Trip to Bilston / Walsall 10-12-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2296	Bilston Interchange	Willenhall, Lion Hotel (Stop WF)	326	Arriva Midlands
6765	Willenhall, Market Place (Stop WE)	Walsall St Pauls BS	529	NX West Midlands
30411	Walsall St Pauls BS	Bloxwich, Bulls Head (Stop BP)	302	NX West Midlands
4125	Bloxwich, Bulls Head (Stop BD)	Walsall St Pauls BS	301	NX West Midlands
1839	Walsall Bradford Place BS	Bilston Interchange	34	NX West Midlands
V882 HBY	Bilston Interchange	Wolverhampton, Bilston Street (o/s Police Station)	905	Costal Liners
4783	Wolverhampton BS	Compton, opp Woodland Avenue	10A	Arriva Midlands
2069	Compton, adj Tettenhall Wood Institute	Wolverhampton BS	10	NX West Midlands

Today we decided to go to Bilston. Mum had some shopping to pick up from shops in the West Midlands area, so we gave Matthew a list of destination from the West Midlands and from the list he chose Bilston. He had originally chosen Walsall but went we mention we would be eating at the truck stop in Cannock on the way Matthew changed his mind and chose Bilston. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:30 and we ran down to the A5035. We ran West towards the A34 and we passed New In Lane we saw First Potteries 67641 on a #22 to Longton. By Trenthan Garden we went North up the A34 and we turned left onto Whitmore Road. We joined the A519 briefly before we went onto the Southbound M6. As we were about to go down the slip road we saw Daish's Holidays FJ08 BYO coming off the motorway. Traffic was quite light and as we travelled down to junction 10 we saw 2 x Aston Manor coaches, white minibus V310 JAT, an unidentified Prospect Coaches coach & Park's of Hamilton (National Express) LSK 835. We went West along the A454 and we followed the Black Country Route all the way to the edge of Bilston where we turned North onto the A41. We ran up the road and we turned left onto Church Street where we parked at the side of the road. Once out of the car we walked over the bridge over the tramline and we turned left into the Interchange. On the way in we saw required Arriva Midlands 2274 on a #326 to Walsall via Willenhall.

Arriva Midlands 2274 in Bilston interchange

We also saw required National Express West Midlands 1890 on a #34 to Walsall.

NX West Midlands 1890 in Bilston interchange

We walked into the Interchange and into the cafe. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a small bottle of Cherryade. He also helped himself to some of mum's dinner as he liked the looked of it after throwing out a cute smile as mum took her first bite! Whilst we ate we saw Banga Travel YN53 ELV on a #530 service, Rotala Diamond 20002 on a #303 to County Bridge and Walsall Community Transport minibus YX09 HRU. When we had finished we said goodbye to mum and Matthew went to the the toilet. We then spotted Arriva Midlands on a #326 to Walsall so we decided to go and catch it.

Arriva Midlands 2296 in Bilston interchange

We got on the bus and we book nBus day tickets at £4.30 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and we saw required Costal Liners ex First double decker V882 HBY on the #905 bingo bus. We turned left onto Hall Street and then turned left onto the A41. We turned right onto Mount Pleasant and right onto Beckett Street. We turned left onto Lunt Road which runs parallel to the Black Country Route for a short while and we swept North along Vulcan Road and Lunt Road on Darlston Lane. We Crossed Willenhall Road onto Moseley Road and we turned right onto Beccles Drive. We continued onto Dilloways Lane and we crossed the A454 before we entered Willenhall from the West. We decided to get off in Willenhall. We came into the town and we turned left onto Hall Street. We continued onto John Street and upper Lichfield street and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 2296 before it carried on towards Walsall.

Arriva Midlands 2296 in Willenhall

Once the bus went around the corner, we set off towards Cheapside and we turned right onto the pedestrianised Cross Street. At the end we turned left onto Market Place and to the end Onto new Road where the main bus stop was situated. We decided to carry on towards Walsall on a #529 which runs around every 7-8 minutes between Wolverhampton and Walsall. There was a bus due in a couple of minutes, and we did't have to wait long before required National Express West Midlands 6765 on the #529.

NX West Midlands 6765 in Willenhall

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day tickets to the driver before we went upstairs. The bus set off Eastwards along the B4464 and we ran the mile or so into Bentley before crossed over the M6 at junction 10. We ran along Wolverhampton Road for around a mile and we deviated off the dual carriageway past the Crown Wharf retail park and into the town centre. We continued onto Townsend Street and we turned right onto St Pauls Street where the bus station is situated at the end. We pulled into the bus station and the bus emptied out and Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 6765.

Inside NX West Midlands 6765

Once we got off the bus we walked to the toilets and Matthew used the facilities. Once we had finished we walked out of the East side of the bus station where there where a couple of vehicles parked up including dud Arriva Midlands 2706 which was about to work a #35A to Druid's Heath.

Arriva Midlands 2706 in Walsall

We walked back into the bus station and we saw National Express West Midlands 4126 about to work a #89 to Wolverhampton.

NX West Midlands 4126 in Walsall bus station

Having just missed out doing the double decker, we decided to go in a more familiar direction and do a #301 or a #302 up to Bloxwich. We saw a Rotala Diamond single decker on a #302 so we decided to do it. It was dud Rotala Diamond 30411.

Rotala Diamond 30411 in Walsall bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. Once again we didn't realise it was a dud bus until we got on it. The bus set off out of the bus station and we went North up Stafford Street. We crossed over the A4148 continuing North up Stafford Street and we ran the 2 miles or so up to Bloxwich passing National Express West Midlands 4190 on a #301 and National Express West Midlands 4155 on a #302 both coming the other way. When we got to town we went up the High Street and we got off just after Wolverhampton Road. We got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Rotala Diamond 30411 before it carried on towards Lower Farm.

Rotala Diamond 30411 in Bloxwich

Across the road we saw required Arriva Midlands 2731 about to work a #326 to Bilston.

Arriva Midlands 2731 in Bloxwich

I asked Matthew if he wanted to do that bus and he said yes. We crossed the road and as we got there I realised that the bus started in Wolverhampton Road and it pulled off and around the corner to that stop. As we thought about what to do next required National Express West Midlands 4125 came around the corner on a #301 to Walsall.

NX West Midlands 4125 in Bloxwich

We flagged the bus down and we got on it. We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day tickets to the driver before we went upstairs. The top deck was empty so as the bus pulled off Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 4125 before we sat down.

Inside NX West Midlands 4125

We deviated off the A34 onto Stafford Street and we ran the 2 or so miles into Walsall, over the A4148 and on St Pauls Street. We entered the bus station and we got up and got off. We decided that we were going back to Bilston to head off the bingo bus, which was due at the Bilston Interchange at 15:35. We walked into the town centre along the mainly pedestrianised street where all the express services stop. At one of those stands we saw National Express West Midlands 6732 on a X51 express service to Birmingham.

