Sunday, 26 July 2026

Trip to Chesterton / Newcastle 26-07-2026
















BusFromToServiceOperator



67155Blurton, Magdalen RoadNewcastle BS22First Potteries


Today we were going around the bus garages. 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 11:20. We got ready and went out in tne car to pick up uncle Dave around 11:30. 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. We ran through Milehouse to Chesterton and we stopped at McDonalds. Matthew had a cheeseburger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke, and we shared some chicken nuggets. When we had finished we headed to Reids to see if there was anything interesting in the yard. We got in the car and we set off down the A34. We ran through Milehouse to Newcastle and we turned left onto Ryecroft. We turned right onto Barracks Road and we re-joined the Southbound A34. We turned left onto The Avenue and we turned right onto Hartshill Road. We ran down into Stoke and we followed the one-way system. We turned left onto Liverpool Road and we veered right onto Elenora Street. We turned right onto Copeland Street and we turned left onto Glebe Street and right onto Lytton Street and we turned left onto City Road. We ran up the hill into Fenton and we ran forwards onto King Street. We ran through Foley and under the railway bridge into Longton. We ran forwards onto Market Street and we turned left onto Anchor Road. We turned right onto Sutherland Road and we turned left onto Weston Coyney Road passed the site of a new Lidl. We turned left onto the A520 and left onto the A5272. We turned right onto Hulme Road and right into the entranced to Park Hall. We parked up near to the visitor centre and we walked to the toilet block and Matthew used the toilet. We walked to the main car park and we saw yellow minibus LG68 JYW.


LG68 JYW in Park Hall
Afterwards we returned to the car. We set off out of Park Hall onto Hulme Road and we turned right onto the A5272. We turned left into the road outside the bus garage and we stopped to see what was at the Scraggs garage today. We saw Scraggs VT 9389 parked up on the yard. We turned left onto the A5272 and left onto Anchor Road. We turned right omto Mossfield Drive and we drove to the far end. We got out of the car and we walked around the back of the D&G Bus garage. We saw D&G Bus 111 parked up in the row.


D&G Bus 111 in Adderley Green
Also seen was recent arrival D&G Bus 791, still carrying the colour scheme from Rosso.


D&G Bus 791 in Adderley Green
We got back into the car and we drove down to the other end of Mossfield Drive. We got out of the car and we walked down the footpath to the First Potteries bus garage. We walked around the garage and we saw a number of buses at the front of the garage. We turned left onto the A5272 and we cut behind the back of the pertol station. At the side of the bus garage behind the petrol station we saw First 33835 which is at the depot for a repaint.


First 33835 in Adderley Green
Also seen was another bus from the same batch. First 36246 was also at the garage for a repaint.


