Trip to Hanley / Newcastle 08-02-2023

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67152	Fenton, adj Royal Oak	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
63173	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	4A	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw Shelton Care Group YS70 KWG. In the morning we went to Belper by Car. We went downstairs and we got in the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Smithpool Road and then left onto City Road. We ran down the hill and forwards onto the A52 and under the railway line. We turned right onto the Northbound A500 and we ran up through Etruria and Longport to Talke. We came of the A500 onto the A34 and we ran Northwards up to Talke Pits. We cintinued onto the A5011 and forwards onto the A50. We ran past the Stanways Coaches depot and we turned right onto Church Lane. At the end we turned left onto the A34 and we ran to the edge of Congleton. We turned left onto Padgbury Lane and we stopped at the pub. Matthew had a chicken burger and fries with a glass of Coke. He also had chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. When we had finished we returned to Fenton in car. We set off Northwards up Padgbury Lane and we joined the Eastbound A534. We ran down to the A34 and we ran Northwards a couple of junction up the the A54. We ran into the town centre and then we turned right onto the A527. We ran Southwards through Biddulph and Knyppersley and Brindley Ford and we climbed the hill to Chell. We turned left onto the A5272 ans we ran Southwards through Smallthorne, Sneyd Green and Birches Head Hanley on the ring road and back up Victoria Road where they stopped off at Aldi so that Matthew could pick up his weekly shop. Matthew did his shopping and then waited for a taxi back to Fenton. We set off onto Victoria Road and we ran up the hill. We turned right onto Edward Street We turned right onto George Street We turned left onto Manor Street and right onto City Road. We turned left onto Smithpool Road and left again onto Temple Street. Back at the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to use his computer and watch buses. We went downstairs and we set off We walked onto Temple Street and left onto Christchurch Street. We waited for a bus towards Hanley. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67152 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67152 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road. and we joined the A52 to go under the railway line and over the A500. We continued onto Church Street and into the centre of Stoke. After a brief stop we continued around the one-way system onto Elenora Steet and right onto Copeland street. We turned left onto Glebe Street and we went under the railway line before turning left onto Station Road. We went past the railway station and and turned right onto College Road and we saw First Potteries 67151 on a #23 to Newstead. After running the hill through Shelton we continued onto Cleveland Road and forwards onto Regent Road. We turned left onto Lower Bethesda Street and we crossed over the ring road onto Bethesda Street before we turned right onto John Street. We ran up the hill into the bus station and onto stand. Once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67152.

First Potteries 67152 in Hanley bus station

We were considering what bus to do next and we saw First Potteries 33828 on layover. A few minutes later we saw a bus come around the corner. It was First Potteries 63173 on a #4A to Talke Pits.

First Potteries 63173 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto John Street. At the bottom of the road we turned right onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto Broad Street and then we joined the clockwise ring road. At the end we turned left onto Etruria Road before going under the A53 onto Festival Way. We ran past Waterworld and we turned left onto Forge Lane past a new minibus building by the Brindley Farm pub. We looped under the A53 and we joined the Westbound A53. We crossed over the A500 at Etruria and and we ran up the hill into Basford where we saw First Potteries 63117 on a #4 to Hanley. We ran down hill to the edge of Newcastle and we got onto the one way system. At the jubilee roundabout we turned left onto Barracks Road before turning right into the bus station. We got up and we got off the bus. Once off the bus we set off onto Hassell Street and we turned left onto High Street. We stopped at McDonalds. Matthew had a burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. Once we had finished we walked down High Street and we visited Poundland. Matthew brought a can of Coke. We continued along High Street. We turned left into Church Street and we turned left onto the Southbound A34 and we decided to visit the Lidl Store. Matthew brough a couple of small bottles of Coke and a pack of Crunchies. We walked down Stanier Street. When we got into the building Matthew went to the toilet. He also spent time in the soft play area. When we had finished we said goodbye and we returned to Fenton in a taxi. We set off along Stanier Road and we turned left onto Pool Side. We turned left onto Dunkirk and we turned right onto Knutton Lane. We around the roundabout and back onto the Ryecroft and we ran forwards onto the one-way system. We continued onto the A52 and we ran into Hartshill. We veered left onto Shelton New Road and we stopped briefly near to the old Gilberts furniture shop. We continued down Shelton New Road through the traffic lights and we turned right to join the Southbound A500. We stayed on the high level road and we came off the A500 at City Road. We ran under the railway line and up the hill into Fenton. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs and Matthew went to his room. He watched television and used his computer. later on he had a bath. For supper Matthew had some toast. Matthew went to bed around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Hanley / Trentham 07-02-2023

