Monday, 13 April 2026

Trip to Etruria / Wolstanton 13-04-2026

Today Matthew was going back to the residential unit, but first he was going out for dinner and going to do his weekly shop. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up around 10:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We got ready to go out and we set off just after 12:00. We got in the car and we set off through Blurton onto the A5035. We ran to Trentham and we turned right onto the A34. We ran through Hanford and we crossed the A500 and we continued through Trent Vale and we saw First Potteries 63352 on a #101 to Stafford. We stopped at Tesco to fill up with petrol. We continued along the A34 into Newcastle and we turned right onto Barracks Road and we ran around one-way system and onto the A52. We ran up to Hartshill and we ran forwards onto Shelton New Road. As we travelled along Shelton New Road and we passed KE Travel BD65 JFE. We turned right onto Garner Street and we stopped at the food truck. Matthew had a cumberland ring with bacon and egg washed down with can of Dr Pepper. When we had finished we got in the car and we set of to the shop. We ran along Garner Street to Etruria and we turned left onto the A53. We veered left onto Forge Lane and we ran forwards onto Shelton Boulevard and we turned left onto the Etruria Valley Link Road. We went under the A500 and we turned left onto the retail park and we saw green minibus DL74 FCZ.


DL74 FCZ in Wolstanton
Also seen was silver minibus CA66 RVZ outside of Asda.


CA66 RVZ in Wolstanton
We went into Asda and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards we went around and picked up his weekly shopping. When we had finished we went to the till and we paid for the shopping. We set off through the retail park and we turned left onto the A527 and we ran to the top of the hill and we turned left to follow the A527 into Newcastle. We turned right onto Ryecroft and we pulled up. We dropped off our friend. We set off onto Ryecroft and we turned right onto Barracks Road. We passed the bus station and we First Potteries 35688 on a #25 to Hanley. We turned left onto the Southbound A34 we ran down to Trent Vale and under the A500 into Hanford. We ran into Trentham and at the roundabout we turned left onto the A5035. We ran into Blurton and we got back to home just after 14:30. When we got back we did the Blog and Matthew had apple crumble and custard and a glass of Orange Fanta.

Saturday, 11 April 2026

Trip to Ellesmere Port / Chester 11-04-2026









BusFromToServiceOperator



10577Ellesmere Port BSChester BS1Stagecoach Merseyside
3173Chester BSBlacon, The Arches School14AArriva NW&W
3174Blacon, Blacon ParadeChester BS14Arriva NW&W
36802Chester BSHough Green, Cavendish Road61Stagecoach Merseyside
15583Hough Green, Howe RoadChester BS16Stagecoach Merseyside
36804Chester BSKingsway, Pear Tree Way53Stagecoach Merseyside



Today we decided to revisit Ellesmere Port and Chester for the first time in a long time. Research consisted of checking what ticket we needed, Checking the car parking in Chester and checking the Weather, which was for dry cool weather with some sunshne. Matthew wokw up at 08:00 to have his medication and then got up around 09:30. We had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We got in the car and we set off around 12:00. We set off through Blurton and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road past the former Coral shop which is new going to be flats. 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. On the A500 we saw Selwyns BF24 AOJ and white minibus YM05 FUO. We joined the Northboumnd M6 and we headed up to juncction 20. Travelling up the M6 we saw Holmeswood PO68 ???, blue minibus AE68 ONM / WF70 PPV, an unidentified J&A Travel coach and Ridleys Coaches YK26 LBV. We joined the Westbound M56 and we passed the site of a new McDonalds. We got onto the Northbound M53. We came off the M53 at junction 9 and we headed Westwards on the A5032. We turned left onto Cromwell Road and we followed the road to the right onto Wellington Road. We turned left onto Cambrdge Road and we went right onto McGarva Way. We turned right onto Grange Road and we parked up near to the Market. Once out of the car we saw grey minibus CX73 ZKW parked up. We headed into the market which is in the middle of a re-devlopment. The food court seems to be much smaller than it used to be. We ordered the food and sat down. Whilst we waited for the food we went to the toilet. The toilets have been upgraded and are much better than before. We headed back to our table and Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished eating, we said goodbye to mum an we headed to the bus station. We came out of the market and past The Food Wharehouse and The Portal, which sits on the site of the former bus station. As we got to the coner of Civic Way we saw Stagecoach Merseyside 15471 on a #1 to Chester.


