Trip to Newcastle / Kidsgrove 23-07-2026

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
6011	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	1	D&G Bus
63345	Newcastle BS	Kidsgrove, St Johns RC	38	First Potteries
67157	Kidsgrove, St Johns RC	Hanley BS	38	First Potteries
63173	Hanley BS	Bentilee, Tyson Green	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to out for bus later. 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 went downstairs and we and we cut through onto City Road to wait a bus to Stoke. We stood at the bus stop and we waited for a first but to Hanley. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. 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. After a short while we saw Stanton's of Stoke 7052 VT on the Go2 to Cheadle. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 63345 on a #38 to Kidsgrove.

First Potteries 63345 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Talke Pits before sitting down towards the back of the bus. set of out of the bus station onto Barracks Road and at the roundabout we turned left onto Ryecroft. At the roundabout we turned right onto the Northbound A34. We ran Northwards past the bus garage and we ran through Milehouse. We ran Northwards to the McDonald roundabout and we turned left onto Wolstanton Road. At the roundabout we turned right onto Chesterton High Street. We turned right onto Crackley Bank and we ran through Crackley and Red Street. We crossed over the A500 and we veered left onto Talke High Street. We turned right somewhere and left onto Chester Road. We re-joined the road and we ran forwards onto Coalpit Hill. We ran forwards onto the A34 and up towards somewhere where we turned right onto the B5371. We turned right onto Mitchell Avenue and we turned left onto Lower Ash Road. We turned right onto First Avenue and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked around the corner onto the B5371. As we turned into the A50 and we went into the Jessie's Coffee Shop. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards he had sausage and cheese oatcake washed down with a can of Coke. Once we had finished in the Jessie's Coffee Shop we walked back onto the A50 and across to the bus stop where we waited for a #38A to Hanley. A short time later the bus appeared. It was First Potteries 67157 on a #38 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67157 in Kidsgrove

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off down the the B5371 and we turned right onto the A50. We ran up the hill into Goldenhill and then forwards through Sandyford past the new retail park into Tunstall. We ran down the High Street. We continued down the High Street and we ran past the former Co-operative bank. We turned left onto Williamson Street. At the roundabout we turned right onto Scotia Road and we ran into Burslem town centre. We ran past the site of the new Kiln Gate Retail park and we continued into Cobridge and down into Hanley. We joined Hope Street and we ran forwards to Stafford Street. We turned right at the end past the town hall and onto Bagnall Street before entering the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. We waited for a bus to Bentilee. Whilst we waited we saw D&G Bus 765 on a #16 to Leek. A short while later we saw D&G Bus 766 on a #100 to Stone. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63173 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63173 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Bentilee before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto the ring road and left onto Lichfield Street and we turned right onto Birch Terrace. We followed the road around onto Charles Street and we turned right onto Old Hall Street. We crossed over the ring road onto Bucknall New Road. We ran down the hill through Limekiln lights. we turned right onto Dividy Road. We turned left onto Beverley Drive and right onto Dawlish Drive. We got up and got off the bus. We walked down Dawlish Drive and we got in a City Cabs taxi and we set off along onto Dawlish Drive. We turned left onto Beverley Drive and we turned right onto Malthouse Road. We turned right onto Wooliscroft Road and left onto Corneville Road. We turned right onto Ruxley Road and right onto the A52 and and we turned left onto Eaves Lane. We turned left onto Greasley Road and continued onto Greasley Road. Before we joined the A5009 and we ran past the Cemetery to Milton and we turned left onto Millrise Road and we ran forwards onto Maunders Road and we crossed over the old railway line. We turned right onto Newford Crescent and left onto the A53. We turned into the retail park. We headed through Cobridge and we ran past the site of the new Wrights Pies shop. At the lights we turned left onto Waterloo Road. We ran down to the ring Road and then we ran around Hanley before going onto Lichfield Street. We ran down to Joiners Square and we continued onto Victoria Road. We ran up to the top and we turned sharp right onto City Road. We ran down to Smithpool Road and we turned left. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs and chilled out in his room to use his computer and watch buses. Later on Matthew went downstairs to attend a party for one of the other service users. He had hots dogs followed by various cakes and biscuit, this was all washed down with a glass of Coke. Once the party had finished Matthew went back upstairs to his room. Matthew had a shower and got ready for bed. He watch TV and used his computer. Matthew went to bed at 00:00... Mark