NX West Midlands 6732 in Walsall bus station

We turned right onto The Bridge and at the next junction we went forwards onto Bradford Street. The other bus station was at the other end of Bradford Street in Bradford Place... It was a triangle shaped area with stands on two sides. As we got to the apex of the triangle we spotted that the nearest stand was for the #34 service which I knew from buses I had seen earlier ran to Bilston. We got to the stand and within a minnute a single decker appeared. It was required National Express West Midlands 1839.

NX West Midlands 1839 in Walsall bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set of out of Bradford Place and we continued along Bradford Street onto Wednesbury Road. Just before we crossed over the A4148 we went past the Fastline depot where We saw coach BK10 EHS at the front of the depot. We crossed under the M6 North of Ikea and we ran through to Darlaston where we saw Sandwell Travel EK51 XXG on a #333X service. We crossed under the Black Country Route along darlaston lane and we zigged and zagged under the road before we came onto the road from the South side off Hare Street. We ran West along the A463 for one junction and we then turned right onto the A41 before entering the town and the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 1839 before it carried on towards Stowlawn.

NX West Midlands 1839 in Bilston interchange

Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet and then we walked into town to visit a shop. There was a rather large Nisa supermarket on the corner so we went in and Matthew had a couple of small bottles of Coke and 2 chocolate bars. Once we had finished shopping we headed back to the interchange to wait the few minutes before the 15:35 was due. As we got to the stand where we need we saw Thandi T99 NND arrive on a #334 from walsall.

Thandi T99 NND in Bilston interchange

We also saw red Rotala Diamond 30861 on layover before working a #43 to West Bromwich.

Rotala Diamond 30861 in Bilston interchange

Whilst we waited Matthew had a Milky Way and a small bottle of lemonade. A few minutes later we saw the distinctive (for the area) bus approaching... As expected it was Costal Liners V882 HBY on the #905 service to Wolverhampton Bilston Street.

Costal Liners V882 HBY in Bilston interchange

We let the hoards of bingo revellers get off the bus and then we got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver. We went upstairs and we sat down before Matthew took a picture inside Costal Liners V882 HBY.

Inside Costal Liners V882 HBY

It used to be 32882 in the First Midland fleet based at Redditch and was presumably sold on as surplus after the sale to Rotala Diamond. The service is an express service and doesn't have to many stops. We set off out of the bus station and onto the A41. We joined the Westbound Black Country Route and we ran for about a mile before we turned right onto the main Dudley to Wolverhampton route, Birmingham New Road. As we travelled North it was now almost dark. We passed a number of #126 branded buses including National Express West Midlands 6780 & 6786 as well at De Courcey Travel FJ11 GKN on a #410 National Express coach service heading towards Shrewsbury. after travelling around 2 miles we crossed the ring and we ran into along Snow Hill and Forwards onto Garrick Street before we turned right into Bilston Street where we got up and got off the bus. After thinking we might catch a bus around the corner into the bus station we decided to walk around the corner onto Pipers Row where the bus station is situated. When we got to the bus station we headed to the toilet and because of the way the barrier was set up not only did I have to pay 20p for Matthew (which is okay I guess), but I had to pay an extra 20p to assist Matthew getting into the toilet! Once we had used these poorly thought out toilets we headed into the main part of the bus station so that we could do a quick out and back journey We spotted required Arriva Midlands Dart 2209 on a #57 to Bilston via Willenhall. Just as we were about to get on it Matthew spotted required Arriva Midlands 4783 on a #10A to Pattingham.

Arriva Midlands 4783 in Wolverhampton bus station

We decided to do this bus as it was likely to be withdrawn from service before the end of the year. We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 4783.

Inside Arriva Midlands 4783

The bus set off out of the bus station and onto the ring road we came back inside the town along Broad Street and we turned right into princes square and left into Lichfield Street. We ran out of town stopping on Lichfield street and Darlington Street and we crossed the ring road onto Chapel Ash. There appeared to be about 4 buses an hour as far as Perton, but we decided to only go as far as Compton, not least because when we left we could say we came Straight Outta Compton... We continued West along the A454 and road very quickly became rural. We barrelled along in the darkness for around 2 miles and such was the village of Compton we actually passed the point where we had intended getting of and we were about a 1/3 of the way to Perton when we decided to get up and get off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 4783 as it went Straight Outta Compton.

Arriva Midlands 4783 in Compton

We crossed the road and we walked along for about 100 yds before we came across a brick shelter, which was most welcome as the rain started to come down heavier. There was a bus due around 16:40. As we stood at the stop we could see distant double deckers turning a corner. It turned out that if we had gone a stop further West that we would have been on the route of the #1 Dudley to Wolverhampton service! The bus turned up and it was around 10 minutes late as it got closer we saw that it was required National Express West Midlands single decker 2069.

NX West Midlands 2069 in Compton

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver for the final time today, before we sat down towards the back of the bus. It wasn't too much of a surprise that the bus was a little late as it seemed to take quite a bit longer that the 18 minutes the journey should have taken when we left town on the Arriva bus. Wolves were playing at home and it was bound to have an effect on traffic, as well as it being the run up to Christmas. We ran back into town down the A454 and passed the Harley Davidson Shop on Chapel Ash. We crossed the ring road onto Salop Street and we ran forwards onto Cleveland Street. We turned left onto Garrick Street following required Arriva Midlands 2707 which was on the #10A service. We then turned right onto Bilston Street. It started to rain heavy and we queue for quite a while in traffic to get onto the ring road and then enter the bus station. Once we got into the bus station the bus didn't empty as the end must be treated as a circular, so we got off the bus and we set off on foot towards where mum was waiting in the car on Tower Street. On the way we saw National Express West Midlands 6760 on a #32 Northwood Park circular.

NX West Midlands 6760 in Wolverhampton bus station

We crossed Pipers Row and we met up with mum, who was waiting with the car with Greggs sausage rolls and a small bottle of Irn Bru for Matthew. We set off out of town back around to Pipers Row and onto the anti clockwise ring road. It took around 20 minutes just to get to the toher side of the bus station ans the Sat Nav took us another way to try and save us time. We turned right onto Wednesfield Road and we zigged through some street up the the A460 before we turned left and crossed back under the railway line before we joined the Northbound A449. As mum didn't have much dinner (Matthew ate 1/2 of it), we decided to stop for some chips. We tried to stop at the shops by the Ming Moon but the car park was full and flooded! It took a while to get back onto the A449, and we ran North up to Wobaston Road. There were some shops there and mum went to the Co-op and I got a few chips whilst Matthew and uncle Dave sensibly stayed in the car! We then ran North up the A449 and we got back onto the M6 at Junction 13. We ran North and we were passed by Tyrers Coaches coach TYR 15R. We left the M6 at Junction 15 and we went North up the A500 and we came off at Sideway and went east on the A50. We came off at Longton and we went to check out was was at Z Carz tonight. In the first row was Z Carz minibus FP06 WTW.

