Thursday, 14 May 2026

Trip to Newcastle / Kidsgrove 14-05-2026
















BusFromToServiceOperator



6010Fenton, adj Travers CourtNewcastle BS1D&G Bus
63118Newcastle BSKidsgrove, Fourth Avenue39AFirst Potteries
63146Kidsgrove, Fourth AvenueHanley BS38First Potteries
63101Hanley BSFenton, adj Travers Court11XFirst Potteries
63102Fenton, adj Travers CourtNewcastle BS11XFirst Potteries
63102Newcastle BSHanley BS11First Potteries
63102Hanley BSFenton, adj Travers Court11First Potteries


Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to out for 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. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, Outside we saw ABC Supreme YO69 AZB. We went downstairs and we and we cut through onto City Road to wait a bus to Stoke. We stood at the bus stop and we waited for a first but to Hanley. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. 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. As we travelled through the hospital we saw Travel Express HF64 AJU. 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. Matthew went to the toilet and we walked out of the bus station and we saw First Potteries 63146 on a #39 to Hanley.


First Potteries 63146 in Newcastle bus station
As it got closer we saw that it was First Potteries 63118 on a #39A to Butt Lane.


First Potteries 63118 in Newcastle bus station
We got on the bus and we booked to Kidsgrove before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We crossed the Jubilee Roundabout and onto the A53. We ran into Basford and over the A500. We ran down into Etruria and over the A500. We continued along the A53 and we turned left onto Forge Lane. We turned left onto Shelton Boulevard and we turned right onto Etruria Valeey Link Road and we ran out along the Lane and we crossed over the canal before we returned back into Etruria along festival Way. We crossed under the A53 onto Etruria Road. We turned right onto the ring road and we ran around anti-clockwise to Bethesda Street. We turned right onto John Street and we ran up the hill to the bus station and onto John Street. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and we went straight across onto Marsh Street. We turned right up onto trinity Street and then left onto Stafford Street. After picking up more passenger outside of Debenhams. We followed the road around to the left and then back onto marsh Street. At the roundabout we went straight on onto Waterloo Road and we ran up the hill into Cobridge. We continued into Buslem and through the traffic lights onto Scotia Road. We went past the old Burslem PMT garage and we followed the road around to the left onto Williamson Street. At the corner we turned right onto Tunstall High Street and past the A527 where there is a new pertol station. We continued North onto the A50. We ran through Goldenhill and down the bank into Kidsgrove and we turned left onto the B5371 and when turned the corner and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we crossed over to wait for a bus back to Hanley. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63146 on a #38 to Hanley.


First Potteries 63146 in Kidsgrove
We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the B5371 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 ran past the former Co-operative bank. 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. We ran down the hill towards Hanley and then up into town along Hope Street and 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. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards waited for a bus back to Fenton. As we waited we saw D&G Bus 26 on a #7A to Fegg Hayes. A short time later the bus appeared. We saw it was First Potteries 63101 on a #11X to Newcastle.


First Potteries 63101 in Hanley bus station
We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton we sat down. We set off up 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 and we turned right onto Dividy Road. We turned left onto Beverley Drive and right onto Dawlish Drive. We ran through the estate and back onto the A5272. We ran up to Adderley Green and we saw First Essex 36828 parked in the garage. At the roundabout we turned right onto Anchor Road. We turned right onto Bambury Street and we ran to the end we turned left onto Galsworthy Road and left onto Heathcote Street. We turned right onto Longley Road and left onto Ashwood. We turned right onto Anchor Road and we ran under the railway line. We turned left onto Markets Street and we followed the one-way system onto Commerce Street and right onto The Strand. After a brief stop we ran down the Strand and under the railway line onto King Street. We continued down through Fenton and forwards onto City Road. We went past KFC and we got up and got off the bus. We cut through onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew chilled out on his room. Later on we went downstairs and we set off onto City Road and we saw D&G Bus 111 on a #1 to Meir. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63102 on a #11X to Newcastle. We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre along Church Street. After a brief stop in Stoke we continued along church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road. We ran up the hill and into Hartshill. We ran forwards onto George Street and we ran down the hill into Newcastle. We turned left at the roundabout onto Barracks Road and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 63102 before it continued towards Hanley.


