Trip to Chorley / Leyland 07-05-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
47335	Chorley TI	Towngate, Tesco (Stand F)	109	Stagecoach Lancashire
34782	Towngate (Leyland), Tesco (Stop A)	Chorley TI	109A	Stagecoach Lancashire
15240	Chorley TI	Horwich, Lee Lane/The Crown (Stop A)	125	Stagecoach Lancashire
15227	Horwich, Lee Lane/The Crown (Stop B)	Chorley TI	125	Stagecoach Lancashire
15226	Chorley TI	Clayton Brook, by Village Centre(lanapamp)	125	Stagecoach Lancashire
15232	Clayton Brook, by Village Centre(lanatwta)	Chorley TI	125	Stagecoach Lancashire

Today we decided to re-visit Chorley. It had been over a year since our last visit, and in that time Fishwicks had stopped trading and Stagecoach had introduced new 'Gold' buses on their flagship #125 Preston - Bolton route. We checked the weather for today and it was for fine sunny weather turning cloudy with showers and thunderstorms, mainly in the Midlands. We gave Matthew a list of places,ost of which were in the North West and from the list he chose Chorley. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had a giant crumpet and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 13:30 onto Beaconsfield Drive and through Blurton. We turned left onto Church Road and and left again onto Blurton Road. After running through Blurton at Heron Cross we got on the Westbound A50. We ran down to Sideway and we took the Northbound A500. As we traveled North up the A500 we saw preserved PMT 860 & Roseville BG07 XCN. As we approached the M6 we caught up with a Mercedes Minicoach. We followed the coach onto the North bound M6 any we saw that it was Goldstar PIB 2095. The traffic was moving well but as it is the start of the coach day trip season as well as the end of the football season we saw plenty of coaches coming the other way. Going North we saw 4 happy Als coaches, ABC Supreme NM08 WKT, an unidentified Gailsway Travel minibus, an unidentified A&C Coaches (Motherwell) coach, an unidentified Vision coach and Bestway Mercedes minibus BN52 GPF. We came off the M6 at Junction 27 and we ran into Standish along the A5209. In the town centre we turned left onto the A49 and we ran north towards Euxton. As we travel North we passed Grayway Mercedes minicoach YN60 BZW. As I had navigated to Chorley based on what I remembered from last time and instinct we ended up coming into Chroley from the North West. We drove past Euxton Balshaw Lane railway station along the A581 and past the Tesco superstore. before running Chorley. We went along Union Street past the Flat Iron car park that we would be on later and we turned right onto the A6 and past the transport interchange. We turned right onto George Street and forwards onto Pall Mall were we saw the Big lamp Chippy where we were going for dinner. We parked around the corner in Fleet street and we headed over the road to the cafe. We got there about 13:20 just before we though the cafe part closed. Having a conversation with the staff revealed that the cafe is now open until 6PM. Matthew used the toilets and then we ordered sausage chips & gravy with bread and butter washed down with a can of Coke. After we finished eating we returned to the car and we spotted Buckleys YN53 EXC in the Fleet Street car park. We headed back onto the A6 and past the Interchange and we turned into Union Street and the Flat Iron car park. We eventually found a parking spot and we said goodbye to mum before we headed over to the Interchange. Once in there we grabbed a #109 & #125 timetable from the information desk and we looked up the time of the next #109 to Leyland. It wasn't due for another 15 minutes so we had a short wait. In the bus station already was Holmeswood YJ08 PKV.

Holmeswood YJ08 PKV in Chorley interchange

As we had some time we decided to have a walk around the outside of the Interchange to get a few pictures. As we set off we saw Transdev Lancashire United 1096 arrive on a #24 to Blackburn.

Transdev Lancashire United 1096 in Chorley interchange

We walked clockwise around the outside of the Interchange onto the A6 outside. Whilst there we saw required Stagecoach Lancashire 47081 on a #7 to Croston.

Stagecoach Lancashire 47081 in Chorley interchange

We decided to go back into the Interchange and on the way in we saw required Stagecoach Lancashire 15247 on a Preston bound #125 service.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15247 in Chorley interchange

We turned to see required Stagecoach Lancashire Solo 47335 on a #109 to Preston.

