Trip to Shrewsbury / Bicton Heath 13-02-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3699	Harlescott, Sentinel	Shrewsbury BS	64	Arriva Midlands
2995	Shrewsbury BS	Bicton Heath, Worrow Drive Jct	11	Arriva Midlands
2980	Bicton Heath, Worrow Drive Jct	Shrewsbury BS	11	Arriva Midlands
3328	Shrewsbury BS	Telford BS	19	Arriva Midlands
2967	Telford BS	Shrewsbury, Bridge	X5	Arriva Midlands
2996	Shrewsbury, Bridge	Bayston Hill, Garden Centre	27	Arriva Midlands
2522	Bayston Hill, Garden Centre	Shrewsbury BS	27	Arriva Midlands
2976	Shrewsbury BS	Harlescott, Tesco	24	Arriva Midlands

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. We ask Matthew to pick somewhere a little closer and he chose Shrewsbury. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw Temple Street Church RX18 GZW.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

Out of the other window we saw Adam Travel DT15 GVR.

Adam Travel DT15 GVR in Fenton

When it was time to go out We went downstairs and we got in the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We crossed City Road onto Manor Street and we ran to the end where we turned left onto Victoria Road to Joiners Square and we turned left onto Warrington Road. We turned left onto the A52. we ran towards Stoke. We ran forwards onto Glebe Street and we followed the one-way system onto Church Street. We crossed over the A500 and we got onto the Southbound A500 right to the end and then we turned left onto the A519. We ran for a couple of hundred yards and then we turned right onto the A5182 by the Eddie Stobart depot. We ran Westwards along the the road until the end until we joined the Southbound A53. we ran through Whitmore and Baldwin's gate and then we joined the A51 by The swan with Two Necks. A couple of hundred yards later we turned left onto the A53 again. We ran through Loggerheads and then we went around the North side of Market Drayton. We crossed the A41 at Tern Hill. We were now out in open countryside and we ran along the fast newer sections of the road to Shawbury. Once we passed through the village we ran to the edge of Shrewsbury. We turned right onto Morrisons and we parked up. We went into the supermarket and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards we went into the cafe and we had dinner. Matthew had a sausage bap with extra sausage washed down with a cup of Coke. For afters Matthew had a slice of lemon meringue pie. When we had finished we said goodbye to mum friend and we cut through onto Whitchurch Road. we walked to the bus stop. We waited for a bus to Leek. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was Arriva Midlands 3699 on a #64 to Shrewsbury. we got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus before the bus set off out off the A5191 and we ran Southbound. We ran into Shrewsbury town centre. We went under the railway line and we turned right onto the A458. We came up alongside the river and we turned left into the bus station. Once off the bus we crossed over to the layover area. Once off the bus Matthew visited the toilet. We then returned to the outside stops to take a few pictures. we saw Arriva Midlands 2535 on a #20 to Radbrook. A few minutes later we saw Arriva Midlands 2501 on a #8 to Sutton Farm. Whilst we waited we saw Arriva Midlands 2960 on a #511 to Whitchurch. After a while we decided to return to the bus station to catch another bus. We went into the bus station and it was Arriva Midlands 2995 on a #11 to Bicton Heath. We got on the bus and and we flashed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus before the bus set off out off the bus station onto the A458. We went around the Welsh Bridge. We turned left onto Copthorne Road. We ran down Mytton Oak Road where we saw Tanat Valley 281 on a #558 to Shrewsbury. We turned into the hospital and as we travelled through the hospital the Hospital. We turned right onto Mytton Oak Road. We continued through Bowbrook. We turned right onto Gains Park Way. We headed down the hill into Bicton Heath. We turned right onto Gains Avenue where we got up and got off the bus. We walked down Gains Avenue. We turned right onto Gains Park Way. Once off the bus we walked along onto the A458 and we went to see the site where the new Starbucks, Subway and petrol station will be built. where we saw Celtic Travel BV18 YCC on a X75 to Rhayader. We walked back up We walked down along onto the A458. We turned right onto Gains Park Way. We turned right onto Gains Avenue. we waited for a bus towards Shrewsbury. A short time later we saw Arriva Midlands 2995 on a #11 to Shrewsbury. We got on the bus and and we flashed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus before the bus set off down Gains Avenue. We turned left onto Gains Park Way. We continued through Bowbrook. We turned left onto Mytton Oak Road and we turned into the hospital. We turned left onto Mytton Oak Road. We ran down Copthorne Road. We ran forwards onto the A458. We went around the Welsh Bridge. We turned left onto the A458 and we turned right into the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we crossed over to the layover area. We saw Arriva Midlands 3328 on a #19 to Telford. we got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus before the bus set off out off the bus station onto the A458. We joined the A528. We turned right onto the A5191. We went around the English Bridge Gyratory and we crossed over the bridge. We ran forwards onto Abbey Foregate. We turned right onto A5064. we continued onto Emstrey. We carried on up A5064 were we passed Arriva Midlands 2546 on the #19 to Shrewsbury. We continued onto Emstrey Bank and we ran past Salop Leisure Centre. We headed through Atcham. We ran forwards onto the B5061. We went into Wroxeter. We went through Lower Longwood. We ran into Overley. We continued along the B4380. We ran through Leighton. We went through Buildwas. we crossed over the A4169. We turned right onto Much Wenlock Road. We turned left into Buildwas Road and we turned onto Wharfage. We ran up the hill and into Coalbrookdale. We turned left into Dale End. We ran forwards onto Wellington Road. We ran forwards onto Jiggers Bank. we ran into Horsehay. We turned right onto the A4169. We turned right onto Lightmoor Way and we ran forwards onto Little Flint. We turned left onto Little Meadow Mews and we ran forwards onto Ellens Bank. We ran forwards onto Wellington Road. We climbed the hill into Horsehay. We ran forwards onto Bridge Road. We ran forwards onto Station Road. We turned left onto Springhill Road and We ran into Heath Hill. we ran forwards Dawley Road. We ran down into Lawley. We turned right onto Proctor Ave. We turned left onto Bryce Way before turning right onto the ring road. We ran down into