Stagecoach Merseyside 15471 in Ellesmere Port bus station
We continued to the bus station and we waited for a bus towards Chester. We turned down Stagecoach Merseyside 27258, which was on a #2 to Runcorn.


Stagecoach Merseyside 27258 in Ellesmere Port bus station
a few minutes later a suitable bus came around the corner. As it got closer, we saw it was Stagecoach Merseyside 10577 on a X1 to Chester.


Stagecoach Merseyside 10577 in Ellesmere Port bus station
We got on the bus and we booked Merseyside Dayrider Plus tickets at £5.70 before we went sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station onto Wellington Road and we turned left onto Stanney Lane and we ran past The Grace Arms, which was a pub we used to eat at back when we first started to visit Ellesmere Port. We continued down the road for around 1/2 mile and then we turned left into the Coliseum Retail Park. We continued into the adjacent Cheshire Oaks designer outlet and we saw , an unidentified Woods coach and Milligan's MIL 1920 in the coach park. We got onto the A5117 and we ran Westwards to the A41. We ran South and where we would normally turn right we went straight on towards Chester Zoo. We turned into the zoo and we saw M & H Coaches M555 MNH parked up. We came back out of the Zoo and continued South down the A41 and we turned right onto Heath Road. We continued onto Mill Street and we joined the Southbound A5116. We ran into Chester and over the ring road onto Northgate. We turned left into Delamere Street. We continued down onto George Street and onto Gorse Stacks and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew visited the toilet. Afterwards we went to the cafe. Matthew had a slice of Victoria Cake and bottle of Coke. When we had finished we looked for a bus we could catch on the ticket we had. We spotted Arriva NW&W 3173 on a #14A Blacon circular.


Arriva NW&W 3173 in Chester bus station
We got on the bus and we flashed the Stagecoach Merseyside Dayrider Plus to the driver before we saw down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Gorse Stacks and we ran onto George Street. At the end we turned right onto Northgate Street and we crossed over the ring road onto the A5116. We veered left on the one-way system and we ran forwards onto the A540. We ran past Chester University and we hit traffic as we got to the edge of town. At the roundabout we turned left onto Blacon Avenue. We turned left onto Saughall Road where we got off the bus.


Arriva NW&W 3173 in Blacon
Once off the bus we head back to The Parade and we went into Spar. Matthew had a can and a chocolate bar. We walked to the stop on Blacon Avenue and we waited for a bus back towards Chester. A short time later a bus came ariund the corner. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 3174 on a #14 to Chester.


Arriva NW&W 3174 in Blacon
We got on it and we flashed the Stagecoach Merseyside Dayrider Plus tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Blacon Avenue and we had a long run of around 2/3 of a mile down to a roundabout. We crossed the roundabout onto the A540 and we had another run of around 1/2 mile up to Liverpool Road. We ran around the one-way system and passed the former Stagecoach bus depot which is now student accomodation. We continued and into town along Northgate. We crossed over the ring road on Northgate and we turned left onto Delamere Street. We continued down onto George Street and onto Gorse Stacks and into the bus station. Once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. We had a look around to see what we could catch. Arriva NW&W 2668 was on a #11A to Connah's Quay, but we weren't on our tickets.


Arriva NW&W 2668 in Chester bus station
It was also as bus we had been on before. We had previously been on Arriva NW&W 2668 in August 2021, from Runcorn to Halton Lea Hospital on a #3C. Also seen was Arriva NW&W 4542 on layover in between runs on the #11 to Rhyl.


Arriva NW&W 4542 in Chester bus station
We saw a freshly painted bus on a stand behind us. We went to have a look and we saw it was Stagecoach Merseyside 36802 on a #61 to Higher Kinnerton.


Stagecoach Merseyside 36802 in Chester bus station
We had a look in which direction the bus was going and we worked out where we could do the bus to and get back on another service. We got on it and we flashed the Stagecoach Merseyside Dayrider Plus tickets to the driver. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside of Stagecoach Merseyside 36802.