Stagecoach Lancashire 47335 in Chorley interchange

We headed back into the interchange and we waited for the driver to returned to the bus. Matthew promised to behave and not honk the horn as he often does when riding on Optare Solos! Before the driver returned Matthew decided he wanted to go and use the toilet. The disabled toilet was out of order, so Matthew used the Gents. After he had finished we went outside to see that the bus was already loading. We got on the bus and we booked Chorley Dayrider Plus tickets at £4.50 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. Matthew did behave and sat down without trying to honk the horn. The bus set off out off the Interchange and onto the A6. we turned at the next roundabout into Union Street and we stopped again outside Booths. At the end we turned left and we followed the A581 around to the right and out of town. We passed Tesco Chorley Extra and we continued West and past Euxton Balshaw Lane railway station before we turned right onto the A49. At Euxton lane we turned right and we headed towards Buckshaw Village, a new build housing estate built on a the site of a former MOD munitions factory. We turned left onto Main Street and as the rear of the bus was now empty Matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach Lancashire 47335.

Inside Stagecoach Lancashire 47335

We continued North up to Dawson lane and we passed the 'Wicker Man' style wooden statue. I don't think that they burn people inside the belly of the statue whilst dancing around naked here, or at least I hope that they don't... We traveled West along the B5248, over the M6 and the West coast main line. They was a family fun day being held at Balshaw High School, and the large crowds and the bouncy castle were a real head turned for Matthew. We entered Leyland from the East and near to Tesco we saw a Stagecoach Enviro200, something that we have seen in these parts before. We turned right onto St Andrews Way and we got u and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Lancashire 47335 before it carried on it's way to Preston.

Stagecoach Lancashire 47335 in Leyland

Almost immediately we saw the the Enviro200 we saw around the corner... It was required Stagecoach Lancashire 36185 on a #111 to Preston.

Stagecoach Lancashire 36185 in Leyland

We set off around the outside of Tesco Church Road. At the church across the road there was a wedding going on a a wedding photographer was taken candid pictures from across the road. Matthew decided the he was going to have a go and he took a picture of his own. We turned the corner right into the pedestrianised area and we visited Matthews favourite shop. We went to Ice Dreams and Coffee Beans for our usual ice cream. Matthew visited the toilet before having a vanilla cornet. Once we had finished we headed out onto North View to wait for the bus back to Chorley. We considered doing a #111 service but for some reason we could not download a bus map from the mobile Stagecoach website. Apparently people who use there website on a mobile phone don't need maps and can't access them! Whilst we considered what to do we saw dud Stagecoach Lancashire 47333 on a #109B to Clayton-le-Woods.

Stagecoach Lancashire 47333 in Leyland

We then saw a Dart approaching down Towngate. As it got closer we saw that it was Stagecoach Lancashire 34744 on a #113 to Wigan.

Stagecoach Lancashire 34744 in Leyland

We did consider doing this bus, but as we couldn't download the route map from the mobile website, we decided to not to take a risk doing this. We saw another Dart approaching so we decided to have a look at that and where it was going. As it got closer we saw that it was required Stagecoach Lancashire 34782 on a #109A to Chorley.

Stagecoach Lancashire 34782 in Leyland

We got on the bus and we flashed the Chorley Dayrider Plus tickets to the driver. As the rear of the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach Lancashire 34782.

