Trip to Wigan / Ormskirk 27-05-2023

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4579	Wigan BS	Ormskirk BS	385	Arriva NW&W
4566	Ormskirk BS	Skelmersdale Concourse	375	Arriva NW&W
4578	Skelmersdale Concourse	Ormskirk BS	385	Arriva NW&W
4583	Ormskirk BS	Old Skelmersdale, War memorial	385	Arriva NW&W
3200	Old Skelmersdale, War memorial	Skelmersdale Concourse	310	Arriva NW&W
3035	Skelmersdale Concourse	Wigan BS	395	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to re-visit Wigan. Up to an hour before we set off we thought we might have to do a local trip because we thought mum was going to be stuck at work. When we found out that mum was coming home I gave Matthew a choice of where to go. He initially picked Warrington, but we ruled this out because there was a music festival there and would would be very busy and make it difficult to get fed and get the bus rides in. Eventually Matthew chose Wigan. We did no research other than to check the weather which was for warm sunny weather in the 20's. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We got ready to out and after mum came home we set off just before 12:00. We got in the car and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road. 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 down Wheildon Road and we joined the Northbound A500. There was some traffic on the A500 but this did not delay us too much. We ran up to Barthomley and we joined the Northboud M6. As we came onto the M6 we saw Angel Tours MX59 KTL. A few miles up the road and the coach caught up with us and Matthew got a picture of Angel Tours MX59 KTL as it came past us.

Angel Tours MX59 KTL on the M6

We continued up the M6 asnd we saw Parks of Hamilton LSK 813 / KSK 983, Sewyn's (NX) BM68 AHO(#540) / BX16 CKD(171), 2 unidentified Alba Travel coaches, Ellisons WSM 3 coach in Man City colours and Alpine AP13 ALP. We came off the the M^ at junction 25 and we joined the Northbound A49. Just South of the town we jan forwards onto the B5386 which used to be the A49 before it was diverted around the town centre. We ran under the railway line to Kirkby and at the big roundabout we joined the A577. We crossed over the Leeds and Liverpoo, canal and we turned left onto Wilcock Street. We turned left onto Miry Lane and right onto Prescott Street. We turned right onto Frog Lane and we went under the West Coast main line we turned right into Dorning Street and we parked up in the Mona Street car park. We walked up to the POst Office sorting office and we turned right onto Hallgate. We saw Stagecoach Manchester 36799 parked up on layover.

Stagecoach Manchester 36799 in Wigan

We walked along the path along the South end of the bus station and we went into the bus station and through onto Market Street. We went to The New Chippery and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards Matthew sat down with us and had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a bottle of Coke. When we had finished we said goodbye to mum and we headed back past the shopping centre which is having construction work done on it. We went into the bus station and almost Immediately we saw an Arriva double decker on stand. I asked Mtthew if he wanted to do this and he said yes. We saw it was Arriva NW&W 4579 on a #385 to Southport.

Arriva NW&W 4579 in Wigan bus station

We got on the bus and we brought an Arriva Day saver Duo ticket at £11.50 before we went upstairs and sat down. We saw Stagecoach Manchester 36796 on layover. We set off out of the bus station onto Hallgate and we continued onto Dorning Street. We turned left out of King Street West and we turned right onto Wallgate. We passed the 2 railway stations and we ran under the railway line and onto the A577. We ran to the Wigan Pier and at the big rounsabout we continued onto the A577 through Newton and into Pemberton. We continued Westwards over the M6 and into Orrell. We passed the point to which we had previously travelled and we continued along the A577. Near to the Wide Cross serv ice station we turned left to follow the A577 into Upholland. We turned right onto Newgate Road and left onto Windmill Road. We ran forwards onto the B5312 and we turned left onto Tanhouse Road. We ran forwards onto Digmoor Road and we ran around the loop before running forwards onto Gillibrands Road. At Thorn Island we turned right onto Whiteledge Road. We ran around Bone Islands and forwards onto Southway. We ran anti-clockwise around the Concourse Shping centre onto Northway and we went up the ramp to the small bus station located over part of the shopping centre. After a brief stop we set off out of the bus station onto Yeadon and onto Southway. We headed back Southwards onto Southway and we went around Bone Island onto the Westbound B5312. As we headed Weswards we saw a yard full of buses that contained buses and coaches. We turned right onto Westgate and right onto High Street. We turned left onto Church Road and left onto Kiln Lane. We ran to the end and we turned left onto School Lane. We turned left onto Neverstitch Road and left onto Ormskirk Road. We turned right onto Sandy Lane and we stopped outside the war memorial. We turned right onto Witham Road and we ran forwards onto the A577. We ran through Blaguegate and Lathom and we ran into Westhead. We ran the last 1 1/2 miles into Ormskirk and we turned right into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4579 as it continued towards Southport.

