Trip to Newcastle / Cleethorpes 24-04-2026

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
6008	Fenton, Travers Court	Newcastle BS	1A	D&G Bus
63111	Newcastle BS	Tunstall, Stop T2	38	First Potteries
67179	Tunstall, Stop T2	Hanley, stop S3	103	First Potteries
63146	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	38	First Potteries
67158	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	101	First Potteries
35947	Hanley BS	Stoke, Lytton Street	25	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going on Holiday, but first he was going out on the bus. Matthew got up at 08:00 and had his medication. For breakfast Matthew had crumpets washed down with orange juice. Matthew chilled out in his room until it was time to go out. We saw City Centre Central BF60 WCP parked up outside. Later on we went downstairs and we set off on foot to the bus stop. We cut through from Temple Street to City Road and we walked to the bus stop by the flats. We waited for a bus towards Newcastle. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 6008 on a #1A to Wood Lane.

D&G Bus 6008 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre. We continued along Church Street onto Hartshill Road and into the centre of Hartshill. We turned left into the Avenue and left again onto Hilton Road before turning right into the City General Hospital. As we travelled through the hospital we saw Travel Express HF64 AJU. Once through the hospital we turned right onto the A34 and we ran into Newcastle. We crossed the roundabout and we ran up Barracks Road and into the bus station from the South end. Once we got to the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Once in NMewcstle we went to the toilet. Afterwards we headed back to the bus station to catch another bus. We decided to head to Tunstall via Talke. We waited for a bus. A short time later we saw a bus coming onto the stand. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63111 on a #38 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63111 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Tunstall before sitting down towards the back of the bus. set of out of the bus station onto Barracks Road and at the roundabout we turned left onto Ryecroft. At the roundabout we turned right onto the Northbound A34. We ran Northwards past the bus garage and we ran through Milehouse. We ran Northwards to the McDonald roundabout and we turned left onto Wolstanton Road. At the roundabout we turned right onto Chesterton High Street. We turned right onto Crackley Bank and we ran through Crackley and Red Street. We crossed over the A500 and we veered left onto Talke High Street and we turned right onto Monumet Road and we turned right onto Ashenough Road. We turned left onto Chester Road. We re-joined the road and we ran forwards onto Coalpit Hill. We ran forwards onto the A34 and up towards somewhere where we turned right onto the B5371. We turned right onto Mitchell Avenue and we turned left onto Lower Ash Road. We turned right onto First Avenue and we turned right onto the A50. We ran up the hill into Goldenhill and then forwards through Sandyford past the retail park into Tunstall. We ran down the High Street. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we waited for another bus to Hanley. A short time later we saw a bus come around the corner. As it got closer we saw it was 67179 on a #103 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked the Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We went down the High Street and we turned left into Williamson Street. We turned right into Scotia Road and we ran into Burslem town centre. We ran past the site of the new Kiln Gate Retail park and we continued into Cobridge and down into Hanley. We joined Hope Street and we ran forwards to Stafford Street. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we we walked up Market street onto the square and we went to Greggs. We bought a caramel shortbread for later on. We walked along Tontine Street and we went onto Lichfield Street. We crossed over the ring road and we went to the chip shop. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished eating we headed back to the bus station. We crossed over the ring road and we crossed over Lichfield Street and into the bus station. We waited for a bus towards Newcastle. We turned down D&G Bus 6006 on a #9 to Westbury Park.

D&G Bus 6006 in Hanley bus station

A short time later we saw another bus. As it came on stand we saw it was First Potteries 63146 on a #38 to Kidsgrove.

First Potteries 63146 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto John Street. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and we ran forwards onto Marsh Street. We turned left onto Trinity Street and we continued onto Etruria Road past the new diagnosis centre on the site of the former Sainsbury's. We went under the A53 and we went forwards onto Festival Way. We ran past Waterworld and we turned left onto Forge Lane past a new minibus building by the Brindley Farm pub. We looped under the A53 and we joined the Westbound A53. We crossed over the A500 at Etruria and and we ran up the hill into Basford and we ran down hill to the edge of Newcastle and we got onto the one way system. At the jubilee roundabout we turned left onto Barracks Road before turning right into the bus station. We got up and we got off the bus. We waited for a bus back to Hanley. A short time later we saw a bus come on stand. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67158 on a #101 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting 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 and we ran forwards onto the one-way system. We continued onto the A52 and when we got to Hartshill we veered left onto Shelton New Road. We ran over the railway line and canal and we went up to Snow Hill. We turned left and ran up Broad Street. We turned right onto the ring road and left onto Bethesda Street. We turned right onto John Street and we ran up to the bus station. Once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus, Matthew took a picture of First Potteries 67158 before it did another trip on the #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 67158 in Hanley bus station

We waited for another bus to Fenton, we deicded to do a double decker to the bottom of the hill and walk back to the house. A short time later we saw a bus come onto the stand. We saw it was First Potteries 35947 on a #25 to Keele.

First Potteries 35947 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to the Keele before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we ran down John Street onto Bethesda street where we crossed over the ring road and we ran down through Shelton along Cauldon Road and we turned left onto Station Road outside the railway station. We went forwards onto A52 and we turned right onto City Road. We went under the railway line and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew decided he did not want to walk and he had a taxi back to the residential unit. When the taxi arrived they went up City Road and turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs and went to his room to chill out and wait for us to come and pick him up. Matthew had the Greggs Caramel Shortbread and a can of Coke. Just after 15:00 we arrived to pick Matthew up. Matthew got in the car and we set off onto Temple Street. We turned left onto Smithpool Road and we turned right onto Wheildon Road. We stopped to pick up uncle Dave and Matthew went to the toilet. Matthew finished off mum bottle of Cherry Coke. We set off onto Wheildon Road and we ran up onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we turned left onto the A50. We came off at Longton and we turned left onto Baths Road. We went into the petrol station and we filled up with petrol. after filling up I went into the back of the car and Matthew had a chicken and bacon sandwich to keep him going. We set off out of the petrol station and we ran along the high level A50. We joined the main carriageway and we headed Eastwards towards Meir. We ran along the Blythe Bridge bypass and we turned right to follow the A50 towards Uttoxeter. As we travelled Eastwards we saw Belle Vue A19 VUE going to other way. Travelling along the A50 we saw silver minibus YR25 FHT. We continued to the End of the A50 and we joined the Northbound M1. We stopped at Tibshelf service and Matthew went to the toilet. At the service station we saw taxi minibus CX74 OSO. Matthew had a can of Cherry Coke from the boot, shared a chicken sandwich and had some Fridge Raiders. We got back onto the M1 and continued Northwards. At junction 32 we went onto the M18. We ran up the M18 for 20 miles and we went onto the M180. Travelling along the M180 we were passed by an unidentified Alfa coach. We continued onto the A180 and we ran into Grimsby. We saw Stagecoach East Midlands 26264 on a #3 to Bradley. We coninued into Cleethorpes and we turned right onto the A1098. We ran along the coast and we ran forwards into the caravan park. We checked in and drove to the caravan and parked up. We brought the stuff into the caravan and we settled down for the evening. Matthew had a ham sandwich followed by a iced doughnut and a glass of Orange Fanta. Matthew had his medication and we did the Blog and wrote an e-mail. Matthew went to bed aroubd 00:00.... Mark.

Trip to Newcastle / Stafford 26-07-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
6008	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	1A	D&G Bus
63176	Newcastle BS	Stafford, Station Road	101	First Potteries
3792	Stafford, Station Road	Stafford, Castle Church	5	Arriva Midlands
3772	Stafford, Castle Church	Stafford, Kingsway	5	Arriva Midlands
63176	Stafford, Station Road	Hanley BS	101	First Potteries
67153	Hanley BS	Fenton, Albert Square	23	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to Stafford. 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. Later on we went out on the bus. We went downstairs and We walked onto Temple Street and left onto Christchurch Street. We stopped at the Co-op and Matthew had a bottle of Coke. We turned left onto Temple Street and we cut through onto City Road to wait a bus to Newcastle. At the Afford garage we saw Afford rent-a-car BG72 UEU parked up. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 6008 on a #1A to Wood Lane.