First Potteries 63102 in Newcastle bus station
We waited for A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was First Potteries 63102 on a #11 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley 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. We ran past the site of the new Burger King and we went forwards onto King Street. We ran through Foley and we under the railway line into Longton town centre. We ran up Market Street and we turned left onto Anchor Road. We ran up the hill to the top and ran down to the roundabout in Adderley Green. At the roundabout at the East end of Bentilee we turned right onto Beverley Drive and then left onto Dawlish Drive. We ran to the end and we turned left onto Beverley Drive. At the end we turned right onto Dividy Road and we ran down the hill to Bucknall. We turned left onto the A52 and we ran to limekiln lights and we went across onto Bucknall New Road. We climbed the hill up to Hanley and we joined the clockwise ring road. We turned right onto Bethesda Road and we turned right onto John Street. Once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. We set off onto Lichfield Street and and went forwards onto Tontine Street and onto Tontine Square and we stopped at Greggs. Afterwards we walked back along Tontine Square to the Intu Potteries shopping centre. We had a walk around the shops and afterwards we walked though and down onto Stafford Street and we went onto Lichfield Street and back to the bus station. As we got to the bus station we saw First Potteries 67144 on a #7 to Kidsgrove.


Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Hanley bus station
A few minutes later a bus appeared and it was First Potteries 63102 on a #11 to Newcastle.


First Potteries 63102 in Hanley bus station
We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle. we sat 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 and we turned right onto Dividy Road. We turned left onto Beverley Drive and right onto Dawlish Drive. We ran through the estate and back onto the A5272. We ran up to Adderley Green. At the roundabout we turned right onto Anchor Road. system onto Commerce Street and right onto The Strand. After a brief stop we ran down the Strand and under the railway line onto King Street. We continued down through Fenton and forwards onto City Road and we went past KFC and we got up and got off at the Travers Court bus stop outside the block of flats. We crossed over City Road and we cut through onto Temple Street and at the end we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We went across the spare ground onto Willowdale Avenue and onto Whieldon Road and into uncle Dave's. For tea Matthew had chicken potatoes and carrots with gravy followed by a slice of chocolate cake. Later on he had a drink of Fanta orange and a few digestive biscuits. Uncle Dave also did his DJ set. A couple of hours later staff came to escort Matthew back home. We set off onto Whieldon Road and we turned onto Willowdale Avenue. We crossed the spare ground and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Temple Street the Queen Elizabeth II Court. We continued back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. He also ate the a can of Irn Bru and a golden crunch creams. 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

Wednesday, 13 May 2026

Trip to Hanley / Longton 13-05-2026
















BusFromToServiceOperator



67154Fenton, adj Travers CourtHanley BS23First Potteries
35939Hanley BSUHNS, Main Entrance25First Potteries
67179Fenton, Smithpool RoadLongton, Market Street11First Potteries
63175Longton, stop CFenton, adj Travers Court6First Potteries


Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up around 08:30 and had pancakes for breakfast washed down with orange juice. Latrer on Matthew set off on foot towards Stoke. We cut through onto City Road and past the closed Afford rent-a-car depot. A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was First Potteries 67154 on a #23 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down City Road and we joined the A52 to go under the railway line and over the A500. We continued onto Church Street and into the centre of Stoke. After a brief stop we continued around the one-way system onto Elenora Street 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 ans we turned right 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. We turned right onto John Street and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we set off up Lichfield Street. We turned righ onto Old Hall Street and we turned the corner onto and we walked up McDonalds and we had dinner. Matthew had a burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. Once We walked along Parliament Row and we walked onto Old Hall Street. We walked up Lichfield Street and back to the bus station. We waited for a bus back towards Fenton. A short time later the bus arrived on stand. It was First Potteries 35939 on a #25 to Keele. We got on the bus and we booked to the Keele before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we ran down John Street onto Bethesda street where we crossed over the ring road and we saw First Potteries 63103 on a #25 to Hanley. We ran down through Shelton along Cauldon Road and we turned left onto Station Road outside the railway station. We went forwards onto A52 and we followed the road around to the right and under the railway line. We crossed over the A500. We continued into Stoke centre along Church Street. We went out of the other side of Stoke and up Hartshill Road into Hartshill. We turned left into The Avenue and we ran down to Hilton Road and we turned right into into the UHNS and we got up and got off the bus near to the chapel. Once off the bus saw ABC Supreme KP25 EHC. In the hospital grounds. After an Appointment. In the hospital grounds we saw ERS Medical FJ22 FRZ. We had finished we returned to Newcastle. We got in the car and we set off out of the hospital and we crossed Southbound A34. We continued southwards into Trent Vale past the Greggs. 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 13:28. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we sorted a few things out. When we got back we did the Blog and Matthew had apple crumble and custard and a glass of Orange Fanta. Around 15:00 we got ready to return to the residential unit. We set off through Burton and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive where we saw gold minibus DE04 FNZ 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 LA72 DDU. 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 chilled out on his computer and watched buses out of the window. Later on we went downstairs and we set off onto City Road and we stood at the bus stop outside the flats and we waited for a bus towards Hanley. A short time later we saw First Potteries 67151 on a #23 to Newstead.