Z Carz FP06 WTW in Longton

Next in the front row was Z Carz minibus YS09 LWV.

Z Carz YS09 LWV in Longton

Nearest vehicle in the first row was Z Carz minibus HK57 LGW.

Z Carz HK57 LGW in Longton

In the second row we saw Z Carz Renault minibus MV53 KKO.

Z Carz MV53 KKO in Longton

We turned into Willow Row to see what was in the compound. We saw Z Carz Iveco minibus GK02 NWJ.

Z Carz GK02 NWJ in Longton

We also saw Z Carz Citroen minibus LV59 DZC. Further along the road we saw Z Carz minibus NA06 SUO.

Z Carz NA06 SUO in Longton

We returned onto the A50 and we went to Baths Road so we could fill up with petrol at Tesco. Once we had topped up we re-joined the A50 and we saw Wints coach L964 NWW. We came of the A50 at Heron Cross and we ran through Blurton along Blurton Road. We turned right onto Church Road and right again onto Beaconsfield Drive, getting home around 19:30. For a late tea we had bangers and mash followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Joiners Square / Trent Vale 09-12-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Joiners Square	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
67604	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going to the pub for his tea and going to his Christmas party, 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 DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Blurton

We got on the bus and we set off onto the A5035 where we saw Stanton's of Stoke WR58 LHX. We crossed over the railway line into Trentham. We turned right into New Inn lane and right again into Pacific Drive. After we picked up another service user we headed back onto New Inn Lane and then onto the A5035. We turned left at Church Road and then we went Forwards onto Blurton Road through Blurton and across the A50. We went through Heron Cross and onto Heron Street. Having crossed the railway line we went forwards onto Glebedale Road and to our destination. In the morning Matthew did some baking. Matthew then went to Mcdonalds for dinner in a Intercity taxi. We set off onto Glebdale Ropad and we turned left onto City Road. We turned right onto Manor Street and we ran to the end. We turned left onto Victoria Road and we ran down to mcDonalds. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. When it was time to go we went to the pub in a Lucky Seven taxi. We set off onto Victoria Road and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed over the roundabout onto Lichfield Street and to our destination. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. Highlights of the bus sightings included First Potteries 32081 on a #6 to Weston Coyney and MT Travel DK60 CWY. When it was time to go we got on board Shelton Care Group minibus DY08 FFX. We set off onto Palmeston Street and at the end we turned left onto the A52. We turned left up Victoria Road and we turned right into the private road on which Fenton Manor Sports Complex is situated. We ran up to City road and we turned left. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street. We then turned right onto Christchurch Street and to our destination. After a brief stop we set off onto Glebedale Road and we continued onto Station Bridge Road. We followed the road around onto Heron Street and we went through to Heron Cross. We traveled through Blurton along Blurton Road and we went forwards onto Church Road. At the end we went right onto the A5035. We crossed the railway into Trentham and then right into New Inn Lane. After dropping of a service user we got back onto the A5035 and we ran into Blurton. We got home just before 15:00. Matthew had toast and dandelion & burdock whilst he waited for the time to go out and catch the bus. As Matthew was going to the Chrsitmas party later, we decided to catch the 15:56 towards Newcastle. As I had been to the dentist I had seen any of the #22 turns earlier so the bus was going to be a surprise. We set off on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. Whilst we waited for the bus we saw Stanton's of Stoke black minibus SO57 OKE going into Blurton.

Stanton's of Stoke SO57 OKE in Blurton

A few minutes later, running around 10 minutes late the bus came around the corner and it was dud First Potteries 67604.

First Potteries 67604 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Harpfields Road. We sat down towards the back of the bus and we set off onto the A5035. We crossed over the railway line into Trentham and we passed First Potteries 67602 on a #22 to Longton. AS we turned right into New Inn Lane we saw First POtteries 42554 on a #21 to the Trentham Hotel and First Potteries 67157 on a #21A to Trentham Gardens. We climbed the hill into Hanford and we turned right into Wilson Road. We turned left Church Lane passing City Cabs DN56 HSX and E-zec patient transport YJ16 GGX. We ran down the hill and joined the A34 and we saw white minibus R2 OGO. We crossed under the A500 into Trent Vale passing Newcastle School HX66 AUR going South. We turned right into Harpfields Road and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67604 as it continued towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 67604 in Trent Vale

Once of the bus we walked back onto the A34 and we sat outside the pub whilst we waited for mum to arrive. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 65035 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 65035 in Trent Vale

Mum arrived and we went inside the pub. As it was earlier it was a little busier than normal and we had to sit at a table away from the window. Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses included dud First Potteries 32627 on a #101 service to Stafford. When it was time to go we got in the car to go home and we went South down the A34. WE turned right onto the A500 and we saw an unidentified Target Travel coach. WE turned right onto the A50 and we run up to Heron Cross. We ran through Blurton along Blurton Road and we stopped briefly at the shop to pick something up. We then continued along Blurton Road and turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we got home around 17:30. Matthew got ready to go to his party and we set of around 18:30. We ran down through Blurton along Beaconsfield Drive and we turned left into Church Road. We continued onto BLurton Road and we turned right onto the A50. We turned left onto the A50 Link Road and we joined Victoria Road. Close to the park we saw Viking Travel coach M134 GAP parked at the side of the road. We continued down to joiners Square and we turned right onto the A52. We turned right onto Austen Street and right again to the Joiners Square Community Centre where his party was being held. Outside the venue were a few minibuses. One of the minibus was Shelton Care Group DN60 UKL.

Shelton Care Group DN60 UKL in Joiners Square

Another arrival at the party was City Cabs red minibus DG55 FLK.