Lawley Bank. We turned left onto Station Road. We ran down the hill towards Overdale. We turned right into Milners Lane. We ran up Concorde. we turned left onto Bank Road. We ran forwards onto Cemetery Road. We turned right Milners Lane. We turned right onto W Centre Way and we ran towards Telford. we turned right at the roundabout onto Malinsgate wehere we saw Arriva Midlands 3701 on the #19 to Shrewsbury. We ran onto Northfield Street. and we entered the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we decided to catch something quite quickly. The old entrance to the shopping centre so we walked up and down to try and find a way into the shopping centre. We went out of the bus station where we saw Arriva Midlands 3734 on the #5 to Stafford. we visited Costa Coffee. Matthew had a piece of millionaire's shortbread and a cup of Coke. Once we had used the facilities we walked back into the bus station we looked for nsomething suitable to catch and we spotted Arriva Midlands 2967 on a X5 to Shrewsbury. we got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Northfield Street. We turned right onto Hall Park Way and we ran down to the motorway. We joined Westbound M54 and forwards onto the A5. We ran fast for around 20 minutes to the edge of Shrewsbury on to the Southern by-pass. We turned right onto A5064 and we headed Northwards into town. We ran past Lord Hill's Column and we saw Arriva Midlands 3695 on a #8 to Sutton Farm. We ran forwards onto Abbey Foregate and as we approached the Abbey. We went around the English Bridge Gyratory and we crossed over the bridge. We ran forwards onto Wyle Cop where we got up and got off the bus. We walked down the road to the bus stop and we waited for a bus to Bayston Hill. A few minutes alter we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was Arriva Midlands 2996 on a #27 to Bayston Hill. We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus before the bus set off down A5191. We went around the English Bridge Gyratory and we crossed over the bridge. We turned right onto Old Potts Way. We turned left onto the A5191 and we ran into Meole Brace. We turned right onto Moneybrook Way. We turned left onto the A5112/49. we ran into Bayston Hill where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus. We crossed the road and we went to the stop opposite for the return journey, Whilst we waited Matthew ate a bag of Milky Stars. Matthew visited the toilet and afterwards he had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we went outside and met up with uncle Dave. We walked down Chorley New Road to the bus stop and we waited for the next bus towards Shrewsbury. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 2522 on a #27 to Shrewsbury. We got on the bus and and we flashed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus before the bus set off down A49. We crossed over the A5. We continued onto the A112. we ran into Meole Brace. We turned left onto Moneybrook Way. We turned left onto the A5191. We went around the English Bridge Gyratory and we crossed over the bridge. We ran forwards onto Wyle Cop and we passed Arriva Midlands 2980 on a #27 to Bayston Hill. We followed the one-way system around town and we turned right onto Barker Street. We turned right onto the A458 and we turned right into the bus station. We looked up the time of the next #24 or #25 bus up to Harlescott. A few minutes later we saw Arriva Midlands 2976 on a #24 to Harlescott. We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Shrewsbury Day Saver ticket to the driver for what turned out to be the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. Whilst we waited for departure time we saw Arriva Midlands 3512 on a X70 to Oswestry. We set off of the bus station onto the A458. We joined the A528 and we followed the one-way system under the railway line. We turned left onto the A5191 and we ran Northwards. We turned right onto Newpark Road. We turned left onto Sultan Road and at the end we re-joined the Northbound A5191. We ran North to the roundabout and we turned right on the B5062. We turned left onto Featherbed Lane and right onto Alberbury Drive. We follwed the road through the estate and we turned right onto Featherbed Lane. We turned right onto Arlington Way and we crossed over the A5191 and we ran forwards onto road past the bus garage and Tesco. We stopped behind Tesco and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we we walked up towards the car. Matthew wanted to go to the toilet, but the toilet block by the Park & Ride was locked up. We got in the car and we drove to Tesco. Matthew used the toilet. We got back in the car and we decided to drive up to Shawbury to get some chips. We set off out off the Park & Ride sight onto the Northbound A5112. We joined the Northbound A53 and we travelled through Upper Astley for around 5 miles and into Shawbury. We parked up and mum and Matthew went to the Co-operative food store and I went to the chip shop. Matthew brought a bottle of Coke. We met back up at the car and we continued our drive Northwards. As we ran up towards Market Drayton we passed an unidentified Alfa coach. We ran along the Market Drayton by-pass and we continued Northwards towards Loggerheads. we crossed over the A51 and up through Whitmore. We ran Northwards towards Newcastle and we turned right onto Trentham Road. We turned left onto the A519. We joined the Northbound A500 and we ran up towards Sideway. We joined the Eastbound A50 and we ran up Longton. We came off the A50 at Longton and we headed for Z Carz. We turned into Willow Row and we saw Z Carz Peugeot minibus SJ61 OPK. We came off onto the high level A50 and we turned right onto Baths Road. We ran down King Street. We continued down onto City Road and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple street and we we returned to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out and use the computer. He also watched buses out of the window. He watched television and used his computer. For a late tea Matthew had a chicken burger from kfc. He also had some fries and a cup of Coke. 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 Shrewsbury 23-02-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2223	Harlescott, opp Tesco	Shrewsbury BS	25	Arriva Midlands
2348	Shrewsbury BS	Gains Park, adj Woodcrest Jct	1	Arriva Midlands
2722	Gains Park, adj Woodcrest Jct	Shrewsbury BS	1	Arriva Midlands
2727	Shrewsbury BS	Bayston Hill, opp Beeches PH	27	Arriva Midlands
2708	Bayston Hill, opp Beeches PH	Shrewsbury BS	27	Arriva Midlands
2383	Shrewsbury BS	Bayston Hill, opp Beeches PH	27	Arriva Midlands
2383	Bayston Hill, opp Beeches PH	Shrewsbury BS	27	Arriva Midlands
2345	Shrewsbury BS	Harlescott, opp Tesco	24	Arriva Midlands

