Trip to Hanley / Stafford 29-12-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67151	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
65034	Hanley BS	Stafford, Chell Road	101	First Potteries
65037	Stafford BS	Hanley BS	101	First Potteries
67151	Hanley BS	Fenton, Raglan Walk	23A	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. Later on he was going to Stafford on the bus. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

We went down the stairs and we turned left onto City Road. We saw D&G Bus 112 on a #1 to Meir.

D&G 112 in Fenton

We stood at the bus stop outside the flats to wait for a first bus to Hanley. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 67158 on a #23 to Newstead.

First Potteries 67158 in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw D&G Bus 111 on a #1 to Park Site.

D&G 111 in Fenton

Another bus seen was First Potteries 63174 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63174 in Fenton

After a while we saw a bus turn the corner. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67151 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67151 in Fenton

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 once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we went to the stop to wait for a bus to Stafford. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 65034 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 65034 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus bus and we booked to Stafford before We sat down towards the back of the bus and the bus loaded quickly and departed almost immediately. We set off through the bus station. and onto John Street. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and left onto Broad Street. We ran down the hill and over the ring road onto Snow Hill Before we turned right onto Shelton New Road. We ran down through Etruria an up into Hartshill before joining the A52. We ran into Newcastle down George Street. We joined the one way system and we turned left on the roundabout onto Barracks Road. As we got to the bus station in Newcastle we saw required Arriva Midlands 3696 on a #164 to Hanley. bus station onto Barracks Road. We ran Southwards onto the A34 and we ran down through Trent Vale and into Hanford. We continued down through to Trentham and then we got onto the fast section of the A34. We ran through Tittensor to Darlaston and we continued down to the North end of Stone. We Veered left onto Newcastle Road and we ran into Stone town centre. After going around the one-way system and onto Stafford Road. We crossed over the A34 onto Eccleshall Road. We turned left onto Tilling Drive and we ran onto the industrial estate. We saw former Western Greyhound minibus WK53 EUT. We rejoined the A34 at the roundabout where the A51 goes Eastwards and we ran Southwards through the fast section on the A34 to the A513 roundabout. We ran the last couple of miles into town down the A34 onto Foregate Street and we turned right onto Chell Road where we got up and got off the bus. In Stafford we saw Arriva Midlands 2372 on a #8 to Moss Pit.

Arriva Midlands 2372 in Stafford

We set off along to Chell Road and we saw Arriva Midlands 2742 on a #9 to Highfields.

Arriva Midlands 2742 in Stafford

we crossed the roundabout onto Tenterbanks and we walked through Victoria Park. We joined Mill Bank ans we turned right onto Bridge Street. We stopped at the pub and Matthew went to the toilet. He had a burger and fries washed down with a glass of Coke followed by a chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. Once we had finished we stopped to look at the former RBS bank which is now closed. We walked onto Greengate Street and forwards through Market Square onto Gaolgate Street. At the top end we turned right and into the bus station. We saw Arriva Midlands 3722 on a #12 to Doxey.

Arriva Midlands 3722 in Stafford bus station

A short time later we saw Arriva Midlands 2376 on a #9 to Highfields.

Arriva Midlands 2376 in Stafford bus station

Another vehicle seen in the bus station was Arriva Midlands 2379 on a #75A to Cannock.

Arriva Midlands 2379 in Stafford bus station

A few minutes later our bus arrived. It was First Potteries 65037 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 65037 in Stafford bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle bus station before we sat down. We left the bus station onto the A34 and we ran Northwards to the edge of town. We continued up the fast section of the A34 to the edge of Stone and then we turned left onto the industrial estate. We ran around the estate and onto Tiling Drive. We turned right onto Eccleshall Road and we crossed the A34 onto Stafford Road. We turned left onto Crown Street and we stopped at the main stop in Stone. We ran North up Newcastle Road and we re-joined the Northbound A34. We ran Morth through Meaford and Tittensor and up into 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. After a brief stop into Newcastle bus station we set off onto Barracks Road. We crossed the roundabout onto the A53 and we went onto the one-way system on the A52. We veered left onto George Street and at the roundabout we went onto Shelton New Road. We crossed over the A500 and we ran up to Snow Hill. We ran up Broad Street and we turned right onto the anti-clockwise ring road. We turned left onto Bethesda Street and right onto John Street. We climbed the hill and up into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew visited the toilet. We waited for the bus to Fenton ans a short time later we saw First Potteries 67151 on a #23A to Newstead.

First Potteries 67151 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 67151.