City Cabs DG55 FLK in Joiners Square

We left Matthew ate the party where he drank Coke and ate the party food as well as dance! We returned to pick Matthew and we had uncle Dave in the car with us. Outside the venue this time was Afford Rent a Car HN16 CNC. We returned onto the A52 and back home up Victoria Road where we passed First Potteries 63178 on a #6 to Hanley. We ran back to Blurton via the A50 link road, the A50 and Heron Cross. We then continued along Blurton Road and turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we got home around 22:00. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:30... Mark

Trip to Fenton / Tunstall 07-12-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DV10 JCU	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
63099	Fenton, adj Duke of Wellington	Lonton TI	6	First Potteries
63101	Longton TI	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
32081	Newcastle BS	Tunstall, Adj Stop A	99	First Potteries
53041	Tunstall, Adj Stop B	Tunstall, opp Asda superstore	100	First Potteries
53041	Tunstall, opp Asda superstore	Stanfields, adj Shaftesbury Avenue	100	First Potteries
41501	Stanfields, adj Shaftesbury Avenue	Kidsgrove, Adj Queen Street	7	First Potteries
41521	Kidsgrove, Adj Queen Street	Hanley BS	7	First Potteries
67156	Hanley BS	Fenton, adj Albert Square	23	First Potteries
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group

Today Matthew was going to uncle Dave's, but not before he had been to his day service. It was also the first day of the new First Potteries service from Bradeley to Festival park via Tunstall & Burslem. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had a sausage sandwich for breakfast. Matthew's Transport turned up and it was Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Blurton

We got on the bus and we set off onto the A5035. We crossed over the railway line into Trentham. We turned right into New Inn lane and right again into Pacific Drive. After we picked up another service user we headed back onto New Inn Lane and then onto the A5035. We turned left onto Stanley Matthews way and we saw Stanways VAZ 4815 and M53 AWW. We joined the A50 and we ran up to Heron Cross. We went through Heron Cross and onto Heron Street. Having crossed the railway line we went forwards onto Glebedale Road and to our destination. In the morning Matthew was going to Tunstall Asda superstore via Longton on the bus. We set off on foot onto Glebedale Road and we turned right onto City Road. We walked up to the stop opposite outside the old Duke of Wellington pub and whilst we waited we saw Stanton's of Stoke minibus RUI 2486. A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was dud First Potteries 63099 on a #6 to Weston Coyney.

First Potteries 63099 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Longton Interchange. The bus set off up City Road and forwards onto King Street. The bus ran fir around a mile up to the edge of Longton and we saw First Potteries 67640 on a #6 to Hanley. We went under the railway line and we turned right onto baths Road before entering the Transport Interchange from the East end. We got off the bus and then we went for a walk to onto the Strand and through the market. We walked through Bennett Precinct and we went into Home Bargains & B&M. Omnce we had finished shopping we walked back down the strand and we stopped at Costa Coffee. Matthew had a glass of Coke. We then walked to the Transport Interchange to wait for a #11 to Newcastle and we saw First Potteries 67603 on a #11 to Hanley. A few minutes later the bus arrived and it was required First Potteries 63101.

First Potteries 63101 in Longton Interchange

We got on the bus and booked to Newcastle. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 63101.

Inside First Potteries 63101

We sat down and the bus set off our of the Transport Interchange and onto Baths Road. We turned left onto King Street and we ran under the railway line. We continued forwards onto City Road and we ran to the bottom of the hill and onto the A52. We went under the railway line and we crossed over the A500 and we ran into Stoke town centre. We ran along Church Street and we climb the hill into Hartshill before dropping down into Newcastle along George Street. After going around the one way system and onto the Jubilee roundabout we turned left onto Barracks Road and into the bus station. Once off the bus we walked along Hassell Street and onto Friar Street. We crossed under the A34 and we went to Morrison's for dinner. Matthew had a big breakfast minus the mushrooms & tomatoes with a cup of Coke. Once we had finished we walked back up to the bus station. We wanted to catch a bus up to Tunstall so we went to the top stands to wait for a #99. A few minutes later the bus arrived and it was dud First Potteries 32081. We booked to Tunstall and we went upstairs and sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We crossed over the roundabout and onto the A527. We ran through Wolstanton to Porthill and we ran down the bank and over the A500 into Longport. We ran up the hill and we turned left onto Brownhills Road. At the top of the hill we entered Tunstall and ran along the High Street were we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we crossed over the road to wait for the new #100 service. The bus came around the corner and it was First Potteries 53041. We got on the bus and we booked to Asda. We set off down the high Street and we turned into Woodland Street and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew went shopping in Asda and brought a can of Coke and then we waited for the bus to me around again. An hour later the bus turned up and it was First Potteries 53041 as expected. We got on the bus and we booked to Stanfields before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along Woodland Street and onto the A5271. We followed the road around to the right and then down Brownhills Road. We turned left into Westport Road and we ran down to Burslem town centre. We turned right onto Waterloo Road and we ran towards Cobridge and into Festival Park. We ran along Pavillion Drive and we did a U turn at the roundabout and returned onto the A53. We ran through Cobridge Lights and we ran up to Sneyd Green and got onto the A5272. We ran up to Smallthorne Roundabouts and we turned right onto Ford Green Road. We ran to the bottom and we turned left onto Chell Heath Road and we ran up to Bradeley Village. After a short wait the bus returned onto Chell Heath road and we turned right onto Ford Green Road. We ran up the hill and at the roundabouts we turned right onto High Lane. We ran along for a few stops and then we got up and got off the bus. We decided to wait for the next #7 to Kidsgrove. A few minutes later on turned up and it was dud First Potteries 41501. We got on the bus we and we booked to Kidsgrove. The bus set off along High Lane. At the end we turned left onto the A527. We turned right onto Turnhurst Road and we ran up to Packmoor. We continues into Newchapel and onto the High Street. We turned left onto Pennyfields Roads and at the roundabout we went onto Newchapel Road. We ran through the estate via Galleys bank and we ran into Kidsgrove and the bus terminated on King Street where we got up and got off the bus. We waited for the next bus to turn up which was dud First Potteries 41521. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley. We travelled back via Newchapel and Packmoor back to Chell and we joined High Lane. We ran through to Smallthorne roundabout and we continued long the A5272 through Sneyd Green. We ran into Hanley along Town Road and we crossed over the roundabout onto Quadrant Road. We ran forwards onto Stafford Road and we went past the town hall onto Bagnall Street. We entered the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. We then need to get back to Fenton so we decided to do a #23. We walked down the bottom end of the bus station and we saw dud First Potteries 67156 on a #23 to Newstead. We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton. The bus set off out of the bus station and we ran down John Street onto Bethesda Street. We crossed over the ring road And we ran down Cauldon Road into Shelton. We passed the railway station and we turned right onto Glebe Street past the roadworks. We went forwards onto Church Street and we crossed over the A500 onto City Road. We ran under the railway line and up the hill and we turned right into Christchurch Street where we got up and got off the bus. We walked back to the day centre and and we got on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX for the journey back home. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we continued onto Station Bridge Road. We followed the road around onto Heron Street and we went through to Heron Cross. We got onto the A50 and we and we ran West to Stanley Matthews Way. At the end we went right onto the A5035. We crossed the railway into Trentham and then right into New Inn Lane. After dropping of a service user we got back onto the A5035 and we ran into Blurton. We got home just before 15:00. When matthew got home he had some toast followed by the last of the Coke Zero Sugar. Uncle Dave had come to visit and Matthew chilled out on his computer for an hour or two and then he had sausage chips and gravy for tea followed by a Tunnock's Caramel biscuit. Just after 20:00 we set off in the car to go around to uncle Dave's. We ran onto the A5035 and we turned right onto Stanley Matthew's Way. We ran up to Heron Cross and we dropped into Fenton and we stopped at uncle Dave's for a few hours. Matthew shared a can of tango and we ate some custard creams. Uncle Dave's VJ/DJ set as always started with 'cat on a motorbike' or Chillout by Youth of Britain. Other tunes included songs by Cat Power and The Fall and as always the set ended with 'Story of the Blues' by The Mighty Wah! We set off a little after 22:00 and we ran down to the A500. We did a u-turn over the City Road junction and we ran South down the A500 to the A519. We turned left onto Whitmore Road and we joined the Southbound A34. We turned left onto the A5035 and we got home around 22:20. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 23:30... Mark

Trip to Clayton / Newcastle 06-12-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Fenton Poundstretcher	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton Poundstretcher	Clayton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Clayton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
67638	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Newcastle, opp Cherry Tree PH	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going to Grandma's, but not before he had been to his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00. He got dressed and had 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 DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Blurton

We got on the bus and we set off onto the A5035. We crossed over the railway line into Trentham. We turned right into New Inn lane and right again into Pacific Drive. After we picked up another service user we headed back onto New Inn Lane and then onto the A5035. We turned left at Church Road and then we went Forwards onto Blurton Road through Blurton and across the A50. We went through Heron Cross and onto Heron Street. Having crossed the railway line we went forwards onto Glebedale Road and to our destination. In the morning Matthew watched a DVD. for dinner Matthew had a pizza. In the afternoon Matthew went out shopping. Transport for the trip was Shelton care Group DV10 JCU. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned left onto City Road. We ran down the hill and and we joined the Northbound A52. Near to the railway station we saw First Potteries 32639 on a #25 to Keele. We went forwards onto Station Road and at the end we turned right onto Stoke Road where we saw Premier Travel LG09 OFK. We went up the hill and and to Shelton New Road where we had a brief stop at the other day centre. Once we had finished we returned onto Stoke Road via Caledonia Road and we ran up Snow Hill into Hanley. We went around the ring and we turned right onto Lichfield Street. At Joiners Square we crossed over the roundabout onto Victoria Road and we stopped at Poundstretcher to do some shopping. Matthew went in and brought some chocolate bars before returning to the minibus. We then headed to the pub in Clayton. We set off onto Victoria Road and we crossed over the roundabout Lichfield Street. We got onto the anti-clockwise ring road and we saw Stanton's of stoke minibus PSU 988 parked up at Hinde Street. We ran around to Etruria Road and we turned left and headed under the A53 onto Festival Way. After running around the loop of festival Way and Forge Lane we re-joined the A53 and we saw ABC Supreme SJ13 WYD. We ran over the A500 into Basford and we dropped down into Newcastle and went around the one-way system. We went down Barracks Road past the bus station and we joined onto the A519. We ran South for around a mile an we stopped at the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. He also went to the play area. Once they had done we returned to the day centre on Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We set off onto the A519 and we ran North to Newcastle. We ran past the bus station and we joined the Eastbound A53 through Basford and into Etruria. We turned left onto Forge lane and we ran around to Festival Way where we saw Z Carz minibus LV59 DZC at Waterworld. We ran back under the A53 onto Etruria Road. We joined the ring road and we ran around to Lichfield Street. At Joiners square we went across the A52 onto Victoria Road and we ran up to the top and we turned right onto City Road. We turned left onto Glebedale road and to our destination. After a quick stop Matthew continued home on Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we continued onto Station Bridge Road. We followed the road around onto Heron Street and we went through to Heron Cross. We travelled through Blurton along Blurton Road and we went forwards onto Church Road. At the end we went right onto the A5035. We crossed the railway into Trentham and then right into New Inn Lane. After dropping of a service user we got back onto the A5035 and we ran into Blurton. We got home just before 15:00. Matthew took a picture of Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU before it returned to Fenton.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Blurton

Once in the house Matthew had toast and a glass of Coke Zero Sugar 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. I had seen bus earlier and it was booked to be dud First Potteries 67638. A few minutes later running bang on time we saw dud First Potteries 67638 turned the corner as expected.

First Potteries 67638 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We joined the Westbound A5035 and we ran over the railway line into Trentham. We turned right into New Inn Lane and we climbed the hill into Hanford were we saw First Potteries 67634 on a #22 to Longton. We turned right into Wilson Road passing First Potteries 67151 on a #21 to the Trentham Hotel. We turned left Church Lane and we ran down the hill passing First Potteries 42554 on a #21 to the Trentham Hotel. We joined the A34 and we crossed under the A500 into Trent Vale and we saw Newcastle School minibus EJ60 KXH. We turned right Harpfields Road and we ram forwards onto Hilton Road where we passed First Potteries 67636 on the final #22 turn. We turned into the City General hospital and we saw ABC Supreme SB56 SKV and First Potteries 37159 on a #25 to Hanley and E-zec patient transport YJ16 GEY. We rejoined the A34 and we travelled North about 1/2 mile and we got up and got off the bus and Matthew took a picture of First Potteries 67638 as it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 67638 in Newcastle

We crossed over the A34 and we then walked back towards Grandma's house. At Grandma's Matthew had a can of Irn Bru and used her computer. We said goodbye to Grandma around 18:15 and we ran down to the A34. We went past Newcastle bus station and we went around the Jubilee roundabout. We joined the Eastbound A53 and After crossing the A500 we ran through Etruria and up through Cobridge. We stopped at the Yorkshire Fisheries chip shop and we had a few chips to share in the car. We then returned onto the A53 via Furnival Street and Sneyd Street. We turned left onto Sandbach Road and into Smallthorne via Sneyd Hill. We crossed the roundabouts and we ran down Ford Green Road. We turned left onto Fell Street and right onto Coseley Street. After a brief stop at the bottom end of Smallthorne and we turned right onto Chell Heath Road. We turned right onto Ford Green Road and we ran around Saturn Road, Mars Street and Jupiter Street. We missed doing something so we returned to the bottom of Smallthorne via Ford Green Road and Ashman Street. After we had done we returned to the top of Smallthorne via Chell Heath Road, ford Green Road, Saturn Road and Mars Street. We stopped for a short while and we saw D&G 119 on a #9 to Hanley. We ran back up to Smallthorne Roundabout and we turned left onto High Lane and we passed First Potteries 41514 on a #8A to Endon. We ran into Hanley and onto the ring road. We turned left onto Lichfield Street. At Joiners Square crossed the roundabout onto Victoria Road. We stopped at McDonalds to pick up food for Matthew. We continued up Victoria Road onto the A50 link road. We ran up to the A50 and we went West to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton. We turned right into Church Road and right again onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 19:45. When we got back Matthew ate his McDonalds, which was a cheeseburger, fries and chicken nuggets washed down with a Coke. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 23:30... Mark