First Potteries 67151 in Fenton
A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching and we saw it was First Potteries 67179 on a #11 to Hanley.


First Potteries 67179 in Fenton
We got on the bus and we booked Longton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We carried on along City Road. We ran past the site of the new Burger King and we went forwards onto King Street. We ran through Foley and we under the railway line into Longton town centre. We ran up Market Street and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we crossed over Market Street and onto Transport Lane. We walked down The Strand. We waited for a bus to Fenton. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63175 on a #11 to Newcastle. We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down The Strand and we ran under the railway line onto King Street. We ran through Foley into Fenton and forwards onto City Road. We went past KFC. As we approached the flat we got up and got off the bus. We walked back up the private road and we walked down to the baths. Matthew had a swimming session and afterwards. We then had an Intercity taxi back to the residential unit. We set off along the private road and we turned left onto City Road. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street. 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.

Tuesday, 12 May 2026

Trip to Newcastle / Trentham 12-05-2026
















BusFromToServiceOperator



6010Fenton, adj Travers CourtNewcastle BS1AD&G Bus
63178Newcastle BSTrentham Gardens101First Potteries
63171Trentham, Poachers Cottage PHNewcastle BS101First Potteries
63112Newcastle BSFenton, Smithpool Road11First Potteries
63357Fenton, Smithpool RoadBentilee, Wellfield Road11First Potteries
47519Bentilee, Tyson GreenFenton, Victoria Place11First 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 and Matthwe went into the living room and we saw Just Travel SO19 NBG. We went downstairs and we and we cut through onto City Road to wait a bus to Hanley. We stood at the bus stop outside the flats and we waited for a bus to Stoke. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 6010 on a #1A to Audley.


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. As we travelled through the hospital we saw ERS Medical YJ21 FWB and ABC Supreme HV22 HKP. 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 walkd down to the bottom of the bus station to see what we could see. The bus appeared and it was First Potteries 63178 on a #101 to Stafford.


First Potteries 63178 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 where we saw ABC Supreme KX64 AFF. Near to the old entrance to the gardens we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we went to across the road the road and into Trentham Gardens. We walked around the North end of the lake and we went to Totally delicious. Matthew had a ham sandwich washed down with bottle of Coke. After finishing eating Matthew went to the toilet. Once we had finished eating we walked back through the main gate and onto the A34 opposite the A5035. We turned left and walked along the A34 to the old Gardens entrance where the bus stop is situated. We waited for a bus back towards Newcastle. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63171 on a #101 to Hanley.


First Potteries 63171 in Trentham
We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off Northwards through Trentham. We continued North through Hanford and Trent Vale and we past the City General hospital before going into Newcastle. We turned right onto Barracks Road and we entered the bus station from the South end. We got up and got off the bus. Once in the bus station we waited for a bus back to Fenton. We set off onto Hassell Street and we turned right onto High Street and we stopped at Cash Converters. We walked up High Street and we stopped at CeX. We walked up Hassell Street and we turned left onto Castle walk and we stopped Bristish Heart Foundation Home and Fashion and Matthew bought some boots. We walked down Castle walk and stopped at Cancer Research. We continued up Castle Walk and we went down to the bottom end of the bus station. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 35941 on a #38 to Kidsgrove. A few minutes later a bus appeared and it was First Potteries 63112 on a #11 to Hanley.


