Trip to Accrington / Blackburn 03-07-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
230	Accrington BS	Blackburn BS	6A	Transdev Blackburn
15574	Blackburn BS	Beardwood, Wilton Close	59	Stagecoach Lancashire
15466	Beardwood, Wilton Close	Blackburn BS	59	Stagecoach Lancashire
2772	Blackburn BS	Feniscowles, Three Arches	152	Transdev Blackburn
2767	Feniscowles, Three Arches	Blackburn BS	152	Transdev Blackburn
20788	Blackburn (Stand A)	Salesbury, Ellerslie	45	Rotala Preston Bus

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to Accrington. We discussed the possibility of going to Accrington and Matthew said yes. Research consisted of checking the weather 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 Temple Street Church RX18 GZW.

Temple Street Church RX18 GZW in Fenton

Matthew chilled out in his room before going out. We saw red minibus BJ12 OAN.

BJ12 OAN in Fenton

Later on we went to Bury in the car. We went downstairs to the car and we set off onto Temple Street where we saw Temple Street Church RX18 GZW. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we turned right onto City Road. We turned sharp left at the roundabout onto Victoria Road and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed over the roundabout onto Lichfield Street and we ran up the hill towards Hanley. We ran anti-clockwise around the ring road and we went Northwards out of town along Town Road. We joined the Northbound A5272 and we ran through Sneyd Green and Smallthorne. We crossed over the roundabout and we continued up to Chell. We turned right onto the A527 and we ran north through Brindley Ford and Brown Lees up towards Biddulph. We went West of Biddulph on the by-pass and we continued North towards Congleton and through the town onto the Northbound A536. We ran Northwards up to Macclesfield and we went through the town onto the A523. We continued Northwards to Hazel Grove and we joined the Northbound A6. We continued Northwards into Stockport and under the M60 and we ran around a few junctions to the M66 past Bury and forwards onto the A56. We followed the road along the Haslingden by-pass and the when we got to the A680 we went North West into Accrington. We parked outside The Abbey Friar and we went in for dinner. Matthew went up to the toilet and afterwards he had sausage chips and gravy with bread and butter washed down with a can of Coke. On the way out we paid for the stuff and Matthew picked another couple of small bottles of pop. Matthew decided to get back in the car and have a lift to the bus station. We didn't know exactly where it was but we had seen pictures taken nearby under the arches of the railway line. We headed back onto the A680 we parked in a car park on King Street which was right next to the bus station. We sid goodbye to mum and we walked over to the bus station. On layover near to the exit of the bus station was Transdev Rosso 290. We walked into the bus station and Matthew had to try out the toilet. A few minutes later we saw Transdev Blackburn 230 on a #6A to Blackburn. We got on the bus and we brought the Ribble Valley day tickets at £5.80 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station under the railway line and onto King Street. We ran forwards onto Blackburn Road as we had done many times before on various vehicles from Mercedes minibus to double deckers. We continued out of town for a little over 1/2 a mile and we ran forwards onto the A679. We turned left onto the B6231 and we went under the railway line again near to Church & Oswaldtwistle railway station. We ran through Oswaldtwistle and we continued out of the other side of the town into open countryside. We crossed over the M65 and we ran into Knuzden. We turned right onto Windsor Road and we ran down the hill towards the main road, At the end of the road we turned left onto the A679 and we ran Westwards to the edge of Blackburn. We ran forwards onto the A678 and we After around 1/4 of a mile we veered right onto Higher Eanam. At the roundabout we turned left onto Eanam and we ran forwards onto Salford befoer turning right into the bus station we got up and got off the bus we decided to go for a walk around. We went outside the bus station and we saw Transdev Blackburn 510 on a #1 to Bolton. We walked back to the bus station and Matthew used the toilet. We saw required Stagecoach Lancashire 15574 on a #59 to Preston. We got on the bus and we flashed the Blackburn area day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs sat down. We set off out of the bus station and onto Richmond Terrace. We went forwards onto King William Street. We travelled onto the A677. We headed through Beardwood and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we crossed over the A677 and we visited the garage. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we did some shopping. He brought a couple of Bottles of pop and a couple of chocolate bars. We headed back along the A677. A few minutes later we saw another bus approaching. It was required Stagecoach Lancashire 15466 on a #59 to Blackburn. We got on the bus and we flashed the Blackburn area day ticket to the driver. We went upstairs and we sat down. The bus set off down the A677 and we ran through Blackburn. We turned left onto the A666 and we turned right onto Eanam and we ran forwards onto Salford befoer turning right into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. We saw Transdev Rosso 1727 on layover. A few minutes later we saw Transdev Blackburn 2772 on a #152 to Preston. We got on the bus and we flashed the Ribble Valley day tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down and the bus set off out of the bus station and onto Railway Road. We went past the shopping centre onto Ricmond Terrace and we ran forwards onto Exchange Street. We passed the town hall and we turned left onto Northgate. We turned right onto Duke Street and Left onto Blakey Moor. We turned right onto Fellden Street and we turned left onto Montague Street. We turned right onto the A674 and we headed out of town through Mill Hill. We passed Cherry Tree railway station and we continued out of town. We passed Transdev Lancashire United 2769 on a #152 to Burnley. We carried on a bit bit further into Feniscowles an we got up and got off the bus. Once off we crossed over the road. We walked to the stop for the Blackburn bound bus and we waited for the next bus to appear. Whilst we waited Matthew ate the lolly and drank the small bottle of Cola. A few minutes later the bus appered and it was dud Transdev Lancashire United 2767. We got on the bus and we flashed Ribble Valley day tickets before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off along the A674 out of Feniscowles and past Cherry Tree railway station. We continued into the West end of Blackburn and we turned left onto Montague Street. We turned right into Fellden Street past the college. We turned right onto Cardwell Place. We ran forwards onto Darwen Street and we turned left onto Jubilee Street. We ran past Blackburn railway station along the Boulevard and we followed the road to the left onto Railway Road. We ran onto Penny Street and we entered the bus station. We got off the bus and we walked along Ainsworth Street and we continued up the Richmond Terrace. We walked up Exchange Street past the former RBS bank which is new cafe. We turned left onto King William Street. We stopped at Greggs and brought a caramel shortbread and a bottle of Coke. Once we had finished we stopped to look at the former Thomas Cook which is now closed. We walked onto King William Street and we turned right and into Exchange Street. On the way to the bus stop we saw Transdev Blackburn 301 on a #2 to Chorley. After a while we saw a bus turn the corner. As it got closer we saw it was Rotala Preston Bus 20788 on a #45 to Preston. We got on the bus and we flashed Ribble Valley day ticket to the driver for the final time today the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down Exchange Street. We passed the town hall and we turned right onto the A666. We turned left onto the B6232 and we travelled through Royshaw Hill. We continued to Pleckgate and we turned right onto the A6119. We ran forwards onto the A666 and we ran up to Brownhill. We went through Wilpshire and we turned left onto the B6245. We ran over the canal and into Salesbury and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we crossed the road and we visited The Bonny Inn. Matthew used the toilet and we had a glass of Coke. Mum appeared and we got in the car. Matthew had a sausage roll and a can or orange Fanta. We set off along the B6245 and we ran into Clayton-le-Dale. We turned left into the A59 we travelled up through Osbaldeston and onto Mellor Brook. We ran into Myerscough Smithy onto Turner Green. We carried on towards Samlesbury. At the we turned left and joined the Southbound M6. We went Southwards down the A556. We ran West for one junction and we went Southwards down the A50. We travelled South through Knutsford. We continued to Holmes Chapel and down into Kidsgrove. We carried on South towards Tunstall and we turned left onto the A527. In Fegg Hayes we turned right onto Oxford Street and we ran through Chell Heath past Matthew's old school which has been fenced off. In Smallthorne we turned right onto Ford Green Road and at the roundabouts we turned left onto the A5272. We followed the road through Sneyd Green and Northwood and down to Bucknall. We turned right onto the A52 and at Joiners Square roundabout we turned left onto Victoria Road. At the top of the hill we turned right onto City Road and we ran down the hill to Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out on his computer and watch buses out of the window. For tea Matthew had pizza and chips followed by a Bakewell tart. Matthew went back to his room. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. Matthew used his computer and watched music videos on the television. 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. Later on he had a few digestive biscuits and and some Irn Bru. 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 Joiners Square / Trent Vale 28-10-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DV10 JCU	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Joiners Square	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Joiners Square	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
67640	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going to the pub for his tea, but not before he had been to his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had a giant crumpet and orange juice for breakfast. Just before 09:00 his transport to his day service turned up and it was Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Blurton

We got on the bus and we set off onto the A5035. We crossed over the railway line into Trentham. We turned right into New Inn lane and right again into Pacific Drive. After we picked up another service user we headed back onto New Inn Lane and then onto the A5035. We turned left at Church Road and then we went Forwards onto Blurton Road through Blurton and across the A50. We went through Heron Cross and onto Heron Street. Having crossed the railway line we went forwards onto Glebedale Road and to our destination. In the morning Matthew made some chocolate iced cakes. For dinner Matthew had McDonalds consisting of burger fries and a cup of Coke. In the after Matthew went to the pub on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

We set off onto Glebedale Road and we crossed over City Rod onto Fountain Street. We followed the road around onto William Street and then left onto Manor Road. At the end of Manor Road we turned left onto Victoria Road. We ran down the hill and turned left onto Warrington Road. We turned right onto the A52 and at Joiners Square roundabout we went straight across. We turned left at Palmerston Street and to our destination. At the pub Matthew went to the toilet and had a glass of Coke. High lights of the bus sightings at the pub included First Potteries 67642 on a #6A to Blythe Bridge and Copeland's Tours MIB 520. Matthew also listened to music at the pub on the Jukebox including Japanese Boy by Aneka. When it was time to go Home we climbed aboard Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We turned right onto the A52 and then we turned left onto Victoria Road. At the top of Victoria Road we turned sharp right onto City Road. We turned left into Glebedale Road and we got off the bus and transferred onto Shelton care Group DV10 JCU. We set off back onto Glebedale Road and forwards onto Station Bridge Road. We continued onto Heron Street and we crossed over the A50 onto Blurton Road. We travelled through Blurton and we veered right onto Church Road. We turned right into Beaconsfield Drive and We attempted to drop Matthew off, but I was stuck in traffic returning home. We continued onto the A5035 and we went over the railway line into Blurton. We turned right into New Inn Lane and we dropped another service user off before returning to the A5035. We crossed back over the railway line into Blurton, getting back just before 15:00. Matthew took another picture of Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU before it returned to base.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Blurton

Matthew had toast and dandelion & burdock whilst he waited for the time to go out and catch the bus. Today we went to catch the 16:26 to Newcastle. We set off on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. I had seen bus earlier and it was booked to be dud First Potteries 67640. A few minutes later we saw dud First Potteries 67640 turned the corner as expected bang on time.

First Potteries 67640 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Harpfields Road before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We joined the Westbound A5035 we ran over the railway line into Trentham and we saw First Potteries 67601 on a #22 to Longton. We turned right into New Inn Lane and we climbed the hill into Hanford. By the old Bulls Head bus stop we saw First Potteries 67635. It had broken down whilst working the 15:44 Longton to Newcastle. We stopped at the stop and the us filled up with passengers off the other service. We turned right into Wilson Road and we turned left Church Lane and we ran down the hill and joined the A34 and we saw E-zec patient transport YJ16 GGZ. We crossed under the A500 into Trent Vale and we passed First Potteries 67152 on a #21 to the Trentham Hotel. As we turned into Harpfields Road we saw First Potteries 65040 on a #101 to Stafford. We then got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67640 as it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 67640 in Trent Vale

We walked back onto the A34 and we sat on the pub wall whilst we waited for mum. Whilst we waited we saw Happy Days Coaches 230 going North up the A34. Mum arrived and we went into the pub. Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses included First Potteries 65033 on a Stafford Bound #101 service and ABC Supreme Y368 TGE on a Northbound shuttle and ABC Supreme BX54 EDJ on a Southbound shuttle. When it was time to go we got in the car to go home. We went South down the A34 and we turned left onto the A500 and ran North. We passed Happy Days Coaches 230 again, this time going South. We continued up to Sideway and we turned right onto the A50. we came off the A50 at Heron Cross dropping down into Fenton to pick uncle Dave up. Once we had picked him up we ran back up to Heron Cross and over the A50. On the roundabout we saw Britannia Travel AY14 NVM and we ran into Blurton along Blurton Road. We turned right into Church Road and right again onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 18:15. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we sorted things out. Later in the evening mum was going out and Matthew decided to come along with us for the ride. We set off onto the A5035 and we ran through Drsden to Longton befoer we turned left onto Spring Garden Road. After we dropped mum off we returned back along Spring Garden Road and we turned left onto the A5035 before we did a u-turn on the roundabout, heading back into Dresden and forwards into Blurton and home. We chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Festival Park / Trent Vale 14-08-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DV10 JCU	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Festival Park	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Festival Park	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Joiners Square	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Joiners Square	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
60069	Hem Heath, adj Crowcrofts Road	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way (Unmarked)	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going to the pub for his tea, but not before he had been out with his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and Blackcurrant juice for breakfast. Just before 09:00 his transport to his day service turned up and it was Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Blurton