First 36246 in Adderley Green
We cut back out onto Anchor road and we turned right by the new advertising hoarding along the path behind the bus garage where we saw First 36321 which is currently at Adderley Green for assessment for future electric YE74 VGO. We turned left and up the hill back to the car. When we got back to the car we got in and Matthew had a can of Cherry Coke. We set off along Mossfield Drive and we turned right onto Anchor Road. As we travelled down Anchor Road, the carrier bag we had bough the cans out into the car was sucked out of the window by the wind! We ran into Longton and we turned left onto Market Street. We turned left onto Commerce Street and at the roundabout we turned right onto The Strand. We ran under the railway bridge and onto King Street. We ran through Foley into Fenton and we turned left onto the A50 link road. We turned right and we joined the Westbound A50. At Sideway we headed towards the incinerator and we ran forwards onto White Rock Road. We continued onto Railway Cottages and we turned left. We turned around at the end of the road and we drove back to the turning circle to wait for the buses. We saw D&G Bus 6002 on a #24 to Newstead. After we had seen the bus we went to drop off uncle Dave. We set off along Railway Cottages and we ran forwards onto White Rock Road. We crossed over the A500 and we did a turn at the roundabout and back onto the A500. We ran up to Stoke and we crossed over the A50 and we turned back Southwards. We veered left onto Wheildon Road and we dropped uncle Dave off. We set off onto Wheildon Road and we ran forwards onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we turned right onto the A50. We ran along Stanley Matthew Way and we turned left onto the A5035. We got back to Blurton around 14:30. Matthew chilled out on his computer. Later on we decided to do a bus to Newcastle and meet jup with mum. We set off on foot and we walked to the bus stop all the way over on Magdalen Road. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67155 on a #22 to Newcastle. We got on to the bus and we booked to Newcastle before we sat down near to the back of the bus and the bus set off onto the A5035. We went past the Trentham Hotel we turned right into New Inn Lane. We turned left into Wilson Road and left into Church Lane. We continued down to the hill and we joined the Northbound A34. In the distance saw an unidentified Lakeside coach join the Northbound A500. We headed into Trent Vale. We turned right into Harpfields Road and we continued forwards on 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. Mum was waiting on Stubb Street and we got into the car. We set off onto Barracks Road and we headed up to the Jubilee Roundabout. We did a u-turn and we went back along Barracks Road. We joined the Southbound A34 and we ran into Trent Vale. We ran under the A500 into Hanford and forwards into Trentham. We turned left onto the A5035 and we ran into Blurton. We got back home and Matthew had a Scotch Egg and a can of Dr Pepper. We did the Blog and later on Matthew had a Caramelised biscut cake slice with yoghurt. We did some more Blog and Matthew had a raspberry turnover. We carried on doing the Blog and later on dad did Pizza for tea. After the pizza Matthew chilled on his computer and later on he had his medication. Matthew had a bath and got ready for bed. For supper Matthew had a slice of cheesecake. Matthew used his computer until bedtime around 23:30... Mark.

Saturday, 25 July 2026

Trip to Bury / Manchester 25-07-2026









BusFromToServiceOperator



11513Bury InterchangeCheetham Hill, Balmfield Street135Stagecoach Manchester
77Museum of TransportManchester ShudehillShuttleBolton Transport
5871Manchester ShudehillMuseum of TransportShuttleGMPTE
11844Cheetham Hill, Bignor StreetPrestwich, Kenyon Lane135Stagecoach Manchester
11876Prestwich, Kenyon LaneRedvales, Tennyson Avenue135Stagecoach Manchester
3021Redvales, Tennyson AvenueBury Interchange524Go North West


Today we decided to re-visit Bury. We gave Matthew a choice of where to go on Friday night and from the map he chose to go to Bury. Research for the trip consisted of looking at where we parked and where we ate for the last trip, and to check the weather. The weather for the weekend was warm, cloudy with some rain. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up around 10:15 and had crumpets and a can of orange Fanta. After getting ready 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 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 left onto London Road and we stopped at Sainsbury's to get petrol. After filling up we went to pick up our friend. We turned right onto London Road and we ran forwards onto Campbell Place and left onto Hartshill Road. We ran to the edge of Newcastle and we ran down George Street. We turned left onto Ryecroft and stopped to pick up our friend. After we picked him up We along Ryecroft we ran forwards onto Barracks Road onto the Northbound A34 and we ran north through Cross Heath up to Crackley and we stopped at the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and had a glass of Coke. He had burger and fries. When we had finished we set off towards Bury. We set off onto the A34 and we joined the Northbound A500. We passed Prospect PR22 LEO. We went around the roundabout and we joined the Northbound M6, Traveling up the M6 we saw an unidentified white coach, D&G Bus 30(#42) and Flixbus liveried Loch Lomond Travel YG25 FFA which came past us.


Loch Lomond Travel YG25 FFA on the M6
At junction 21A we headed Eastwards along the M62. Traveling up the M62 we saw white minibus BV23 RMX and taxi minibus MD17 BYF. We ran forwards onto the clockwise M60 and we saw an unindentified white minibus. We joined the Northbound M66 and we came off onto the A58. We ran Westwards into town and past the market. We turned right into Haymarket Street and left onto Moss Street. We parked up on Manchester Road and we said goodbye to mum. WE walked along Moss Street and we crossed over the road into the Interchange. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we had a look around to see what we might catch. We saw Go North West 3021 on a #524 to Bolton.


