Trip to The Potteries Connection bus rally 21-10-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
366	Gladstone pottery Museum	Trentham Gardens	Special	Coventry Transport
267	Trentham Gardens	Gladstone pottery Museum	Special	Northampton Transport
227	Gladstone pottery Museum	Stone, Crown Street	Special	Midland Red
227	Stone, Crown Street	Gladstone pottery Museum	Special	Midland Red
33	Gladstone pottery Museum	Stone, Crown Street	Special	Halton Transport
880	Stone, Crown Street	Gladstone pottery Museum	Special	Southern Vectis
4817 F	Gladstone pottery Museum	Stone, Crown Street	Special	Island Princess
4817 F	Stone, Crown Street	Gladstone pottery Museum	Special	Island Princess
F23 HGG	Gladstone pottery Museum	Stone, Crown Street	Special	South Staffs
F23 HGG	Stone, Crown Street	Gladstone pottery Museum	Special	South Staffs

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was also going out to the Potteries Connection running day. As it was such an important event we decided to take him out for the day. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. I called around 09:00 to make sure he was up and ready and I came to pick him up around 10:00. We went downstairs and we got into the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. We turned right onto Station Bridge Road and we ran forwards onto Heron Street. We went straight through the traffic lights onto Blurton Road. At the roundabout we turned left and joined the Eastbound A50. We came off the A50 at Longton and we went left onto Baths Road. We passed the bus station which was empty and we turned right onto Market Street. As Market Street is closed for roadworks we turned left onto the B5039 and right onto Sutherland Road. We turned right onto Landon Street. As we reached the top of Landon Street we saw Mansfield & District 148 go past on it's way to the bus rally. We turned right onto Uttoxeter Road and we veered left onto Commerce Street and we turned left into the car park. Once we had parked up the car we walked onto Millbank Street onto Normacott Road where we saw South Staffs F23 HGG & PMT Bristol VR 604.

PMT 604 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

We turned left onto Chadwick Street and we entered the site of the bus rally which was in the car park of the Gladstone Pottery Museum. We started to walk around the site to take pictures of the buses. We saw preserved Robin Hood RIB 8289 arriving on the site.

Robin Hood RIB 8289 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

We continued walking around the site in a clockwise direction. At the Southern end of the site we saw Southern Vectis Leyland National 880 parked up.

Southern Vectis 885 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

We walked up to the South Eastern corner of the sight and we saw Mansfield based Midland General Bristol RE 148 again.

Midland General 148 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

In the corner nearest to the museum was Stanton's of Stoke Mercedes minicoach NXJ 321.

Stanton's of Stoke NXJ 321 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

As we carried on in a clockwise circle of the site we came across Northampton Transport half cab double decker 267 parked up next to the museum.

Northampton Transport 267 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

First Potteries also sent a vehicle to display at the rally. The vehicle they sent was First Potteries Enviro300 67642.

First Potteries 67642 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

We went down to the bottom end of the site to find the rally control vehicle. As we went down to the bottom end of the site we saw former First PMT vehicle 30031 arrive on site.

First PMT 30031 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

We found the control vehicle and due to a computer issue there were no programs for the rally today. They did print a small leaflet with the bus times and what was supposed to be working on them. We had a few minutes before the next required bus was leaving at 11:15, so we took a few more pictures. We saw former Copeland's Tours and PMT Dart 917.

PMT 917 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

Around 11:15 as written on the sheet required half cab Coventry Transport 366 pulled up to the bus stop and started to load up for a run to Trentham Gardens. We got on the bus and we went upstairs and we sat down towards the back of the bus. A few minutes later we set off onto Chadwick Street and we ran down over the A50 onto the A5035. We ran through Dresden into Blurton and close to the house before crossing over the railway line into Trentham. We continued to the end of the A5035 and we crossed over the A34 into Trentham Gardens. At the first roundabout We turned left and we ran to the end past the car parks and around to the coach pick up point where we stopped. We got off the bus and we saw Bakers Dolphin BD08 GLD parked up at the side of the road on a mystery excursion.

Bakers Dolphin BD08 GLD at Trentham Gardens

We had a few minutes before the bus was due to return. Matthew decided that he wanted to visit the toilet. Whilst he was in the toilet PMT 30031 appeared and left on a duplicate service. Coventry Transport 366 also left a few minutes early. We decided to resort to plan B and have dinner at Trentham Gardens instead of the cafe in Fenton that I had originally planned to take Matthew. Then next bus was due off in 30 minutes. We set off into the retail village and we went to the Riverside restaurant. Matthew had a burger and fries washed down with a bottle of Coke. We finished eating and we got back to the bis stop just about at the time the bus was due. We asked someone who was waiting and they said they hadn't seen the bus so we waited for a short while and we saw the expected bus make an appearance. It ran around the car park and Matthew got a picture of required Northampton Transport 267 as it approached the bus stop.