Inside Stagecoach Lancashire 34782

Doing a #109A was a new experience for us, so we were curious to see what route it would take... We set off along North View and onto the B5248. We traveled Eastwards out of town past the family fum day at Balshaw High School and over the West coast main line and the M6. We went South down Central Avenue past the 'wicker man' statue, and then we turned left and went into the Buckshaw Village estate, After we whizzed around the estate we headed down to Buckshaw Parkway railway station and then back onto Main Street. At the end of the road we turned left instead of right as we would have done on the #109 service. We ran along Euxton lane to the Hospital, and then we returned towards Astley Village. We returned to the A581 and we went into the Chorley Tesco extra Store and to a bus stop outside the shop. Running a Dennis Dart around the car pask of Tesco is no mean feat! We returned onto the A581 and we traveled East into Chorley. We went onto Union Street and the A6 before circling around the Interchange and in from the East end. Once off the bus we decided to wait for a #125 to Horwich. Whilst we waited we saw Transdev Lancashire United 1100 on a #24 to Blackburn. We also saw the coach that we had seen earlier on Fleet Street car park, Buckleys YN53 EXC come into the interchnage to load up with daytrippers. We decided to go around the outside of the Interchange to get a picture of this Doncaster based coach as it isn't something we recall seeing before ever!

Buckleys YN53 EXC in Chorley interchange

We walked back into the Interchange and we saw required Stagecoach Lancashire 15240 on a #125 to Bolton.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15240 in Chorley interchange

To be fair they are all required in this batch as they were delivered new since our last visit! We got on the bus and we flashed the Chorley Dayrider Plus tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off out of the Interchange and onto the Southbound A6. We went out of town and up the hill past Frederick's ice cream parlour and the we went down the hill towards the junction with Chorley Road. Last time we had done this service the junction had been closed and there was a diversion through Addlington and along Railway Road to Anderton. Today with the road open, we left onto Chorley Road and through Heath Charnock. We continued South into Anderton and we passed Stagecoach Lancashire 15236/15226 running Northwards together. We departed Anderton Southwards an we passed under the M61. The seats opposite to us were empty so Matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach Lancashire 15240 as we passed Rivington Reservoir.

Inside Stagecoach Lancashire 15240

We ran the last mile or so into Horwich and we crossed the roundabout onto the B6226 where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Lancashire 15240 before it carried on towards Bolton.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15240 in Horwich

As we had approached town, we had seen a coach on Chorley New Road. We crossed the road and cut through the car park of The Crown pub to see Howards double decker coach F19 HOW unloading on the opposite side of the road whilst doing some private hire work.

Howards F19 HOW in Horwich

As we walked around the outside of the crown pub to get back onto Lee Lane, Matthew decided he wanted to use the toilet. We went into the crown and used the facilities Matthew then had a drink of Coke before we went outside where uncle Dave was waiting. Whilst we were in the pub uncle Dave had been keeping an eye out on the buses and we hadn't missed a #125. We got to the stop and almost immediately we saw a bus approaching. It was required Stagecoach Lancashire 15227 on a #125 to Chorley.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15227 in Horwich

We got on the bus and we flashed the Chorley Dayrider Plus tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off over the roundabout and onto the A673. We passed Rivington Reservoir and under the M61 and we entered Anderton from the South. We continued North into the adjacent town of Heath Charnock before we joined the A6. At the top of the hill we passed Frederick's ice cream parlour and there was a queue outside of around 30-40 people outside. All I can say is it must be really good ice cream! We entered Chorley up the A6 and we turned into Clifford Street. We circled the interchange and we entered from the South. When the bus stop it emptied out and Matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach Lancashire 15227.

Inside Stagecoach Lancashire 15227

As we came into the Interchange we spotter another Gold bus at the far end on the stand for Preston. We got off Stagecoach Lancashire 15226 walked over to the other bus which was Stagecoach Lancashire 15227 on a #125 to Preston, which we had seen in Anderton earlier.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15226 in Chorley interchange

We decided to do this bus as it was another required one, so we got on and we flashed the Chorley Dayrider Plus tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off out of the Interchange onto the Northbound A6 and we turned left at the next roundabout onto Union Street. After stopping outside Brooks we turned right onto the A581, rejoining the A6 further up the road. We past the out of town retail units and went towards the hospital. At the junction outside the hospital we were caught up by Alfa Mercedes coach 97 which turned left. We continued North in Whittle-le-Woods and further North Still into Clayton Green. Matthew then decided to take a picture of the empty seats opposite to us.

