Trip to Hanley / Trentham 01-04-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63101	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Stoke, stop P	11	First Potteries
35950	Stoke, stop N	Stoke, Hancock Street	25	First Potteries
63365	Hanley BS	Trentham, Longton Road	101	First Potteries
35944	Trentham, Poachers Cottage PH	Hanley BS	101	First Potteries
67154	Hanley BS	Coalville, Cross Street	6	First Potteries
67154	Coalville, Cross Street	Fenton, Victoria Place	6	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. We saw Voyager Travel LG69 CCA. Later on we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw Temple Street church minibus KD23 DHC. We carried on along Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63101 on a #11 to Newcastle. We got on the bus and we booked to Stoke 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. We got off the bus and we crossed obver the road to the stop opposite to wait for a #25 to Hanley. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As soon as it cam into view we knew it was First Potteries 35950 on a #25 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley. before we sat down. The bus set off out of Stoke town centre and across the A500. We crossed under the railway line before turning left onto the A52 and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 35950 before it carried on towards Hanley.

First Potteries 35950 in Stoke

Once off the bus we walked up to the A52 and we turned left onto Mawson Grove and we went into Hanley Park. We went to the pavillion and the cafe was closed! We returned to The Parkway and we turned right onto Hardings Road and we stopped at the bus stop on Regent Road. We stopped at the Premier and Matthew had a viennetta and can of Bar Bubblegum. We walked down Regent Road and we turned left onto Lower Bethesda Street and we turned right the ring road. we turned into the the stop outside the bus station. Whilst we waited for a bus back to Fenton and Matthew visited the toilet. A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was First Potteries 63365 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 63365 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Trentham Gardens and sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we ran down John Street and right onto Bethesda Street. We ran down Broad Street and we crossed the ring road onto Snow Hill and at the roundabout we turned Shelton New Road. Due to roadwork we went the wrong way around the one-way system. We ran over the canal and railway line. We ran through the cross road up to Hartshill and at the roundabout we ran into Newcastle down George Street. We joined the one-way system and at the next roundabout we turned left onto Barracks Road. We turned right into the bus station. After a brief stop we Continued onto Barracks Road and forwards onto the Southbound A34. We ran past the hospital into Trent Vale and under the A500 into Hanford. We continued into Trentham and 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 he came back we ordered some food. Matthew had a classic cheeseburger and fries washed down with a glass of Coke followed by a apple & blueberry pie and ice cream. 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 35944 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 35944 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 D&G Bus 796 on a #8A to Endon. A short time later the bus arrived on stand. It was First Potteries 67154 on a #6 to Coalville.

First Potteries 67154 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus we booked to Weston Coyney before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto the ring road and we turned right onto Lichfield Street and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed the roundabout onto City Road and past the site of the new Burger King. We continued forwards onto King Street and we passed through Foley. We ran forwards into Longton and under the railway line into Longton town centre. The bus stopped on Market Street. We continued onto and we followed the one-way system onto Commerce Street. We crossed over the A50 and we ran forwards onto Lightwood Road. At the roundabout we turned left onto Upper Belgrave Road. We ran forwards onto Waterhead Road. We turned left onto the A520 and we ran through Meir and we turned right onto Woodville Road and we paused in the Square before going onto Leason Road. We turned right onto Stansmore Road and Brookwood Drive and we turned right onto the A520 and and we turned right onto Main Street where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we decided to go back to Hanley on the double decker. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before going upstairs and sitting down. We set off down Main Street and we continued along Weldon Avenue and we turned right onto Caverwall Road. We turned right onto the A520 and we turned left onto Brookwood Drive. We turned right onto Stansmore Road and we turned left onto Leason Road. We paused in the Square before going onto Woodville Road. We turned left onto the A520 and we headed through Meir and we turned right into Waterhead Road. We ran through to Upper Belgrave Road onto Lightwood Road and into Longton. We crossed over the A50 and we ran down The Strand. After a brief stop we ran down under the railway bridge onto King Street. We ran down through Fenton and forwards onto City Road past the new petrol station and coffee shop. We turned right into Victoria Road and we got up and got off the bus. One off the bus we set off on foot onto City Road. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we walked back into Temple Street and into the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. 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. For dinner Matthew had washed down a can of Irn Bru. 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 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 burger and chips. 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.

Trip to Bucknall / Hanley 31-03-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
111	Bucknall, Opp Finney Gardens	Hanley BS	5	D&G Bus
67154	Hanley BS	Blurton, Ladybank Grove	23	First Potteries

Today Matthew was returning to the residential unit later, 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 just after 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Later on we set off to Etruria via Clayton. We got in the car and we headed onto the A5035. At trnetham we turned right onto the A34 and we headed Northwards passing an unidentified Taurus Holidays coach. We ran through Hanford and under the A500 into Trent Vale. We turned left onto Clayton Lane and we ran forwards onto Stafford Avenue. We turned right onto the Northbound A519 and left onto Abbots Way. We turned left onto Edwards Avenue and we ran forwards onto The Plaisaunce. After picking up our friend we ran ran back down the Plaisaunce and forwards onto Edwards Avenue. We turned right onto Abbots Way and left onto the A519. We ran into Newcastle and forwards onto the A527 assing Arriva Midlands 3693 on the #64 to Shrewsbury. We passed the bus station and ran out of Newcastle alomng the A52 and we ran around the one way system and headed towards Hartshill. We veered left onto Shelton New Road and we joined the Southbound A500. We turned sharp left onto Garner Street and we parked up near to the food truck and we headed into the gazebo. Matthew had a cumberland sausage, bacon and egg bap washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we set of to the shop. We ran along Garner Street to Etruria and we turned left onto the A53 and we veered left onto Forge Lane and we turned left onti the Etruria Valley Link Road. We went under the A500 and we turned left onto the retail park. We parked up and we saw silver minibus YR09 NRZ parked up.

YR09 NRZ in Wolstanton

Also seen was blue minibus M33 POE.

M33 POE in Wolstanton

We went into Asda and Matthew went to the toilet. We did Matthew's weekly shopping and afterwards we headed back to the ca. As we were setting off we saw First Potteries 35947 on a #501 Festival Park circular service. We set off out of the car park and we headed to Bucknall to do some more shopping. We ran under the A500 and we headed South. We turned left onto the A53 and we saw Cabability FJ16 AVK. We came off the A53 and we turned right onto Etruria Road. We turned left onto Marsh Street and we saw First Potteries 67175 on a #7A to Biddulph. We headed towards Cobrdge and we turnmed right onto the clockwise ring road. We turne dleft onto Bucknall New Road and we headed down the hill. We saw First Potteries 63101 on a #11 to Hanley. At Limekiln lighte we turned right onto the A52 and intoi Farmfoods car park. We went into the shop and Matthew decided he wanted to catch a bus home. We said goodbye to mum and our friend and we headed onto the A52 and to the nearest stop to wait for a bus. On the way to the bus stop we were passed by Stanton's of Stoke coach PSU 988 on a #26 to Hanley. We got to the bus stop and we waited for a bus. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 111 on a #5 to Hanley.

D&G Bus 111 in Bucknall

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off towards limekiln lights and we went across onto Bucknall New Road. at the top of the hill we turned right onto the anticlockwise ring road and we turned left onto Town Road. We turned right onto Quadrant Road and we ran forwards onto Stafford Street. Weturnmed right in front of the town hall and left onto Bagnall Street and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus at Hanley Matthew went to the toilet. We headed down the bottom end of the bus station to catch a bus towards Blurton. As short time later we saw a bus approaching the stand. We saw it was First Potteries 67154 on a #23 to Newstead.

First Potteries 67154 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Blurton before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus waited for time before setting off out of the bus station. We went down John Street and we turned right onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto Broad Street. We ran down the hill and over the ring road onto Snow Hill Before we turned left onto Copeland Street. We continued forwards onto Glebe Street and we followed the road around onto Church Street. We crossed the A500 and we ran under the railway line and we continued onto City Road. After climbing up the hill into Fenton we turned right into Christchurch Street and we continued onto Station Bridge Road. We ran forwards onto Heron Street and we went through the traffic lights onto Blurton Road. After crossing over the A50 we continued through Blurton. We turned right onto Church Road and right onto Beaconfield Drive. We ran to the other end and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67154 as it continued towards Newstead.

