Monday, 19 January 2026

Trip to Etruria / Wolstanton 19-01-2026
















BusFromToServiceOperator



YJ69 EHGFentonLongtonCharterTravel Express
YJ69 EHGLongtonFentonCharterTravel Express


Today Matthew was going back to the residential unit, but not before he had been out for dinner and to get his weekly shopping. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up just after 10:30 and had toast and raspberry and apple juice drink for breakfast. We got ready and we went out just before 12:00. We set off to Newcastle to pick up our friend. We got in the car and we set off through Blurton and onto the A5035. We continued to Trentham and we turned right onto the A34. We ran through Hanford and we crossed the A500 and we continued through Trent Vale. We continued through into Newcastle and we turned right onto Barracks Road and we passed the bus station. We saw First Potteries 35684 on a #101 to Hanley. We turned left onto Ryecroft and stopped to pick up our friend. After we picked him up We crossed over Ryecroft we ran forwards onto the A53. We ran around one-way system and onto the A52. We ran up to Hartshill and we ran forwards onto Shelton New Road. We turned right onto Garner Street and we stopped at the food truck. Matthew had a cumberland ring with bacon and egg washed down with can of Coke. When we had finished we set of to the shop. We bran along Garner Street to Etruria and we turned left onto the A53. We veered left onto Forge Lane. We ran forwards onto Shelton Boulevard past the site of a new development and we turned left onto the Etruria Valley Link Road. We went under the A500 and we turned left onto the retail park and we saw First Potteries 63116 on #501 Festival Park retail. We parked up and we saw First Potteries 35945 on a #501 circular service.


First Potteries 35945 in Wolstanton
We went into the shop and we did Matthew weekly shop. We went outside and we saw black minibus SC74 FEH.


SC74 FEH in Wolstanton
We set off through the retail park and we turned left onto the A527 and we ran to the top of the hill and we turned left to follow the A527 into Newcastle. We turned right onto Ryecroft and we pulled up. We dropped off our friend. We set off onto Ryecroft and we turned right onto Barracks Road. We passed the bus station and we saw First Potteries 63345 on a #38A to Waterhayes. We turned keft onto the Southbound A34 we ran down to Trent Vale and under the A500 into Hanford. We ran into Trentham and at the roundabout we turned left onto the A5035. We ran into Blurton and we got back to home just after 14:30. Matthew had an ice cream and a can of Cherry Coke. We wrote some Blog and afterwards Matthew returned to the residential unit. We got in the car and we set off through Burton and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive where we saw gold minibus DE04 FNZ parked up. We turned left onto Church Street and left onto Blurton Road. We went through the traffic lights onto Heron Steeet. We carried on forwards onto Station Bridge Road and we turned left onto Christchurch Street and we turned left onto Masterson Street and we saw Stafford & District Community Link LA72 DDU. We turned right onto Watkin Street and we continued onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs to his room and we put all his shopping in his cupboard or in the kitchen. Matthew chilled out on his computer and watched buses out of the window. Matthew chilled out in his room and we saw Shelton Care Group FP75 DZB outside. For a late tea we had sausages, potatoes and carrots followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit and ashed this down with a glass of Irn Bru. Later on we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned left onto Smithpool Road. We crossed over the railway line and we walked down to the entrance of the park. Once we had finished in the park we walked back along Grove Road. We crossed over the Whieldon Road and we saw it was Travel Express YJ69 EHG. We got on the bus and we set off onto Whieldon Road and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto City Road and we ran up onto King Street and we went forwards onto King Street. We ran through Foley and we under the railway line into Longton. The bus stopped on Market Street and we turned left onto Anchor Road. We turned right onto Sutherland Road and we stopped at the pub. Matthew had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we returned to Fenton in Travel Express YJ69 EHG. We set off onto along Sutherland Road and left onto Anchor Road. We turned right onto Market Street and left onto The Strand and we ran under the railway line onto King Street. We ran through Foley into Fenton and forwards onto City Road and left onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and 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.