Trip to Wigan / Bolton 03-12-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2678	Wigan BS	Horwich, Chorley New Rd/The Crown (Stop D)	575	Arriva NW&W
15239	Horwich, Lee Lane/The Crown (Stop A)	Bolton BS	125	Stagecoach Lancashire
2828	Wigan BS	Bolton, Selkirk Road/turning circle	534	Arriva NW&W
2828	Bolton, Selkirk Road/turning circle	Bolton, Blackburn Rd/Three Pigeons (Stop E)	534	Arriva NW&W
1873	Bolton, Blackburn Rd/Three Pigeons (Stop E)	Bolton BS	1	Transdev Lancashire United
19524	Bolton BS	Wigan BS	540	Stagecoach Manchester

Today we decided to re-visit Wigan. We gave Matthew a list of destinations in the North West and Midlands and from the list he chose Wigan. Research for the trip consisted only of checking the weather for today which was for a cold sunny day. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had a giant crumpet and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 11;30 and we ran through Blurton along Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we went left onto Blurton Road. We stopped at the shop briefly so mum could drop something off with a friend and then we continued up Blurton Road to Heron Cross. We turned left onto the Westbound A50 and at Sideway we went North up the A500. We decided to stop for gas so we came off the A500 at Shelton New Road where we saw First Potteries 65034 on a #101 to Stafford. We turned at the old Twyfords factory and we ran up to Eturia to stop for gas. Whilst I filled up we saw First Potteries 37156 on a #4A to Kidsgrove. Once we had filled up we got onto the WEstbound A53 and we re-joined the Northbound A500. Traffic was light and as we went North we passed Holmeswood PO12 EOA, S&S Travel M940 JBO & Lakeside YN56 ORY. We got onto the Northbound M6 and once again traffic was fairly light. As we travelled North we saw Diamond Coaches double decker N125 YRW and Hollinshead Coaches mini coach WA08 GPZ. We Passed the A54 junction and Red Rose Neoplan coach N60 PLN came onto the M6 behind us and then overtook us.

Red Rose N60 PLN on the M6

We also saw Ellisons coach YR16 UCN which we very slowly caught up with as we went through the roadworks section.

Ellisons YR16 UCN on the M6

We went over the Thelwall viaduct and beyond the M62 and passed quickly through a short section of roadworks around Winwick. A few miles further up the M6 we left the motorway and we ran into Wigan up the A49. As we went into town we saw Coachmaster Travel H10 RFL & dud Arriva NW&W 4577 on a #385 to Southport. Outside Wigan North Western railway station we saw Ogdens Travel coach S111 JDO on rail replacement work. We turned left into King Street west and we parked up on the corner of Crawford Street and Bishopgate. Today we decided to eat somewhere differently. we walked up Hallgate past Mr Chips and we turned left into Market Street. We decided to try out The New Chippery on Market Street which mum had seen before on previous visits, but we had never been in. When we got there we saw that it was busy but we were able to get a table. Matthew went to the toilet and then had sausage chips and gravy with bread and butter washed down with a small bottle of Coke. Once we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and we walked into the bus station via the alleyway from Market Street. One of the first things we noticed were a couple of brand new white Enviro200's... The first was Hatton's Travel SN66 WLB which was on a #607 to Ashton Heath.

Hatton's Travel SN66 WLB in Wigan bus station

The other bus was also Hatton's Travel... It was Hatton's Travel SN66 WLA on a #613 to New Springs.

Hatton's Travel SN66 WLA in Wigan bus station

We decided to carry on around the bus station looking for something interesting to catch. On layover in the North West corner of the bus station was required Stagecoach Manchester 36790 on a #625 Beech Hill circular service.

Stagecoach Manchester 36790 in Wigan bus station

We walked over to the middle stands and we saw required Arriva NW&W 2689 about to work a #320 service to St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 2689 in Wigan bus station

We walked up the middle stand and we saw required Arriva NW&W 2678 on a #575 to Bolton.

Arriva NW&W 2678 in Wigan bus station

We decided to do this bus so we waited in the queue before we got on it. We purchased System One bus only day tickets at £5.20 before we sat down towards the back of this well filled bus. The bus set off out of the bus station out of the North West exit and onto New Markert Street We ran around the town clockwise and we went via Greenhough Street onto Scholes. As we ran out of town Scholes became Whelley. They don't have have some strange street names in these here parts... We continued North Eastwards through New Springs and we went forwards onto Wigan Road. On the Eastern Edge of Aspull we turned left onto Holly Road and left again onto St David's Crescent. At the end we turned right onto the B5239 and we ran ran Southwards into the centre of Aspull. We turned left onto Scot lane and we ran Eastwards out of town. We came to T junction and we turned left onto the B5408. To the left of us we could see a large transmitter on top of a hill. A little research revealed it is Winter Hill, the main TV transmitter for the North West. We travelled North through the village of Blackrod, and then when we got to the other side of the village we went South down the A6. At the next big crossroads we turned left onto Station Road and we passed Blackrod railway station and then went under the M61. We climbed the hill into Horwich and when the bus turned right into Chorley New Road we decided to get up and get off the bus so that we could catch something different into Bolton. We saw the bus go South Eastwards towards Lostock and then we walked through the car park of The Crown pub onto Lee Lane. There was a bus due in a few minutes so we waited patiently at the stop. Whilst we were there we saw First Manchester 69172 on a #575 service. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching.. As it got closer we saw that it was required Stagecoach Lancashire 15239 on a #125 to Bolton.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15239 in Horwich

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One day tickets to the driver before we went upstairs. As the top deck was empty matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach Lancashire 15239.

Inside Stagecoach Lancashire 15239

We set off along Lee Lane and we went through the centre of Horwich. It was a little smaller than I thought it was and we went out of the other side into familiar territory. We passed the point from which we had previously travelled North from Bolton when we came to Horwich back in August 2013. We had now done the entire route from Bolton to Preston, albeit in sections and over several years... We continued Eastwards through Bottom O' Th' Moor and down the hill through Monserrat and Doffcocker. We crossed the ring road and continued along St George's Street and we turned right onto Knowsley Street going past the Market Place Shopping Centre. We turned right onto Deansgate and and we ran to the end where we turned left onto Moor Lane. We entered the bus station from the West end and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we had a walk around on the way to the toilet. As we walked along the East side of the bus station we saw First Manchester 37547 waiting to work a #8 to Manchester.

First Manchester 37547 in Bolton bus station

We also saw Arriva NW&W Plaxton President 4183 about to work a #534 to the Oldhams estate.

Arriva NW&W 4183 in Bolton bus station

As we carried on South along the bus station we saw required First Manchester 30948 on a #524 service to Bury.

First Manchester 30948 in Bolton bus station

We walked along the South end of the bus station to the South Western corner where the Tardis style toilet is located. Today it was actually working! Matthew used the facilities and then we walked around the bus station looking for something to catch next. On Black Horse Street we saw required First Manchester 69150 about to work a #575 to Horwich.

First Manchester 69150 in Bolton bus station

Along the North end of the bus station is an area where buses layover between local services. On one of the layover area we saw required Arriva NW&W 2828 which was in between workings on the #534 Oldhams estate service.

Arriva NW&W 2828 in Bolton bus station

We sat down by the stop for the #125 to Preston and when one came in Matthew decided he wasn't going to do that bus. whilst we made a decision on what to do we saw Rotala Diamond 40415 which was on the #300 to The Trafford Centre.

Rotala Diamond 40415 in Bolton bus station

Matthew decided he wanted to do Arriva NW&W 2828 which was on the #534 to the Oldhams estate. I knew it was a quick out and back service, so we decided to do it. We got on the bus and we flashed the System One day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station onto Black Horse Street onto Great Moor Street past the new Bolton Bus station which is due to open in Spring 2017. We ran North up the A575 and we turned left into Deansgate. We turned right into Bridge Street and we ran out of town over the ring road. We continued North onto Blackburn Road and we went up to Astley Bridge. We turned left onto the A675 and then left again onto Broad O' Th' Lane. We went into the estate along MacKenzie Street and then left onto Athlone Avenue. We went North up Selkirk Road until we got to the turning circle. The bus emptied out and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2828.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2828

We decided to travel back to the main road and catch something else back into Bolton, as it looked like we would do too many more buses as it was starting to go dark! I went back up to the front and flashed the System one tickets to the driver and we set off back down Selkirk Road onto Athlone Avenue. We travelled back to the main road via MacKenzie Street, Broad O' Th' Lane and the A675. When we got back onto Blackburn Road we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2828 before it carried on back to Bolton.

Arriva NW&W 2828 in Astley Bridge

We decided to nip into the local newsagent and buy a few things Matthew chose a can of Coke and a can of Tizer as well as a couple of chocolate bars. We checked the timetable at the stop and we saw there was a #1 to Bolton due in less than 5 minutes. Within the 5 minutes the bus turned up and as it got closer we saw that it was dud Transdev Lancashire United 1873.

Transdev Lancashire United 1873 in Astley Bridge

We got on the bus bus and we flashed the System One day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. This was a bus that we first had from Bolton to Egerton back in August 2013. We set off down Blackburn Road and we travelled the mile or so into the town centre. We ran down Bridge Street and we turned right into St George's Road. We turned left into Knowsely Street and we passed the Market Place Shopping Centre before going into the bus station via Deansgate and Moor Lane. When we got to the bus station we let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Transdev Lancashire United 1873.

Inside Transdev Lancashire United 1873

Once we got off the bus, we had a quick wander around the bus station whilst we decided how were going to get back to Wigan. whilst we walked around we saw dud First Manchester 66880 on a #524 to Bury.

First Manchester 66880 in Bolton bus station

Matthew didn't want to do a #125 so we waked up to the stop from which the#540 departs. When we got there we saw required Stagecoach Manchester 21245. For some reason Matthew didn't want to do this bus. A few minutes later the following bus turned up and it was required Stagecoach Manchester 19524.

Stagecoach Manchester 19524 in Bolton bus station

It looked like Matthew wasn't going to get on this bus either. Whilst we tried to persuade Matthew that it was in his best interest to catch this bus, we saw Park's of Hamilton (National Express) HSK 652 go by on a #328 service to Blackpool. Eventually we got on the bus and we flashed the System One day tickets to the driver for the final time today before we went upstairs. The top deck was empty at the rear so matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach Manchester 19524 before we sat down.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 19524

The bus set off put of the bus station onto Moor Lane and we went forwards onto Deane Road. We ran about 3 miles out of town and we crossed under the M61. Near to the Chequerbent roundabout we saw an unidentified Grayways coach parked up at the side of the road. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A6 and we saw a giant illuminated santa at the Mercury service station. We turned left onto Bolton Road and we ran down towards Westhoughton. We turned right onto Market Street and we passed through the town centre of Westhoughton. We turned left and we joined the Southbound A58. At the corner in the road we turned left into Southfield Drive and we worked our way across to the B5235. We went South past daisy Hill railway station and we turned right into Lower Leigh Road. We turned left onto Hindley Road and we ran through to Hindley via Swan Lane. We turned right onto Green Lane and we headed through the estate between Hindley Green and Hindley where we passed an unidentified Shearing Holidays coach going the other way. We joined the A58 and we ran down int Hindley centre where we turned right onto the A577. We crossed under the railway line and past Walmesley park and we continued into Ince. We followed the road to the left and we ran the last 1/2 mile to the eastern edge of Wigan town centre. We crossed the A49 onto King street and we ran into the town centre. We crossed Wallgate onto King Street West and we ran into the bus station up Dorning Street. Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet and then we walked around the bus station and we took a few pictures... Buses seen around the bus station were Stagecoach Manchester 19518, Stagecoach Manchester 36796 on a #621 Kit Green circular, Arriva NW&W 2688 on layover between runs on service #362 and Stagecoach Manchester 19524 outside the bus station on layover. We went back to the car where mum was waiting with Greggs sausage rolls. Matthew also had a small bottle of Irn Bru. We set off around the one way system and we joined Frog lane before cutting across to the A49 via Prescott Street and Miry Lane. We went North past the pier and then we went around the other side going South Pottery Road. After we passed the big roundabout we travelled a couple of miles South before we joined the M6 at Junction 25. It was nor fully dark and we didn't see a great deal as we travelled South. What we did see was S&S Travel M940 JBO that we had seen on the A500 earlier. We came off the M6 at Junction 16 and we ran South down the A500 to Sideway. We went east on the A50 and we came off it again at Longton so we could see what was parked up at Z Carz this evening. In the first row we saw Z Carz minibus MV53 KKO.

Z Carz MV53 KKO in Longton

Next in the row was Z Carz Volkswagen minibus OV05 WSW.