First Potteries 63112 in Newcastle 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. Later on we went downstairs and we set off onto City Road. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching and we saw it was First Potteries 63357 on a #11 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off up City Road and we went forwards onto King Street. We ran through Foley and we under the railway line into Longton town centre. We ran up Market Street and we turned left onto Anchor Road. We ran up the hill to the top and ran down to the roundabout in Adderley Green. At the roundabout at the East end of Bentilee we turned right onto Beverley Drive and then left onto Dawlish Drive and we got up and got off the bus. We walked around the corner and Matthew had can of Cherry Coke. We went back to the Fenton. We set off on foot to the bus stop all the way over on Dawlish Drive. As short time later the bus came around the corner. As exoected we saw it was First Potteries 47519 on a #11 to Newcastle. We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto Dawlish Drive. We ran through the estate and back onto the A5272. We ran up to Adderley Green and we saw First Potteries 36825 parked in the garage. At the roundabout we turned right onto Anchor Road. system onto Commerce Street and right onto The Strand. After a brief stop we ran down the Strand and under the railway line onto King Street. We continued down through Fenton and forwards onto City Road. We went past KFC and we got up and got off. We walked down City Road and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned right onto Temple Street and we returned to the residential unit. Matthew went back upstairs to chill 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.

Monday, 11 May 2026

Trip to Etruria / Wolstanton 11-05-2026
















BusFromToServiceOperator



SF67 HNEFentonHanleyCharterTravel Express
SF67 HNEHanleyFentonCharterTravel Express


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 and we saw First Potteries 35950 on a #101 to Stafford. We ran through Hanford and we crossed the A500 and we saw Dunwood YN22 YNC. We continued through Trent Vale and 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 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. We veered left onto Forge Lane and we ran forwards onto Shelton Boulevard and we turned left onto the Etruria Valley Link Road passing First Potteries 67157 on a #501 Etruria Valley circular. We went under the A500 and we turned left onto the retail park and we saw Staffordshire CC welfare bus LX69 BFK.


Staffordshire CC LX69 BFK in Wolstanton
We walked through the entrance to the other side and we saw blue minibus DC25 KZL parked up.


DC25 KZL in Wolstanton
We did Matthew's weekly shopping and before we went back to the car we saw blue minibus SD72 WBN parked up.


SD72 WBN in Wolstanton
We went back to the car and we saw First Potteries 35942 on a #501 circular service. 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 saw First Potteries 63114 on a #38A to Waterhayes. We pulled up in the layby and we dropped off our friend. We set off onto Ryecroft and we turned right onto Barracks Road. We turned left onto the Southbound A34 we ran down to Trent Vale. We stopped at the retail park and we picked up a try of Cherry Coke from Iceland. We rejoined the A34 and we went 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 13:30. When we got back we did the Blog and Matthew had a piece of cake and a glass of orange. Matthew returned to the residential unit. We got in the car and we set off through Burton onto Finstock Avenue, right onto Beaconsfield Drive where we saw gold minibus DE04 FNZ 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 LA72 DDU. 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 sausage and potatoes followed by a cake bar. Matthew also had a can of Cherry Coke. We went downstairs and it was Travel Express SF67 HNE. We got on the bus 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 it was Travel Express SF67 HNE. We got on the bus 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.

Sunday, 10 May 2026

Trip to Potteries Apedale Running day 10-05-2026
















BusFromToServiceOperator



SL805Apedale Light RailwayNewcastle BSSpecialPMT
766Newcastle BSApedale Light RailwaySpecialPMT
MMM120Apedale Light RailwayNewcastle BSSpecialPMT
SL805Newcastle BSApedale Light RailwaySpecialPMT
801Apedale Light RailwayNewcastle BSSpecialPMT
801Newcastle BSApedale Light RailwaySpecialPMT


Today Matthew was going to the Potteries Apedale Running Day. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. After getting ready we went to pick up uncle Dave. We got in the car and we set off around 10:45. We set off through Blurton onto Finstock Avenue, right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we turned left onto Church Road. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we went through the road works and up the hill to Heron Cross. We crossed over the A50 and we turned left at the traffic lights onto Grove Road. We continued onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. Afterwards we set off down Wheildon Road and forwards onto the A500. We turned left onto Church Street and we ran around the one-way system. We turned right onto Campbell Place and left onto Hartshill Road. We ran to the edge of Newcastle and we ran down George Street. At the roundabout we turned left onto Barracks Road and right onto the Northbound A34 to Chesterton. We turned left onto London Road and at the next roundabout we turned left onto Loomer Road. We ran to the end of Loomer Road and into Apedale Country park. We parked up near to the visitors centre. We loaded the reip bag with some snacks from the boot and we walked down to the bottom field to have a look at the bus. We saw Wirral Pennsula 1070 parked up with it's sales stand.


Wirral Pennsula 1070 in Apedale Light Railway
We carried on to the other side of the field and we saw the main row of buses and coaches. In this row we saw Chase 2 parked up between runs.