Inside Stagecoach Lancashire 15226

We passed the point which was the furthest we had previously traveled on a #125 service, and we turned right onto Westwood Road. We turned left onto Clayton Brook Road passing quite close to the M61. We turned left onto Great Greens Lane and it looked like we were approaching some shops, so we decided would be a good place to get up and get off the bus. On off the bus Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Lancashire 15226 before it carried on towards Preston.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15226 in Clayton Brook

We has spotted a McColls as the bus pulled up at the stop so we headed over there. Matthew brought a can and a bottle of Coke and a few chocolate bars. Once we had finished shopping we headed over to the stop on the opposite side of the road where Matthew ate a Cadbury's Flake. A few minutes later we saw another Stagecoach Gold bus approaching... As it got closer we saw that it was required Stagecoach Lancashire 15232.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15232 in Clayton Brook

We got on the bus and we flashed the Chorley Dayrider Plus tickets to the driver for the last time today before we went upstairs and sat down.The bus set off along Great Greens lane and we circled around to the South and joined the A6. As we traveled South Matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach Lancashire 15232.

Inside Stagecoach Lancashire 15232

We continued South down through Clayton Green and Whittle-le-Woods. We passed the hospital and the retail Park and we turned right onto the A581. After running into Chorley Town Centre we turned left onto Union Street and we rejoined the A6 outside the Interchange. We turned right into Clifford Street and circled around the interchange before entering it from the South. When we got back into the Interchange we got up and got off the bus. We had a walk around the outside of the to take a few pictures before we returned to the car. On one of the top stands was Rotala Preston Bus 20811 about to work a #114 to Preston.

Rotala Preston Bus 20811 in Chorley interchange

Matthew wanted to go to the toilet, so as we walked back around the the Interchange we saw Holmeswood YJ56 AUF on a #347 to Southport.

Holmeswood YJ56 AUF in Chorley interchange

Aftwe Matthew had used the toilet we walked back to the Flat Iron car park to meet up with mum. At the car Matthew tucked into a Greggs sausage roll and washed it down with a small bottle of Irn Bru. We set off out of the car park and onto the Southbound A6. As we passed the B5252 we saw Howards double decker coach F19 HOW again. We turned right by Fredericks ice cream parlour and this time there wasn't a long queue! We went along the A5106 and then turned right onto B5239. We came out in Standish and we went straight across onto A5209. We followed the road to the right and we joined the M6 at Junction 27. As we headed South we passed a few coaches. We passed Croston minibus YK05 EWH, a couple of Tyrers coaches, and a London Transport Arriva Wright Gemini double decker! At Junction 15 we left the M6 and joined the Eastbound A500. As we went towards Stoke-on-Trent we passed Stanton's of Stoke CC04 MAL & Roseville DK06 UDH. We left the A500 at Sideway as we took the Eastbound A50 up towards Longton to see what was parked up at Z Carz today. In the front row we saw Z Carz Vauxhall minibus X599 WDY.

Z Carz X599 WDY in Longton

Next to that was Z Carz silver LDV minibus CN57 HWA.

Z Carz CN57 HWA in Longton

The closest bus in the row was Z Carz white LDV minibus PN06 ONM.

Z Carz PN06 ONM in Longton

In the second row was Z Carz Ford minibus YS09 LWV.

Z Carz YS09 LWV in Longton

The closest bus to the road was Z Carz Ford minibus NA06 SUO.

Z Carz NA06 SUO in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row and there were a couple of buses towards the back pf the compound. Nearest bus to the gate was Z Carz Ford minibus PY08 KDX.

Z Carz PY08 KDX in Longton

We got back onto the A50 and we crossed over onto Baths Road and into Tesco Petrol station. We topped up with diesel and we got back onto the A50 and we ran up to Heron Cross. At Heron Cross we turned left onto Blurton Road and we saw Lightning Travel T2 DLT. We carried onto into Blurton and up the hill, turned right onto Church Road. We turned right into Beaconsfield Drive and we saw white Iveco minibus NX03 BFP. We got home around 18:30 For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 01:00... Mark

