Trip to Hanley / Sandbach 11-05-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63034	Hanley BS	Alsager Bank Corner	3	First Potteries
137	Alsager Bank Corner	Sandbach, Common	317	D&G Bus
YS59 FYA	Fenton	Stoke	Charter	City Cabs
YS59 FYA	Stoke	Fenton	Charter	City Cabs

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going out 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 First Potteries 63116 on a #11 to Hanley. In the morning Matthew went to the bus. We went downstairs and transport for the trip was a Lucky Seven taxi. We got in the car and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we crossed over City Road onto Manor Street. We turned left onto Victoria Road and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed over the roundabout onto Lichfield Street and we saw Falcon Cars DY16 PYJ. We carried on up Lichfield Street and across the ring road. Matthew was dropped of and the car carried on we saw First Potteries 65026 on a #11 to Newcastle. Once off the bus we continued up Tontine Street and onto Parliament Row. Matthew had an oatcake from the oatcake van. We sat down and Matthew ate his sausage and cheese oatcake. Once we had finished eating we walked back down Tontine Street to the bus station. We stood in the bus station to wait for a bus to Alsager. A short time later we saw it was First Potteries 63034 on a #3 to Crewe. We got on the bus bus and we booked to Alsager before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto John Street. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and we went straight across onto Marsh Street. We turned right up onto trinity Street and then left onto Stafford Street. After picking up more passenger outside of Debenhams we followed the road around to the left and then back onto marsh Street. At the roundabout we went straight on onto Waterloo Road and we ran up the hill into Cobridge. We continued into Buslem and through the traffic lights onto Scotia Road. We went past the old Burslem PMT garage and we followed the road around to the left onto Williamson Street. At the corner we turned right onto Tunstall High Street and we continued North onto the A50. We ran through Goldenhill and down the bank into Kidsgrove where we saw First Potteries 63174 on a #3 to Hanley. We ran under the railway line into Cheshire and we crossed over the A34. We continued into Church Lawton and then into Alsager where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we crossed over the road and We waited for the next bus to Sandbach. A short time later we saw D&G Bus 137 on a #317 to Leighton Hospital. We got on the bus and we booked to Sandbach before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the B5077 and we ran down the hill into Church Lawton. We turned left onto the A5011. We crossed the A50 and we veered left onto the A533. We ran through Rode Heath. We crossed the A533 and we ran through Thurlwood and Hassall Green. We turned left onto New Inn Lane. We turned right onto Betchton Road and under the M6. We continued through Malkin’s Bank. We ran forwards onto Hassall Road. We ran through Sandbach. We turned left onto the A533 and we continued forwards onto High Street. We turned right onto Congleton Road. We turned right onto The Commons where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew went to the toilet and on the way back we visited McColls. He brought a can of Coke and a couple of chocolate bars as well as a drumstick lolly. A short time later we saw D&G Bus 130 on a #319 to Goostrey. We got in the car and Matthew had a can of Coke. We set off along the common and we turned right onto Congleton Road. We joined the A534 and past the site of the new development by the M6. We continued along the A534 and we crossed over the M6 and into Arclid. We carried on through Medhurst Green and we crossed over the Wall Hill roundabouts. On the edge of Congleton we joined the A34 and we ran East along the road for a short while before going onto West Street. We entered town along Antrobus Street, Mill Street and Mountbatten Way. We went forwards onto the A527 and we left Congleton through Hightown and past Congleton railway station. We ran back down through Gillow Heath and around Biddulph before going South through Knypersley and Brindley Ford. At Turnhurst we went left onto the A5272 High Lane. We ran through Smallthorne. We continued onto Town Road and we joined the Clockwise ring road. We ran past the bus station and we turned left onto Lower Bethesda Street. We passed First Potteries 67151 on a #23 to Hanley. We turned right onto Cleveland Road and we ran forwards onto College Road. We turned left onto Station Road and we ran past the railway station. We ran forwards onto the A52 and we ran alkongside the railway line. We turned left onto City Road and we ran up the hill into Fenton and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. When we got there we saw City Cabs YS59 FYA parked up. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. Matthew also drank a bottle of Irn Bru. He chilled out in his room using his computer and watching buses out of the window. We saw white minibus DY21 YSV going towards Stoke.

DY21 YSV in Fenton

A short time later we saw First Potteries 67155 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67155 in Fenton

Whilst he waited he used his computer and watched buses out of the window we saw First Potteries 63103 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63103 in Fenton

After a while we saw Scraggs 4493 VT going towards Stoke.

Scraggs 4493 VT in Fenton

Before tea Matthew went out to do some shopping. We went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We picked a few things up at the Co-operative food and we turned left Temple Street We walked back to the residential unit. we went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. For tea Matthew had a chicken burger, sausage, hash browns and chips followed by cake. Matthew used his computer and watched buses out of the window. We saw City Cabs YS59 FYA. We went downstairs and we went it was City Cabs YS59 FYA. We got on the bus and we set off onto Temple Street where we saw Temple Street Methodist Church minibus DN03 WKK. we turned left onto Christchurch Street and we turned left onto City Road. We ran forwards onto the A52 and we went under the railway line. We crossed over the A500 and we went around the one way system. We turned left onto Lonsdale Street and right onto Fleming Road. We turned right onto Campbell Place and we left onto Church Street where we stopped. We got up and got off the bus. We walked down the road to The Wheatsheaf. Matthew went to the toilet and had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we returned to Fenton on City Cabs YS59 FYA. We got on the bus and we set off around the one way system. We turned right onto Liverpool Road and we veered right onto Elonora Street. We turned right onto Copeland Street and we ran forwards onto Glebe Street. We turned left onto Church Street and we crossed over the A500. We went under the railway line and up City Road into Fenton. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out. Matthew spent time in his room watching television and using his computer. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Hanley / Bentilee 31-03-2020

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63115	Fenton, Victoria Place	Hanley, stop J1‎	6	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going out 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, outside we saw First Potteries 63098 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63098 in Fenton

Another vehicle seen was D&G Bus 125 on a #23 to Hanley.

