Trip to Shrewsbury / Bicton Heath 17-01-2026

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2511	Harlescott, opp Tesco	Shrewsbury BS	25	Arriva Midlands
2960	Shrewsbury BS	Gains Park, Opp Woodcrest Jct	11	Arriva Midlands
235	Gains Park, Opp Woodcrest Jct	Shrewsbury BS	X77	Tanat Valley
2984	Shrewsbury BS	Bicton Heath, The Woolhams Jct	11	Arriva Midlands
2960	Bicton Heath, The Woolhams Jct	Shrewsbury BS	11	Arriva Midlands
3692	Shrewsbury BS	Harlescott, opp Tesco	64	Arriva Midlands

Today we decided to re-visit Shrewsbury. We had asked Matthew it the week where he would like to go and he chose Shrewsbury. Research for the trip consisted of looking at tickets on the Arrive site and checking the weather. The weather was forecast for mainly dry with the chance of a shower, with some sunshine. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. We got up at 10:30 and Matthew had toast and orange juice for breakfast. After getting dressed we set off around 11:40 to pick up uncle Dave. We got in the car and we set off through Blurton and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive and we turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road past the former Coral shop which is new going to be flats. We ran through Blurton and into Heron Cross and over the A50. At Heron Cross lights we turned left onto Grove Road. We ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. Once we had picked up uncle Dave, we continued back up Wheildon Road and we ran forwards onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and at the roundabout we joined the Westbound A50. We came off the A50 onto Stanley Matthews Way and we turned right onto the A5035 and we turned right onto the Northbound A34 through Trentham. We turned left onto Whitm ore Road and we crossed over the A519 onto the A5182. We headed Westwards for a few miles and at the end of the road we turned left onto the Southbound A53 We ran through Whitmore and Balwins gate and we crossed over the A51 by The Swan With Two Necks. We continued through Loggerheads and to the North of Market Drayton and on the other side of town we stopped in a layby. The food wagon had finished serving so we continued towards Shrewsbury down the A53. We ran through Tern Hill and Shawbury and at the edge of town we took a wrong turn and headed along .We did a u-turn at the next roundabout and we turned sharp right onto the A5112. We continued for a short distance and we stopped at a pub. Matthew went to the toilet and after we returned we met back up with mum and uncle Dave. Matthew had a beefburger with and extra chicken burger with fries washed down with a glass of Coke. After we had finished we headed back to the car. We set off onto the A5112 and we drove a few hundred yeard before turning right into Tesco. We parked up and we said goodbye to mum. We walked along the side of Tesco to the the bus stop to wait for a bus into Shrewsbury. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 2511 on a #25 to Shrewsbury.

Arriva Midlands 2511 in Harlescott

We got on the bus and we booked a Shrewsbury and Telford Day Saver at £8.50 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off Southwards along the unnamed road and we turned right onto Harlescott Lane. We ran under the railway Line and we turned left onto Lancaster Road. We turned right onto York Road and we ran forwards onto Gloucester Road. We turned left onto Little Harlescott Lane and we turned left onto Mount Pleasant Road. We ran under the railway line and we turned left onto the A5191. At the roundabout we did a u-turn and we headed Southwards down the A5191. We ran Southwards into Shrewsbury and we went under the railway line. We turned right onto Smithfield Road and we turned left into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we visited the toilet. We walked out for the bus station and we saw First Lakeside 44971 on Layover.

First Lakeside 44971 in Shrewsbury bus station

We decided to go and get cake so we headed onto Smithfield Road. We walked around the corner and on the way to the cake shop we saw Arriva Midlands 2976 on a #512 to Shrewsbury.

Arriva Midlands 2976 in Shrewsbury

We arrived at the cak shop and Matthew had a huge slice of millionaire's shortbreab and a can of Coke. We walked back along Smithfield Road to the bus station and Matthew ate the millionaire's shortbread. We sat and wayched buses for a while. We sa Select Bus 3 on a arrive on a #96 service from Telford before going over to the layover area.

Select Bus 3 in Shrewsbury bus station

We took a few more picture and we headed into the bus station to catch another bus. A short time later we saw a bus come onto the stand. We saw it was Arriva Midlands 2960 on a #11 to Bicton Heath.

Arriva Midlands 2960 in Shrewsbury bus station

We got on the bus and and we flashed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus before the bus set off out off the bus station onto the A458. We went around the Welsh Bridge. We turned left onto Copthorne Road. We ran down Mytton Oak Road and we turned into the hospital and as we travelled through the hospital the Hospital. We turned right onto Mytton Oak Road. We continued through Bowbrook. We turned right onto Gains Park Way. We headed down the hill into Bicton Heath. We turned right onto Gains Avenue and we turned left onto Gains Park Way and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 2960 as it continued towards Shrewsbury.

Arriva Midlands 2960 in Gains Park

Once off the bus we had planned to wait around for a while and catch the next #11, but as we settle down in the stop we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Tanat Valley 235 on a X77 to Shrewsbury. We got on the bus and we purchased singles to Shrewsbury at £1.60 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down Gains Park Way and we continued through Bowbrook. We turned left onto Mytton Oak Road and we turned into the hospital where they are building some new hospital wards. We turned left onto Mytton Oak Road and we ran down Copthorne Road. We ran forwards onto the A458. We went around the Welsh Bridge. We turned left onto the A458 and we turned right into the bus station we got up and got off the bus and Matthew took a picture of Tanat Valley 235 before it went off to the layover area.

Tanat Valley 235 in Shrewsbury bus station

We looked across the road and we saw Arriva Midlands 2975 on layover.

Arriva Midlands 2975 in Shrewsbury bus station

We considered what to catch next so we headed inside the bus station. Whilst there we saw Select Bus 6 on a #436 to Bridgnorth.

Select Bus 6 in Shrewsbury bus station

We had a look around to see what we could catch. A few minutes later we saw a bus pull on stand. As it ot closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 2984 on #11 to Bicton Heath.

Arriva Midlands 2984 in Shrewsbury bus station

We got on the bus and and we flashed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus before the bus set off out off the bus station onto the A458. We went around the Welsh Bridge. We turned left onto Copthorne Road. We ran down Mytton Oak Road and we turned into the hospital and as we travelled through the hospital the Hospital. We turned right onto Mytton Oak Road. We continued through Bowbrook. We turned right onto Gains Park Way. We headed down the hill into Bicton Heath. We turned right onto Gains Avenue where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew got another picture of Arriva Midlands 2984 as it continued on the #11 to Shrewsbury.

Arriva Midlands 2984 in Bicton Heath

We walked down Gains Avenue and we headed thruogh a passgeway onto the A458. We crossed over the road and we went into the Co-op. We bought a bottle of Coke and a chocolate bar. Once we had finished we paid for our stuff and we headed out of the shop. We crossed the A458 and we headed down the passageway. We went back to the same stop and we waited for the bus. Whilst we waited Matthew had a Milky Way. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 2960 on a #11 to Shrewsbury.

Arriva Midlands 2960 in Bicton Heath

We got on the bus and and we flashed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus before the bus set off down Gains Avenue. We turned left onto Gains Park Way and we continued through Bowbrook. We turned left onto Mytton Oak Road and we turned into the hospital. We turned left onto Mytton Oak Road. We ran down Copthorne Road. We ran forwards onto the A458. We went around the Welsh Bridge. We turned left onto the A458 and we turned right into the bus station we got up and got off the bus. We headed to the toilet but the toilet had shut. I suggested to Matthew we caught a bus out asap and got to Tesco. We looked across and we saw a bus we could catch. We saw it was Arriva Midlands 3692 on a #64 to Market Drayton.

Arriva Midlands 3692 in Shrewsbury bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Shropshire and Telford Day Saver ticket for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Raven Mwadows and we turned right onto the A458. We turned left onto Chester Street and we turned right onto Cross Street and under the railway line. We turned left onto the A5191 and we headed Northwards out of town. I explained to Matthew that we could only go so far on this bus if he wanted to get 6 or more buses in for the day. We passed the roundabout with the Heathgates pub and we joined the Northbound A5112. We continued Northwards into Harlescott and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3692 before it returned on a #25 to Shrewsbury.

Arriva Midlands 3692 in Harlescott

We crossed over Harlescott Lane and we headed into Tesco. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we bought a chcoclate bar. We walked across to where mum had parked the car. We got in the car and Matthew had a can of Cheery Coke. We set off out of the tesco car park and we turned left onto the Northbound A52. We travelled through Upper Astley for around 5 miles and into Shawbury. We stopped nin Shawbury. I went to the chip show and Matthew and mum went to the Co-op and bought a bottle of Dr Pepper and a chocolate bar. We went back to the car and Matthew had sausage chips and gravy. We set off onto the A53 and we headed Northwards. We crossed over the A41 and Northwards towards Market Drayton. We ran along the Market Drayton by-pass and we continued Northwards towards Loggerheads. we crossed over the A51 and up through Whitmore. We ran Northwards towards Newcastle and we turned right onto Trentham Road. We turned left onto the A519. We joined the Northbound A500. We ran through Hanford up to Stoke and we came off the A500. We turned right onto City Road and right again to go Southwards onto the A500. We veered left onto Wheildon Road and we went to uncle Dave's. We dropped off uncle Dave and Matthew got out to use the toilet and afterwards went to see uncle Rob. He also had some Fanta Orange and updated the calendar. Once we had dropped off uncle Dave we set off onto Wheildon Road. We ran forwards onto Grove Road and we saw green minibus R482 NDM parked up. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto the A5035 and we got back to Blurton around 20:00. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we did some of the Blog. We also wrote a few emails and generally used the computer to entertain ourselves. We did some of the Blog and Matthew got ready for bed. Matthew settled down around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Newcastle / Longton 19-06-2023

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67152	Fenton, adj Royal Oak	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
63098	Hanley BS	Fenton, Victoria Place	6A	First Potteries
111	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	1	D&G Bus
67157	Newcastle BS	Trent Vale, adj Black Lion	22	First Potteries
63110	Trent Vale, adj Black Lion	Longton TI	22	First Potteries
114	Longton, stop E	Fenton, adj Travers Court	1	D&G Bus

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus. 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 Afford rent-a-car BG72 UEX.

Afford rent-a-car BG72 UEX in Fenton

We went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw Temple Street church minibus RX18 GZW. We carried on along Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We waited for a bus towards Hanley. We continued along Christchurch Street. We onto City Road. We continued onto Glebedale Road and we went to the doctors. We returned to the residential unit along Baker Street and right onto Christchurch Street. We waited for a bus towards Hanley. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67152 on a #23 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road. and we joined the A52 to go under the railway line and over the A500. We continued onto Church Street and into the centre of Stoke. After a brief stop we continued around the one-way system onto Elenora Steet and right onto Copeland street. We turned left onto Glebe Street and we went under the railway line before turning left onto Station Road. We went past the railway station and and turned right. We ran up Stoke Road and we turned right onto Avenue Road. At the roundabout we turned left onto College Road. After running the hill through Shelton we continued onto Cleveland Road and forwards onto Regent Road. We turned left onto Lower Bethesda Street and we crossed over the ring road onto Bethesda Street before we turned right onto John Street. We ran up the hill into the bus station and onto stand. Once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. In the bus station and we walked up Lichfield Street. We continued onto Stafford Street and we turned right onto Percy Street and we turned right onto Tontine Street. We stopped at Wrights Pies and Matthew had a sausage roll, can of Coke and a Manchester Tart. When we had finished in the shop we set off across Tontine Square and into the market. We sat down and Matthew ate his sausage roll washed down with a can of Coke and a Manchester Tart. Afterwards we went to the floor above into the shopping centre and we went up to the First Floor. We headed upstairs to the toilet and afterwards went out of the shopping centre onto Tontine Square and along Tontine Street. We walked down Lichfield Street and back to the bus station. We waited for a bus back towards Fenton. A short time later we saw First Potteries 63113 on a #4 to Audley. As it got closer we saw that it was First Potteries 63098 on a #6A to Blythe Bridge. We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto the ring road and we turned right onto Lichfield Street and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed the roundabout onto Victoria Road and we ran up the hill into Fenton. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. One off the bus we set off on foot onto City Road and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned right onto Temple Street and we returned to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. We went downstairs and we cut through onto City Road. We walked down to the bus stop outside the flats and we waited for a bus towards Newcastle. A few minutes later we saw D&G Bus 111 on a #1 to Park Site.

D&G Bus 111 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into 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. hospital. As we travelled through the hospital we saw ABC Supreme YA67 VBB. 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 to the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we went down to the bottom end of the bus station and we saw First Potteries 67157 on a #22 to Longton.

First Potteries 67157 in Newcastle bus station

Afterwards we waited for a bus back to Trent Vale. A few minutes later we saw Arriva Midlands 3692 on a #64 to Hanley.

Arriva Midlands 3692 in Newcastle bus station

Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 35940 on a #25 to Keele.

First Potteries 35940 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Longton before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road and we ran Southwards onto the A34. We turned left into the hospital and we ran through the the grounds. We turned right onto Hilton Road and forwards onto Harpfields Road. We ran to the end and we turned left onto the Southbound A34 and we continued into Trent Vale where we got up and got off the bus. We walked into the pub and we sat down at our one our normal tables. Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Highlights of the bus sightings included ABC Supreme KX13 DZL going North and First Potteries 65034 on a #101 to Stafford. Once we had finished eating we cut through onto the A34 and we waited for a bus towards Longton. A short time later we saw it turn the corner and as it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63110 on a #22 to Longton. We got on the bus and we booked to Trent Vale before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A34. We ran under the A500 into Hanford. and we turned left onto Church Lane. We climbed to the top of the hill and we turned right onto Wilson Road. We turned left onto New Inn Lane and we ran into Trentham. We turned left onto the A5035 and we crossed over the railway line into Blurton. We passed the end of Stanley Matthew Way and we turned left onto Magdalen Road. At the junction we followed the road around to the right onto Finstock Avenue. We turned left onto Beaconsfield Drive and we ran through the estate to the other end. We turned left onto Church Road and at the the roundabout we turned left onto Blurton Road. We ran to the bottom of the hill and we turned right onto Longton Hall Road. We ran up the hill and we ran forwards onto Heathcote Street. We turned left onto the high level A50 and at the roundabout we turned right onto Baths Road. We ran past Tesco before turning right into Longton Interchange. Once off the bus Once off we walked over to Tesco and Matthew used the toilet. After we had used the facilities we walked past the bus station and we walked through onto The Strand and we ran under the railway line onto King Street to wait a bus back to Fenton. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 114 on a #1 to Park Site.