Chase 2 in Apedale Light Railway
Further up the row there were 3 buses fron D&G present. The first was recent arrival, Adderley Greemn based D&G Bus 5025.


D&G Bus 5025 in Apedale Light Railway
Also present were Crewe allocated D&G Bus 56 and 31 both looking really clean. The was also a First bus on site. We saw First Potteries 67180.


First Potteries 67180 in Apedale Light Railway
We walked up to the top and we waited for the next departure. A short time later we saw the bus come around the corner. As it got closer we saw it was PMT SL805 on a special to Newcastle.


PMT SL805 in Apedale Light Railway
We got on the bus and we sat down towards the back. We set off along Loomer Road and at the roundabout we turned right onto London Road pat a site which now sells cabins. We turned right onto Holditch Road and left onto Bymbo Road. We ran to the end and we turned right onto the Southbound A34. We ran Southwards for around a mile and a 1/2 past the bus garage, and we turned left onto Ryecroft. We turned left onto Barracks Road. We turned right into the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew got another picture of PMT SL805.


PMT SL805 in Newcastle bus station
We walked down to the bottom end of the bus station and Matthew had a can of Dr Pepper. Whilst we waited for the next bus we saw First Potteries 63178 on a #25 to Hanley.


First Potteries 63178 in Newcastle bus station
We walked up to the top end of the bus station and Matthew used the toilet. A short time later we saw the next bus approaching. It turned the corner and we saw it was PMT L9766 on a special to Apeldale.


PMT L9766 in Newcastle bus station
We got on the sat down towards the back of the bus. Once everyone was on board we set off down Stubbs Street and we re-joined Barracks Road. We turned left onto Ryecroft and right onto the A34. We continued North through Cross Heath and we turned left onto Wolstanton Road. At the roundabout we went forwards onto Loomer Road and we ran into the site and unloaded in front of the heritage centre where we got up and got off the bus. One off the bus Matthew took another picture of PMT L9766 before it ran down to the bottom field.


PMT L9766 in Apedale Light Railway
We sat down on the bench and Matthew ate some cocktail sausages and a scotch egg. We went down to the bottom field and we saw that the minilink was getting ready to come up the hill. We walked back up to the entrance and we saw the bus turn the corner. it was, as expected PMT MMM120 on a special to Newcastle.


PMT MMM120 in Apedale Light Railway
We got on the bus and we sat down towards the back. We set off along Loomer Road and at the roundabout we at the roundabout we went forwards onto Wolstanton Road. We crossed over the the Southbound A34. We ran Southwards for around a mile and a 1/2 past the old bus garage. We continued to the East of Newcastle town centre and we turned left onto Barracks Road. We turned left onto Hassall Street and onto Stubbs Street where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of PMT MMM120 before it ran down to the bottom field.


PMT MMM120 in Newcastle bus station
Once off the bus we walked up Castle Walk and we went into the Costa coffee. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had a millionaires Shortbread and a bottle of Coke. When we had finished we headed back down Castle Walk to the bus station. We waited for another shuttle to Apedale. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 63173 on a #38 to Kidsgrove.


First Potteries 63173 in Newcastle bus station
A short time later we saw the bus come up Barracks Road. As it got closer we saw it was PMT SL805 again!


PMT SL805 in Newcastle bus station
We got on the bus and we sat down near to the back. We set off down Stubbs Street and we re-joined Barracks Road. We turned left onto Ryecroft and right onto the A34. We continued North through Cross Heath and we turned left onto london Road. At the roundabout we turned left onto Loomer Road and we ran into the site and unloaded in front of the heritage centre where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked to the edge of the site. Matthew and uncle Dave waited by the gate and I went eating we went to get the sandwiches from the car. When I came back Matthew had a bacon, chicken and cheese sandwich. When we had finished back to the stop to waited for the next bus to Newcastle. It came around the corner and we saw it was PMT 801 on a special to Newcastle.


PMT 801 in Apedale Light Railway
We asked the driver if he was going to Newcastle and he said he was going one way only, so we would have to come back on one of the other buses. We got on the bus and we sat down towards the back. We set off along Loomer Road and at the roundabout we ran forwards onto Wolstanton Road. We ran to the end and we turned right onto the Southbound A34. We ran Southwards for around a mile and a 1/2 past the bus garage, and we turned left onto Ryecroft. We turned left onto Barracks Road. We turned right into the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. We got a picture of PMT 801 and we got back on the bus.