D&G 125 in Fenton

Matthew went into the living room and we saw Temple Street Church RX18 GZW.

Temple Street Church RX18 GZW in Fenton

Later on Matthew went downstairs to do his shopping. We set off onto City Road. After crossing over the road we turned right into Manor Street. At the end we turned left onto Victoria Road. Part way down Victoria Road we saw First Potteries 63146 on a #6A to Blythe Bridge. We turned left onto Victoria Road. and we ran down to Joiners Square. We crossed over the roundabout and we ran forwards onto Lichfield Street. We ran up to the ring road and we ran anti-clockwise around Hanley. We turned right onto the A50 and we ran Northwards through Cobridge into Burslem past the new Lidl site. We continued up Scotia Road towards Tunstall and we continued onto the High Street and Northwards through Goldenhill. We ran down the hill to Kisgrove and we continued under the railway line and canal into Cheshire. We ran through to Rode Heath and we turned right onto the A5011. We turned left onto the A533 and we ran the last few miles into Sandbach. We followed the A533 Northwards through town and we turned right into the town centre. We parked up on the common and we saw D&G Bus 137 on a #316 to Cooksmere Lane. We walked down the High Street and we stopped at the pub for dinner. Matthew went to the toilet and after wards had dinner. He had a burger and chips washed down with a glass of Coke. For dessert Matthew had a chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. When we had finished we walked back to the Common. We returned to Fenton in a lucky Seven taxi. We set off onto the A533 and we headed Southwards. We ran down to Rode Heath and we turned right onto the B5011. We turned left onto the A50 and we ran through Kidsgrove where we saw First Potteries 67157 on a #3 to Crewe. We ran through Goldenhill and we joined the A527 towards the Chatterley Valley. We joined the Southbound A500 and we ran through Longport and Etruria. We came off the A500 at Stoke and we turned left onto City Road. We ran up the hill into Fenton and we and right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street past the new building under construction and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs and back to his room to chill out. we saw Shelton Care Group BL69 RFF going towards Stoke. Later on we went out for tea on the bus. We went downstairs and we set off on foot to the bus stop. We walked onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street. We stopped at the Co-op and we brought sandwiches, a flapjack and a bottle of Coke. We set off onto Christchurch street and we turned right onto City Road and we walked up to the roundabout and around the corner onto Victoria Road to wait for the bus to Hanley. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 63115 on a #6A to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down. We set off down Victoria Road and we crossed over the A52 at Joiners Square we saw First Potteries 67152 on a #6 to Coalville. We ran up Lichfield Street instead of going to the bus stops outside the bus station, we turned left onto the ring road. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and right onto John Street. We got up and got off the bus and we walked onto Lichfield Street. When we got to Hanley we called for a taxi to Bentilee. The taxi appeared and it was a Z Carz taxi. we got in and we set off along Lichfield Street and we turned left onto the ring road. We ran around the ring road and we turned right onto Bucknall New Road. We ran down the hill through Limekiln lights. We ran forwards onto the A52 and we turned right onto Dividy Road. We turned left onto Beverley Drive and right onto Dawlish Drive where we saw D&G Bus 165 on a #11 to Hanley. We turned into Brecon Way and we turned into Aylesbury Road. We visited a house and Matthew had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we returned to Fenton by Z Carz taxi. We got in the taxi and we ran through the estate and back onto the A5272 and we saw First Potteries 63118 on a #11 to Hanley. We ran up to Adderley Green. At the roundabout we turned right onto Anchor Road. We turned left onto Market Street and we ran forwards onto Uttoxeter Road and we turned right into Chadwick Street. We turned right onto Normacot Road and we crossed over the roundabout 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. City Road and left onto Smithpool Road. We turned left into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs and back to his room to chill out. Matthew had a bottle of Coke. He watched television and used his computer. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Hanley / Biddulph 24-07-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67652	Fenton, Victoria Place	Hanley BS	6A	First Potteries
67640	Hanley BS	Biddulph BS	7A	First Potteries
137	Biddulph BS	Knypersley, Woodland Street	93	D&G
67157	Knypersley, Woodland Street	Biddulph BS	7A	First Potteries
63175	Biddulph BS	Hanley BS	7A	First Potteries
67159	Hanley BS	Fenton, Fenton Manor	23	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going out 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. Later on we set off on foot to the bus stop. We went downstairs and we walked through onto City Road and we walked up to the roundabout and around the corner onto Victoria Road to wait for the bus to Hanley. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 67699 on a #6 to Weston Coyney. A few minutes later we saw the bus appear and it was First Potteries 67652 on a #6A to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down. We set off down Victoria Road and we crossed over the A52 at Joiners Square. We ran up Lichfield Street instead of going to the bus stops outside the bus station, we turned left onto the ring road. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and right onto John Street and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew used the toilet. We waited for a bus to Biddulph. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 67640 on a #7A to Biddulph. We got on the bus and we booked to Biddulph before we sat down towards the back of the bus. and 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. We continued to Smallthorne roundabouts and we continued forwards onto High Lane. At the end of High Lane we turned right onto the A527 and we ran down the hill through Fegg Hayes and up into Brindley Ford. We continued up towards Knyperlsey and we turned left onto Brown Lees Road. We ran through the estate and we crossed over the A527 and into the Biddulph estate. We went passed the barley Mow and we turned left onto St John's Road. At the end we re-joined the A527 and we entered the town at Wharf Road and we stopped at the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we turned right onto the High Street and we stopped at the cafe for dinner Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. Once we had finished we walked down the High Street and we turned left onto Wharf Road. We decided to do the next bus which was D&G Bus 137 on a #93 Biddulph Moor circular. We got on the bus and we booked to Knypersley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off onto the High Street and we turned left onto Wells Street. We ran around the estate and onto Woodland Street where we got up and got off the bus. We waited for the next bus to Hanley. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 67157 on a #7A to Biddulph. We got on the bus and we booked to Biddulph before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We ran through the estate and we crossed over the A527 and into the Biddulph estate. We went passed the barley Mow and we turned left onto St John's Road. At the end we re-joined the A527 and we entered the town at Wharf Road and we stopped at the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we had a walk around Biddulph. We walked onto High Street and we saw the former Natwest Bank which is to be opened up as a restuarant. We waited for the next bus back to Hanley. A short while later we saw First Potteries 63175 on a #7A to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat 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 Hanley. When we got back to the bus station we waited for a bus back to Fenton. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 67152 on a #23 to Newstead. We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton and sat down towards the back of the bus. Whilst we waited for departure time we saw First Potteries 37156 on a #25 to Keele. We set off onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We crossed over the ring road and we ran down onto Regent Road and forwards onto Cleveland Road. We ran down though Shelton along College Road and we ran down to the railway station. We turned right onto Glebe Street and under the railway line an we ran around the one-way system in Stoke and stopped by Stoke Minster. We turned left onto Church Street and we crossed the A500 and we ran under the railway line. After climbing up the hill into Fenton we turned right into Smithpool Road where we got up and got off the bus. We walked back up Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street. At the day centre. to the residential unit we set off on foot onto Christchurch Street and left onto Temple Street. Matthew went upstairs to his room and use his computer whilst he waited to go to uncle Daves for tea. He also watched buses out of the window. We saw First Potteries 67159 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67159 in Fenton

