Sunday, 21 December 2025

Trip to Longton / Hanley 21-12-2025
















BusFromToServiceOperator



67179Longton, Market StreetHanley BS11First Potteries


Today Matthew was going to McDonalds and 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 10:40. We got ready and went out in tne car to pick up uncle Dave just before 11:00. 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 Roac 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 we followed the one way system onto Church Street. We crossed over the A500 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. We turned left into the Cinder Hill Induestrial Estate and we went to Reids. We came out of the industrial estate and we continued up Weston Coyney Road. We went past the site of the former sheltered hoising complex. 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. Afterwards we returned to the car. We set off out of Park Hall and we turned left onto Hulme Road and left onto the A5272. We stopped by Scraggs and Matthew took some pictures from the car of the buses in the yard. We saw Scraggs 1672 VT parked up in the yard.


Scraggs 1672 VT in Adderley Green
We rejoined the A5272 and we turned left onto Anchor Road. We turned right onto Mossfield Drive and we drove to the end. We got out of the car and we walked to the back of the D&G Bus garage. We saw D&G Bus 815 parked up in the yard.


D&G Bus 815 in Adderley Green
We got back in the car and we drove to the other end of Mossfield Drive and parked up. We walked down the footpath to the back of the First Pottereis bus garage. We walked around the garage and we saw First Potteries 63366.


First Potteries 63366 in Adderley Green
We walked onto the A5272 and we walked around the other side by the petrol station and we saw First 47536.


First 47536 in Adderley Green
We walked around the petrol station and the car wash and onto the footpath. We saw First Pottereis 63348. We walked back along the path and back to the car. We got in the car and Matthew had a can of Cherry Coke. We set of along Mossfield Drive and we turned right onto Anchor Road. We ran down the hill into Longton and we turned left onto Market Street. We turned right onto Commerce Street and at the roundabout we turned right onto The Strand. At the bottom of the Strand we turned right onto Market Street and we saw it was First Potteries 67179 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 down 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. We walked down to the car park by the chip shop and Mum came to pick us up. We set off down Lichfield Street and we ran down to Joiners Square. We turned right onto the A52 and we ran past the railway station. We turned right onto City Road and we went under the railway line. We turned left onto the A500 and we veered on Wheildon Road. We stopped at uncle Dave's and Matthew used the toilet and updates uncle Dave's calendar with the details of the weekend. We said goodbye and 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. In the afternoon we did some work on Flickr and watched some videos on YouTube. We did the Blog and Matthew had a can of Cherry Coke. Later on Matthew went to a Chrsitmas service. just before 18:00 we got in the car and we set off through Burton and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive. 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 saw City Centre Central PO14 OKZ. We turned left onto Masterson Street and we turned right onto Watkin Street and we continued onto Temple Street. When we arrived at the residential unti we went downstairs and we sat in the lounge. matthew had a hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we went outside for a Christmas service held by Rev Jeff. We sang hims and one of Matthew's friends dressed up as an angnel and read to everyone. We sang a few more Hymms and we went inside. Matthew had a French Fancy. When it was time to go we said goodbye to eceryone and got back in the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street and we saw City Centre Central PO14 OKZ. We turned right onto Station Bridge Road and we continued onto Heron Street. We ran forwards onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50 roundabout. We continued through Blurton and we veered right onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left Finstock Avenue and we stopped at the Co-op. Matthew had a can of Coke, some cookies and a chocolate bar. We paid for the food and we got back in the car. We set off through Blurton and we got home around 19:00. Matthew had pepperoni pizza for tea. He also had double chocolate cookies and a can of Coke. Matthew had his medication and later on had a bath. Matthew chilled out on his computer and got ready for bed around 00:00... Mark.