Arriva NW&W 4579 in Ormskirk bus station

We headed across the railway line along Moor Street and we went into the pub. We went into the Golden Lion and Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we headed to the bar and we bought a couple of glasses of Coke and we sat down. It was a very friendly pub and a couplke of the locals were chatting to Matthew. When we had finished we headed back out onto Moor Street and we crossed over the railway line and back to the bus station. We waited for something we could catch... anything Arriva in any direction. Whilst we waited we saw Stagecoach Lancashire 15747 on a #2A service to Preston.

Stagecoach Lancashire 15747 in Ormskirk bus station

Also seen was Arriva NW&W 2937 on a #310 to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 2937 in Ormskirk bus station

After a while we saw Charlton Minicoaches XFC 482 on a #6 service to the Scott estate.

Charlton Minicoaches XFC 482 in Ormskirk bus station

A short time later we saw a bus headinh towards Skelmersdale. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 4566 on a #375 to Wigan.

Arriva NW&W 4566 in Ormskirk bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the Day Saver Duo ticket under the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto Moor Street. We ran forwards onto the A577 and we headed Eastwards out of town we ran through Westhead and we continued Eastwards into Lathom. We continured through Blaguegate and we ran forwards onto Sandy Lane and we stopped outside the war memorial. We turned right onto Neverstitch Road we turned right onto School Lane. We turned right onto Flag Lane and right onto Church Road. We turned right onto High Street and we turned left onto Westgate. We turned left onto the B5312 and we headed Eastwards. At Thorn Island we turned right onto Whiteledge Road. We ran around Bone Islands and forwards onto Southway. We ran anti-clockwise around the Concourse Shping centre onto Northway and we went up the ramp to the small bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4566 before it continued towards Wigan.

Arriva NW&W 4566 in Skelmersdale

We headed into the Concourse Shopping Centre and Matthew went to the toilet. Afterward we came out into the bus station and we saw Arriva NW&W 3195 on layover.

Arriva NW&W 3195 in Skelmersdale

About 10 minutes later the driver came out, got into the bus and then drove off out of service. Whilst we waited for another bus we saw Stagecoach Merseyside 27261 on a #319 to Kirkby.

Stagecoach Merseyside 27261 in Skelmersdale

A short time later another we saw Arriva NW&W 2670 on a #310. This also went off out of service. After another few minutes we saw Arriva NW&W 4578 on a #385 to Southport.

Arriva NW&W 4578 in Skelmersdale

We got on the bus and we placed the Day Saver Duo ticket under the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the bus station onto Yeadon and onto Southway. We headed back Southwards onto Southway and we went around Bone Island onto the Westbound B5312. As we headed Weswards we saw a yard full of buses that contained buses and coaches. We turned right onto Westgate and right onto High Street. We turned left onto Church Road and left onto Kiln Lane. We ran to the end and we turned left onto School Lane. We turned left onto Neverstitch Road and left onto Ormskirk Road. We turned right onto Sandy Lane and we stopped outside the war memorial. We turned right onto Witham Road and we ran forwards onto the A577. We ran through Blaguegate and Lathom and we ran into Westhead. We ran the last 1 1/2 miles into Ormskirk and we turned right into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we had a short break and Matthew had a Caramel Freddo. Whilst sitting there we saw Stagecoach Lancashire 11102 on a EL1 Edgelink service to the local Edge Hill University campus.

Stagecoach Lancashire 11102 in Ormskirk bus station

We decided that we needed to start heading back towards Wigan. A short time later we saw Arriva NW&W 4583 on a #385 to Wigan.

