Trip to Congleton / Sandyford 19-10-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Congleton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Congleton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Talke	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Talke	Kidsgrove	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Kidsgrove	Sandyford	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Sandyford	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. 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. Across the road we saw First Potteries 32647 on a #11 to Hanley. Around 09:00 we saw it was Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX to Congleton.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

We got on the bus and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and then left onto City Road. We ran down the hill and forwards onto the A52 and under the railway line. We turned right onto the Northbound A500 and we ran up through Dtruria and Longport to talke. We came of the A500 onto the A34 and we ran Northwards up to Talke Pits. We cintinued onto the A5011 and forwards onto the A50. We ran past the Stanways Coaches depot and we turned right onto Church Lane. At the end we turned left onto the A34 and we ran to the edge of Congleton. We turned left onto Padgbury Lane and we stopped at the pub. Matthew had a chicken burger and fries with a glass of Coke. He also had chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. When we had finished we returned to Fenton on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Padgbury lane and we joined the Southbound A34. We ran South for a few mile past Kidsgrove and Talke Pits and we followed the road to the left and down to Talke where we joined the Southbound A500. We ran South through Longport and Eruria and we came off the A500 at Stoke. We went along the A52 under the railway line and forwards onto City Road up into Fenton. We turned right into Smithpool Road and left into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out and use his computer. We also looked out of the window watching buses. We saw Z Carz PE10 MJK going towards Longton.

Z Carz PE10 MJK in Fenton

We also saw D&G Bus 44 on a #1 to Meir.

D&G 44 in Fenton

Matthew then went out on a bus it was Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX to Talke. We got on the bus and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and left onto City Road. We saw First Potteries 42554 on a diverted #23A to Newstead. We ran down the hill into Stoke and we joined the Northbound A500. We ran North uo through Etruria and Longport and we joined the Eastbound A527. We ran up the hill to the top end of Tunstall and we turned left onto Chatterley Lane. We turned right onto Hollywall lane and at the end we turned left onto the A50. We ran North into Kidsgrove and we turned right onto Mount Road. We stooped at one of the service user place to pick them up and then we continued through Kidsgrove to Talke to the Carvery. We then returned to Kidsgrove along First Avenue and onto the A50 and we stopped at the Aldi car park before we went to the pub opposite. When we had finished in the pub we went up the A50 and we turned left onto Second Avenue. We turned left onto First Avenue and we ran back into Kidsgrove. We then went North up the A50 and South down the A34 and back to the carvery. We then went North up the A34 and we turned right onto the A50 and we ran back South into Kidsgrove. We stopped at Aldi again. and we went across the rod to the pub. Once we had finished in the pub we ran Southwards down the A50 up the hill and down into Sandyford. We then stopped at McDonalds tor tea. Matthew had a double cheeseburger with fries washed down with a cup of Coke. Highlights of the passing buses included First Potteries 66851 on a #3 to Crewe and Stanton's of Stoke NSU 531 going Southwards. Once we had finished we returned to Fenton on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off Northwards towards Kidsgrove up the A50 and we turned right onto Mount Road. We stopped again to pick up a service user and we continued onto Pennyfield Road and we ran up through Harriseahead and towards Mow Cop. We continued up to the Edge of Biddulph and we turned right onto the A527. We ran Southwards through Brown Lees and Brindley Ford and we followed the road through Knypersley and Fegg Hayes up to Chell. We continued along the A527 through Pits Hill and Sandyford and down to the A500. We ran Southwards through Longport and Etruria and we came off the A500 at Stoke. We ran up the A52 under the railway line and we ran forwards onto City Road and into Fenton. We turned right into Smithpool Road and left into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We got up and got off the bus and we walked back to the residential unit. Matthew went back to the room and went on his computer. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Joiners Square / Longton 08-09-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
HN16 XPS	Fenton	Longton	Charter	ABC Supreme
HN16 XPS	Longton	Fenton	Charter	ABC Supreme

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. Whilst waiting to go to the day service we saw First Potteries 67156 on a #23 to Hanley. Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and onto Christchurch Street. In the morning Matthew did some baking, making a jam filled cake. We set off onto Christchurch Street and we turned left onto Temple Street. we turned left onto Smithpool Road. we turned left onto Crawford Street. we turned left onto Clifton Street. In a yard we saw van DE03 CGV.