First Potteries 67154 in Blurton

We walked back to the house getting back just after 15:30. We did some of the Blog and Matthew had a can of Irn Bru. Around 17:00 we got ready to return to the residential unit. We set off through Burton and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive where we saw silver minibus C11 HTC parked up. We turned left onto Church Street and left onto Blurton Road. We went through the traffic lights onto Heron Steeet. We carried on forwards onto Station Bridge Road and we turned left onto Christchurch Street and we turned left onto Masterson Street and we saw Stafford & District Community Link OW73 RYR. We turned right onto Watkin Street and we continued onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs to his room and we put all his shopping in his cupboard or in the kitchen. Matthew chilled out on his computer and watched buses out of the window. For tea Matthew had chicken & rice and washed it down with a glass of Irn Bru. For afters Matthew had a cheesecake with custard. Matthew then went out to catch a bus to Hanley. We went downstairs and it was an Intercity taxi. We got in the taxi and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we crossed over City Road onto Manor street. At the end of manor street awe turned left onto Victoria Road. We ran down to joiners Square and we crossed over the roundabout onto Lichfield Street. We crossed over the ring road and we parked up in the small car park in front of the pub. We went into the Coachmakers Arms. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had 1/2 a Coke. After we had finished we returned to Fenton in a taxi. We got in the taxi and we set off onto Lichfield Street. We crossed over the ring Road and we ran down to Joiners Square. We crossed the roundabout onto Victoria Road and we ran up the hill into Fenton. At the roundabout we turned sharp right onto City Road and left onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and we went to his room and chilled out. We went upstairs and Matthew went to his room. He watched television and used his computer. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Bury / Tottington 29-03-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
69630	Fairfield, Willow Street	Bury Interchange	468	First Manchester
4137	Bury Interchange	Radcliffe BS	524	Go North West
11845	Radcliffe BS	Bury Interchange	98	Stagecoach Manchester
27826	Bury Interchange	Tottington, Stop D	469	Stagecoach Manchester
27624	Tottington, Stop D	Bury Interchange	469	Stagecoach Manchester
1762	Bury Interchange	Walmersley, Park Farm	483	Transdev Rosso
2028	Walmersley, Park Farm	Bury Interchange	474	Go North West

Today we decided to re-visit Bury. We asked Matthew whefre he wanted to go today and he chose Bury. Research for the trip consisted of looking at past Blogs to see where we had eaten recently, Looking at the Bee Network bus tickets and to check the weather, which was forecast for grey weather with some showers. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We got ready to go out and we set off around 11:30. We set off through Blurton onto Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and into Heron Cross and over the A50. At Heron Cross lights we turned left onto Grove Road. We ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. Once we had picked up uncle Dave, we continued down Wheildon Road and we joined the Northbound A500. WE ran Northwards through Stoke and Etruria and up to the motorway. As we travelled Northwards we saw AJS Passenger Travel AJ15 BUZ on a day trip to Blackpool. The was a bit of a queue at the junction, but once on the M6 motorway the road was clear. There was a light on the car dashboard which I was sure would clear if we stopped, so I decided to stop at Knutsford services for a quick toilet stop and to see if the fault would clear. We stopped at the service and Matthew went to the toilet. We could see coaches parked outside so we went through the building to go and see them. We saw Robinsons Y5 RCT which was the Chadsetown FC coach who were away at Stalybridge Celtic.

Robinsons Y5 RCT in Knutsford services

We restarted the car and the fault cleared. Seen on the M6 travelling Northwads were. We came off the M6 onto the Eastbound M62. Seen on the M62 were. WE continued onto the clockwise M60. The traffic was busy through junctions 17 and 18. We saw . We headed North up the M66 and we came off at junction 2 onto the A58. We turned right onto the B6221 and right onto Willow Street. We turned left onto the B6222 and we stopped at the cafe. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Orange Fanta. When we had finished we got the trip bag from the car and we said goodbye to mum. WE headed the short distance to the bus stop and we waited for a bus into Bury as we had done before. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As we got closer we saw it was First Manchester 69630 on a #468 to Bury.