Go North West 3021 in Bury interchange
We decided to wait for a #135 and head towards Cheetham Hill, as we were aware of an event going on at the bus museum. A short time later we saw a bus approaching the stand. As it got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Manchester 11513 on a #135 to Manchester.


Stagecoach Manchester 11513 in Bury Interchange
We got on the bus and we booked a Bee Network bus only day ticket at £5 before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the Interchnage and we turned left onto Haymarket Street. We crossed over the A58 onto Knowsley Street before joining Manchester Road and running Southwards past Gigg Lane. We crossed the river Roch and we climbed the hill up towards Whitefield. At Besses O' The barn we deviated left onto Bury Old Road and we went under the tramway and over the M60 at the same point. We continued south along bury Old Road and we skirted the Western side of Heaton Park. There was a diversion in place, so we turned left onto the A6044. We turned right onto the A576 and we headed Southwards past Bowker Vale tram stop. We turned right onto the A665 and we ran through Cheethanm Hill. We continued along the A665 for a further mile or so and after the shops we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Manchester 11513 as it continued towards Manchester.


Stagecoach Manchester 11513 in Cheetham Hill
Once off the bus we looked on the map to see whee the museum was. We headed up the road Northwards and we saw Stagecoach Manchester 11508 running empty back to the depot.


Stagecoach Manchester 11508 in Cheetham Hill
We turned right onto Smedley Street and at the end of the road we could see the imposing wall of the museum. We turned left and headed towards the collection of buses parked outside of the museum. We arrived at the entrance / turning circle and we saw preserved Ribble 811 parked up by the museum.


Ribble 811 in Cheetham Hill
We knew there were a few shuttle services to and from Manchester Shudehill and also a shuttle to Salford museum and art gallery. We spotted a bus that was loading outside the museum. As we got closer we saw it was Bolton Transport 77 on the shuttle service to Manchester Shudehill.


Bolton Transport 77 in Cheetham Hill
We got on the bus and we confirmed with the conductor that it was going to Manchester, before we went upstairs and sat down. We sat off down Boyle Street past the Stagecoach Manchester bus garage and we turned left onto the A6010. We ran past the Queens Road tram stop and we turned right onto the A664. We ran through Colyhurst and into Manchester city centre. We turned right onto Ring Road and we turned left onto Corporation Street. We turned left onto Withy Grove and we ran forwards onto Shudehill. We ran past the end of the Interchnage before turning left into the Interchange. The bus stopped and we got up got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took a picture of Bolton Transport 77 before it returned to the museum on a shuttle service.


Bolton Transport 77 in Manchester Shudehill
Also seen was Go North West 2013, which was on layover in between runs on #8 to Bolton.


Go North West 2013 in Manchester Shudehill
Once off the bus we headed into the Interchange shop and we bought drinks, a chocolate bar and a flapjack. We came out of the shopp and Matthew took us out of the Interchnage, past the tram stop and onto Dantzic Street. We went into the pub and we went upstairs to the toilet. After using the toilet we came downstairs and went to the bar. Matthew had a small glass of Coke. We sat at a table and Matthew had his glass of Coke. When we had finished we headed out onto Dantzic Street and past the tram stop into the Interchange. As we got into the Interchange we saw Go North West 3439 on a #8 to Bolton.


Go North West 3439 in Manchester Shudehill
Also seen was Prospect Coaches PR73 KRS on a #980 to Gatwick Airport.


Prospect Coaches PR73 KRS in Manchester Shudehill
We decided that we were going to head back towards Prestwich, as we were not sure if there was another shuttle back to the museum. We waited at stand L, and whilst we waited we took a few more bus pictures. We saw Flixbus liveried Belle Vue coach YG25 FEP on a #023 to London.