Trip to Accrington / Blackburn 22-11-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
265	Accrington, Bus Station (Stand H)	Blackburn temporary BS	6	Transdev Lancashire United
2760	Blackburn temporary BS	Cherry Tree (Blackburn), opp Woodlands Avenue	152	Transdev Lancashire United
2757	Cherry Tree (Blackburn), adj Woodlands Avenue	Blackburn temporary BS	152	Transdev Lancashire United
N349 AVV	Blackburn temporary BS	Blackburn (Blackburn), by Morecambe Road	D12	Darwen Coach Services
N349 AVV	Blackburn (Blackburn), by Morecambe Road	Blackburn temporary BS	D12	Darwen Coach Services
1096	Blackburn temporary BS	Moorgate (Blackburn), by Baden Terrace	24	Transdev Lancashire United
1303	Hollin Bank (Blackburn), adj Hollin Bridge St	Blackburn temporary BS	1	Transdev Lancashire United

Today we decided to re-visit Accrington. The weather had been forecast for mild dry weather throughout the North. We gave Matthew a list of place to go to, and out of the places list he chose Accrington. We did no further research for this trip other than to re-check the weather. Matthew got up a little after 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off just a little before 12:00 heading onto the A5035 before turning into Stanley Matthews Way. We went West on the A50 and then North on the A500. Once on the A500 we carried on North up to the M6. On the M6 the traffic was surprising light for the time of year. We made good time up to the M56 and over Thelwall viaduct. As we approached the M62 we caught up with classic AEC single decker Grand Edwardian Touring FV 4548.

Grand Edwardian Touring FV 4548 on the M6

We went East on the M62, and then we joined the clockwise M60. We came off the M60 at Prestwich so that we could fill up with diesel at Tesco. We then returned onto the Clockwise M60 before turning onto the Northbound M66. North of Ramsbottom the M66 became the A56 and we carried on past Haslingden before doing the last few miles into Accrington along the A680. We turned into the car park off Abbey Street but it was full, so we headed back onto Abbey Street and we saw a space on the street. We also spotted a chip shop cafe where we could have dinner. As we got out of the car to go eat, we saw required Rossendale Easyride 203 on the #484 to Bury.

Rossendale Easyride 203 in Accrington

We then saw South Ribble minibus RV05 PVZ parked in the street opposite.

South Ribble RV05 PVZ in Accrington

We went into the cafe and Matthew went upstairs to use the toilet. For dinner Matthew had sausage chips and gravy with bread and butter washed down with a can of Coke. After we had finished eating we went to the front of the chip shop to pay. Matthew added a small bottle of Coke to the bill and then we said goodbye to mum. We walked towards Peel Street along Infant Street. We saw Transdev Burnley & Pendle 715 on the #9 to Burnley.

'Starship' 715 in Accrington

There were a couple of Darts on Bridge Street so we decided to check them out. At the other end of the street was dud Pilkington Bus VU52 UEJ, which quickly departed. At the near end of the street was dud Pilkington Bus P729 RYL.

Pilkington Bus P729 RYL in Bridge Street Accrington

Whilst we were in Bridge Street we saw dud M&M Coaches N129 YRM arrive to work one of the local service.

M&M Coaches N129 YRM in Bridge Street Accrington

We then walked down to Peel Street. We then saw M&M Coaches L310 YDU on the #46 to Blackburn.

M&M Coaches L310 YDU in Accrington bus station

We decided to wait and see what turned up on the next #6 to Blackburn. We didn't have to wait long before required Transdev Optare Versa 265 appeared to work the next #6.

Lancashire United 265 in Accrington bus station

We decided we were going to do Transdev buses today so we got on the bus and booked a Blackburn day ticket at £4.20. We sat down near to the back of the bus and the bus filled up. We set off out of town along Blackburn Road and then we nturned onto the A679. We turned again to head through Oswaldtwistle and then we went onto Thwaites Road before rejoining the A679. We crossed under the M65 and into Knuzden before heading down into Intack. We continued onto the A678 and then we headed over the canal and railway line before going onto Barbara Castle Way and then onto Penny Street and into the temporary bus station. We waited for the bus to empty and Matthew took a picture inside Transdev Lancashire United 265.