First Manchester 69630 in Fairfield

We got on the bus and we bought a Bee Network Family Day bus ticket at £9 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the B6222 and we ran Westwards to the edge of town. We turned left onto Derby Way and we past the site of the old First bus garage which is now a car dealership. We turned right onto the A58 and we past the rear of the Market and we turned right onto Haymarket Street and right into the Interchange where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we headed over to the other side to visit the toilet. The toilets had been closed due to vandalism! We decided to catch out to somewhere else to use the toilet. whilst we decided what to catch we saw Stagecoach Manchester 11829 on a #135 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 11829 in Bury Interchange

We decided to head towards Radcliffe. We walked over to the correct stand and as we got close we saw it was Go North West 4137 on a #524 to Bolton.

Go North West 4137 in Bury Interchange

We got on the bus and we placed the Bee Network bus ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the interchange and we turned left onto Haymarket Street. We crossed the A58 onto Knowsley Street and we turned left onto the A56. We headed Southwards for a short while before turning right onto the A6053. We turned left onto Rectory Lane and we contined onto Church Street West and we ran along Deansgate and we ran forwards onto Dale Street before entereing the bus station. Once off the bus we crossed over the road and Matthew got another picture of Go North West 4137 before it continued towards Bolton.

Go North West 4137 in Radcliffe bus station

Once off the bus we crossd over the road to Lidl. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we went around the shop. We bought a pack of Bakewell Slices. We crossed back over the road and we headed int one of the shelters to keep out of the light rain. Matthew sat down and we had bakewell slices followed by a can of Irn Bru. Whilst we decided what to catch we saw Rotala Diamond 20620 on a #513 to Bury.

Rotala Diamond 20620 in Radcliffe bus station

We decided to go back towards Bury and the next service was a #98. A short time later we saw the bus approach the stand. AS it came on stand we saw it was Stagecoach Manchester 11845 on a #98 to Bury.

Stagecoach Manchester 11845 in Radcliffe bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Bee Network bus tickets under the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off onto the main Road and we went up Ainsworth Road. At goin into the housing to the West of the main road we returned onto Ainsworth Road along Turks Road. We went North up to the A58 and we turned right. At Watling Street we went North to Starling and we turned right again onto Ainsworth Road through Elton. We joined the A58 again on the edge of Bury and we ran around to Haymarket street and We saw Copeland's Tours MIB 978 setting back after a day trip to Bury Market. We turned right into the Interchange and we let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach Manchester 11845.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 11845

Once off the bus we had a look around to see what we might catch. We saw Stagecoach Manchester 44904 running out of service.

Stagecoach Manchester 44904 in Bury Interchange

Matthew had chosen to go towards Tottington, so we stood on stand F to wait for the next bus. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Manchester 27826 on a #469 to Tottington.

Stagecoach Manchester 27826 in Bury Interchange

We got on the bus and we flashed the Bee Network bus tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the interchange and we turned right into Haymarket Street. At going along Moss Street and Silver Street we turned left onto Bolton Street. Outside the ELR railway station. We forwards onto the A58. We turned right onto the B6213 and we ran up the hill and into Elton. We ran forwards onto Woolfold and Tottington. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Manchester 27826 as it continued towards Bury.

Stagecoach Manchester 27826 in Tottington

Once off the bus we walked further into town. We saw a Co-op so we went in to get supplies. We bought a bottle of Coke and a chocolte bar. On the way back Matthew spotted the pub and we went in. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had a glass of Coke. After we had finished the drink we went outside and headed back to the us stop. As we apporached the bus stop we saw our bus. It got closer and we saw it was Stagecoach Manchester 27624 on a #469 to Bury.