Saturday, 17 January 2026

Trip to Shrewsbury / Bicton Heath 17-01-2026




















































BusFromToServiceOperator



2511Harlescott, opp TescoShrewsbury BS25Arriva Midlands
2960Shrewsbury BSGains Park, Opp Woodcrest Jct11Arriva Midlands
235Gains Park, Opp Woodcrest JctShrewsbury BSX77Tanat Valley
2984Shrewsbury BSBicton Heath, The Woolhams Jct11Arriva Midlands
2960Bicton Heath, The Woolhams JctShrewsbury BS11Arriva Midlands
3692Shrewsbury BSHarlescott, opp Tesco64Arriva Midlands


Today we decided to re-visit Shrewsbury. We had asked Matthew it the week where he would like to go and he chose Shrewsbury. Research for the trip consisted of looking at tickets on the Arrive site and checking the weather. The weather was forecast for mainly dry with the chance of a shower, with some sunshine. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. We got up at 10:30 and Matthew had toast and orange juice for breakfast. After getting dressed we set off around 11:40 to pick up uncle Dave. We got in the car and we set off through Blurton and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive and we turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road past the former Coral shop which is new going to be flats. We ran through Blurton and into Heron Cross and over the A50. At Heron Cross lights we turned left onto Grove Road. We ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. Once we had picked up uncle Dave, we continued back up Wheildon Road and we ran forwards onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and at the roundabout we joined the Westbound A50. We came off the A50 onto Stanley Matthews Way and we turned right onto the A5035 and we turned right onto the Northbound A34 through Trentham. We turned left onto Whitm ore Road and we crossed over the A519 onto the A5182. We headed Westwards for a few miles and at the end of the road we turned left onto the Southbound A53 We ran through Whitmore and Balwins gate and we crossed over the A51 by The Swan With Two Necks. We continued through Loggerheads and to the North of Market Drayton and on the other side of town we stopped in a layby. The food wagon had finished serving so we continued towards Shrewsbury down the A53. We ran through Tern Hill and Shawbury and at the edge of town we took a wrong turn and headed along .We did a u-turn at the next roundabout and we turned sharp right onto the A5112. We continued for a short distance and we stopped at a pub. Matthew went to the toilet and after we returned we met back up with mum and uncle Dave. Matthew had a beefburger with and extra chicken burger with fries washed down with a glass of Coke. After we had finished we headed back to the car. We set off onto the A5112 and we drove a few hundred yeard before turning right into Tesco. We parked up and we said goodbye to mum. We walked along the side of Tesco to the the bus stop to wait for a bus into Shrewsbury. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 2511 on a #25 to Shrewsbury.


Arriva Midlands 2511 in Harlescott
We got on the bus and we booked a Shrewsbury and Telford Day Saver at £8.50 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off Southwards along the unnamed road and we turned right onto Harlescott Lane. We ran under the railway Line and we turned left onto Lancaster Road. We turned right onto York Road and we ran forwards onto Gloucester Road. We turned left onto Little Harlescott Lane and we turned left onto Mount Pleasant Road. We ran under the railway line and we turned left onto the A5191. At the roundabout we did a u-turn and we headed Southwards down the A5191. We ran Southwards into Shrewsbury and we went under the railway line. We turned right onto Smithfield Road and we turned left into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we visited the toilet. We walked out for the bus station and we saw First Lakeside 44971 on Layover.


First Lakeside 44971 in Shrewsbury bus station
We decided to go and get cake so we headed onto Smithfield Road. We walked around the corner and on the way to the cake shop we saw Arriva Midlands 2976 on a #512 to Shrewsbury.


Arriva Midlands 2976 in Shrewsbury
We arrived at the cak shop and Matthew had a huge slice of millionaire's shortbreab and a can of Coke. We walked back along Smithfield Road to the bus station and Matthew ate the millionaire's shortbread. We sat and wayched buses for a while. We sa Select Bus 3 on a arrive on a #96 service from Telford before going over to the layover area.