PMT 801 in Newcastle bus station
We got on the bus and we sat downstairs. We set off down Stubbs Street and we re-joined Barracks Road. We turned left onto Ryecroft and right onto the A34. We continued North through Cross Heath and we turned left onto Wolstanton Road. At the roundabout we ran forwards onto Loomer Road and we ran into the site and unloaded in front of the heritage centre where we got up. We waited for the bus to empty and Matthew took a picture inside of PMT 801.


Inside PMT 801
We went down to the bottom field and we took some more pictures before we left. We got another picture of Western Welsh ABO 145B now that the sun was in a better position!


Western Welsh ABO 145B in Apedale Light Railway
We walked back to the stalls and Matthew bought a bus book for £2. We continued to the the car and Matthew had a sausage roll and a bottle of Coke. We turned around and we set off onto Loomer Road. We turned right onto London Road and we ran past the site of a new Lidl. We turned right onto the A34 and we ran into Newcastle. We turned left onto Ryecroft and right onto Barracks Road. We joined the Southbound A34 and we turned left onto The Avenue. We ran to the end and we turned right onto Hartshill Road. We ran down to Stoke and onto the one way system. We turned right onto Elenora Street and we followed the road around onto Copeland Street. We ran forwards onto Glebe Street and we followed the one way system onto Church Street. We crossed over the A500 and we veered left onto Whieldon Road past the old Board Products factory which is being converted into a new soft play place. After dropping off uncle Dave we ran back up Wheildon Road and forwards onto Grove Road. At Heron Cross we turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed the A50. We ran through Blurton and at the roundabout we veered right onto Church Street and we turned right onto the A5035 and back to Blurton. Later on we did some more of the Blog. For tea Matthew had pizza and a can of Cherry Rubicon. After tea matthew watched some YouTube and we continued writing the Blog. He had a bath and afterwards gad cheesecake for supper. We went to bedtime at 23:48... Mark.

Saturday, 9 May 2026

Trip to Wrexham / Ruthin 09-05-2026









BusFromToServiceOperator



4480Wrexham BSRuthin, Co-opT51Arriva NW&W
YJ64 DXORuthin, War MemorialCorwen BST8M&H Coaches
BV24 LMMCorwen BSLlangollen, Parade StreetT3Lloyds Coaches
1011Llangollen, Parade StreetJohnstown, o/s Co-op5Arriva NW&W
702Johnstown, after Co-opCefn Mawr, opp Tesco2CArriva NW&W
709Cefn Mawr, o/s TescoWrexham BS2CArriva NW&W


Today We decided to re-visit Wrexham. Reseach for the trip consisted of looking at the 1 bws ticket, looking at where we ate on our previous visits to Wrexham and checking the weather. The weather was for dry weather with some sunshine. Matthew woke up at 08:00 to have his medication. Matthew got up at 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We got ready and we set off just after 12:00 to pick up uncle Dave. We got in the car and we ran along 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 and 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. As we travelled up the A500 we saw AJS Passenger Travel AJ54 BUZ. We continued past the M6 and over the West coact main line. I wasn't concentrating so I turned left onto the A531. We ran to the next roundabout, did a u-turn and we re-joined the Westbound A500. We turned right onto the B5071 and we ran around the block. We turned left onto Laura Street and right onto Barker Street and right onto St Clair Street. We re-joined the Southbound B5071 and parked outside the YMCA facing South We went into the cafe. Matthew had a full English Breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. Afterwards Matthew went to the toilet. We left the YMCA and we got in the. We went back South B5071 and we joined the Westbound A500. We continued for a further 3 miles or so and we turned right onto the Nantwich bypass, past the new road under construction and we ran around the North side of Nantwich before joining the Westbound A534. We travelled west for around 4 miles and we crossed over the A49. We crossed over the A41 at Croxton and we continued to the eastern edge of Wrexham. We continued onto Holt Street and we ran into the centre of town. We veered right onto Chester Street and we turned left into the library car park and parked up. We said goodbye to mum and we walked onto Rhosddu Road. We continued to the bus station and we turned left onto Trinity Street walking past the buses on layover. In the layover area we saw GM Buses RO71 KUW parked up.


GM Buses RO71 KUW in Wrexham bus station
Also parked up was Arriva NW&W 2152 on layover in between runs on the #27 to Mold.


