Trip to Fenton / Hanley 15-07-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
66845	Fenton, opp Victoria Square	Hanley BS	6	First Potteries
63173	Hanley BS	Fenton, opp Victoria Square	6	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in residential and he was going to his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. Across the road we saw First Potteries 32648 on a #11 to Hanley. Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street. City Road. We walked up to the roundabout and around the corner onto Victoria Road to wait for the bus. Whilst we waited for the next First Potteries bus we saw First Potteries 66845 on a #6 to Hanley.

First Potteries 66845 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down. We set off down Victoria Road and we crossed over the A52 at Joiners Square. We ran up Lichfield Street and we crossed over the ring road. We then got up and got off the bus at the stop outside the bus station. Once we got off the bus we walked up Lichfield Street onto Stafford Street. We saw D&G Bus 164 on a #16 to Leek.

D&G 164 in Hanley

We also saw First Potteries 32649 on a #4A to Kidsgrove.

First Potteries 32649 in Hanley

We continued along Stafford Street and then turned left onto Trinity Street. We saw First Potteries 67638 on a #7A to Biddulph.

First Potteries 67638 in Hanley

Matthew went to the optician and had his eyes tested. Once we had finished we came back out onto Trinity Street. We walked back up towards town and across Crown Bank to Trinty Square. We walked down Tontine Street and through the passage between the shops and Waterstones bookshop. We turned right onto Parliament Row and we went to McDonalds. Matthew had a burger and fried for dinner washed down with a cup of Coke. Once we had finished eating we walked back down the passage onto Tontine Street and Across Trinty Square and down to Crown Bank. We crossed Stafford Street and we continued back down Trinity Street where we saw First Potteries 67643 on a #7A to Biddulph.

First Potteries 67643 in Hanley

Matthew returned to the optician to finish having his eyes tested. Once we had finished We walked up Trinity Street and turned right onto Stafford Street. We continued onto Lichfield Street and to the bus station. We waited at the stand outside the bus station to catch a bus back to Fenton. A short while later we saw First Potteries 63173 on a #6 to Weston Coyney.

First Potteries 63173 in Hanley

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off up Lichfield Street and we turned right into Birch Terrace. We followed the road around to the left onto Charles Street. At the top we turned right onto Old Hall Street before turning right onto the ring road. We turned left onto Lichfield Street and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed the roundabout onto Victoria Road and we ran up the hill into Fenton. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. One off the bus we set off on foot onto City Road and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Back in his room Matthew had a large cookie. We saw First Potteries 66963 on #11 to Newcastle. Matthew spent time in his room on his computer. For tea Matthew had jacket potato with cheese followed by a cheescake. After tea Matthew went out shopping. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We crossed over City Road onto Manor Street and we ran to the end. We turned left onto Victoria Road and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We turned right onto the A52 and we ran up to Bucknall. We stopped at Farmfoods and we went around the shop. There was something that we could not get some we continued to the Farmfoods at Burslem. We set off along the A52 to Joiners Square and we turned right onto Lichfield Street. We ran around the ring road in an anti-clockwise direction and we turned right onto Waterloo Road. We ran through Cobridge and into Burslem before we turned right onto Moorland Road. We stopped at Farmfoods and we picked up some more shopping. Once we had finished we got back into the car and we set off down Morland Road into Burslem. We turned left onto the A50 and we ran through Cobridge to the edge of Hanley. We went clockwise around the ring road around to Lichfield street and we headed down to Joiners Square. We crossed over the roundabout and we ran up Victoria Road to the top. We turned sharp right onto City Road and we ran down to Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. After putting the shopping away Matthew went to his 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 Fenton / Newcastle 02-07-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63101	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
66845	Newcastle BS	Hanley, adj stop J1‎	25	First Potteries
63178	Hanley BS	Fenton, adj Adrian Street	6A	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in residential and he was going to his day service. He was also going out for a trip on the bus. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange for breakfast. Matthew chilled out in his room until dinnertime, using his computer and watching buses out of the window. We saw First Potteries 67151 on a #23 to Hanley. Matthew went out for dinner in Smallthorne in an ABC Supreme taxi. 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 and we turned right onto the A52. We ran past the railway station and on towards Joiners Square. At the roundabout we turned left onto Lichfield Street and we ran up the hill to the ring road. We went anti-clockwise around town and we turned right onto Waterloo Road. We ran through Cobridge up to Burslem and we turned right onto Moorland Road. We ran to the top of the hill and we turned into the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. Matthew had a mixed grill burger for dinner followed by sticky toffee pudding. when it was time to go home we returned on an ABC Supreme taxi. We set off onto Moorland Road and we ran down the hill into Burslem. We turned right into Waterloo Road and we ran through Cobridge to the ring road. We went anti clockwise around Hanley and we turned left onto Lichfield Street. We ran down the hill to Joiners Square and we crossed over the roundabout onto Victoria Road. We ran up the hill and we turned sharpo right onto City Road. We turned left onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out and watch buses. We saw First Potteries 63100 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63100 in Fenton

Later on Matthew went out for a short while on the buses. We set off onto City Road and we saw First Potteries 42553 on a #23A to Hanley. We walked to the bus stop outside the flats and a few minutes later First Potteries 63101 appeared on the #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63101 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre along Church Street. After a brief stop in Stoke we continued along church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road. We ran up the hill and into Hartshill. We ran forwards onto George Street and we ran down the hill into Newcastle. We turned left at the roundabout onto Barracks Road and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 63101 go onto the #72 to Clayton. After a short while First Potteries 66845 appeared on the #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 66845 in Newcastle bus station

We decided to do this bus. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. When it was time to go the bus set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We turned left at the roundabout onto the A34 and we ran South as far as the hospital where we turned left. We came out of the hospital and turned left onto Hilton Road. We ran into Hartshill and we turned right onto the A52. We ran down the hill into Stoke town centre and along Church Street. After a brief stop we continued along the A52, over the A500 and under the railway line. We followed the A52 to the left and we ran alongside the railway and onto Station Road. We passed the railway station and we turned right onto College Road. We ran up the hill through Shelton and we followed the road to the right onto Cleveland Road and Regent Road. We turned left onto Lower Bethesda Street and we crossed over the ring road, continuing onto Bethesda Street. We turned right onto John Street and we ran up the hill into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew went to the toilet and then went to catch a bus. We went to catch a bus back to Fenton, as we saw First Potteries 63178 on a #6A to Blythe Bridge.

First Potteries 63178 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off up Lichfield Street and we turned right into Birch Terrace. We followed the road around to the left onto Charles Street. At the top we turned right onto Old Hall Street before turning right onto the ring road. We turned left 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 and we walked down William Street and onto Manor Street. We crossed over City Road and we went back to the residential unit. Matthew went back to his room to chill out.for tea Matthew had had a ham sandwich followed by a piece of toffee cheesecake. Matthew went back to the room and went on his computer. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Festival Park / Joiners Square 19-05-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
66852	Festival Park, Moat House Hotel	Hanley, stop J1‎	4A	First Potteries
DY08 FFX	Joiner Square	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. Matthew was also going bowling at Festival Park. Around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst waiting to go out we saw First Potteries 67157 on a #23 to Hanley. Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street and to the day centre. At the day centre we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX parked outside.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

In the morning Matthew went bowling in Festival Park in an Intercity taxi. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned left onto City Road. We ran down the hill onto the A52 and under the railway line, before turning right onto the Northbound A500. We ran North up to Etruria and we turned right onto the A53. We ran up to the next roundabout and we went left into the Festival park. Matthew went to the toilet and then went bowling. After a few games of bowling, for dinner Matthew was going to the McDonalds, so we set off on foot along Ridgehouse Drive. For dinner Matthew had burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. When it was time to go we walked back to Festival Way to catch a bus to Hanley. Whilst we waited for the bus we saw First Potteries 66845 on a #4 to Audley.

First Potteries 66845 in Festival Park

A few minutes later a bus appeared, and it was First Potteries 66852 on a #4A to Hanley.

First Potteries 66852 in Festival Park

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along Festival Way and we ran under the A53 and onto Etruria Road. We joined the anti-clockwise ring road and we ran around to Bethesda Street, where we turned left. We passed First Potteries 66963 on a #5 to Abbey Hulton. We turned right onto John Street and we ran u the hill into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and we went out of the bus station onto Bagnall Street. Once in Hanley Matthew walked to the opticians. We set off onto Cheapside and across Piccadilly into the arcade. We came out onto Trinity Street and we crossed the road. After Matthew had done his appointment we crossed over the street and through the arcade. We walked along Cheapside and forwards onto Bagnall Street. We went onto Licfield Street and we crossed over the ring road. We walked down Lichfield Street to the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. After we had finished in the pub we went outside. We walked down Palmerston Street and onto the A52 and we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 246 going towards Bucknall.