Flixbus YG25 FEP in Manchester Shudehill
Whilst we were waiting we saw GMPTE 5871 arrive at the other side of the Interchange. A couple of Enthusiasts turned up with camera and I got chatting to them. They said there were people still on the bus so it was going back to the museum. We waited for the bus to come around and as it got closer we saw it was GMPTE 5871 as expected on a shuttle service to the museum.


GMPTE 5871 in Manchester Shudehill
We got on the bus and we sat downstairs. The bus set off out of the Interchange and we turned left onto the A664. We ran Northwards and we turned left onto the A6010. We ran past the Queens Road tram stop and we turned right onto Boyle Street. The bus pulled up in the turning circle and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of GMPTE 5871 before it returned into the museum.


GMPTE 5871 in Cheetham Hill
As it was the end of the day they were shunting the buses back into the museum, We saw Leigh Corporation 15 parked up outside.


Leigh Corporation 15 in Cheetham Hill
We walked down Boyle Street and we turned right onto Smedley Street. We turned right onto A665 and we crossed over the road. We walked to the bus stop and we waited for a bus back Northwards. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Manchester 11844 on a #135 to Bury.


Stagecoach Manchester 11844 in Cheetham Hill
We got on the bus and we flashed the Bee Network Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the rear section on the bus. The bus set off Northward up the A665 and we ran through Cheetham hill. We continued onto Bury Old Road and past Heaton Park into Pretwich where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Manchester 11844 as it continued towards Bury.


Stagecoach Manchester 11844 in Prestwich
Once off the bus, we decided to just have something out of the trip and wait for the next bus. Matthew had a flapjack. Whilst we waited for the bus we saw Stagecoach Manchester 11856 on a #135 to Manchester.


Stagecoach Manchester 11856 in Prestwich
A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer, we saw it was Stagecoach Manchester 11876 on a #135 to Bury.


Stagecoach Manchester 11876 in Prestwich
We got on the bus and we flashed the Bee Network Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the rear section on the bus. The bus set off Northward up the A665 and we crossed the M60 and went past Besses O'th Barn tram stop and onto the A56. We ran past the A6053 and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Manchester 11876 as it continued towards Bury.


Stagecoach Manchester 11876 in Redvales
Once off the bus we had a quick look at the old petrol station and we looked to see if there was another bus nearby. We spotted a bus just around the corner. A short while later we saw a bus come around the corner. As it got closer we saw it was Go North West 3021 on a #524 to Bury.


Go North West 3021 in Redvales
We got on the bus and we we flashed the System One bus only day tickets to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off Northwards up the A56. We ran for about a mile before we veered right on to Knowsley Street. We crossed over the A58 and we ran forwards onto Haymarket Street before turning right into the Interchange where we got up and got off the bus. We went took a few pictures before we went to find mum. We saw First Manchester 69624 on a #468 to Rochdale.


First Manchester 69624 in Bury interchange
We set off onto Haymarket Street and we turned left onto Moss Street and right onto Silver Street. We got in the car and Matthew had a sausage roll and a Manchester Tart. We set off along Silver Street and we turned left onto Bolton Street. We turned left onto the A58 and we ran forwards onto the Southbound A56. We ran through Redvales and we stopped at the chip shop. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy and he also had a can of dandelion & burdock for later. When I had finished eating we got back onto the A56 and we headed Southwards. At the roundabout we turned right and joined the anti-clockwise M60. We ran forwards onto the M62 and we were passed by Jones AP19 ALP on a return day trip from york.