DE03 CGV in Fenton

We turned left onto Christchurch Street and left onto Temple Street. and then went back to the the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out and use his computer. For dinner Matthew had sausage chips and gravy followed by a Manchester Tart. we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. In the afternoon Matthew went to the pub by car. We set off onto Albert Square and we turned left into Gimson Street, We turned left onto Glebedale Road and right onto City Road. At the roundabout we turned sharp left onto Victoria Road. We ran down the hill onto Joiners Square and over the roundabout. We went forwards onto Lichfield Street and we stopped at pub. At the pub Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. Highlights of bus sightings included First Potteries 66851 on a #6 to Weston Coyney, Stanton's of Stoke 579 UXR and ABC Supreme ST56 MUP heading towards Hanley. When it was time to returned to Fenton we travelled back in a car. We set off Lichfield Street. We turned left onto Westmill Street. We turned right onto the A52 and we turned left onto Victoria Road. On Victoria Road we went to the top turning sharp right onto City Road. We turned left into Glebedale Road and to our destination. After a brief stop at the day centre, When it was time to go we set off on foot onto Christchurch Street and onto Temple Street and to the residential unit. Whilst there we saw D&G Bus 45 on a #1A to Meir.

D&G 45 in Fenton

We also saw First Potteries 67634 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67634 in Fenton

For tea Matthew had shepherds pie and Chips followed by cheesecake. After tea we set off on to onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street. Matthew went out pub to Longton on ABC Supreme minibus HN16 XPS. We got on the bus and we set off along Christchurch Street and right onto City Road. We ran through Fenton and Foley and under the railway bridge into Longton. We ran around the one way system of Market street and Commerce Street and onto the Strand. We must have been going in the wrong direction as we turned left onto Gold Street and forwards onto Heathcote Street. We ran along the high level A50 before crossing over the A50 and going left onto the A5005 towards Lightwood. We ran over the roundabout and then turned right into the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. Matthewwent to the soft play area and then returned to Fenton on ABC Supreme HN16 XPS. We ran Northwards up the A5005 and we crossed over the A50. We ran down The Strand and under the railway bridge onto King Street. We ran through Foley and Fenton and forwards onto City Road. We turned left onto Smithpool Road and left again onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out. He watched television and used his computer. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Joiners Square / Trent Vale 23-12-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Joiners Square	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Joiners Square	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
SF07 DHU	Fenton	Blurton	Charter	Intercity
67638	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going to the pub for his tea and going to his Christmas party, but not before he had been to his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice 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 had his day centre Christmas party. They ate party food and watched Christmas DVDs. Matthew had ham sandwiches and chicken nuggets for dinner followed by a chocolate roll. In the afternoon Matthew went to the pub in Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off Onto Glebedale Road and we turned left onto City Road. At the bottom of the hill we turned right onto the A52 and we ran past the railway station and we saw First Potteries 32632 on the #25 service to Hanley. We continued along the A52 to Joiners Square where we turned left onto Lichfield Street and to our destination. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. Highlights of the bus sightings included Scraggs YJ59 GHH 50 on the #50 to Hanley and A Star Travel minibus YG12 GSY. When it was time to go we got back on board Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Palmerston Street and we turned right onto the A52. We continued over Joiners Square roundabout along the A52 and we followed the road to the left. We turned right onto City Road and we went under the railway line and onto the Southbound A500. We headed to Sideway and then we joined the Eastbound A50. We travelled East as far as Normacot and then we came of the A50 to go over towards Dresden and then get back onto the Westbound A50. We ran to Heron Cross and then we turned right onto the A50 link road. We turned left onto City Road and then we went back to Heron Cross via Glebedael Road, Station Bridge Road and Heron Street. At the light we turned riggh onto Grove Road and we went forwards onto Whieldon Road. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and right onto Temple Street. At the end we went right onto Christchurch Street and back to the day centre. For the trip back home Matthew travelled in Intercity minibus SF07 DHU. We got on bus and we set off onto Glebedale Road and we continued onto Station Bridge Road. We followed the road around onto Heron Street and we went through to Heron Cross. We travelled through Blurton along Blurton Road and we went forwards onto Church Road. At the end we went right onto the A5035. We crossed the railway into Trentham and then right into New Inn Lane. After dropping of a service user we got back onto the A5035 and we ran into Blurton. We got home just before 15:00. Matthew had toast and a glass of dandelion & burdock whilst he waited for the time to go out and catch the bus. Today we went to catch the 15:56 to Newcastle. We set off on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. It was now rain as the front end of Hurricane Barbara came across the country. I had seen bus earlier and it was booked to be dud First Potteries 67638. Whilst we waited for the we saw First Potteries 67637 on the #22 to Longton

First Potteries 67637 in Blurton

A few minutes later a few minutes late we saw dud First Potteries 67638 turned the corner as expected.

First Potteries 67638 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Harpfield Road before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto the A5035 and we ran over the railway line into Trentham. We turned right into New Inn Lane. We ran into Hanford and we turned right into Wilson Road. We ran down Church Lane and we joined the A34 and we saw First Potteries 67603 on the final #22 turn. After running under the A500 into Trent Vale we saw silver patiemt transport minibus SF16 EFY go past us and E-zec patient transport YJ16 GHY going the other way. We turned right onto Harpfields Road where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another First Potteries 67638 before it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 67638 in Trent Vale

Once off the bus we walked back to the A34 and to the pub. We waited a few minutes for mum to turn up and we went into the pub. Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses included ABC Supreme S14 AMC as well as First Potteries 66851 on a #101 service to Hanley. When it was time to go we got in the car to go pick up uncle Dave. We ran down the A34 and we got onto the Northbound A500. At Sideway we went East on the A50. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and we dropped down into Fenton to pick up uncle Dave. We then headed back up to Heron Cross and we crossed the A50 and into Blurton. We ran along blurton Road and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right into Beaconsfield Drive and we got home around 17:30. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we sorted a few things out. We chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Joiners Square / Trent Vale 04-03-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Joiners Square	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Joiners Square	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
67639	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going to the pub for tea, but not before he had been to his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00. He got dressed and had a giant crumpet and blackcurrant juice 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

The bus set off onto the A5035 and we we over the railway onto Trentham. We turned right into New Inn Lane and right again into Pacific Drive. After picking up another service user we returned onto New Inn Lane and then onto the A5035. We crossed back into Blurton and we turned left onto Church Road. At the roundabout we continues onto Blurton road. At heron we went East on the A50 and onto the A50 Link Road. We turned left onto City Road and left onto Glebedale Road and to our destination. In the morning Matthew spent time in the sensory room and also used the computers. For dinner Matthew had sausage chips and gravy from the chip shop. In the afternoon they were going out to the pub. Transport for the journey out was Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off out of Glebdale Road and right onto City Road. We turned sharp left onto Victoria Road and down to the roundabout. At Joiners Square we carried on straight onto Lichfield Street and to our destination. At the pub Matthew went to the toilet and then had a drink of Coke. Highlights of the bus sightings included Stoke-on-Trent city council welfare minibus FJ05 EKN which was going towards Hanley.