Also seen was D&G Bus 112 on a #1 to Park Site.

D&G 112 in Fenton

Another vehicle seen was First Potteries 43875 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 43875 in Fenton

After a while we saw First Potteries 67152 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67152 in Fenton

Another vehicle seen was Stoke on Trent College LX61 DHD going towards Stoke.

Stoke on Trent College LX61 DHD in Fenton

When it was time to go to uncle Dave's we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street and at the end we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We went across the spare ground onto Willowdale Avenue and onto Whieldon Road and into uncle Dave's. Matthew had some cheesecake and a can of Fanta orange. For tea Matthew had chicken potatoes and carrots. Later on he had another slice of cheesecake and a few digestive biscuits and custard creams. Uncle Dave now has a biscuit tin. Matthew chilled out in uncle Dave's house using his computer and watching television. Uncle Dave also did his DJ set. A couple of hours later staff came to escort Matthew back home. We set off onto Whieldon Road and we turned onto Willowdale Avenue. We crossed the spare ground and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Temple Street past the new building under construction, which is now getting near to completion. We continued back to the residential unit. Matthew went back to the room and went on his computer. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip To Newcastle / Biddulph 09-12-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67637	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trentham, adj Man-in-Space	22	First Potteries
63100	Trentham, adj Man-in-Space	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop R	21A	First Potteries
119	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop R	Newcastle	1	D&G Bus
67647	Newcastle BS	Tunstall, adj stop B	99	First Potteries
137	Tunstall, adj stop A	Newcastle BS	94	D&G Buss
32632	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	4	First Potteries
63100	Hanley BS	Biddulph BS	7A	First Potteries
67640	Biddulph BS	Hanley BS	7A	First Potteries
65033	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	25	First Potteries

Today we decided to stay local as there had been snowfall overnight. We checked the weather and it was for cold mainly dry weather with some snow showers. Matthew got up just after 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We decided to go out on the 12:21 departure towards Newcastle. Just after twelve we said goodbye to mum and we walked all the way to the bus stop on Magdalen Road. Just before our bus arrived we saw First Potteries 67635 on a #22 to Longton. Bang on time the bus appeared and it was dud First Potteries 67637 on a #22 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67637 in Blurton

We got on the bus and booked a Smart Day ticket at £5.30. This ticket is a multi-operator ticket valid throughout the North Staffordshire area. We sat down ear to the back of the bus and the bus set off onto the A5035. There was only one other person and they got off in Trentham before we did. As we went past the Trentham Hotel we saw an unusual sight. First Potteries 63100 was on the #21A to Hanley. Assuming we didn't hang around too long, we would be on this bus to Stoke. We got up to get off the bus at the man in Space and Matthew took a picture of the empty bus behind us.