Jones AP19 ALP on the M62
Traveling up the M62 we saw an unidentified Bus King coach. We joined the M6 at Junction 20 and we headed Southwards. Seen on the M6 we were passed by Alfa A156. We came off the M6 at junction 16 and we ran though Longport and we came off at Etruria and onto the Westbound A53. We ran into Newcastle and around the one way system. We crossed the Jubilee roundabout onto Ryecroft and we stopped to dop off our friend. Matthew went up to the flat to use the toilet. We got back in the car and we set off towards uncle Dave's. We turned right onto Ryecroft and we turned right onto Barracks Road. We joined the Southbound A34 and we turned left onto The Avenue. We turned right onto the A52 and we went past the former pub which is becoming a shop and flats. We ran into Stoke and onto the one-way system. We turned left onto Liverpool Road and right onto Eleanor Street. We turned right onto Copeland Street and right onto Glebe Street. We followed the road around to the left onto Church Street and we crossed over the A500. We turned right onto the A500 and we veered left onto Wheildon Road. We dropped off uncle Dave and we continued back home. We set off onto Wheildon Road and past the former Regent pub. We ran forwards onto Grove Road and we saw green minibus R482 NDM parked up. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto the A5035 and we got back around 20:00. When got back Matthew had his medication and we worked on the Blog. Matthew had a Genoise cake and a can of Dr Pepper. Matthew wrote an e-mail and chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:30... Mark

Friday, 24 July 2026

Trip to Newcastle / Hanley 24-07-2026
















BusFromToServiceOperator



6010Fenton, adj Travers CourtNewcastle BS1AFirst Potteries
35948Newcastle BSHanley BS25First Potteries
63103Hanley BSFenton, adj Travers Court11First Potteries
63176Newcastle, O/s Cherry Tree PHTrent Vale, Black Lion22First Potteries


Today Matthew was returning to Blurton, going to Grandma's and going to the pub, but first he was going out on the bus. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up and had pancakes and orange juice for breakfast, Matthew chilled out in his room until it was time to go out. We saw Shelton Care Group WF24 BCE outside. Later on Matthew went downstairs and set off on foot to the bus stop. We went onto Temple Street and we cut through onto City Road and we walked to the bus stop by the flats. We waited at the stop for a bus towards Newcastle. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 6010 on a #1A to Wood Lane.


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. Once in Newcastle we headed to the toilets. After using the facilities Matthew headed back to the bus station to wait for a bus to Hanley. We turned down First Potteries 63177 which was going the long way around via Longton on the #11X to Hanley.


First Potteries 63177 in Newcastle bus station
A few minutes later we saw a better option approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 35948 on a #25 to Hanley.


First Potteries 35948 in Newcastle bus station
We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. set of out of the bus station onto Barracks Road. We went Southwards on the A34 before turning into the hospital. We trundled through the hospital grounds and ran up to Hartshill Road via Hilton Road and The Avenue. We went down Hartshill Road into Stoke town centre and we continued onto Church Street and over the A50 before passing under the railway line. We followed the A52 to the left and we went forwards onto Station Road before turning right onto College Road. At the top off College Road we continued onto regent Road before turning left onto Bethesda Street. We crossed the ring road onto Bethesda Street 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. Afterwards we left the bus station and we crossed over Lichfield Street, We crossed over the rimg road and we went to the chip shop. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished eating we headed to B&M to do some shopping. We crossed over the ring road and we walked up Lichfield Street. We went around the corner onto Old Hall Street and we went into the shop. After buy some stuff from B&M we set off onto Old Hall Street and we went around the corner to Lichfield Street and back to the bus station. We waited for a bus to Fenton. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63103 on a #11 to Newcastle.