Inside First Potteries 67151

We set off onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We crossed over the ring road and we ran down onto Regent Road and forwards onto Cleveland Road. We ran down though Shelton along College Road and we ran down to the railway station. We turned right onto Glebe Street and under the railway line an we ran around the one-way system in Stoke and stopped by Stoke Minster. We turned left onto Church Street and we crossed the A500 and we ran under the railway line. After climbing up the hill into Fenton we turned right into Smithpool Road where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked up Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs to chill out and we had come to drop some paperwork off so that Matthew could got to the football on New Years Day. Matthew chilled out in his room and watched buses out of the window. We saw Lucky Seven PY15 GTF stopped outside the bookies.

Lucky Seven PY15 GTF in Fenton

Later on Matthew had a KFC. He had a chicken burger and fries washed down with a cup of Pepsi. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. Matthew used his computer and watched music videos on the television. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Hanley / Newcastle 28-12-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
32632	Fenton, Victoria Place	Hanley BS	6A	First Potteries
67156	Hanley BS	Stoke-upon-Trent, Lytton Street	23	First Potteries
63173	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
63097	Newcastle BS	Fenton, Christchurch Street	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going to Hanley and Newcastle 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 DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

At 09:00 we set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street and to the day centre and we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. In the morning Matthew did some baking. Matthew then went to Mcdonalds for dinner on a bus. We set off on foot onto Glebedale Road and we turned right onto City Road. At the roundabout we went onto Victoria Road and we stood at the bus stop to wait for a bus. The bus turned up and it was First Potteries 32632 on a #6A to Hanley. We booked to Hanley and we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off down Victoria Road. and we crossed over the A52 at Joiners Square. We ran up Lichfield Street and we crossed over the ring road. We got off the bus and we walked up Lichfield Street and turned right onto Old Hall Street. We turned left onto Parliament Row and we stopped at McDonalds Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had a burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. Once we had finished eating we set off onto Parliament Row and we turned right onto Old Hall Street. We turned left onto Lichfield Street and we returned to the bus station. We waited for a First bus back to Fenton. A short time later we saw First Potteries 67156 on a #23 to Newstead. 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 crossed over the ring road and we ran down onto Regent Road and forwards onto Cleveland Road. We ran down though Shelton along College Road and we ran down to the railway station. We turned left onto Station Road and we ran part the railway station before going right onto Glebe Street. and we followed the road around onto Church Street. We crossed the A500 and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we went under the railway line and we visited The Range. We went to the cafe and Matthew had a bottle of Coke. When we had finished we walked onto City Road and up the hill into Fenton. We cut through onto Temple Street and we returned to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. We saw D&G Bus 113 on a #1 to Meir.

D&G 113 in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 67603 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67603 in Fenton

Another vehicle seen was Lucky Seven minibus BD07 SKF which stopped outside pub.

Lucky Seven BD07 SKF in Fenton

After a while we saw Cakeface C3 KEX going towards Longton.

Cakeface C3 KEX in Fenton

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. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63173 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63173 in Fenton

We booked to Newcastle and as the rear of the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 63173 before we sat down.

Inside First Potteries 63173

We 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. We saw First Potteries 67601 on the #22 to Longton. Once off the bus we set off along Hassell Street and we turned right onto High Street. We turned right onto Ironmarket and we stopped at the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had glass of Coke. For tea Matthew had a burger and fries followed by chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. When we had finished eating we set off onto Ironmarket and we turned left onto High Street. We turned left onto Hassell Street and we returned to the bus station. On Stubbs Street we saw First Potteries 63097 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63097 in Newcastle bus station

In the bus station was First Potteries 67632 on a #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67632 in Newcastle bus station

We decided to do First Potteries 63097 so we got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station 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 got off the bus by the shops and we cross over City Road. We through the passage onto Christchurch Street and down temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to chill out. Matthew chilled out in his room watching television and using his computer. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. Matthew used his computer and watched music videos on the television. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Newcastle / Stafford 27-12-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67654	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
65034	Newcastle BS	Stafford, Chell Road	101	First Potteries
65040	Stafford BS	Newcastle BS	101	First Potteries
63100	Newcastle BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going to Stafford on the bus. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. Across the road we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX outside.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