Stagecoach Manchester 27624 in Tottington

We got on the bus and we flashed the Bee Network bus ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the B6213 and we headed towards the Woolfold. We ran into Elton and we joined the A58 again on the edge of Bury and we ran around to Bolton Street and Market Street to the transport interchange and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we saw A gre Plaxton Centre across the other side. We saw it was Transdev Rosso 1762 on a #483 to Burnley.

Transdev Rosso 1762 in Bury interchange

We got on and we flashed our Bee Network bus ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off onto Haymarket Street and onto the A58 we went around The Rock shopping centre and North up the A56. We passed through Limefield and Walmesley and we got up and got off the bus and Matthew took a picture of Transdev Rosso 1762 as it continued towards Burnley.

Transdev Rosso 1762 in Walmersley

We considered which way to head back to Bury. We could go via Ramsbottom or back along the road. Before we crossed over the road we saw Transdev Blackburn 1870 on a X41 to Blackburn.

Transdev Blackburn 1870 in Walmersley

We crossed over the road and almost immediately we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Go North West 2028 on a #474 to Bury.

Go North West 2028 in Walmersley

We got on the bus and we Bee Network bus tickets to the driver for the final time today before we went upstairs. We set off up the A56 and we went South through Limefields. We went around The Rock shopping centre and past the market before coming back into Haymarket Street and into the interchange. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we took a few pictures before we headed back to the car. We saw Go North West 3068 running out of service.

Go North West 3068 in Bury Interchange

We walked around the outside of the Interchange and we turned left into the Millgate Shopping Centre. We continued through the market and onto the path under the A58. We walked to the car and we met up with mum. We got in the car and Matthew had a can of Coke. We set off out of the car park and we turned left onto the A58. We turned left onto Market Street and we turned right onto Wellington Road. We turned left onto the A56 and we headed Southwards. We crossed over the river Roch and we stopped chip shop. I went inside to get food. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy. When I had finished eating we got back onto the the Southbound A56. We turned right onto the anti-clockwise M60 and we ran forwards onto the M62. We ran for around 10 miles before joining the Southbound M6. We ran through cheshire and we saw an unidentified Ellison's coach. At junction 16 We joined the Southbound A500. We ran through Longport and Etruria past the Johnston Coach depot. We came off the A500 at Stoke and we ran forwards onto Wheieldon Road. We stopped at uncle Dave's so that Mattew could use the toilet and update uncle Dave's calendar with today's trip. When we had finished we got in the car and we set off back to Blurton. 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. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Street. We turned right onto the A5035 and back to Blurton around 20:00. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we did some of the Blog. We also wrote a few emails and generally used the computer to entertain ourselves. We watched TV and Matthew got ready for bed. Matthew settled down around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Hanley / Newcastle 28-03-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67154	Hanley BS	Fenton, Albert Square	23	First Potteries
63363	Fenton, Adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
35939	Newcastle BS	Newcastle, O/s Cherry Tree	25	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going to Blurton. But first Matthew was going out on the bus and going to visit Grandma. Matthew woke up around 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. In the morning Matthew went downstairs and cut through on City Road. We walked down to wait for the taxi and we saw Afford rent-a-car BN74 XEX at the garage.

Afford rent-a-car BN74 XEX in Fenton

We got in a taxi and we set off down City Road. We ran forwards onto the A52 and under the railway bridge. We crossed over the A500 and we ran forwards onto Church Street. We ran over the one-way syaytem and onto Campbell Road. We re-joined Church Street and right onto Liverpool Road. We turned right onto Eleanor Street and right into Copeland Street. We turned left onto Glebe Street and we ran forwards onto the A52. We ran past the railway station and the University and we ran to Joiners Square. We turned left onto Lichfield Street and we ran into Hanley. We crossed over the ring road and parked up in Lichfield Street. Once out of the taxi we set off up Lichfield Street and forwards onto Tontine Street. We continued to Market Square and we into the market. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we went to a cafe in the market, Matthew had sauasage and cheese oatcakes washed down with a can of Coke. Afterwards we headed down onto Stafford Street and we went to the Little Dessert Shop. Matthew had cake with custard. When we had finished we walked along Stafford Street and onto Lichfield Street. We went into the bus station and Matthew went to the toilet. We waited for a bus towards Fenton. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 63357 on a #8 to Ball Green. A short time later we saw a bus come on stand. We saw it was First Potteries 67154 on a #23 to Newstead.