Inside Lancashire United 265

We got off the bus and we contemplated what to do next. We had followed dud Transdev Lancashire United 2758 into the bus station on the X41. On the #152 to Preston was required Transdev Lancashire United 2760.

Lancashire United 2760 in Blackburn bus station

We decided to do this bus, but we had never been in this direction on the #152 before. We got on the bus and flashed the Blackburn day ticket. I asked the driver how far I could travel and the driver told me a pub in Feniscowles. We went upstairs ans sat down near to the back of the bus. The bus set off out of town and past the college. As there were empty seats opposite to us, Matthew took a picture inside Transdev Lancashire United 2760.

Inside Lancashire United 2760

We carried on out of town along the A674. We found a timetable and we saw that the buses were meant to pass just East of Feniscowles, however we were running late. We passed the bus going towards Blackburn earlier than expect. Basesd on the timetable time and how long we had travelled, we guessed when it was time get off the bus. We got off the bus around a mile or so too soon. Once we were off the bus Matthew got another picture of this bus.

Lancashire United 2760 in Cherry Tree

We crossed the road to the stop opposite. We had around 20 minutes to wait for the next #152, but there was a #118 due at 15:14 in a few minutes time. The bus stop timetable said it was a Holmeswood bus, but as it approached we saw it was Tyrers Solo SR YJ13 HJZ.

Tyrers YJ13 HJZ in Cherry Tree

We now had just over 15 minutes to wait for the bus. Matthew had a Rice Crispies Squares bar and the small bottle of pop that we had picked up earlier. The time seemed to pass quickly and before long we saw buses in both directions on the #152. We turned to concentrate on our own bus, which turned out to be dud Lancashire United 2757.

Lancashire United 2757 in Cherry Tree

We got on the bus and flashed the tickets before we went upstairs to sit down. The bus carried on into town along the A674 going past the college and into the centre of town. We passed he railway station and then stopped at the temporary lights in front of the Morrisons West entrance. Matthew used the opportunity to photograph the empty bus in front of us.

Inside Lancashire United 2757

The bus carried on into Penny Street passed the new bus station that is being constructed and into the current temporary bus station. We had a quick look around to see what we could photograph or catch. On a #23 to the hospital was Transdev Lancashire United 270.

Lancashire United 270 in Blackburn bus station

We had a look around and we were considering catching Transdev Lancashire United 1306 which was about to work a #1 to Bolton.

Lancashire United 1306 in Blackburn bus station

As we waited in the queue we saw required Transdev Lancashire United 1876 on a #1 to Darwen Circus. As we considered catching this bus, we saw required Darwen Coach Services N349 AVV arrive on the other side of the bus station.

Darwen Coach Services N349 AVV in Blackburn bus station

The bus was on a D12 service to Higher Croft. We asked the driver how long it would take to go out and back and he told us it just over 20 minutes. We decided to do this bus and we asked for return tickets. We sat down and the bus set off out of town towards Rockcliffe Street and onto park Lee Road. We headed up to Higher croft and around the estate with the names of Lancashire coastal towns. We went along Lytham Road and Morecambe Road and we could see the bright lights of Ewood Park in the distance. A gentleman on the bus said that Blackburn were currently losing 1-0 to Leeds United. We headed back into town past the old infirmary, before we joined the A666 for the run into town. We passed through the town centre before going into Penny Street and into the temporary bus station. We waited for the bus to empty and Matthew got a picture inside Darwen Coach Services N349 AVV.

Inside Darwen Coach Services N349 AVV

On the way into the bus station we had seen a few interesting buses parked up. We decided to walk onto Penny Street to take pictures of the buses on layover. First in the row was Holmeswood Iveco minibus PO56 PCU.

Holmeswood PO56 PCU in Blackburn

Behind this was former Keighley allocated bus, Transdev Lancashire United 1044.

Lancashire United 1044 in Blackburn bus station

We then walked back to the bus station to see what we could catch next. I though we may do the double decker on the X41 towards Accrington, but Matthew had other ideas... We saw required Transdev Lancashire United 1096 on a #24 to Chorley.

Lancashire United 1096 in Blackburn bus station

We got on the bus and flashed the tickets and we sat down near to the back of the bus. As the back seats were empty Matthew decided to take a picture.