D&G Bus 114 in Longton

We got on the bus and we booked to Longton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along King Street. We ran through Foley into Fenton and forwards onto City Road. We went past KFC and we got up and got off. We walked down City Road and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. Matthew took some batteries and We went downstairs to Meir to go out to see the site of the new school in Meir in an intercity taxi. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Baker Street and left onto Glebedale Road. We turned right onto City Road and we ran through Fenton. We continued onto King Street and through Foley into Longton. We went under the railway bridge into Market Street and we continued onto Uttoxeter Road. We ran through Normacot and then we joined the A50. We ran fast up to Meir and then we came off the A50 we turned right onto onto Broadway and we turned right onto Box Lane and we arrived at Abbey Hill. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we went on the bouncy castle. Afterwards we returned to Fenton in a taxi. We walked out onto Box Lane and we saw it was a Lucky Seven taxi. We got in the taxi and we set off along Box Lane. We ran forward onto Uttoxeter Road and forward onto Railway Road. We turned left onto the A50 onto Broadway. At the roundabout we turned right onto the and we turned right into Waterhead Road. We ran through to Upper Belgrave Road where we saw Premier Travel YD63 UMC. We turned right onto Lightwood Road and into Longton. We crossed over the A50 and we ran down The Strand. After a brief stop we ran down under the railway bridge 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 Newcastle / Hanley 17-12-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
69163	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
37158	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	25	First Potteries
67152	Hanley BS	Fenton, Victoria Place	6	First Potteries
69148	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
65035	Newcastle BS	Newcastle, Adj Cherry Tree	101	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to going out on the bus and going to Grandma 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 Aimee's KE05 MMF. We went downstairs and we set off onto City Road. We waited at the bus stop by the flats for a bus towards Newcastle. Whilst we waited we saw Travel Express ML08 ODU. A short time later we saw First Potteries 69163 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 69163 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre along Church Street. After a brief stop in Stoke we continued along church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road. We ran up the hill and into Hartshill. We ran forwards onto George Street and we ran down the hill into Newcastle. We turned left at the roundabout onto Barracks Road and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once we got off the bus we saw First Potteries 63173 on a #4 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63173 in Newcastle bus station

We walked out of the bus station onto Castle Walk and we visited Poundland. When we had finished shopping we walked up Castle Walk and we turned right onto Ironmarket past the old RBS bank which has now The Bank Space. We turned left onto High Street past the old Santander bank which has now closed. We visited a cash machine and we withdrew some money and we stopped at McDonalds. Matthew had a burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. Once we had finished we walked down High Street and we turned left into Hassell Street. We returned to the bus station and we waited for a bus to Hanley. After a short while we saw First Potteries 37158 on a #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 37158 in Newcastle bus station

Also in the bus station was First Potteries 69162 on a #11 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we went upstairs and sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station onto barracks Road and we ran down onto the Southbound A34 where we saw First Potteries 65004 on a #22 to Longton. we turned left. As we traveled through the hospital we saw ABC Supreme YO69 AYZ, West Midlands Ambulance YJ69 EBZ and First Potteries 32649 on a #25 to Keele. We came out of the hospital and turned left onto Hilton Road. We ran into Hartshill and we turned right onto the A52. We continued onto Albany Road and we turned right onto The Avenue. At the end of the road we turned right onto the A52 and we ran through Hartshill and down the hill into Stoke town centre. We went forwards onto and along Church Street. After a brief stop we continued along the A52, over the A500 and under the railway line. We followed the A52 to the left and we ran alongside the railway and onto Station Road. We passed the railway station and we turned right onto Stoke Road. We turned right onto Avenue Road and left onto College Road to re-join the normal route. We ran up the hill through Shelton and we followed the road to the right onto Cleveland Road and Regent Road. We turned left onto Lower Bethesda Street and we crossed over the ring road, continuing onto Bethesda Street. We turned right onto John Street and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. We waited for a bus to Fenton and a short time later we saw First Potteries 67152 on a #6 to Park Hall.

First Potteries 67152 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Longton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. Whilst we waited for departure time we saw First Potteries 67650 on a #3 to Crewe. We set off out of the bus station onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto the ring road and we turned right onto Lichfield Street and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed the roundabout onto Victoria Road and we saw Stanton's of Stoke IXZ 272. We ran up the hill into Fenton. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we set off on foot up Victoria Road and we went sharp right onto City Road. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we turned right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs and back to his room. Matthew used his computer and watched television in his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. We went downstairs and we cut through onto City Road and we waited for a bus towards Newcastle. Whilst we waited we saw white minibus DU70 JMO going towards Stoke. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 69148 on a #11 to Newcastle. We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre along Church Street. After a brief stop in Stoke we continued along church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road. We ran up the hill and into Hartshill. We ran forwards onto George Street and we ran down the hill into Newcastle. We turned left at the roundabout onto Barracks Road and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. We waited for a bus towards the hospital. A short time later we saw Arriva Midlands 3692 on a #164 to Market Drayton. A short time later we saw First Potteries 65035 on a #101 to Stafford. We got on the bus and we booked to The Cherry Tree before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road. We ran Southwards onto the A34. We got up and got off the bus by the Cherry Tree. We got off the bus. Once off the bus we headed up the hill towards Grandma's. At Grandma's Matthew had toast and a can of Irn Bru and used her computer. For tea Matthew had a sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Coke. When it was time to go we said goodbye to Grandma and we got in the car. we set off onto Occupation Street and we saw white minibus YX02 FTD. We turned left onto the A34. We ran down into Trent Vale past the site of a new Greggs. We continued through Trent Vale and we parked up at the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a a glass of Coke. Highlights of the bus sightings included First Potteries 65038 on a #101 to Hanley. Once we had finished eating we set off to Fenton. We got in the car and we ran down the A34 and we turned left onto London Road and we ran through Oak Hill past the former Oak Hill pub. We continued through the the West End before running into Stoke Town centre and Campbell Place and onto the one way system. We followed the one-way system to the left onto Church Street and we veered left onto Liverpool Road. We veered right onto Elanora street and we followed the road to the right onto Copeland Street. We ran forwards onto Glebe Street and we followed the one way-system onto Church Street. We crossed over the A500 and we ran forwards onto City Road. We went under the railway line and we ran up City Road into Fenton. We turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. Later on Matthew had a bath and had toast for supper. Matthew went on his computer until bedtime around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Telford / Shrewsbury 12-10-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3793	Telford BS	Wellington BS	4	Arriva Midlands
3322	Wellington BS	Leegomery, Millstream Way	4	Arriva Midlands
3334	Leegomery, Millstream Way	Oakengates BS	4	Arriva Midlands
3752	Oakengates BS	Telford BS	5A	Arriva Midlands
2989	Telford BS	Shrewsbury BS	X5	Arriva Midlands
3692	Shrewsbury BS	Harlescott, Tesco	24	Arriva Midlands

Today we decided to re-visit Telford. It had been quite a while since Matthew had been, and he had seen that I had to visit Telford the week before with work. Research consisted of checking the area of the Telford Arriva Day Saver and checking the weather which was for mainly dry weather with some cloud and showers. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 12:00 onto the A5035 and we headed over the railway line into Trentham. We passed First Potteries 63177 on a #22 to Longton. We turned right onto the A34 and we headed North. At the next junction we turned left onto Whitmore Road. We turned left onto the A519 and we ran Southwards. We went under the A519 and we continued Southwards over the A51. We ran through Cotes Heath and we crossed over the West Coast main line at Mill Meece. We continued Southwards for another 3 miles or so and into Eccleshall. We turned right onto High Street and we parked up. We went to Star Cafe and Matthew visited the toilet. For dinner Matthew had sausage egg chips and beans with 2 rounds of bread and butter. He washed this down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we returned to the car and continued towards Telford. We set off along the High Street and we turned left onto Kerry Lane. We turned left onto Shaws Lane and we turned right onto Cross Butts. We turned right onto Newport Road and we headed towards Wootton. As we headed South we passed D&G 170 on a #14 to Hanley. We continued Southwards through Woodseaves and towards Newport. On the edge of town we joined the Southbound A41 where we saw Stafford Grammar minibus YT17 BFX. Just to the South of Newport we joined the A518. We continued South through Lilleshall and Donnington and when we got to Trench Lock we turned left onto the A442. We went under the M54 and we came off the A442 near to Telford Central railway station. We turned right onto Hollinsgate and we accidentally turned left onto Dale Acre Way. After turned the car around we turned right onto Grange Central and We turned right onto Northfield Street. We turned left into the car park and we parked up. We said goodbye to mum and we walked back onto Northfield Street towards the bus station. As we crossed over by the bus station we saw Arriva Midlands 3748 on a #5 to Stafford.

Arriva Midlands 3748 in Telford bus station

On layover just inside the bus station was Arriva Midlands 3323.

Arriva Midlands 3323 in Telford bus station

We walked into the bus station and we looked for the toilet. The old entrance to the shopping centre so we walked up and down to try and find a way into the shopping centre. We went out of the bus station past a Costa Coffee and we saw and new entrance. The toilets were right by the entrance. Once we had used the facilities we walked back into the bus station we looked for nsomething suitable to catch and we spotted Arriva Midlands 3793 on a #4 to Leegomery.

Arriva Midlands 3793 in Telford bus station

We got on the bus and we booked a Telford Day Saver ticket at £4.50 each before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Northfield Street and we turned left onto Grange Central. We ran forwards onto Hollingsgate and we crossed the A442 and we turned into the railway station. After stopping outside the station we returned back to the roundabout and we joined the Northbound A5. We turned left onto the B5061 and we ran West past Wickes and back over the A442. We joined Station Road and we ran North to Oakengates. Outside the railway station we Uxacona Way and we ran Northwards around the town centre and into the bus station. We left the bus station onto Uxacona Way and we ran down to the railway station. We turned right onto Lions Street and we ran out of town and we joined the westbound B5061. We ran West for a couple of miles through Ketley and we went past the Telford United ground where we saw an unidentified York Pullman coach which was the York City team coach. We turned right onto Mill Bank and forwards onto King Street. We crossed the railway line and we turned right onto Victoria Road and we crossed back over the railway line. We then turned right into the bus station, a small terminus next to the railway station. We got off the bus and we had a quick wander around. We visited the toilet at the top end of the bus station and Matthew used the facilities. When we got back into the bus station we had a choice of 2 buses to do. Arriva Midlands 3330 was on a #4 to Madeley and Arriva Midlands 3322 was on a #4 to Leegomery.

Arriva Midlands 3322 in Wellington bus station

We decided to do Arriva Midlands 3322 and we waited for the driver to ready the bus for service. We got on the bus and we put the tickets under that scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto National Cycle Route 81 and we crossed over the railway line. We turned left onto King Street and we ran forwards onto Whitchurch Street. We turned right onto Apley Avenue and at the roundabout we went into the grounds of The Princess Royal Hospital. We ran through the hospital and we turned left onto Grainger Drive passing Arriva Midlands 3793 that we had been on a few minutes previously. At the roundabout we turned left onto Pool Farm Avenue. We turned right onto Leegate Avenue and we ran past Leegomery Pool. As we approached the roundabout we got up to get off the bus. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 3322 before we got off.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3322

Once off the bus we sat at the stop and Matthew a Crunchie from out of the trip bag. We had a 12 minute wait for the next bus on the circuit. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was required Arriva Midlands 3334 on a #4 to Madeley.

Arriva Midlands 3334 in Leegomery

We got on the bus and we placed the Telford Day Saver tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along Leegate Avenue and at the roundabout we turned right onto Grainger Drive. We ran around the housing estate and at the roundabout we continued onto Grainger Avenue back on the main part of the route. We turned right onto The Princess Royal Hospital and we ran through the grounds. We ran forwards onto Apley Avenue and we turned left onto King Street. We turned right onto National Cycle Route 81 and we saw 24/7 Sovereign coach GXZ 4247. We turned into the bus station and we stopped in the bus station for a few minutes. We set off out off the bus station onto Victoria Road and we turned right onto King Street and we ran through town and onto the B5061. We ran East for a couple of miles and we ran into Oakengate. We turned left onto Hartshill and we ran into town. By the railway station we turned left onto Uxacona Way and around the North end of town before entering the bus station. We got off the bus Matthew took another picture Arriva Midlands 3334 before it continued onto Madeley.

Arriva Midlands 3334 in Oakengates bus station

Once off the bus we walked into town and we visited the Co-operative food store. Matthew had a small can of Coke and a few chocolate bars. We paid for our stuff and we headed back to the bus station. We sat in the bus stop and Matthew had a Bounty whilst we waited for the bus. A few minutes later we saw required Arriva Midlands on a #5A to Telford.

Arriva Midlands 3752 in Oakengates bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Telford Day Saver tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We ran down Uxacona Way and by the railway station we turned left onto station Road. We crossed over the A442 and we ran East along the B5061 until we got to the A5. We went South over the M54 and we headed to Telford railway station. There we nobody there to get on or off the bus so we came straight back out and onto the roundabout. We crossed over the A442 and onto Hollinsgate before going forwards onto Grange Central. We turned right onto Northfield street and we ran into the bus station. Once off the bus Matthew spotted Arriva Midlands 2989 on a X5 to Shrewsbury. As the bus service appears on the Telford area map I assumed it stopped somewhere with the area.

Arriva Midlands 2989 in Telford bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Shrewsbury Day Saver tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Northfield Street. We turned right onto Hall Park Way and we ran down to the motorway. We joined Westbound M54 and forwards onto the A5. We knew we wouldn't be returning to Telford, so arranged with mum to meet us Harlescott. We ran fast for around 20 minutes to the edge of Shrewsbury on to the Southern by-pass. We turned right onto A5064 and we headed Northwards into town. We ran past Lord Hill's Column and we saw Arriva Midlands 2517 on a #8 to Sutton Farm. We ran forwards onto Abbey Foregate and as we approached the Abbey we saw Boulton's YJ04 GYP emerge from a car park on the West side of the road. We went around the English Bridge Gyratory and we crossed over the bridge. We ran forwards onto Wyle Cop and we passed Arriva Midlands 2980 on a #27 to Bayston Hill. We followed the one-way system around town and we turned right onto Barker Street. We turned right onto the A458 and we turned right into the bus station. Once off the bus we crossed over to the layover area. We saw Arriva Midlands 2148 on a #19 to Telford.

Arriva Midlands 2148 in Shrewsbury bus station

We walked into the bus station and Matthew used the toilet. We then returned to the outside stops to take a few pictures. We saw Minsterley Motors YJ65 EVW arriving in town.

Minsterley Motors YJ65 EVW in Shrewsbury bus station

We stood by the #64 stop and we watched buses coming and going from the bus station. On stand we saw Arriva Midlands 2500 on a #8 to Sutton Farm.

Arriva Midlands 2500 in Shrewsbury bus station

A few minutes later we saw Arriva Midlands 3696 on a #436 to Bridgenorth.

Arriva Midlands 3696 in Shrewsbury bus station

Also seen was Arriva Midlands 2976 on a #11 to Gains Park.

Arriva Midlands 2976 in Shrewsbury bus station

We looked up the time of the next #24 or #25 bus up to Harlescott. A few minutes later we saw Arriva Midlands 3692 on a #24 to Harlescott.

Arriva Midlands 3692 in Shrewsbury bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Shrewsbury Day Saver ticket to the driver for what turned out to be the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. Whilst we waited for departure time we saw Arriva Midlands 3512 on a X70 to Oswestry. We set off of the bus station onto the A458. We joined the A528 and we followed the one-way system under the railway line. We turned left onto the A5191 and we ran Northwards. We turned right onto Newpark Road. We turned left onto Sultan Road and at the end we re-joined the Northbound A5191. We ran North to the roundabout and we turned right on the B5062. We turned left onto Featherbed Lane and right onto Alberbury Drive. We follwed the road through the estate and we turned right onto Featherbed Lane. We turned right onto Arlington Way and we crossed over the A5191 and we ran forwards onto road past the bus garage and Tesco. We stopped behind Tesco and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3692 before it returned on a #25 to Shrewsbury.

Arriva Midlands 3692 in Harlescott

Once off the bus we we walked up towards the car. On the way we saw Arriva Midlands 3693 on a Park & Ride service.

Arriva Midlands 3693 in Harlescott

Matthew wanted to go to the toilet, but the toilet block by the Park & Ride was locked up. We got in the car and we drove to KFC. Matthew used the toilet but the KFC app didn't work in the store because there was no wifi! We got back in the car and we decided to drive up to Shawbury to get some chips. We set off out off the Park & Ride sight onto the Northbound A5112. We joined the Northbound A53 and we travelled through Upper Astley for around 5 miles and into Shawbury. We parked up and mum and Matthew went to the Co-operative food store and I went to the chip shop. Matthew brought a bottle of Coke and I brought him sausage, chips and gravy. We met back up at the car and we continued our drive Northwards. As we ran up towards Market Drayton we passed an unidentified Alfa coach. We ran along the Market Drayton by-pass and we continued Northwards towards Loggerheads. we crossed over the A51 and up through Whitmore. We ran Northwards towards Newcastle and we turned right onto Trentham Road. We turned left onto the A519. We joined the Northbound A500 and we ran up towards Sideway. We joined the Eastbound A50 and we ran up Longton. We came off the A50 at Longton and we headed for Z Carz. We turned into Willow Row and we saw Z Carz Peugeot minibus SJ61 OPK.

Z Carz SJ61 OPK in Longton

Also seen was Ex Arriva Healthcare FS1SF. We saw new to Z Carz Peugeot minibus YA13 AMK appears to have arrived at Z Carz recently.

Z Carz YA13 AMK in Longton

We turned around and got back onto the A50 and we went Westwards to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road past the BP garage which the owners want to re-develop, and we ran through Blurton. We ran forwards onto Church Street and we turned right into Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 19:00. As we had already had chips in the car, latter on Matthew had a sausage roll and a jam filled shortbread biscuit. We spent time doing the e-mails and doing the Blog. We chilled out on the computer and watching telly until 01:00... Mark

Trip to Newcastle / Betley 04-11-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63098	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
63173	Newcastle BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	11	First Potteries
YJ62 RCO	Fenton	Alsager	Charter	Z Carz
YJ62 RCO	Alsager	Betley	Charter	Z Carz
YJ62 RCO	Betley	Fenton	Charter	Z Carz

Today Matthew was in residential and he was going to his day service. He was also going to visit a bonfire 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 42554 on a #11 to Newcastle. We set off onto City Road and we walked down to the bus stop to wait for a bus to Hanley. Whilst at the bus stop we saw First Potteries 67152 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67152 in Fenton

We stood at the stop to wait for next bus towards Newcastle. A short while later we saw First Potteries 63098 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63098 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre along Church Street. After a brief stop in Stoke we continued along church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road. We ran up the hill and into Hartshill. We ran forwards onto George Street and we ran down the hill into Newcastle. We turned left at the roundabout onto Barracks Road and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Whilst we decided what to catch next we saw D&G Bus 42 on a #2 to Westbury Park. We continued up Castle Walk and we turned right into Ironmarket. We stopped at the pub and matthew went to the toilet before having a glass of Coke. Matthew also had diner. He had a burger and fries followed by a chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. When we had finished we returned onto Ironmarket and we turned right onto Castle Walk we stopped at Heron Foods to buy some groceries. We then continued down Castle Walk and into the bus station. In the bus station we saw D&G Bus 158 on the 9 to Biddulph. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 67603 on a #22 to Longton. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 63173 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63173 in Newcastle bus station

We booked to Fenton and as the rear of the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 63173 before we sat down.

Inside First Potteries 63173

the bus waiting to depart, we saw required Arriva Midlands 3692 on a #164 to Market Drayton. We set off onto Barracks Road and we ran up to the Jubilee roundabout. We ran onto the A53 and around the one-way system onto the A52. We ran up George Street into Hartshill and we ran down the hill into Stoke town centre. After a brief stop we continued along Church Street out of Stoke and over the A500. We ran under the railway line and we continued onto City Road. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. We crossed over City Road and we saw First Potteries 67631 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67631 in Fenton

We walked back to the residential unit and we saw Stanton's of Stoke WK07 FLP on the Grove Road shuttle service. At the residential unit Matthew went up to his room to chill out and us his computer. Later on we went out for tea in Alsager on the way to Betley. The transport arrived and it was Z Carz minibus YJ62 RCO. We got on the bus and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and then we turned left onto City Road. We ran down the hill and onto the A52 before crossing under the railway line. We turned right onto the Northbound A500 and we ran up 2 junctions to the A53. We turned left onto Eruria Road and we ran up to Newcastle. After going around the one way system onto the jubilee roundabout we ran along the Ryecroft to the A34. We ran North up to Chesterton and we turned left onto the B5500. We ran through Bignall End into Audley and we went North up Alsager Road under the A500 and into Alsager. In the town centre we turned left onto the B5077. We ran west for around 1/2 a mile and we came to the Plough Inn. Mathew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. Matthew had a burger and chips followed by chocolate fudge cake. When it was time to go we went to Betley on Z Carz minibus YJ62 RCO. We got on the bus and we set off Westwards along the B5077 until we turned left onto the B5078. We ran down to junction 16 on the M6 and we ran around the roundabout to the Westbound A500. We ran along the single carriageway section and we turned left onto the A531. We ran Southwards for a few miles into Betley village and we parked up to watch the bonfire. Matthew watched the firework diplay and then returned to Fenton on Z Carz minibus YJ62 RCO. We got on the bus and we set off Southwards down the A531. We went under the M6 and we joined the Eastbound A525. We ran along Keele by-pass and down the hill towards Silverdale. We went straight onto through Thistleberry and we we entered Newcastle town centre. We joined the Northbound A34 and we turned right onto Ryecroft. At Jubilee roundabout we went onto the A53 and around the one-way system onto George Street. We continued onto Shelton New Road and we joined the Southbound A500. We ran along the high Level road through Stoke and we turned left onto City Road. We ran under the railway line and up the hill into Fenton before turning right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and 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.