Saturday, 20 December 2025

Trip to Newcastle / Biddulph 20-12-2025
















BusFromToServiceOperator



67174Newstead, Stoke, Stop Q40AFirst Potteries
6010Stoke, Lytton StreetNewcastle BS1D&G Bus
794Newcastle BSTunstall, 94D&G Bus
116Tunstall, stop BNewcastle BS94D&G Bus
63358Newcastle BSHanley BS101First Potteries
6001Hanley BSBiddulph BS9D&G Bus
67148Biddulph BSHanley BS7AD&G Bus
63115Hanley BSNewcastle BS101First Potteries
63177Newcastle BSBlurton, Ladybank Grove22First Potteries


Tofday we decided to do a local trip. It was close to Christmas and it would be busy everywhere! Reserch consisted of looking at the times of the #40A and checking the weather. The weather was supposed to be grey, dry and just slightly warmer than average. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up just after 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. After getting dressed and packing the trip bag. We set off just after 11:00 and we walked through Blurton onto the A5035. We crossed over the road and we cut through onto Selby Walk and we turned right onto Waterside Drive and walked to the bus stop. The bus was already in the estate awaiting time by the shops. A few minutes later the bus set off towards us. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67174 on a #40A to Hanley.


First Potteries 67174 in Newstead
We got on the bus and we booked to Stoke before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Waterside Drive. We continued to the end and we turned left onto Barlaston Road. We turned right onto the A5035 and we ran through Dresden. At the end we turned right onto Queens Park Avenue and we ran forwards onto Cocknage Road. We turned left onto Chaplin Road and into Dresden past the site of a new retail park. We turned right onto Belgrave Road. At the roundabout we turned left onto Lightwood Road. We crossed over the A50 and we ran into Longton 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. We crossed over the A50 and we went straight onto Foley Road. At the end of the Road we turned right on Longton Hall Road. We climbed the hill and then went down into Blurton. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we climbed up the hill into Heron Cross. We crossed the A50 and at the traffic Light we turned left onto Grove Road. We continued into Mount Pleasant and onto Wheildon Road. We turned right by The Regent onto Smithpool Road and we turned left onto 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 town centre where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67174 before it carried on towards Hanley.


First Potteries 67174 in Stoke
We walked up Church Street and we went into Stoke Cafe where we were going to have dinner. The cafe was quiet as there was a police incident going on across the Road. Matthew headed down to the toilet and I ordered the food. Matthew had a small breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. After we had finished eating we headed out onto Church Street. We waited at the stop expecting the bus to come into town, but the #11 we saw in the distance turmed left onto the one-way system due to the police incident. We decided to walk towards Lytton Street and we knew the bus would definitely come past there. AS we headed along Church Street we saw D&G bus 6002 on a #9 to Clayton. Wecrossed over the A500 and we waited for a Newcatle bound bus. Wjiulst we waited we saw D1015 masqurading as D1001 on a railtour from Salisbury to Lostock Hall Junction with West Coast Trains 57314 on the rear providin heat for the train. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 6010 on a #1 to Park Site.


D&G Bus 6010 in Stoke
We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle, informing the driver of the diversion in Stoke. The bus set off down City Road and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre along Church Street. Due to the police incident we diverted around the one-way system. We turned left onto Lonsdale Street and right onto Fleming Street. We turned right onto Campbell Place and left onto Church Street. We stopped in a safe location to let passenger off in Stoke and we continued on the normal route. We ran 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 spotted a coach pull up on Stubbs Street. We saw it was Copoeland's Tours MIB 270 arriving on a private charter.


Copeland's Tours MIB 270 in Newcastle bus station
We decided to head towards Tunstall as usual. On the way up to the stops we saw D&G Bus 765 parked up on layover.


D&G Bus 765 in Newcastle bus station
We continued to the top stops and we saw a bus parked up. We saw it was D&G Bus 794 and the driver set it up to be the next #94 to Congleton.


D&G Bus 794 in Newcastle bus station
We got on the bus and we placed the Smart Day ticket on the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We crossed the Jubilee roundabout onto the A527 and headed through Wolstanton. As we travelled North up the road we turned right onto Porthill Bank and we we went down the hill and over the A500. We went through Middleport and at Trubshaw Cross we went left onto Brownhills Road. We joined Tunstall High Street and at the top of the Road we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of D&G Bus 794 before it continued on towards Congleton.