Northampton Transport 267 at Trentham Gardens

We got on the bus and we went upstairs and sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the gardens and across the A34 onto the A5035. We ran over the railway line into Blurton and we continued into Dresden and Longton. After crossing over the the A50 we ran around the roundabout onto Normacot Road. We turned left onto Chadwick Street and right into the car park. We got up and got off bus. Just as we got off the bus we saw the 12:30 to Stone loading up and it was required Midland Red 227.

Midland Red 227 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

We decided to do this bus so we got on it and sat down near to the front. The bus was duplicated and the leading bus was Turner's 10 driven by Martyn Hearson. We set off onto Chadwick Street and onto Normacot Road We crossed the A50 and joined the A5035. We ran along through Dresden and into Blurton travelling nearby to our house. We crossed the railway and we went into Trentham. At the A34 we went South and down through Tittensor and the the West of Stone through the roadworks. At the bottom end of town we turned left onto the A520 and we went onto the one way system and onto Crown Street. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew wanted to go to the toilet. The bus was a little late but as the driver of turners 10 had got off the bus to take a picture Matthew was able to go. when Matthew had finished in the toilet we saw Midland Red was still parked up so we decided to do that back to Longton.

Midland Red 227 in Stone

We got back onto the bus and we sat down in similar seats from where we got up from. We set off up Crown Street and up around the one-way system onto Granville Square. We veered left onto the Northbound A520. We headed up this winding dark road surrounded by trees and we burst out into open countryside for the run up to Rough Close. At Rough Close we took the A5005 through Lightwood past the site of the old Lightwood Tavern and into Longton. We crossed the A50 and onto Normacot Road. We turned left onto Chadwick Street and right into the site of the bus rally. When we got back we got up and got off the bus. We were just in time for required Halton Transport Leyland National II 33 which was about to work the #12:30 to Stone.

Halton Transport 33 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

We got on the bus and we sat down towards the front of the bus. We set off onto Chadwick Street and onto Normacot Road We crossed the A50 and joined the A5035. We ran along through Dresden and into Blurton travelling nearby to our house. We crossed the railway and we went into Trentham. At the A34 we went South and down through Tittensor and the the West of Stone through the roadworks. At the bottom end of town we turned left onto the A520 and we went onto the one way system and onto Crown Street. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of before it returned to Longton.

Halton Transport 33 in Stone

A few minutes later the duplicate bus made an appearance. As expected it was required Southern Vectis Leyland National 880 on a service back to Longton.

Southern Vectis 880 in Stone

We got on the bus and we sat down towards the front of the bus. We set off up Crown Street and up around the one-way system onto Granville Square. We veered left onto the Northbound A520. We headed up this winding dark road surrounded by trees and we burst out into open countryside for the run up to Rough Close. At Rough Close we took the A5005 through Lightwood and into Longton. We crossed the A50 and onto Normacot Road. We turned left onto Chadwick Street and right onto the bus rally site. Once at the site we got up and got off the bus. There was a little time before the next required bus was due to depart. We had a quick walk around the site and we saw Bassetts Travel JRE 354V which had made an appearance since our last trip.

Bassetts JRE 354V in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

A few minutes later and one of the 2 expected buses on the 14:30 pulled onto the bus stop. It was required Island Princess 4817 F.

Island Princess 4817 F in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

We got on the coach and we sat down towards the front of the coach. We set off onto Chadwick Street and onto Normacot Road We crossed the A50 and joined the A5035. We ran along through Dresden and into Blurton travelling nearby to our house. We crossed the railway and we went into Trentham. At the A34 we went South and down through Tittensor and the the West of Stone through the roadworks. At the bottom end of town we turned left onto the A520 and we went onto the one way system and onto Crown Street. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Island Princess 4817 F before it returned to Longton.

Island Princess 4817 F in Stone

We got back onto the bus and we sat down in similar seats from where we got up from. We set off up Crown Street and up around the one-way system onto Granville Square. We veered left onto the Northbound A520. We headed up this winding dark road surrounded by trees and we burst out into open countryside for the run up to Rough Close. At Rough Close we took the A5005 through Lightwood and into Longton. We crossed the A50 and onto Normacot Road and we turned left into Chadwick Street. We turned right into the rally site and before we got off the coach Matthew took a picture inside Island Princess 4817 F.

Inside Island Princess 4817 F

There was a little time before the last required coach was going to work so we had a quick walk around the rally site again. We saw late arrival Blackpool Transport 353 parked up by the museum.

Blackpool Transport 353 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

Around 15:30 one of the 2 buses booked to do the run to Stone appeared at the bus stop. It was required South Staffs coaches Volvo B10 F23 HGG in National Express livery.

South Staffs F23 HGG in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

We got on the coach and we sat down towards the middle of the coach over the engine. We set off onto Chadwick Street and onto Normacot Road We crossed the A50 and joined the A5035. We ran along through Dresden and into Blurton travelling nearby to our house. We crossed the railway and we went into Trentham. At the A34 we went South and down through Tittensor and the the West of Stone through the roadworks. At the bottom end of town we turned left onto the A520 and we went onto the one way system and onto Crown Street. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew took a picture of South Staffs F23 HGG before it returned to Longton.

South Staffs F23 HGG in Stone

We got back onto the bus and we sat down in similar seats from where we got up from. We set off up Crown Street and up around the one-way system onto Granville Square. We veered left onto the Northbound A520. We headed up this winding dark road surrounded by trees and we burst out into open countryside for the run up to Rough Close. At Rough Close we took the A5005 through Lightwood and into Longton. We crossed the A50 and onto Normacot Road. We turned left onto Chadwick Street and right into the rally site. We got up and got off the bus. The site was almost empty now and we saw Turners 10 parked up along side the museum.

Turners 10 in the Gladstone Pottery Museum

We headed along Chadwick Street and we turned right onto Millbank Street. We got back into the car and we drove onto Commerce Street. At the roundabout we went right onto The Strand and under the railway Bridge onto King Street. We passed through Foley into Fenton and we ran forwards onto City Road. We turned left onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street. When we got back to the residential unit Matthew took a picture of Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

We went upstairs and we said goodbye to Matthew until tomorrow. Matthew chilled out in his room and used his computer. He also drank a can of Fanta orange. For tea Matthew had a chicken and potatoes. 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 Talke / Trent Vale 02-01-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
53829	Blurton, adj Ladybank Grove	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
N8 GHA	Hanley BS	Talke, Opp Congleton Road	X81	GHA
66308	Talke, Adj Newcastle Road	Newcastle BS	4A	First Potteries
66310	Newcastle BS	Trent Vale, adj Black Lion BS	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was off from his day service, so we decided to take this opportunity to ride on the X81 service. Matthew got up around 12:00. He has some toast and orange juice. I asked him if he wanted to do a few extra buses today and he said yes. We worked out what we were going to do and when we had to leave the house. We set off at around 13:40 and walked all the way to the bus on Beaconsfield Road. We saw First Potteries 66310 going towards Newcastle on the #22 and then First Potteries 60072 on the #22 to Dresden.

First Potteries 60072 in Blurton

Going towards Newstead on the #23A was First Potteries 53208.

First Potteries 53208 in Blurton

A few minutes later a Solo rounded the corner and it was dud First Potteries 53829.

First Potteries 53829 in Blurton

We got on the bus and booked to Hanley. There was only one passenger on the bus at this point and they were sitting near to the front, so Matthew got a picture of the inside of First Potteries 53829 too.

Inside First Potteries 53829

The bus set off through Blurton and onto Blurton Road. We headed through heron Cross and onto Heron Street. On the corner by the railway line there was a smashed up car. We carried on and turned onto left onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road and then down under the railway line and into Stoke. After a brief pause in Stoke town centre we went around the one way system and onto Glebe Street. We went under the railway and turned left onto Station Road. By the railway station we passed First Potteries 41494 on a #3 service. We went up Cauldon Road and we passed Hind Street we saw GHA single decker N8 GHA parked up ready to the X81 later... We crossed the ring road and we entered the bus station via Bethesda Street and John Street. After using the toilet we realised that we had almost 30 minutes so there was time to go to the car park to take bus pictures. Matthew bumped into one of the staff members from his day service and we stopped to have a quick chat. We carried on towards the car park and as we crossed the road we saw Scraggs YJ59 GHH entering the bus station on the #50 from Longton.

Scraggs YJ59 GHH in Hanley bus station

We entered the car park and went upstairs. One of the first buses we saw was required First Potteries 40805 on the #7B to Biddulph.

First Potteries 40805 in Hanley bus station

This was followed dud (for Matthew) First Potteries 40029 on a #23A to Newstead.

First Potteries 40029 in Hanley bus station

We then saw required First Potteries 60174 running out of service.

First Potteries 60174 in Hanley bus station

We also saw Bakerbus 267 on a #9 to Biddulph.

Bakerbus 267 in Hanley bus station

Bakerbus service buses are soon to history as D&G are taking over these operations... We then saw First Potteries 37157 on a #3 to Madeley.

First Potteries 37157 in Hanley bus station

First Potteries route branded Scania 65001 was being used on it's correct route of #18 to Leek.

First Potteries 65001 in Hanley bus station

On a #16 to Leek was dud Wardle Transport 3601.

Wardle Transport 3601 in Hanley bus station

Wardle Transport 3601 is high mileage bus as we have had this from Sudbury to Fenton on the old X50 back in April 2014 just before the service finished. On a #3 to Newcastle was dud First Potteries 66838.

First Potteries 66838 in Hanley bus station

We had that bus last time on the 27th December. It was time to walk back to the bus station before the X81 arrived. We got back with a few minutes to spare. There was a reasonable crowd waiting to catch this service. When the bus arrived it was as expected GHA step entranced Volvo single decker N8 GHA.

GHA N8 GHA in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and booked to Talke. We sat down near to the back of the bus and the bus set off out of the bus station and onto the ring road. We went towards Festival Park and the onto the A53. At Basford we headed onto the Northbound A500. Matthew then took a picture inside N8 GHA.

Inside GHA N8 GHA

The bus carried on up the A500 and we came off at the A34. We then carried on North for another couple of miles or so until we got close the the Caudwell Tavern. We got up and got off the bus and we got another picture of GHA single decker N8 GHA before it carried on Northwards.

GHA N8 GHA in Talke

We had just under 20 minutes to wait for the next Newcastle bound #4A. We had just see a service going towards Kidsgrove so we waited for over bus in the sunshine. It was cold as it was about to go dark. Just before our bus came we saw First Potteries 66839 on a Kidsgrove bound bus.

First Potteries 66839 in Talke

A minute or so later we could see a Cherry branded bus at the bottom of the hill. As it got closer we saw it was required First Potteries 66308.

First Potteries 66308 in Talke

We got on the bus and booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off up the hill and we turned left into the housing estate. We came out on the High Street and as the people behind us got off Matthew took a picture of the empty rear of the bus.

Inside First Potteries 66308

the bus carried on down the High Street and we then turned right and diverted into the Freeport before carrying on South. We crossed the A500 and we headed into Red Street. We continued South into Chesterton and then we turned left onto Wolstanton Road before we turned right onto the A34. We went South past the depot where we could see First Potteries 34311 and 30031 parked up towards the back of the depot. We diverted onto Liverpool Road and then onto the Ryecroft before going down Barracks Road and turning into the bus station. We got off the bus and we saw required First Potteries 60069 on a #22 to Dresden. Not to worry, we were going to catch the 16:05 extra #22 that runs as far as Trentham Mondays to Fridays. Whilst we waited we took a few pictures. Between duties was dud Wardle Transport 2356,

Wardle Transport 2356 in Newcastle bus station

Also between duties was dud First Potteries 43877.

First Potteries 43877 in Newcastle bus station

On a #101 service was required First Potteries 65027.

First Potteries 65027 in Newcastle bus station

On a #3 was required First Potteries 66313.

First Potteries 66313 in Newcastle bus station

On the soon to be finished #33 service was Wardle Transport 2259.

Wardle Transport 2259 in Newcastle bus station

On a #164 from Market Drayton to Hanley was Arriva Midlands Optare Versa 3698.

Arriva Midlands 3698 in Newcastle bus station

I would appear that there was a Saturday service operating today as the 16:05 never came. At 16:10 the next bus came in and it was dud First Potteries 66310.

First Potteries 66310 in Newcastle bus station

After a driver change the bus loaded up and we booked to Trent Vale. We sat down near to the back of the bus and the bus set off out of the bus station onto barracks Road. We went South on the A34 before turning into the hospital. after traveling trough the hospital we came out onto Hilton Road and we did this forward onto Harpfields Road. At the other end of Harpfields road we re-joined the A34 and we got up and got off near to the pub. Matthew got another picture of First Potteries 66310 as it carried on towards Dresden.

First Potteries 66310 in Trent Vale

We met mum and Matthew had a brunch with bread and butter followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Whilst we ate the highlights of the passing buses was First Potteries double decker 32627 on a #101 to Hanley. After we had finished eating we called Uncle Dave and we went to pick him up. We drove along the A34 and onto the Northbound A500. We went East at the A50. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and we dropped into Fenton. After we had picked up uncle Dave, we headed up to Heron Cross and through Blurton, getting home around 18:40. Matthew then chilled out watching bus videos and using his computer before bedtime around 00:00... Mark