First Potteries 63103 in Hanley bus station
We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off 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 and 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 in the corner of the depot were a collection or recent arrivals from Bristol. 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 at the Travers Court bus stop outside the block of flats. Once off the bus we walked onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to use his computer and watch buses. Matthew had a can of Coke. Just aftr 15:00 we arrived to pick Matthew up. A decision was made that today we would go in the car to Grandma's, and catch a bus to the pub. Matthew came downstairs and got in the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto City Road and we ran down the hill into Stoke. We ran under the railway line. We crossed over the A500 and we ran into Stoke. We ran around the one-way system and we turned left. We decided to go pick something up from the Gregg's drive through on the way to Grandma's. We ran along LOndon Road through the West End ond Oakhill and into Trent Vale. We turned right onto the A34 and we ran up to the retail park. We turned into the retail park and we drove into the drive through. We bought a sausage roll and a bottle of orange juice. We set off out of the retail park onto the A34 and Matthew drank the orange juice. We turned right onto The Avenue and left onto Parkstone Avenue and left onto Occupation Street. We parked up near to Grandmas and we headed inside out of the heat. At Grandma's Matthew had toast and a can of Irn Bru and used her computer. When it was time to go we went to the pub by bus. We walked down the hill via Victoria Street to the A34 and we waited for a bus towards Trent Vale. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 35940 on a #25 to Hanley. A few minutes later we saw our bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63176 on a #22 to Longton.


First Potteries 63176 in Newcastle
We got on the bus and we booked to Trent Vale before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A34 and we turned left into the hospital. We saw West Midlands Ambulance Service FX26 UCF. We turned right onto Hilton Road and we ran forwards onto Harpfields Road. We ran to the end and we turned left onto the A34. We got up and got off at the next stop. Once off the bus we headed along the A34 and we saw parked up. 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 35687 on a #101 to Hanley. Once we had finished eating we set off along the A34. We ran under the A500 in Hanford and we continued into Trentham. We turned left onto the A5035 and we saw Atlantic Travel YN74 XXA. We carried on into Blurton. We got back around 19:25. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we sorted a few things out. We wrote the Blog and sent a couple of e-mails. Later on Matthew had a can of Dr Pepper and a slice of Arctic Roll. We chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Thursday, 23 July 2026

Trip to Newcastle / Kidsgrove 23-07-2026
















BusFromToServiceOperator



6011Fenton, adj Travers CourtNewcastle BS1D&G Bus
63345Newcastle BSKidsgrove, St Johns RC38First Potteries
67157Kidsgrove, St Johns RCHanley BS38First Potteries
63173Hanley BSBentilee, Tyson Green11First 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, 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 6011 on a #1 to Park Site.


D&G Bus 6011 in Fenton
We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre. 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. After a short while we saw Stanton's of Stoke 7052 VT on the Go2 to Cheadle. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 63345 on a #38 to Kidsgrove.


First Potteries 63345 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 turned right somewhere and left onto Chester Road. We re-joined the road and we ran forwards onto Coalpit Hill. We ran forwards onto the A34 and up towards somewhere where we turned right onto the B5371. We turned right onto Mitchell Avenue and we turned left onto Lower Ash Road. We turned right onto First Avenue and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked around the corner onto the B5371. As we turned into the A50 and we went into the Jessie's Coffee Shop. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards he had sausage and cheese oatcake washed down with a can of Coke. Once we had finished in the Jessie's Coffee Shop we walked back onto the A50 and across to the bus stop where we waited for a #38A to Hanley. A short time later the bus appeared. It was First Potteries 67157 on a #38 to Hanley.


First Potteries 67157 in Kidsgrove
We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off down the 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 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 D&G Bus 765 on a #16 to Leek. A short while later we saw D&G Bus 766 on a #100 to Stone. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63173 on a #11 to Newcastle.


First Potteries 63173 in Fenton
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 the bus. 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 Matthew went downstairs to attend a party for one of the other service users. He had hots dogs followed by various cakes and biscuit, this was all washed down with a glass of Coke. Once the party had finished Matthew went back upstairs to his room. Matthew had a shower and got ready for bed. He watch TV and used his computer. Matthew went to bed at 00:00... Mark

Wednesday, 22 July 2026

Trip to Hanley / Newcastle 22-07-2026
















BusFromToServiceOperator



6012Longton, stop CFenton, adj Travers Court1First Potteries
63103Fenton, Smithpool RoadHanley BS11First Potteries
35942Hanley BSUHNS, Main Entrance25First Potteries
6012UHNS, Main EntranceNewcastle BS1D&G Bus
6011Newcastle BSFenton, Smithpool Road1AD&G Bus
6012Fenton, adj Travers CourtNewcastle BS1D&G Bus


Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going 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 Shelton Care Group WO22 CVH. Later on Matthew went out for a walk. We went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and left onto City Road. 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 and we turned right onto Manor Street and left 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 and we turned left onto Baths Road. Matthew went to Tesco Extra. Once out of the taxi we walked through onto The Strand and went to the Cafe Delight. Matthew had a brunch washed down with a can of Coke. After we had dinner we went along The Strand and we turned right past Farmfoods and we crossed over the A50. We walked along Edensor Road and past tbhe former school which is being turned into a housing estate. We walked back up Edensor Road and across the A50. We walked past Farmfood and we headed to the bus stop on The Strand. We waited for a bus towards Fenton. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 6012 on a #1 to Park Site. 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. We turned left into Baths Road and we entered Longton Transport Interchange. After a brief stop we ran out onto Baths Road and we turned left under the railway line onto King Street. We ran through Foley into Fenton and forwards onto City Road. As we approached the flat we got up and got off the bus. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching and we saw it was First Potteries 63103 on a #11 to Hanley.


First Potteries 63103 in Fenton
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 turned left onto Upper Cross Street and we turned right onto Wood Street. We turned left onto Ashwood and we turned right onto Longley Road. We turned left onto Heathcote Street and we turned right onto Galsworthy Road. We turned right onto Bambury 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. A short time later we saw First Potteries 63345 on a #38A to Waterhayes.


First Potteries 63345 in Hanley bus station
A short time later the bus arrived on stand. It was First Potteries 35942 on a #25 to Keele.


First Potteries 35942 in Hanley bus station
We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we went upstairs. When it was time to go the bus 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 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. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 6012 on a #1 to Park Site. We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the hospital and we turned right onto the A34. We ran up to Newcastle and forwards onto Barracks Road at the roundabout. We came into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew got another picture of D&G Bus 6012 as it continued towards Park Site.


D&G Bus 6012 in Newcastle bus station
Once off the bus we decide to head back towards Fenton. A few minutes later we saw our bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 6011 on a #1A to Meir.


D&G Bus 6011 in Newcastle bus station
We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road and we ran Southwards onto the A34. We turned left into the hospital and we ran through the the grounds. As we travelled through the hospital we saw West Midlands Ambulance Service FX26 UDK. We turned left onto Hilton Road. We continued onto Albany Road and we turned right onto The Avenue. At the end of the road we turned right onto the A52 and we ran through Hartshill and 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 onto Christchurch Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew went to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. 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. 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 and we waited for a bus towards Newcastle. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 6012 on a #1 to Park Site. 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 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 ran up the hill and into 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. Once off the bus we haded down to the bottom end of the bus station to see what we might catch. We set off onto Hassell Street and we turned right onto High Street and we visited a cash machine. We turned left into Church Street and we turned left onto Bridge Street and we went under the subway on to the A34. We turned left Dunkirk and we walked up Castle Hill Road and we right onto Stanier Street. We got into the building Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards Matthew went outside and went on the slide. When we had finished we said goodbye and we returned to Fenton in a taxi. We set off onto Stanier Street. When we returned to Fenton in a Intercity taxi. We set off along Stanier Road and we turned left onto Pool Side. We turned left onto Dunkirk and we turned right onto Knutton Lane. We around the roundabout and back onto the Ryecroft and we ran forwards onto the one-way system. We continued onto the A52 and we ran into Hartshill. We veered left onto Shelton New Road and we stopped briefly near to the old Gilberts furniture shop. We continued down Shelton New Road through the traffic lights and we turned right to join the Southbound A500. We stayed on the high level road and we came off the A500 at City Road. We ran under the railway line and up the hill into Fenton. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs and Matthew went to his room. He watched television and used his computer. later on he had a bath. For supper Matthew had some toast. Matthew went to bed around 23:00... Mark.