When it was time to go we set off onto City Road and we walked down to the bus stop outside the flats. We waited for a First bus towards Newcastle. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was First Potteries 67654 on a #11 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. we saw First Potteries 67661 on a #22 to Longton. A short while later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 65034 on a #101 to Stafford. We got on the bus and we booked to Stafford before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road. We ran Southwards onto the A34 and we ran down through Trent Vale and into Hanford. We continued down through to Trentham and then we got onto the fast section of the A34. We ran through Tittensor to Darlaston and we continued down to the North end of Stone. We Veered left onto Newcastle Road and we ran into Stone town centre. After going around the one-way system and onto Stafford Road. We crossed over the A34 onto Eccleshall Road. We turned left onto Tilling Drive and we ran onto the industrial estate. We saw former Western Greyhound minibus WK53 EUT. We rejoined the A34 at the roundabout where the A51 goes Eastwards and we ran Southwards through the fast section on the A34 to the A513 roundabout. We ran the last couple of miles into town down the A34 onto Foregate Street and we turned right onto Chell Road where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked through Balk Passage onto Broad Street. We crossed the road and we went to Theo's Cafe. For dinner Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. Once we had finished we walked along Stafford Street and turned left onto Gaolgate Street. When we got to the end we turned right into the bus station. In the bus station After a short while the bus back to Hanley appeared. It was First Potteries 65040 on a #101 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle bus station before we sat down. We left the bus station onto the A34 and we ran Northwards to the edge of town. We continued up the fast section of the A34 to the edge of Stone and then we turned left onto the industrial estate. We ran around the estate and onto Tiling Drive. We turned right onto Eccleshall Road and we crossed the A34 onto Stafford Road. We turned left onto Crown Street and we stopped at the main stop in Stone. We ran North up Newcastle Road and we re-joined the Northbound A34. We ran Morth through Meaford and Tittensor and up into 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 off the bus we waited for the next bus back Fenton. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 63100 on a #11 to Hanley. We booked to Fenton and as the rear of the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 63100 before we sat down. 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 walked across to Temple 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. We saw D&G Bus 113 on a #1A to Wood Lane.

D&G 113 in Fenton

Also seen was Intercity minibus SF58 NTC going towards Stoke.

Intercity SF58 NTC in Fenton

After a while we saw D&G Bus 115 on a #1A to Meir.

D&G 115 in Fenton

Another bus seen was First Potteries 67156 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67156 in Fenton

When it was time to go to uncle Dave's we set off 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. Matthew had some cheesecake and a can of Tango orange. For tea Matthew had chicken potatoes and carrots. Later on he had another slice of cheesecake and a few digestive biscuits and custard creams. Uncle Dave now has a biscuit tin. Matthew chilled out in uncle Dave's house using his computer and watching television. 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 Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Temple Street past the new building under construction, which is now getting near to completion. We continued back to the residential unit. Matthew went back to the room and went on his computer. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Longton / Biddulph 22-12-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63099	Blurton adj Ladybank Grove	Longton TI	22	First Potteries
63179	Longton, stop C	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
121	Newcastle BS	Tunstall, adj stop B	94	D&G Bus
41498	Tunstall, adj stop B	Newcastle BS	99	First Potteries
63100	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	4A	First Potteries
67640	Hanley BS	Biddulph BS	7A	First Potteries
207	Biddulph BS	Hanley BS	7A	Santa Bus

Today we decided to do a local trip. With it being very close to Christmas and mum agreeing to work on a Saturday when Matthew was home for the first time ever, We thought we'd do some local buses for a change. We did no research for this trip. We didn't even check out the weather. We did no that First Potteries were running a free Santa Bus with donations being excepted for the Donna Louise charity. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Just after 12:00 we set of to the bus stop all the way down at the bottom of Beaconsfield Drive. As Stoke City were laying at home to Millwall we decided to avoid Stoke town centre today and go to Longton for dinner. We waited for the bus for a few minutes and we heard the whiny engine of a Streetlight approaching. It turned the corner and we saw it was First Potteries 63099 on a #22 to Longton.

First Potteries 63099 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked a Smart Day at £5.30 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Beaconsfield Drive and at the end we turned right onto Church Road. We followed the road around to the left onto Blurton Road and at the bottom of the hill we turned right onto Longton Hall Lane. We climbed the hill into Longton and onto the A50. We crossed the roundabout onto Baths Road and we entered Longton Transport Interchange. We got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 63099.

First Potteries 63099 in Longton Interchange

We set off along the path better Wrights Pies and Barclays bank onto The Strand and we spotted First Potteries 67635 on a #6A to Hanley.