D&G Bus 794 in Tunstall
We walked along the High Street and we headed into Tunstall Cafe. Matthew went to the toilet and I ordered food. When Matthew returned he had a slice of chocolate cheesecake and a can of Coke. After we had finished eating we had a bit of a wander around town. We turned right onto the Square and Matthew took me to see the former Barrel pub, which id being converted into flats, shops and offices. We walked back onto the High Street and we crossed over the road. We waited for a bus towards Newcastle. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 63354 on a #39A to Butt Lane.


First Potteries 63354 in Tunstall
A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 116 on a #94 to Newcastle.


D&G Bus 116 in Tunstall
We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down the High Street and forwards onto Brownhills Road. We ran down the hill to Trubshaw Cross and we joined Longport Road. We crossed over the roundabout and climbed Porthill bank. At the top of the hill we turning left onto Wolstanton High Street. We ran through Wolstanton and out the other side and down into Newcastle. We crossed the Jubilee Roundabout and we ran onto barracks Road before we turned into the bus station. We walked towards the top of the bus station to catch something towards Hanley. On the way we saw D&G Bus 795 on Layover in beween runs on the #104 to Hanley.


D&G Bus 795 in Newcastle bus station
We were origianlly going to catch a #39 or #39A, but there seemed to be a bit of a gap in the service. We turned down other less direct service to Hanley and we spotted there was a #101 due shortly. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63358 on a #101 to Hanley.


First Potteries 63358 in Newcastle bus station
We got on the bus and we placed the Smart Day ticket on the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. When it was time to go the bus set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road and we ran forwards onto the one-way system. We continued onto the A52 and when we got to Hartshill we veered left onto Shelton New Road. We ran over the railway line and canal and we went up to Snow Hill. We turned left and ran up Broad Street. We turned right onto the ring road and left onto Bethesda Street. We turned right onto John Street and we ran up to the bus station. Once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Matthew visited the toilet and then we headed to the car park to get a few bus pictures. On the way we saw First Potteries 35950 on layover.


First Potteries 35950 in Hanley bus station
We climbed the stairs and we took a few bus pictures. We saw D&G Bus 29 on a #16 to Leek.


D&G Bus 29 in Hanley bus station
Also seen was First Potteries 35688 on a #25 to Keele.


First Potteries 35688 in Hanley bus station
We came down from the car park and as we apporached the bus station we saw a coach parked up by the Victoria Theatre. As we got closer we saw it was Four Seasons Travel W4 FST supporting one of the shows at theatre.


Four Seasons Travel W4 FST in Hanley
We went into the bus station and we visited the shop. We bought a bottle of Coke, a chocolate bar and a flapjack. We sat down by the stop and we waited for a Biddulph bus. Whilst we waited Matthew had his Bakewell Flapjack. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 6001 on a #9 to Biddulph.


D&G Bus 6001 in Hanley bus station
We got on the bus and we booked to Biddulph before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Bethesda Street. We went onto Marsh Street before turning back into Hanley on Trinity Street. We turned onto Stafford Street and we picked up more passengers before heading out of town along Quadrant Road. We headed through Townsend an onto Chell Street. We went through Sneyd Green and we turned left at Smallthorne Roundabouts onto Ford Green Road. we turned left onto Chell Heath Road through Bradeley and into Chell Heath and passed his old school now sheltered housing. We carried on through Fegg Hayes past the site of new flats. At the end of the road we turned right onto the A527 and we headed up though Brindley Ford past the site on where a developer hopes to build some new homes. We left 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. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of D&G Bus 6001 before it returned towards Clayton.