First Potteries 67154 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off through the bus station. and onto John Street. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and left onto Broad Street. We ran down the hill and over the ring road onto Snow Hill Before we turned left onto Copeland Street. We continued forwards onto Glebe Street and we followed the road around onto Church Street. We crossed the A500 and we ran under the railway line and we continued onto City Road. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. We crossed over city Road and walked back to the residential unit and went upstairs. Matthew chilled out in his room and watched buses out of the window. Just after 14:30 I arrived to pick Matthew up. Matthew came downstairs and we cut through onto City Road. We walked to the bus stop to wait for a bus towards Newcastle. A shirt time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63363 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63363 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 and we saw silver minibus SF68 FME. 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.

First Potteries 35939 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to the hospital before we went upstairs and sitting down. We set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road. We ran Southwards onto the A34 and we got up and got off the bus by the Cherry Tree. We got off the bus and Matthew took a picture of First Potteries 35939 as it continued towards Hanley.

First Potteries 35939 in Newcastle

We walked up to the hill towards grandma's. At Grandma's Matthew had toast and a can of Irn Bru. When it was time to go we said goodbye to Grandma and we got in the car. We set off just before 18:00 and we ran down Victoria Street. We turned left onto the A34. We continued southwards into Trent Vale past the site of a new Greggs. We continued through Trent Vale and we stopped at the pub. We walked into the pub and we sat down at our one our normal tables. Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Highlights of the bus sightings included First Potteries 67181 on a #101 to Hanley and Safeguard WA69 BYU heading towards the hospital. Once we had finished eating we got in the car and we set of along the A34 to Tesco. We filled up with Petrol and afterwards we popoed into Tesco itself to pick up lottery tickets. When we had finished we set off on the A34 and we saw First Potteries 67178 on a #101 to Hanley. We continued through Hanford and into Trentham. We turned left onto the A5035. We crossed over the railway line and into Blurton. We got back around 19:00. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we sorted a few things out. We wrote the Blog and sent a couple of e-mails and Matthew had a KitKat and a can of Irn Bru. We chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Newcastle / Talke Pits 27-03-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63362	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
63146	Newcastle BS	Talke Pits, Clinic	38	First Potteries
63250	Talke Pits, Clinic	Hanley BS	38	First Potteries
67179	Hanley BS	Bentilee, Tyson Green	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going going out on the bus. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Later on Matthew went out on the bus. We went downstairs and cut through onto City Road and walked to the bus stop outside the flats. We waited a the bus stop for a bus towards Newcastle. At the Afford garage we saw Afford rent-a-car HT73 SVX parked up. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. We saw it was First Potteries 63362 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63362 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 we got to the bus station we got up and got off the bus. We waited for a back to Talke Pits. After a short while we saw First Potteries 63557 on a #39A to Butt Lane.

First Potteries 63357 in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 63146 on a #38 to Kidsgrove.

First Potteries 63146 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. We turned right 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 got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus in the centre of Audley we crossed over the road to wait for a bus towards Hanley. Once off the bus we walked around the corner onto Anne Court. As we turned into Elizabeth Court and we walked along Jamage Road to the Talke Freeport and Matthew went for some food. We went to Bakers + Baristas and Matthew used the toilet where Matthew had a sausage brioche bap washed down with can of Irn Bru. We had a walk around the shops and afterwards we walked through Jamage Road onto Elizabeth Court. We walked back down Anne Court and right onto High Street. A few minutes later we saw Paul's of Stoke Y25 POS. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63250 on a #38 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63250 in Talke Pits