Trip to Hanley / Trentham 14-07-2026

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67152	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
63173	Hanley BS	Trentham, Longton Road	101	First Potteries
35940	Trentham, Poachers Cottage PH	Newcastle BS	101	First Potteries
67144	Newcastle BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	11X	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 for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. We saw Voyager Travel LG69 CCA. Later on we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw Temple Street church minibus KD23 DHC. We carried on along Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road. We walked down to the bus stop outside the flats. 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.

First Potteries 67152 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 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 onto College Road and. 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. Whilst we waited for a bus back to Fenton and Matthew visited the toilet. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 63171 on a #103 to Crewe. A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was First Potteries 63173 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 63173 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Trentham Gardens and sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we ran down John Street and right onto Bethesda Street. We ran down Broad Street and we crossed the ring road onto Snow Hill and at the roundabout we turned Shelton New Road. Due to roadwork we went the wrong way around the one-way system. We ran over the canal and railway line. We ran through the cross road up to Hartshill and at the roundabout we ran into Newcastle down George Street. We joined the one-way system and at the next roundabout we turned left onto Barracks Road. We turned right into the bus station. After a brief stop we Continued onto Barracks Road and forwards onto the Southbound A34. We ran past the hospital into Trent Vale and under the A500 into Hanford. We continued into Trentham and we got up and got off the bus near to Trentham Garden. Once off the bus we crossed over the A34 and we went into the gardens and we walked to the North West corner and we stopped to Frankie & Benny's. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards when he came back we ordered some food. Matthew had a classic cheeseburger and fries washed down with a glass of Coke followed by a apple & blueberry pie and ice cream. When we had finished around the North end of the lake and Matthew stopped to got to the toilet. Once we had finished eating we walked back through the main gate and onto the A34 opposite the A5035. We turned left and walked along 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 35940 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 35940 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 63352 on a #39A to Butt Lane. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67144 on the #11X to Hanley.

First Potteries 67144 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. 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 and Matthew went to his room to chill out. He used his computer and watched buses out of the window. We went downstairs and we set off onto City Road and we crossed over 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 ham sandwich and sausage rolls. 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 Hanley / Etruria 31-05-2026

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67159	Fenton, Smithpool Road	Hanley BS	11	First Potteries
63173	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	25	First Potteries
63115	Newcastle BS	Stoke, Lytton Street	25	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up around 08:30 and had pancakes for breakfast washed down with orange juice. Latrer on Matthew set off on foot towards Stoke. We cut through onto City Road and past the closed Afford rent-a-car depot. A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was First Potteries 67159 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67159 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off up City Road and we went forwards onto King Street. We ran through Foley and we under the railway line into Longton town centre. We ran up Market Street and we turned left onto Anchor Road. We ran up the hill to the top and ran down to the roundabout in Adderley Green. At the roundabout at the East end of Bentilee we turned right onto Beverley Drive and then left onto Dawlish Drive and we ran to the end and we turned left onto Beverley Drive. At the end we turned right onto Dividy Road and we ran down the hill to Bucknall. We turned left onto the A52 we ran to limekiln lights and we went across onto Bucknall New Road. We climbed the hill up to Hanley and we joined the clockwise ring road. We turned right onto Bethesda Road and right onto John Street and into the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. We waited for a short while and we saw D&G Bus 6002 on a #32X to Upper Tean. A short time later the bus arrived on stand. It was First Potteries 63173 on a #25 to Keele.

First Potteries 63173 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we ran down John Street onto Bethesda street where we crossed over the ring road and we ran down onto Regent Road and we saw First Potteries 37430 parked up in Hinde Street layover. We ran forwards onto Cleveland Road. We ran down through Shelton along Cauldon Road and we turned left onto Station Road outside the railway station. We went forwards onto A52 and we followed the road around to the right and under the railway line. We crossed over the A500. We continued into Stoke centre along Church Street. We went out of the other side of Stoke and up Hartshill Road into Hartshill. We turned left into The Avenue and we ran down to Hilton Road and we turned right into the hospital where we saw First Potteries 63096 on a #25 to Hanley. We ran through the hospital and we turned right onto the A34. We ran up to Newcastle and forwards onto Barracks Road. We entered the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. We headed to the toilet and Matthew used the facilities. We waited for a bus back to Fenton. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 63359 on a #39 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63359 in Newcastle bus station

A few minutes later a bus appeared and it was First Potteries 63115 on a #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63115 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting 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. We turned left into the hospital and we ran through the grounds and onto Hilton Road. 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 Church Street and the bus topped in the town centre. After a brief stop we continued over the A500 and we got up and got off the bus just before the railway bridge. We got a Lucky Seven taxi up to Fenton. We set off along City Road and we ran down the hill into Stoke and we went under the railway line. We crossed over the the A500 and we turned left onto Church Street and we we around the one-way system. We turned left onto Church Street and we turned right onto Shelton Old Road. We ran forwards onto Stoke Road and we ran under the railway line and up through Shelton. We joined the B5046 and we turned left onto Kilndown Close. We crossed over the Bridgewater and Etruria canals. We returned to Fenton. We walked up Kilndown Close and we turned left the B5046 and we ran through Cliffe Vale through to Snow Hill. We turned right onto Stoke Road and we ran down the hill. We turned left onto the railway station onto Stoke Road. We turned left onto the A500. We stayed on the high level road and we came off the A500 at City Road. We ran under the railway line and up the hill into Fenton. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs and back into his room. 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. We walked down the hill to the park. We left the park onto Beville Street and we turned left onto Victoria Road. We turned left onto Manor Street. We crossed over City Road and we went back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew went to his room. For tea Matthew had a jacket potato with tuna followed by cake. In the late evening Matthew went downstairs to spend time with the other residents ar cuppa club. Matthew had various biscuits as well as some rice crispy cakes washed down with a can of Dr Pepper. Later on Matthew went back upstairs and had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Potteries Apedale Running day 10-05-2026

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
SL805	Apedale Light Railway	Newcastle BS	Special	PMT
766	Newcastle BS	Apedale Light Railway	Special	PMT
MMM120	Apedale Light Railway	Newcastle BS	Special	PMT
SL805	Newcastle BS	Apedale Light Railway	Special	PMT
801	Apedale Light Railway	Newcastle BS	Special	PMT
801	Newcastle BS	Apedale Light Railway	Special	PMT

Today Matthew was going to the Potteries Apedale Running Day. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. After getting ready we went to pick up uncle Dave. We got in the car and we set off around 10:45. We set off through Blurton onto Finstock Avenue, right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we turned left onto Church Road. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we went through the road works and up the hill to Heron Cross. We crossed over the A50 and we turned left at the traffic lights onto Grove Road. We continued onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. Afterwards we set off down Wheildon Road and forwards onto the A500. We turned left onto Church Street and we ran around the one-way system. We turned right onto Campbell Place and left onto Hartshill Road. We ran to the edge of Newcastle and we ran down George Street. At the roundabout we turned left onto Barracks Road and right onto the Northbound A34 to Chesterton. We turned left onto London Road and at the next roundabout we turned left onto Loomer Road. We ran to the end of Loomer Road and into Apedale Country park. We parked up near to the visitors centre. We loaded the reip bag with some snacks from the boot and we walked down to the bottom field to have a look at the bus. We saw Wirral Pennsula 1070 parked up with it's sales stand.

Wirral Pennsula 1070 in Apedale Light Railway

We carried on to the other side of the field and we saw the main row of buses and coaches. In this row we saw Chase 2 parked up between runs.

Chase 2 in Apedale Light Railway

Further up the row there were 3 buses fron D&G present. The first was recent arrival, Adderley Greemn based D&G Bus 5025.

D&G Bus 5025 in Apedale Light Railway

Also present were Crewe allocated D&G Bus 56 and 31 both looking really clean. The was also a First bus on site. We saw First Potteries 67180.

First Potteries 67180 in Apedale Light Railway

We walked up to the top and we waited for the next departure. A short time later we saw the bus come around the corner. As it got closer we saw it was PMT SL805 on a special to Newcastle.

PMT SL805 in Apedale Light Railway

We got on the bus and we sat down towards the back. We set off along Loomer Road and at the roundabout we turned right onto London Road pat a site which now sells cabins. We turned right onto Holditch Road and left onto Bymbo Road. We ran to the end and we turned right onto the Southbound A34. We ran Southwards for around a mile and a 1/2 past the bus garage, and we turned left onto Ryecroft. We turned left onto Barracks Road. We turned right into the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew got another picture of PMT SL805.

PMT SL805 in Newcastle bus station

We walked down to the bottom end of the bus station and Matthew had a can of Dr Pepper. Whilst we waited for the next bus we saw First Potteries 63178 on a #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63178 in Newcastle bus station

We walked up to the top end of the bus station and Matthew used the toilet. A short time later we saw the next bus approaching. It turned the corner and we saw it was PMT L9766 on a special to Apeldale.

PMT L9766 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the sat down towards the back of the bus. Once everyone was on board we set off down Stubbs Street and we re-joined Barracks Road. We turned left onto Ryecroft and right onto the A34. We continued North through Cross Heath and we turned left onto Wolstanton Road. At the roundabout we went forwards onto Loomer Road and we ran into the site and unloaded in front of the heritage centre where we got up and got off the bus. One off the bus Matthew took another picture of PMT L9766 before it ran down to the bottom field.

PMT L9766 in Apedale Light Railway

We sat down on the bench and Matthew ate some cocktail sausages and a scotch egg. We went down to the bottom field and we saw that the minilink was getting ready to come up the hill. We walked back up to the entrance and we saw the bus turn the corner. it was, as expected PMT MMM120 on a special to Newcastle.

PMT MMM120 in Apedale Light Railway

We got on the bus and we sat down towards the back. We set off along Loomer Road and at the roundabout we at the roundabout we went forwards onto Wolstanton Road. We crossed over the the Southbound A34. We ran Southwards for around a mile and a 1/2 past the old bus garage. We continued to the East of Newcastle town centre and we turned left onto Barracks Road. We turned left onto Hassall Street and onto Stubbs Street where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of PMT MMM120 before it ran down to the bottom field.

PMT MMM120 in Newcastle bus station

Once off the bus we walked up Castle Walk and we went into the Costa coffee. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had a millionaires Shortbread and a bottle of Coke. When we had finished we headed back down Castle Walk to the bus station. We waited for another shuttle to Apedale. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 63173 on a #38 to Kidsgrove.

First Potteries 63173 in Newcastle bus station

A short time later we saw the bus come up Barracks Road. As it got closer we saw it was PMT SL805 again!

PMT SL805 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we sat down near to the back. We set off down Stubbs Street and we re-joined Barracks Road. We turned left onto Ryecroft and right onto the A34. We continued North through Cross Heath and we turned left onto london Road. At the roundabout we turned left onto Loomer Road and we ran into the site and unloaded in front of the heritage centre where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked to the edge of the site. Matthew and uncle Dave waited by the gate and I went eating we went to get the sandwiches from the car. When I came back Matthew had a bacon, chicken and cheese sandwich. When we had finished back to the stop to waited for the next bus to Newcastle. It came around the corner and we saw it was PMT 801 on a special to Newcastle.

PMT 801 in Apedale Light Railway

We asked the driver if he was going to Newcastle and he said he was going one way only, so we would have to come back on one of the other buses. We got on the bus and we sat down towards the back. We set off along Loomer Road and at the roundabout we ran forwards onto Wolstanton Road. We ran to the end and we turned right onto the Southbound A34. We ran Southwards for around a mile and a 1/2 past the bus garage, and we turned left onto Ryecroft. We turned left onto Barracks Road. We turned right into the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. We got a picture of PMT 801 and we got back on the bus.

PMT 801 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we sat downstairs. We set off down Stubbs Street and we re-joined Barracks Road. We turned left onto Ryecroft and right onto the A34. We continued North through Cross Heath and we turned left onto Wolstanton Road. At the roundabout we ran forwards onto Loomer Road and we ran into the site and unloaded in front of the heritage centre where we got up. We waited for the bus to empty and Matthew took a picture inside of PMT 801.

Inside PMT 801

We went down to the bottom field and we took some more pictures before we left. We got another picture of Western Welsh ABO 145B now that the sun was in a better position!

Western Welsh ABO 145B in Apedale Light Railway

We walked back to the stalls and Matthew bought a bus book for £2. We continued to the the car and Matthew had a sausage roll and a bottle of Coke. We turned around and we set off onto Loomer Road. We turned right onto London Road and we ran past the site of a new Lidl. We turned right onto the A34 and we ran into Newcastle. We turned left onto Ryecroft and right onto Barracks Road. We joined the Southbound A34 and we turned left onto The Avenue. We ran to the end and we turned right onto Hartshill Road. 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 and we veered left onto Whieldon Road past the old Board Products factory which is being converted into a new soft play place. After dropping off uncle Dave we ran back up Wheildon Road and forwards onto Grove Road. At Heron Cross we turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed the A50. We ran through Blurton and at the roundabout we veered right onto Church Street and we turned right onto the A5035 and back to Blurton. Later on we did some more of the Blog. For tea Matthew had pizza and a can of Cherry Rubicon. After tea matthew watched some YouTube and we continued writing the Blog. He had a bath and afterwards gad cheesecake for supper. We went to bedtime at 23:48... Mark.

Trip to Hanley / Chell 28-02-2026

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63366	Blurton, Magdalen Road	Longton Interchange	22	First Potteries
67156	Longton, The Strand	Hanley BS	6	First Potteries
63352	Hanley BS	Tunstall, stop A	103	First Potteries
63173	Tunstall, stop B	Hanley BS	38	First Potteries
149	Hanley BS	Chell, Fegg Hayes Road	7A	D&G Bus
67156	Chell, Beswick Road	Brindley Ford, New Black Bull	7A	First Potteries
6005	Brindley Ford, Finch Street	Fegg Hayes	9	D&G Bus
63179	Fegg Hayes, Oxford Road	Chell, Beswick Road	99	First Potteries
67173	Chell, Beswick Road	Newcastle BS	99	First Potteries
63366	Newcastle BS	Blurton, Ladybank Grove	22	First Potteries

Today we decided to have a local trip. We had originally planned a different trip, but mum wasn't feeling very well. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up just before 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. After the decision was made, Matthew got dressed and we wemnt to pick up uncle Dave. We got in the car and we ran through Blurton 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. We continued down Wheildon Road and we joined the A500. We came off at Stoke and went around the one-way system. We turned left onto London Road and we stopped at Sainsbury's for petrol. We then headed back to Blurton. We set off onto London Road and we turned left onto All Saints Road. We turned right onto Flethcher Road and continued onto South Terrace. We turned right onto Sideway Road and right onto Campbell Road. We joined the Northbound A500 and we turned right onto the A50. We came off by the BET365 Stadium and as passed the entrance we saw Pauls of Stoke Y28 POS and other leaving the stadium on their way to Coventry City. We continued along Stanley Matthew way and we turned left onto the A5035. We got back to blurton around 11:40. Matthew went to the toilet and then we set off on foot to the stop all the way over on Magdalen Road. On the way to the stop we saw First Potteries 63176 on a #22 to Newcastle. As we missed this bus, we decided to go towards Longton. We got to the stop and a very short time later we saw the bus come around the corner. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63366 on a #22 to Longton.

First Potteries 63366 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Longton before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Magdalen Road and we turned right onto Finstock Avenue. We turned left onto Beaconsfield Drive and at the end we turned right onto Church Road. We followed the road around to the left onto Blurton Road and at the bottom of the hill we turned right onto Longton Hall Lane. We climbed the hill into Longton and onto the A50. We crossed the roundabout onto Baths Road and we entered Longton Transport Interchange. We got off the bus and we cut through onto The Strand to the Britannia cafe where we decided to have dinner today. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. Once we had finished we walked back down The Strand to the bus stop where we spotted D&G Bus 6008 on a #1A to Wood Lane. We waited for a bus towards Hanley. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer 67156b on a #6 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67156 in Longton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hnaley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We bus set off down The Strand and we ran under the railway line onto King Street. We ran through Foley into Fenton and forwards onto City Road past the site of the new Burger King. We turned right into Victoria Road. We continued down the hill and we crossed over the A52 at Joiners Square. We ran up Lichfield Street and we turned left onto the ring road. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and right onto John Street and into the bus station. we got up and got off the bus. At the bus station Matthew used the toilet. We then decide to head to Tunstall for dessert. We waited for the next bus towards Tunstall. A short time later a bus came on stand. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63352 on a #103 to Crewe.

First Potteries 63352 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and booked to Tunstall before we sat down at the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto John Street. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and we ran forwards onto Marsh Street. We turned right onto Trinity Street and left onto Stafford Street. We turned left onto New Hall Street and we re-joined Marsh Street. We ran forwards onto the A50 and we ran through Cobridge up to Burslem. We carried on along Scotia Road past the site of the new Lidl. We turned left onto Williamson Street and right onto Tunstall High Street. At the top of the High Street we got up and got off the bus. Matthew then got another picture of First Potteries 63352.

First Potteries 63352 in Tunstall

We walked down to the Tunstall Cafe and Matthew went to the toilet whilst I sort out his food. The lady here also now knows our order by heart! Matthew had a slice of Toffee Cheesecake which he washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we consider catching either a bus to CKidsgrove or the recently introduced #104 to Newcastle. Whilst we waited we saw D&G Bus 797 on a #104 to Hanley.

D&G Bus 797 in Tunstall

We looked on the map and we saw the buses coming up from Hanley were all running quite late due to temporary ligts and football traffice through Burslem. A short time later we saw the bus come around the corner. It was First Potteries 63173 on a #38 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63173 in Tunstall

We decided to head back towards Hanley. We crossed the road and we got on the bus and booked to Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We went down the High Street and we turned left into Williamson Street. We turned right into Scotia Road and we ran into Burslem town centre. We ran past the site of the new Kiln Gate Retail park and we continued into Cobridge and down into Hanley. We joined Hope Street and we ran forwards to Stafford Street. We ran past the taxi ranks and we saw Lucky Seven SF17 LBO. We continued past the Albion and the town Hall and we ran forwards onto Bagnall Street and into the bus station. Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. We headed towards the car park to get a few bus pictures. On the way we saw D&G Bus 6002 on a #9 to Biddulph. We headed up to the car park and we took a few pictures. A short time later we saw First Potteries 67177 on a #6A to Blythe Bridge.

First Potteries 67177 in Hanley bus station

Another vehicle seen was Stanton's of Stoke 7052 VT on a #61 to Bradeley.

Stanton's of Stoke 7052 VT in Hanley bus station

We left the car park and we walked down onto John Street. We saw D&G Bus 765 on a #16 to Leek.

D&G Bus 765 in Hanley bus station

We headed into the bus station and we went to the shop. Matthew bought a bottle of Coke, a flapjack and a Milky Way. We decided to head towards Biddulph. The plan was to catch the D&G bus up to Chell and the catch First Potteries bus forwards. We sat at the relavent stop Matthew had the flapjack. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 149 on a #7A to Fegg Hayes.

D&G Bus 149 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Chell. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside D&G Bus 149 before we sat down.

Inside D&G Bus 149

The bus waited for time before setting off out of the bus station. We went down John Street and onto Bethesda Street before we went across onto Marsh Street and then we turned right into Trinity Street. We turned left into Stafford Street and we continued forwards to Quadrant Road and we left Hanley along Town Road past the sight of the new Tesco Express store. We travelled through Sneyd Green and over Smallthorne roundabouts to Chell. At the roundabout we turned right and we ran down the A527 and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of D&G Bus 149 before it carried on towards Fegg Hayes.

D&G Bus 149 in Chell

Once off the bus we crossed over the A527 and we headed into the shop. Matthew bought a bottle of Dr Pepper and a chocolate bar for later on. We walked around the corner and we crossed over the A5272. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 47520 on a #99 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 47520 in Chell

Whilst we waited for the bus, we realised that we would have to do one of 3 things if we went to Biddulph. We could come back on the same bus, we could have 10 minutes at Biddulph or we could spend over an hour there. We decided not to go all the way to Biddulp. We could get off at Brindley Ford and got to the pub there instead. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67156 for the second time that day!

First Potteries 67156 in Chell

We got on the bus and we booked to Brindley Ford before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A5272 and and at the roundabout we turned right onto the A527 We ran down the hill towards Oxford passing a new development on the site of a former pub. At the roundabout by Chatterly Whitfield, we veered left to continued up the A527. We ran inti Brindley Ford and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67156 as it continued on the #7A towards Biddulph.

First Potteries 67156 in Brindley Ford

We walked along Bridge Street and we turned left onto Fisher Street. We tried the pub dorr and it appeared to be closed. We decided to head back towaerds Chell, as we knew the pub there was open, as we had walked past it earlier on. We looked on the Bustimes.org site and we saw that there was a Southbound bus in a few minutes! Wew walked along Fisher Street and we cut through onto the A527. The was a new development nearby. We crossed over the road and we waited for a bus. Almost immediately we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 6005 on a #9 to Westbury Park.

D&G Bus 6005 in Brindley Ford

We got on the bus and we booked to Fegg hayes before we sat down near to the back of the bus and the bus set off onto the A527 through Fegg Hayes. We turned left onto Oxford Road and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of D&G Bus 6005 before it carried on towards Clayton.

D&G Bus 6005 in Fegg Hayes

We wa;led around the corner considering walking up the hill to the pub, but we noticed there were people waiting and the bus stop. We looked on bustimes.org and we saw there was a bus due in a couple of minutes. A few minutes later a bus turned the corner. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63179 on a #99 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63179 in Fegg Hayes

We got on the bus and we booked to Chell before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off up the A527 and we headed into Chell. We turned the corner onto the A5272 and we got up and got off the bus, Once off the bus Matthew took another picture as First Potteries 63179 continued on the #99 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63179 in Chell

We walked around the corner to the pub and Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we went to the bar and we ordered some drinks. Matthew had a glass of Coke. After we had finished our drinks we set off out of the pub onto the A527. We turned left onto the A5272 and we waited at the bus stop. We decided to turn down the 2 buses that were heading to Hanley, We let First Potteries 67156 on a #7A to Hanley, and we turned down D&G Bus 149 on a #7A to Hanley. Across the road we saw D&G Bus 121 on a #9A to Hanley.

D&G Bus 121 in Chell

A few minutes later another bus came around the corner. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67173 on a #99 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67173 in Chell

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We went down the High Lane and we turned left onto Little Chell Lane and right onto Carlton Avenue. We turned right onto Irene Avenue and we turned right onto Queens Avenue we ran down the hill past the park and we went forwards onto Boulevard. We turned right onto the A50 and we continued down the High Street and we ran past the former Co-operative bank. We stopped at the bottom before joining Brownhills Road. We ran down the hill to Trubshsaw Cross and we continued straight through Longport and over the A500. We went up Porthill Bank and we followed the A527 through Wolstanton & May Bank and into Newcastle. As we got to Newcastle we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 278 on returning from a day trip to Bury Market on Jubilee roundabout. We crossed the roundabout onto Barracks Road and we entered the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we headed to the bottom end of the bus station. We didn't have to wait for long before we saw our bus. It was First Potteries 63366 on a #22 to Longton for the second time today.

First Potteries 63366 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Blurton before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus sat in the bus station for about 10 minutes before departure. We set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road and we ran Southwards onto the A34. We turned left into the hospital. We continued through the hospital 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. 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. We turned right onto Finstock Avenue and left onto Beaconsfield Drive where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 63366 before it continued towards Longton.

First Potteries 63366 in Blurton

Once off the bus we walked back to the house. Matthew used the computer and we had an apple whilst we waited for mum to return from shopping. When mum got home I went to the chip shop. I returned and Matthew had sausages chips and gravy washd down with a can of Dr Pepper. Later on i took uncle Dave home. Matthew had his medicatio and we did the Blog and uploaded photos. We also wrote an e-mail. Matthew chilled out on his computer until bedtime at 00:00... Mark.