Arriva NW&W 2152 in Wrexham bus station
Also seen was Arriva NW&W 2156 coming into the layover area after working in on a #11 to Minera.


Arriva NW&W 2156 in Wrexham bus station
We gave Matthew a few choices and he chose to go on the T51. A short time later the bus came around from the other side of the bus station. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 4480 on a T51 service to Denbigh.


Arriva NW&W 4480 in Wrexham bus station
We got on the bus and we bought 1 bws tickets at £7.50 each before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off along Trinity Street and we followed the one way system around onto King Street. We joined the A5152 and we crossed over the A525. We ran through Coedpoeth and Gegin and we entered into Bwlchgwyn and Four Crosses. We veered right onto the A5104 and left onto Allt Yr Efail we ran into Llandegla. The bus turned in the road and we continued along Allt Yr Efail and we turned right onto the A5104. We turned right into the A525 and we ran through Llysfasi. We continued through Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd ran up through Ruthin and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4480 as it continued towards Denbigh.


Arriva NW&W 4480 in Ruthin
Once off the bus we were met by a friendly local who gave us a map of the town. We past a car park and we saw white minibus parked up near to the Co-op. We turned left onto Market Street and we walk up the hill to the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we had a small glass of Coke. We sat down in a little snug area to have our drinks. When we had fisnished we went back out onto Market Street and we a quick look in the market. There was nothing that we wanyted to buy so we went to uncle Dave. We were unsure where we needed to go to catch the bus so we walked up Market Street to the roundabout. We worked out the bus was going from around the corner on Wynnstay Road, so we walked back down Market Street and around the corner onto Wynnstay Road. We waited for a bus towards Corwen. A short time later the bus came around the corner. As it got closer we saw it was M&H Coaches YJ64 DXO on a T8 to Corwen.


M&H Coaches YJ64 DXO in Ruthin
We got on the bus and we placed the 1bws tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Wynnstay Road and we turned left onto Well Street. We ran forwards onto the A5254 and we headed Southwards for a couple of miles into Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd. We turned right onto Bron Y Clywd and we turned left onto the Southbound A494. We ran Southwards through Pwllglas and Gwyddelwern and we passed M&H Coaches SK18 TKD going the other way. We turned left onto the B5437 and we passed the Ifor William factory. We turned right onto Green Lane and we ran into Corwen. We turned left by the railway station and we entered the bus station area. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew got another picture of M&H Coaches YJ64 DXO before it went on layover.


M&H Coaches YJ64 DXO in Corwen bus station
There was a small layover area in front of Corwen railway station. Parked in this area was Andrews of Tideswell AS 2933 waiting for passenger of the incoming training.


Andrews of Tideswell AS 2933 in Corwen bus station
We went onto the railway station and Matthew used the toilet. We came back through the shop and we bought a can of Coke. A few minutes later another bus arrived. It was Lloyds Coaches YW25 DDN on a T3C to Llanwchllyn.


Lloyds Coaches YW25 DDN in Corwen bus station
We sat down by the bus station and Matthew had a can of Dandelion & Burdock. A few minutes pater we saw Lloyds Coaches BV24 LMO on a T3 to Barmouth. A few minutes later our bus arrived. We saw it was Lloyds Coaches BV24 LMM on a T3 to Wrexham.


Lloyds Coaches BV24 LMM in Corwen bus station
We got on the bus and we placed the 1bws ticket under the scanner before we satdown towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto the A5. We headed Eastwards through Carrog and Glyndyfrdwy. We continued through Pen Y Bryn and Berwyn and we ran into the West end of Llangollen. We turned left onto Market Street and left onto Parade Street where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Lloyds Coaches BV24 LMM as it continued towards Wrexham.


Lloyds Coaches BV24 LMM in Llangollen
We walked back along Parade Street and we turned left onto East Street and into the car park. There were a few buses and coaches parked up here. Of particular interest to us was Staffordshire Moorlands operotor Golden Green Travel MB23 GGG parked up.


Golden Green Travel MB23 GGG in Llangollen
We crossed Market Street and we bought an ice cream. We walked along Greenfields and we sat on a bench near to the bus stop and Matthew ate the ice cream. We were now starting to make our way back towards the car whilst still getting in a few more buses. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. We saw it was Arriva NW&W 1011 on a #5 to Wrexham.