We got on the bus and booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down 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 turned right onto the A50. We ran up the hill into Goldenhill and then forwards through Sandyford past the new retail park into Tunstall. We ran down the High Street. We continued down the High Street and we turned left onto Williamson Street. At the roundabout we turned right onto Scotia Road and we ran into Burslem town centre. We ran past the site of the new Kiln Gate Retail park and 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 and got off the bus. We waited for a bus to Bentilee. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 44514 on a #6 to Park Hall. A short while later we saw First Potteries 67156 on a #7 to Kidsgrove. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67179 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67179 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Bentilee before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto the ring road and left onto Lichfield Street and we turned right onto Birch Terrace. We followed the road around onto Charles Street and we turned right onto Old Hall Street. We crossed over the ring road onto Bucknall New Road. We ran down the hill through Limekiln lights. we turned right onto Dividy Road. We turned left onto Beverley Drive and right onto Dawlish Drive. We got up and got off. We walked down Dawlish Drive and we got in a City Cabs taxi and we set off along onto Dawlish Drive. We turned left onto Beverley Drive and we turned right onto Malthouse Road. We turned right onto Wooliscroft Road and left onto Corneville Road. We turned right onto Ruxley Road and right onto the A52 and and we turned left onto Eaves Lane. We turned left onto Greasley Road and continued onto Greasley Road. Before we joined the A5009 and we ran past the Cemetery to Milton and we turned left onto Millrise Road and we ran forwards onto Maunders Road and we crossed over the old railway line. We turned right onto Newford Crescent and left onto the A53. We turned into the retail park. We headed through Cobridge and we ran past the site of the new Wrights Pies shop. At the lights we turned left onto Waterloo Road. We ran down to the ring Road and then we ran around Hanley before going onto Lichfield Street. We ran down to Joiners Square and we continued onto Victoria Road. We ran up to the top and we turned sharp right onto City Road. We ran down to Smithpool Road and we turned left. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs and chilled out in his room to use his computer and watch buses. Later on we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned left into Watkin Street and we turned left into the back alley. 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 past the Queen Elizabeth II Court. We continued back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs and back to his room to chill out. For tea Matthew had Spaghetti and Tomato Sauce followed by treacle tart and custard. 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.

Trip to Congleton / Newcastle 26-03-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63101	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
63101	Newcastle BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	11	First Potteries
6009	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	1A	D&G Bus

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to Belper he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to Belper and we saw First Potteries 63364 on a #11 to Hanley. After tea Matthew went for a walk to Aldi to get some shopping. We set off onto City Road and we crossed over and onto Manor Street. At the end of manor Street we turned left onto Victoria Road and we went down the hill to Aldi. Matthew brought his shopping and then we got a lucky Seven taxi back to the residential unit. We set off onto Victoria Road. We ran down the hill to Joiners Square and we ran across the roundabout onto Lichfield Street and we joined the anti-clockwise ring road. We turned right onto Waterloo Road and we ran through Cobridge. We continued through to Burslem onto Scotia Road and forwards onto the Tunstall by-pass. We ran past the police station onto the top end of Tunstall High Street. We continued through Goldenhill and down the hill to Kidsgrove. We continued under the railway line and over the A34. We followed the A50 to the right and we ran Northwards to Arclid. We turned right onto the A534 and we ran forwards into Congleton town centre. we stopped at the pub and Matthew went to the toilet. For dinner Matthew had a Fried buttermilk chicken burger with fries followed by cheesecake. When it was time to go back we set off Westwards out of town and onto the A34. We turned around and went back into town and we joined the Southbound A527. We travelled back down the road around Biddulph and through Brindley Ford. We ran up the hill to Chell and we turned left onto High Lane. We ran into through Smallthorne and we ran through Sneyd Green and Birches Head. We followed the road to the left down the hill through Northwood and onto Limekiln Bank. We joined the A52 and we ran to Joiners square where we turned left onto Victoria Road. and we ran up to the top of the hill. We turned sharp right onto City Road and we ran down to Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. Later on we went out on the bus to Newcastle. We went downstairs and we set off onto City Road. We walked down to the bus stop outside the flats. We stood at the bus stop outside the flats and we waited for a bus to Newcastle. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 63101 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63101 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. We continued onwards to the bus station. After a short while we saw First Potteries 35941 on a #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 35941 in Hanley bus station

