had seen the turn earlier in the day and it was booked to be required First Potteries 67634. A few minutes later the bus turned the corner and as expected it was required First Potteries 67634.

First Potteries 67634 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Harpfields Road before we sat down towards the back of the bus. As we got on the bus we saw First Potteries 67639 on a #22 to Longton. We turned right onto the A5035 and we crossed the railway into Trentham and we turned right into New Inn Lane were we saw First Potteries 42554 on a #21A to Hanley. We climbed the hill into Hanford and we turned right into Wilson Road. The back of the bus emptied out and Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 67634.

Inside First Potteries 67634

We turned left into Church Lane and and we ran down the hill onto the A34 where we saw First Potteries 42892 on a #21A to Trentham Gardens. We crossed under the A500 into Trent Vale and we turned right into Harpfields Road where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67634 before it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 67634 in Trent Vale

We crossed over Harpfields road and we walked back onto the A34. We turned to see Paul's of Stoke coach S224 BDE heading towards Sutherland Academy.

Paul's of Stoke S224 BDE in Trent Vale

We walked to the pub and as we had got there before mum we sat on the wall to wait for her. We also saw First Potteries 67637 on a #22 to Longton.

First Potteries 67637 in Trent Vale

This is now the only current Enviro300 single decker that we haven't been on. Whilst we waited we also saw Stanton's of Stoke coach 5658 RU on the JCB academy 3 service.

Stanton's of Stoke 5658 RU in Trent Vale

Going South on the A34 was First Potteries 65033 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 65033 in Trent Vale

Goibg the other way at the same time was First Potteries 65042 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 65042 in Trent Vale

Mum turned up in the pub and Matthew and inside the pub Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses included required First Potteries 65037 on a Stafford Bound #101 service as well as ABC Supreme P881 RND on a South bound shuttle. When it was time to go we got in the car to go and pick up uncle Dave. We went South down the A34 and we turned left onto the A500. At Sideway we went Eastwards up the A50 to Heron Cross and we dropped down into Fenton to pick up uncle Dave. We returned to Heron Cross and we crossed over the A50. We carried on through Blurton along Blurton Road and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we stopped at a friends house briefly before we continued back, getting home just before 19:00. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:00... Mark