First Potteries 67635 in Longton

We continued up The Strand to the Britannia cafe where we decided to have dinner today. Matthew visited the toilet and afterwards he had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. Once we had finished we walked back down The Strand to the bus stop where we spotted First Potteries 63179 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63179 in Longton

We got on the bus and we bbut the Smart Day ticket on the scanner 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. As we travelled down King Street through Foley some bloke suddenly jumped up and got off the bus once he realised that the bus wasn't going to Bentilee! We continued through Foley into Fenton and forwards onto City Road. 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. As we entered Stoke we saw First Potteries 32649 and 32635 coming back from the BET365 stadium. WE continued into into Stoke town centre along Church Street and we saw First Potteries 32647 on a BET365 shuttle and First Potteries 32648 selling tickets for the shuttle bus (Queue Buster). After a brief stop in Stoke we continued along church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road. We ran up the hill and into Hartshill. We ran forwards onto George Street and we ran down the hill into Newcastle. We turned left at the roundabout onto Barracks Road and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we headed down towards the bottom end of the bus station and we saw Arriva Midlands 2965 on a #164 to Market Drayton.

Arriva Midlands 2965 in Newcastle bus station

Also seen on Stubbs Street was First Potteries 32650 which was about to work the 14:00 service to the BET365 stadium.

First Potteries 32650 in Newcastle bus station

We walked up to the top end of the bus station to see what we could catch. We spotted D&G Bus 121 on a #94 to Congleton.

D&G 121 in Newcastle bus station

We decided to do this bus, so we got on the bus and we go on the bus and flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set of out of the bus station onto Barracks Road and at the roundabout we turned left onto Ryecroft. We veered left onto Merrial Street and we turned right onto High Street. We ran forwards onto Liverpool Road and we ran turned left onto Ryecroft. At the roundabout we did a u-turn back onto Ryecroft and we turned left onto Liverpool Road. We turned right onto Enderley Street and at the end we turned left onto Hempstalls Lane. We continued onto Hoon Avenue and forwards again onto Hassam Parade. We turned left onto the B5369 and right onto Oldcastle Avenue. We turned left onto Hanbridge Avenue and we turned left onto Bradwell Lane. We turned right onto Bursley Way and at the roundabout we went forwards onto Arnold Grove. We turned left onto Bradwell Lane and we went past the Potters Wheel pub. We continued left to the roundabout and we ran down Porthill Bank and crossed over the A500. As we crossed over the A500 we saw various coaches include unidentified Hollinshead Coaches coaches and an unidentified white and gold 70 seater coach. Emerging from Chemical Lane we saw Hollinshead Coaches DH13 HOL. We ran forwards onto the A5271 and at the Wayne Walker roundabout (formerly known as Trubshaw Cross), we veered left onto Brownhills Road. We went to the top of the hill and we ran forwards onto Tunstall High Street. At the top end of the high Street we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of D&G Bus 121 as it continued towards Congleton.

D&G 121 in Tunstall

We walked a few paces down the High Street and we entered the Tunstall Cafe. Matthew went to the toilet and I ordered his toffee cheesecake and a can of Coke. Once Matthew had finished eating we said goodbye and we crossed the road. We wanted to go back towards either Hanley or Newcastle. We turned down First Potteries 67643 on a #3A to Hanley and we decided to wait for the next Newcastle bus. Whilst we waited we saw Stanton's of Stoke BU54 ALL on a #90 to Tunstall Asda.

Stanton's of Stoke BU54 ALL in Tunstall

A few minutes later we saw a Newcastle bus round the corner. It was First Potteries 41498 on a #99 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 41498 in Tunstall

We got on the bus and we placed the Smart Day ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down the High Street and we stopped at the bottom before joining Brownhills Road. We ran down the hill to Trubshsaw Cross and we continued straight through Longport and over the A500. We went up Porthill Bank and we followed the A527 through Wolstanton & May Bank and into Newcastle. We crossed the roundabout onto Barracks Road and we entered the bus station. As we got off the bus we spotted First Potteries 63100 on a #4 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63100 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we placed our Smart Day ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus 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 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 where we saw Alfa coach 68 parked up behind the hotel. We ran into Hanley and into the bus station. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 63100.

Inside First Potteries 63100

Once off the bus Matthew visited the toilet and we decided to go up to the John Street car park to take a few bus pictures. We saw First Potteries 67649 going onto one of the layover spaces.

First Potteries 67649 in Hanley bus station

A few minutes later we saw Arriva Midlands 3697 departing on a #164 to Market Drayton.

Arriva Midlands 3697 in Hanley bus station

Another bus seen was First Potteries 32627 on a #32 to Uttoxeter.

First Potteries 32627 in Hanley bus station

After a few minutes we headed back towards the bus station. On the way we saw First Potteries 67648 which was on layover in between runs on the #3A to Butt Lane.

First Potteries 67648 in Hanley bus station

We crossed the road and turned to see First Potteries 65001 on a #18 to Leek.