Tuesday, 21 July 2026

Trip to Newcastle / Trentham 21-07-2026
















BusFromToServiceOperator



63101Fenton, adj Travers CourtNewcastle BS11XFirst Potteries
35949Newcastle BSTrentham Gardens101First Potteries
TSU 268Trentham, Poachers Cottage PHNewcastle BSGO2Stanton's of Stoke
63101Newcastle BSFenton, Smithpool Road11First Potteries
67156Fenton, Albert SquareBlurton, Consett Road23First Potteries
67156Blurton, Pembridge RoadFenton, adj Royal Oak23First Potteries


Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus and going to visit uncle Dave 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. Matthew got ready to go to Newcastle. Whilst getting ready we saw Travel Express SM65 DMY heading towards Stoke. We went downstairs and we and we cut through onto City Road to wait a bus to Newcastle. We stood at the bus stop and we waited for a first but to Hanley. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 63101 on a #11X 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 and in the petrol station. We ran forwards onto George Street and we ran down the hill into Newcastle. We turned left at the roundabout onto Barracks Road and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we had a look around to see what we might catch. We saw First Potteries 67145 on a #38A to Crackley. Eventually the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 35949 on a #101 to Stafford.


First Potteries 35949 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 and we continued down through to Trentham. Near to the old entrance to the gardens we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we went to across the road the road and into Trentham Gardens. We crossed over the road and we set off into the retail village and we went to the Riverside restaurant. Matthew had a burger and fries. For afters Matthew had a Bakewell tart. We walked around the North end of the lake and we went to Totally delicious. 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 bus stop outside the old entrance to Trentham Gardens. We waited for a bus back to Hanley. Whilst we waited we saw EMED MC26 VSY. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 35949 on a #101 to Hanley.


First Potteries 35949 in Trentham
A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Stanton's of Stoke TSU 268 on a GO2 to Newcastle. 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 turned right into Harpfields Road and we continued forwards on 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. We returned to the bus station and we waited for a bus back to Fenton. A few minutes later we saw our bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63101 on a #11 to Hanley.


First Potteries 63101 in Newcastle bus station
We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto Barracks Road and we ran up to the Jubilee roundabout. We ran onto the A53 and around the one-way system onto the A52. We ran up George Street into Hartshill and we ran down the hill into Stoke town centre. After a brief stop we continued along Church Street out of Stoke and over the A500. We ran under the railway line and we continued onto City Road. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. We crossed over City Road and we cut through to the residential unit. We went upstairs and to his room to chill out. We went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. When we had finished we returned to the bus stop to wait for the next bus to Blurton. The bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67156 on a #23 to Newstead. We got on the bus and we booked to Newstead before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto Christchurch Street and we turned right onto Station Bridge Road. We went forwards onto Heron Street and we went through Heron Cross and over the A50 onto Blurton Road. We ran down the hill and we went past the BP garage. We ran up the hill towards Critchlow's Corner and we turned right onto Church Road and we turned right onto Beaconfield Drive. We ran to the other end and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we set off to foot and we turned left onto Consett Road. We stopped at Willow barns. Afterwards Matthew used the toilet. Matthew had a can of Coke. We got ready to go out and we set off around 15:00 on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Consett Road. We turned left onto Finstock Avenue and we turned right onto Ripon Road. At the bus stop. On the way to the bus stop. We waited for the next first bus towards Fenton. A short tme later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67156 on a #23 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Ripon Road onto we turned left onto Finstock Avenue. We turned right onto onto Beaconsfield Drive and we turned left onto Church Road. At the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and up the hill into Heron Cross. We crossed over the A50 and we went through the traffice lights onto Heron Street. We followed the road around onto Station Bridge Road and and we turned left onto Christchurch Street where we got up and got off the bus. We walked around the corner onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room and chilled out in his room and use his computer and watch buses out of the window. We went upstairs and Matthew chilled out in his room. 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.