Inside First Potteries 67637

Once we got off the bus we waited at the bus stop for a couple of minutes and Matthew played with the snow. A couple of minutes later we saw the First Potteries Streelite approaching. As expected it was First Potteries 63100 on a #21A to Hanley.

First Potteries 63100 in Trentham

We got on the bus and we flashed our Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus travelled through Trentham up New Inn Lane and right into Hanford along Wilson Road. We ran down Church Lane before before joining the Northbound A34. We crossed under the A500 and we saw First Potteries 67631 on the final #22 turn to Longton. We turned onto London Road and as we headed towards Stoke We passed First Potteries 67154 on a #21A to Tretham Hotel and Lucky Seven minibus E2 PDL. We got off the bus outside of Maplins and Matthew took another picture of this bus.

First Potteries 63100 in Stoke

Once we got off the bus we walked towards The centre of Stoke and we saw First Potteries 43875 on a #21 to Trentham Gardens. We went around the corner into Church Street to Stoke Cafe. Uncle Dave escorted Matthew downstairs to the toilet and I ordered the food. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. After we had finished eating we walked down Church Street to the Newcastle bus stop. A few minutes later we saw 2 Newcastle bound buses. The first was dud D&G 160 on a #9 to Newcastle.

D&G 160 in Stoke

This was followed by required D&G 119 on the #1A to Park Site.

D&G 119 in Stoke

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 waited a minute or so at the stop before setting off along Church Street and up Hartshill Bank. We passed through Hartshill onto George Street and down into Newcastle. We turned into Barracks Road and we entered Newcastle bus station. Once we got off the bus we walked up Stubbs Street looking at the buses on Layover. One of the buses was D&G Bus 138 which would later leave on the #94 to Congleton.

D&G 138 in Newcastle bus station

As we got to the top of Stubbs Street we saw Arriva Midlands 3698 on a #164 to Market Drayton.

Arriva Midlands 3698 in Newcastle bus station

We stood at the top end of the bus station whilst we decided what bus to do next. We saw First Potteries 65732 on a #4 to Hanley.

First Potteries 65732 in Newcastle bus station

A fairly recent development has been the #2 service to Westbury Park which was being worked by branded bus D&G Bus 41.

D&G 41 in Newcastle bus station

We walked over to the Longport bound bus stands and we briefly considered doing D&G 138 on the #94 to Congleton as far as Tunstall. After we turned that bus down we watched buses before the next #99 made an appearance. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 65705 on a #4A to Hanley.

First Potteries 65705 in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes later our bus appeared and it was dud First Potteries 67647 on a #99 to Chell Heath.

First Potteries 67647 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver 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 passed First Potteries 32630 on a #99 to Newcastle. 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. Matthew took another picture of 67647 before it carried on towards Chell Heath.

First Potteries 67647 in Tunstall

We walked a few paces down the High Street and we entered the Tunstall Cafe. Matthew went to the toilet and I ordered his toffee cheesecake and a can of Coke. Once Matthew had finished eating we said goodbye and we crossed the road. We wanted to go back towards either Hanley or Newcastle. We turned down First Potteries 67604 on a #3 to Hanley and we decided to wait for the next Newcastle bus. Around 10 minutes later a bus appeared and it was dud D&G Bus 137 on a #94 to Newcastle.

D&G 137 in Tunstall

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down the High Street and forwards onto Brownhills Road. As we travelled down to Trubshaw Cross the snow was coming down quite heavily. We ran forwards along the A5271 through Longport and over the A500. We climbed up Porthill Banks and surprisingly we turned right. Since the cancellation of the #17 the service must have been divert through Bradwell and Hempstalls to pick up that section of the route. We turned right onto Arnold Grove and we went past the cemetery. We turned left onto Bursley Way and then left onto Bradwell Lane. We turned right onto Hanbridge Avenue. We turned left onto Dimsdale Parade West and then right onto Hassam Parade. We crossed over Milehouse Lane and we continued through Hempstalls into Newcastle. We passed the side of the old PMT bus garage and we turned left onto Liverpool Road and passed the Freebird. We turned left onto Ryecroft and at the roundabout we went onto Barracks Road. We pulled into the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Once offthe bus we went to look for a bus towards Hanley. We saw First Potteries 37156 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 37156 in Newcastle bus station

We also saw First Potteries 32632 on a #4 to Hanley.

First Potteries 32632 in Newcastle bus station

We decided to do First Potteries 32632 so we got on the bus and we flashed our Smart Day ticket to the driver before going upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 32632.

Inside First Potteries 32632

The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We crossed the Jubilee Roundabout and onto the A53. We ran into Basford and over the A500. We ran down into Etruria and over the A500. We continued along the A53 and we turned left onto Forge Lane. We ran out along the Lane and we crossed over the canal before we returned back into Etruria along festival Way. We crossed under the A53 onto Etruria Road. We ran into Hanley and into the bus station. Once off the bus we decided that if we were going to go to Biddulph on the bus we would have to do it almost immediately and not got up to the car park to take bus pictures. Matthew went to the toilet and then we went to the Spar shop and brought a can on Coke and some chocolate bar. to the Biddulph bus stop. At the top end of the bus station we saw First Potteries 32081 on a #32 to Cheadle.