Today we decided to revisit Shrewsbury. We haven't been for just over a year. The last time we went it was to ride on Arriva Midland Darts 2309 & 2310. We didn't do any research for this trip, other than check the weather. The weather was for grey skies and temperatures of 3' C. We got up around 09:00 and Matthew at some of his toast and drank his orange juice. We set off around 11:00 today and we headed North to get some LPG from Etruria, on the way we passed 40145 on the #22 service. After we had got the LPG we headed south down the A500 to it Southern end before joining on the A5182. We did this along to the A53 and then it was one straight road. Just North of market Drayton we encountered roadworks and a very strange phenomenon. The was a short stretch of road where all the tree's were draped in ice, but only 20 yards or so. Everywhere else was ice free. We carried on South. When we reached the A41 we stopped at the Shell garage and put some air in the tyres. We carried on a bit further. When we got to Shawbury we stopped again to have chips and sausage from the chippy here. Arriva Midlands 3732 came past whilst we ate. After eating the food we carried on to the Harlescott park and ride site. Since we last came there has been a new bus depot built here, and we could see a #64 branded Centro parked outside the depot. After visiting visiting the toilet we went to the back of Tesco to catch a bus down. Required Arriva Midlands 2345 made an appearance but it went to stand near the depot. At roughly the same time required 2223 appeared so we decided to catch this bus as it was going straight back. Matthew got a picture and we got on the bus.

Arriva Midlands 2223 in Harlscott

We booked Shrewsbury Daysavers and we sat down at the back. The journey in was pleasant enough and we got into town in no time. as we approached the main rod again we passed a Co-op on our right which mum pointed out to Matthew. Mum downloaded a Greggs app to her ohone so she could find sausage rolls for later. The app didn't work too well as it failed to render a map of where the shop was! At the same time she discovered the was an app for Poundland too! We got to the bus station and Matthew took a picture of the inside of 2223 too.

Inside Arriva Midlands 2223

We came out of the bus station and went across to the stabled buses. There was another bus photographer present but we did not recognise him. We walked past Arriva Midlands 2706 which had been on last February and also Bryn Melym M403 EFD which we had seen in Wrexham last January.

Bryn Melyn M403 EFD between duties in Shrewsbury

There were a group of teenagers sitting where we usually sit with Matthew so we had a bit of a wander round taking bus pictures. I was hoping something useful would turn up quickly and sure enough it did. Arriva Midlands 2348 came in on a #1 gains Park service.

Arriva Midlands 2348 Arrives in Shrewsbury bus station

The bus pulled into stand B and we raced around to get on it. I though we had been in this direction before and I was right. We had done 2308 in this direction back in October 2009! I downloaded the #1 timetable from the Arriva Midlands website to check how long it would take and the service frequency. It took around 20 minutes to get to the end and the frequency was every 15 minutes. As we waited to depart we saw a UVG bodied Dart enter the bus station. It was required Arriva Midlands 2383. We would try and go after this later. We set off over the Welsh Bridge and up toward Copthorne Barracks. We went beyond the point to which we had travelled before back on 2009 and then turned into the Hospital. Air Ambulance G-EEMA was parked on the helipad adjacent to the bus stop. We came back out of the hospital and carried on along to Gains Park Way. Weret sure if the end of this service was circular so when someone was at a stop getting on the bus we decided to get off. Matthew photographed the bus empty as we got off.

Inside Arriva Midlands 2348

We didn't know whether to wait at this stop or the stop opposite for the next bus. We decided to go for a short walk rather than wait 15 minutes in the stop. A few minutes later we saw 2348 return out of Gains Avenue. We had a little bus stop picnic and Matthew drank a can of coke. We thought that we could get a picture of the next bus on the opposite side of the road before catching it back. Arriva Midlands 2722 pulled up opposite an immediately behind it was Tanat Valley 214.

Tanat Valley 214 in Gains Park

After we had taken a picture of 214 we returned to the stop to wait for Arriva Midlands 2722 to return, which it did a few minutes later.

Arriva Midlands 2722 in Gains Park

We got on the bus which was nearly empty and sat down near the back. I looked up if we had been on this bus, and it was one that we had been on from Harlescott to Shrewsbury last February. I had thought that we we had aleady been on 2348 before, but I a had misread 2248 on his list when I hadn't used my glassed. So we had picked up 2 out 3 new buses so far. We got back into town only to see Arriva Midlands 2383 depart on the #27. We also saw the Dart 2345 which we had seen earlier. We now had a plan sort of. We would do the next #27 down towards Bayston Hill and try to intercept it. In the mean time we walked around to the edge of the bus station to take some pictures. Tanat Valley 573 made an appearance on a football shuttle.

Tanat Valley 573 in Shrewsbury

We saw the next #27 arrive and it was required Arriva Midlands 2727. We walked around to the correct stand and Matthew took a picture of Arriva Midlands 2727 which turned out much better than I thought it would.

Arriva Midlands 2727 in Shrewsbury bus station

We got on and sat near the back of the bus. This time last year we would have been on a #25 service. The #25 was split in two, with the Southern half becoming a #27. The route around the end has also changed slightly too. The circle at the end has become bigger, crossing the A5 on the A5112/49 and returning North along Pulley Lane. as we passed the end of Pulley Lane we saw Arriva Midlands 2383 heading back North. We did the bus well into the estate and we got off outside The Beeches pub as we turned a corner.

Arriva Midlands 2727 in Bayston Hill

We decided to wait 15 minutes for the next bus. We had worked out that there were either 3 or 4 buses doing this run, but the tiings didn't seem to quite work out. It was 15:00 and we didn't know if we were late or early as buses were due at this stop at 14:53 and 15:08. approximately 10 minutes passed and then we saw another DAF approaching. It was Arriva Midlands 2708.

Arriva Midlands 2708 in Bayston Hill

For some reason I thought we were on 2706, which was dud. Matthew soon corrected me at looking at the picture he was right as we had taken a picture of 2706 in Interurban livery as well as 12 months earlier. We passed 2383 again at the end of Hereford Road and we worked out there were only 3 buses in the circuit and we had been on 2 of them! We would go back to Shrewsbury and wait 15 minutes for 2383 to appear. We got back into Shrewsbury and Matthew took an inside view of Arriva Midlands 2708.

Inside Arriva Midlands 2708

We now had a short wait. We took Matthew to the toilet and walked around the outside of the bus station to wait for 2383. Arriva Midlands 2345 came and went again and we realised it was taking an hour to return and it left at around 35-40 minutes past each hour. Whilst there we saw Bryn Melyn's Icarus bodied bus W235 CDN arrive.

Bryn Melyn W235 CDN in Shrewsbury

We also saw Tanat Valley's plain white Wright Cadet MM02 ZVJ which used to be Arriva NW&W 2559 and is required

Tanat Valley 284 in Shrewsbury

A few minutes later we saw the UVG Dart 2383 arrive and so we got a picture of it as it came in.

Arriva Midlands 2383 arrives in Shrewsbury bus station

We raced around the outside of the bus station and then got on 2383. We sat down near the back and when the bus left the bus station it was nearly empty. that soon changed when we stopped at St Mary's Street as it was now around 16:00 and shoppers were returning home in droves. The bus was due back around 16:32 ish. I had worked out that we could get 2345 in as well as long as mum was ready to go as soon as we got back to Shrewsbury so I texted her to tell her what we planned to do. After a quick phone call we worked out the details. The bus was reasonably well filled and did not empty much until after we crossed the A5. when we reached Bayston Hill I went to the front to flash tickets for the return journey. We got back around 16:32 and Matthew took his empty bus photo of this UVG, only the second one he has been on the other being First 40751 back in May 2011.