D&G Bus 6001 in Biddulph bus station
We chacked the time of the next bus back to Hanley. We had about 25 minutes, so we walked around the corner to the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and I got the drinks in. Matthew had a small glass of Coke. When we had finished we returned to the bus station and we waited for the bus. Whilst we waited we saw D&G Bus 3017 in between runs on the #95 to Audley.


D&G Bus 3017 in Biddulph bus station
We sat on the bench and Matthew had a Crunchie whilst we waited. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. Ad it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67148 on a #7A to Hanley.


First Potteries 67148 in Biddulph bus station
We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off onto the High Street and we turned left onto St Johns Road. We ran around the estate and onto Woodland Street. We crossed over the A527 at Knypersley. We ran through Brown Lees 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 into into Hanley. We turned right onto Quadrant Road and we past the shopping centre. We continued onto Stafford Street and we turned right in front of the town hall. We ran onto Bagnall Street and we went forwards into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. As we walked through the bus station we saw Prospect PR71 MEG on a #076 to Manchester.


Prospect PR71 MEG in Hanley bus station
We formulated a plan to get back to Blurton. We would go to Newcastle as quick as possible and head back home on a #22. We had a look around and we saw there was a #9 and a #25. Matthew spotted another bus we could catch. We got to the stand and we saw it was First Potteries 63115 on a #38 to Kidsgrove.


First Potteries 63115 in Hanley bus station
We got on the bus and we placed the Smart day ticket under the scanner before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto John Street. At the bottom of the road we turned right onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto Broad Street and then we joined the clockwise ring road. At the end we turned left onto Etruria Road before going under the A53 onto Festival Way. We ran past Waterworld and we turned left onto Forge Lane past a new minibus building by the Brindley Farm pub. We looped under the A53 and we joined the Westbound A53. We crossed over the A500 at Etruria and and we ran up the hill into Basford where we saw First Potteries 67151 on a #4 to Hanley. We ran down hill to the edge of Newcastle and we got onto the one way system. At the jubilee roundabout we turned left onto Barracks Road before turning right into the bus station. We got up and we got off the bus. We headed straight over the bus station and we could see the bus on stand. As we got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63177 on a #22 to Longton.


First Potteries 63177 in Newcastle bus station
We got on the bus and we booked to Longton 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 saw D&G Bus 6006 on a #9 to Clayton. We continued through the hospital grounds. We turned right onto Hilton Road and forwards onto Harpfields Road. We ran to the end and we turned left onto the Southbound A34. We ran under the A500 into Hanford and we turned left onto Church Lane. We climbed to the top of the hill and we turned right onto Wilson Road. We turned left onto New Inn Lane and we ran into Trentham. We turned left onto the A5035 and we crossed over the railway line into Blurton. We passed the end of Stanley Matthew Way and we turned left onto Magdalen Road. We turned right onto Finstock Avenue and left onto Beaconsfield Drive where we got up and got off the bus.


First Potteries 63177 in Blurton
Once off the bus we walked back to the house. Matthew used the computer and we had an apple whilst we waited for mum to return from shopping. When mum got home I went to the chip shop. I returned and Matthew had sausages chips and gravy washd down with a can of Dr Pepper. Later on i took uncle Dave home. Matthew had his medicatio and we did the Blog and uploaded photos. We also wrote an e-mail. Matthew chilled out on his computer until bedtime at 00:00... Mark.

Friday, 19 December 2025

Trip to Hanley / Newcastle 19-12-2025
















BusFromToServiceOperator



67151Fenton, adj Travers CourtHanley BS23First Potteries
63366Hanley BSFenton, Victoria Place6AFirst Potteries
63363Fenton, adj Travers CourtNewcastle BS11First Potteries
35950Newcastle BSNewcastle, O/x The Cherry Tree PH25First Potteries


Today Matthew was going to visit Grandma and going to Blurton. Bur first 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 we saw Afford rent-a-car MM75 XTT parked up at their garage. A few minutes later the bus turned up and 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 into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew went to the toilet. We walked down John Street and we crossed over Bethesda Street. We headed into the Museum. The museum is partially closed for redevelpment. We headed back to the bus station and we saw High Peak(On loan to D&G Bus) 813 on a #32X to Uttoxeter. Wwalked up John Street and onto Lichfield Street. We crossed over the ring road and we visited the chip shop. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we crossed over the ring Road and we saw Newfriars College YP75 ???.


Newfriars College YP75 ??? in Hanley
We crossed over the ring road and we cut through the back alley onto Birch Terrace. We headed across Lichfield Street and into the bus station. We waited for a bus towards Fenton. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63366 on a #6 to Coalville.


First Potteries 63366 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 out of the bus station onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto the ring road and we turned right onto Lichfield Street and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed the roundabout onto Victoria Road and we ran up the hill into Fenton. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we set off on foot on the road at the back of Victoria Road. We went sharp right onto City Road. We turned left onto Glebedale Road and we walked along Baker Street. We turned right onto Christchurch Street. We returned onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. When Matthew got back we went upstairs and went up to his room to chill out and use the computer. In the afternoon Matthew went to a birthday party downstairs. One of his friends had his 60th birthday. Matthew had a glass of Irn Bru. Later on Matthew went back upstairs. Matthew helped to wrap up a Christmas presents next week. We came to pick Matthew up just before 15:00 and Matthew came downstairs. We said goodbye to mum and we cut through onto City Road. We headed to the bus stop to wait for a bus towards Newcastle. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63363 on a #11 to Newcastle.


First Potteries 63363 in Fenton
We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre along Church Street. After a brief stop in Stoke we continued along church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road and past the former pub where we are building a new convenience store. We ran up the hill and into Hartshill passing First Potteries 63361 on a #11X to Hanley. 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 waited for a bus towards Grandma's house. Almost immediately we turned and saw First Potteries 35943 on a #101 to Stafford. We wasited for the #25. We turned and saw it was First Potteries 35950 on a #25 to Hanley.


First Potteries 35950 in Newcastle bus station
We got on the bus and we booked to the hospital before we went upstairs and sitting down. We set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road. We ran Southwards onto the A34 and we got up and got off the bus by the Cherry Tree. We got off the bus and Matthew took a picture of First Potteries 35950 as it continued towards Hanley.


First Potteries 35950 in Newcastle
Once off the bus we headed up the hill towards Grandma's. At Grandma's Matthew had toast and a can of Irn Bru and used her computer. around 18:00 we set off from Grandma's and headed to the pub. and we ran down Occupation Street. We turned left onto the A34. We continued southwards into Trent Vale past the Greggs. We continued through Trent Vale and we went through Hanford and into Trentham. We turned left onto the A5035. We crossed over the railway line and into Blurton. We stopped at the pub and we met up with Grandma and Grandad. As they were going away for Christmas this year, we were having a Christmas meal with them before they go. Matthew went to the toilet and afterards we sat at the table. For s starter Matthew had chicken tenders and barberque sauce. Matthew had a christmas dinner with carrots, roast potatoes, turkey and lots of pigs in blankets. For dessert Matthew had chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. When we had finished we said goodbye to Grandma and Grandad and we got in the car. We set off onto Stanley Matthews Way and we turned left onto the A5035. We got back around 19:45. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we sorted a few things out. Matthew also had a Crunchie and a bottle of Cherry Coke. We wrote the Blog and sent a couple of e-mails. We chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Thursday, 18 December 2025

Trip to Hanley / Kidsgrove 18-12-2025
















BusFromToServiceOperator



67175Fenton, adj Travers CourtHanley BS23First Potteries
63173Hanley BSKidsgrove, St Johns RC38First Potteries
63101Kidsgrove, Town HallTunstall, adj stop B38AFirst Potteries
63113Tunstall, adj stop BHanley BS103First Potteries
63349Hanley BSBucknall, New Finney Gardens11First Potteries


Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus later on. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. Matthew chilled out in his room until it was time to go out. We went downstairs and we and we cut through onto City Road to wait a bus to Newcastle. We walked down to the bus stop outside the flats. At the Afford garage we saw Afford rent-a-car FE25 XDU parked up.


Afford rent-a-car FE25 XDU in Fenton
A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67175 on a #23 to Hanley.


First Potteries 67175 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 Steet and right onto Copeland street. We turned left onto Glebe Street and we went under the railway line before turning left onto Station Road. We went past the railway station and and turned right onto College Road and. After running the hill through Shelton we continued onto Cleveland Road and forwards onto Regent Road. We turned left onto Lower Bethesda Street and we crossed over the ring road onto Bethesda Street before we turned right onto John Street. We ran up the hill into the bus station and onto stand. Once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus and Matthew visited the toilet. Afterwards we saw D&G Bus 814 on a #32X to Uttoxeter. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 63173 on a #38 to Kidsgrove.


First Potteries 63173 in Hanley bus station
We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto John Street. At the bottom of the road we turned right onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto Broad Street and then we joined the clockwise ring road. At the end we turned left onto Etruria Road before going under the A53 onto Festival Way. We ran past Waterworld and we turned left onto Forge Lane past a new minibus building by the Brindley Farm pub. We looped under the A53 and we joined the Westbound A53. We crossed over the A500 at Etruria and and we ran up the hill into Basford and we ran down hill to the edge of Newcastle and we got onto the one way system. At the jubilee roundabout we turned left onto Barracks Road before turning right into 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 #3A to Hanley. A short time later the bus appeared. It was First Potteries 63101 on a #38A to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down. We set off along the A50. We ran up the hill into Goldenhill and then forwards through Sandyford past the retail park into Tunstall. We ran down the High Street. We continued down the High Street and at the top of the Road we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked down the Tower Square and passing the former pub on the corner. After we had finished eating we went next door Wrights shop we and Matthew bought some boots. We walked along and we set off onto onto the Tower Square and we walked onto High Street and we walked to the bus stop. We waited for a bus towards Fenton. A short time later we saw the bus come around the corner. It was First Potteries 63113 on a #103 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked the Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We went down the High Street and we turned left into Williamson Street. We turned right into 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 ran past the taxi ranks and we saw Lucky Seven SF17 LBO. We continued past the Albion and the town Hall and we ran forwards onto Bagnall Street and into the bus station. Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. We waited for the next #23 back to Fenton. A short time later we saw D&G Bus 813 on a #32X to Uttoxeter. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63349 on a #11 to Newcastle.


First Potteries 63349 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 and then we crossed the ring road onto Limekiln Bank. At the bottom of the hill we went across the traffic lights onto the A52. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked up onto Finney Green and we turned right onto the A52. We turned left onto Dividy Road and We got in the car and we set off along Dividy Road and we turned right onto the A52. We turned left onto Eaves Lane and we turned left onto George Steele Ave. We turned left onto Richard Dawson Drive and we turned left onto George Treglown Grove. We turned left onto Cambrian Way. After picking something up we turned in the road and we headed back down Cambrian Way. We turned left onto Eaves Lane and we turned left onto Greasley Road and continued onto past the former Suburban Social Club. 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. We went downstairs and we 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 to Stoke. We crossed over the A500 and onto Church Street. We followed the one-way system around and we turned left onto London Road. We turned right onto Trent Valley Road and we stopped to the house. For tea Matthew had sausages and postatoes washed down with a can of Irn Bru followed by cheesecake. We got back in the car and we ran up Trent Valley Road into Penkhull. We ran forwards onto Princes Road and we turned right onto the A52. We ran into Stoke and around the one-way system. We turned left onto Liverpool Street and right onto Elanora Street. We turned right onto Copeland Street and forwards onto Glebe Street. We turned left onto the A52 and we crossed over the A500. We ran under a railway line and we went up City Road into Fenton. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and 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.

Wednesday, 17 December 2025

Trip to Stoke / Newcastle 17-12-2025
















BusFromToServiceOperator



67179Newcastle BSFenton, Smithpool Road11First Potteries


oday Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus later on. Matthew got up 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst waiting to go out we saw First Potteries 67173 on a #11 to Hanley. In the morning Matthew went to get his shopping. We went downstairs ans we 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 turned right onto the road to the swimming baths. We turned left onto Victoria Road and we ran down to Aldi. After we had sone the shopping we got back in the car and we headed back to the residential unit. We turned right onto Victoria Road and right onto the road to the swimming baths. We turned left onto City Road and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and we returned to the residential unit. We went upstairs and we put the shopping away. Later on we went out in the car again to Newcastle. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto City Road. We ran down the hill and under the railway line. We crossed over the A500 and we ran into Stoke. We went onto the one-way system and we turned right onto South Wolfe Street. We crossed over Church Street onto Kingsway and we parked up. We walked along Campbell Place and we went to the London Grill. Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards Matthew washed down with a can of Irn Bru. After we had finished eating we went next door to Dougie Mac charity shop we and Matthew bought some boots. We walked along Campbell Place and we crossed over the road. As we turned into Church Street we continued around the one-way system onto Kingsway. Afterwards we walked back to the car and we returned to Fenton. We set off onto Campbell Place. We continued around the one-way system onto Church Street and we turned right onto Elenora Street and we followed the road around onto Copeland Street and we turned left onto Glebe Street. We turned right onto Lytton Street and we ran through onto City Road. We ran under the railway bridge and we ran up the hill into Fenton and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Temple Street past the Queen Elizabeth II Court. We continued back to the residential unit. Matthew went back to the room and went on his computer and watch buses out of the window. We went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street and we went into the Co-operative Food store and Matthew had a can of Coke. We walked back out onto Christchurch Street. We went to test Centre in a Lucky Seven taxi. we set off Christchurch Street We turned left onto City Road and we ran down the hill into Stoke and we went under the railway line. We crossed over the A500 and we joined the Northbound carriageway. We ran to the next junction and we turned left onto Copeland Street. We turned right onto Liverpool Road and right onto Geen Street. We turned right onto Church Street and we ran up the hill into Hartshill. We continued into Newcastle along George Street. We walked out of the bus station and onto the A52. We walked around to the Covid testing site and afterwards onto Ironmarket. We stopped at the pub and had a drink of Coke. Once we had finished at the pub we walked along Ironmarket and right onto Castle Walk. We continued onwards to the bus station. Eventually the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67179 on a #11 to Hanley. 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 went to his room to chill out. After a few minutes we saw Shelton Care Group SH73 WMK.


Shelton Care Group SH73 WMK in Fenton
Another vehicle seen was Magnum PF64 RJJ.


Magnum PF64 RJJ in Fenton
For tea Matthew had lasagne and chips followed by a cheesecake. Later on we went downstairs and we went in a Lucky Seven taxi. We got in the taxi and we set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto City Road and we ran up onto King Street we passed the site of the new Burger King being built. We turned right onto the A50 link road and we joined the Eastbound A50 and we ran through Longton. We continued along the A50 through Blythe Bridge and Draycott. We turned right onto Cresswell Lane and to our destination. In the Sports Centre Matthew played football with his peers. After Matthew had finished we returned to Fenton on in a intercity taxi. We walked out of the entrance and we got in the taxi we set off along Cresswell Lane. We turned left onto the A50 and and Blythe Bridge. We ran down to Heron Cross and we came off the A50. We ran along Heron Street and forwards onto Station Bridge Road. We ran forwards onto Glebedale Road. once we got back we returned to the residential unit. We walked onto Christchurch Street and down Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room and chilled out 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.

Tuesday, 16 December 2025

Trip to Newcastle / Trentham 16-12-2025
















BusFromToServiceOperator



6009Fenton, adj Travers CourtNewcastle BS1AD&G Bus
VT63 SOSNewcastle BSNewcastle, Cherry TreeGO2Stanton's of Stoke
35940Newcastle BSTrentham Gardens101First Potteries
63103Trentham, Poachers Cottage PHHanley BS101First Potteries
67148Hanley BSFenton, 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 and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst in the room. 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. on the way we saw Afford rent-a-car MM75 XTT parked up in there depot. We stood at the bus stop and we waited for a first but to Hanley. A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was D&G Bus 6009 on a #1A to Wood Lane. 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 got another picture of D&G Bus 6009 before it returned towards Wood Lane.


D&G Bus 6009 in Newcastle bus station
Whilst we waited for a bus to Stafford and Matthew visited the toilet. We continued up Castle Walk and we stopped at the Pound Bakery. Matthew brought a sausage roll before continuing along Castle walk and into the bus station. A few minutes later a bus appeared and it was Stanton's of Stoke VT63 SOS on the Go2 to Cheadle.


Stanton's of Stoke VT63 SOS in Newcastle bus station
We got on the bus and we booked to the Hospital 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. We got up and got off the bus by the Cherry Tree. Once off the bus we walked back up towards Newcastle. As we walked up the A34 we went under the subway and we walked up Stubbs street and into the bus station. As we waited we saw another bus approaching. As it came on stand we saw it was First Potteries 35940 on a #101 to Stafford.


First Potteries 35940 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 YA67 VBB. 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 parked up and we went to the retail village. Matthew went to the retail village and visited the Millets. Once we had finished shopping we walked down to The News Kiosk Matthew brought can of Coke. We went into the gardens and we walked to the North West corner and we stopped to benches sit down on the benches. Matthew had a can of coke. We walked clockwise around the lake to the lakeside café and Matthew went to the toilet and we stopped at the Cadwaladers and for dinner Matthew had bacon and cheese oatcakes. When we had finished around the North end of the lake and Matthew stopped to got to the toilet. later on we walked through the retail village and we walked to the the garden centre. When we had finished we returned to Hanley. We set off onto the Northbound A34 and we saw red minibus BK60 CKL. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63103 on a #101 to Hanley.


First Potteries 63103 in Trentham
We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down. We set off Northwards up through Hanford along the A34 and we went under the A500 in Trent Vale. We continued Northwards into Newcastle and past the hospital. At the roundabout we turned right onto barracks Road and into Newcastle bus station. After a brief stop we continued towards Hanley. We set off onto Barracks Road and we ran forwards onto the one-way system. We continued onto the A52 and when we got to Hartshill we veered left onto Shelton New Road. We ran over the railway line and canal and we went up to Snow Hill. We turned left and ran up Broad Street. We turned right onto the ring road and left onto Bethesda Street. We turned right onto John Street and we ran up to the bus station. Once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. We waited for a bus back to Fenton. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we waited for a bus back to Fenton. Once off the bus we set off down John Street and we turned right onto Bethesda Street and we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 864. We stopped on the corner of Bethesda Street and we walked up Albion Street. We turned onto Stafford Street and we walked up Piccadilly. We walked along to The Regent Theatre. We went to a bar and Matthew had a glass of Coke. Matthew went to see the Pantomine Cinderella. We made our way up to the seats on the balcony and the show started. Matthew really enjoyed watching this. After the show had finished we left the theatre and we walked back along Piccadilly onto Bethesda Street where we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 516. We turned left onto John Street and we walked up the hill and we went into the bus station. We waited for a bus back to Fenton. A few mninutes later the bus appeared. It was First Potteries 67148 on a #11 to Newcastle.


First Potteries 67148 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 Potteries 37430 parked in the garage. At the roundabout we turned right onto Anchor Road. We turned left onto Market Street and right onto Commerce Street past the former Co-op Bank. We went arounf the roundabout and turned 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 right onto onto Glebedale Road and we walked along Baker Street. We turned right onto Christchurch Street. We returned onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. When Matthew got back we went upstairs and went up to his room to chill out and use the computer. Matthew also watched 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 burger and fries. 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.