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
65034	Fenton, Victoria Place	Hanley BS	6A	First Potteries
173	Hanley BS	Trentham Gardens	100	D&G Bus
65041	Trentham, Poachers Cottage PH	Hanley BS	101	First Potteries
67152	Hanley BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	23	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We saw Shelton Care Group YP70 JYJ outside. We went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw Temple Street church minibus RX18 GZW. We carried on along Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We waited for a bus towards Hanley. We continued along Christchurch Street. We onto City Road. At the top we crossed over Victoria Road to wait for the bus at the bus stop. We got to the bus stop in time we saw blue minibus YJ69 CFO. A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was dud First Potteries 65034 on a #6 to Hanley.

First Potteries 65034 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down Victoria Road and we crossed over the A52 at Joiners Square. We ran up Lichfield Street past the site of the new housing development. We turned left onto the ring road and we turned right onto Bethesda Street and right onto John Street and into the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. As it got closer we saw that it was D&G Bus 173 on a #100 to Stone.

D&G Bus 173 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before we sat down. We set off onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We crossed over the ring road and we ran down onto Regent Road and forwards onto Cleveland Road. We ran down though Shelton along College Road and we ran down to the railway station. We ran forwards onto the A52 and we ran alongside the railway line before turning right onto City Road. We went South on the A500 which we did down to A34. Once on the A34 we went South through Trentham. Near to the old entrance to the gardens we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we went to across the road the road and into Trentham Gardens. we walked around the North end of the lake and we went to Totally delicious. Matthew had a ham sandwich washed down with bottle of Coke. Afterwards Matthew had an ice cream in a waffle cone. After finishing eating Matthew went to the toilet. Once we had finished eating we walked back through the main gate and onto the A34 opposite the A5035. We turned left and walked along the A34 to the old Gardens entrance where the bus stop is situated. We waited for a bus back towards Hanley. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 65041 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 65041 in Trentham

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down. We set off Northwards up through Hanford along the A34 and we went under the A500 in Trent Vale. We continued Northwards into Newcastle and past the hospital. At the roundabout we turned right onto barracks Road and into Newcastle bus station. After a brief stop we continued towards Hanley. We set off onto Barracks Road and we ran forwards onto the one-way system. We continued onto the A52 and when we got to Hartshill we veered left onto Shelton New Road. We ran over the railway line and canal and we went up to Snow Hill. We turned left and ran up Broad Street. We turned right onto the ring road and left onto Bethesda Street. We turned right onto John Street and we ran up to the bus station. Once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Matthew decided to go to the toilet so we let that bus go. Afterwards we waited for the next bus to Fenton. After a short while we saw First Potteries 67152 on a #23 to Newstead.

First Potteries 67152 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We crossed over the ring road and we ran down onto Regent Road and forwards onto Cleveland Road. We ran down though Shelton along College Road and we ran down to the railway station. We turned right onto Glebe Street and under the railway line an we ran around the one-way system in Stoke and stopped by Stoke Minster. We turned left onto Church Street and we crossed the A500 and we ran under the railway line and we continued onto City Road. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. We crossed over City Road and we cut through to the residential unit. We went upstairs and chilled out in his room to chill out and use the computer. He also watched buses out of the window. We saw ABC Supreme SF17 GHG going towards Heron Cross. Later on Matthew went out to the pub by car. We went downstairs and we got in the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned onto Christchurch street. We ran on to Manor Street and at the end we turned left onto Victoria Road. We ran down the hill to Joiners Square and we crossed over the roundabout onto Lichfield Street. We ran up the hill to Hanley and we joined the anti-clockwise ring road. We turned onto Town Road and we ran towards Birches Head. We ran forwards onto the A5272 and we ran through Sneyd Green into Smallthorne. At the roundabout we turned right onto Ford Green Road. We ran town the hill to the bottom and we turned left into Chell Heath Road. We turned right into Hayes Road and we ran forwards onto Stratheden Road and to the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had a drink of Coke. Once Matthew had finished his drink we returned to Fenton by car. We got in the car and we set off onto Stratheden Road. We ran forwards onto Hayes Street and we turned right onto Chell Heath Road. We turned right onto Ford Green Road and we we ran up Smallthorne Bank. At the roundabouts we turned left onto the A5272 and we ran through Sneyd Green into Birches Head. We ran forwards onto Town Road and and we joined the clockwise ring road. We turned left onto Lichfield Road and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We turned right onto the A52 and we ran towards the railway station. We ran alongside the the railway line and we turned left onto City Road. We ran up the hill into Fenton and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and we returned to the residential unit. We went upstairs to Matthew's room to chill out. For tea Matthew had a Lamb Mince Pasta Bake Cheese & Bacon followed by cake. We went downstairs to the taxi and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto City Road. We ran down the hil into stoke and forwards onto the A52 and we ran alongside the railway line. We passed near to the railway station and we turned right onto College Road. We ran to the top and we continued onto Cleveland Road and forwards onto Regent Road. At the end we turned right onto Lichfield Street and we saw Jayjays Travel SF64 URS. We joined the anti-clockwise ring road. We joined town road and we crossed over the ring-road and headed out of town towards Birches Head. We joinmed the A5272 and we travelled Northwards through Sneyd Green. We turned right onto Milton Road and into the pub car park. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. When we returned to the car. We set off along the A5272 and we ran into Hanley. We ran around the clockwise ring road and we ran around to Botteslow Street and we hit traffic again. We turned left onto Botteslow Street and we ran down to the A52. We turned right and we ran towards Joiners Square. At the roundabout we went left onto Victoria Road and we ran up the hill into Fenton. At the roundabout we turned sharp right onto City Road and we ran down to Smithpool Road where we turned left. We turned left onto Temple Street and we returned to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out. Matthew spent time in his room watching television and using his computer. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Widnes / Warrington 04-02-2023

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
5010	Widnes, Green Oaks	Runcorn BS	61	Arriva NW&W
3048	Runcorn BS	Halton Lea North	82A	Arriva NW&W
3140	Halton Lea South	Runcorn BS	79C	Arriva NW&W
5016	Runcorn BS	Warrington BS	62	Arriva NW&W
3060	Warrington BS	Huyton BS	7	Arriva NW&W
4727	Huyton BS	Cronton, Pex Hill	7	Arriva NW&W
2695	Lunts Heath, The Globe	Widnes, Green Oaks	17	Arriva NW&W

Today we revisited Widnes. We had asked Matthew over a week ago where he would like to go and he chose Widnes. I did no research for the trip other thatn to check the weather, which was for a mild and mainly dull day with a small chance of rain. Matthew got up around 10:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Around 11:45 we got in the car and we set off through Blurton onto Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and into Heron Cross and over the A50. At Heron Cross lights we turned left onto Grove Road. We ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. Once we had picked up uncle Dave, we continued down Wheildon Road and we joined the Northbound A500. Traffic was moving well today pass an un identified Flixbus coach. We joined the Northbound M6 at juntion 16 and we headed through Cheshire. As we got on the motorway we saw a coach ahead of us. We caught it up and passed it and then let the coach go past us. It was Turners Coachways YG22 LVA travelling up to Preston for the Bristol City away match.

Turners Coachways YG22 LVA on the M6

Continuing up the M6 we saw an unidentified Happy Als coach, Alfa 120, Ashcroft's B12 VOL, an unidentified ABC Coach Hire coach, Hollinshead coaches J10 BUS, Stagecoach Megabus 54605, Hills Coaches BV18 YCH, Watts Coaches WJ65 EKW. We came off the M6 at junction 21A and we headed Westwards along the M62. Travelling along the M62 we saw an unidentified grey Bws Peris minicoach. We came off the M62 onto the Southbound A557 and we ran into Widnes. We turned right to get Green Oaks Way. We past the entrance to the bus station and we turn ed left into the car park. We parked up and we set off over the bus station towards the market we saw Harris club for the disabled DK57 NNW parked up near to Morrisons.

Harris club for the disabled DK57 NNW in Widnes

There past of the car park were into a new Starbucks and Burger King. We headed into the market and Matthew used the toilet. We had dinner at the nearby Widnes market Cafe. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Dr Pepper. When we had finished we said goodbye to mum and we walked towards the exit near to the bus station. We asked which buses Matthew wanted to do and he chose Arriva. We decided to head over the river first so we stood on the North side of the bus station. We saw a bus approaching. ON the other side we saw Ashcroft's Travel HIG 5675 on a #26 circular service. As out bus got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 5010 on a #61 to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 5010 in Widnes

We got on the bus and we brought Arriva LCR+ Daysaver tickets at £4.60 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. These bus tickets are valid on Arriva buses all over Merseyside and in Halton, Warrington and Wigan. The bus set off onto Green Oaks Way and we turned right onto Gerrards Street. We ran forwards onto Milton Road and we turned left onto the B5419. We went near to the site where are currently developing a new leisure centre on Moor Lane. We went through the old town and across the roundabout onto Victoria Road. We turned right onto Hutchinson Road and we joined the the A533. We crossed over the Jubilee Bridge. We crossed the bridge into Runcorn and we wheeled around onto Station Road and into the old town. We crossed over the canal and past 'The Archers' pub and onto the High Street. We turned into the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 5010 before it carried on towards Palacefields.

Arriva NW&W 5010 in Runcorn bus station

We had a look around and we decided what we could do. We saw Arriva NW&W 2700 on a #82A to Liverpool. We turned this down. After that we saw Arriva NW&W 3140 on a #79C to Murdishaw. we waited for the bus behind. We saw it was Arriva NW&W 3048 on a #82A to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 3048 in Runcorn bus station

We got on the bus and flashed the Arriva LCR+ Daysaver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of town and as we got close to the town hall on Heath Road, we turned right into Ivy Street and left into Langdale Road. We ran through Halton Lodge Norleane Crescent and Linkway. We ran clockwise around Grangeway and we joined the busway and we ran though Halton Lea shopping centre where we got up and got off the bus. After taking a few bus pictures we set off to go into the shopping centre. We walked through the shopping centre and we went to the toilets. After we had used the toilets we headed over to the South side of the shopping centre where the Runcorn bound buses stop. A few minutes later we saw Arriva NW&W 3041 on a #3C Weston circular.

Arriva NW&W 3041 in Halton Lea

Right behind the town circular was Arriva NW&W 3140 on a #79C to Liverpool Queens Square.

Arriva NW&W 3140 in Halton Lea

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva LCR+ Daysaver tickets to the driver before sat down towards the back of the bus We sat down towards the back of the bus and we set off along the Busway. We carried on West onto Grangeway. We ran through Higher Runcorn and we turned right onto Clifton Road. We ran through onto Moughland Lane and we joined Greenway Road. We ran fast onto the A533 and we turned right over the canal onto Leiria Way and into Runcorn town centre. After stopping the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 3140 as it carried on towards Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 3140 in Runcorn bus station

Once off the bus we headed down to The Ferry Boat for a drink. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we went to the bar and we had a small Coke. When we had finished we went outside to meet up with uncle Dave again. We weren't sure which direct we were going to go at this point. Whilst we were waiting we saw Ashcroft's Travel HIG 5674 on a #52 Beech circular service.

Ashcroft's Travel HIG 5674 in Runcorn bus station

A few minutes later we saw another bus approaching. It was Arriva NW&W 5016 on a #62 to Warrington.

Arriva NW&W 5016 in Runcorn bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Daysaver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of town and as we got close to the town hall on Heath Road, we turned right into Ivy Street and left into Langdale Road. We ran through Halton Lodge Norleane Crescent and Linkway. We ran clockwise around Grangeway and we joined the busway and we ran though Halton Lea North close to the library. We decided to go further East to Warrington. We ran past the hospital and we travelled East for about a mile and the busway. We passed the turning circle and we continued around the busway past Runcorn East railway station. We ran onto Windwill Hill and we Headed North towards Manor Park. We turned right onto Pitts Heath Lane and we ran into Sandymoor. We turned right onto Wharford Lane and left onto Newmoore Lane. We ran forwards onto Calmington Lane and at the roundabout we went onto Runcorn Road. We went under the A558 and we ran near to the Crewe to Warrington line. We crossed over the railway line and we ran into Moore. We ran out of the other side of the village and we joined the Northbound A56. We ran into Walton and we turned right to follow the A56 Eastwards. We ran to Stocton Heath and we joined the Northbound A49. We ran into Warrington and we crossed over the Mersey onto Bridge Street. We turned right onto Academy Way and we turned left and followed Academy Way Northards. We ran fowards onto Scotland Road and we followed it to the end before turning right onto Winwick Street. We entered the bus station from the Easternt end and we pulled onto a stand where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we had a walk around the outside of the bus station. We saw Network Warrington 217 parked up in the layover area.

Network Warrington 217 in Warrington Interchange

We continued around to the West end of the bus station and we saw Network Warrington 93 on a #13 to Great Sankey.

Network Warrington 93 in Warrington Interchange

Another vehicle see was Arriva NW&W 2676 on a #329 to St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 2676 in Warrington Interchange

We headed back into the bus station and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards we went next door to the shop. We brought a Galaxy Caramel and a can of Irn Bru. We went and stood outside of the bus station to wait for the next #7 to Liverpool. Matthew ate the Galaxy Caramel and we watched the buses coming and going. A short time later we saw Arriva NW&W 3060 arrive on a #7 to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 3060 in Warrington Interchange

We went into the bus station and we sat down as we waited for the bus to be readied for service. On the adjacent stand was Network Warrington 82 on a #32 to Widnes.

Network Warrington 82 in Warrington Interchange

When the bus was ready we got on Arriva NW&W 3060 and we flashed the Arriva Daysaver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off Westwards out to the bus station under the shopping centre and we came out on Legh Street. We turned right onto Sankey Street and we ran forwards onto the A5061. We crossed over the Wset Coast main line just North of Warrington Bank Quay railway station and we crossed over the roundabout onto Thewlis Street. We ran through Sankey Brdiges and we crossed over the Sankey Brook and St Helens Canal. We turned left onto the A562 and we ran through Penketh. At a large roundabout be ran forwards onto the A5080 and we continued Westwards into for a few miles until we crossed over the A557. We ran into Lunt's Heath and we ran over a couple of roundabout and continued Westwards through Cronton. We continued Westwards for a further mile or so and we crsooed over the roundabout of the M62 and M57. We continued along the A5080 and we turned right onto Meadow Drive. We turned left onto Manor Farm Road and right onto St Johns Road. We turned left onto Huyton Hey Road and we ran under the railway line. We turned left into the bus station and we ran around onto the stand. We got up and got off the bus and we saw Arriva NW&W 2167 on a #3 to Huyton Industrail Estate.

Arriva NW&W 2167 in Huyton bus station

We realised that we had not passed a #7 going back towards Warrington recently and there was one due. This meant we could head back to Cronton and Catch a bus Southwards from there to Widnes. Whilst we waited we saw Arriva NW&W 2582 on a #9E to Liverpool. A few minutes later our bus appeared. Asd it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 4727 on a #7 to Warrington.

Arriva NW&W 4727 in Huyton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva LCR+ Daysaver tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the bus station and we turned right onto Huyton Hey Road. We turned right onto St John's Road and we turned left onto Manor Road Farm. We turned right onto Meadow Drive and left onto the Eastbound A5080. We crossed the M62 / M57 roundabout and we saw Arriva NW&W 3077 coming the other way. We ran for around a mile through the countryside and we ran into Cronton. It was dark and this was the first time we had been along this route. I had worked out that if we got off at the right place we could catch a bus Southwards into Widnes. At the other end of Cronton we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4727 as it continued towards Warrington.

Arriva NW&W 4727 in Cronton

Once off the bus I checked the bus map. It appeared we needed to carry on Eastwards for about 1/2 mle to the junction with the B5419. We stood at the stop on the jucntion, but when we checked the stop it didn't have the #17 ln the information. We walked around the corner onto the B5419 and we waited for the bus towards Widnes. Whilst we waited we saw Arriva NW&W 2962 on a #17 to St Helens. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. It was Arriva NW&W 2695 on a #17 to Widnes.

Arriva NW&W 2695 in Lunts Heath

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva LCR+ Daysaver tickets to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down the B5419 and we ran past Widnes railway station. We turned left onto Lockett Road and we turned right onto Peel House Lane. We ran forwards onto the B5178 and we crossed over the roundabout and ran into the bus station. We got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2695 as it ran off to turn around.

Arriva NW&W 2695 in Widnes

On the opposite was Network Warrington 76 on a #32 to Warrington.

Network Warrington 76 in Widnes

We walked back to the car and Matthew had a large can of Irn Bru. We set off onto Green Oaks Way and we did a U-turn at the roundabout to headed Southwards. We continued onto Lugsdale Road and we stopped at the end to visit Tony's Chip Shop. We just got there in time as he was about to close. Matthew had sausage and chips. We sat in the car nearby and we ate the food. When we had finished we turned around and we turned right onto Lugsdale Road. We turned into Tesco and we stopped at the petrol station. We filled up with petrol and afterwards we re-joined Lugsdale Road. We turned right to re-join the A557 and we headed Northwards up to the motorway. We travelled North for around 3 mile before we turned right onto the Eastbound M62. At junction 10 we got onto the Southbound M6 and we headed Southwards through Cheshire. As we travelled South we saw an unidentified Happy Als coach. and an unidentified Travellers Choice coach. At junction 16 we went South down the A500 through Longport and Etruria into Stoke. On the A500 we saw South Staffs Coach Hire KBZ 772(RR). We came off the A500 and we diverted onto Wheildon Road. We dropped off uncle Dave and Matthew got out to use the toilet. He also had some of uncle Rob's Irn Bru. We updated uncle daves calendar to show recent activity. Once we had dropped off uncle Dave we set off onto Wheildon Road and past the former Regent pub which is now up for sale. We ran forwards onto Grove Road and we saw green minibus R482 NDM parked up. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto the A5035 and we got back to Blurton around 20:00. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we did some of the Blog. We also wrote a few emails and generally used the computer to entertain ourselves. We watched TV and Matthew got ready for bed. Matthew settled down around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Hanley / Newcastle 03-02-2023

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67154	Hanley BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	23	First Potteries
63172	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
35944	Newcastle BS	Newcastle, O/s Cherry Tree PH	25	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus. He was alson going to Blurton later on and to visit Grandma. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to Blurton and we saw Sandford Hill Primary School DK68 BWW. Matthew went into the living room and we saw Temple Street Church RX18 GZW. We went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we saw First Potteries 67154 on a #23 to Hanley. After we had finished we went to Hanley in a Intercity taxi. We got in the taxi and we set off along Temple Street. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we crossed over City Road onto Manor Street. On George Street we saw Stanton's of Stoke TPY 245. We turned left onto Victoria Road and we headed down to Joiners Square. We ran to the edge of Hanley and we stopped at Venus Fish Bar for dinner. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with can of Irn Bru. When we had finished eating we crossed over the ring road and we cut through onto Birch Terrace. We walked onto Lichfield Street and into the bus station. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we waited for a bus to Fenton. We saw First Potteries 67143 on a #7A to Biddulph. We were waiting for a bus back to Fenton. As short time later a bus appeared. We saw First Potteries 65035 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 65035 in Hanley bus station

Not long afterwards a bus appeared. We saw it was First Potteries 67154 on a #23 to Newstead.

First Potteries 67154 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We crossed over the ring road and we ran down onto Regent Road and forwards onto Cleveland Road. We ran down though Shelton along College Road and we ran down to the railway station. We turned right onto Glebe Street and under the railway line an we ran around the one-way system in Stoke and stopped by Stoke Minster. We turned left onto Church Street and we crossed the A500 and we ran under the railway line and we continued onto City Road. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. We crossed over City Road and we cut through to the residential unit. We went upstairs and chilled out in his room to chill out and use the computer. He also got the present ready to take up to Grandma later on. Around 15:00 we appeared to take Matthew out. He came downstairs and placeed the present in the car before saying goodbye to mum. We set off on foor to the bus stop. Mum called us up after she realised I'd left my keys in the car. She drove around to the bus stop and dropped the keys off with us. A short time later we saw a Newcastle bus approaching. It was First Potteries 63172 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63172 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre. along Church Street. After a brief stop in Stoke we continued along church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road. We ran up the hill and into Hartshill. We ran forwards onto George Street and we ran down the hill into Newcastle. We turned left at the roundabout onto Barracks Road and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we looked for another bus to catch towards Grandma's. We walked down to the South end of the bus station and we sat on the bench. We saw blue minibus YC65 CUU. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 35944 on #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 35944 in Newcastle bus station

We headed up the bus station to get on the double decker. Whilst we waited to get on the bus we saw First Potteries 67172 on a #22 to Longton.

First Potteries 67172 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to the hospital before we went upstairs and sitting down. We set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road. We ran Southwards onto the A34 and we got up and got off the bus by the Cherry Tree. We got off the bus and Matthew took a picture of First Potteries 35944 as it continued towards Hanley.

First Potteries 35944 in Newcastle

We walked up to the hill towards grandma's. At Grandma's Matthew had toast and a can of Irn Bru. When it was time to go we said goodbye to Grandma and we got in the car. We set off just before 18:00 and we ran down Victoria Street. We turned left onto the A34 and we saw First Potteries 65032 on a #22 to Longton. We continued southwards into Trent Vale past the site of a new Greggs. We continued through Trent Vale and we stopped at the pub. We walked into the pub and we sat down at our one our normal tables. Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Highlights of the bus sightings included First Potteries 63115 on a #101 to Stafford and Stafford & District Community Link PX69 VWV heading Northwards. Once we had finished eating we got in the car and we set of along the A34 through Hanford and into Trentham. We turned left onto the A5035. 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 wrote the Blog and sent a couple of e-mails. Matthew also had a caramel Freddo. We chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Hanley / Trentham 02-02-2023

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67153	Fenton, adj Royal Oak	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
33829	Hanley BS	Trentham Gardens	101	First Potteries
65038	Trentham, Poachers Cottage PH	Hanley BS	101	First Potteries
67146	Hanley BS	Fenton, Victoria Place	23	First Potteries
67157	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
67157	Newcastle BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw Shelton Care Group YS70 KWG. Later on we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw Temple Street church minibus RX18 GZW. We carried on along Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We waited for a bus towards Hanley. After a short wait we saw silver minibus LY56 EVN. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67153 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67153 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road. and we joined the A52 to go under the railway line and over the A500. We continued onto Church Street and into the centre of Stoke. After a brief stop we continued around the one-way system onto Elenora Steet and right onto Copeland street. We turned left onto Glebe Street and we went under the railway line before turning left onto Station Road. We went past the railway station and and turned right. We ran up Stoke Road and we turned right onto Avenue Road. At the roundabout we turned left onto College Road. After running the hill through Shelton we continued onto Cleveland Road and forwards onto Regent Road. We turned left onto Lower Bethesda Street and we crossed over the ring road onto Bethesda Street before we turned right onto John Street and we entered the bus station where we got up and got off the and we waited for a bus to Trentham. A short time later we saw First Potteries 67178 on a #7A to Biddulph. As it got closer we saw that it was First Potteries 33829 on a #101 to Stafford. We got on the bus and we booked to Trentham Garden before we went upstairs we sat down. We set off out of the bus station and we ran down John Street and we turned right onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto Broad Street. We ran down the hill and over the ring road onto Snow Hil and at the roundabout we turned Shelton New Road. We ran over the canal and railway line. We ran through the cross road up to Hartshill and at the roundabout we ran into Newcastle down George Street. We joined the one-way system and at the next roundabout we turned left onto Barracks Road. We turned right into the bus station. After a brief stop we Continued onto Barracks Road and forwards onto the Southbound A34. We ran past the hospital into Trent Vale and under the A500 into Hanford. We continued into Trentham and when we got opposite to the old Trentham Gardens entrance we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 33829 as it continued towards Stafford on the #101.

First Potteries 33829 in Trentham

Once off the bus we crossed the road and we entered the gardens opposite to the A5035. We went into the actual gardens and we walked anti-clockwise around the lake. We walked to the Tea Room and we stopped for dinner. Matthew had a burger and fries washed down with a glass of Coke. Once we had finished eating we walked back through the main gate and onto the A34 opposite the A5035. We turned left and walked along the A34 to the old Gardens entrance where the bus stop is situated. We waited for a bus back towards Hanley. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 65026 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 65038 in Trentham

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down. We set off Northwards up through Hanford along the A34 and we overtook ABC Supreme KX64 AAF. We went under the A500 in Trent Vale. We continued Northwards into Newcastle and past the hospital. At the roundabout we turned right onto barracks Road and into Newcastle bus station. After a brief stop we continued towards Hanley. We set off onto Barracks Road and we ran forwards onto the one-way system. We continued onto the A52 and when we got to Hartshill we veered left onto Shelton New Road. We ran over the railway line and canal and we went up to Snow Hill. We turned left and ran up Broad Street. We turned right onto the ring road and left onto Bethesda Street. We turned right onto John Street and we ran up to the bus station. Once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew visited the toilet. Afterwards we waited for a bus back to Fenton. A short time later we saw First Potteries 63178 on a #11B to Bentilee.

First Potteries 63178 in Hanley bus station

A short time later we saw First Potteries 67158 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67158 in Hanley bus station

A few minutes later we saw a bus turn around the corner. As it got closer we saw that it was First Potteries 67146 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67146 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto the ring road and we turned right onto Lichfield Street and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed the roundabout onto Victoria Road and we ran up the hill into Fenton. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. One off the bus we set off on foot onto City Road and we saw Aimee's BX14 KRV. we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned right onto Temple Street and we returned to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window whilst he waited for us to take him out for tea. We went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned onto Christchurch Street and we turned left onto City Road and we walked towards the bus stop. On the way we saw Afford rent-a-car DL21 NTJ parked up outside the garage.

Afford rent-a-car DL21 NTJ in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67157 on a #11 to Newcastle. We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre along Church Street. After a brief stop in Stoke we continued along church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road. We ran up the hill and into Hartshill. We ran forwards onto George Street and we ran down the hill into Newcastle. We turned left at the roundabout onto Barracks Road and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. We set off onto Hassell Street and we turned left onto the High Street. We stopped at a pub and Matthew used the toilet. He also had a glass of Coke. Afterwards we set of onto the High Street and we returned to the bus station down through the passage onto Stubbs Street. The bus for Fenton was already waiting and it was First Potteries 67157 on a #11 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. the bus waiting to depart, we saw required First Potteries 37158 on a #25 to Hanley. We set off onto Barracks Road and we ran up to the Jubilee roundabout. We ran onto the A53 and around the one-way system onto the A52. We ran up George Street into Hartshill and we ran down the hill into Stoke town centre. After a brief stop we continued along Church Street out of Stoke and over the A500. We ran under the railway line and we continued onto City Road. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67157 before it continued towards Hanley.

First Potteries 67157 in Fenton

We crossed over City Road and we cut through to the residential unit. We went upstairs and chilled out in his room to chill out and use the computer. For tea Matthew had pizza and chips followed by a butterfly cake. Matthew spent time in his room watching television and using his computer. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Leek / Hanley 01-02-2023

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67178	Fenton, Victoria Place	Hanley BS	6A	First Potteries
67152	Hanley BS	Fenton, Albert Square	23	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to Belper he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to Belper and we saw Sporting Stars HX22 BTV. In the morning Matthew went to Leek. We went downstairs and we got in a car. We set off onto Temple Street. we turned left onto Christchurch Street whwre we saw First Potteries 67155 on a #23 to Hanley. We turned left onto Baker Street and left into Glebedale Road and we turned right onto City Road. At the roundabout we turned sharp left onto Victoria Road. down the hill to Joiners Square. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A52 and we ran up to Bucknall. At the lights we continued onto the A5009 and we ran through Abbey Hulton and Milton to Stockon Brook and we saw First Potteries 65036 on a #18 to Hanley. We joined the Northbound A53 and we ran through Endon and and Longsdon. We continued through Ladderedge and up the hill into Leek town Centre. We turned left onto St Edwards Street and left onto the A523 past the site of the new Tim Hortons. We took the next right turning and parked up. We went in the pub and Matthew went to the toilet. There is a site of the new McDonald's. We walked out of the car park onto the A523 and we turned left onto Ball Haye Road and left onto Park Road and visited the leisure centre. Matthew went to the toilet and and afterwards cafe for food. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we returned to Fenton in a Intercity taxi. We set off along Park Road and onto Vicarage Road and we continued through town onto into Ball Haye Road. We turned right onto the A523 and we turned right onto St Edwards Street and right onto the A53. We ran out of lee town centre and we climbed the hill up towards Ladderegde. We continued through Longsdon and down towards Endon. We continued down through Stockton Brook and we turned left onto the A5009. we ran through Baddeley Green and into Abbey Hulton. We continued under the railway line and into Bucknall. At the light we ran forwards onto the A52 and towards Joiners Square. We turned left onto Victoria Road and right onto the private road up the the and we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 279 outside the baths. We came out of the other side and we turned left onto City Road. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew went to his room to chill out. He used his computer and watched buses out of the window. Later on we went out on the bus to Newcastle. We went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw Temple Street church minibus RX18 GZW. We carried on along Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street we saw Ash to Adderley SF60 CNC. We waited for a bus towards Hanley. We continued along Christchurch Street. We onto City Road. At the top we crossed over Victoria Road to wait for the bus at the bus stop. A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was dud First Potteries 67178 on a #6A to Hanley.

First Potteries 67178 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down Victoria Road and we crossed over the A52 at Joiners Square. We ran up Lichfield Street past the site of the new housing development. We turned left onto the ring road and we turned right onto Bethesda Street and right onto John Street and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we set off onto Lichfield Street and we went forwards onto Tontine Street and forwards onto Tontine Square. We visited Primark and afterwards we went to the Card Factory. After we had finished we walked across Tontine Square onto Stafford Street. We turned righ onto Old Hall Street anbd we went into B&M and we brought a can of Coke. Once we had finished we went out of the shop. We went down Lichfield Street and back to the bus station. We waited for a bus back to Fenton. We waited for a bus back to Fenton. A short while later we saw First Potteries 67156 on a #7A to Biddulph. At the bus station Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards Matthew visited the shop and brought a toffee Crisp. As it got closer we saw that it was First Potteries 67152 on a #23 to Newstead. We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before we sat down. We set off onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We crossed over the ring road and we ran down onto Regent Road and forwards onto Cleveland Road. We ran down though Shelton along College Road and we ran down to the railway station. We turned right onto Glebe Street and under the railway line an we ran around the one-way system in Stoke and stopped by Stoke Minster. We turned left onto Church Street and we crossed the A500 and we ran under the railway line. After climbing up the hill into Fenton we turned right into Christchurch Street where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67152 before it continued on towards Newstead.

First Potteries 67152 in Fenton

We then walked back to the residential unit. We set off onto Christchurch Street and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out on his computer and watch buses out of the window. For tea Matthew had steak pie and chips followed by treacle tart and custard. Matthew spent time in his room watching television and using his computer. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.