D&G Bus 6008 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre. We continued along Church Street onto Hartshill Road and into the centre of Hartshill. We turned left into the Avenue and left again onto Hilton Road before turning right into the City General Hospital. hospital. As we travelled through the hospital we saw ERS Medical YJ71 DWG and Intermediate Care YX22 MLZ. Once through the hospital we turned right onto the A34 and we ran into Newcastle. We crossed the roundabout and we ran up Barracks Road and into the bus station from the South end. Once we got to the bus station we got up and got off the bus. We set off on foot up Hassell Street and we turned right onto High Street and we visited Wright's Pies. Matthew brought at sausage roll. We continued along High Street and we stopped at the benches at the end to eat the sausage rolls followed by a Viscount biscuit and drink the can of Fanta orange. When we had finished we set off onto High Street. We turned right onto Ironmarket and we turned right onto Castle Walk and into the bus station and we waited for a bus towards Trentham Gardens. Eventually the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 63176 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 63176 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Stafford before we went upstairs and down towards. We set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We ran Southwards onto the A34 and we ran down through Trent Vale and into Hanford. We continued down through to Trentham and then we got onto the fast section of the A34. We ran through Tittensor to Darlaston and we continued down to the North end of Stone. We Veered left onto Newcastle Road and we ran into Stone town centre. After going around the one-way system and onto Stafford Road. We crossed over the A34 onto Eccleshall Road. We turned left onto Tilling Drive and we ran onto the industrial estate. We saw former Nexus Move minibus MX67 GYW. We rejoined the A34 at the roundabout where the A51 goes Eastwards and we ran Southwards through the fast section on the A34 to the A513 roundabout. We ran the last couple of miles into town down the A34 onto Foregate Street and we turned right onto Chell Road. We crossed the roundabout onto Tenterbanks and we turned right onto Victoria Road. We turned left onto Station Road and we got up and got off the bus. We continued to the railway station and and Matthew decided he wanted to go to the toilet. Once out of the staion we walked to the pavillion and we brought a sausage bap and a bottle of Coke. Matthew ate his sausage bap a can of Coke. When we had finished eating we went back onto Water Street and we cut through Victoria Park and back to the bus stop outside the railway station. We waited for a bus to the Stafford Castle. As we got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 3792 on a #5 to Telford. We got on the bus and we booked to the Castle before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Station Road and at the end we turned left onto the A518. We got up and got off the bus. We crossed over A518 and we cut through to the Stafford Castle. We visited The visitors centre and Matthew needed to toilet. Once we let the bus go we walked up the A518 and the bus stop. A few minutes later we saw Arriva Midlands 3754 on a #5A to Telford. We saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was Arriva Midlands 3772 on a #5 to Stafford. We got on the bus and we booked to the Kingsway before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off Northwards up the A518 and we approached the main junction we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked into the pub on the corner and Matthew went to the toilet and I went to the bar to order drinks. Mathew had a glass of Coke and we sat down in the main seating area. When we had finished we went outside and we crossed over the A518 and we went under the railway line before turning left onto Station Road and we waited for a bus to Hanley. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63176 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63176 in Stafford

We got on the bus and we gooked to Newcastle before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Station Road and at the end we turned left onto the A518. We ran around the South end of town and over the river onto Cope Street. We ran up Eastgate and along North Walls and into the Gaol Square bus station. We left the bus station onto the A34 and we ran Northwards to the edge of town. We continued up the fast section of the A34 to the edge of Stone and then we turned left onto the industrial estate. We ran around the estate and onto Tiling Drive. We turned right onto Eccleshall Road and we crossed the A34 onto Stafford Road. We turned left onto Crown Street and we stopped at the main stop in Stone. We ran North up Newcastle Road and we re-joined the Northbound A34. We ran Morth through Meaford and Tittensor and up into Trentham. We continued North through Hanford and Trent Vale and we past the City General hospital before going into Newcastle. We turned right onto Barracks Road and into Newcastle bus station. After a brief stop we continued towards Hanley. We set off onto Barracks Road and we ran forwards onto the one-way system. We continued onto the A52 and when we got to Hartshill we veered left onto Shelton New Road. We ran over the railway line and canal and we went up to Snow Hill. We turned left and ran up Broad Street. We turned right onto the ring road and left onto Bethesda Street. We turned right onto John Street and we ran up to the bus station. Once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Matthew used the toilet. Once off the bus we walkd down to the bottom of the bus station. Once off the bus we set off up Lichfield Street. We turned righ onto Old Hall Street and we turned the corner onto and we walked up McDonalds and we had dinner. Matthew had a burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. Once We walked along Parliament Row and we walked onto Old Hall Street. We walked up Lichfield Street and back to the bus station. We waited for a bus back towards Fenton we saw Belle Vue YG25 FEU on a #076 to Birmingham. A short time later we saw a bus turn around the corner. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67153 on a #23 to Newstead