Inside Arriva Midlands 2383

Mum was at the bus station and 2345 was already on stand albeit without a driver. Matthew said hello to a cooupe of girls and we waited for the bus. One girl musn't have said hello back to her loud enough, so he dragged me onto an unidentified Versa on the #70 to Oswestry to say hello to her again and this time he was happy with it! A couple of minutes later the driver for 2345 appeared and we got on the bus.

Arriva Midlands 2345 in Shrewsbury bus station

We got on and sat near the back of the bus. The journey back was pleasant, although when the bus went over to the East side of the A5112 we did get a bit worried! The bus eventually crossed over to the other side of the Road and we headed around the back of Tesco. We got to the end and Matthew photographed the bus empty.

Inside Arriva Midlands 2345

We went to the toilet before returning the the car. we saw NCB Motors coach C20 NCB arrive, dropping off a few fans or had just left the Shrewsbury match. We left Shrewsbury and headed north up the A53. By the tie we had retuned to the mystery icicles it was nearly dark. We decided to stop at the co-op at Loggerheads for lottery. and Matthew had some pop and Chocolate cake. We carried on North to the A5182 and across to Whitmore road, We joined the A34 and then turned left onto the A5035. We went passed the Hem Heat pub and Matthew wanted to go to Z carz so we carried onto to Longton. As we passed the depot we saw there were 4 buses present. We saw Mercedes minibus T131 SGA.

Z Carz T131 SGA in Longton

This was followed by V690 EBC, currently for sale on E-bay!

Z Carz V690 EBC in Longton

We then saw LDV minibus R920 WNT.

Z Carz R920 WNT in Longton

A car came up behind us and so we went on to Willow Row and turned around. Matthew then got a picture of W344 WNS.

Z Carz W344 WNS in Longton

We went down Longton Hall Road and then to Blurton. We got home around 18:20. For a late tea we had bangers and mash with carrots. Afterward he had some of his cake. Matthew chilled out on his computer and went bed around 00:00...Mark

Trip to Shrewsbury 11-02-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2722	Harlescott, opp Tesco	Shrewsbury BS	25	Arriva Midlands
2706	Shrewsbury BS	Bayston Hill, opp Cedar Close Jct	25	Arriva Midlands
2309	Bayston Hill, opp Cedar Close Jct	Shrewsbury BS	25	Arriva Midlands
2310	Shrewsbury BS	Bayston Hill, opp Cedar Close Jct	25	Arriva Midlands
2310	Bayston Hill, opp Cedar Close Jct	Harlescott, opp Tesco	25	Arriva Midlands

After last weeks trip to Stafford, Matthew had indicated to us that he wanted to ride on more buses from the same batch as Arriva Midlands 2307. Matthew found a picture of the inside of 2309 and told us he wanted to go to Shrewsbury! Research consisted of asking on the Staffordshire and Merseyside Yahoo bus group about the likely working of 2309 and the other bus from that batch which Matthew hasn't been on 2310. Somebody answered and told me it would most likely be seen on either services #1,#24 or #25. So as preparation for the trip I printed out the Arriva Shrewsbury map and all the relevant timetables for the trip. We set off around 12:20 today. It was a cold day and the sun was trying to come out, but the temperature was around freezing. We stopped at Jim's butty bar on the A53 just South of the Muller roundabout. We all tucked into Bacon or sausage sandwiches which were very nice. I realised at this point I had come out in my Stoke City coat! I don't usually travel outside of Stoke with my coat just in case someone takes offence. After one last push on, we had no tractors on the road in front of us so we parked up at Harlescott around 13:40. We used the facilities at the park and ride stop, before walking down to the other stop which is the Northern terminus of the #24 & #25 routes. A Required Arriva Midlands 2722 was already parked up nearby, and by the time we walked down to the stop it pulled up and Matthew got a picture.

Arriva Midlands 2722 at Harlescott

As the bus headed South, we picked up more passengers on the way. We passed 2706 near the Arriva garage, and then we caught a bit of a break. As we approached the town centre, we passed target 2309 heading North on a #25. This means that if we got off at Shrewsbury, the bus would be approximately 30 minutes behind us. We also saw a route branded Dart turning right which could be 2310 turning right into Castle Street , but we did not know if this was 2310 or what service it was working. As we got off in Shrewsbury the bus had emptied out so Matthew could get a picture of the inside of this bus.

Inside 2722

At this point we knew that all we had to do was wait, and we should get 2309 with a bit of luck. Whilst we were waiting we could take a few bus pictures. Arriva Midlands 2367 came in, a dart on which Matthew has ridden on before out of Oswestry, albeit in a different Livery.

Arriva Midlands 2367 in Shrewsbury bus station

We also saw Tanat 290 for the first time. Last time we were here that majority of the services were being worked by Leyland Lynx's.

Tanat Valley 290 in Shrewsbury bus station

It was getting very cold so we decided to break up the wait by taking a #25 South. The next one that came in was of course required Arriva Midlands 2706. We got on the bus and we headed South. The bus picked up more passengers before we headed down Wyle Cop and over the English Bridge. just passed the pumphouse we passed a branded Dart, but we didn't get a good look at it. Further South near Meole Brace we passed another ex Park and Ride bus 2703. As we headed towards Bayston Hill, Matthew was able to get a picture of the back of the bus as it emptied out.

Inside Arriva Midlands 2706

We got off and Matthew was able to get a picture of 2706.

2706 in Bayston Hill

A few minutes after we got off we heard a bus coming. It was 2706 again. Apparently the bus does a circle of the estate and passes the same stop twice! Within a few minutes, as we predicted and hoped required 2309 appeared and Matthew got a picture.

Arriva Midlands 2309 in Bayston Hill

We got on and booked back into town. In jest the driver said he wasn't sure if he should let us on the bus with me being a Stoke City fan. So target acquired, we headed North on the bus to Shrewsbury. I had wondered if the bus we had seen just after 14:00 in Shrewsbury had been 2310 and it was on a #1, when would it return to the bus station. I calculated that if this was true that it would probably arrive in the bus station about 20 minutes after we arrived on 2309. We arrived in the bus station and the bus had emptied out, so Matthew was able to get a picture of it empty.

Inside 2309

After getting off we walked around the outside of the bus station and then prepared to wait for 2310. As we got to where we were going to wait, 2310 appeared in the bus station and it was on a #25 to Bayston Hill!

Arriva Midlands 2310 in Shrewsbury bus station

After getting a picture, we raced around to Stand E to board the bus. This was a resulting getting both of these buses on he same trip! We then headed south as we had done on 2706. It all made sense at this point. The bus we passed as we arrived in Shrewsbury was 2310 and it was on a Southbound #25. We had also passed it at the Pumphouse when we were on 2706. As we headed South we thought about what to do for the rest of the afternoon. If we did this to Bayston Hill and back to Harlescott it would be near 17:00 by the time we got back into the car. I decided to take a risk and get off at the stop we did before. If 2310 did the same as 2706 did, we could get off, get a picture and get back on the bus to head home. we got off at that stop as planned and Matthew got his picture of 2310.

2310 in Bayston Hill

Sure enough as before, a couple of minutes later 2310 reappeared and much to amusement of the driver we got back on. The bus filled up and then emptied in the town centre. It filled up again at the bus station and mum got on after I arranged with her where to be and at what time to be there. At the Harlescott terminus the bus was empty again and Matthew got a picture of the inside of this fine bus.

Inside 2310

We then got off and matthew got one last picture of "Boy Barrett" 3210.

2310 in Harlescott

We then had a quick toilet stop before we st off North. I caught the last couple of minute of the disappointing 2-1 loss to Fulham. We stopped in Shawbury to have fish and peas (not pickled eggs as it said on the receipt). filling up with LPG at Longport, we arrived home around 18:20. I'd like to say thank you to everyone who gave me information about these buses which made the trip go so smoothly :-) ...Mark