Stoke-on-Trent city council FJ05 EKN in Joiners Square

Matthew listened to music on the Jukebox which included Venga Boys Going to Ibiza and UB40 Homely Girl. Whe it was time to go we got back on board Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Palmerston Street and we turned right onto the A52, and left onto Victoria Road where we saw Golden Green minibus GW14 GGG. At the top of Victoria Road we turned sharp Right onto City Road. We turned left into Glebedale Road and to the day centre. After a brief stop we returned onto Glebedale Road and right onto City Road. At the A50 Link road we turned right and onto the Westbound A50 to Heron Cross. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we ran forwards onto Church Road and then right onto the A5035. We continued over the railway line into Trentham and we turned right into New Inn Lane. After dropping off another service user in Trebthan we returned onto New Inn Lane and left onto the A5035. We crossed the railway and back into Blurton and we got back around 15:00. Matthew had toast and a drink of orangeade 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. Whilst we waited for the bus we saw dud First Potteries 67638 on the #22 towards Longton.

First Potteries 67638 in Blurton

I had seen the turn earlier in the day and it was booked to be dud First Potteries 67639. It turned the corner and as expected it was dud First Potteries 67639.

First Potteries 67639 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Harpfields Road before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off and we turned right onto the A5035. The bus in front of us was empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 67639.

Inside First Potteries 67639

We crossed the railway line and we entered Trentham where we passed silver minibus DS08 KGF. We turned right onto New Inn Lane and we stopped outside the Man in Space for a short while. Whilst there we saw First Potteries 53041 on a #21 to the Trentham Hotel. We climbed the hill and we entered Hanford and we saw Hanford Court Care minibus WR11 ENU outside the new sheltered housing block on the site of the old Bulls Head pub. We traveled along Wilson Road and down Church Lane before we joined the A34. We crossed under the A500 and into Trent Vale where passed CMD's taxi KN63 ZYD. We turned right onto Harpfields Road and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67639 as it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 67639 in Trent Vale

We walked back onto the A34 and we headed towards the pub. As we were walking along we turned to see a coach in the distance behind us. We found a clear stretch of road and we waited for it to come towards us. As it got closer we saw that it was Dunwood's YN64 AOJ.

Dunwood's YN64 AOJ in Trent Vale

A few vehicle behind the coach was dud First Potteries 66851 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 66851 in Trent Vale

As we got to the pub, mum was pulling into the car park. Matthew had a brunch with bread and butter followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses included Raspberry liveried Scania 65033 on the #101 service, Sentinel Scania 65040 on a Hanley bound #101 service, MT Travel minibus HK58 ECV going Southwards & ABC Supreme N806 CRJ. When it was time to go we got in the car to go and pick up uncle Dave. We went South down the A500 and we turned left onto the A500. As we traveled North we saw National Express liveried coach FJ11 GKD, also going North on a #540 service. We came off the A500 and we ran down towards Campbell Road and we rejoined the A500 trying to get around the slow traffic. We went East on the A50 up to Heron Cross and we turned left into Fenton. In Fenton we saw Roseville taxi minibus WF11 WHC. After picking up uncle Dave we headed back to Heron Cross. AS we crossed over the A50 we saw First Potteries 41522 on a #23 to Hanley diverted via the A50 link Road. We went forwards into Blurton and we saw First Potteries 53058 on a Newstead bound #23 service. Parked up at Blurton Garage was City Cabs EF05 OLX. We climbed the hill and we went forwards onto Church Road before turning right into Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 18:00. Later on Matthew ate a slice of toffee cheesecake and then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Newcastle / Hanley 15-08-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
60073	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trentham, adj Man-in-Space	22	First Potteries
40022	Trentham, adj Man-in-Space	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop R	21	First Potteries
66839	Stoke-upon-Trent, adj stop Q	Newcastle BS	3	First Potteries
42353	Newcastle BS	Burslem, Town Hall (stop G)	98	First Potteries
32054	Burslem, Wedgwood Street (Stop A)	Tunstall, adj stop M	3	First Potteries
42894	Tunstall, adj stop B	Hanley BS	29	First Potteries
189	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	41	D&G
37156	Newcastle BS	Keele, Nr Sneyd Arms PH	3	First Potteries
66851	Keele, adj Sneyd Arms PH	Newcastle BS	3	First Potteries
53119	Newcastle BS	Clayton Village, Opp Beechwood Close	72	First Potteries
65733	Clayton Village, Opp Beechwood Close	Newcastle BS	72	First Potteries

Today we decided to have a local trip. We had checked the weather, and the forecast was for warm and cloudy with sunny intervals. Stoke City were playing away, so it would be relatively quiet in Stoke town centre, Also with Newcastle garage closing in September, and a slight reduction in services due, we though it would be a good chance to try and ride on some of the older buses before they were withdrawn. We were particularly interested in getting a ride on required First Potteries Scania 60006 if we saw it working today. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Just after 12:00 we set off on foot to the stop all the way over on Magdalen Road to catch a Newcastle bound #22 to Trentham. I hadn't checked out what was on the #22, so we didn't know what was going to turn up. As we waited we saw dud First Potteries 60068 on a #22 to Longton. The bus came around the corner out of Finstock Avenue and we saw that it was dud First Potteries 60073.

First Potteries 60073 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we purchased a Smart Day tickets at £5.30. We sat down near to the back of the bus and we set off onto the A5035. We travelled over the railway line and into Trentham before turning right into New Inn Lane. As we passed Pacific Road we saw dud First Potteries 40022 on a #21 to the Trentham hotel, and probably our next bus... As we approached the man in Space we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 60073 before it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 60073 in Trentham

A few minutes later as predicted we saw a Solo approaching... It was indeed dud First Potteries 40022.

First Potteries 40022 in Trentham

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart day ticket to the driver. The bus was already 1/2 full when we got on it. We sat down towards the back of the bus and we set off up new Inn Lane. We passed dud First Potteries 40304 on a #21B to Trentham Gardens, so we did the right thing by not waiting to see what was on the next bus. As we travelled through Hanford we passed dud First Potteries 60069 on the 3rd #22 turn going towards Longton. We joined the A34 and we passed under the A500 in Trent Vale. We managed to identify a further bus on the #21's as we passed First Potteries 41514 going the other way. As we approached Stoke we passed City Cabs, were minibus WG54 AOC was parked up. When we got to Stoke we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 40022 as it carried on towards Hanley.

First Potteries 40022 in Stoke

We walked through town and onto Church Street to the Stoke Cafe. Matthew went to the toilet and I ordered the food. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. After we had finished eating we walked down Church Street to the Newcastle stop. There was a #2 due at 13:16 so we were surprised when we saw a Volvo heading our way. We could also see First Potteries Scania single decker 60171 in it's red and yellow livery and a yellow double decker behind that. As the Volvo got closer we saw that it was dud First Potteries 66839.

First Potteries 66839 in Stoke

Behind that was as we knew dud First Potteries Scania 60171.

First Potteries 60171 in Stoke

As we considered which bus to get on GHA double decker F811 FAO went past on a shuttle service to Betley in connection with the Junction 16 music festival. We had heard about the festival shuttles but at £15 for a return fare it was too expensive for us to do. I asked Matthew which of the single deckers he wanted to do and he chose First Potteries 66839. We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart day ticket to the driver. We sat down near to the back of the bus and the bus set off out of Stoke town centre and up Hartshill Road. We travelled through Hartshill and we turned left into The Avenue. We turned left onto Albany Road and then we turned right into the hospital. After running through the hospital we joined the A34 and we headed into Newcastle. We turned into the bus station and we let the bus empty before Matthew got a picture inside First Potteries 66839.

Inside First Potteries 66839

We got off the bus and we decided to look around and take a few pictures. On layover on Stubbs Street was our last ALX400/Volvo double decker First Potteries 32056.

First Potteries 32056 in Newcastle bus station

We rode on this fine example of a double decker back in April this year. We went down to the bottom of the bus station to take a few more pictures whilst we decided which bus to do next. On a #164 to Market Drayton/Shrewsbury was Arriva Midlands 3699.

Arriva Midlands 3699 in Newcastle bus station

This was followed by dud 'Olympia' liveried First Potteries 65038 on a #10 to Hanley.

First Potteries 65038 in Newcastle bus station

In the distance we saw a Vale Travel liveried GHA double decker go by along the A34 on a Junction 16 music festival shuttle. We also saw dud First Potteries 43876 on a #72 to Clayton.

First Potteries 43876 in Newcastle bus station

At the top end of the bus station we saw a barbie liveried Caetano bodied Dart so we knew it would be one of the required pair that recently arrived from Hereford. As it turned the corner we saw that it was required First Potteries 42353.

First Potteries 42353 in Newcastle bus station

We walked up to the top end of the bus station to get on First Potteries 42353 and we saw a GHA double decker go whizzing past on another Junction 16 music festival shuttle. We boarded First Potteries 42353 and we flashed the Smart day tickets to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus was quite full as we set off out of the bus station. We headed up the A527 and into Wolstaton before going down Porthill Bank and over the A500 into Longport. At Trubshaw Cross we turned right and we went up the hill into Burslem. The back of the bus emptied as we approached the town and Matthew got a picture of the back seat of First Potteries 42353.

Inside First Potteries 42353

As we went along Market Place we got up and got off the bus. We then took another picture of First Potteries 42353.

First Potteries 42353 in Burslem

We walked around the corner onto Wedgwood Street so that we could catch a bus up to Tunstall. Along Waterloo road we could see a dud First Potteries ALX400 double decker approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was First Potteries 32054.

First Potteries 32054 in Burslem

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart day ticket to the driver. We went upstairs and we sat down. The bus was quite well filled as we set off along Scotia Road. We went past the old Burslem bus garage and we turned left onto Williamson Street. A few people emptied off the bus and Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 32054.

Inside First Potteries 32054

We turned right into Tunstall High Street and when we got to the North end we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 32054 before it carried on towards Talke. Behind the double decker we saw a D&G MPD Dart pull up on a #94 to Biddulph. A closer inspection revealed it was dud D&G 198.

D&G 198 in Tunstall

We had been on D&G 198 back when it was an Arriva Midlands bus from Uttoxeter bus station to the stop outside the Foxes biscuit factory back in October 2012. We went into Tunstall cafe and Matthew used the toilet. Matthew had to settle for just a drink of Coke. After we had finished I asked Matthew which way he wanted to go and indicated he wanted to go over that other side of the road to go towards Hanley or Newcastle. As we were crossing the road we saw dud First Potteries 42894 on a #29 to Hanley. I asked Matthew if he wanted to do this and he said yes.

First Potteries 42894 in Tunstall

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day to the driver. We sat down near to the back of the bus ans we set off towards Trubshaw Cross. We went down the High Street and forwards onto Brownhills Road. At the roundabout we turned left and we headed up Newcastle Road into Burslem. The bus emptied out a little and Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 42894.

Inside First Potteries 42894

We turned right onto Waterloo Road and we headed into Cobridge. We turned right into Festival Park and we paused for a minute or so outside of Morrisons. We went through festival Park and we crossed under the A53 and went up Etruria Road / Trinty Street and we turned right into Stafford Street. We passed the town hall and we went along Bagnall Street into the bus station. We got off the bus and Matthew headed into the toilet. As we were heading through the bus station we saw one of the 'new' Streetlites that came from Manchester in the last few weeks outside the bus station at the addition stand on Lichfield Street. It was First Potteries 63099 on a #6B to Blythe Bridge.

First Potteries 63099 in Hanley bus station

We walked up towards John Street car park. Arriving into the bus station from Abbey Hulton was First Potteries 50281 on a #5 service.

First Potteries 50281 in Hanley bus station

On layover in the bus station was former Chesterbus 374. The bus now carries the number 41070 in the First Potteries fleet.

First Potteries 41070 in Hanley bus station

We went up the stairs into the John Street car park and we took a few bus pictures. On layover was dud First Potteries 41522.

First Potteries 41522 in Hanley bus station

Freshly repainted ready for the extended #9 service which change in September, is required D&G Versa 160.

D&G 160 in Hanley bus station

The bus used to be 262 in the Transdev Burnley & Pendle fleet. Another fairly new addition to the area is dud First Potteries 65564 on a #29 to Bradeley.

First Potteries 65564 in Hanley bus station

Former Wardle Transport 2164 is now carrying the number 188 since it joined D&G earlier in the year. It was seen working a #43 to Badderley Green.

D&G 188 in Hanley bus station

We also saw First Potteries 66309 on a #3 to Leighton Hospital in Crewe.

First Potteries 66309 in Hanley bus station

Another former Transdev Burnley and Pendle bus is D&G 157 which we saw on the #16 to Leek.

D&G 157 in Hanley bus station

This has also been painted yellow ready to work the extended #9 service from September. matthew shared a Milky Way double bar with uncle Dave and then drank a can of Vimto. We decided to head back to the bus station to see what we could catch. We went in the spar shop and we brought a bottle of Irn Bru and a couple of chocolate bat to re-stock the trip bag. Matthew said hello to to the lady working behind the counter and then we went to see what we could catch. There was a dud First Potteries double decker going towards Newcastle as well as required D&G 189 which was on a #41 to Clayton.

D&G 189 in Hanley bus station

We decided to catch the D&G bus, not least so that we could use the 'multi operator' part of the ticket. We flashed the Smart day ticket to the driver and we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and down John Street to Bethesda Street. We crossed the ring road and we went down College Road to the railway station. We ran parallel to the railway along the A52 and then we turned right and into Stoke town centre. After a brief stop we went out of town and up Hartshill Road. We turned right into Princes Road and into Penkhull. We went down Newcastle Lane and we turned right onto Hilton Road before going into the hospital. After passing through the hospital we joined the A34 and then ran into the South end of Newcastle bus station off Barracks Road. As it was a through bus it did not empty put completely. Matthew took a picture of the empty rear of D&G 189.

Inside D&G 189

We got off the bus and we had a look around for something we could catch. We saw dud First Potteries 37158 leaving on a #4 to Audley.

First Potteries 37158 in Newcastle bus station

Also leaving the bus station in the new yellow livery was D&G 161 on a #41 to Birches Head.

D&G 161 in Newcastle bus station

We saw First Potteries 37156 arrive in the bus station on a #3 to Madeley.

First Potteries 37156 in Newcastle bus station

We decided to do First Potteries 37156 up to Keele... Whilst we waited for the bus driver to ready the bus for service we had a look at the Arriva bus that came into the bus station on the #164 to Hanley. It was Arriva Midlands 3695.

Arriva Midlands 3695 in Newcastle bus station

When the bus started to board, we got on and flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver. We went upstairs and Matthew took a picture First Potteries 37156 before we sat down.

Inside First Potteries 37156

Out of the window we saw First Potteries 42893 on a #4 to Audley.

First Potteries 42893 in Newcastle bus station

The bus set off out of the bus station and we went down to the A34. We went a ciuple of roundabouts up the road before we turned left onto the A525. We turned right into Orme Road and we bounced over the speed bump to the other end of Orme Road before we re-joined the Westbound A525. We climbed the steep hill up to Keele, passing D&G 144 on a #85 to Newcastle and we turned right into the campus. We ran through the campus and out the other side into the village. We got up and got off the bus. The bus paused for a minute or two and we got another picture of First Potteries 37156.

First Potteries 37156 in Keele

We only had a few minutes before the bus back towards Newcastle was due. We saw a Volvo approaching and as it got closer we saw that it was dud First Potteries 66851.

First Potteries 66851 in Keele

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart day ticket to the driver. As the bus was nearly empty Matthew took a picture inside the near empty First Potteries 66851.

Inside First Potteries 66851

The bus set off out of the village and through the Keele University campus. I asked Matthew if he wanted this to be the last bus, and he said that he wanted to do a couple more. Not too surprising considering we had only managed to ride on two new buses today out of nine! We passed D&G 144 going back towards Crewe on the #85 again and we headed down the hill. We passed Hamptons scrapyard and we turned left into Orme Road. At the other end of Orme Road we re-emerged onto the A525 and we did the short run up to the A34. We went South a couple of roundabouts before turning left onto Barracks Road and we entered the bus station from the South. At the bus station we got up and got off the bus. I asked Matthew if he wanted to go to the toilet and he said yes. On the way up we saw First Potteries 53828 which was on lay over on Stubbs Street.

First Potteries 53828 in Newcastle bus station

Matthew went to the toilet and we saw required First Potteries 53119 on a #72 to Clayton. We had also seen required First Potteries 65733 going off towards Park Site on the #72 and required D&G 30 on 'The Orange One' to Meir. As we walked down to where both buses were D&G 30 pulled off. I asked Matthew if he wanted do First Potteries 53119 and he said yes.

First Potteries 53119 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver. We sat down towards the back of this well filled bus and the bus pulled off out of the bus station. We went down Barracks Road and onto the Northbound A34 we went around Morrisons via Blackfriars Road and Friarswood Road and we went back towards Newcastle before doing a U turn between Morrisons and Homebase and going up the A519 towards Clayton. We turned into Seabridge lane and the we left into Wye Road. We went through the Westbury Park area and we headed back towards the A519 along Westbury Road. We crossed the A519 and the bus emptied out a little so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 53119.

Inside First Potteries 53119

At the bottom of Northwood Lane we turned left into Ferndown Drive South. We got up and got off the bus. As there was a 20 minute wait for the next bus, we walked down to the A500 overbridge. Matthew ate a Milky Way and drank a bottle of Irn Bru, and took some pictures of passing lorries and a Skills coach. After a few minutes we walked back up to the stop to wait for the next bus. Just as we hoped when it turned the corner it was a 'Cherry route' Scania, required First Potteries 65733.

First Potteries 65733 in Clayton Village

We got on the bus for the final time today and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver. The bus was empty so Matthew also got a picture inside First Potteries 65733 before we sat down.

Inside First Potteries 65733

The bus set off along Ferndown Drive and back onto Northwood Lane. We crossed over the A519 and we went through Westbury Park and onto Wye Road. We turned right onto Seabridge Lane, and this time we noticed that someone appeared to be scrapping a car in there drive and it was turned on it's side! We re-joined the A519 and we ran down into Newcastle. We came into the bus station off Barracks Road and we got up and got off the bus. We walked up onto barracks Road and we saw mum waiting for us in the lay-by. We went to the Jubilee Roundabout and we turned 180' and went back down barracks Road onto the A34. As we passed the hospital we saw ALS Travel coach SIL 3844 going Northwards. we stopped at the Riverside Chippy for chips and afterwards we carried on down to the A500. We joined the Northbound A500 and at Sideway we went Eastwards along the A50 up to Longton. WE came off at Longton so that we could check out the buses at Z Carz. Today they had parked the buses sideways to accommodate the large numbers of buses parked up for the school holidays. Closest to the road was Z Carz Ford minibus LG09 JVX.

Z Carz LG09 JVX in Longton

Also nearby to the road was Z Carz airport division Ford minibus DL03 HHU.

Z Carz DL03 HHU in Longton

Another bus that is rarely seen at the depot is Z Carz green Ford minibus T418 WYJ.

Z Carz T418 WYJ in Longton

behind the green minibus was Z Carz Mercedes minibus M372 NWN.

Z Carz M372 NWN in Longton

Whilst we were there, Z Carz Iveco minibus GK02 NWJ arrived on site.

Z Carz GK02 NWJ in Longton

We turned into Willow Row where there was only one minibus. It was Z Carz Mercedes minibus S952 VMY parked at the back of the compound behind a car. We turned around and went back onto the A50 which we did up to Heron Cross. At heron Cross we joined Blurton Road and we went through Blurton. We went forwards onto Church Road and we turned right into Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 18:20. For a late tea Matthew had banger and mash with carrots followed by a slice of lemon cake. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until Bedtime around 10:00...Mark