A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was dud First Potteries 63101 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63101 in Hanley bus station

We got on 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 walked back to the residential unit. Matthew went back upstairs and Matthew chilled out in his room. Before tea We went downstairs out for a walk to fetch his tea. we set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We ordered sausages and chips gravy and then we walked back along Smithpool Road and onto and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew went to his room to chill out. Matthew went into the living room to have tea. Matthew ate his sausages and chips gravy followed by a Butterfly cake. We went downstairs and we and we cut through onto City Road to wait a bus to Newcastle. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 6009 on a #1A to Wood Lane.

D&G Bus 6009 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. We continued along Church Street onto Hartshill Road and into the centre of Hartshill. We turned left into the Avenue and left again onto Hilton Road before turning right into the City General Hospital. hospital. As we travelled through the hospital we saw Safeguard WA69 BYU. Once through the hospital 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. Once off the bus we set off onto Castle walk and we past the former Poundland. We continued down Castle Walk and up onto Ironmarket past the old RBS bank which has now The Bank Space. We turned left onto High Street and we crossed over and we went to the cinema. Matthew had a cup of Coke. He went to the cinema to watch A Snow White. After the film Matthew went to the toilet. We walked out of the cinema onto the High Street and we walked onto Hassell Street. We got a Lucky Seven taxi back to Fenton. We set off onto Friars Street. We turned right onto the Southbound A34 and we turned left onto the A527. We ran past the bus station and we crossed over the roundabout onto the A52 and we ran into Hartshill. We veered left onto Shelton New Road and we stopped briefly near to the old Gilberts furniture shop. We continued down Shelton New Road through the traffic lights and we turned right to join the Southbound A500. We stayed on the high level road and we came off the A500 at City Road. We ran under the railway line and up the hill into Fenton. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs and Matthew went to his room. He watched television and used his computer. later on he had a bath. For supper Matthew had some toast. Matthew went to bed around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Newcastle / Trentham 25-03-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
6010	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	1	D&G Bus
35943	Newcastle BS	Trentham Gardens	101	First Potteries
63364	Trentham, Poachers Cottage PH	Hanley BS	101	First Potteries
67153	Hanley BS	Fenton, Albert Square	23	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus 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 saw Stafford & District Community Link OW73 RYR.

Stafford & District Community Link OW73 RYR in Fenton

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 D&G Bus 6010 on a #1 to Park Site.

D&G Bus 6010 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. We continued along Church Street onto Hartshill Road and into the centre of Hartshill. We turned left into the Avenue and left again onto Hilton Road before turning right into the City General Hospital. Once through the hospital 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. Once we got off the bus. Once off the bus we had a look around to see what we might catch. Eventually the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 35943 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 35943 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. Near to the old entrance to the gardens we got up and got off the bus. We crossed over the road and we set off into the retail village and we went to the Riverside restaurant. Matthew had a mixed grill washed down with a bottle of Coke. For afters Matthew had a Bakewell tart. Matthew went to the toilet and after we headed back to the bus stop. We walked ouf of the entrance and Northwards up the A34 to the bus stop outside the old entrance where we saw it was First Potteries 63364 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63364 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 saw ABC Supreme YA67 VBB. 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 63175 on a #103 to Crewe. A short time later the bus arrived on stand. It was First Potteries 67153 on a #23 to Newstead.

First Potteries 67153 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Blurton before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus waited for time before setting off out of the bus station. We went down John Street and onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto Broad Street and we ran down the hill and over the ring road onto Snow Hill Before we turned left onto Copeland Street. We continued forwards onto Glebe Street and we followed the road around onto Church Street. We crossed the A500 and we ran under the railway line and we continued onto City Road and we ran under the railway line. After climbing up the hill into Fenton we turned right into Christchurch Street where we got up and got off the bus. We walked back to to the residential unit. We set off onto Christchurch Street and We walked back into Temple Street and into the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to the room and went on his computer and drank his bottle of Coke. 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 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 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