First Potteries 32081 in Hanley bus station

We also saw First Potteries 67642 which looked like it was going to work the next #7A to Biddulph. The bus ended up swapping onto the #3 to Crewe.

First Potteries 67642 in Hanley bus station

We went outside the bus station and we saw First Potteries 32634 on a #6 to Weston Coyney. We went back to the Biddulph stop and surprisingly we saw First Potteries 63100 on the #7A to Biddulph.

First Potteries 63100 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus waited for time before setting off out of the bus station. We went down John Street and onto Bethesda Street before we went across onto Marsh Street and then we turned right into Trinity Street. We turned left into Stafford Street and we continued forwards to Quadrant Road and we left Hanley along Town Road. We travelled through Sneyd Green and over Smallthorne roundabouts to Chell. At the roundabout we turned right and we ran down the A527 through Brindley Ford. We turned left to run through Brown Lees. We crossed over the A527 at Knypersley and we ran around through the housing estates of Biddulph before running into town via St John's Road, Colliers Way and up Wharf Road to the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 63100 before it carried on back to Hanley.

First Potteries 63100 in Biddulph bus station

Once off the bus we went to the toilet. Matthew wanted to do the next #7A back to Hanley. We decided to go to the kebab shop and buy some fries and a can off pop. We walked down the High Street to the shop and we returned back up to Wharf Road. We ate the chips and we saw D&G Bus 32 on a #9 to Hanley.

D&G 32 in Biddulph bus station

A short while later the bus arrived and it was First Potteries 67640.

First Potteries 67640 in Biddulph bus station

We got on and flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off onto High Street and we turned left at the roundabout onto St John's Road. We ran around the estate and we crossed over the A527 at Knypersley We ran through Brown Lees via the diversion route and we rejoined the A527 by the industrial estate. We ran down through Brindley Ford and to Fegg Hayes. We ran up the hill to Chell and we turned left onto High Lane. We ran back through Smallthorne & Sneyd Green into Hanley. When we got back to Hanley we let the bus empty out and Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 67640.

Inside First Potteries 67640

We decided to catch one more bus and meet up with mum and Newcastle. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 65033 on a #25 to Keele.

First Potteries 65033 in Hanley bus station

When it was time we set off out of the bus station onto john Street and left onto Bethesda Street were we saw Travel De Courcey (National Expres) FJ13 EAA on a #540 to Manchester. 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 and we saw an unidentified Robin Hood coach. We crossed over the A500 entering 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. 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 off the bus we saw First Potteries 67638 about to run back empty to the garage.

First Potteries 67638 in Newcastle bus station

We crossed over barracks Road and we waited for mum to come and pick us up. After a short while she appeared and we got in the car. We went around the outside of Newcastle and we stopped at the Dancing Octopus for chips. We drove back down the A34 and we saw Roseville SM07 UEM. We continued South Through Trent Vale and Hanford and into Trentham. We turned left onto the A5035 and we ran through Blurton and Dresden to Longton. We stopped at Z Carz to see what was parked up this evening. There was nothing on the spare ground and we turned left into Willow Row where we saw Z Carz LDV minibus CN57 HWA.

Z Carz CN57 HWA in Longton

We returned onto the A50 and We ran Westwards and we came off at Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton before turning right onto Church Road we saw First Potteries 67635 on a #22 to Longton. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we got home around 19:00. For a late tea we had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a Manchester Tart. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we did some more of the Blog and out our bus pictures online. Matthew went to bed around 01:00... Mark.

Trip to Fenton / Hanley 19-04-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Hanley	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Hanley	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group

Today Matthew was in residential and he was going to his day service. Matthew was also going to visit his uncle Dave later on. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst waiting to go to the day service we saw First Potteries 67156 on a #23 to Hanley. At 09:00 we set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street and to the day centre. In the morning Matthew went to Hanley on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned right onto City Road. At the roundabout we turned left onto Victoria Road. We ran down the hill to Joiners Square and we ran across the roundabout onto Lichfield Street. We turned left onto Regent Road and we stopped at the church where Matthew went to the toilet. Matthew had a drink of orange. When we had finished we returned to Fenton in Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Downey Street and we turned left onto Jasper Street. We turned left onto Lower Bethesda Street and we turned right onto Regent Road. We went forwards onto Cleveland Road and we turned left onto College Road. We turned right onto Wellesley Street and we went forwards onto Shelton New Road. We stopped at the other day centre to pick up another service user and then we continued back along Cemetery Road and Caledonia Road. We turned left onto Stoke Road and we turned right onto Wellesley Street. We turned left onto College Road and we turned right onto Cleveland Road. We continued onto Regent Road and we turned right onto Lichfield Street. At the roundabout in Joiners Square we continued straight onto Victoria Road and we stopped at the Esso petrol station. At filling up with fuel we turned left onto Victoria Road and we ran down to Asda. Matthew did some shopping and brought a can of Coke. We then continued up Victoria Road and turned sharp right at the roundabout onto City Road. We turned left onto Glebedale Road and back to the day centre. For dinner Matthew had a ham sandwich followed by Tunnock's Caramel bar. In the afternoon Matthew went on the computer. When it was time to go back to the residential unit Matthew set off onto foot onto Christchurch Street and then turned left onto Temple Street. Matthew went up to his room and used his computer and watched buses out of the window. We saw First Potteries 67155 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67155 in Fenton

Tonight Matthew was going to uncle Daves house for tea. We set off onto foot onto Temple Street and at the end we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We saw D&G Bus 184 on a #40 to Longton.