Inside Stagecoach Merseyside 36802
After waiting time, we set off along Gorse Stacks and turned right into Frodsham Street. We turned right onto Love Street and onto Pepper Street. We continued onto Lower Bridge Street and we turned left onto Old Dee Bridge into Handbridge. We continued onto Overleigh Road and we crossed the A483 and we turned left onto Lache Lane where we got up to get off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Merseyside 36802 as it carried on towards Higher Kinnerton.


Stagecoach Merseyside 36802 in Hough Green
Once off the bus we crossed over Lache Lane and we walked along Cavendish Road. When we got to the A5104, we saw that it was a residential area and there were no places to go to. We crossed ovcer the road and we waited at the bus stop. We waited for the next Stagecoach bus. Whilst we waited we saw Arriva NW&W 2909 on a #4 to Chester Railway Station.


Arriva NW&W 2909 in Hough Green
A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Merseyside 15583 on a #16 to Chester.


Stagecoach Merseyside 15583 in Hough Green
We got on the bus and we flashed the Stagecoach Merseyside Dayrider Plus tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Hough Green and at the roundabout we ran forwards onto Overleigh Road. We continued onto Handbridge and we crossed over Old Dee Bridge. We turned right onto Pepper Street and forwards onto Vicar Lane. We turned left onto Love Street and right onto Foregate Street. As we waited to pull forwards onto the Grosvenor Court roundabout an unidentified CIE Tours coach. We turned left onto St Oswald's Way and we entered the bus station in the North West corner. Once off the bus we decided to have a bit of a break and head into a pub. On the way we saw Prospect Coaches YS25 XOV on a #021 Flixbus service to London.


Prospect Coaches YS25 XOV in Chester bus station
We crossed over St Oswald's Way and we headed into the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we went to the bar to get a drink. Matthew had a glass of Coke. After we had finished our drinks we headed back to the bus station. We decided to have one more bus and arrnage to met mum somewhere. We just missed a stagecoach bus on the #14 to Blacon, and the next bus was Arriva NW&W 3173 which we had already been on earlier in the day. We decided to catcha bus to Kingsway instead and go to the chip shop there. Whilst we waited we saw D&G Bus 582 on a #82 to Northwich.


D&G Bus 582 in Chester bus station
A few minutes later we saw a bus heading towards the stand. As it came by us, we saw it was Stagecoach Merseyside 36804 on a #53 to Kingsway.


Stagecoach Merseyside 36804 in Chester bus station
We got on the bus and we flashed the Stagecoach Merseyside Dayrider Plus to the driver before we saw down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Gorse Stacks and we turned left onto the A56. We ran North through Hoole and we turned left onto Newton Lane. We crossed over the bridge of an old disused railway line and then we turned right onto Kingsway. Just before the shops we turned left onto Coniston Road and we went to the end where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Merseyside 36804 as it continued around Kingsway.


Stagecoach Merseyside 36804 in Kingsway
Once off the bus we had a look around. The chip shop that we used to go to had closed down. Whilst we waited for mum we decided to go the the Co-op. Matthew picked up a can and a chocolate bar. We sat on a bench and Matthew shared his chocolate bar with be and uncle Dave. Mum arrived and we decided to drive to another chip shop. We got in the car and we set off onto Kingsway. We turned right onto Newton Lane and left onto Brook Lane. We turned left onto Ermine Road and we stopped near then end by a chip shop. I went to fetch the food and on my return, Matthew had sausage chips and gravy. When I had finished eating we set off along Ermine Road and we turned left onto the A56. We headed North Eastwards and we crossed over the A41. At the next roundabout we turned left onto the M53. We headed Northwards to Stoak and we joined the Eastbound M56. We ran through cheshire for around 15 miles and we joined the Southbound M6. As we were heading Southwards through Cheshire we were passed by a group of coaches. I beleive these were returning fans to Gillingham after there football match at Salford. The first coach to pass us was Worthing Coaches BU18 YTW.


Worthing Coaches BU18 YTW on the M6
Straight after this coach was Worthing Coaches BV69 LSF.


Worthing Coaches BV69 LSF on the M6
A few minutes later we were passed by Spirit of Sussex 549.


Spirit of Sussex 549 on the M6
At junction 16 we joined the A500. A we headed towards Talke we were passed by Copeland's Tours MIB 537 returning from a day trip to Lichfield and Penkridge.


Copeland's Tours MIB 537 on the A500
We continued through Longport and Etruria and we came off the A500 at Stoke. We veered left onto Wheildon Road. We crossed over the canal and under the railway line. We stopped to drop off uncle Dave and we said goodbye. We set off onto Wheildon Road and past the former Regent pub which is now being set up as an Indian Restaurant. 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 and continued along Blurton Road. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Street. We turned right onto the A5035 and back to Blurton around 19:20. 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 YouTube and Matthew got ready for bed. Matthew settled down around 00:00... Mark

Friday, 10 April 2026

Trip to Hanley / Trent Vale 10-04-2026
















BusFromToServiceOperator



67157Hanley BSFenton, adj Travers Court23First Potteries
63362Blurton, Magdalen RoadTrent Vale, Chubb Way22First Potteries


Todau Matthew was going back to Blurton and afterwards going out for tea, but first he was going out to Hanley. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his mediaction. Matthew got up and had crumpets and orange juice for breakfast. We went donstairs to see the chickens for one last time befoer they went to the farm. Matthew went back upstairs to chill out in his room. In the morning Matthew went out. We went downstairs and we got in a taxi. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road and we ran down the hill into Stoke. We went under the railway line and over the A500. We continued around the one-way system and onto Campbell PLace and we re-joined Church Street. We turned right onto Stoke Road and we ran down the hill. We crossed over the A500 and we ran past the Travel Express garage. We continued up Stoke Road into Shelton and we turned right onto The Avenue. We crossed over College Road and we stopped on the following corner by the park entrance. We walked through the park and Matthew went to the playground. After spending some time in the playground we set off on foot into Hanley. We walked through the park onto Cleveland Road and forwards onto Regent Road. We turned left onto Lichfield Street and we crossed over to the chip shop. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we headed to the bus station. We crossed over the ring road and over Lichfield Street and into the bus station. Matthew waited for a bus to Fenton. A short time later we saw a bus pull onto the stand. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67157 on a #23 to Newstead.


First Potteries 67157 in Hanley bus station
We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before we sat 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. Due to Lower Bethesda Street being closed, we diverted onto the ring road and left onto Hinde Street. We turned right 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 we ran under the railway line onto City Road. We ran up the hill and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. When we got to Albert Square we got up and got off the bus. We then walked back to the residential unit. we went upstairs and chilled out in his room. Around 15:00 mum appeared to pick Matthew up. I was not due to finish training until 16:00 but I finished early. Mum picked Matthew up because she was in the area. Matthew came downstairs and got in the car. We set off onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street. We turned right onto Station Bridge Road and we ran forwards onto Heron Street. We continued through the lights and we saw silver minibus CX12 YYA. We crossed over the A50 and we continued along Blurton Road. We turned right onto Church Street and right onto Beaconsfield Drive getting back just after 15:00. Once back at Blurton Matthew had some toast and a can of Irn Bru. Matthew chilled out on his computer until until around 17:20 and we got ready to go out on the bus. We set off on foot to the bus stop all the way over on Magdalen Road. A short time later we saw First Potteries 63360 on a #22 to Longton.


First Potteries 63360 in Blurton
A few minutes later we saw a bus come around the corner. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63362 on a #22 to Newcastle.


First Potteries 63362 in Blurton
We got on the bus and we booked to Harpfields Road and ee sat down towards the back of the bus and we set off onto the A5035. We crossed over the railway line into Trentham and we turned right into New Inn Lane and we climbed the hill into Hanford. We turned right into Wilson Road and we passed First Potteries 67157 on a #21 to Hanley. We turned left Church Lane and we ran down the hill and joined the A34. We crossed under the A500 into Trent Vale and we turned right into Harpfields Road and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we set off on foot onto the A34 and we walked to the pub and we met up with mum. We went into the pub and we sat at one of our usual tables. Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Highlights of the sightings whilst we ate include D&G Bus 173 on a #22 to Longton. Once we had finished eating we went outside to the car. We set off and we carried on along the A34 and we went 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. Matthew also had a can of Cherry Coke and a Crunchie. We wrote the Blog and sent a couple of e-mails. We chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 23:30... Mark

Thursday, 9 April 2026

Trip to Newcastle / Kidsgrove 09-04-2026
















BusFromToServiceOperator



63354Fenton, adj Travers CourtNewcastle BS11First Potteries
63174Newcastle BSKidsgrove, St Johns RC38First Potteries
63114Kidsgrove, Town HallHanley BS38AFirst Potteries
67151Hanley BSFenton, Smithpool Road23First 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 dentist. We went downstairs and we and we cut through onto City Road to wait a bus to Newcastle. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63354 on a #11 to Newcastle.


First Potteries 63354 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. Matthew went to the toilet and went back to the bus station to wait for a bus to Hanley. A few minutes later a bus appeared and it was First Potteries 63174 on a #38 to Kidsgrove.


First Potteries 63174 in Newcastle bus station
We got on the bus and we booked to Talke Pits before sitting down towards the back of the bus. set of out of the bus station onto Barracks Road and at the roundabout we turned left onto Ryecroft. At the roundabout we turned right onto the Northbound A34. We ran Northwards past the bus garage and we ran through Milehouse. We ran Northwards to the McDonald roundabout and we turned left onto Wolstanton Road. At the roundabout we turned right onto Chesterton High Street. As we turned onto Crackley Bank and we ran through Crackley and Red Street. We crossed over the A500 and we veered left onto Talke High Street. We turned right somewhere and left onto Chester Road. We re-joined the road and we ran forwards onto Coalpit Hill. We ran forwards onto the A34 and up towards somewhere where we turned right onto the B5371. We turned right onto Mitchell Avenue and we turned left onto Lower Ash Road. We turned right onto First Avenue and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked around the corner onto the B5371 we walked onto the A50 and onto Heathcote Street and Matthew visited the toilet. As we walked through the Market Street and we visited the pub. Matthew used the toilet. Matthew had a chicken sandwich washed down with glass of Coke. We walked back onto Market Street and we turned left onto Attwood Street and we turned left onto Liverpool Road and up to the bus stop. We crossed over the road and we saw First Potteries 67155 on a #103 to Crewe. A short time later the bus appeared. It was First Potteries 63114 on a #38A to Hanley.


First Potteries 63114 in Kidsgrove
We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down. We set off along the A50. We ran up the hill into Goldenhill and then forwards through Sandyford past the retail park into Tunstall. We ran down the High Street and we saw City Centre Central YF69 HHU. We continued down the High Street and we ran past the former Co-operative bank. We turned left onto Williamson Street. At the roundabout we turned right onto Scotia Road and past the the old bus garage before running up the hill into Burslem town centre. We continued into Cobridge and down into Hanley. We joined Hope Street and we ran forwards to Stafford Street. We turned right at the end past the town hall and onto Bagnall Street before entering the bus station where we got up got off the bus. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards waited for a bus back to Fenton. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we waited for a bus back to Fenton. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 67179 on a #7 to Kidsgrove. A short time later the bus arrived on stand. It was First Potteries 67151 on a #23 to Newstead.


First Potteries 67151 in Hanley bus station
We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before we sat 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. Due to Lower Bethesda Street being closed, we diverted onto the ring road and left onto Hinde Street. We turned right 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 we ran under the railway line 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 to his room to chill out. We went downstairs to the car and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and left onto City Road. We ran down the hill into Stoke and we joined the Northbound A500. We ran North uo through Etruria and Longport and we joined the Eastbound A527. We ran up the hill to the top end of Tunstall and we turned left onto Chatterley Lane. We turned right onto Hollywall lane and at the end we turned left onto the A50. We stopped at the Goldenhill Community Centre and we went to a fun day. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards had chicken nuggets and chips for tea. Matthew had a can of Coke. For dessert Matthew had some cake. When we had finished we got back into the car and we set off onto the A50. We ran North into Kidsgrove and we turned right onto Mount Road. We continued onto Pennyfield Road and we ran up through Harriseahead and towards Mow Cop. We continued up to the Edge of Biddulph and we turned right onto the A527. We ran Southwards through Brown Lees and Brindley Ford and we followed the road through Knypersley and Fegg Hayes up to Chell. We continued along the A527 through Pits Hill and Sandyford and down to the A500. We ran Southwards through Longport and Etruria and we came off the A500 at Stoke. We ran up the A52 under the railway line and we ran forwards onto City Road and into Fenton. We turned right into Manor Street and left into Victoria Road and we continued onto Victoria Road and we stopped at Buzz Bingo. Matthew went to the toilet and had a burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. We got an ABC Supreme taxi back to the residential unit. We set off up Victoria Road. We turned right onto City Road and left onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room and chilled out in his room and use his computer and watch buses out of the window. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. Matthew used his computer and watched music videos on the television. 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.

Tuesday, 7 April 2026

Trip to Newcastle / Trentham 07-04-2026
















BusFromToServiceOperator



6011Fenton, adj Travers CourtNewcastle BS1AD&G Bus
35950Newcastle BSTrentham, Longton Road101First Potteries
35947Trentham, Poachers Cottage PHHanley BS101First Potteries
63114Hanley BSFenton, Albert Square23First Potteries


Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus and going to the pub later on. 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 went downstairs and we set off onto City Road. We waited at the bus stop by the flats for a bus towards Hanley. We continued down to the bus stop and whilst we waited we saw Magnum MT70 CGF going towards Stoke. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 6011 on a #1A to Wood Lane.


D&G Bus 6011 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. Due to Roadworks there was a diversion on the route. We turned left onto Princes Road past the old school. Part of site was demolished to make more car parking spaces. We ran into Penkhull village. We onto Newcastle Lane and we turned right onto Hilton Road. We turned into the hospital and as we travelled through the hospital we saw ABC Supreme KP25 DKO. We turned right onto the A34 and we ran into Newcastle. We crossed the roundabout and we ran up Barracks Road and into the bus station from the South end. Once we got to the bus station we got up and got off the bus. In the bus station we stopped at the toilet. We walked out of the bus station. We set off onto Hassell Street and we turned right onto High Street. We turned right onto Ironmarket and past the former Malik's store which Titanic Brewers want to open up as a Bod. We turned right onto Castle Walk and into the bus station and we waited for a bus towards Trentham Gardens. Eventually the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 35950 on a #101 to Stafford.


First Potteries 35950 in Newcastle bus station
We got on the bus and we booked to Trentham Garden before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road. We ran Southwards onto the A34 and we ran down through Trent Vale and into Hanford. We continued down through to Trentham and we got up and got off the bus near to Trentham Garden. Once off the bus we crossed over the A34 and we went into the gardens and we walked to the North West corner and we stopped to Frankie & Benny's. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards when down with a glass of Coke. When we had finished around the North end of the lake and Matthew stopped to got to the toilet. later on we walked through the retail village and we walked to the the garden centre. 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 a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 35947 on a #101 to Hanley.


First Potteries 35947 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. We waited for a bus back to Fenton. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we waited for a bus back to Fenton. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 67175 on a #7A to Biddulph. A short time later the bus arrived on stand. It was First Potteries 63114 on a #23 to Newstead.


First Potteries 63114 in Hanley bus station
We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before we sat 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 we ran under the railway line onto City Road. We ran up the hill and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. When we got to Albert Square we got up and got off the bus. We then walked back to the residential unit. we went upstairs and chilled out in his room. Hr used his computer and watched buses out of the window. Later on and we went downstairs and we set off onto City Road and we crossed over onto Manor Street for We stopped at the Fenton Community Hall and Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we had a drink of Coke. Matthew had a ham sandwich and sausage rolls. After we had finished we returned to the residential unit. We walked along Manor Street and we crossed over City Road and we turned right onto onto Temple Street and we returned to the residential unit. We went upstairs and back into his room. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. He watched television and used his computer. Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark

Monday, 6 April 2026

Trip to Newcastle / Hanley 06-04-2026
















BusFromToServiceOperator



63176Fenton, adj Travers CourtNewcastle BS11First Potteries
63175Newcastle BSFenton, Smithpool Road11First 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 got ready to go to Newcastle. Whilst getting ready we saw Travel Express SM65 DMY heading towards Stoke. We went downstairs to the car and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and left onto City Road. We ran down the hill into Stoke and we joined the Northbound A500. We ran North uo through Etruria and Longport and we joined the Eastbound A527. We ran up the hill to the top end of Tunstall and we turned left onto Chatterley Lane. We turned right onto Hollywall lane and at the end we turned left onto the A50. We ran North into Kidsgrove and we turned right onto Mount Road. We stooped at one of the service user place to pick them up and then we continued through Kidsgrove to Talke to the Carvery. We then returned to Kidsgrove along First Avenue and onto the A50 and we stopped at the Aldi car park before we went to the pub opposite. When we had finished in the pub we went up the A50 and we turned left onto Second Avenue. We turned left onto First Avenue and we ran back into Kidsgrove. We then went North up the A50 and South down the A34 and back to the carvery. We then went North up the A34 and we turned right onto the A50 and we ran back South into Kidsgrove. We stopped at Aldi again. and we went across the rod to the pub. Once we had finished in the pub we ran Southwards down the A50 up the hill and down into Sandyford. We then stopped at Costa Coffee tor tea. Matthew had a millionaire’s shortbread washed down with a cup of Coke. Once we had finished we returned to Fenton. We set off Northwards towards Kidsgrove up the A50 and we turned right onto Mount Road. We stopped again to pick up a service user and we continued onto Pennyfield Road and we ran up through Harriseahead and towards Mow Cop. We continued up to the Edge of Biddulph and we turned right onto the A527. We ran Southwards through Brown Lees and Brindley Ford and we followed the road through Knypersley and Fegg Hayes up to Chell. We continued along the A527 through Pits Hill and Sandyford and down to the A500. We ran Southwards through Longport and Etruria and we came off the A500 at Stoke. We ran up the A52 under the railway line and we ran forwards onto City Road and into Fenton. We turned right into Smithpool Road and left into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room and chilled out in his room and use his computer and watch buses out of the window. We went downstairs and we and we cut through onto City Road to wait a bus to Hanley. A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was First Potteries 63176 on a #11 to Newcastle.


First Potteries 63176 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 Matthew got a picture of First Potteries 63176 before it returned towards Hanley on a #11 service.


First Potteries 63176 in Newcastle bus station
We set off onto Hassell Street and we turned right onto High Street. We crossed over and we walked across to the bowling alley and then Matthew had a few games of bowling. We walked back onto High Street and we walked onto Hassell Street. We returned to the bus station and we waited for a bus to Fenton. A short time later we saw First Potteries 63177 on a #38 to Kidsgrove.


First Potteries 63177 in Newcastle bus station
After a short wait we saw First Potteries 63179 on a #39 to Hanley.


First Potteries 63179 in Newcastle bus station
A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63175 on a #23 to Hanley.


First Potteries 63175 in Newcastle bus station
We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. 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. We crossed over City Road and we cut through to the residential unit. We went upstairs and to his room to chill out. Later on we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned left onto Smithpool Road. We crossed over the railway line and we walked down to the entrance of the park. In the park Matthew walked up to the playground. Once we had finished in the park we walked back along Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room and chilled out in his room and use his computer and watch buses out of the window. Later on we went downstairs to the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto City Road. We ran down the hill and under the railway line into Stoke. We crossed over the A500. We turned left onto Church Street and we we around the one-way system. We turned left onto Church Street and we turned right onto Shelton Old Road. We ran forwards onto Stoke Road and we ran under the railway line and up through Shelton. We ran up Broad Street and we turned right onto the anti-clockwise ring road. e turned right onto the anti-clockwise ring road. We continued down onto Etruria Road and ww stopped at the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and then had burger and fries followed by lemon meringue pie and a glass of Coke. We returned to Fenton. We walked up Etruria Road and we turned left onto the anti-clockwise ring road and right onto Clough Street. We crossed over Broomfield Place South and around the loop and back onto Clough Street. We stopped by Harry Shaw and Matthew took some pictures from the car of the buses in the yard. We saw Harry Shaw YM73 LHJ parked up in the yard. Afterwards we returned to the car. We set off out of Clough Street and we joined the B5046 and we ran through Cliffe Vale through to Snow Hill. We turned right onto Stoke Road and we ran down the hill. We turned left onto the railway station onto Stoke Road. We turned left onto the 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 back into his room. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. He watched television and used his computer. Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Sunday, 5 April 2026

Trip to Trentham / Hanley 05-04-2026
















BusFromToServiceOperator



6001Blurton, The ParksHanley BS24D&G Bus


Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus later. 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. We went downstairs ans we got in the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Smithpool Road and we ran to the end. We turned left onto Wheildon Road and we ran forwards onto Grove Road. In Heron Cross we turned right onto Road. We ran down the hill and we went past the BP garage. We ran up the hill and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beacosfield Drive and we ran to the end. We turned right onto Finstock Avenue and we followed the road around onto Magdalen Road. We turned right onto the A5035 and we ran over the railway line into Trentham. We turned right Brough Lane and forwards The Lea. We turned right onto New Inn Lane and left onto Trentley Road. We turned left onto Allerton Road and right to rejoin the A34. We ran through Hanford and under the A500 into Trent Vale. We turned left London Road and we ran through Oak Hill past the former Oak Hill pub. We continued through the the West End before running into Stoke Town centre and Campbell Place. We continued around the one-way system onto Church Street. We turned right onto Shelton Old Road and we saw Travel Express SF20 BPU paeked up th the depot. We joined the Southbound A500. We ran up to the next junction we turned left onto City Road and right into Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street past the new building under construction and back to the residential unit. Matthew went back to the room and went on his computer. Matthew chilled out in hs room whilst getting ready. Once we were ready we went downstairs and out of the residential unit. We got in the car and we drove onto Temple Street. We turned right onto Christchurch Street and right onto Station Bridge Road. We followed the road around onto Heron Street and into Heron Cross. We went through the traffic lights and forwards onto Blurton Road. As we travelled through Blurton. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Street and right onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 13:00. When we got home Matthew had ttoast and a small bottle of dandelion & burdock. We set off around 13:51 on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. We turned right the A5035 and we saw D&G Bus 763 on a #27A to Bentilee.


D&G Bus 763 in Blurton
After a short while we saw First Potteries 67159 on a #22 to Longton.


First Potteries 67159 in Blurton
We carried on onto the A5035 and we carried on along Stanley Matthews Way. We walked to the bus stop and we waited for a bus to Hanley. As we got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 6001 on a #24 to Norton.


D&G Bus 6001 in Blurton
We got on the bus and we booked to Stoke before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down Stanley Matthews Way past the BET365 Stadium. We joined the Westbound A50. We briefly got onto the Southbound A500 and we wheeled around over the A500 and past the Dunelm. We turned right onto Campbell Road. We ran into Stoke and we joined the one-way system before turning right onto Boothen Road. We turned left 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 where we got up and got off the bus. when we got back to the bus stationwe decided to do a taxi. We called for a Lucky Seven taxi and we sat outside the bus station until kit arrived a few minutes later. We got in the taxi and we set off down Lichfield Street and over the ring road. We ran down to joiners Square and we went over the roundabout onto Victoria Road past Adsa and the B&M. We turned right onto Manor Street and we turned left onto City Road and we turned right Glebedale Road. We turned right Baker Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. We ran to the end of the road and we got out. We walked around the corner onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room and chilled out in his room and use his computer and watch buses out of the window. We went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned left onto Smithpool Road. We crossed over the railway line and we walked down to the entrance of the park. In the park Matthew walked up to the playground. Once we had finished in the park we walked back along Grove Road. We crossed over the Whieldon Road and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Masterson Street and we turned left onto Watkin Street. We continued onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew went to his room. For tea Matthew had a jacket potato with tuna followed by cake. In the late evening Matthew went downstairs to spend time with the other residents ar cuppa club. Matthew had various biscuits as well as some rice crispy cakes washed down with a can of Dr Pepper. Later on Matthew went back upstairs and had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.