Copeland's Tours MIB 246 in Joiners Square

We carried on also to the A52 and we saw D&G Bus 32 on the Asda Free Bus service.

D&G 32 in Joiners Square

We turned left onto Victoria Road we saw First Potteries 63172 on a #6 to Hanley. When it was time to go back to Fenton we travelled back on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off up Warrington Road and we turned left onto the A52. We went past the railway station and we continued along the A52 along the seven arches. We turned left onto City Road. We ran up the hill and we turned right into Glebedale Road and back to the day centre. When it was time to go back to the day centre we walked onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room and chilled out on his computer and watched buses. We saw First Potteries 43875 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 43875 in Fenton

Matthew was going out for tea. We went to Radford Bank in a taxi. We set off down Temple Street and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left City Road and we ran down the hill and under the railway line onto the A500. We then went South on the A500 which we did down to A34. Once on the A34 we went South through Trentham and past Stone and into Stafford. We saw Arriva Midlands 3782 on a #5 to Telford. We carried on through Stafford town centre and out the other side. just beyond Radford bank Inn we turn onto Weeping Cross for the last couple of miles. After going to the toilet, Matthew had a cheeseburger and chips followed by a chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. When we had finished eating we returned to Fenton in a Intercity taxi. The headed back towards Stafford on the A513 and then onto the A34 at Weeping Cross. they passed through Stafford town centre before going North on the A34 up to Hanford. At Hanford they got on the A500 which we did to Stoke. We came off the A500 and City Road and we turned right into Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to unit. Matthew chilled out in his room and used the computer. Later on Matthew had a bath followed by toast for supper. Matthew then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Fenton / Birches Head 04-04-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
WJ12 NKX	Fenton	Clayton	Charter	Intercity
WJ12 NKX	Clayton	Fenton	Charter	Intercity
KE54 ARM	Fenton	Birches Head	Charter	Lucky Seven
SJ03 ETU	Birches Head	Fenton	Charter	Lucky Seven

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw First Potteries 67154 on a #23 to Hanley. Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Christchurch Street and past the square to the day centre. In the morning Matthew went on the computer. For dinner Matthew had sausage rolls followed by a toffee yoghurt. In the afternoon Matthew went on Intercity WJ12 NKX to the pub in Clayton. we set off onto City Road and we ran down the hill to the A52. We went past the railway station and at Joiners square we turned left onto Lichfield Street. At the top off the hill we joined the clockwise ring Road and we ran around to Etruria Road. We ran onto the A53 along Festival Way and Forge Lane and we crossed over the A500 at Etruria. We continued into Basford and we saw Z Carz minibus LV10 OTM. We ran down to the one-way system and into Newcastle down Barracks Road. We passed the bus station and we saw First Potteries 66845 on #4 to Audley. At the roundabout we ran onto the A519 and we travelled South for around 1/2 mile before turning right into the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. Matthew then went to the soft play area. When it was time to go we travelled back to Fenton in Intercity WJ12 NKX. We set off onto the A519 and we ran down into Newcastle. We ran up Barracks Road past the bus station and we saw First Potteries 32639 on a #25 to Hanley. We ran up the A53 around the on-way system and we went onto the A52 up George Street. At Hartshill we veered left onto Shelton New Road. We Crossed over the A500 and we turned right onto the Southbound A500. We ran through Stoke and we came ioff the A500 onto city Road. We ran up the hill and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and we went to the residential unit. Matthew went to the room to watch buses whilst he waited to have tea. Tea was chicken nuggets and beans followed by Chocolate cake and custard. Matthew then went to his room whilst he waited to go out. Matthew then had a visit from Grandad and Grandma, who brought and set up a new monitor for Matthew so Matthew could watch television and use the computer at the same time. They also brought him a small can of Irn Bru. After around 30 minutes Grandma & Grandad went home. we saw First Potteries 67152 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67152 in Fenton

We also saw D&G Bus 113 on 'The Orange ONE' service to Newcastle.

D&G 113 in Fenton

We saw Magnum minibus DX57 LMJ across the road going towards Stoke.

Magnum DX57 LMJ in Fenton

When it was time to out Matthew went in Lucky Seven KE54 ARM. We set off onto City Road and we ran down the hill turning right onto the A52. We ran through Joiners square to Bucknall and we then continued forwards onto the A5009. We ran North through Abbey Hulton and we turned left onto Birches Head Road and to our destination. Matthew had a drink of Coke and went to the toilet as well doing some dancing. When it was time to go we returned to Fenton on Lucky Seven SJ03 ETU. We set off onto Birches Head roan and we turned right onto the A5009. At Bucknall we went forwards onto the A52 an we ran up to Joiners Square. We turned right onto Victoria Road and at the top we turned sharp left onto City Road. We turned left onto Glebedale Road and right onto Gimson Street. We then crossed Christchurch Street. When Matthew returned to the residential unit and went to his room. Matthew then had a bath and then chilled out in his room. For supper Matthew had some toast and orange juice. Matthew then chilled out on his computer and watching television until 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Tunstall / Newcastle 20-12-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Tunstall	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Tunstall	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
67601	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Newcastle, opp Cherry Tree PH	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going to Grandma's, but not before he had been to his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00. He got dressed and had toast for breakfast. Just before 09:00 his transport to his day service turned up and it was Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Blurton

We got on the bus and we set off onto the A5035. We continued up through Dresden into Longton and we crossed over the A50. We ran past the Gladstone Pottery Museum on Chadwick Street and we crossed over Uttoxeter Road and onto Bridgewood Street. Due to the road ahead being closed we turned left onto Sutherland Road an we went past the Police Station. We turned right onto Anchor Road and we ran up the hill and down the other side into Adderley Green. At the roundabout we turned left onto the A5272 and into Bentilee. After picking up another service user we ran along the A5272 and into Bucknall and onto the A52. We followed the road around to the left and we ran to Joiners Square and we turned left onto Victoria Road. We ran to the top of the hill and we turned sharp right onto City Road. We turned left onto Glebedale Road and to our destination. In the morning Matthew went on the computer. For dinner Matthew had fish fingers & chips followed by cake. In the afternoon Matthew watched a DVD and then went for a run out in the minibus. Transport for the trip was Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we went forwards onto Station Bridge Road. We continued onto Heron Street before we got on the Eastbound A50. We ran up to Blythe bridge roundabout before turning around and coming back to Meir Heath. We turned right onto Caverswall Lane and through Cookshill to Weston Coyney and onto the Northbound A520. We ran up to Winterfield Lane and then we went cross country all the way up to the A52 at Ash Bank. We turned left and we ran down the hill through Bucknall and over the traffic lights and up the hill to Hanley. We turned right onto the ring road and we ran around to the end before turning right onto Waterloo Road. We ran up through Cobridge to Burslem and we continued onto Scotia Road and we tan up to Tunstall. We turned left onto Williamson Street and then right onto High Street. We parked up in the square and then we visited the Wrights Pie shop where they purchased dome stuff for the end of term party on Friday. When we had finished we got back into Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX for the trip back to Fenton. We set off back down the high Street and back into Burslem via Williamson Street and Scotia Road. We crossed through the lights and onto Waterloo Road and we ran through Cobridge and onto the Hanley ring road. We ran around to Lichfield Street and down the hill to Joiners Square. At the roundabout we crossed over onto Victoria Road and we ran up the hill and turned right passing Fenton manor sport complex. We turned left onto City Road and we ran up to Glebedale Road and turned right to our destination. After a short stop Matthew transferred onto Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned right onto City Road. We turned sharp left onto Victoria Road and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We turned right onto the A52 and we followed the road to the right towards Bucknall. We turned right onto the A5272 and into Bentilee. We stopped to drop off another service user and we saw Stanton's of Stoke HRZ 7193. We continued along the A5272 to Adderley Green and we turned right onto Anchor Road. We ran down the hill to Longton. We ran around the one way system and we crossed over the A50 on the A5035. We ran through Dresden into Blurton and we saw silver minibus EU16 EYJ parked up at The Gables. Matthew got back home around 15:00. Once in the house Matthew had toast and orange juice whilst he waited for the time to go out and catch the bus. Today we went to catch the 16:26 to Newcastle. We set off on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. I hadn't seen bus earlier so we didn't know what bus to expect. A few minutes later running bang on time we saw dud First Potteries 67601 turned the corner.

First Potteries 67601 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We joined the Westbound A5035 and we saw First Potteries 67634 on a #22 to Longton. We ran over the railway line into Trentham and we turned right into New Inn Lane and we climbed the hill into Hanford were we saw We turned right into Wilson Road passing First Potteries 67151 on a #21 to the Trentham Hotel. We turned left Church Lane. We joined the A34 and we crossed under the A500 into Trent Vale and we saw First Potteries 67155 on a #21 to the Trentham Hotel. We turned right Harpfields Road and we ran forwards onto Hilton Road where we passed First Potteries 67637 on the final #22 turn. We turned into the City General hospital and we saw ABC Supreme NM08 WKT and First Potteries 66845 on a #25 to Hanley. We rejoined the A34 and we travelled North about 1/2 mile and we got up and got off the bus and Matthew took a picture of First Potteries 67601 as it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 67601 in Newcastle

Once off the bus we saw E-zec patient transport YJ16 GFA followed by D&G 157 on a 'Nines' to Clayton.

D&G 157 in Newcastle

We crossed over the A34 and we then walked back towards Grandma's house. At Grandma's Matthew had a can of Irn Bru and used her computer. We said goodbye to Grandma around 18:15 and we ran down to the A34. We went past Newcastle bus station and we went around the Jubilee roundabout. We joined the Eastbound A53 and After crossing the A500. We ran through Etruria and up through Cobridge and into Smallthorne via Sneyd Hill. We crossed the roundabouts and we ran down Ford Green Road. We turned left onto Chell Heath Road and stopped just off Duddell Road to drop somethinf off. We then rejoined Chell Heath Road and we turned right onto Ford Green Road. We ran around Saturn Road, Mars Street and Jupiter Street and we stopped again. Whilst stopped we saw D&G 157 & 159 both on the 'Nines' service. We ran back up to Smallthorne Roundabout and we turned left onto High Lane. We ran into Hanley and onto the ring road. We turned left onto Lichfield Street. At Joiners Square crossed the roundabout onto Victoria Road. We stopped at McDonalds to pick up food for Matthew. We continued up Victoria Road onto the A50 link road. We ran up to the A50 and we went West to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton. We turned right into Church Road and right again onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 19:45. When we got back Matthew ate his McDonalds, which was a cheeseburger, fries and chicken nuggets washed down with a Coke. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 23:30... Mark

Trip to Festival Park / Trent Vale 14-08-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DV10 JCU	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Festival Park	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Festival Park	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Joiners Square	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Joiners Square	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
60069	Hem Heath, adj Crowcrofts Road	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way (Unmarked)	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going to the pub for his tea, but not before he had been out with his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and Blackcurrant juice for breakfast. Just before 09:00 his transport to his day service turned up and it was Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Blurton

we got on the bus and the bus set off onto the A5035. We went over the railway line into Trentham before turning at New Inn Lane. We turned into Pacific Drive and we picked up another service user before going back onto New Inn Lane. We returned along A5035 before turning left into Church Road and forwards onto Blurton Road to Heron Cross. We turned right to go through the traffic lights and onto Heron Street. After crossing over the railway we turned left onto Christchurch Street before reaching our destination. In the morning Matthew went bowling. We went on Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We set off onto Glebedale Road and then left onto City Road. We headed down towards the railway before going right onto the A52. By the Sixth Form College we turned onto Station Road and out the other end and right onto Stoke Road. We heade up to through Shelton and we turned on to Shelton New Road. We had a brief stop at the college before carrying on along Shelton New Road then right onto Etruscan Street. We carried on up to and under the A53 which we did up to the Festival Park. We parked up and went bowling for the morning. When it was time to leave we got back aboard Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We carried on into Festival park and we stopped at MacDonald. Matthew had a beefburger and fries with a drink of Coke. When everyone had finished we got back aboard the bus and we set off across the A53 and onto Etruria Vale Road. We stopped again at the college and afterwards we went onto Cemetary Road and right onto Stoke Road. We turned left onto The Avenue and we went across Shelton and onto the A52. At Joiners square we turned Right and went to the top of Victoria Road before going sharp right onto City Road. We turned left onto Glebedale Road and back to the day centre. We transferred off Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU and onto Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX for the afternoon trip to the pub. We set off onto Glebedale Road and forwards onto Fountain Street. We followed the road around onto William Street and we turned left onto Manor Street. At the end of Manor Street we turned left onto Victoria Road and we headed down to joiners Square roundabout. At the roundabout we went straight onto Lichfield Street and we reached our destination. At the pub Matthew went to the toilet and had a drink of Coke. highlights of the bus sightings at the pub included First Potteries 63177 on a #6 to Meir.

First Potteries 63177 in Joiners Square

Matthew also listened to music on the Jukebox which included Abba, Blondie, Belinda Carlisle and Berlin. When it was time to go we all climbed back aboard Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We headed down Palmeston Street and onto the A52. At Joiners square we turned left and went to the top of Victoria Road before going sharp right onto City Road. We turned left onto Glebedale Road and back to the day centre. We stopped briefly and carried on onto Christchurch Street and right onto Station Bridge Road and Heron Street. In Heron Cross we went straight across onto Blurton Road and over the A50. We carried on into Blurton along Blurton Road and forward onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Road and arrived home just before 15:00. Matthew had toast and a drink of dandelion & burdock whilst he waited for the time to go out and catch the bus. Today we went to catch the 16:18 to Newcastle. We set off on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. As we were early and it was raining we decided to walk to the stop on the A5035 where there is a bus shelter. At the end of Magdalen Road we saw Stanton's of Stoke SF07 BNE.

Stantons of Stoke SF07 BNE in Blurton

There was a gap in the traffic and so unusually we crossed the A5035 with ease. We turned and saw Plants minibus P19 NTG.

Plants P19 NTG in Blurton

We were expecting to see First Potteries 60202 come past first on the #22 to Longton. Right on time it appeared from the direction of Trentham.

First Potteries 60202 in Blurton

We were expecting the bus to be First Potteries 60069 and as expected First Potteries 60069 turned the corner a minute or two late.

First Potteries 60069 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Harpfields Road. We sat down near to the back of the bus and Matthew noticed it was empty in front of us, so he took a picture inside First Potteries 60069.

Inside First Potteries 60069

We carried on along the A5035 and we crossed the railway line and ran into Trentham. We turned right into New Inn Lane and we passed First Potteries 41495 on a #21 followed by First Potteries 53124 on a #21B to Trentham Gardens. We carried on into Hanford and we turned right into Wilson Road. We went down Church lane and onto the A34. We crossed under the A500 and into Trent Vale where we saw First Potteries 41514 on a #21 to Trentham. We turned right into Harpfield Road and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 60069 as it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 60069 Trent Vale

We crossed the road and headed onto the A34. As we got there we turned and saw First Potteries 66845 on the #22 to Longton, which had replaced First Potteries 60068 at some point during the day.

First Potteries 66845 Trent Vale

We got to the pub and mum was waiting for us. We saw a coach approaching in the distance and so we stopped to wait for it. As it got closer we saw that it was Happy Days 230.

Happy Days 230 in Trent Vale

A minibus had also pulled up in the car park. It was Directions Courtesy Travel DS15 ABX.

Directions Courtesy Travel DS15 ABX in Trent Vale

We went into the pub and Matthew had a brunch with bread and butter followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses were ABC Supreme N806 CRJ on a hospital link service. We also saw Vale Travel double decker N622 KUA going Southwards down the A34. After we had finished eating we went out to the car. We called Uncle Dave and we went to pick him up. We set off onto the A34 and then right onto the A500. The road looked busy at Sideway so we went via Campbell Road into Stoke. Around the one way system we saw First Potteries 53209 on a #23. On Glebe Street we saw First Potteries 41540 on a #23A. Back on Church Street we saw D&G 137 running out of service, First Potteries 61235 on a #2 and D&G 32 on a #41 service. We turned right onto the A500 and we went into Fenton to pick up uncle Dave. We drover up to Heron Cross and we turned right onto Blurton Road. We crossed the A50 and we continued through Blurton. We had to make a stop to pick something up on Barlaston Road and we saw First Potteries 40025 running out of service and Autocabs minibus SA08 ONM. We rejoined the A5035 and we saw Grocott Centre PN14 BFY. We got home around 18:10. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip on the last Sunday #164 10-07-2011

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
40373	Ladybank Grove, Blurton	Stoke railway station	23	First Potteries
61143	Signal Radio, Stoke Road	Campbell Place, Stoke	21	First Potteries
66845	Church Street, Stoke	Newcastle bus station	25	First Potteries
2902	Newcastle bus station	Hanley bus station	164	Arriva Midlands
61556	Hanley bus station	Longton transport interchange	6B	First Potteries

As Matthew hadn't been out much this month and today was the last running of the Sunday 164, I decided to take him out today to try and get a ride on this service. The original plan was to catch the 14:00 Newcastle - Longton #22 bus to Longton, catch a 6B to Hanley in order to meet the 164 in Hanley bus station. The bus was due through Blurton at 14:22 so we set off to the bus stop on Trentham Road just before 14:10. After waiting for 25 minutes for this bus, we had to assume that this bus had broken down or the driver was unable to complete this turn. So we followed the route through Blurton to the Ladybank Grove stop. the next #23 bus was due at 14:54 so we waited here for the Hanley bus. As we waited it started to rain so the coats cam out of the bag. The #23 turned up at around 15:00 with dud 40373 for power.


40373 in Blurton on the #23 to Hanley (Matt)

At this point the #22 still hadn't come past in either direction so I can only assume that this leg of the diagram did not run. The reason the #23 was running late is because there was a young girl trying to dodge paying her fare. As her mother got off the bus the young girl miraculously found her ticket, which must have been a 'week student' ticket. When asked to produce a student cards she couldn't. The mum came back on to the bus to see if there was a problem and the driver ascertained that the ticket belonged to her. The younger girl was asked to pay the fare of get off the bus! As a result of this action the bus was 10 minutes late when it left Ladybank Grove. Our plan B was to got to Stoke station (15:12) and to pick up the 164 outside Signal Radio (15:20). As we got off the bus matthew took a quick picture.


40373 outside Stoke railway station (Matt)

We jogged the 400 or so yards to the Signal Radio stop on Stoke Road. As the bus had been made late by the fare dodger we weren't able to make this bus. We saw 40022 on a 21A and we let this go, hoping that the #164 still might turn up. it soon came apparent that we had definitely missed the bus so I used the '84268' system to find the next bus time. There was a #21 at 15:46. I thought that this might make the #22 in Trent Vale, which we could catch up to Newcastle (we'll call this plan 'C'...). The bus turned up and it was ex Chester 61143 which was required.


61143 outside Signal Radio (Matt)

When the bus stopped at the lights over the A500 it vibrated quite a bit! As this bus was also a couple of minutes late, and it was also a bit shaky, I decide to get off in stoke to head towards Newcastle from there. With service #25, #26 and #41, there bound to be something to get us up to Newcaslte for 16:50. When we got off I consulted to bus stop timetables. there was a #25 at 16:22 which should get us to Newcastle with plenty of time to meet the 164 (Plan 'D'). Whilst we waited we were able to take some pictures.


60063 on a Hanley bound #26 (Matt)


D&G 91 on a #41 to Hanley (Matt)

After around 20 minutes and a few buses later, required 66845 turned up on the #25...


First Potteries 66845 on a #25 to Keele (Matt)

When we got to Newcastle we saw Scraggs 80 on the 16:30 to Longtom. It would seem that plan 'D' actually worked and we would finally catch up with the #164. Matthew then got another picture of 66845.


66845 in Newcastle bus station (Matt)

We also saw 40019 on the #72 Clayton and then D&G 41 on the #85 Crewe service...


D&G 41 on #85 Crewe (Matt)

Another bus we saw whilst waiting was D&G 106 on the 94A to Audley.


D&G 106 on a #94A to Audley (Matt)

Shortly after that we eventually saw what we had been waiting for. Arriva Midlands 2902 on the last Northbound Sunday #164 service.


Last Northbound #164; 2902 in Newcastle bus station (Matt)

As we got on Matthew tried to do something that he shouldn't and nearly got us in to trouble. Luckily the driver ignored his bad behaviour. When we got to Hanley he tried to do the same thing again! needless to say he won't be going on a Arriva Midlands bus in Hanley on a Sunday again (unless the timetable changes...). When we got off we were able to take another picture of this beast.


Last Southbound #164; 2902 in Hanley bus station (Matt)

At this point i gave Matthew a choice of a few buses he could catch. he could have done a 21A to Trentham, a #25 to stoke or a 6B to Longton. Matthew choice to do 61556 on the 6B. We left the balcony and waited for the driver to return to this bus.


61556 on a #6B to Blythe Bridge (Matt)

At Longton we were able to get a few more pictures before mum picked us up. 60011 was on a #26...


60011 on a #26 (Matt)

We got another picture of ex Chester 61556...


61556 continues to Blythe Bridge (Matt)

Another ex Chester bus also turned up which Matthew got a picture of...


61554 in Longton transport interchange (Matt)

Also old-school Scania 60073 starting to look it's age...


60073 in Longton transport interchange (Matt)

Shortly after this mum turned up to rescue us. We went home and had Pizza for tea... Mark