Arriva NW&W 4583 in Skelmersdale

We got on the bus and we placed the Day Saver Duo ticket under the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto Moor Street. We ran forwards onto the A577 and we headed Eastwards out of town we ran through Westhead and we continued Eastwards into Lathom. We continured through Blaguegate and we ran forwards onto Sandy Lane and we stopped outside the war memorial where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4583 as it carried on towards Wigan.

Arriva NW&W 4583 in Old Skelmersdale

Once off the bus we headed into the pub. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we went to the bar. Matthew had glass of Coke and we stayed in the bar for a few minutes. After drinking his drink we headed outside to the bus stop and almost immediately we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 3200 on a #310 to Skelmersdale.

Arriva NW&W 3200 in Old Skelmersdale

We got on the bus and we placed the Day Saver Duo ticket under the scanner. The bus was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 3200 before we sat down.

Inside Arriva NW&W 3200

We set off from outside of the war memorial and we turned right onto Neverstitch Road. We turned right onto School Lane. We turned right onto Flag Lane and right onto Church Road. We turned right onto High Street and we turned left onto Westgate. We turned left onto the B5312 and we headed Eastwards. At Thorn Island we turned right onto Whiteledge Road. We ran around Bone Islands and forwards onto Southway. We ran anti-clockwise around the Concourse Shping centre onto Northway and we went up the ramp to the small bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew we saw another bus we could catch on an adjacent stand. We saw it was Arriva NW&W 3035 on a #395 to Wigan.

Arriva NW&W 3035 in Skelmersdale

We got on the bus and we placed the Day Saver Duo ticket under the scanner for the final time today. The bus was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 3035 before we sat down.

Inside Arriva NW&W 3035

We set off out of the bus station onto Yeadon and onto Southway. We headed back Southwards onto Southway and we went around Bone Island and forwards onto Whitelodge Road. At Thorn Island we turned left onto Gillibrands Road. We ran forwards onto Digmoor Road and we ran around the loop before turning right onto Clay Brow Road. We continued onto Ormskirk Road and we turned right onto Tanhouse Road. We ran up to the roundabout and headed back Southwards before joining the Eastbound B5312. We ran forwards onto Windmill Road before turning right onto the A577. We turned left to follow the A577 and we ran through Upholland. We paused briefly by the Co-op and we followed the road around to the North before turning sharp right to continue Following the A577. We ran through Orrell and we crossed over the M6 and into Pemberton. We ran the last 2 miles or so to the edge of town and we went over the big roundabout and over the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. We ran past Wigan Pier and we ran forwards onto Wallgate and under the West Coast Main Line. We past the 2 railway stations and we turned left onto King Street West. We turned right onto Dorning Street and we crossed Hallgate and into the bus station. We had messaged mum to let her know when we would be in the bus station. Matthew used the toilet before we walked towards Hallgate to wait for mum. She ssaid she had been delayed so we took a few bus pictures. We saw Stagecoach Manchester 19326 running out of service.

Stagecoach Manchester 19326 in Wigan bus station

Also seen was Stagecoach Manchester 19522 on a #8 to Leigh.

Stagecoach Manchester 19522 in Wigan bus station

Another vehocle seen was Stagecoach Manchester 36787 running out of service.

Stagecoach Manchester 36787 in Wigan bus station

Afterwards we saw Arriva NW&W 2995 on a #575 to Bolton.

Arriva NW&W 2995 in Wigan bus station

Mum called to say she was parked on Hallgate so we headed out of the bus station onto Hallgate and we got in the car. Matthew had a cup of Cherry Coke with ice. We drove up Hallgate and we turned right onto Dorning Street. We continued past the former Uncle Joes Mintball factory and we ran forwards onto Dearney Court. We turned left onto Frog Lane and left onto Prescott Street. We turned left onto Miry Lane and right onto Herbert Street. We turned left onto the A577 and we ran around the one-way system and around Wigan Pier. We crossed under the Liverpool line and we past the big roundabout. We continued Southwards to the A49 and we stopped at a chip shop. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy. After we had eaten our food we set off along the A49 and we ran the last few miles down to the motorway. Travelling back along the M6 we saw an unidentified Lloyds Coaches coach. We came off the M6 at junction 16 and we joined the Southbound A500. We ran through Talke and we saw Global Travel RU 5621 parked up in a layby with the engine cover open. We continued through Longport, Etruria and Stoke. We came off the A500 at Stoke and we veered off onto Whieldon Road and into Fenton. We dropped off uncle Dave and Matthew got out of the car to use the toilet, drink some of uncle Rob's Irn Bru and update his calendar. We got back in the car and we conrinued along Wheildon Road past the former Regent which is back up for sale. 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 at the roundabout we veered right onto Church Street. We turned right onto the A5035 and back to Blurton. Later on we did some more of the Blog and wrote an e-mail. Matthew ate a Cadburys Snack and we chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Wigan / Westhoughton 28-03-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
22354	Wigan BS	Westhoughton, Market St/Westhoughton Town Hall (Stop F)	540	Stagecoach Manchester
27824	Westhoughton, Market St/Westhoughton Church (Stop E)	Wigan BS	540	Stagecoach Manchester
4583	Wigan BS	Pemberton, o/s House 563 Ormskirk Road/Enfield Street‎	375	Arriva NW&W
36789	Pemberton, o/s House 563 Ormskirk Road/Enfield Street‎	Wigan BS	628	Stagecoach Manchester
19088	Wigan BS	Atherton Road/Hindley Green (Stop B)	32	Stagecoach Manchester
19520	Atherton Road/Hindley Green (Stop A)	Wigan BS	32	Stagecoach Manchester

Todays we decided to revisit Wigan and Westhoughton. The weather was forecast for grey and showery weather in most direction. We gave Matthew a list of places to go and from the list he chose Wigan. Since our last visit to Wigan, South Lancs Travel have been taken over by Rotala. Some vehicle have been scrapped and other have been brought in to replace them from around the Rotala group. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off just before 12:00 and we headed onto the A5035. As we turned onto the A5035 we saw D&G 157. The Burnley & Pendle 'Starship' liveried Versa was working the final day of the Blurton Plumline. We carried on Westward on the A5035 before turning North onto Stanley Matthews Way. We joined the Westbound A50 and then went North on the A500. We passed Express Motors coach 8297 ME going South. We joined the Northbound M6 and apart from a short queue forming around the roadworks at junction 17 the traffic was moving well. We were passed by 2 coaches. The first coach to pass us was Reptons Coaches REP 377.

Reptons Coaches REP 377 on the M6

Not far behind this was Greenline Holidays B13 GLC.

Greenline B13 GLC on the M6

We reached the junction for the M56 and we saw the Reptons Coaches vehicle leave the M6 here. Later we saw that a fellow Flickrite had posted a picture of the coach at Prenton Park. It had been taking Wimbledon fans to an away game against Tranmere Rovers. We carried on North up the M6 and we left the motorway at the A49 for the run into Wigan town centre. Traffic was slow moving as it often is going into town. We went under the railway line and past the two railway station before turning left towards the bus station, parking on the street just around the corner. We went for something to eat at the Courtyard Cafe. We had just arrived too late to have a breakfast. Matthew had a sausage and bacon sandwich and some fries washed down with a can of Coke. Whilst we waited for the for Matthew watched the people on the opposite table as they ate their breakfasts. All things considered Matthew was very calm about the situation... After we had finished eating we headed into the bus station to go and see what we could catch. First we saw dud Arriva NW&W 2680 on a #362 to Chorley.

Arriva NW&W 2680 in Wigan bus station

We had this bus into Bolton on the #534 on a very wet day in June 2012. Then we saw Rotala South Lancs 20825 on the stand opposite us.

Rotala South Lancs 20825 in Wigan bus station

We decided to walk down to the bottom of the bus station to see what was parked up between duties. Rotala South Lancs 20714 was about to work a #634 to Ince Bar.

Rotala South Lancs 20714 in Wigan bus station

Required Arriva NW&W 2980 was about to work a #352 to Orrell.

Arriva NW&W 2980 in Wigan bus station

We decided to do required Stagecoach Manchester 22354 which was about to work a #540 to Bolton via Westhoughton.

Stagecoach Manchester 22354 in Wigan bus station

We got on the bus and we booked System One bus only tickets at £5.20 each. We sat down near to the back of the bus and the bus set off out of town to the East. We travelled along Darlington Street East and we joined onto Manchester Road for the run into Hindley. We climbed up towards Castle Hill and we headed into the housing estate. We headed towards Hindley Green before turning and going past Greenbank industrial estate. We went North Eastwards towards Daisy Hill. As the back seat was now empty Matthew decided to take a picture.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 22354

We went through another housing estate before coming out on Market Street in Westhougton. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Manchester 22354 before it carried on towards Bolton.

Stagecoach Manchester 22354 in Westhoughton

We went into the Co-operative food store and Matthew had 2 cans of pop and two chocolate bars. It had now started to rain... We headed down Market Street to use the toilet. On the way we saw dud Stagecoach Manchester 21243 on the following #540 to Bolton.

Stagecoach Manchester 21243 in Westhoughton

After Matthew had used the toilet we crossed the road to wait for the bus back to Wigan. The next bus was at 15:07... there was a 15:07 #540 service and a #15:07 #715 service. Whilst we waited Matthew ate a fudge that we had purchased from the Co-op. Bang on time, Stagecoach Manchester 27824 appeared on the #540.

Stagecoach Manchester 27824 in Westhoughton

I asked Matthew if he wanted to do this bus and he said yes. It turned out it was dud... We had been on Stagecoach Manchester 27824 up to Pemberton on a #628 back in January 2013. We got on the bus and we flashed our System One tickets to the driver. We sat down towards the back of the bus. The rain had made the windows all steamy so we didn't see a lot on the return journey. We went back through Daisy Hill, Castle Hill, Hindley and Ince-in-Makerfield before coming into town from the East. It turned out that back n January 2013 Matthew was unable to get a picture inside this bus. When we go back into Wigan bus station Matthew was able to get a picture inside Stagecoach Manchester 27824 on this occasion.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 27824

We got off the bus and we saw Rotala South Lancs 20726 on a #635 to Appley Bridge.

Rotala South Lancs 20726 in Wigan bus station

We also saw Arriva NW&W 4583 come into the bus station.

Arriva NW&W 4583 in Wigan bus station

As we had never been on one of the new buses on the #375/385 service, we decided to do one up to Pemberton for a guaranteed quick score... We got on the bus and we flashed our System One tickets to the driver. We went upstairs and the bus was not full, but people were sitting scattered around the top deck. Matthew took a picture of the empty seats opposite to us.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4583

We set off out of the bus station and onto Dorning Street before turning into King Street West. We turned righ by Wigan Wallgate station and we passed wigan North Western station before going under the railway line. We went South down the A49 and past Wigan Pier before joining the A577 just after the large roundabout. As we joined the A577 we passed Warrington Coachways Alexander bodied minibus P180 UFM going into town. We carried on out of town and past the Halfway House. We got up and got off at the next stop just before the traffic lights. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4583 as it carried on towards Southport.

Arriva NW&W 4583 in Pemberton

We crossed the road and we stood at the stop awiating the next return service. There was a gap in the service, and the next bus due was a #352 from Orrell just after 16:00. Whilst we waited we saw required Stagecoach Manchester 22305 on a #621 Kitt Green circular.

Stagecoach Manchester 22305 in Pemberton

This was followed immediately by South Gloucester coach M339 EEC.

South Gloucester M339 EEC in Pemberton

To our surprise a late running #628 came around the corner from Norley Hall Avenue. It was required Stagecoach Manchester 36789...

Stagecoach Manchester 36789 in Pemberton

We got onto the bus and we flashed our System One tickets before sitting down towards the rear of the bus. The bus set off down the A577 and we joined onto the Northbound A49. We passed the West side of Wigan Pier and we turned under the railway line to go past the railway stations. We turned right onto King Street West and we headed up Dorning Street and into the bus station. When we got into the bus station we let Stagecoach Manchester 36789 empty and matthew got a picture inside the bus.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 36789

We decided to take Matthew up to the toilets. On the way we saw Rotala South Lancs 30536 on a #715 service to Bolton.

Rotala South Lancs 30536 in Wigan bus station

We also saw required Stagecoach Manchester 27827 on a #598 to Leigh.

Stagecoach Manchester 27827 in Wigan bus station

Whilst Matthew was in the toilet we saw required Stagecoach Manchester 19088 arrive on the #32 from Manchester. When matthew came out of the toilet was asked him if he wanted to do the E400 double decker and he said yes. As we headed towards the bus we stopped so Matthew could photograph a Ring & Ride minibus... It was Ring & Ride BV57 VGY.

Ring & Ride BV57 VGY in Wigan bus station

Required Stagecoach Manchester 19088 was starting to load up, so Matthew got a quick picture of this bus.

Stagecoach Manchester 19088 in Wigan bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed our System One bus only tickets. We went upstairs and the bus started to move off immediately. The bus took a similar route to the #540 as far as Hindley, along Darlington East Road and Manchester Road. We turned right towards castle Hill and we took a higher route across the housing estate. We crossed over the #540 route before coming out on Atherton road at the West end of Hindley Green. We went passed the T junction with the road to Leigh and we got up to get off the bus. As we stopped at the light Matthew noticed the lower saloon was empty and he took another picture inside Stagecoach Manchester 19088.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 19088

We got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Manchester 19088 as it carried on towards Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 19088 in Hindley Green

We crossed the road to wait for the next bus towards Wigan. The was a #598 due just before the hour around 17:00. The was also a #32 due a few minutes before we got to the stop. We couldn't remember passing one going the other way. As the time for the #598 got closer we saw a #32 approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required Stagecoach Manchester 19520.

Stagecoach Manchester 19520 in Hindley Green

We got on the bus and we flashed the driver the System One tickets for the final time today. We went upstairs, and as it was nearly empty Matthew took his empty bus picture immediately.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 19520

The bus set off Westwards along Atherton Road and we turned into the Castle Hill housing estate We headed North up to Slough Lane before heading back south into Hindley. We turned right onto wigan Road and we passed the park in Higher Ince before entering Ince-in-Makerfield. We went West along Darlington Road east and we entered the East end of Wigan before running through King Street West. We got off the bus and we were supposed to meet up with mum, but we had gotten back a few minutes earlier than I anticipated that we would. We walked down to the bottom end to take a few more bus pictures. We then saw required Stagecoach Manchester 27825 on a #631 Highfield Grange circular service.

Stagecoach Manchester 27825 in Wigan bus station

This was followed by required Arriva NW&W 2690 on a #352 to Orrell.

Arriva NW&W 2690 in Wigan bus station

We set off back to the car the long way around... On layover in hallgate in between #600's was Stagecoach Manchester 19103.

Stagecoach Manchester 19103 in Wigan

We carried onto Dorning Street and we saw required Arriva NW&W 4177, which was on layover from working the #715 to Bolton.

Arriva NW&W 4177 in Wigan

Having briefly seen mum at the bus station before we wqlked the long way around, mum had walked back to the car the short way around and had driven up behind Arriva NW&W 4177. We got in the car were mum had Greggs sausage rolls and a can of Irn Bru waiting Matthew. We drove along Frog Lane and under the West Coast main line before under the Southport railway line and the line to Kirkby. We joined the Northbound A49 and we went around Wigan Pier to head South. We carried on South down the A49 and we stopped at the last petrol station before the motorway, the Shell station opposite Taybarns. On the forecourt at the same time was Ava Coach minibus SN03 SCZ. We joined the Southbound M6 and we made good time down to the A500. We did the A500 down to the A50 and we went East to Normacott. We came off the A50 at Normacott and we stopped to drop off some videos to someone Chaplin Road. We carried on down to Lightwood Road and we turned right to head towards Longton. We joined the high level A50 and we turned towards Z Carz to see what was on the spare ground. First in the row was Z Carz M372 NWN which appeared to be having some repair work done on it.

Z Carz M372 NWN in Longton

Next to that were 3 ford minbuses, the first of which was Z Carz PY08 KDX.

Z Carz PY08 KDX in Longton

This was followed by Z Carz FP06 WTW.

Z Carz FP06 WTW in Longton

Finally we had Airport Transfers minibus Z Carz MJ03 DPU.

Z Carz MJ03 DPU in Longton

We turned into Willow Row to see what was in the compound. In the compound tonight was Z Carz Mercedes minibus S952 VMY.

Z Carz S952 VMY in Longton

We headed back onto the A50 and we came off the A50 at Heron Cross. We headed into Blurton on Blurton Road and we passed First Potteries 60068 on a Longton bound #22 service. We got home just before 19:00. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by an egg custard. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:00... Mark