First Potteries 67153 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Blurton before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus waited for time before setting off out of the bus station. We went down John Street and onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto Broad Street and we ran down the hill and over the ring road onto Snow Hill Before we turned left onto Copeland Street. We continued forwards onto Glebe Street and we followed the road around onto Church Street. We crossed the A500 and we ran under the railway line and we continued onto City Road and we ran under the railway line. After climbing up the hill into Fenton we turned right into Christchurch Street where we got up and got off the bus. We walked back to to the residential unit. We set off onto Christchurch Street and we walked back into Temple Street and into the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to use his computer and watch buses. He also ate the a bottle of Coke and a toffee Crisp. Later on Matthew had a bath and had toast for supper. Matthew went on his computer until bedtime around 23:00... Mark..

Trip to Hanley / Longton 03-06-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67151	Fenton, Duke of Wellington	Hanley BS	11	First Potteries
63179	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	4A	First Potteries
63362	Newcastle BS	Longton Interchange	22	First Potteries
67154	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
67148	Hanley BS	Newcastle BS	101	First Potteries
47520	Newcastle BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the dentist and we saw Shelton Care Group WA22 AVN. We went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw Temple Street church minibus RX18 GZW. We carried on along Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned left into City Road and we saw First Potteries 67158 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67158 in Fenton

We continued onto Fountain Street and we Williams Street. We walked up to Victoria Road and we turned left onto Beville Street. We walked down the hill to the park. We left the park onto Beville Street and we turned left onto Vivian Road and we turned left onto Park Street. We carried on along King Street and we saw First Potteries 63146 on a #11 to Newcastle. A few minutes later a bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67151 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67151 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down King Street. We ran through Foley and we under the railway line into Longton town centre. We ran up Market Street and we turned left onto Anchor Road. We ran up the hill to the top and ran down to the roundabout in Adderley Green. At the roundabout at the East end of Bentilee we turned right onto Beverley Drive and then left onto Dawlish Drive. We ran to the end and we turned left onto Beverley Drive. At the end we turned right onto Dividy Road and we ran down the hill to Bucknall. We turned left onto the A52 and we ran to limekiln lights and we went across onto Bucknall New Road. We climbed the hill up to Hanley and we joined the clockwise ring road. We turned right onto Bethesda Road and we turned right onto John Street. Once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew visited the toilet. Afterwards we waited for a bus to Newcastle. A short time later we saw First Potteries 63345 on a #101 to Newstead.

First Potteries 63345 in Hanley bus station

A short time later we saw a bus approaching. We saw it was First Potteries 63179 on a #4A to Kidsgrove.

First Potteries 63179 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto John Street. At the bottom of the road we turned right onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto Broad Street and then we joined the clockwise ring road. At the end we turned left onto Etruria Road before going under the A53 onto Festival Way. We ran past Waterworld and we turned left onto Forge Lane past a new minibus building by the Brindley Farm pub. We looped under the A53 and we joined the Westbound A53. We crossed over the A500 at Etruria and and we ran up the hill into Basford and we ran down hill to the edge of Newcastle and we got onto the one way system. At the jubilee roundabout we turned left onto Barracks Road before turning right into the bus station. We got up and we got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked out of the bus station onto Castle Walk and up onto Ironmarket and we went to Queens Gardens where Matthew had a chicken sandwich washed down with can of Irn Bru. Once we had finished the drink we set off onto Ironmarket and right onto Castle Walk. Matthew went to the toilet. We continued onwards to the bus station and we saw Harpur's NH09 HRH. A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was dud First Potteries 63362 on a #22 to Longton.

First Potteries 63362 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Longton before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road and we ran Southwards onto the A34. We turned left into the hospital and we ran through the the grounds. We turned right onto Hilton Road and forwards onto Harpfields Road. We ran to the end and we turned left onto the Southbound A34. We ran under the A500 into Hanford and we turned left onto Church Lane. We climbed to the top of the hill and we turned right onto Wilson Road. We turned left onto New Inn Lane and we ran into Trentham. We turned left onto the A5035 and we crossed over the railway line into Blurton. We passed the end of Stanley Matthew Way and we turned left onto Magdalen Road. We turned right onto Finstock Avenue and left onto Beaconsfield Drive where we saw white minibus YJ52 ZGX. After a short wait we continued along Beaconsfield Drive and we ran through the estate to the other end. We turned left onto Church Road and at the the roundabout we turned left onto Blurton Road. We ran to the bottom of the hill and we turned right onto Longton Hall Road. We ran up the hill and we ran forwards onto Heathcote Street. We turned left onto the high level A50 and at the roundabout we turned right onto Baths Road. We ran past Tesco before turning right into Longton Interchange. where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Once off the bus Once off we walked over to Tesco and Matthew used the toilet. When we had finished we set off onto Baths Road. After we had finished eating we went to Sandyford in a City Centre Central taxi. We set off onto Baths Road and the A50 and we headed West to Sideway. We joined the Northbound A500 and we ran through Stoke and Etruria. We continued past Longport and we joined the A527. We ran past the North end of Tunstall and we stopped to have a look at the new business park on James Brindley Way. We got out of the taxi and we had a look around. Once we had finished we returned to Fenton in a Intercity taxi. We got in the taxi and we set off along the A527. We ran down to the A500 and we joined the Southbound carriageway. We ran through Longport and Etruria and we came off the A500 at Stoke. We turned left onto the A52 and we went under the railway line. We ran forwards onto City Road and we ran into Fenton. We turned right into Smithpool Road and left into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs and Matthew went to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. Whilst getting ready we saw Travel Express SM65 DMY heading towards Stoke. We went downstairs and we and we cut through onto City Road to wait a bus to Hanley. At the Afford garage we saw Afford rent-a-car DL21 OBJ parked up.

Afford rent-a-car DL21 OBJ in Fenton

Whilst we waited we saw Travel Express BG61 KTJ.

Travel Express BG61 KTJ in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67154 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67154 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we joined the A52 and ran under the railway line. After crossing over the A500 we ran into Stoke town centre along Church Street. We turned right onto Shelton Old Road. We ran forwards onto Stoke Road. We ran under the railway line and up through Shelton. We ran up Broad Street and we turned right onto the anti-clockwise ring road. We turned left onto Bethesda Street and right onto John Street. We climbed the hill and up into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew visited the toilet. A short time later we saw Belle Vue OU22 ZXA on a #076 to Birmingham.

Belle Vue OU22 ZXA in Hanley bus station

Afterwards we went across Lichfield Street and we turned right onto Birch Terrace and we visited Iceland. When we had finished shopping we walked onto Old Hall Street past the site of the old bus station which has now been almost completely demolished. We turned the corner onto Parliament Row and we went to the pub. Matthew had a burger and fries washed down with a glass of Coke. For dessert Matthew had a slice of chocolate fudge cake with ice cream. Once we had finished we set off onto Parliament Row and we walked onto Old Hall Street. We went into B&M. Matthew did some shopping and we crossed over the road onto Old Hall Street. We walked up Lichfield Street and back to the bus station. We waited for a bus towards Newcastle. The bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67148 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 67148 in Hanley bus station

We got on and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off through the bus station and onto John Street. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and left onto Broad Street. We ran down the hill and over the ring road onto Snow Hill Before we turned right onto Shelton New Road. We ran down through Etruria an up into Hartshill before joining the A52. We ran into Newcastle down George Street. We joined the one way system and we turned left on the roundabout onto Barracks Road. We got to the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. A few minutes later a bus appeared and it was First Potteries 47520 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 47520 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto Barracks Road and we ran up to the Jubilee roundabout. We ran onto the A53 and around the one-way system onto the A52. We ran up George Street into Hartshill and we ran down the hill into Stoke town centre. After a brief stop we continued along Church Street out of Stoke and over the A500. We ran under the railway line and we continued onto City Road. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. We crossed over city Road and walked back to the residential unit. Matthew went back upstairs to chill out in his room and use his computer. Matthew also watched buses out of the window. Matthew spent time in his room watching television and using 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 Ellesmere Port / Chester 25-07-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3133	Ellesmere Port BS	Chester BS	2	Arriva NW&W
4485	Chester BS	Broughton, Glynne Arms (SW-bound)	11	Arriva NW&W
2434	Broughton, Glynne Arms (NE-bound)	Lache, o/s Brewery Arms PH	4	Arriva NW&W
2794	Lache, St Mark's Road (cnr)	Broughton, Glynne Arms (SW-bound)	4	Arriva NW&W
4484	Broughton, Glynne Arms (NE-bound)	Lache, o/s Brewery Arms PH	11	Arriva NW&W
2797	Lache, St Mark's Road (cnr)	Broughton, Glynne Arms (SW-bound)	3	Arriva NW&W
2253	Broughton, Glynne Arms (NE-bound)	Lache, o/s Brewery Arms PH	4	Arriva NW&W
2233	Lache, o/s Brewery Arms PH	Chester, Grosvenor Street (Stop W)	3	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to re-visit Ellesmere Port & Chester. We had checked the weather for the Midlands and North West and it was for a cloudy day with showers clearing from the West. We decided to go West so we gave Matthew a list of places to go to and from the list he chose Ellesmere Port & Chester. Matthew got up just after 10:00 and had toast and Strawberry juice for breakfast. We set off a fraction before 12:00 passing Lucky Seven PK08 GGE. We joined the A5035 before turning right onto Stanley Matthews Way. We joined the Westbound A50 and then went onto the Northbound A500. As we travelled North on the A500 we saw sids Taxi's DS64 HAA. We went onto the Northbound M6 which was busy for the first few miles. As we passed junction 18 we saw A Versa Joining the motorway just behind us. It was Belle Vue school bus YJ14 BNX.

Belle Vue YJ14 BNX on the M6

As we went North the Matrix signs were informing of a closure on the M56 between junctions 14 & 15. They also told of long delays between junction 10 & 14. As such I decided to try my luck along the A556 The plan was to go west for a while then to go North to Fridsham and go across the Ellesmere Port from There. We left the M6 at Junction 19 and we went West along the A556 passing the Southern edge of Northwich. We made good progress until we got to Sandiway. As we queue to join the single lane section we saw Harry Shaw coach 84 COV. We got to the A49 and crossed over it, the traffic eased and we carried on Westward. At the Vale Royal Abbey Arms we saw a sign for Frodsham so we turned right. It took us past Delamere railway station and through a very scenic road through the Delamere Forest. A few miles later we appeared in familiar territory on Frodsham High Street. We had visited Frodsham back in November 2013. We went Westwards along the A56 up to Helsby where we filled up with Diesel. We saw required GHA Dart T112 KGP pass us on the #36 to Halton Lea, as well as Whitegate Travel BIG 6693. When we got to the A5117 we carried on Westwards. We then saw Airshuttle coach X7 OPC and we crossed the M56 where we saw the standing traffic on the Westbound carriageway. Another junction further on we joined the M53. At the roundabout we saw Mayne coaches 28 55 & 62 as well as Stagecoach Merseyside 27777 & 27778 on the X8 Chester - Liverpool express service. After one junction on the M53 we came off to travel the last mile or so into town up the A5032. We turned left at Civic Way and we saw Arriva NW&W Sapphire double decker 4645 on the X2 service. At the bus station There were a few GHA vehicles on layover including GHA ALX300 Volvo T510 APS. We parked up at the market car park just after 14:00 and Matthew used the toilet before we returned to the food court section of the market. We had dinner Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a small bottle of Coke. Once we had finished we said goodbye to mum and we walked to the bus station. As we got to the bus station we saw Stagecoach 28546 on the #1 to Liverpool.

Stagecoach Merseyside 28546 in Ellesmere Port bus station

We walked to the top end of the bus station so we could take pictures of buses whilst we waited for the next Arriva service to Chester. Going in the opposite direction towards Liverpool was required Arriva NW&W 3126 on a #2 service.

Arriva NW&W 3126 in Ellesmere Port bus station

We also saw dud GHA Wright bodied AA04 GHA on a #36 to Runcorn.

GHA AA04 GHA in Ellesmere Port bus station

We also saw required GHA Dart V7 GHA on a #7 to Rivacre village.

GHA V7 GHA in Ellesmere Port bus station

A few minutes later we saw our bus approaching on the Chester bound #2 service. As it got closer we that it was required Arriva NW&W 3133.

Arriva NW&W 3133 in Ellesmere Port bus station

We walked down the bus station and we got on the bus. We booked Arriva Deeside Day Saver tickets at £4.50 each and we sat down towards the back of the bus. Behind us required Arriva NW&W 4645 pulled into the bus station on a Chester bound X2 service. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Civic Way. We turned left onto Whitby Road and we headed South. Half a mile or so down the road we turned right into the housing estate and we worked our way over to the A41. We traveled South at road speed and we turned right onto Liverpool Road passing Stagecoach Merseyside 21122. We carried on into town and we paused outside the Stagecoach garage where Stagecoach Merseyside 17502 was receiving some attention. We crossed the ring road and we entered town through Northgate Street and then we entered the bus station. We let the bus empty out before Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 3133.

Inside Arriva NW&W 3133

It was now after 15:00. We sat down on our usual perch and we started to take a few bus pictures. We saw Arriva NW&W 4485 on the #11 to Holywell.

Arriva NW&W 4485 in Chester bus station

Leaving the bus station was Stagecoach Merseyside 34820 on a #53 to Kingsway.

Stagecoach Merseyside 34820 in Chester bus station

This was followed by Stagecoach Merseyside 21260 on a #1A to Blacon.

Stagecoach Merseyside 21260 in Chester bus station

As it was getting on we decided to catch required Arriva NW&W 4485 on the #11. We could do the bus to Broughton so that we could cover the #3's and #4's to try and get our last required Chester Dart, Arriva NW&W 2253... We got on the double decker and we flashed the Deeside Day Saver tickets to the driver before going upstairs. As we waited to depart we saw required Arriva NW&W 4179 depart on the #84 to Crewe.

Arriva NW&W 4179 in Chester bus station

The bus must be on loan at Winsford for the duration of the school holidays. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto the ring road. At the Grosvenor roundabout we joined the Westbound A483 and we crossed the Dee. Matthew took a picture of the empty seats opposite to us.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4485

We turned Westwards onto the A5104 and we left England and ventured into Wales. We travelled through Saltney and along the long straight stretch of Road towards Bretton. As we approached the Broughton Retail park we got up and got off the bus. Matthew got another picture of Arriva NW&W 4485 as it carried on towards Holywell.

Arriva NW&W 4485 in Broughton

We crossed the road which was a little quieter than usual. We managed to get across it without walking to the roundabout. We had around 10 minutes to wait for the next #4 service. Whilst we waited Matthew ate a bag of Milky Stars. We saw a Dart approaching and as it got closer we saw that it was the one required Dart we knew about at Chester, Arriva NW&W 2253 on a #4 to Mold...

Arriva NW&W 2253 in Broughton

Drat! At least we knew the bus we wanted was working today and not in the garage or even withdrawn from service. We saw in the other direction that a cadet was approaching. It went into the retail park and as it got closer we saw that it was required Arriva NW&W 2434.

Arriva NW&W 2434 in Broughton

We got on the bus and we flashed the Deeside Day Savers to the driver to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We headed back towards Saltney and we passed another Dart... required Arriva NW&W 2233. So Chester had acquired another 'new' Dart. We decided to get off just the other side of the railway line in England, so that we could head back to try and get a ride on Arriva NW&W 2253. We passed under the railway line and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2434 as it carried on towards chester railway station.

Arriva NW&W 2434 in Lache

We decided to have a quick toilet break, so we went into The Brewers Arm pub. Matthew used the toilet and we had a can of Pepsi from behind the bar before we went out. We crossed the road and we waited for the next bus back towards Broughton. Uncle dave had waited outside and he hadn't seen the #4 go past which had been due a few minutes before hand. When we saw a single decker we knew it was the slightly delayed #4. As it got closer we saw that it was required Arriva NW&W 2794.

Arriva NW&W 2794 in Lache

The bus was well loaded and we flashed the Deeside Day Saver tickets to the driver before sitting down at the very back of the bus. We left England and we crossed back into Wales and Travelled through Saltney. At the very back of the Morrison store we could see an unidentified orange coach parked up. At the roundabout before the retail park we got up to get off the bus. The bus driver turned out to be a fellow bus enthusiast and member of the Dennis Dart forum. Once of the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2794 as it carried on towards Mold.

Arriva NW&W 2794 in Broughton

We crossed the road with relative ease and I looked at the #4 timetable on my phone to work out what time it was due. Whilst I was working out the move required Arriva NW&W 2648 on a Chester bound #3 service.

Arriva NW&W 2648 in Broughton

Required Dart Arriva NW&W 2253 had passed Brougton going towards Mold at 15:50. We worked out that it would Arrive at Mold around 16:30 and would work the 16:40 #4 service from Mold to Chester and would not arrive back at Broughton until around 17:15. It was only 16:30 so we would have time to go back to Lache and catch another bus back! There was a #11 due shortly. Matthew had a Milky Way and a can of Irn Bru whilst we waited for the next bus. We didn't have to wait to long before dud Arriva NW&W 4484 made an appearance on the #11 to Chester.