Z Carz OV05 WSW in Longton

Next in the row was Z Carz LDV minibus PN06 ONM.

Z Carz PN06 ONM in Longton

Nearest in the the first row was Z Carz silver LDV minibus CN57 HWA.

Z Carz CN57 HWA in Longton

nearest bus in the second row was Z Carz Renault minibus BU04 GYW.

Z Carz BU04 GYW in Longton

We turned into Willow Row to see what was in the compound. There appeared to another new minibus PE10 MJK.

Z Carz PE10 MJK in Longton

We returned onto the A50 and we ran Westwards to Heron Cross where we came off onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurtona nd we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right again onto Beaconsfield Drive and we got home around 18:45. For a let tea Matthew had bangers and mash followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Hanley / Trent Vale 02-12-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67602	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going to the pub for his tea, but before he was going to the dentist. Matthew should have been going to his day service, but he was currently off sick. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had a giant crumpet and orange juice for breakfast. Mum went out just before 09:00 and we set off for the dentist around 09:20. We set off through Blurton on Beaconsfield Drive and we turned left onto Church Road. We turned left again onto Blurton Road and we ran down through Blurton to Heron Cross where we saw Lightning Travel T2 DLT parked up. We crossed over the A50 and we dropped down into Fenton to pick up uncle Dave. After we had picked uncle Dave up we continued down to the A500. At the junction of City Road we saw Copeland's Tours new coach MIB 783 about turn right onto City Road.

Copelands Tours MIB 783 in Stoke

We continued along the A500 to the Stoke Road junction and we turned right onto Stoke Road. We went under the railway line and up the hill through Shelton and forwards onto Snow Hill. At the ring road we went right and we ran around town to Town Road where we crossed over the ring road and came back the other way. We came off the ring road onto Upper Huntbatch Street and we turned left into Garth Street where we parked the car. We walked over to the dentists and Matthew was perfectly well behaved whilst he had a check up and we discussed future treatment. Once we had finoshed we headed back to the car and we drove back onto the ring road. We turned left onto Lichfield Street and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. After crossing over the roundabout we ran up Victoria Road and we turned right onto the A50 link road. We joined the Westbound A50 and we came off again on Blurton Road at Heron Cross. We ran through Blurton along Blurton Road and we turned right onto Church Road and right again onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got back home around 10:40. The plan was now for uncle Dave to look after Matthew whilst I went to the railway to do some work. Matthew had other ideas and insisted on coming with me! We set off just after 11:00 onto Beaconsfield Drive and we ran through Blurton along Church Road and Blurton Road. At Heron Cross we went Eastwards along the A50 to Longton where we came off onto baths Road. In Longton Interchange we saw First Potteries 53830 on a #12 service. We also saw First Potteries double decker 32057 coming into the interchange on a #11 service. We turned right onto Market Street and we turned left onto Anchor Road. We turned right onto Sutherland Street and we saw blue minibus GN03 MTZ in it's usual spot near to the police station. We turned right onto Weston Coyney Road and we followed an unidentified white F&L Travel minibus. At the end of Weston Coyney Road we turned left onto the A520. There were some temporary traffic lights and once we had passed them and got onto the fast section we stormed up to Cellarhead. We went across the crossroad and forwards into Wetley Rocks and then into Cheddleton. We turned right onto Basford Bridge Road and we ran down into the valley and parked up outside the railway station. After Matthew had been to the toilet he helped me hang some Christmas decorations and then we cleaned seats and tables of strands of tinsel that had fallen off during decoration. At dinner time we ran back up the the A520 and Matthew had a burger and a can of Coke at the Truckers Tucker food van. We ate the burger and we drove back down to the station. After Matthew had used the toilet we went through the rest of the train and cleaned the seats of tinsel as well as wiping down all of the table on the train ready for service tomorrow. After doing some cleaning in hr toilets and the old mess room we got back into the car and we set off home. We turned right onto Basford Bridge Road climbed the hill onto the A520 where we saw City cabs EF05 OLX heading towards Cheddleton village. We went through Wetley Rocks to Cellarhead and across the crossroads and into weston Coyney. After the temporary traffic lights we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 986 & MIB 268 going the other way. We ran to Meir and at the roundabout we turned right and joined the Westbound A50. We ran down a couple of junction to Longton and we came off onto the high level A50. We went past Z Carz and we saw CE02 LYX / S973 OVP / Y568 XFV parked up on the spare ground. We turned left onto Heathcote Street and we hit heavy traffic outside the school. We then saw D&G 109 on the #40 to Hanley. We continued onto Longton Hall Road and at the end we turned left onto Blurton Road. We turned right onto Church Road and right again onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got back home around 15:30 and we saw first Potteries 67643 on a #22 to Longton. Once in the house Matthew had toast and a glass of shandy. 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. I hadn't seen the bus earlier so we didn't know what to expect apart from it wouldn't be First Potteries 67643 as that was on the bus before. The bus turned the corner and it was was First Potteries 67602.

First Potteries 67602 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Harpfields Road. We sat down towards the back of the bus and we set off onto the A5035. We crossed over the railway line into Trentham and we passed First Potteries 67633 on a #22 to Longton. We turned right into New Inn Lane and we climbed the hill into Hanford. We turned right into Wilson Road and we passed First Potteries 67151 on a #21A to Trentham Gardens. We turned left Church Lane passing first Potteries 67156 closely followed by First Potteries 67155, both on #21's to the Trentham Hotel. We ran down the hill and joined the A34 and we saw white minibus R2 OGO. We crossed under the A500 into Trent Vale passing South Stafford College HJ58 KZA South. We turned right into Harpfields Road and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67602 as it continued towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 67602 in Trent Vale

Once we had seen the bus go up the road we crossed over and walked down to the A34. We walked back to the pub and we sat on the wall to wait for mum. Whilst we were there we saw Newcastle School HJ60 KXH, First Potteries 65038 on a #101 to Hanley and E-zec patient transport YJ16 GGY. A few minutes pater we saw First Potteries 65039 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 65039 in Trent Vale

We waited a little longer and we saw City Centre Central minibus RV55 XAA. A short while later we saw First Potteries 67643 again on the last #22 turn to Longton.

First Potteries 67643 in Trent Vale

A few minutes later mum turned up and we went 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 Stanton's of Stoke 3093 RU going North as well as required First Potteries 65035 on a #101 service to Stafford. When it was time to go we got in the car to go home and we went South down the A34. As uncle Dave was already with us we didn't have to go and pick him up. We carried on along the A34 through Hanford and into Trentham. Ouside the old Trentham garden we saw Plants minubus P16 NTM parked up in the layby. We turned left onto the A5035 and we crossed over the railway line and into Blurton. We got back around 19:00. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we sorted a few things out. We chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark