Trip to Joiners Square / Trent Vale 18-11-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Joiners Square	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
67636	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going to the pub for his tea, but not before he had been to his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had a bacon sandwich and blackcurrant 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 made a mince beef pie. For dinner Matthew went to McDonalds. Transport for the trip down to McDonalds was an Intercity taxi. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned left onto City Road. At Manor Street we turned right and we ran to the end. We turned left onto Victoria Road and we ran down the hill 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 transport for the trip to the pub was in a Intercity taxi. We set off onto Victoria Road and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We cross the roundabout onto Lichfield Street an to our destination. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. Highlights of the bus sightings at the pub included Copeland's Tour coach MIB 118 and Alfa 91. We also saw First Potteries 67631 on a #6A to Blythe Bridge to and 67634 on a #6 to Weston Coyney. Matthew listened to the Jukebox with song by artists including Steps, Abba, Eminem and Dido. When it was time to go home we climbed aboard Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Palmerston Street and we turned right onto the A52 and then we turned left onto Victoria Road. At the top of Victoria Road we turned sharp right onto City Road. We turned left into Glebedale Road and we stopped briefly at the day centre and then continued onto Glebedale Road. We went forwards onto Station Bridge Road and we went forwards onto Heron Street. We crossed over the crossroad and over the A50 and we went through Blurton along Blurton Road. We veered right onto Church Road and we continued to the end onto the A5035. We headed over the railway line into Trentham and we turned right onto New Inn Lane. After dropping off another service user we returned New Inn Lane and then left onto the A5035. Matthew got home just before 15:00 and had toast and glass of orangeade. 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 67636. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 67603 on the #22 to Longton.

First Potteries 67603 in Blurton

The bus was late tonight. There was heavy traffic on the A5035 and passing through that once every 1 1/2 hours had taken it's toll on timekeeping. The bus eventually turned up 20 minutes late and it was First Potteries 67636 as expected.

First Potteries 67636 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 passed Scraggs coach 6626 VT and we crossed over the railway line into Trentham. Running through Trentham we passed silver minibus YK08 PVA & Destination Courtesy Travel DS15 ABX. We turned right into New Inn Lane and we saw First Potteries 67155 on a #21 to Hanley. We climbed the hill into Hanford and we turned right into Wilson Road. We turned left Church Lane and we ran down the hill and joined the A34. As we got to the A34 we saw City Centre Central minibus RJ58 EVF go onto the Northbound A500 ahead of us. We crossed under the A500 into Trent Vale passing First Potteries 67601 on the third #22 turn going towards Longton. We turned right into Harpfields Road and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67636 as it continued towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 67636 in Trent Vale

We got to the pub and as mum had arrived yet we sat outside for a few minutes. Whilst we waited we saw white minibus GU60 HVX. Mum arrived 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 VUD 483 going North as well as an unidentified Alfa coach, also going North. We also saw ABC Supreme S14 AMC & NUI 1582 on Northbound staff shuttles. When it was time to go we got in the car to go home and we went South down the A34 and we turned left onto the A500 and ran North. We continued up to Sideway and at the roundabout we turned right onto the A50. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross where we saw city cabs minibus LL09 SSV. we droped down into Fenton to pick uncle Dave up. Once we had picked him up we ran back up to Heron Cross and over the A50. We ran into Blurton along Blurton Road and We turned right into Church Road and right again onto Beaconsfield Drive where we saw First Potteries 32627 on a #22 to Longton. We got home around 18:30 and we saw First Potteries 53208 on a #22 to Longton. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we sorted things out. We chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Abbey Hulton / Newcastle 17-11-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DV10 JCU	Benitlee	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Abbey Hulton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Abbey Hulton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group

Today Matthew was in respite and he was going into his day service.Later on he was going home and going to the pub for tea. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Matthew waited in his room until his transport to get to his day service. Whilst he waited we saw Z Carz minibus YS09 LWV. A short while later Matthew transport turned up and it was Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Bentilee

We got on the bus and we set off onto the A5272. We ran down to Bucknall and we joined the A52. At Limekiln Bank we followed the A52 to the left. We ran up to Joiners Square and we turned left onto Victoria Road. We ran to the top of the hill and we turned sharp right onto City Road. We turned left onto Glebedale Road and to our destination. In the morning Matthew had communication skills and used the computer. For dinner Matthew had Jacket Potato with beans followed by toffee cheesecake. In the afternoon Matthew went to his trampoline class. Transport for the trip was Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We got on the bus and we set off onto Glebedale Road and right onto City Road. we turned left onto City Road. At the bottom of the road we turned right onto the A52 and headed towards the railway station. We continued along the A52 over Joiners Square roundabout and past the Limekiln Bank junction and forwards into Abbey Hulton. We turned right onto Abbots Road and we stopped at the sports centre. Matthew used the toilets before having a session on the trampoline. When it was time to go back to the day centre Matthew got back on board Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Abbotts Road and we turned left onto Woodhead Road. We turned left onto Leek Road and we ran turned right onto Birches Head Road. We ran right to the other end and we joined onto Town Road in Townsend. We ran into Hanley and we joined the ring road. We ran around to Broad Street and we ran down the hill along Stoke Road and down to the A500. We ran along the A500 to Fenton and we came off onto City Road. We ran up the hill into Fenton and we turned right into Glebedale Road and to our destination. After a quick stop we carried on towards home on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We got on the bus and we set off onto Glebedale Road. We went forwards onto Station Bridge Road and we went forwards onto Heron Street. We crossed over the crossroad and over the A50 and we went through Blurton along Blurton Road. We veered right onto Church Road and we continued to the end onto the A5035. We headed over the railway line into Trentham and we turned right onto New Inn Lane. After dropping off another service user we returned New Inn Lane and then left onto the A5035. Matthew got home just before 15:00 and had toast and can of Irn Bru. Before we were going for tea, we had to do a couple of other things. We set off around 16:30 and we ran down to the A5035. We turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way and we joined the Westbound A50. We got on the Northbound A500 and we ran up to Shelton where we turned onto Shelton New Road. We saw First Potteries 67631 running out of service. We ran past the old Twyford factory and up to the gas garage where we saw A1 Embassy SC06 UYF. We filled up with LPG and then we got headed back to Shelton New Road where we saw Newcastle under Lyme college DX63 PXB. We turned right and went up towards Newcastle where we saw Plants P16 NTM. We joined George street and ran down into Newcastle. We joined the one-way system and at the Jubilee Roundabout we crossed over onto Ironmarket and we parked up. We walked over to the pub and Matthew went to the toilet. For tea Matthew had a burger and chips followed by a Chocolate fudge cake and ice cream washed down with a glass of Coke. Whilst we ate we saw Stanton's of Stoke WA08 JVX. When it was time to go we got back into the car and we set off onto the Jubilee Roundabout. We Turned right onto barrack Road and we ran down to the A34. We headed South through Trent Vale and Hanford and forwards into Trentham. We turned left onto the A5035 and we ran over the railway into Blurton. We got home around 19:45. Up the road we could see The Terrace minibus BF52 MSV.

The Terrace BF52 MSV in Blurton

For the rest off the evening we wrote e-mails and did some of the Blog and watched some television. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:30... Mark

Trip to Fenton / Hanley 16-11-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DV10 JCU	Bentilee	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Festival Park	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Festival Park	Hanley	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Hanley	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Bentilee	Charter	Shelton Care Group
MV53 KKO	Bentilee	Alsager	Charter	Z Carz
MV53 KKO	Alsager	Bentilee	Charter	Z Carz

Today Matthew was in respite and he was going into his day service. The respite place was still in the middle of refurbishment. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. When Matthew had finished Eating, he went to his room to wait for his ransport and watch buses and we saw First Potteries 53830 on a #13 to Hanley.

First Potteries 53830 in Bentilee

A short while later Matthew transport arrived and it was Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Bentilee

We got on the bus and we set off onto the A5272. We ran through Bentilee onto the A52 at Bucknall. At the junction we followed the A52 to the left. We turned left at joiners Square and we ran to the top of Victoria Road were we saw Stanton's of Stoke's newest arrival WR58 LHX. We turned sharp right onto City Road. We turned left onto Glebedale Road and to our destination. In the morning Matthew Matthew went to Festival Park to do some shopping. Transport for the trip was Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned left onto City Road. At the bottom of the hill and we turned right onto the A52 and we ran up to the railway station. We went along Station Road and at the end we turned right onto Stoke Road. We ran up the hill and we stopped briefly at the other day centre before continuing up Snow Hill into Hanley. We crossed the ring road onto Broad Street and we followed the one way system to the left onto Marsh Street. At the end of Marsh Street we went forwards onto Waterloo Road. At Cobridge lights we turned right and we ran through the back streets back onto Waterloo road before turning right onto Greyhound Way. We ran down the hill and we parked up in the supermarket. In the shop Matthew brought some supplies for Baking on Friday. When Matthew had finished shopping we returned to Shelton care Group DV10 JCU. There must have been something which we couldn't get from the supermarket, so we went on to another shop! We set off Pavillion Drive and left onto Ridgehouse Drive. At the roundabout we turned left onto Festival Way and we crossed under the A53 onto Etruria Road. We turned left onto New Century Street and we parked up outside B&M. We went in and we brought some digestive biscuits before we returned to Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We then headed back to Festival Park. We ran back down Etruria Road and under the A53 onto Festival Way where we saw Stanton's of Stoke 3093 RU. WE turned right onto Ridgehouse Drive and we park up on the large car park adjacent to the shops. We then carried on to Pavillion Drive and forwards onto Greyhound Way. At top we turned right onto Waterloo Road and we did a quick circle of the streets around Cobridge light before going through the traffic light and up towards Hanley on Waterloo Road. We joined the ring road and we ran around to the other side of town before going left onto Lichfield Street. At joiners Square we ran over the roundabout onto Victoria Road. At the top of the road we turned right onto City Road and then left onto Glebedale Road and to our destination. For dinner Matthew had pizza followed by cake. In the afternoon Matthew watched a DVD. When it was time to returned to Respite we got on board Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Christchurch Street and we turned right onto We set off onto Station Bridge Road. We continued onto Heron Street and we went through Heron Cross and over the A50. We continued onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton. We turned right onto Church Road and at the end we turned right onto the A5035. We ran over the railway line into Trentham and we turned right into New Inn Lane. We dropped another service user off and we returned onto the A5035. We travelled back through Blurton into Dresden and up to Longton and we crossed over the A50. We then turned right onto Chadwick Street. We crossed over Uttoxeter Road onto Bridgewood Street and we went under the railway line and at the end we turned left onto Forrister Street. We turned right onto Anchor Road and we ran up the hill into Adderley Green. At the roundabout we turned left onto the A5272 and we ran through on Dividy Road and we saw an unidentified white Mercedes minibus before we got back to our destination. For tea Matthew went out this evening on Z Carz MV53 KKO. We set off onto Dividy Road and we ran up to Bucknall and joined the A52. We went up Limekiln Bank and at the top we ran around the ring road to Eruria Road. We Joined the Westbound A53 and we ran up to Newcastle. Ater going around the one way system onto the jubilee roundabout we ran along the Ryecroft to the A34. We ran North up to Chesterton and we turned left onto the B5500. We ran through Bignall End into Audley and we went North up Alsager Road under the A500 and into Alsager. In the town centre we turned left onto the B5077. We ran west for around 1/2 a mile and we came to the Plough Inn. Mathew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. Matthew had a burger and chips followed by chocolate fudge cake. When it was time to go home we returned to Bentilee on Z Carz MV53 KKO. We set off onto the B5077 and we passed through Alsager and onto the A50. When we got to the A34 we went North up to Congleton. We turned right onto west Street and we ran through town and onto the A527. We travelled South and past Bibbulph on the by-pass and we ran down through Knypersley and Brindley Ford. We climbed the hill to Chell and we turned left onto High Lane. We ran over Smallthorne roundabouts into Sneyd Green and we followed the road down through Northwood onto Limekiln Bank. We crossed over the traffic lights onto the A52 and we turned right onto Dividy Road. We ran up to Bentilee ad aback to respite. When we got back to respite Matthew spent time watching television. Matthew had a bath and then hda toast for supper. Matthew went to bed around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Fenton / Talke 15-11-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Bentilee	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Sneyd Green	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Sneyd Green	Talke	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Talke	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Bentilee	Charter	Shelton Care Group
LV10 OTM	Bentilee	Crackley	Charter	Z Carz
LV10 OTM	Crackley	Bentilee	Charter	Z Carz

Today Matthew was in respite and he was going into his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. whilst waiting for the bus Matthew sat in his room watching the buses on the main road. One of the buses seen was First Potteries 41496 on a #13 to Hanley.

First Potteries 41496 in Bentilee

A short while later transport to the day centre turned up and it was Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Bentilee

We got on the bus and we set off along the A5272 towards Adderley Green where were we saw First Potteries 41498 at the depot. We continued over the roundabout towards Park Hall and we turned right onto Glandore Road. We were followed by Z Carz minibus LV10 OTM. We turned left onto Carberry Way and we turned right onto Weston Coyney Road. At the end we turned right onto Sutherland Road. Near to the Police station we saw blue minibus GN03 MTZ. We joined the one way system onto Commerce Street and we crossed over the A50 and onto the A5035. We ran through Dresden & Blurton and we saw First Potteries 67640 on a #22 to Newcastle. We crossed over the railway line into Trentham and we turned right into New Inn Lane. After picking up another service user we returned onto the A5035 and we turned left at Church Road. At the roundabout we turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton into Heron Cross. We crossed over the lights on Heron Street and forwards onto station Bridge Road. We continued onto Glebedale Road and to our destination. In the morning Matthew spent his time on the computer. For dinner Matthew had cheese oatcakes. In the afternoon we went out in the bus to Talke. Transport for the trip was Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We got on the bus and we set off onto We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned right onto City Road. At the roundabout we turned sharp left onto Victoria Road. At joiners Square we went over the roundabout onto Lichfield Street. We ran up the hill towards Hanley and we turned right onto the ring road. We ran around the ring road and we went towards Townsend along town road. We continued forwards onto the A5272 and we ran past central forest park where we saw Stanton's of Stoke CN57 HRE at the petrol station. turning right onto the road down to the A53. We joined the A53 and we ran down the hill and up the other side to Aldi where we made a quick stop. Matthew did some shopping and brought some baking supplies for Friday. Once we had done the shopping we got back into Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU to continue up to Talke. We set off back onto the A53 and we ran back to the A5272. We turned right to run up to Smallthorne and at the roundabout we went down Moorland Road. We ran through Burslem and down to Trubshaw Cross where we turned right onto Brownhills Road. We went past the new building on the site of the old Johnston Tiles factory and we went straight up Tunstall High Street and onto the Northbound A50. We were followed by First Potteries 67634 which was on a #3 to Crewe. We ran up to Kidsgrove and we turned left onto The Avenue. We ran through to Talke and we turned left onto the A34. We ran down to the Caudwell Tavern and we went straight onto Coalpit Hill. We continued through Talke and we turned right onto Oak Tree Lane. We ran up onto Pit Lane and we stopped at the Freeport in Talke. Matthew went Thorntons to buy a bag of fudge cubes. when we had finished shopping we returned to Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU for the journey back to Fenton. We set off back towards Oak Tree Lane and we turned left onto High Street. We continued onto Coalpit Hill and straight across onto the A34. We turned right onto First Avenue and into Kidsgrove where we turned right onto the A50. Before we got to Aldi we turned left onto Mount Road and we ran up to the roundabout. We turned right onto Pennyfields Road. We ran through Newchapel and Packmoor and onto Turnhurst Road. We continued South to Chell and we joined the A5272 High Lane. We ran through Smallthorne & Sneyd Green and we continued through Townsend along Town Road. We joined the clockwise ring road and we ran around Hanley onto the A50. We ran down to Joiners Square and we continued forwards onto Victoria Road. At the top of the hill we turned sharp right onto City Road and we turned left onto Glebedale Road and to our destination. When we got back to Fenton, Matthew transferred onto Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX for the journey to Bentilee. 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 ran back down Church Road and we continued onto Blurton Road and back into Heron Cross. We travlled back along Heron Street and forwards onto Glebedale Road via Station Bridge Road. At the end of Glebedale we crossed over City Road onto Fountain Street. We followed the road around to the left onto William Street and we turned right onto Manor Street. At the end we turned left onto Victoria Road. At Joiners Square we turned right onto the A52 and we followed the A52 to the right at Limekiln Bank. In Bucknall we turned right onto the A5272 and we ran up to Bentilee and to our destination. When Matthew got back he went up to his room to watch the workmen continue refurbishing the home. They were currently working on replacing the kerbs in the car park.

New kerbs in the car park in Bentilee

For tea Matthew had a jacked potatoes with beans followed by Triffle. Matthew went then out for a while. We went on Z Carz LV10 OTM. We set off onto the A5272 and we ran down to Bucknall. We joined the A52 and we ran up Limekiln bank and onto the ring road. We ran around the ring road and we went onto Etruria Road. We joined the Westbound A53 and we ran through Basford to Newcastle. We ran around the outside of Newcastle past the bus station where we saw First Potteries 66962 on layover. We got onto the Northbound A34 and we ran up through Cross Heath to Crackley and we stopped at The Redwood pub. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a drink of Coke. Matthew then visited the soft play area. When it was time to go back He got back on the A34 and we went North. We went North at the A500 and we did a U turn at Audley and came back down the A500 and travlled down to Sideway. We joined the eastbound A50 and we ran up to Longton. W turned left onto Baths Road and we went past the Transport Interchnage onto Market Street. We turned left onto Anchor Road and we an up the hill to Adderley Green. At the roundabout we turned left onto the A5272. We ran into Bentille and back into respite. Matthew then spent the evening chilling out in the lounge watching telly or using his computer in his room. Later on he had a bath before having toast for his supper. Matthew went to bed around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Burnley / Todmorden 12-11-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
66748	Burnley BS	Todmorden BS	589	First West Yorkshire
37053	Todmorden BS	Hebden Bridge, Market Street (Stop HB15)	592	First West Yorkshire
66711	Hebden Bridge, Market Street (Stop HB14)	Todmorden BS	590	First West Yorkshire
30856	Todmorden BS	Hebden Bridge, Market Street (Stop HB15)	592	First West Yorkshire
37052	Hebden Bridge, Market Street (Stop HB14)	Todmorden BS	592	First West Yorkshire
66748	Todmorden BS	Burnley BS	589	First West Yorkshire

Today we decided to re-visit Burnley. A check of the weather revealed that after a wet start the weather should dry up be quite warm for the time of year. We give Matthew a list of place from the North West and Midlands, and from the list he chose Burnley. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set of around 11:45 and we ran down to the A5035. We turned right into Stanley Matthew Way and by the Holiday Inn Express we saw Roxby Coaches YD66 AXV. We joined the Westbound A50 and then we turned right onto the Northbound A500. As I had gassed up earlier in the week, we went straight up the A500 to the M6. On the M6 traffic was moving well and passed a procession of buses coming the other way as we ran North up to the M65. We saw an unidentified Vision Travel coach, an unidentified Alba Travel coach, an unidentified Ashcroft's coach, an unidentified Hollinshead coach, Hollinshead DH13 HOL, an unidentified Grayway coach, an unidentified Carvers coach, Playbus K888 BWU, an unidentified Doig's of Glasgow coach and an unidentified King's Ferry coach. When we got to Junction 29 we came off the M6 and joined the Eastbound M65. Going Eastwards we saw B & N Coaches A12 BXN, an unidentified Red & Cream coach, an unidentified Cream coach with a red and black stripe and Robin Hood YJ13 HTZ. We came off the M65 a junction early accidentally onto the A679, and we ran into town along Accrington Road past Rose Grove railway station. We joined the A671 and we followed the road to the right onto Trafalgar Street. At the roundabout we turned left onto Manchester Road and we turned right onto Finsley Gate. We parted on the car park by Red Lion Street and we walk across the road. Mum went to the toilet in the bus station and we took a few bus pictures. Whilst we waited we saw dud Transdev Burnley & Pendle 2751 in Burnley on a X43 to Manchester.

Transdev Burnley & Pendle 2751 in Burnley bus station

When mum and finished we walked over to the cafe. Since our last visit the cafe has been refurbished and the layout has also changed. The cafe also changed it's name to Zara Cafe. We went to go the toilet but the toilet up the stairs is currently out of order. I took Matthew to the toilet in the bus station and mum ordered the food. When we got back Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we walked over to the bus station and walked around the outside. In the layover stands we saw Cranberry Coaches coach PJZ 2182.

Cranberry Coaches PJZ 2182 in Burnley bus station

In the adjacent layover stand we saw Transdev Burnley & Pendle single decker 1067.

Transdev Burnley & Pendle 1067 in Burnley bus station

There weren't many buses in the bus station so we walked up Red Lion Street to enter the bus station on the other side. Before we entered the bus station we saw Transdev Burnley & Pendle single decker 1860 on a M1 service Barnoldswick.

Transdev Burnley & Pendle 1860 in Burnley bus station

We then saw a First West Yorkshire single decker on Croft Street. We got closer and we saw it was First West Yorkshire 66748 on a #589 to Rochdale.

First West Yorkshire 66748 in Burnley bus station

I asked Matthew if he wanted to do First buses today and he said yes. We went inside the bus station and we sat down for a short while whilst we waited for the bus to come into the bus station. A few minutes later the bus came into the bus station and started loading up. Matthew decided to go for a quick walkabout and we went to the top end of the bus station and took another bus picture. We then got in the queue before getting on the bus. We asked for 2 day tickets, but the bus driver asked if we were sticking together. We were able to get a First West Yorkshire group ticket for £5 between us.... bargain! We sat down towards the back of the bus and the bus set off out of the bus station. We ran over the roundabout onto Yorkshire Street and we ran up the hill past Turf Moor. I didn't notice if the large picture of Martin Patterson was still on the side of the stand. We ran out of town through Mereclough & Cliviger where we joined the A646. After crossing over the railway line we ran East through Portsmouth, Cornholme & Lydgate before we entered Todmorden from the West end. The bus emptied out a little and Matthew took a picture of the empty rear of First West Yorkshire 66748.

Inside First West Yorkshire 66748

We crossed under the railway line before we entered the bus station from the South end. As we entered the bus station we saw required First West Yorkshire 37053 about to work a #592 to Halifax. We got up and got off the the bus and took a picture of First West Yorkshire 37053 before we got on it.

First West Yorkshire 37053 in Todmorden bus station

We flashed the First West Yorkshire Group ticket to the driver and we went upstairs. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Stansfield Road before joining the Southbound A646. We followed the road to the left and as we left town we saw TJ Walsh FJ58 FRL outside the Todmorden Social Club. We then passed Pioneer minibus P100 NER. A few hundred yards up the road we passed the Todmorden bus depot where we saw First West Yorkshire Solo 50407, single decker 66790 and school buses 68643 & 68663. The road up to Hebden Bridge is a meandering tight valley. Sometimes there is barley enough room for the road, the River Calder and the Rochdale Canal, other times there is a wider area with houses and even a cricket ground. The railway line run above them all on a viaduct the length of the valley. We ran through the little vilages of Eastwood, Charlestown and Mytholm before entering Hebden Bridge from the West. We got to the main street and we got up and got off the bus. We crossed the busy road at the Zebra Crossing and we went into the Co-op store opposite. In the shop Matthew picked a can of coke and a couple of chocolate bars. When we cam out of the Co-op we saw TLC Solo 2261 on a #598 Eaves circular service.

TLC 2261 in Hebden Bridge

We got to the bus stop and we about to have a bus stop picnic when we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was First West Yorkshire 66711 on a #590 to Rochdale.

First West Yorkshire 66711 in Hebden Bridge

We got on the bus and we flashed the First West Yorkshire Group ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off Westwards along the A646 up Mytholm and we saw that the seats opposite to us, so Matthew took a picture inside First West Yorkshire 66711.

Inside First West Yorkshire 66711

We continued West through Charlestown and Eastwood and we ran the last couple of miles into Todmorden. We past the bus depot and the social club and we turned right, following the A646 before we entered the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of First West Yorkshire 66711.

First West Yorkshire 66711 in Todmorden Bus staton

We decided to go for a comfort break and we set off along the path opposite to the bus station towards the market. On the way down we stopped to get a picture of First West Yorkshire 69581 on a #592 to Halifax.

First West Yorkshire 69581 in Todmorden Bus staton

We went through the market and across the car park to the toilet block where Matthew used the toilet. We walked back past the front side of the market and as we turned the corner we saw a double decker in the bus station. As we got closer we saw it was required First West Yorkshire 30856!

First West Yorkshire 30856 in Todmorden Bus staton

We walked around to the front of the bus. We spotted on the bus departure display that there was a bus to Burnley in around 50 minutes. We should have plenty of time to go up to Hebden Bridge and back so we got on and we flashed the First West Yorkshire Group ticket to the driver. We went upstairs and the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside First West Yorkshire 30856 before we sat down.

Inside First West Yorkshire 30856

The bus set off out of the bus station onto Stansfield Street and we turned left onto the A646. We followed the road around to the left at the roundabout and we ran out of town past the bus depot. As we travelled east we noticed the 'Kindness' in big letters on the side of a wall as can be seen in google maps here. We continued East through Eastwood, Charlestown & Mytholm and we entered Hebden Bridge from the West. On the end of Market Street we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First West Yorkshire 30856 as it continued towards Halifax.

First West Yorkshire 30856 in Hebden Bridge

We crossed over the road at the Zebra crossing and we sat down at the stop. This time Matthew had time to share a bounty with me and uncle Dave as well as drink a can of Vimto. the bus was due at 17:10 and a few minutes later as expected we saw a double decker approaching. As it got closer we saws that it was required First West Yorkshire 37052 on a #592 to Todmorden.

First West Yorkshire 37052 in Hebden Bridge

We got on the bus and we flashed the First West Yorkshire Group ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. It was now starting to go dark, made more evident by the lights inside the bus. We travelled back West through Mytholm, Charlestown and Eastwood and my attempt at getting a picture of the word kindness on the wall as mentioned above failed miserably! We travelled back past the depot and into town and at the roundabout we turned right following the A646 North. We turned into the bus station where the bus terminated. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside First West Yorkshire 37052 before we got off it.

Inside First West Yorkshire 37052

We had around 15 minutes to wait for the Burnley bus. Outside the bus station on the stop on the A646 we saw TLC SoloSR 90819 on a T1 Cross Lee service.

TLC 90819 in Todmorden bus station

A few minuted later and the following bus from Halifax arrived. It was required First West Yorkshire 30561.

First West Yorkshire 30561 in Todmorden bus station

A few minutes later and the #589 Rochdale to Burnley made and appearance. It was First West Yorkshire 66748 that we had down to Todmorden earlier in the day!

First West Yorkshire 66748 in Todmorden bus station

We legged it across the exit to the bus station and we got on First West Yorkshire 66748. We flashed the First West Yorkshire Group ticket to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Stansfield Street and we turned right onto the Northbound A646. It was now quite dark and we couldn't really see where we were going. We ran out of town via Lydgate, Cornholme and Portsmouth. We ran over the summit and we crossed the railway line and we continued West to Cliviger where we turned right onto Red Lees Road. We passed through Mereclough and we ran the last few miles into town down the hill and past Turf Moor. We went under the Rochdale Canal and we at the roundabout we went straight across continuing along Yorkshire Street. We turned left onto Croft Street and we ran to the end where buses sometimes stop to let out passenger if buses are going onto layover. We got up and got off the bus and then we went inside the bus station. We visited the shop first, in case it was about to close, and Matthew brought a can of Coke and a chocolate bar. Afterwards we went to the facilities and Matthew used the toilet. On the way out of the bus station we saw Transdev Burnley & Pendle 267 on a #1 Stoops Estate service.

Transdev Burnley & Pendle 267 in Burnley bus station

We walked across Red Lion Street to the car park where mum was waiting with Greggs sausage Rolls and a bottle of Irn Bru for Matthew. We set off put of the car park onto Red Lion Street and we turned left onto Parker Lane. At the end we turned right onto Finsley Gate and then left onto Manchester Road. At the roundabout we went right onto the A671 and we ran out of town up to the M65. We ran West for a couple of junctions and then we went south down the A56. It was properly dark and we ran up to the summit and down the other side towards Haslingden, passing an unidentified white Bova. We continued onto the M66 and we ran down the the M60. As we joined the M60 we saw Parry's NU03 BUZ and an unidentified white double decker with black roof and window surrounds. We left the ring road to go West along the M62 and then we joined the Southbound M6. Traffic was going well until we got to a mile North junction 18 where we came to a stop. A fire engine and police cars went racing by and we eventually started to move. Two lanes were closed as there had been an accident involving a car and a lorry. We also saw Scraggs VT 9389. We let the M6 at junction 16 and we went South down the A500 passing Carvers coach FN52 HRW. At Sideway went east up the A50 and we came off at Longton. The fuel warning light was on so we stopped at Tesco petrol station to fill up with petrol. Once we had filled up we ran around to Z Carz to see what was parked up at their depot this evening. In the front row was Z Carz minibus OV05 WSW

Z Carz OV05 WSW in Longton

Also in the front row was Z Carz Renault minibus BU04 GYW.

Z Carz BU04 GYW in Longton

Also in the first row we saw Z Carz Ford minibus PY08 KDX.

Z Carz PY08 KDX in Longton

Closest to the road on the first row was Z Carz Ford minibus HK57 LGW.

Z Carz HK57 LGW in Longton

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

Z Carz MV53 KKO in Longton

We turned into Willow Row to see if there was anything visible in the compound. Parked up in the compound we saw Z Carz Ford minibus BN03 OVS.

Z Carz BN03 OVS in Longton

We returned onto the A50 and we ran west to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton up to church Road. We turned right into Beaconsfield drive and we got home around 19:30. For a late tea Matthew had bangers & mash with carrots followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. We then chilled out on the computer until bedtime around 01:00... Mark

Trip to Joiners Square / Trent Vale 11-11-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DV10 JCU	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
ND58 EDJ	Fenton McDonalds	Joiners Square	Charter	Intercity
DV10 JCU	Joiners Square	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
67154	Blurton, adj Ladybank Grove	Stoke, adj stop P	23A	First Potteries
67156	Stoke, adj stop T	Trent Vale, opp Black Lion	21	First Potteries

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

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Blurton

We got on the bus and we set off onto the A5035. Near to Longton we turn right onto Roslyn Street and left onto Lightwood Road. We crossed over the A50 and we went along Chadwick Street past the Gladstone Pottery Museum. We crossed Uttoxeter Road and we went forwards onto Bridgewood Street. At the end we turned left onto Forrister Street. We turned right onto Anchor Road and we ran up the hill to Adderley Green. At the roundabout we turned left onto the A5272 and into Bentilee. We picker up another service user and then we got back onto the A5272 and ran out of Bentilee into Adderley Green. We turned right at the roundabout and we ran down Anchor Road towards Longton. We cut across to Foley via Wood Street, Marlborough Road and Clarence road and we went onto King Street. We ran down into Fenton and we continued on to City Road. We turned left into Glebedale Road and to our destination. In the morning Matthew made a some gingerbread Christmas Trees. For dinner Matthew got a Z Carz taxi to McDonalds. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we crossed over City Road onto Fountain Street. We followed the road to the left onto William Street and right onto Manor Street. At the end of Manor street we turned left onto Victoria Road. We ran down the hill over the railway line and we turned int McDonalds. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. After we had finished eating transport turned up for the journey to the pub. It was Intercity minibus ND58 EDJ. We got on the bus and the bus set off down Victoria Road. We crossed over Joiners Square 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 42893 on #6A to Blythe Bridge and Premier Travel minibus NX11 CAA. Matthew listened to music on the Jukebox with track including Steps. When it was time to go we got on board Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU for the journey home. We set off onto Palmerston Street and we turned right onto the A52 and then we turned left onto Victoria Road. At the top of Victoria Road we turned sharp right onto City Road. We turned left into Glebedale Road and to our destination. We stopped briefly at the day centre and then continued onto Glebedale Road. We continued onto Station Bridge Road and forwards onto Heron street. We crossed over the A50 and we ran through Blurton along Blurton Road. We turned right onto Church Road and we turned right onto the A5035. We crossed over the railway line into Trentham and we turned right into New Inn Lane. After dropping off another service user we returned along New Inn Lane onto the A5035. We crossed over the railway into Blurton and we got home around 15:00. Matthew took another picture of Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU before it returned to the day centre.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Blurton

Matthew had toast and orangeade whilst he waited for the time to go out and catch the bus. Today we decided we were going to catch the 16:26 to Newcastle. We set off on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. We were a little late setting off today. I had seen bus earlier and it was booked to be dud First Potteries 67639. As we got to the corner of Magdalen Road and Finstock Avenue we saw the bus go sailing by... damn! At this point we decided to try and go via Stoke. We had tried to do it twice before and it had never worked out due to no bus appearing. We walked to the stop on Beaconsfield Drive and almost immediately we saw a bus going towards Newstead... It was required First Potteries 67154 on a #23A. Five minutes later we saw another Newstead bound bus. This time it was dud First Potteries 67157 on a #23 service.

First Potteries 67157 in Blurton

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 67636 going towards Longton on a #22, running around 10 minutes late.

First Potteries 67636 in Blurton

After what seemed like quite a while a bus finally turned up. It was First Potteries 67154 on a #23A to Hanley.

First Potteries 67154 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Stoke, before we sat down towards the back of the bus. As the bus in front of us was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 67154.

Inside First Potteries 67154

The bus was about 23 minutes late as we set off along Beaconsfield Drive... At least a bus actually turned up today! We carried on to the end of Beaconsfield drive and we turned left onto Church Road. At the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton and over the A50. At Heron Cross we turned left onto Grove Road and we ran down into Mount Pleasant. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and the end we turned left onto City Road. We ran down the hill towards stoke and as we joined the A52 we saw First Potteries 32634 on a #25 to Hanley. We crossed under the railway line and and over the A500 and we entered Stoke town centre where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67154 as it carried on towards Hanley.

First Potteries 67154 in Stoke

We set off along Church street to go around the corner to catch a #21 to Trent vale. On the way we saw First Potteries 67604 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67604 in Stoke

We walked around the corner into Campbell Place and we stood at the bus stop to wait fr the Trent Vale bus. The timetable at the stop said there was a bus due in around 5 minutes. A few minutes later, bang on time we saw First Potteries 67156 appear on a #21 to Trentham.

First Potteries 67156 in Stoke

We got on the bus and we booked to Trent Vale before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Campbell Place and forwards onto London Road. In the West end we passed First Potteries 67151 on a #21A to Hanley closely followed by First Potteries 67155 on a #21 to Hanley. We continued through Oak Hill and into Trent Vale. When we got to the end of London Road we got up and got off the bus. matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67156 before if carried on towards the Trentham Hotel.

First Potteries 67156 in Trent Vale

We crossed over London Road and we walked around the corner and stood outside the pub whilst we waited for mum to arrive. Almost as soon as we sat down we saw First Potteries 67639 on a #22 to Longton.

First Potteries 67639 in Trent Vale

A few minutes later we saw ABC Supreme silver Mercedes minibus Y368 TGE on a Southbound staff shuttle.

ABC Supreme Y368 TGE in Trent Vale

Mum arrived 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 First Potteries 32627 on a #22 service to Longton and E-zec patient transport YN15 FKF. When it was time to go we got in the car to go home and we went South down the A34 and we turned left onto the A500 and ran North. We continued up to Sideway and at the roundabout we saw Cymru Coaches FJ08 KMK going South. We turned right onto the A50 and we came off the A50 at Heron Cross dropping down into Fenton to pick uncle Dave up. Once we had picked him up we ran back up to Heron Cross and over the A50. We ran into Blurton along Blurton Road and We turned right into Church Road and right again onto Beaconsfield Drive where we saw First Potteries 53041 on a #22 to Longton. We got home around 18:45. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we sorted things out. Later on Matthew ate the gingerbread Christmas Trees that he had baked earlier in the day. We chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark