Trip to Widnes / Runcorn 07-11-2020

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3044	Widnes, Green Oaks	Runcorn BS	79C	Arriva NW&W
2539	Runcorn BS	Halton Lea North	110	Arriva NW&W
2575	Halton Lea South	Runcorn BS	110	Arriva NW&W
2699	Runcorn BS	Murdishaw Central	82A	Arriva NW&W
5015	Murdishaw Central	Halton Lea South	82A	Arriva NW&W
2530	Halton Lea South	Widnes, Green Oaks	110	Arriva NW&W

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to Widnes. We decided to re-visit Widnes. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to Widnes he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw Afford rent-a-car MX70 CJF.

Afford rent-a-car MX70 CJF in Fenton

Matthew chilled out in his room before going out. We saw D&G Bus on a #1 to Meir.

D&G 119 in Fenton

After get ready we went downstairs to the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street and we turned left onto Glebedale Road. We turned left onto City Road. We ran over the railway line and then we turned went Forwards onto the A52. We went under the railway line and we joined the Northbound A500. We ran North up to the M6. When we got to Thelwall Viaduct we could see the snow on top of Winter hill to the North side of Bolton. At junction 21A we turned left and we joined the Westbound M62. We came off at junction 7 and we headed Southwards down the A557. After a few miles we did the designated u turn onto the Northbound side of the A557 and we veered left onto Watkinson Way. At the next roundabout we turned left onto Green Oaks Way and after the bus station entrance we turned left into the car park. As we were parking up the car we saw a Stagecoach coach approaching. Once out of the car we headed over to the bus station to see Network Warrington 103 on a #32 to Warrington. We headed into the market and Matthew used the toilet. We had dinner at the nearby Widnes market Cafe. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a bottle of Coke. When we had finished we said goodbye to mum and we walked towards the exit near to the bus station. We stopped on the way at a sweet stall and Matthew had a few eggs and a couple of jelly snakes. We asked which buses Matthew wanted to do and he chose Arriva. We decided to head over the river first so we stood on the North side of the bus station. Whilst we waited we saw Network Warrington 226 on a #62 to Warrington. A few minutes later we saw an Arriva bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was dud Arriva NW&W 3044 on a #79C to Murdishaw. We got on the bus and we brought Arriva NW&W daysaver to the driver at £6 each. The rear of the bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 3044 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside Arriva NW&W 3044

We set off out of the bus station and we turned right onto Gerrards Street. We ran forwards onto Milton Road and we turned left onto the B5419. We went near to the site where are currently developing a new leisure centre on Moor Lane. We went through the old town and across the roundabout onto Victoria Road. We got onto the new A533 and we crossed over the new Mersey Gateway Bridge. We then headed back Westwards and then joined Leiria way to run into Runcorn town centre. We ran onto the High Street we ran past the bus station before turning right into the bus station where we saw MP Travel G15 MPT on the X1 to Liverpool. so we were pointing the right way to go towards Halton Lea. We got up and got off the bus. We decided to go forwards towards Halton Lea on the next bus. A few minutes later we saw dud Arriva NW&W 2539 on a #110 to Murdishaw. We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva NW&W Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Church Street. We ran forwards onto Leiria Way and at the first roundabout we ran forwards onto the busway. We ran the industrial areas around Astmoor and under the Mersey Gateway bridge. We joined Castlefield Avenue East and we got onto the busway at the corner of Tyrrel Way by the McColls Store. We ran through the Castlefields area and we stopped at the library side of the Halton Lea shopping centre where we got up and got off the bus. After taking a few bus pictures we set off to go into the shopping centre. There was an old lady who was struggling to get to the shopping centre due to there being an elevated walkway and her being quite afraid of heights. I helped her to the lift and I also guided he out of the lift into the shopping centre after I had walked down the stairs. We walked through the shopping centre and we went to the toilets. After we had used the toilets we headed over to the South side of the shopping centre where the Runcorn bound buses stop. A few minutes later we saw required Arriva NW&W 2544 on a #1 Halton Lea circular service which Matthew decided to turn down. We waited for the next bus back to Runcorn. A few minutes later dud Arriva NW&W 2575 on a #110 to Warrington. We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Daysaver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus stattion onto busway, and we went around an Asda store and North under the Halton Link Road. The busway was on a sweeping curve to the right and we went through the middle of the Castlefields area. After around 3/4 of a mile we left the busway and went forwards on Tyrell Way. We followed the road around to the left and we turned left onto Castlefields Avenue East. We crossed over the A558 Daresbury Expressway and we then turned left onto another busway. We ran Westwards through the Astmoor area of town. The busway crossed over road every couple of hundred yards and there were traffic lights which usually turned to green and we approached them. We also passed under the Southern end of the Mersey Gateway bridge. We went under the B5155 adjacent to the canal and we turned right at a roundabout off the busway onto Lieria Way with the town centre in sight. We ran down the hill and we turned left into the bus station. Once we got to the station we got up and got off the bus. Matthew decided to go to the pub across the road. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards he had a glass of Coke. Once he had finished his drink we re-joined uncle Dave who waited outside and we went back up to the bus station. We decided to go to Murdishaw and back to Widnes. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. It was required Arriva NW&W 5012 on a #500 to Murdishaw. We got on the bus and flashed the Arriva Daysaver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of town and as we got close to the town hall on Heath Road, we turned right into Ivy Street and left into Langdale Road. We ran through Halton Lodge Norleane Crescent and Linkway. We ran clockwise around Grangeway and we joined the busway and we ran though Halton Lea North close to the library. We decided to go a bit further East to Murdishaw. We ran past the hospital and we travelled East for about a mile and the busway opened out at a turning circle and we had reached the end of the run. We got up and we got off the bus. After taking a few bus pictures off the footbridge we went into the Co-operative food store. Mathew had a bottle of Coke. He also had some Milky Way and a Flake. Once we had done our shopping we went to the till. Whilst we waited to catch an Arriva bus we saw . We had seen required Arriva NW&W 5013 which was going to work the next #500 to Widnes. Whilst we waited we saw dud Arriva NW&W 5015 on a #1 Halton Lea circular service. We got on the bus and flashed the Arriva Daysaver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off around the turning circle and onto the Southbound busway we ran through the Palacefields area and past Halton Hospital. We continued down to the Halton Lea shopping centre and we got up and we got off. A few minutes later we saw bus approaching up the hill onto the elevated road to the bus terminus. As it got closer we saw that it was dud Arriva NW&W 2530 on a #110 to Warrington. We got on the bus for what was actually the final time today, and we flashed the Arriva NW Day Saver ticket to the driver. We sat down towards the back of the bus and we set off onto Grangeway. At the end we ran forwards onto Linkway and right onto Laburnum Grove. We turned right onto Windsor Grove and we followed the road around. We ran North up Norleane Crescent and we turned left onto Heath Road. We then did a loop around Langdale Road and Ivy Street before we rejoined Heath Road, this time going Northwards. We continued up the B5155 and we followed the road to the left over the canal. We then travelled via Lena Way into the town centre and into the bus station. After a brief stop we set off up the High Street We turned right to go onto the Leiria Way.joined the A533. We crossed over the Mersey on the new bridge. we ran into the old town of Widnes up Victoria Road. We crossed over the roundabout and we ran through a bus lane into the Asda car park. We joined onto Gerrard Street past Marks & Spencers and we turned left onto Green Oaks we got up and got off the bus. Once we got off the bus. We walked back to the car and mum was waiting for us with Greggs sausage rolls and a can of Irn Bru. We set off onto Green Oaks Way and we did a U-turn at the roundabout and headed Southwards. We turned left at the roundabout and we joined the Northbound A557. We ran the 3 miles or so up to the M62 and we got onto the Eastbound M62. We ran for around 8 miles to junction 10 and we joined the Southbound M6. We came off the M6 at junction 16 and we joined the Southbound A500 and we turned left onto City Road. We ran up the hill into Fenton and we turned right onto Smithpool Road, We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his roon to watch TV and chill out. Matthew went up to his room to use his computer and watch buses. For a late tea Matthew had a chicken burger from KFC. He also had some fries and a cup of Coke. 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 St Helens / Huyton 25-06-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2491	Earlestown BS	St Helens BS	34	Arriva NW&W
4595	St Helens BS	Prescot, adj Church Street	10	Arriva NW&W
2970	Prescot BS	Huyton BS	89	Arriva NW&W
1	Huyton BS	Prescot BS	61A	Halton Transport
4595	Prescot, Adj Stanley Crescent	St Helens BS	10	Arriva NW&W
2575	St Helens BS	New Boston, adj Vista Road	20	Arriva NW&W
2940	New Boston, opp Vista Road	St Helens BS	320	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to re-visit St Helens. We had checked the weather for today and the weather appeared to be better in Merseyside and the Wirral. We gave Matthew a list of destinations and from the list he surprisingly chose St Helens. Matthew got up around 09:00 this morning and had a giant crumpet and orange juice. We set off just after 11:00 and we ran onto the A5035. We turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way and we went past the new housing estate. We went past the BET365 stadium and we joined the Westbound A50 where we saw Anytime Aiports PE11 RXA. At Sideway we turned right onto the Northbound A500. As we went North of Etruria we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 615 going southwards. Further up the A500 we saw taxi minibus PO16 WCP. We joined the Northbound M6 and we saw saw a white tri-axle Neoplan MV12 ??? and we caught up with Coliseum Coaches 435 SFC.

Coliseum Coaches 435 SFC on the M6

We carried on Northwards up the M6 and we passed an unidentified Mayne's coach going the other way. We cross ed the Manchester Ship Canal and we went West along the M62 for one junction. At the roundabout for the A49 we saw the Royal National College for the Blind minibus VO51 NYW. We ran up the A49 past Newton-le-Willows railway station and we turned left onto the Westbound A572. We ran for around a mile and by the petrol station we turned sharp left onto Market Street. It soon became apparent why Matthew wanted to come in this direction. Matthew had remembered that there was a new Wetherspoon's opening up in Earlestown in June, but unfortunately it doesn't open until next week! We went to the cafe and Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a bottle of Coke. Whilst we were eating we saw Hatton's MV54 AOD on a #141 service and HTL Buses YJ16 DYM on a #603 service. I also nipped down to the railway station to buy saveaway tickets at £5.20 each. After we had finished Matthew went to the toilet and then we walked back to the bus station. In the bus station we saw Arriva NW&W Cadet 2491 on a #34A to St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 2491 in Earlestown bus station

We decided to do this bus so we got got on and flashed the Saveaway tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we saw HTL Buses YJ16 DYH on a #603 service. We went through the housing estate to the West of the bus station before coming out on the A572. We ran West and i to St helens through Parr and past the community fire station. Just outside of town we joined the A58 and we ran over the railway line by St Helens Central before entering the bus station along Bickerstaffe Street. We got up and got off the bus and we saw Arriva NW&W Solo SR 710 on a #33 to Widnes.

Arriva NW&W 710 in St Helens bus station

We decided to have a look at the buses on layover before we decided what bus to catch next. At the end of the row was Arriva NW&W 4595 on layover from working on a #10 to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4595 in St Helens bus station

We also saw Stagecoach Merseyside 27719 on layover from a #10A to Liverpool. In front of that we saw HTL Buses Solo SR YD63 VCF on layover from a A10 town circular service.

HTL Buses YD63 VCF in St Helens bus station

In front of the HTL Solo was Arriva NW&W Enviro400 4603 which was about to work a #10A to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4603 in St Helens bus station

We walked over to the stands where the #10/10A depart from, and we we walked up we saw Halton Transport 3 on a #17 to Widnes.

Halton Transport 3 in St Helens bus station

We sat down for a short while and we saw dud Arriva NW&W 4603 pull up on a #10A to Liverpool, As we were about to get on it we saw required Arriva NW&W 4595 on a #10 service to Liverpool so we decided to do this bus to Prescot instead. We got on the bus and we flashed the Saveaway tickets to the driver before we went upstairs. As the rear of the top deck was empty Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 4595.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4595

The bus set off out of town past Nando's and onto the A58. We followed the road left on the roundabout and we ran out of town. The road split into separate carriageways and ran around a short one-way section of road like a giant elongated roundabout. When the two carriageways joined together we carried on past Thatto Heath into Whiston where Matthew notice they were building a new Spar shop. At the big roundabout we went along St Helens Road and we saw Hatton's Travel Scania YN54 AHL on a #97 service to St Helens. right onto High Street where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4595 before it carried on towards Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4595 in Prescot

We walked off the High Street and into the bus station and we saw Hatton's Travel Scania YN54 NXL on layover as a spare bus displaying #297 service, which doesn't run on Saturdays.

Hatton's Travel YN54 NXL in Prescot bus station

A few minutes alter we saw required Halton Transport 26 on a #61A to Huyton.

Halton Transport 26 in Prescot bus station

We had already decided that we were going to Huyton, but I hadn't realised the #61A was a Huyton Service until after it had departed! We were waiting for the #89 to Liverpool John Lennon Airport, and a few minutes later required Arriva NW&W Pulsar II 2970 made an appearance.

Arriva NW&W 2970 in Prescot bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Saveaway tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off through town past the Tesco extra and through the Huyton Business Park. We turned right onto Carr Lane and at the next roundabout we turned left onto Huyton Lane. We carried on West past the King George V playing Field and then we turned left onto Lathom Road past a shopping centre and Huyton police station. At the bend we turned right and we went into the bus station. After circling around by the railway line we went onto stand where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2970 before it carried on towards John Lennon Airport.

Arriva NW&W 2970 in Huyton bus station

Once we got off the bus we headed into MacDonalds where Matthew used the toilet. After he had used the facilities We waited in the queue and we waited in line to get a couple of portions of fries and a small cup of Coke. We headed over to the car park to eat the food and take a few bus pictures. We saw dud Halton Transport 9 on a #61 to Liverpool.

Halton Transport 9 in Huyton bus station

We then saw Arriva NW&W 3057 running out of service.

Arriva NW&W 3057 in Huyton bus station

A few minutes later we saw required Halton Transport 47 on a #61 to Murdishaw.

Halton Transport 47 in Huyton bus station

Entering the bus station from the East end we saw HTL Buses YJ61 MOU on a #247 Huyton circular service.

HTL Buses YJ61 MOU in Huyton bus station

After we had finished eating we went up to Stand 1 to see when the next bus was. Matthew decided he wanted to do a #61 service to Prescot, so we had a few minutes to wait we sat at the end of the Western approach to the bus station and we saw HTL Buses V980 XUB on a #258 Stockbridge circular service.

HTL Buses V980 XUB in Huyton bus station

We turned down Cumfybus MX54 KYH on the #139 service. A few minutes later we saw required Halton Transport 1 on a #61 to Runcorn.

Halton Transport 1 in Huyton bus station

Matthew wanted to do the bus to Runcorn, bu the Saveaway ticket is only valid as far as Cronton. We got on the bus and we flashed the Saverway to the driver before we saw down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto Huyton Hey Road and we turned right onto St John's Roads. We turned left onto Meadow farm Road and then right onto meadow Drive. At the end of Meadow Drive we went East onto Tarbock Road. Matthew then decided to take a picture of the moquette on this bus.

Inside Halton Transport 1

We carried on along Tarbock Road and at the big roundabout we crossed the M57 and we turned left onto Windy Arbor road. We turned right onto Dragon Lane and we went past Whiston railway station. We turned left onto Cross Lane and we ran up to Manchester Road. We crossed over the roundabout by Tesco Extra and we ran up Sewell Street and into the bus station from the South. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Halton Transport 1.

Halton Transport 1 in Prescot bus station

We walked around the corner onto High Street and we went into The Sun Inn pub so Matthew could use the toilet. We had a Coke and then we went outside to meet uncle Dave again. We crossed the road by the amusingly named Tickle Hall Cross solicitors and we walked down to the bus stop. Almost immediatley we saw a Stagecoach bus approaching. Behind it was an Arriva Double decker. We flagged down the double decker and we let required Stagecoach Merseyside 27720 on the #10A to St Helens, and we got on dud Arriva NW&W 4595 that we had been on earlier in the day!

Arriva NW&W 4595 in Prescot

We flashed the Saveaway ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. No need to take a picture inside this bus as matthew had taken one earlier! We traveled up the high Street before we turned left onto St Helen's Road. We joined the Eastbound A58 and we ran through Whiston and Thatto Heath and around the opposite side of the one-way system that we had been on earlier. We came into the town centre past the college up Westfield Street and forwards onto Cotham Street. We passed the town hall along Bickerstaffe Street and we followed the one-way system onto Corporation Street where the bus terminated. We got off the bus and we walked along the buses on layover where we saw Hatton's Travel Y557 XAG which had been parked in the same spot for most of the day.

Hatton's Travel Y557 XAG in St Helens bus station

We saw required Arriva NW&W 2730 on a #31 to Parr Stocks but matthew turned it down to go and visit the shop where he had a can of Coke and a couple of chocolate bars. After we had paid for the stuff we went outside. On the destination finder voard outside Matthew pointed to Haydock... He wanted to go out of town on a #20. A few minutes later we saw dud Arriva NW&W 2575 on a #20 to Earlestown.

Arriva NW&W 2575 in St Helens bus station

Once the #320 had left the stand the bus pulled forwards and we got on the bus. We flashed the Saveaway ticket to the driver and we set of Eastwards onto Corporation Street and after we crossed over the railway we joined the A58. The bus and the road turned sharp left at the junction with the A572 and we went North. The road turned right and we went along the road until we veered right onto West Ens Road by the self service Texaco petrol station. In Blackbrook we turned right onto the A599 and we went Eastwards through haydock and past the Aldi and Tesco stores. At the new Boston End of town we got up and got off the bus just before it turned right onto Vista Road. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2575 before it carried on towards Earlestown.

Arriva NW&W 2575 in Haydock

We crossed the road and we waited at the bus stop. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching from Wigan. It was required Arriva NW&W 2940 on a #320.

Arriva NW&W 2940 in Haydock

We got on the bus and we flashed the Saveaway ticket to the driver for the final time today. We sat down towards the back of the bus and the bus went West along the A599. We ran through Haydock and we turned left onto West End Road. We joined the A58 and we ran the last couple of miles into town. We turned right onto Corporation Street and we crossed over the railway line before following the one-way system onto Bickerstaffe Street where we let the bus empty, before Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2940.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2940

Behind us was required Halton Transport 15 on a #17 to Widnes.

Halton Transport 15 in St Helens bus station

We walked up Bickerstaffe Street and we saw required Arriva NW&W 2495 on a #37 to Eccleston.

Arriva NW&W 2495 in St Helens bus station

We turned to see mum emerging from the adjacent shopping centre. We walked back to the car which mum had driven up from Earlestown and Matthew had a Greggs sausage roll and a bottle of Irn Bru. We set off along Corporation Street and we crossed the railway and we joined the eastbound A58. At the turned in the toad we went East along the A572. We passed the fire station and we went forwards onto Broad Oak Road. At the large roundabout we veered left onto Newton Road. We ran around the northern edge of Earlestown and newton-le-Willows and when we got to the A49 we went South down Newton High Street and past Newton-le-Willows railway station. Out of town we ran fast down to Winwick and we joined the Eastbound A49 link road which we did over to Junction 22 of the M6. Once we got onto the M6 and as we traveled South we past a few coaches. We saw Courtesy cars VN63 FFL & Hiltons Travel RED 448. At junction 16 we went onto the Southbound A500. On the A50 we saw Together Travel coach RUI 5290 going Northwards. We headed into Longton, past the site of the new TK Maxx building which is under construction. At Z Carz tonight in the first row was Z Carz minibus X599 WDY.

Z Carz X599 WDY in Longton

Next to this was Z Carz white Ford minibus HK57 LGW.

Z Carz HK57 LGW in Longton

Nearest minibus on the front row was Z Carz MV53 KKO.

Z Carz MV53 KKO in Longton

On the second row was Z Carz white Ford minibus BN03 OVS.

Z Carz BN03 OVS in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row to see what was parked up in the compound tonight. In the compound we saw Z Carz Iveco minibus YJ53 WPD.

Z Carz YJ53 WPD in Longton

also in the compound was Z Carz minibus PN06 ONM.

Z Carz PN06 ONM in Longton

We rejoined the high level A50 and we crossed over the A50 in Baths Road and into Tesco Petrol station where we filled up with diesel. We returned onto the A50 and we ran up to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton and onto Church Road where we saw First Potteries 67638 on a #22 to Longton. We turned into Beaconsfield Drive and we saw white minibus NX03 BFP. We got home around 18:30. For a late tea we had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:00.. Mark

Trip to St Helens / Huyton 05-03-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2575	Earlestown BS	St Helens BS	34	Arriva NW&W
2707	St Helens BS	Ashtons Green, opp Mount Pleasant Ave	31	Arriva NW&W
2976	Ashtons Green, adj Havannah Lane	Earlestown BS	34	Arriva NW&W
2496	Earlestown BS	St Helens BS	20	Arriva NW&W
4597	St Helens BS	Prescot, adj Church Street	10	Arriva NW&W
2980	Prescot BS	Huyton BS	89	Arriva NW&W
2713	Huyton BS	Prescot BS	89	Arriva NW&W
4620	Prescot, Adj Stanley Crescent	St Helens BS	10A	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to revisit St Helens. After last weeks expense we decided to travel to an area where there was a multi-operator ticket. We checked the weather and it was was for mainly cloudy with an odd shower. We gave Matthew a list of destinations with Multi-operator tickets and from the list he chose St Helens. Matthew got up around 10:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off a little after 12:00 and we drove onto the A5035. We turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way, following D&G 33 which was on a #14 service to Hanley. We joined the Westbound A50 and then we went North onto the A500. We ran up to Wolstatnton where we came off the A500 to get some diesel. At the Wolstanton retail past we saw First Potteries 41514 on #97 service to Newcastle. After rejoining the A500 we made good time up to the M6. On the way North we saw silver minibus BK15 WBF. Intercity KX09 DGY, Stagecoach (Magic Bus) 17639 and an unidentified Kingsley's coach. We came off the M6 at Junction 22 where we went along the A49 link road to the A49 at Winwick. We went North into Newton and we stopped at the railwat station to get Saveaway Day Tickets. Whilst there we saw JR's Airport Express minibus YJ03 LVK dropping off passengers at the railway station.

JR's Airport Express YJ03 LVK in Newton-le-Willows

After getting the tickets we continued North up the A49 through Newton Village before turning left onto the A572. We continued West before entering Earlestown down Market Street. We parked up in the free shoppers car park so that we could heave dinner in Crumpets. Matthew had a breakfast and a small bottle of Coke. Whilst we ate we were entertain by some locals who sat on the table near to us. The little who was with them was handing these little flowers which one of the blokes thought were sweets. They were actually rubber pendants with metal ring on which thy could be threaded onto a necklace. The bloke proceeded to eat the pendant.much to everyone's amusement! when we had finished eating we walked down to the toilet block and Matthew used the toilets. We said goodbye to mum and we walked back to the bus station. As we turned the corner we saw required Arriva NW&W 2575 on a #34 to Earlestown.

Arriva NW&W 2575 in Earlestown bus station

We got on the bus and flashed the Saveaway Day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and we headed onto the A572. We ran into town through Ashton Green and Parr and we came into the town centre along Corporation Street and over the railway line and then in Bickerstaffe Street. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2575.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2575

Once of the bus Matthew took a few pictures of buses in Bickerstaffe Street. One of the buses adjacent to the station station was dud Arriva NW&W 2978 which we had been on before from Golborne to Wigan last month.

Arriva NW&W 2978 in St Helens bus station

We also saw dud Arriva NW&W 2501, a bus we had from Nantwich to Crewe back in March 2011.

Arriva NW&W 2501 in St Helens bus station

We walked over to the Coporation Street side of the bus station and we saw that the tardis style toilet was out of order. We would have to go for a walk or catch a bus to somewhere else with a toilet. We noticed that required Arriva NW&W 2707 was about to work a #31 to Parr Stocks. Whilst we waited for the bus to come onto stand, we took a few pictures in Corporation Street. We saw Arriva NW&W 4602 on layover between #10's.

Arriva NW&W 4602 in St Helens bus station

Also on layover we saw Hatton's Travel Dart Y538 XAG.

Hatton's Travel Y538 XAG in St Helens bus station

A few minutes later required Arriva NW&W 2707 came on stand and whilst we waited to board Matthew took a picture of it.

Arriva NW&W 2707 in St Helens bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Saveaway Day tickets to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Corporation Street and over the railway onto the A58. We turned right onto the A572 and we ran out of town through Parr, before turning right onto Fleet Lane. Opposite to the The Duckeries we went around Concourse way, a small crescent of the lane where the bus stop is located. We got back onto Fleet lane and we continued East to Derbyshire Hill Road where we turned left. We traveled North for a few hundred yard before turning right onto Mcminnis Avenue. The bus emptied out a little and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2707.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2707

The bus turned left into Mount Pleasant Avenue and when we got to the end and turned right into Waring Avenue we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2707 as it carried on back towards St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 2707 in Ashtons Green

Once off the bus we walked up Waring Avenue and onto the A572. As the toilet in St Helens was broken we decided to return to Earlestown where we knew there was a walking toilet. As we started walking towards the bus stop I spotted a bus in the distance approaching. I asked Matthew and uncle Dave if they were up for a run to try and catch the bus and they said yes. I Started running with Matthew and it looked like we might not make it. So I left Matthew jogging with uncle Dave and I sprinted ahead. I got to the bus stop with a few seconds to spare and a flagged the bus down. Matthew took a picture of required Arriva NW&W 2976 before we got on it.

Arriva NW&W 2976 in Ashtons Green

We flashed the Saveaway day ticket to the driver to the before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along the A572 and we ran the 2 or so miles into Earlestown along the A572 and Market Street. As we got closer to the bus station Matthew photographed the empty seats behind in Arriva NW&W 2978.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2976

The bus pulled up in the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2976 before it carried on towards Leigh.

Arriva NW&W 2976 in Earlestown bus station

Behind the bus in the picture the building in the background it being refurbished and Matthew researched the fact that it is is being converted into a Wetherspoons! We walked along Tamworth Street to the toilet and Matthew used the facilities. When we had finished we walked back just in time to see required Arriva NW&W 2496.

Arriva NW&W 2496 in Earlestown bus station

A few years ago the #20 used to run forwards into the village, but now it seems to terminate here and go straight back to St Helens. The driver changed the display to St Helens and I asked Matthew it he wanted to do this Cadet and he said yes. We got on the bus and we flashed the Saveaway Day ticket to driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We were doing quite well.. We were on bus #4 already and we had only been on the move for an hour and they were all required. The bus set off onto Market Street up to Vista Road. We headed North for around a mile up to new Boston and we turned left onto the A599. We ran through Haydock and in Blackbrook we turned left onto Park Street. At the end of Park Street we joined the A58 and we ran around 2 miles South West into St Helens. We ran into the town centre along Corporation Street and and the bus turned into Bickerstaffe Street where the bus emptied out. Matthew then took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2496.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2496

We decided it would be a good idea to go towards Prescot for the second half of the afternoon. We walked to the middle stands to wait for an Arriva NW&W double decker on the #10 or #10A. On the way we saw Stagecoach Merseyside 27771 on their #10A service to Liverpool.

Stagecoach Merseyside 27771 in St Helens bus station

Across the way on Bickerstaff Street we saw required Arriva NW&W 2986 arrive in the bus station on a #320 to Wigan.

Arriva NW&W 2986 in St Helens bus station

We also saw Halton Transport 15 about to work a #17 service to Widnes.

Halton Transport 15 in St Helens bus station

We also saw Hatton's Travel Enviro 200 MX61 KOD on a #28 Blackbrook - St Helens - St Helens Junction circular service.

Hatton's Travel MX61 KOD in St Helens bus station

Before the double decker came around onto the stand we saw required Arriva NW&W 2980 on a #89 to Liverpool Airport. The bus came around from off layover and it was required Arriva NW&W 4597.

Arriva NW&W 4597 in St Helens bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Saveaway Day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 4597.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4597

The bus set off through the town centre and we joined the westbound A58. As we went past West Park Rugby club we saw a Selwyns coach. We carried on Westward along the A58 to the edge of Prescot and we went into town along St Helens Road and right into High Street. Near to the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4597 as it carried on towards Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4597 in Prescot

Once the bus had gone off into the distance we walked around the corner into the bus station. On stand was HTL Buses Solo YJ11 EKK on a #139 to St Helens.

HTL Buses YJ11 EKK in Prescot bus station

A few minute later a #89 service turned up, and it was the same bus we saw leaving St Helens earlier, required Arriva NW&W 2980.

Arriva NW&W 2980 in Prescot bus station

We decided to do this bus to a new destination, Huyton. We got on the bus and we flashed the Saveaway day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off South through the town centre and past Tesco. We crossed over the M57 and we went South Westwards along Huyton Lane. After about a mile we turned left into lathom Road and we ran between a shopping centre and a large supermarket. At the end of the road was the bus station. There were around 7 stand with a large layover area next to the bus station by the railway line. When we got onto the stand we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2980.

Arriva NW&W 2980 in Huyton bus station

Once off the bus we asked a Merseytravel employee where the nearest public toilets were and they directed us to MacDonalds. Matthew used the toilets and we brought him a plain Cheeseburger and some fries. We walked back to the bus station we saw required Stagecoach Merseyside 34805 which was on a #227 to Kirby.

Stagecoach Merseyside 34805 in Huyton bus station

As we were about to start eating we were politely asked by another Merseytavel employee not to take pictures. They suggested we could take picture from the car park adjacent to the bus station so we headed off to there. Between eating the burger and fries Matthew took a few pictures. We saw Cumfybus Solo MX06 YXV on a Halewood service.

Cumfybus MX06 YXV in Huyton bus station

We also saw required Arriva NW&W 4655 on a #15 service to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4655 in Huyton bus station

We also saw required Halton Transport 50 on a #61 service.

Halton Transport 50 in Huyton bus station

A few minutes alter we saw required Arriva NW&W Volvo B10 2730 on a #89 to Liverpool Airport.

Arriva NW&W 2730 in Huyton bus station

We were considering walking back over to the bus station to catch a #89 back towards St Helens. Just before we went we saw Cumfybus MX53 FDU on a #139 to Prescot.

Cumfybus MX53 FDU in Huyton bus station

We walked over to the bu station and we sat down at the stand to the St helens bound #89. A few minutes later we saw dud Arriva NW&W 2713 on a #89 to St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 2713 in Huyton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Saveaway day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. I asked Matthew if he wanted to go to Prescot on this or St Helens and he said Prescot. The bus set off out of town and onto Huyton Lane. The bus emptied out a little so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2713.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2713

We came into Prescot from the South and when we came into the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2713 as it carried on towards St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 2713 in Prescot bus station

Once off the bus we left the bus station and we headed for the Sun Inn on the corner. Matthew used the toilet and we purchased a can of Coke to takeaway. We then headed across the High Street to wait for the bus back to St Helens. We turned down Stagecoach Merseyside 27713 & 27719 which were both on #10A service. We hoped that the next arivva bus was going to be a #10 and not a #10A so we would get back quicker. Matthew shared a double Milky way with me and uncle Dave whilst we waited for the bus. A few minutes later we saw an Arriva double decker approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required Arriva NW&W 4620 on a #10A.

Arriva NW&W 4620 in Prescot

We got on the bus and we flashed the Saveaway day ticket to the driver for the final time today, before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 4620.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4620

The bus set off up the High Street and we went straight onto the A57. We ran South Eastwards out of town past Whiston Hospital and down towards Rainhill railway station. we turned left onto Rainhall Road and we went North towards Thatto heath. We crossed the railway and we went North to the A58. At the junction we turned right and we ran into the Western end of St Helens. After running though the shopping centre of town and we passed the town hall before running in along Bickerstaffe Street and Corporation Street. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4620.

Arriva NW&W 4620 in St Helens bus station

Before we headed back to the car we took a few more pictures. On layover was Arriva NW&W 2719.

Arriva NW&W 2719 in St Helens bus station

As we walked back to the car we saw dud Ex Winsford cadet Arriva NW&W 2500 on a #33 to St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 2500 in St Helens bus station

We got back to the car and mum was waiting with Greggs sausage rolls. Matthew also had a small bottle of Irn Bru. We set off in the car along Corporation Street and over the railway line. We joined the eastbound a58 which we did to Parr before turning right onto the A572. We ran the few miles past Earlestown and into Newton and we turned right onto the A49. We ran down to the A49 link road and we took the link over to the M6 Junction 22. We headed South and in Cheshire we were caught up by Brighton & Hove coach 502 heading South.

Brighton & Hove 502 on the M6

Presumably it was taking fans home from Brighton's away trip to Preston. We came off the M6 at junction 16 and we went south down the A500. At Sideway we went East up the A50 towards Longton were we came off to see what was parked up at Z Carz. There were only 3 buses on the spare ground tonight, all park quite far back. The closest bus to the road was Z Carz Volkswagen minibus S973 OVP.

Z Carz S973 OVP in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row and the compound was packed tonight. At the front was Z Carz Ford minibus BU04 GYW.

Z Carz BU04 GYW in Longton

we headed back onto the A500 and we crossed the main road to go to the Tesco petrol station to take on some more diesel. Once we had topped up we got back onto the A50 and we went west to Heron Cross. We passed through Blurton Road and forwards onto Church Road. we turned right into Beaconsfield Drive and we got home around 19:15. for a let tea we had bangers and mash followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 01:00... Mark