we got on the bus and the bus set off onto the A5035. We went over the railway line into Trentham before turning at New Inn Lane. We turned into Pacific Drive and we picked up another service user before going back onto New Inn Lane. We returned along A5035 before turning left into Church Road and forwards onto Blurton Road to Heron Cross. We turned right to go through the traffic lights and onto Heron Street. After crossing over the railway we turned left onto Christchurch Street before reaching our destination. In the morning Matthew went bowling. We went on Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We set off onto Glebedale Road and then left onto City Road. We headed down towards the railway before going right onto the A52. By the Sixth Form College we turned onto Station Road and out the other end and right onto Stoke Road. We heade up to through Shelton and we turned on to Shelton New Road. We had a brief stop at the college before carrying on along Shelton New Road then right onto Etruscan Street. We carried on up to and under the A53 which we did up to the Festival Park. We parked up and went bowling for the morning. When it was time to leave we got back aboard Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We carried on into Festival park and we stopped at MacDonald. Matthew had a beefburger and fries with a drink of Coke. When everyone had finished we got back aboard the bus and we set off across the A53 and onto Etruria Vale Road. We stopped again at the college and afterwards we went onto Cemetary Road and right onto Stoke Road. We turned left onto The Avenue and we went across Shelton and onto the A52. At Joiners square we turned Right and went to the top of Victoria Road before going sharp right onto City Road. We turned left onto Glebedale Road and back to the day centre. We transferred off Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU and onto Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX for the afternoon trip to the pub. We set off onto Glebedale Road and forwards onto Fountain Street. We followed the road around onto William Street and we turned left onto Manor Street. At the end of Manor Street we turned left onto Victoria Road and we headed down to joiners Square roundabout. At the roundabout we went straight onto Lichfield Street and we reached our destination. At the pub Matthew went to the toilet and had a drink of Coke. highlights of the bus sightings at the pub included First Potteries 63177 on a #6 to Meir.

First Potteries 63177 in Joiners Square

Matthew also listened to music on the Jukebox which included Abba, Blondie, Belinda Carlisle and Berlin. When it was time to go we all climbed back aboard Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We headed down Palmeston Street and onto the A52. At Joiners square we turned left and went to the top of Victoria Road before going sharp right onto City Road. We turned left onto Glebedale Road and back to the day centre. We stopped briefly and carried on onto Christchurch Street and right onto Station Bridge Road and Heron Street. In Heron Cross we went straight across onto Blurton Road and over the A50. We carried on into Blurton along Blurton Road and forward onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Road and arrived home just before 15:00. Matthew had toast and a drink of dandelion & burdock whilst he waited for the time to go out and catch the bus. Today we went to catch the 16:18 to Newcastle. We set off on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. As we were early and it was raining we decided to walk to the stop on the A5035 where there is a bus shelter. At the end of Magdalen Road we saw Stanton's of Stoke SF07 BNE.

Stantons of Stoke SF07 BNE in Blurton

There was a gap in the traffic and so unusually we crossed the A5035 with ease. We turned and saw Plants minibus P19 NTG.

Plants P19 NTG in Blurton

We were expecting to see First Potteries 60202 come past first on the #22 to Longton. Right on time it appeared from the direction of Trentham.

First Potteries 60202 in Blurton

We were expecting the bus to be First Potteries 60069 and as expected First Potteries 60069 turned the corner a minute or two late.

First Potteries 60069 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Harpfields Road. We sat down near to the back of the bus and Matthew noticed it was empty in front of us, so he took a picture inside First Potteries 60069.

Inside First Potteries 60069

We carried on along the A5035 and we crossed the railway line and ran into Trentham. We turned right into New Inn Lane and we passed First Potteries 41495 on a #21 followed by First Potteries 53124 on a #21B to Trentham Gardens. We carried on into Hanford and we turned right into Wilson Road. We went down Church lane and onto the A34. We crossed under the A500 and into Trent Vale where we saw First Potteries 41514 on a #21 to Trentham. We turned right into Harpfield Road and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 60069 as it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 60069 Trent Vale

We crossed the road and headed onto the A34. As we got there we turned and saw First Potteries 66845 on the #22 to Longton, which had replaced First Potteries 60068 at some point during the day.

First Potteries 66845 Trent Vale

We got to the pub and mum was waiting for us. We saw a coach approaching in the distance and so we stopped to wait for it. As it got closer we saw that it was Happy Days 230.

Happy Days 230 in Trent Vale

A minibus had also pulled up in the car park. It was Directions Courtesy Travel DS15 ABX.

Directions Courtesy Travel DS15 ABX in Trent Vale

We went into the pub and Matthew had a brunch with bread and butter followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses were ABC Supreme N806 CRJ on a hospital link service. We also saw Vale Travel double decker N622 KUA going Southwards down the A34. After we had finished eating we went out to the car. We called Uncle Dave and we went to pick him up. We set off onto the A34 and then right onto the A500. The road looked busy at Sideway so we went via Campbell Road into Stoke. Around the one way system we saw First Potteries 53209 on a #23. On Glebe Street we saw First Potteries 41540 on a #23A. Back on Church Street we saw D&G 137 running out of service, First Potteries 61235 on a #2 and D&G 32 on a #41 service. We turned right onto the A500 and we went into Fenton to pick up uncle Dave. We drover up to Heron Cross and we turned right onto Blurton Road. We crossed the A50 and we continued through Blurton. We had to make a stop to pick something up on Barlaston Road and we saw First Potteries 40025 running out of service and Autocabs minibus SA08 ONM. We rejoined the A5035 and we saw Grocott Centre PN14 BFY. We got home around 18:10. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:00... Mark