First Potteries 65001 in Hanley bus station

Back inside the bus station we stopped at the Spar shop and we brought a couple of cans of Coke and chocolate to stock up supplies in the trip bag. As was usual we went down to the middle stands to wait for a bus to Biddulph. Matthew ate a Toffee Crips and we noticed on the monitor that about 40 minutes behind the next #7A was a duplicate service 'Santa bus' which was going to be operating collecting donations for the Donna Louise charity. We realised that this gave us time to get some food before being able to catch it back to Hanley. A few minutes later and slightly late due to the traffic, First Potteries 67640 appeared on stand on the #7A to Biddulph.

First Potteries 67640 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we placed our Smart Day ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus waited for time before setting off out of the bus station. We went down John Street and onto Bethesda Street before we went across onto Marsh Street and then we turned right into Trinity Street. We turned left into Stafford Street and we continued forwards to Quadrant Road and we left Hanley along Town Road. We travelled through Sneyd Green and over Smallthorne roundabouts to Chell. At the roundabout we turned right and we ran down the A527 through Brindley Ford. We turned left to run through Brown Lees. We crossed over the A527 at Knypersley and we ran around through the housing estates of Biddulph before running into town via St John's Road, Colliers Way and up Wharf Road to the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67640 before it carried on back to Hanley.

First Potteries 67640 in Biddulph bus station

Once off the bus we turned the corner onto the High Street and we walked down to the kebab shop. We picked up a couple of portions of fries and a can of orange tango and we returned onto Wharf Road. We used the toilet and we returned to the benches to eat the fries where we saw D&G latest acquisition 27 about to work a #9 to Newcastle.

D&G 27 in Biddulph bus station

We returned to the benches to finish eating the food and we saw A Bristol RE approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required PMT 207 now owned by the Potteries Omnibus Preservation Society.

PMT 207 in Biddulph bus station

We got on the bus and we placed a donation in the bucket before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off onto High Street and we turned left at the roundabout onto St John's Road. We ran around the estate and we crossed over the A527 at Knypersley We ran through Brown Lees via the diversion route and we rejoined the A527 by the industrial estate. We ran down through Brindley Ford and to Fegg Hayes. We ran up the hill to Chell and we turned left onto High Lane. We ran back through Smallthorne & Sneyd Green passing various Hollinshead coaches and Global Travel BIG 9854. We continued into Hanley we saw Stanton's of Stoke 8701 VT on the edge of town. When we got back to Hanley we got up and got off the bus. when we got back to the bus station we noticed that the next #23 wasn't until 19:30 so we decided to do a taxi. We called for a Lucky Seven taxi and we sat outside the bus station until kit arrived a few minutes later. We got in the taxi and we set off down Lichfield Street and over the ring road. We ran down to joiners Square and we went over the roundabout onto Victoria Road. We ran up the hill into Fenton and forwards onto City Road. We turned right onto the A50 link road and we joined the A50 as far as Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton. We turned right onto Church Road and right onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home a little after 18:00 and we got straight in the car to go and visit Z Carz. We set off onto the A5035 and we ran through Dresden up to Longton. We joined the high level Westbound A50 and we turned into Edensor Road. The spare ground was empty so we went into Willow Row to see what was in the compound. We saw Z Carz Peugeot minibus SJ61 OPK parked up in their yard.

Z Carz SJ61 OPK in Longton

Once we had finished there we had a few things to drop off. We continued along the High Level A50 and we turned left into Heathcote Road. We continued onto Longton Hall Road and we turned left onto Blurton Road. We turned right onto Church Road and right onto the A5035. We crossed over the railway line and into Trentham before we turned right into New Inn Lane. We turned right into Pacific Drive and we dropped a few things off. We continued forwards onto Constance Avenue, dropping off a few more things. We rejoined Pacific Drive and we turned right onto New Inn Lane. We ran up the hill into Hanford and we ran down Mayne Street to the A34. We went under the A500 into Trent Vale and we stopped at the Riverside Chip Shop to pick up tea. Once we had the food we went Southwards down the A34 into Hanford & Trentham. We turned left onto the A5035 and we crossed over the railway line and back into Blurton. We got home around 19:15. For a late tea Matthew had sausage chips and gravy. We uploaded the latest pictures and we wrote an e-mail. Later on we went to drop uncle Dave off at home. We set off onto the A5035 and we turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way. We joined the Eastbound A50 and we cam off at Heron Cross. We dropped down into Fenton and we dropped off uncle Dave. Once we had dropped him off we returned to Heron Cross an onto Blurton Road. We turned right onto Church Road and right onto the A5035 and back home. We finished doing some stuff on the Blog and Matthew chilled out watching television and using his computer until bedtime around 01:00.... Mark