Inside Lancashire United 1096

The bus set off through town and the we crossed over the green suspension bus over the railway line. We joined the A666and we headed down towards Ewood park. The plan was to get off before we got to Ewood Park as it was getting close to full time. It was dark and we ended up right by the stadium at the point where the bus turned towards Feniscowles. We got off the bus and started to walk back towards the A666. As we walked back to the road we spotted a gate area of spare ground where buses involved in transporting football fans were parked up. There were minibuses, coaches and double deckers all in this small enclosure. It was dark and the area was unlit. Matthew still attempted to get some kind of picture. First double decker in the row was Transdev Lancashire United 964.

Lancashire United 964 in Ewood

Behind 964 was Transdev Lancashire United Leyland Olympian 2173 in a retro lined blue and cream livery.

Lancashire United 2173 in Ewood

In front of the 3rd double decker was Rigby's minicoach ONZ 1173.

Rigby's ONZ 1173 in Ewood

Last in the row of double deckers behind the Rigby's minicoach was lime green liveried Lancashire United 984.

Lancashire United 984 in Ewood

We carried on towards the main road and mum called us on the phone. We told her it might take us a while to get to Accrington, so she said she would drive to Blackburn to meet us. We crossed over the canal bridge and we waited at the stop. We were the first people at the stop but people were now leaving the ground. By the time we saw a bus approaching there were a couple of dozen people waiting with us. As the bus got closer we saw it was required Transdev Lancashire United Optare Tempo 1303.

Lancashire United 1303 in Ewood

We got on the bus and flashed our tickets and we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus filled up before we pulled off. It was a little rowdy, but everyone was high spirits as Blackburn had made a comeback and had one 2-1. The bus went up the A666 and then into town. We stopped short of the boulevard and Leeds fans who wanted the railway station were told that this was there best stop by some of the locals. We carried on past the boulevard and into Penny Street and into the bus station. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Transdev Lancashire United 1303.

Inside Lancashire United 1303

We started to walk towards Morrisons were we had arranged to meet up with mum. On the way we saw Transdev Lancashire United 1874 on layover.

Lancashire United 1874 in Blackburn

Also on layover was Darwen Coach Services X991 WAU.

Darwen Coach Services X991 WAU in Blackburn

We walkd the short distance to Morrisons and mum called to say that she had just arrived at the Car Park and got there unaided without the use of the GPS, which is quite a feat for a town as complex as Blackburn! We met at the toilet where Matthew used the facilities. Matthew stopped tosay hello to a member of staff in the Select store adjacent to the main part of the supermarket, and then we climbed the stairs to the car park. Mum had already purchase Greggs sausage rolls and there was also a Small bottle of Irn Bru. We set off up to the main road and we went East towards Accrington. Instead of going along Blackburn and into Accrington we went towards Church. At the junction with the A6185 we saw Transdev Lancashire United 2173 turn away from the M65 towards Clayton-le-Moors. We turned right to head towards town and then we went around the town centre of Accrington and onto the A680 WE carried on South-East for around 3 mile before we joined the South bound A56. The A56 became the M66 and we carried on down to the M60. We went anti-clockwise along the M60 and near to the M61 we saw an unidentified Arriva Hybrid doubled decker heading towards Bolton. We joined the Westbound M62 and then we went onto the Southbound M6. The roads were clear and we made quite good time. We joined the Southbound A500 which we did down to the A50. we went East for a couple of miles until we got to Longton. We came off the A50 to check out what was parked up at Z Carz. There was only one minibus parked on the spare ground tonight. The was Mercedes minibus Z Carz W221 CDN.

Z Carz W221 CDN in Longton

We turned into Willow Row and the compound was full, with Z Carz BN03 OVS being close to the gate. We went back onto the A50 which we did to Heron Cross. As we headed towards Blurton we saw Lightning Travel T2 DLT. In Beaconsfield Drive we passed First Potteries 42892 on the last #22 towards Longton of the day. we got home a little after 19:20. For a late tea we had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a cake bar. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:30... Mark