Select Bus 3 in Shrewsbury bus station
We took a few more picture and we headed into the bus station to catch another bus. A short time later we saw a bus come onto the stand. We saw it was Arriva Midlands 2960 on a #11 to Bicton Heath.


Arriva Midlands 2960 in Shrewsbury bus station
We got on the bus and and we flashed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus before the bus set off out off the bus station onto the A458. We went around the Welsh Bridge. We turned left onto Copthorne Road. We ran down Mytton Oak Road and we turned into the hospital and as we travelled through the hospital the Hospital. We turned right onto Mytton Oak Road. We continued through Bowbrook. We turned right onto Gains Park Way. We headed down the hill into Bicton Heath. We turned right onto Gains Avenue and we turned left onto Gains Park Way and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 2960 as it continued towards Shrewsbury.


Arriva Midlands 2960 in Gains Park
Once off the bus we had planned to wait around for a while and catch the next #11, but as we settle down in the stop we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Tanat Valley 235 on a X77 to Shrewsbury. We got on the bus and we purchased singles to Shrewsbury at £1.60 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down Gains Park Way and we continued through Bowbrook. We turned left onto Mytton Oak Road and we turned into the hospital where they are building some new hospital wards. We turned left onto Mytton Oak Road and we ran down Copthorne Road. We ran forwards onto the A458. We went around the Welsh Bridge. We turned left onto the A458 and we turned right into the bus station we got up and got off the bus and Matthew took a picture of Tanat Valley 235 before it went off to the layover area.


Tanat Valley 235 in Shrewsbury bus station
We looked across the road and we saw Arriva Midlands 2975 on layover.


Arriva Midlands 2975 in Shrewsbury bus station
We considered what to catch next so we headed inside the bus station. Whilst there we saw Select Bus 6 on a #436 to Bridgnorth.


Select Bus 6 in Shrewsbury bus station
We had a look around to see what we could catch. A few minutes later we saw a bus pull on stand. As it ot closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 2984 on #11 to Bicton Heath.


Arriva Midlands 2984 in Shrewsbury bus station
We got on the bus and and we flashed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus before the bus set off out off the bus station onto the A458. We went around the Welsh Bridge. We turned left onto Copthorne Road. We ran down Mytton Oak Road and we turned into the hospital and as we travelled through the hospital the Hospital. We turned right onto Mytton Oak Road. We continued through Bowbrook. We turned right onto Gains Park Way. We headed down the hill into Bicton Heath. We turned right onto Gains Avenue where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew got another picture of Arriva Midlands 2984 as it continued on the #11 to Shrewsbury.


Arriva Midlands 2984 in Bicton Heath
We walked down Gains Avenue and we headed thruogh a passgeway onto the A458. We crossed over the road and we went into the Co-op. We bought a bottle of Coke and a chocolate bar. Once we had finished we paid for our stuff and we headed out of the shop. We crossed the A458 and we headed down the passageway. We went back to the same stop and we waited for the bus. Whilst we waited Matthew had a Milky Way. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 2960 on a #11 to Shrewsbury.


Arriva Midlands 2960 in Bicton Heath
We got on the bus and and we flashed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus before the bus set off down Gains Avenue. We turned left onto Gains Park Way and we continued through Bowbrook. We turned left onto Mytton Oak Road and we turned into the hospital. We turned left onto Mytton Oak Road. We ran down Copthorne Road. We ran forwards onto the A458. We went around the Welsh Bridge. We turned left onto the A458 and we turned right into the bus station we got up and got off the bus. We headed to the toilet but the toilet had shut. I suggested to Matthew we caught a bus out asap and got to Tesco. We looked across and we saw a bus we could catch. We saw it was Arriva Midlands 3692 on a #64 to Market Drayton.


Arriva Midlands 3692 in Shrewsbury bus station
We got on the bus and we placed the Shropshire and Telford Day Saver ticket for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Raven Mwadows and we turned right onto the A458. We turned left onto Chester Street and we turned right onto Cross Street and under the railway line. We turned left onto the A5191 and we headed Northwards out of town. I explained to Matthew that we could only go so far on this bus if he wanted to get 6 or more buses in for the day. We passed the roundabout with the Heathgates pub and we joined the Northbound A5112. We continued Northwards into Harlescott and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3692 before it returned on a #25 to Shrewsbury.


Arriva Midlands 3692 in Harlescott
We crossed over Harlescott Lane and we headed into Tesco. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we bought a chcoclate bar. We walked across to where mum had parked the car. We got in the car and Matthew had a can of Cheery Coke. We set off out of the tesco car park and we turned left onto the Northbound A52. We travelled through Upper Astley for around 5 miles and into Shawbury. We stopped nin Shawbury. I went to the chip show and Matthew and mum went to the Co-op and bought a bottle of Dr Pepper and a chocolate bar. We went back to the car and Matthew had sausage chips and gravy. We set off onto the A53 and we headed Northwards. We crossed over the A41 and Northwards towards Market Drayton. We ran along the Market Drayton by-pass and we continued Northwards towards Loggerheads. we crossed over the A51 and up through Whitmore. We ran Northwards towards Newcastle and we turned right onto Trentham Road. We turned left onto the A519. We joined the Northbound A500. We ran through Hanford up to Stoke and we came off the A500. We turned right onto City Road and right again to go Southwards onto the A500. We veered left onto Wheildon Road and we went to uncle Dave's. We dropped off uncle Dave and Matthew got out to use the toilet and afterwards went to see uncle Rob. He also had some Fanta Orange and updated the calendar. Once we had dropped off uncle Dave we set off onto Wheildon Road. 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 to Blurton around 20:00. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we did some of the Blog. We also wrote a few emails and generally used the computer to entertain ourselves. We did some of the Blog and Matthew got ready for bed. Matthew settled down around 00:00... Mark

Friday, 16 January 2026

Trip to Hanley / Newcastle 16-01-2026
















BusFromToServiceOperator



67176Fenton, adj Travers CourtHanley, adj stop J123First Potteries
67176Hanley BSFenton, Smithpool Road23First Potteries
67179Fenton, adj Travers CourtNewcastle BS11First Potteries
35685Newcastle BSNewcastle, O/s The Cherry Tree PH25First Potteries


Today Matthew was returning to Blurton, going to Grandma's and going out for tea, but first he was going out on the bus. Matthew wokw up at 08:00 and had his medication. For breakfast Matthew had crumpets and orange juice. After spending some time in his room watching buses out of the window, he set off out to the bus stop. He went downstairs onto Temple Street and cut through onto City Road. On the way to the bus stop we saw Afford rent-a-car NU72 XKK parked up at their garage.


Afford rent-a-car NU72 XKK in Fenton
We continued to the bus stop and as we waited we saw First Potteries 35941 on a #40 to Newstead.


First Potteries 35941 in Fenton
Also seen was First Potteries 67154 on a #11X to Newcastle.


First Potteries 67154 in Fenton
A short time later we saw a bus turn around the corner. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67176 on a #23 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down City Road and we joined the A52 to go under the railway line and over the A500. We continued onto Church Street and into the centre of Stoke. After a brief stop we continued around the one-way system onto Elenora 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. 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 where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew got another picture of First Potteries 67176 before it continued into the bus station.


First Potteries 67176 in Hanley
Once off the bus we walked down John Street and we turned right onto Betesda Street. We visited the museum and when we had finished we walked along Bethesda Street and we crossed over the ring road. We continued towards Shelton onto Cleveland Road and we went into the park. Matthew spent some times in the park and afterwards go a taxi. We set off along College Road and we turned left onto Snow Hill. We turned right onto Havelock Place and right onto Clark Street We went passed the site of Cabality and we turned right onto Rectory Road and left onto Argyle Street. We turned right onto Sun Street past the former pub. We turned left onto Mount Pleasant and right onto Clough Street. We turned right onto the ring road and we we ran anti clockwise to Lichfield Street. We stopped in the car park and we got out of the taxi and we went into the chip shop. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished eaiting we headed to the bus station. We crossed over the ring road and onto Lichfield Street. We headed into the bus station and Matthew went to the toilet. We waited for a bus back towards Fenton. Whilst we waited we saw D&G Bus 762 on a #9A to Tunstall.


D&G Bus 762 in Hanley bus station
Also seen was First Potteries 63346 on a #38 Kidsgrove circular service.


First Potteries 63346 in Hanley bus station
A short time later we saw the bus pull on stand. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67176 on a #23 to Newstead.


First Potteries 67176 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 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. After a brief stop we continued forwards onto Glebe Street and we followed the road around onto Church Street. We crossed 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. Once off the bus we crossed over the road and cut through ont Temple Street. We went back into the residential unit and we went upstairs. Matthew chilled out in his room until it was time for me to pick him up. around 14:30 Matthew came downstairs to the car. We said goodbye to mum and we set off on foot to the bus stop. We cut through onto City Road and on the way we saw Safeguard CP18 FLN parking up.


Safeguard CP18 FLN in Fenton
Whilst we waited for a bus to Newcastle we saw a bus turn the corner. We saw First Potteries 67158 on a #23 to Hanley.


First Potteries 67158 in Fenton
Right behind this was our bus. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67179 on a #11 to Newcastle.


First Potteries 67179 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 past the former pub, the site of a new shop. 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 walkd down to the bottom of the bus station to see what we could see. We saw Arriva Midlands 3694 on a #64 to Shrewsbury.


Arriva Midlands 3694 in Newcastle bus station
Almost imediately we saw a bus we could catch. It pulled on stand and we saw it was First Potteries 35685 on a #25 to Hanley.


First Potteries 35685 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 35685 as it continued towards Hanley.


First Potteries 35685 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 stopped at the pub. We walked into the pub and we sat down at our one our normal tables. Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Highlights of the sightings whilst we ate include D&G Bus 29 running out of service towards the depot and D&G Bus 6007 on a #22 to Newcastle. Once we had finished eating we saw First Potteries 63347 on a #101 to Hanley. We set off and we carried on along the A34 and we went through Hanford and into Trentham. We turned left onto the A5035. We crossed over the railway line and into Blurton. We got back around 19:15. 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, 15 January 2026

Trip to Newcastle / Kidsgrove 15-01-2026
















BusFromToServiceOperator



6009Fenton, adj Travers CourtNewcastle BS1AD&G Bus
63359Newcastle BSHanley BS101First Potteries
63115Hanley BSKidsgrove, Queen Street7First Potteries
67173Kidsgrove, Town HallHanley BS103First Potteries
67141Hanley BSFenton, Albert Square23First Potteries
47519Fenton, Christchurch StreetBucknall, Trent Tavern11First Potteries
47519Hanley BSFenton, adj Travers Court11First Potteries


Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. Later on we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road. We walked down to the bus stop outside the flats. At the Afford garage we saw Afford rent-a-car CF74 DHM parked up. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 67151 on a #11 to Hanley.


First Potteries 67151 in Fenton
A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 6009 on a #1A to Wood Lane.


D&G Bus 6009 in Fenton
We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre. We continued along Church Street onto Hartshill Road and into the centre of Hartshill. We turned left into the Avenue and left again onto Hilton Road before turning right into the City General Hospital. As we travelled through the hospital we saw MT Travel CK22 YFM. Once through the hospital we turned right onto the A34 and we ran into Newcastle. We crossed the roundabout and we ran up Barracks Road and into the bus station from the South end. Once we got to the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Once we got off the bus. Once off the bus we had a look around to see what we might catch. A short time later we saw First Potteries 35946 on a #39A to Leek.


First Potteries 35946 in Newcastle bus station
Eventually the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 63359 on a #101 to Hanley.


First Potteries 63359 in Newcastle 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 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. Once off the bus. As we waited to cross the road we saw First Potteries 67150 on a #39 to Kidsgrove. Matthew went to the toilet. We waited for a bus to Kidsgrove. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63115 on a #7 to Kidsgrove.


First Potteries 63115 in Hanley bus station
We got on the bus and we booked to Kidsgrove. The bus was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 63115 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.


Inside First Potteries 63115
We set off out of the bus station and we ran down John Street. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and we crossed Broad street onto Marsh Street. We turned right onto Trinity Street and we stopped on Stafford Street to to pick up more passengers before we left town along Quadrant Road. We crossed over the ring road and we headed out of town towards Sneyd Green along Town Road and we continued to Smallthorne roundabouts and we continued forwards onto High Lane. At the end of High Lane the end we turned left onto the A527 and we turned right onto Turnhurst Road and we ran up to Packmoor. We continues into Newchapel and onto the High Street. We turned left onto Pennyfields Roads and at the roundabout we went onto Newchapel Road. We ran through the estate via Galleys bank and we ran into Kidsgrove and the bus terminated on King Street where we got up and got off the bus. We continued along King Street and we went to Kidsgrove Oatcakes. Matthew brought at sausage oatcakes. We continued along King Street and we stopped at the benches at the end to eat the sausage oatcakes and drink the can of Coke. When we had finished we set off onto King Street and we turned left onto Attwood Street and we turned left onto Liverpool Road and up to the bus stop. A short time later the bus appeared. It was First Potteries 67173 on a #103 to Hanley.


First Potteries 67173 in Kidsgrove
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 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 past the the old bus garage before running up the hill into Burslem Town centre. We ran through the light onto Waterloo Road and up the hill into Cobridge. We ran down the hill towards Hanley and then up into town along Hope Street and Stafford Street. We turned right at the end past the town hall and onto Bagnall Street before entering the bus station where we got up got off. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards waited for a bus back to Fenton. A short time later the bus appeared. We waited for a bus to Fenton. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67141 on a #23 to Newstead.


First Potteries 67141 in Hanley bus station
We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before we sat down. 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. We turned right onto Avenue Road and left onto Stoke Road. We ran down the hill and we turned left onto Station Road and past 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 Christchurch Street where we got up and got off the bus. Once off we walked back along Christchurch Street and we then walked back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. For a late tea Matthew had donner meat chicken burger and fries washed down with a can of Dr Pepper followed by a New York Cheesecake. We went downstairs and cut through onto City Road. We crossed over at the crossing and we headed to the stop outside the shops. We waited for a bus towards Hanley. As it got closer we saw that it was First Potteries 47519 on a #11 to Hanley.


First Potteries 47519 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. As we ran up onto King Street we passed the site of the new Burger King being built. We ran through Foley and we under the railway line into Longton town centre. We stopped outside the old job centre as the #11 no longer calls in the Interchange. We ran up Market Street and we turned left onto Anchor Road. We ran up the hill to the top and ran down to the roundabout in Adderley Green. At the roundabout at the East end of Bentilee we turned right onto Beverley Drive and then left onto Dawlish Drive. We ran to the end and we turned left onto Beverley Drive. At the end we turned right onto Dividy Road and we ran down the hill to Bucknall. We got up and got off the bus. Once off up Dividy Road and we crossed the road and went to the pub. Matthew went to a Halloween party. Matthew went to the toilet and had a few glasses of Coke. When it was time to go Hanley Matthew returned in a car. We set off onto Dividy Road and 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 Lichfield Street and we turned into the the stop outside the bus station. We waited for a bus back to Fenton. A short time later we saw a bus drop onto the stand. We saw it was First Potteries 47519 on a #11 to Newcastle.


First Potteries 47519 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 recent arrival First Potteries 30000 parked in the garage. At the roundabout we turned right onto Anchor Road and we ran under the railway line. We turned left onto Markets Street and we followed the one-way system onto Commerce Street and right onto The Strand. After a brief stop we ran down the Strand and under the railway line onto King Street. We continued down through Fenton and forwards onto City Road. We went past KFC and we got up and got off the bus. We cut through onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew went to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. 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, 14 January 2026

Trip to Newcastle / Stoke 14-01-2026
















BusFromToServiceOperator



67174Longton, stop CFenton, Victoria Place6First Potteries
6008Fenton, adj Travers CourtNewcastle BS1D&G Bus
35685Newcastle BSStoke, stop N25First Potteries
6012Stoke, stop AFenton, Smithpool Road1AD&G Bus
6012Fenton, adj Travers CourtNewcastle BS1AD&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 YS70 KWG. We went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw Temple Street church minibus RX18 GZW. We carried on along Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned left into Baker Street. We continued onto Glebedale Road and we went to the doctors. We returned to the residential unit along Baker Street and right onto Christchurch Street. We got in a car and we set off onto Christchurch Street and left onto Station Bridge Road. We followed the road around onto Heron Street. We went through the traffic lights and we turned left onto the A50. We ran through Longton. 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. We waited for a bus towards Fenton. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67174 on a #6 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before we sat down. The bus set off down The Strand and we ran under the railway line onto King Street. We ran through Foley into Fenton and forwards onto City Road. We turned right into Victoria Road and we got up and got off the bus. We continued down to Aldi and we did some shopping. After we had done the shopping we got a Lucky Seven taxi back to the residential unit. We set off up Victoria Road. We turned right onto City Road and left onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. we went upstairs to his room and use his computer. We went downstairs and we set off onto City Road. On the way to the bus stop we saw First Potteries 67150 on a #23 to Hanley. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 6008 on a #1 to Park Site.


D&G Bus 6008 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 Cabability NU16 YEY. 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 to Hanley. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 35685 on the #25 to Hanley.


First Potteries 35685 in Newcastle bus station
We got on the bus and we booked to Stoke before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station the bus set off out 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 we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked along Church Street to wait for a First bus back up to Fenton. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 67157 on a #11 to Hanley.


First Potteries 67157 in Stoke
A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 6012 on a #1A to Meir.


D&G Bus 6012 in Stoke
We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off 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 back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew went to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. For tea Matthew had a jacket potato with beans followed by cake. Later on we went downstairs and we set off onto City Road and we saw Afford rent-a-car DT23 PFG outside there yard. On the way to the bus stop we saw Afford rent-a-car HT73 SSU outside their yard. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 6009 on a #1 to Park Site.


D&G Bus 6012 in Fenton
We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre. We continued along Church Street onto Hartshill Road and into the centre of Hartshill. We turned left into the Avenue and left again onto Hilton Road before turning right into the City General Hospital. hospital. As we travelled through the hospital we saw Travel Express FG14 RCX. 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 set off onto Hassell Street and we turned right onto High Street and we crossed over and we went to the cinema. Matthew had a cup of Coke. He went to the cinema to watch The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants. After the film Matthew went to the toilet. We walked out of the cinema onto the High Street and we got a Lucky Seven taxi back to Fenton. When we got in taxi. We set off onto Friars Street. We turned right onto the Southbound A34 and we turned left onto the A527. We ran past the bus station and we crossed over the roundabout onto the A52 and we ran into Hartshill. We veered left onto Shelton New Road and we stopped briefly near to the old Gilberts furniture shop. We continued down Shelton New Road through the traffic lights and we turned right to join the Southbound A500. We stayed on the high level road and we came off the A500 at City Road. We ran under the railway line and up the hill into Fenton. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs and Matthew went to his room. He watched television and used his computer. later on he had a bath. For supper Matthew had some toast. Matthew went to bed around 23:00... Mark.

Tuesday, 13 January 2026

Trip to Hanley / Longton 13-01-2026
















BusFromToServiceOperator



67152Fenton, adj Travers CourtHanley BS23First Potteries
6002Hanley BSNewcastle BS9D&G Bus
63362Newcastle BSLongton, Market Street11First Potteries


Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going on the bus later on. He was also going out on the bus. Matthew got up around 09:00 and had toast and juice for breakfast. He chilled out in his room and watched buses out of the windown until it was time to go out. Whilst we waited to go out we saw City Centre Central PO14 OKZ. Whilst we waited to go out we went downstairs and onto Temple Street. We turned cut through onto City Road and we headed towards the bus stop. On the way we saw Afford rent-a-car WR75 BWM parked up at their garage. We waited for a bus to Hanley. The bus turned the corner and we saw it was First Potteries 67152 on a #23 to Hanley.


First Potteries 67152 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. Once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we set off out of the bus station onto Lichfield Street. We went forwards onto Tontine Street an onto Tontine Square. We continued onto Market Square and around the corner to Greggs. Matthew picked a caramel shortbread fot later. We headed back through the sqiares onto Once we had finished we went to the Intu Potteries shopping centre. Matthew had a chicken sandwich washed down with can of Irn Bru. after visiting shops in the shopping centre we walked down Tontine Square. We went into Tontine Street and onto Lichfield Street. We headed into the bus station and we waited for a bus to Newcastle. A few minutes later we saw a bus come on stand. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 6002 on a #9 to Clayton.


D&G Bus 6002 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 onto john Street and left onto Bethesda Street. We crossed over the ring road and we ran down through Shelton along Regent Road and College Road. We passed the railway station and we continued forwards onto the A52. We followed the road to the right under the railway line. We crossed over the A500 we entering Stoke town centre. We continued along Church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road. We turned left onto Princes Road past the old school. Part of site was demolished to make more car parking spaces. We ran into Penkhull village. We onto Newcastle Lane and we turned right onto Hilton Road. We turned into the hospital and as we travelled through the hospital we saw Cabability FJ16 AVK. We turned right onto the A34 and we ran into Newcastle. We crossed the roundabout and we ran up Barracks Road and into the bus station from the South end. Once we got to the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Once we got off the bus we waited for a bus towards Fenton. Once off the bus we had a look around to see what we might catch. Eventually the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 63362 on a #11 to Hanley.


First Potteries 63362 in Newcastle bus station
We got on the bus and we booked to Longton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto Barracks Road and we ran up to the Jubilee roundabout. We ran onto the A53 and around the one-way system onto the A52. We ran up George Street into Hartshill and we ran down the hill into Stoke town centre. After a brief stop we continued along Church Street out of Stoke and over the A500. We ran under the railway line and we continued onto City Road. We ran past the site of the new Burger King and we went forwards onto King Street. We ran through Foley and we under the railway line into Longton town centre. We ran up Market Street and we got up and got off the bus. We ran up Market Street past the fromer Hailfax bank. When we returned to Fenton in a Intercity taxi. We set off along Market Street and we followed the one-way system around onto Commerce Street. We crossed over the A50 and we headed out of Longton along Lightwood Road. We turned right onto Belgrave Road and left onto Chaplin Road. At the end we turned right onto Cocknage Road and we continued onto the end of Queens Park Avenue e walked into Longton Park for a short while. After we had finished we walked out of the park and we waited for the next taxi back towards Fenton. We ran along Queens Park Avenue and forwards onto Cocknage Road. We ran through to the A5035 and we headed up towards Longton. We joined the A50 and we ran down to Heron Cross. We cam off and went along the Link Road up to City Road. We turned left onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. When we got there we saw Temple Street Church KD23 DHC parked up. We went upstairs and Matthew went to his room. Matthew came downstairs and got in the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. We turned right onto Station Brudge Road and we continued onto Heron Street. We went through the traffic lights onto Blurton Road and we crossedover the A50 and we continued into Blurton. We turned right onto Longton Hall Road and we stopped at the Doctor. After seeing the doactor Matthew returned to the residential unit. When we had finished we said goodbye and we returned to Fenton in a taxi. We set off onto Longton Hall Road and we turned left onto Blurton Road and we climbed up the hill into Heron Cross and we ran through the lights onto Heron Street. We continued onto Station Bridge Road and we turned left onto Christchurch Street and we crossed over City Road and we ran along Manor Street. We ran to the end of the road and we got out. 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.