D&G 184 in Fenton

A bit further down Smithpool Road we saw D&G Bus 137 on a #40 to Hanley.

D&G 137 in Fenton

We walked across the green that we used to refer to as 'the tip' and onto Willowdale Avenue. We turned right onto Wheildon Road and then into uncle Dave's house. For tea Matthew had beef & potatoes with carrots followed by a Viscount biscuit. Matthew also had a drink of Tango and some custard creams. Matthew watched telly, used the computer and listened to uncle Dave's DJ set. At 18:00 staff came to pick Matthew up to returned to the residential unit. We set off onto Wheildon Road and we turned right onto Willowdale Avenue. We crossed over the tip and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We saw First Potteries 67157 on a #23A to Newstead. We turned right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew then chilled out in his room on his computer and watched telly. Later on he had a bath and then had toast and orange juice for supper. Matthew went to bed around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Newcastle / Biddulph 01-10-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
53041	Blurton, adj Ladybank Grove	Blurton, adj Ballinson Road	23	First Potteries
67642	Blurton, adj Ballinson Road	Longton TI	22	First Potteries
63097	Longton TI	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop Q	11	First Potteries
63174	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop Q	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
137	Newcastle BS	Tunstall, Adj Stop A	94	D&G
32635	Tunstall, Adj Stop B	Newcastle BS	99	First Potteries
32080	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	4A	First Potteries
41521	Hanley BS	Biddulph BS	7A	First Potteries
41501	Biddulph BS	Hanley BS	7A	First Potteries
65040	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	25	First Potteries

Today we decided to stay local. The weather forecast was foor rain showers all afternoon so it didn't seem like it was going to be a very promising day! Matthew got up late around 11:00 today. Matthew got dressed and had toast and ornhe juice for breakfast. Today we decided to go to Stoke via Longton, so we set off on foot to the stop at the bottom of Beaconsfield Drive just after 12:00. The plan was to do the #22 up to Longton. A few miunutes later First Potteries 53041 came around the corner on the #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 53041 in Blurton

As I wasn't sure if this was one of the Solo's that we haven't been on, we decided to catch it. We got on the bus and we brought a Smart day ticket at £5.30 before sitting down at the back of the bus. I look at the page with the buses on and it turned out that 53042 was the required one... We had been on First Potteries 53041 severavl time before... We had first had this bus from Fenton to Stoke back in December 2015. The seat beside us was empty so matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 53041.

Inside First Potteries 53041

We set off up Beaconsfield Drive and we passed an unidentified Dart on the #22 to Newcastle. As we look back we could see an Enviro300 behind us on the #22 to Longton. I didn't get a clear view of it, but Matthew saw it and it was required First Potteries 67642... Our last required First Potteries Enviro300! We passed the Sutherland Academy without stopping and as we turned into Church Road we could see that the bus was quite a way behind. This should give us chance to get off the bus and catch the one behind. The plan was to get off outside the shops on Blurton Road, but as someone flagged the bus down by Ballinson Road, we decied to get off there. We got off the bus and we watch First Potteries 53041 carry on towards Hanley. Behind us was required First Potteries 67642 as Matthew had said on the #22 to Longton.

First Potteries 67642 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down Blurton Road and we turned right into Longton Hall Lane. We climed up the hill and and we ran down to the A50. We ran along the high level before crossing over the A50 and running onto Baths Road. Just before the railway bridge we turned right into Longton Transport Interchange. We let the bus empty out and Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 67642.

Inside First Potteries 67642

The interchange was empty apart from the bus we had jsu got off. A minute or so later we saw a plain Streetlte approaching. On closer inspection we saw that it was a new arrival into the area. It was First Potteries 63101 which had just just been transferred from Leicester, on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63101 in Longton Interchange

On Baths Road we saw Trisha's travel minibus LX57 EVG go past heading towards the railway bridge. A couple of munutes later we saw another Streetlite come into the interchange on a #11 to Newcastle. It was required First Potteries 63097 and we decided to do this down to Stoke for dinner.

First Potteries 63097 in Longton Interchange

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat down at the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the interchange and we turned right under the railway bridge onto King Street. We ran down into Fenton and forwards onto City Road. At the bottom of the hill we went under the railway line on the A52 and we ran into the centre of Stoke. There was a van parked in the bus stop so we had to pull up aftr the bus stop. We got off the bus and Matthew got another picture of First Potteries 63097 before it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 63097 in Stoke

Once off the bus we walked along Church Street and into the Stoke Cafe. Matthew went to the toilet and then we ordered breakfast. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. Whilst we ate we saw Global travel coach HUI 6822 going towards Newcastle. When we had finished eating we went out onto Church Street. Once we had finished eating we walked back along Church street to wait for a bus to Newcastle. We hadn;t seen a Newcastle bus all the time we were in the cafe and there were a few people waiting for a bus. With roadworks in Stoke and Bucknall there was bound to be a few probles with timekeeping on this service today. A few minutes later we saw a couple of buses approaching. At the front was First Potteries 53123 on a #23A to Hanley and behind that was dud First Potteries 63174 on the #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63174 in Stoke

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat down at the back of the bus. We set off along church street, past the roadworks which effectively closed off the eastbound side of Church street to bus traffic. We climbed the hill along Hartshill Road and we passed through Hartshill before dropping down into Newcastle down George Street. We joined the one way system and we turned left on the roundabout onto Barracks Road. As we got to the bus station in Newcastle we saw required First Potteries 32079 pulling out of the bus station on the #99 to Bradeley. When we got into the bus station we let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 63174.

Inside First Potteries 63174

Once we got off the bus we thought about how we might get up to Tunstall to try and get required First Potteries 32079. The solution presented itself as we saw dud D&G 137 which was on layover and about to work the next #94 to Congleton.

D&G 137 in Newcastle bus station

The weather wasn't very nice so we decided to walk up to the top end of the bus station by the shelters to wait for the D&G bus. On the way up we saw First Potteries 37159 entering the bus station on a #4A to Talke.

First Potteries 37159 in Newcastle bus station

We also saw Roseville minibus NA56 MWD heading to the taxi rank on Hassell Street.

Roseville NA56 MWD in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes later D&G 137 move off layover on Stubbs Street and onto the Stand. This is bus we had been previously in it's old number 37 back in July 2013, when we had it from Keele to Hanley. We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we sat down at the back of the bus. The bus set off out of Newcastle bus station and onto Barracks Road. We crossed the roundabout onto the A527 and we ran out of town and through May Bank and into Wolstanton. When we got to Porthill the road suddenly become very busy! This was due to traffic attending the Port Vale vs Coventry match. we had worked out that we should have time to get to Tunstall, got the cafe and have a cake and still get out in time to do First Potteries 32079 back to Newcastle. We were booked into Tunstall just after 14:00 and the double decker was due to deoart at 14:19. 14:00 came and went and we still had crossed over the A500. We eventually got across the roundabout and the traffic was a little better. We turned left at Trubshaw cross and we had a free run up the hill to Tunstall. As we turned into the High Street Matthew notice a new warehouse that had gone up behind the pub on the left, on the site of the Johnson's Tile factory. At the top of the High Street we got up and got off the bus. Matthew got another picture of D&G 137 it carried on towards Congleton.

D&G 137 in Tunstall

We walked down to The Tunstall Cafe and Matthew went to the toilet and I ordered him the cheesecake and a can of Coke. They had reverted back to the old style of cheescake, but Matthew didn't seem to mind one bit! Once we had finished eating we went outside and we crossed over to wait for First Potteries 32079. It was arounf 14:30, but we hadn't seen it go past. It must have been around 20 minutes late going towards Bradeley, so it should be here soon. Time passed quickly, and there was another #99 to Newcastle due soon. Going North we saw First Potteries 32080 on a #3 to Talke. We turned down First Potteries 63099 on a #3 to Hanley, and then we saw required First Potteries 32635 going towards Bradeley running nearly 30 minutes late. Almost immediatley after that was the following #99 to Bradeley, first Potteries Caetano Dart 41495 running on time. We also saw the following #94 to Congleton, which was required D&G 33.

D&G 33 in Tunstall

14:49 came and went, but we knew that bus wouldn't be on time as we had just seen it going towards Bradeley in the form of First Potteries. It began to dawn on us that First Potteries 32079 was probably not coming back :( Having turned down dud First Potteries 65705 on a #3 to Hanley, just after 15:00 required First Potteries 32635 turned up on the #99 being the first First bus in that direction for over an hour.

First Potteries 32635 in Tunstall

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus was reasonably well filled as you would expected it to after being the first one for over an hour. We set off down the High Street and we stopped at the bottom before joining Brownhills Road. Matthew took a picture out of the window of the new warehouses. We ran down the hill to Trubshsaw cross and we continued straight through Longport and over the A500. Traffic was much better now it was after kick-off, so we went up Porthill Bank and we followed the A527 through Wolstanton & May Bank and into Newcastle. We crossed the roundabout onto barracks road and we entered the bus station. We got off the bus and we looked for a Hanley bound departure. A couple of minutes later we saw a double decker approaching. It was dud First Potteries 32080 that we had seen in Tunstall around an hour ago on the #4A to Hanley.

First Potteries 32080 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day tickets to the driver and we went upstairs. The back of the top deck was empty so matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 32080.

Inside First Potteries 32080

The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. we crossed over the roundabout and we climbed the hill into Basford. We then dropped down the hill into Etruria and we crossed over the A500. We ran towards Cobridge And we turned left byby the Bet365 office and we ran up Forge Lane and back down Festival Way. Outside the Mosthouse Hotel was an unidentified maroon Chandlers coach. We crossed under the A53 and we ran up the hill into hanley along Etruria Road. At the top we crossed over Marsh Street into Trinty Street. We turned right into Stafford Street and we passed the town hall and ran along Bagnall Street and into the bus station. As we pulled into the bus station we saw required First Potteries 32079 on an adjacent stand again. We got off the bus and Matthew went to the toilet 32079 pulled of the stand and then drew back in again... It was on the #7 to Kidsgrove. It departed before Matthew came out of the toilet. As we had lost 30 minutes or so in Tunstall, we didn't have time to go up to John Street car park to take pictures. Luckily the next bus to Biddulph was in and it was required First Potteries 41521!

First Potteries 41521 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus waited for time before setting off out of the bus station. We went down John Street and onto Bethesda Street before we went across onto Marsh Street and then we turned right into Trinity Street. We turned left into Stafford Street and we continued forwards to Quadrant Road and we left Hanley along Town Road. We traveled through Sneyd Green and over Smallthorne roundabouts to Chell. At the roundabout we turned right and we ran down the A527 through Brindley Ford. We turned left to run through Brown Lees. We then passed required First Potteries 43875 which was on a #7A to Hanley. We crossed over the A527 at Knypersley and we ran around through the housing estates of Biddulph before running into town via St John's Road, Colliers Way and up Wharf Road to the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 41521. before it carried on back to Hanley.

First Potteries 41521 in Biddulph bus station

usually we went to the toliet, but as Matthew had just been we headed straight to the kebab shop for a portion of fries and some cans of pop. We walked back to the bus stop and we sharded the fries. Matthew then drank a can of Fanta Orange. The was just time to go to the cash machine around the corner before the buses arrived. We turned down dud D&G 159 which was on the 17:10 to Hanley. Matthew wanted to waited for the following First bus which was due to depart at 17:09. We bus came up the road from the roundabout and as we got closer we saw that it was dud First Potteries 41501

First Potteries 41501 in Biddulph bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver. The bus was empty at this point so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 41501 before we sat down at the back of the bus.

Inside First Potteries 41501

The bus set off onto High Street and we turned left onto Well Street. We ran around the estate and 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 where we caught up with D&G 159 on the Nines service. We ran up the hill to Chell and we turned left onto High Lane. We ran back through Smallthorne & Sneyd Green into Hanley. Once we got off the bus we quickly looked for a bus heading towards Newcastle. Almost immediatly we saw dud First Potteries 65705 on a #4 service. Matthew decided he wanted to turn this down and wait a few minutes for the #25 to Keele. We also saw D&G 142 on a #41 Birches Head service. The #25 was going to be dud First Potteries 65040.

First Potteries 65040 in Hanley bus station

The driver left for a quick comfort break and returned just before the bus was due to depart. We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver for the final time today. As we were first on Matthew got a picture inside First Potteries 65040.

Inside First Potteries 65040

We sat down towards the back of the bus and the bus loaded quickly and departed almost immdiately. We set off through the bus station where we saw dud First Potteries 65039 on layover between #101 servies, and dud (to Matthew) Arriva Midlands 3695 on a #164 to Market Drayton. We ran down John Street and left onto Bethesda Street before we crossed over the ring road. We passed the fire station and we joined Regent Road before contiuing down onto College Road through Shelton. We passed the railway station and we continued onto the A52. At City Road we turned righ under the railway line. We saw D&G Solo 140 running out of service and we passed required First Potteries 53124 on a #23 service. We passed through Stoke without stopping ans we ran up Hartshill Road through Hartshill. We turned left into THe vaenue and then left again into Albany Road. Albany Road became Hilton Road and then we turned right into the hospital. We passed through the hospital grounds before we turned right onto the A34. At the 'Baer Pit' roundabout we crossed over onto Barracks Road and into the bus station from the South. We got off the bus and Matthew got another picture of First Potteries 65040 before it carried on towards Keele.

First Potteries 65040 in Newcastle bus station

We set off towards Hassell Street wehere mum was parked and on the way we saw dud First Potteries 65039 which we had just seen in Hanley on layover, now on the #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 65039 in Newcastle bus station

We crossed Barracks Road and we met mum in the car park who was waiting with a wrights pie sausage roll and a small bottle of Irn Bru for Matthew. We set off down barracks Road and on the A34. We passed Jubilee WMC AK52 LXC parked up at the side of the road. We ran down to Trent Vale and we stopped atth chip shop fpr some chips. Once had picked them up we ran along the A34 to The A500 and we went North to Sideway. We went East along the A50 and we travled up to Longton where we came off to see what was parked up at Z Carz today. In the front row was their new Citroen minibus Z Carz LV59 DZC.

Z Carz LV59 DZC in Longton

Also in the first row was Z Carz silver LDV minibus CN57 HWA.

Z Carz CN57 HWA in Longton

Next to the silver LDV was Z Carz white Ford minibus FP06 WTW.

Z Carz FP06 WTW in Longton

The nearest bus in the first row was another white Ford minibus, Z Carz BN03 OVS.

Z Carz BN03 OVS in Longton

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

Z Carz YS09 LWV in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row to see what was parked up in Willow Row. There were a couple of minibuses parked outside the depot. The nearest one was Z Carz YJ61 GYZ.

Z Carz YJ61 GYZ in Longton

Behind that was A carz white Iveco minibus YJ53 WPD.

Z Carz YJ53 WPD in Longton

In the compound itself was Z Carz white Ford minibus from the Airport Division MJ03 DPU.

Z Carz MJ03 DPU in Longton

We got back onto the A50 and we went West to Heron Cross. We ran through Blurton along Blurton Road and we followed the road to the right onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we got home around 19:00 just as it was going dark. For a late Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a millionaires shirtbread. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:00... Mark