Arriva NW&W 1011 in Llangollen
We got on the bus and we placed the 1bws ticket under the scanner before we sat donwn towards the back of the bus. We decided we wouod do this as far as Johnstown to get some supplies from the Co-op. We set off along Parade Street and we turned left onto Castle Street. We crossed over the river and we turned right onto the Eastbound A539. We ran through Trevor and Acrefair. At the big roundabout we veered left onto the Northbound B5605. We ran through Ruabon and as we headed Northwards we continued for around another mile up to Johnstown and we got up and got off by the big Co-op. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 1011 as it continued Northwards towards Wrexham.


Arriva NW&W 1011 in Johnstown
We headed into the Co-op and Matthew bought a bottle of Coke and a chocolate bar. We crossed the road and we waited for a bus towards Cefn Mawr. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 702 on a #2c to Cefn Mawr.


Arriva NW&W 702 in Johnstown
We got on the bus and we placed the 1bws ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down the B5605 and we went under the railway line. We turned right onto the A539. We turned left onto Wynnstay Lane. We turned right onto Hampden Way and we ran Westwards alongside the A539. We rejoined the A539 and we continued Westwards through Acrefair and we turned left onto Abernant Road. We turned right to contimnued along Abernant road and we ran forwards onto Queen Street. We turned right onto Dolydd Road and we continued onto Cae Gwilym Lane. We turned left onto Coronation Street and left onto Plas Kynaston Lane. We turned right onto Hill Street and we continued onto Oxford Street we saw Tesco so we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we headed into Tesco. We bought some pop and a chocolate bar and we went back to the bus stop. We waited for a #2 service. The service bypassed the area, and we were told by a local that this was due to roadworks and a diversion. So we had longer to wait for the next #2C. Whilst we waityed we shared a kitkat that we had in the trip bag. A short time later the bus appeared. We saw it was Arriva NW&W 709 on a #2C to Wrexham.


Arriva NW&W 709 in Cefn Mawr
We got on the bus and we placed the 1bws ticket for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off up Oxford Street and we ran forwards onto Hill Street. We continued onto Queen Street and we ran forwards onto Abernant Road. We joined the Eastbound A539 and we headed towards Plas Madoc. We turned right onto Wynnstay Lane. We turned right onto Hampden Way and we ran Westwards alongside the A539. We rejoined the A539 and we headed Eastwards again. We ran up to the roundabout and we turned left onto the B5605. We ran through Ruabon and as we headed Northwards we continued for around another mile up to Johnstown. We continued into Rhostyllen and we ran under the A483. We ran up the A5152 the last two miles or so into the cente of Wrexham and past Wreham General railway station. We turned right into Regent Street and left into King Street. We turned left into Lord Street and we stopped outside the bus station. where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took a picture of Arriva NW&W 709. Before it went off back to the depot.


Arriva NW&W 709 in Wrexham bus station
We had messaged mum, and she said she would pick us up at the car park where we were dropped off. We headed past the bus layover area and we saw Arriva NW&W 2154 in between runs on the #21 to Summerhill.


Arriva NW&W 2154 in Wrexham bus station
Also seen was Arriva NW&W 704 awaiting it's next turn on the #33 to Llay.


Arriva NW&W 704 in Wrexham bus station
We set off along Trinity Street and we turned right onto Rhosddu Road. We walkd past the Police station and library and we turned left onto Llwyn Isaf. We walked past the marquee where there was a music festival going on. We waited in the car park as mum had got lost and took a while to get back to us. A few minutes later mum got in the car and we set off Northwards up Chester Road. We turned right onto the A5152 and we ran past Lidl. We turned right onto Holt Street and left onto Market Street and we parked up near to the chip shop. I went to fetch the food, and when I returned, Matthew had sausage chips and gravy and a can of dandelion & burdock. After I had finished eating we set off along Market Street and we turned left onto St George's Crescent. We ran forwards onto Holt Street and we ran out of town. We turned right onto the A483 and at the next roundabout we joined the Eastbound A534. We ran up to Nantwich crossing the A41 and A49. We joined the A51 and we passed the site of a new Shell petrol station where work has statrted. We continued Nantwich by-pass and we ran around the North side of town and we joined the A500. We crossed under the M6 and we continued through Longport and Etruria into Stoke. We ran up Wheildon road and we dropped off uncle Dave. After we dropped off uncle Dave we ran back up Wheildon Road and forwards onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We ran through Blurton and at the roundabout we veered right onto Church Street. We turned right onto the A5035 and back to Blurton. Later on we did some more of the Blog. We chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark