Trip to Newcastle / Trentham 30-09-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
6011	Fenton, Adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	1	D&G Bus
35942	Newcastle BS	Trentham Gardens	101	First Potteries
35689	Trentham, Poachers Cottage PH	Newcastle BS	101	First Potteries
63114	Newcastle BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	11	First Potteries
35950	Fenton, Lordship Lane	Hanley BS	6	First Potteries
63349	Hanley BS	Fenton, Alfred Street	6	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst in the room we went out on the bus to Newcastle. We went downstairs and we set off onto City Road. We walked down to the bus stop outside the flats. We stood at the bus stop and we waited for a bus towards Newcastle. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 6011 on a #1 to Park Site.

D&G Bus 6011 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. As we travelled through the hospital we saw Travel Express HF64 AJU. 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 we got off the bus we saw D&G Bus 46 on a #85 to Nantwich.

D&G Bus 46 in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 67142 on a #38A to Crackley.

First Potteries 67142 in Newcastle bus station

We walked out of the bus station and we waited for a bus towards Trentham Gardens. Eventually the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 35942 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 35942 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Trentham Garden 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 and we ran down through Trent Vale and into Hanford. We continued down through to Trentham where we saw ABC Supreme KX64 AFF. Near to the old entrance to the gardens we got up and got off the bus. We walked around the North end of the lake and we went to Totally delicious. Afterwards Matthew had washed down with can of Coke. Matthew had a ham sandwich washed down with cup of Coke. After finishing eating Matthew went to the toilet. Once we had finished eating we walked back through the main gate and onto the A34 to the old Gardens entrance where the bus stop is situated. We waited for a bus back towards Hanley. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 35689 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 35689 in Trentham

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off Northwards through Trentham. We continued North through Hanford and Trent Vale and we past the City General hospital before going into Newcastle. We turned right onto Barracks Road and we entered the bus station from the South end. We got up and got off the bus. Once in the bus station we waited for a bus back to Fenton. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 47519 on a #11 to Hanley. The bus appeared and it was First Potteries 63114 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63114 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. 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 walked back to the residential unit. Matthew went back upstairs to chill out in his room and use his computer and watch buses out of the window. We went downstairs We set of on foot onto City Road and we crossed over onto Manor Street. At the end of the street we turned left onto Victoria Road and we walked down the hill to the bus stop. We saw blue minibus BD06 VTM. A few minutes later a bus appeared and it was First Potteries 35950 on a #6 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked the Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down Victoria Road and towards Joiners Square. At the roundabout we went forwards onto Lichfield Street. We turned left onto the ring road and we turned right onto Bethesda Street and right onto John Street and into the bus station we saw First Potteries 35677 on layover. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we waited for a bus back to Fenton. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it First Potteries 63349 on a #6 to Coalville. 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. Once off the bus we set off on foot on the road at the back of Victoria Road. We turned left onto Manor Street for We stopped at the Fenton Community Hall and Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we had a drink of Coke. Matthew had a burger and chips. After we had finished we returned to the residential unit. We walked along Manor Street and we crossed over City Road and we turned right onto onto Temple Street and we returned to the residential unit. We went upstairs and back into his room. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. He watched television and used his computer. 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 Crewe / Winsford 08-06-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
30	Crewe BS	Winsford, Guildhall	31	D&G Bus
30	Winsford, Siddon Street	Sandbach Common	37	D&G Bus
577	Sandbach Common	Crewe BS	38	D&G Bus
46	Crewe BS	Leighton Hospital	12	D&G Bus
48	Leighton Hospital	Crewe BS	12	D&G Bus
4	Crewe BS	Nantwich BS	84X	D&G Bus

Today we decided to re-visit Crewe. No research was done for the trip other than to check the weather which was for dry weather with some sunshine. This would be our first visit to Crewe since Arriva withdrew from the area. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up at 09:45 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We got in the car and we set off around 11:45. 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. We ran up to Barthomley and we were hoping that the food van was going to still be in the layby, but it wasn't. Mum looked for somewhere in Crwew we vcould get food from and we set the sat-nav. We continued Westwards along the A500 over the railway line and we turned right onto the B5071. We ran past the DRS depot and under the railwy line and past the football ground. We turned left onto Catherine Street but we weren't able to park as there was a car right behind us. We ended uo continuing onto Frances Street and turning right onto the A534. We saw D&G Bus 136 on a #85 to Newcastle. We turned right onto South Street and we turned right onto Catherine Street. This time we were able to park up. A went around the corner and I fetch the food. Matthew had a sausage sandwich washed down with a can of Irn Bru. When we had finished eating we set off along Catherine Street and we turned right onto Wood Street. We turned left onto the A534 and right onto Edelstone Road. We turned left onto Wistaston Road. We turned right onto Flag Lane and left onto Hightown. We turned right onto West Street and we turned right into the Asda Car park. We paid for parking and we said goodbye to mum. On the way out of the car park we saw grey minibus SF68 HOJ parked up.

SF68 HOJ in Crewe

We walk across Victoria Street and we entered the new bus station from the North end. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we had a look at what we might catch. We saw Stagecoach Merseyside 15585 on a #84 to Chester.

Stagecoach Merseyside 15585 in Crewe bus station

A short time later we saw a D&G bus arrive at the other end of the bus station. As we got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 30 on a #31 to Northwich.

D&G Bus 30 in Crewe bus station

We got on the bus and we booked D&G Network Duo Day tickets at £10.50 before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station. We turned left onto Victoria Street. We turned right onto Hightown and we ran forwards onto Broad Street. We crossed the railway line and we turned left onto the B5076. We followed the road right at the roundabout and we turned left onto a new road that goes into Leighton Hospital. At the hospital there was a small bus station. We left the bus station area and we crossed turned right onto A530. We turned left onto Eardswick Lane and we turned left onto Cross Lane. We turned right and we headed Northwards up the B5074. We continbued to Glebe Green and we turned left onto Swanlow Drive. We turned right onto Darnhall School Lane and left onto Glebe Green Drive. We ran forwards onto Durham Drive and we turned left onto Dover Drive. We continued onto Mount Pleasnt Drive and we turned right onto Denbigh Drive. We turned left onto Beeston Drive and we re-joined the B5074. We turned right onto the A54 and when we got to the centre of Winsford we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of D&G Bus 30 as it continued towards Northwich.

D&G Bus 30 in Winsford

Once off the bus we went under the subway and across the carpark to Dene Drive. We went into the pub and Matthew had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we headed back towards what we though was the stop for Crewe. On the way we saw white minibus FL06 XSK.

FL06 XSK in Winsford

We looked at the map and we realised that the stop for Crewe was now on the other side of the road. We went under the subway and the next bus was going to be a #31. Matthew wanted to do a #37 to Sandbach. We decided to go to Cosat to pass the time. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards he had a slice of Millionaire's Shortbread and a bottle of Coke. When we had finished we still had a bit of time so we walked along the A54 to the next bus stop. We had already worked out that it was going to be the same bus that we got off earlier as the #31 and #37 interwork. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 30 on the #37 to Crewe.

D&G Bus 30 in Winsford

We got on the bus and we placed the D&G Network Duo ticket under the scanner before we sat down towads the back of the bus. We set off up the A54 and we ran up to the library. We turned left onto Dene Drive and left onto The Drumber. We turned left onto Dingle Lane and we turned right to re-joined the A54. We ran down to the roundabout and we turned right onto the A54 before we veered left onto Station Road and we ran along the narrow street towards Middlewich. At the roundabout we ran forwards into Winsford railway station. We did a lap of the car park and back out onto the main road. We turned right onto the A54 and we crossed over the railway line. We continued East for around 2 miles and we came into the West end of Middlewich. We ran around the one-way system and left onto the A54. After a brief stop at the main bus stop we turned right onto the A533. We turned right onto Long Lane South and right onto Warmingham Lane. We ran through the estate and we turned left Cross Lane. We turned right and we re-joined the Northbound A533. Due to a road closure the bus was diverted back into Middlewich. We ran alongside of the canal and back into Middlewich and we turned right onto the A54. We ran for quite a distance out of town and we crossed over the M6 at junction 18. We continued Eastwards along the A54 and we turned right to continue following the A54. We joined the Southbound A50 and we headed Southwards for a few miles before turning right onto the A5022. We turned right onto the the A534 and we crossed over the M6 at junction 17. We turned rigt onto Congleton Road and we ran into Sanbach and onto the Common where we got up an got off the bus. Once off the bus we took pictures. In front of our bus we saw D&G Bus 56 on a #37 to Northwich.

D&G Bus 56 in Sandbach

We headed to the the toilet and afterwards we visit the Morrison's Daily that used to be a McColls. Matthew had a botte of Dr Pepper and a Galaxy Caramel bar. We went outside to the common and we sat on a bench. We shared most of the large Galaxy Caramel bar and Matthew drank the botlle of Dr Pepper. A few minutes before the bus was due we got up and walked over to the bus stop. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 577 on a #38 to Crewe.

D&G Bus 577 in Sandbach

We got on the bus and paced the D&G Network Duo ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the common and we went Westwards out of the town onto Crewe Road and through Wheelock. We crossed the A534 and we ran through Wheelock Heath and Winterly, passed the pond. We continued into Haslington and turned left onto Crewe Road and we re-joined the B5077 towards Crewe Green. We crossed over the roundabout onto the Westbound A534 and we ran towards Crewe railway station. We past the railway station. We continued for around 1/2 mile before turning right into Edlestone Road. We ran into town crossing over the railway line and forwards onto Chester Bridge. We followed the road around onto Delamere Street and we turned right into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. We headed outside to get a few bus pictures. We saw First Potteries 67175 on a #3 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67175 in Crewe bus station

We were outside the bus station think about what we might catch next and we saw Routemaster Buses RML2515 go past the bus station.

Routemaster Buses RML2515 in Crewe bus station

We walked back into the bus station to see what we might catch next. A short time later we saw a Solo SR. A closer inspcetion revelaed it was D&G Bus 46 on a #12 to Leighton Hospital.

D&G Bus 46 in Crewe bus station

We got on the bus and paced the D&G Network Duo ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station. We turned onto West Street we turned North onto Underwood Lane. We turned left onto the B5076 and then we turned Northwards again onto Mablins Lane. We turned left onto Parkers Road before rejoining the B5076. We crossed a roundabout and then we took the next left into Leighton Hospital grounds. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of D&G Bus 46 before it carried on back to Shavington.

D&G Bus 46 in Leighton

We waied for a bus back to Crewe. Whilst we waited Matthew had the rest of the Galaxy Caramel and a single Cadbury's Twirl. We saw ERS Medical FJ22 FSL. A short time later we saw a bus going in the opposite direction. It was D&G Bus 60 on a #42 to Congleton.

D&G Bus 60 in Leighton

We looked on the bus map but the bus that we weanted to catch appeared not to be showing up on the map. A short time later the bus arrived. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 48 on a #12 to Shavington.

D&G Bus 48 in Leighton

We got on the bus and placed the D&G Network Duo ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the hospital and we turned right onto the new road. We turned left onto the B5076 and we turned left Parkers Road. We turned right onto Mablins Lane. We turned left onto Bradfield Road and left onto Cliff Road. We turned right onto Underwood Lane and we turned left onto West Street. We turned right onto Hightown and left onto Victoria Street and we entered the bus station from the North end. When we got back into the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of D&G Bus 48.

D&G Bus 48 in Crewe bus station

Matthew used the toilet and we decided that we would go to Nantwich on a #84X. Whilst we waited we saw D&G Bus 532 on a #37 to Northwich.

D&G Bus 532 in Crewe bus station

A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 4 on a #84X to Nantwich.

D&G Bus 4 in Crewe bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the System One bus only day ticket under the scanner. The bus was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside D&G Bus 4 before we sat down.

Inside D&G Bus 4

The bus set off out of the bus station and we went along Delamere Street and around the corner onto Chester Bridge. We went forwards onto Edleston Road and we turned right onto the A534 and we crossed over A51 at the Peacock Roundabout. Just before town we turned right onto Millstone Lane. By the tractor shop, we turned left onto Beam Street. We passed Marks & Spencer's and the library and we entered the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of D&G Bus 4 before it returned on a #84 to Crewe.

D&G Bus 4 in Nantwich bus station

Once off the bus we spotted mum on Market Street. As we were about to walk down to her we saw Stagecoach Merseyside 27889 on a #84 to Crewe. Behind that was Burland Coaches YN07 OZE on what appeared to be a work service.

Burland Coaches YN07 OZE in Nantwich bus station

We visited The Market Plaice and we brought food. We headed to the car on the Civic car park and Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Cherry Coke. We set off onto Beam Street and we turned right onto the B5074. We crossed over the railway line and we ran forwards onto the A51. We ran forwards onto Cheerbrook Road and forwards onto Green Lane. We turned right onto Eastern Road and right onto Rope Hall Lane. We turned left onto Main Road and we ran into Shavington. We turned left onto the B5071 and we ran Northwards. We turned right onto the A500. We ran through Talke, Longport, Etruria and Stoke. We came off the A500 and we saw Traveller's Choice SA17 ELB. 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 some carrot cake and we chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Hanley / Crewe 26-01-2020

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
124	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Hanley BS	23	D&G
65705	Hanley BS	Crewe BS	3	First Potteries
67649	Crewe BS	Hanley BS	3	First Potteries
124	Hanley BS	Fenton, Albert Square	23	D&G

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going on the bus to Crewe 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 Temple Street Church minibus RX18 GZW. 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 cut through onto City Road. We waited for a bus to Hanley. A short time later we saw the bus turned the corner and it was D&G Bus 124 on a #23 to Hanley.

D&G 124 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down City Road. 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 Street 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 due to roadworks we ran to the end of Station Road 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 where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we had a walk around the bus station we saw Park's of Hamilton BF68 LFJ on a # to Bournemouth.

Park's of Hamilton BF68 LFJ in Hanley bus station

We waited for a bus towards Crewe. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 65705 on a #3 to Crewe.

First Potteries 65705 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus. We booked to Crewe and as the rear of the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 65705 before we sat down.

Inside First Potteries 65705

We set off out of the bus station and onto John Street. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and we went straight across onto Marsh Street. We turned right up onto Trinity Street and we went past the former RBS now a new shop. We turned left onto Stafford Street. After picking up more passenger outside of Debenhams we followed the road around to the left and then back onto marsh Street. At the roundabout we went straight on onto Waterloo Road and we ran up the hill into Cobridge. We continued into Burslem and through the traffic lights onto Scotia Road. We went past the old Burslem PMT garage and we followed the road around to the left onto Williamson Street. At the corner we turned right onto Tunstall High Street. and we continued North onto the A50. We ran through Goldenhill and down the bank into Kidsgrove. We ran under the railway line and we passed the site of the new Lidl being built in Kidsgrove. We continued into Cheshire and we crossed over the A34. We continued into Church Lawton and then into Alsager. We continued Westwards along the B5077 under the M6 and into Radway Green. We followed the road to the right up Slaughter hill and we continued straight up into Haslington. We turned left onto Crewe Road and we re-joined the B5077 towards Crewe Green. We crossed over the roundabout onto the Westbound A534 and we ran towards Crewe railway station. We past the railway station and we continued for around 1/2 mile before turning right into Edlestone Road. We ran into town crossing over the railway line and forwards onto Chester Bridge. We followed the road around onto Delamere Street and we turned right into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we saw Arriva NW&W 2933 on layover in the bus station.

Arriva NW&W 2933 in Crewe bus station

On an adjacent stand was Arriva NW&W 2501 on a #84 to Chester.

Arriva NW&W 2501 in Crewe bus station

Also seen was D&G Bus 46 was on a #38 to Macclesfield.

D&G 46 in Crewe bus station

We set off onto foot onto Charles Street and we went past the former Wetherspoons pub, which will soon be demolished to make way for the Royal Arcades shopping centre development. We turned right onto Victoria Street and we visited a coffee shop. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards a had a sausage sandwich washed down with a bottle of Coke. Across the square we saw that Santander is no longer a bank anymore. We walked back along Victoria Street we turned left onto Charles Street and we returned to the bus station. We saw D&G Bus 122 on layover.

D&G 122 in Crewe bus station

We continued through the bus station and we walked through onto Market Square. We visited Subway. Afterwards we returned along Delamere Street into the bus station. We saw D&G Bus 128 on a #85 to Newcastle.

D&G 128 in Crewe bus station

Another vehicle seen arriving was D&G Bus 55.

D&G 55 in Crewe bus station

A few minutes later we saw Arriva NW&W 2499 on a #84 to Chester.

Arriva NW&W 2499 in Crewe bus station

We waited for the next bus back to Hanley. A short time later we saw First Potteries 67649 on a #3 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67649 in Crewe bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley, and as the rear of the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 67649 before we sat down.

Inside First Potteries 67649

Whilst we waited for departure time we saw D&G Bus 57 on a #38 to Macclesfield. We set off out of the bus station onto Delamere Street and we followed the road around onto Chester Bridge. We ran forwards onto Edleston Road and we turned left onto the A534. We ran past the railway station and we continued up towards Haslington along the B5077. We turned right onto Slaughter Hill and we ran back through Radway Green and into Alsager. We continued over the A34 and into Staffordshire and we ran under the railway line into Kidsgrove. We ran up the hill into Goldenhill and we continued into Sandyford. We joined Tunstall High Street where we saw City Centre Central YD63 UKW in the depot. We continued down the High Street and we ran through the town centre and joined Scotia Road near to Asda. We ran up into Burslem and we continued along the A50 into Cobridge. We ran down the hill to the edge of Hanley and we went around the ring road to Town Road and we ran into Hanley. We ran down Quadrant Road and forwards onto Stafford Street. We ran across the shared space past the town hall and onto Bagnall Street. We ran forwards into the bus station. We got off the bus and we waited for a bus back to Fenton. A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was D&G 124 on a #23 to Blurton.

D&G 124 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before we sat down. We set off onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We crossed over the ring road and we ran down onto Regent Road and forwards onto Cleveland Road. We ran down though Shelton along College Road. We turned right onto Avenue Road and left onto Stoke Road. We ran down the hill and we turned left onto Station Road and past the railway station. We turned right onto Glebe Street and under the railway line an we ran around the one-way system in Stoke and stopped by Stoke Minster. We turned left onto Church Street and we crossed the A500 and we ran under the railway line. After climbing up the hill into Fenton we turned right into Christchurch Street where we got up and got off the bus. We then walked back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. For tea Matthew had chicken and potatoes. Matthew went back to the room and went on his computer. Later on Matthew went out. We went downstairs and we and we got in the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road and we ran down the hill into Stoke. We ran under the railway line and we crossed over the A500. we ran around the one-way system onto Lonsdale Street and we followed the road to the right onto Fleming Road. We turned right onto Campbell Place and we rejoined Church Street. We ran forwards onto Hartshill Road and we went up the hill into Hartshill. We turned left into Newcastle and we stopped at the pub on the end of George Street. Matthew had a glass of Coke. when he had finished he returned to Fenton by car. We set off onto George Street and we ran forwards onto Hartshill Road. we ran through Hartshill and we went down the hill into Stoke. We ran down to Stoke and onto the one way system. We turned right onto Elenora Street and we followed the road around onto Copeland Street. We ran forwards onto Glebe Street and we followed the one way system onto Church Street. We crossed over the A500 onto City Road and we went under the railway line. We ran up the hill into Fenton and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs to Matthew's room to chill out. He used his computer and watched music videos on the Television. 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 Lichfield / Burton-on-Trent 04-06-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
46	Lichfield BS	Burton upon Trent, New Street	810	Midland Classic
85	Burton upon Trent, New Street (stand 6)	Swadlincote bus park	4	Midland Classic
78	Swadlincote bus park	Burton upon Trent, New Street (stand 8)	21	Midland Classic
81	Burton upon Trent, New Street (stand 6)	Lichfield BS	X12	Midland Classic

Today we decided to re-visit Lichfield. We checked the weather and it was for hot sunny weather all over the area with the chance of a thunder storm. Matthew woke up after being woken by the bouncy castle being inflated next door. It was little Alfie's birthday.Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off a little after 11:30 and we drove through Blurton onto Church Road. At Critchlow's Corner we veered left onto Blurton Road. We stopped at the shop to drop something off and then we continued to the A50. We went West and at Sideway we saw Shire Travel YD64 UYR. We went Southwards on the A500 and we passed an unidentified Den Caney Coach going the other way. We then joined the Southbound M6 and we passed PG Coaches AK04 KYJ and another Den Caney coach, DC52 DEN. We also passed Alfa 62.

Alfa 62 on the M6

Further down the M6 we saw Country Lion BU11 JSF & a plain green Holmeswood tri-axle coach with a small silver logo. We joined the A5 and we went East to the Truckers Rest where we stopped for dinner. Matthew went to the toilet and we ordered him a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. After we had finished we got back onto the Eastbound A5. We` passed the site of the old Shell garage on the corner of the A4601, which had demolished earlier this year. South of Cannock on the A5 we saw Arriva Midlands 2729 on a #71 to Wolverhampton, and NX West Midlands 4105 on a #10A. We joined the Northbound A461 and we ran the last few miles into Lichfield. We joined the A5190 at Pipehiil and we ran into town via Limburg Avenue & Saint Foy Avenue. We entered the town centre from the West and we went straight across onto Birmingham. We parked up in the car park behind the bus station and Matthew used the toilet. After he had finished we saw Arriva Midlands 3769 on a #7 to Burton-on-Trent.

Arriva Midlands 3769 in Lichfield bus station

As we came inti the car park, we saw a National Holidays coach parked up at the other end of the bus station. We decided to walk up and investigate what it was. As we got closer we saw that it was National Holidays NH13 BWH.

National Holidays NH13 BWH in Lichfield bus station

Whilst we were at the end of the bus station we saw Butler Brothers V10 BUT arrive...

Butler Brothers V10 BUT in Lichfield bus station

We turned to see a Midland Classic double decker arrive into the bus station. It was required Midland Classic 46, a dual door Wright Gemini double decker.

Midland Classic 46 in Lichfield bus station

Matthew decided to do this bus. The only slight snag was that it wasn't due of for another 20 odd minutes. In the meantime we decided to wait around and take a few more bus pictures. A few minutes later we saw Central Buses ex Transdev Versa YJ57 XVY on a X55 to Tamworth.

Central Buses YJ57 XVY in Lichfield bus station

This was followed by the arrival of another coach... It was National Holidays NH09 FRH which had arrived on a mystery excursion.

National Holidays NH09 FRH in Lichfield bus station

We also saw the own circular services. These were taken over by Midland Classic from Rotala Diamond earlier in the year. We saw Midland Classic 5 on a #822 town circular service.

Midland Classic 5 in Lichfield bus station

A few minutes later the other circular bus turn came into the bus station. it was Midland classic 4 on the #821.

Midland Classic 4 in Lichfield bus station

When it was was time to go Midland Classic 46 went onto stand and we got on the bus. We attempted to book a Midland Classic Day+ ticket, but the ticket machine appeared not to be working. Whilst the driver wrote out a handwritten ticket, Matthew took a picture inside the lower saloon on Midland Classic.

Inside Midland Classic 46

We went upstairs and Matthew took a picture of the top deck of Midland Classic before we sat down.

Inside Midland Classic 46

When it was time to depart the bus set off out of the bus station and we went North along Birmingham Road. We continued onto Church Street. We passed Lichfield Trent Valley railway station and we joined the Northbound A38. We ran fast up the A38 to Hilliards Cross and we went West on Wood end lane before turning right onto Common lane. We followed the road around to the right and we crossed over the roundabout onto Worthington Road. we ran up to the end to the turning point and the bus turned around and stopped at the stop, The bus driver came and swapped our hand written ticket for a proper one, having got the ticket machine to work again. When we got off the bus we saw Arriva Midlands 2717 on a #3 to Winshill.

Arriva Midlands 2717 in Burton upon Trent

Matthew decided that he wanted to go to the toilet, and from our previous visit we knew that there was a toilet next to the market hall. We walked up New Street up to High Street and we saw Arriva Midlands 4798 on a #2A to Sydney Street.

Arriva Midlands 4798 in Burton upon Trent

We also saw Zigzag branded Trent Barton 675 on a V1 villager service to Derby.

Trent Barton 675 in Burton upon Trent

We walked to the building to the side of the market and it was closed. There was now a toilet inside the market hall. We went into the market and we followed the green footprints on the floor across to the right hand side of the Hall. After Matthew had finished we set of back towards New Street. On the way we saw Arriva Midlands 3773 on a #9 to Coalville.

Arriva Midlands 3773 in Burton upon Trent

We also saw Trent Barton 661 on a Villager service.

Trent Barton 661 in Burton upon Trent

having seen the Midland Classic bus network map, we decided to go to Swadlincote, where there seem to be a good frequent service. We stood at stand 9 on New Street and we waited for the next Swadlicote bound bus, which was the #4 service. Whilst we waited we saw Arriva Midlands 3707 on a #2A service to Stepenhill.

Arriva Midlands 3707 in Burton upon Trent

A few minutes later we saw required Midland Classic 85 on a #4 to the Goseley estate.

Midland Classic 85 in Burton upon Trent

We got on the bus and we flashed the Midland Classic day+ ticket to the driver. The bus was empty so matthew took a picture inside Midland Classic 85.

Inside Midland Classic 85

We sat down towards the back of the bus and the bus set off along New Street and right into Lichfield Street. As we passed the back of the Octagon shopping centre we saw Midland Classic double decker 46 now on layover. At the end of Lichfield Street we turned left onto the A5189. We ran Eastwards past Tesco and at the next big roundabout we went forwards onto the A444. We followed the road around to the South and we ran down through Stepenhill and then to Stanton. We stopped outside the Midland Classic garage for a driver change, and then the bus carried on Southwards until we reached Park Road, where we turned left. We ran through the village of Newhall and then we turned right onto Darklands Road. At the roundabout we turned left onto Civic Way and we passed Midland Classic 53 on a #9 to Burton. We turned right into Swadlincote bus park and we got up and got of the bus. Matthew took another picture of Midland Classic 85 before it carried on towards the Goseley estate.

Midland Classic 85 in Swadlincote

By the time we got to Swadlincite around 15:30, the service was starting to scale back for the evening. We saw Midland Classic 78 on layover adjacent to Civic Way.

Midland Classic 78 in Swadlincote

We also saw required Midland Classic 84 come into the bus station on a #21 and go on layover.

Midland Classic 84 in Swadlincote

We decided to have a sit down and something to eat. Matthew had a packet of Milky Stars and then had a can of Vimto. We then saw Arriva Midlands 3772.

Arriva Midlands 3772 in Swadlincote

At the last minute when we through there was a bus at 15:40, Mathew decided that he wanted to go to the toilet. We took him to the library across the way and we were escorted into the back room for Matthew to use the disabled toilet there. After he had finished we went back to the bus park and we realised that the next bus was in fact a #21 at 15:55. We thought it was going to be Midland Classic 84, but ti was Midland Classic 78 that came off the layover bay by Civic Way and onto Stand 2 in the bus park. We got on the bus and we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set of out of the bus park and onto Civic Way and we followed it to the left heading Southwards. Civic Way became Hearthcote Road and we went West to Gresley Wood Road. Having traveled East along York Road, we traveled back West along Church Street. We crossed a roundabout onto Castle Road and we past an abandoned car dealership where some of the cars have remained in place. I recommend readers look this up on google maps as there is a nice H reg Maestro still there! We continued West to the A444 and we did a circuit to the South of this roundabout via Mount Pleasant Road, A444, Linton Heath, Main Street and back up to the roundabout along Hillside Road. We then ran up the A444 through Stanton past the Midland Classic depot before turning right onto Sycamore Road. We turned right onto Brackenwood Road and right again onto Rollaston Road. We joined the A5189 and we ran into town along Lichfield street. We unloaded at stand 8 and in foornt of us was required Midland Classic 53 on a #9 to Ashby-de-la-Zouch.

Midland Classic 53 in Burton upon Trent

We went up to the market hall and Matthew used the toilet. On the way back we stopped at Tommy's Fish bar and we had a portion of chips between us and some pop. When we cam out of the chips shop Arriva Midlands 3775 was on a #9A to Coalville.

Arriva Midlands 3775 in Burton upon Trent

We sat down close to stand 6, which was where the X12 bus was due to depart. We quickly ate the chips between us and we saw required Midland Classic 47 which was on the #810 to Lichfield.

Midland Classic 47 in Burton upon Trent

We started to walk down to the stop. On the way we saw Trent Barton 664 on the V4 Villager service to Centrum.

Trent Barton 664 in Burton upon Trent

behind the Trent Barton 664, was the bus we were going to have on the X12. It was dud Midland Classic 81.

Midland Classic 81 in Burton upon Trent

This was a bus that we had up to Lichfield, our first trip on a Midland Classic bus back in August 2014. we got on bus and we flashed the Midland Classic Day+ ticket to the driver for the final time today. We sat down towards the back of the bus and the bus set off onto Lichfield Street. We crossed the A5189 and we went South down Branston Road. We ran for about a mile into Branston and then we joined the Southbound A38. We ran fast down the A38 and we come off just North of Lichfield onto the A5127. We ran past Lichfield Trent Valley railway station and we passed Butler Brothers V10 BUT leaving town with it passengers aboard. We turned into the bus station and when we got off Matthew took another picture of Midland Classic 81.

Midland Classic 81 in Lichfield bus station

Matthew went to the toilet and then we went visited the kiosk around the corner. Mathew chose a chocolate bar and an can of Coke and then we went back to the car. As we were leaving we saw Parks of Hamilton HSK 642 on a #324 National Express service to Huddersfield. We left town along the A51 and we ran up to Stone through Rugeley without seeing anything. On the A34 we passed First Potteries 65037 on a #101 with #101 branding on it. At Trentham we turned right onto the A5035 and we ran up to Longton. There were quite a few vehicle on the spare ground at Z Carz this evening. In the front row was Z Carz minibus Y568 XFV.

Z Carz Y568 XFV in Longton

Next to that was Z Carz minibus X599 WDY.

Z Carz X599 WDY in Longton

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

Z Carz MV53 KKO in Longton

In the second row was Z Carz Ford minibus HK57 LFY.

Z Carz HK57 LFY in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row to see what was in the compound. We saw Z Carz Ford minibus YS09 LWV.

Z Carz YS09 LWV in Longton

We rejoined the A50 and we crossed the A50 onto Baths Road so that we could fill up with diesel. After filling up we re-joined the Westbound A50 where we saw Cropley coach XSV 839. We ran up to heron Cross and then we turned left onto Blurton Road. We followed the road around to the right onto Church Road and then we turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 18:30... For a late tea we had bangers and mash with carrots followed by jam filled shortbread biscuit. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:00... Mark