Arriva NW&W 4484 in Broughton

We got on the bus and we flashed the Deeside Day saver tickets to the driver before going upstairs. We sat down in the middle of the top deck and as the bus in front of us was empty Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 4484.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4484

Arriva NW&W is one of this batch of buses that we have been on a few times. The first time we had this bus was back in June 2012 from Queensferry to Chester. We decided that we would probably have time to have a portion of fries between us and still have time to get back for the Dart. We went through Saltney and under the railway bridge into England so we got up and got off the bus. Matthew then took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4484.

Arriva NW&W 4484 in Lache

We got off the bus and went straight into the kebab house next to the stop we ordered a latch portion of fries and two cans. We crossed the road and we found a step on which to sit whilst we ate the fries. We shared on of the cans before putting the rubbish in the bin and going to the stop. The next bus wasn't due until 17:05 which would make it a bit close going all the way to Broughton. As luck would have it, we hadn't seen the #3 go past and so it was probably running a few minutes late. As we saw a single decker approaching we knew it was the late running #3 service. As it got closer we saw that it was required Arriva NW&W 2797.

Arriva NW&W 2797 in Lache

We got on the bus and we flashed the Deeside day Saver tickets to the driver. The bus was quite full and we sat near to the back of the bus. This bus was one of a batch that had been assimilated into the Arriva Wrexham fleet on taking over a local bus company. At one point the buses spent time on the Wrexham to Chester service. Once these were replace on the Wrexham to Chester by newer double deckers, they were transferred to the Chester depot to replace elderly Darts on the #3/4 corridor. Being non standard they have an unusual seat moquette as can be seen from Matthew's photo of the rear empty seat.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2797

We headed West along the A5104 for the final time today, and we made it to Broughton with around 10 minutes to spare. We got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2797 as it carried on towards Mold.

Arriva NW&W 2797 in Broughton

We crossed the road with relative ease again and we sat on the wall to wait for the bus. We saw a Chester bound Solo on a #12 service and the next bus should be the required Dart on the #4. On the other side of the road we saw Arriva NW&W Dart 2208 that we had scored on our last visit to Chester in June.

Arriva NW&W 2208 in Broughton

It was working a #4 service to Mold. Presumably we had seen all 3 remaining operational Darts out in service today. We saw a Dart enter the retail park from the other end before coming towards us. As it got closer we saw that was indeed required Arriva NW&W 2253.

Arriva NW&W 2253 in Broughton

We got on the bus and we flashed the Deeside Rover tickets to the driver. We sat down towards the back of the bus which had a few people in it both in front and behind us. As it was almost empty Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2253.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2253

We travelled through Saltney for the last time today and into England and under the railway bridge. We got off and Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2253 as it carried on towards Chester railway station.

Arriva NW&W 2253 in Lache

From the timetable at Broughton we knew there was a #3 service a few minutes behind us. According to the timetable at this stop the #3 was in front of us. In theory the next bus was going to be a #11 to the bus station. It occurred to us that if the #3 is due then it would probably be required Arriva NW&W 2233. If somebody had type the wrong time in for the stop into the software used by the council to produce the timetables it would put the buses in the wrong order. As we saw a Dart approaching we realised that that is what must have happened... There was a mistake in the b us stop timetable. As the bus got closer we that it was as expected the very much required Arriva NW&W 2233!

Arriva NW&W 2233 in Lache

We got on the bus and we flashed the Deeside rover at the driver for what turned out to be the last time. We sat down near to the back of the bus and Matthew took a picture of the empty rear seat behind us.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2233

We went along the Eastbound A5104 until we reached the A483. We crossed the Dee and as we were going passed the racecourse we got up to get off, thinking we could do the #11 behind us into the bus station. As we were close to the edge of town and we were turning from the left hand lane, we passed the stop on the corner of the Grosvenor Roundabout and we went onto Grosvenor Street. It wasn't far from the bus station so it was OK. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2233.

Arriva NW&W 2233 in Chester

We decided to up the ring road and to the bus station. On the way we saw Stagecoach Merseyside 21264 on a #31 Sealand Road park and ride service.

Stagecoach Merseyside 21264 in Chester

At the bottom of Princess Street we turned up into the bus station. We decided to take a few more pictures before we returned home. In the bus station was Townlynx Y213 BAW on a T1 service to Holywell.

Townlynx Y213 BAW in Chester bus station

On a #10 to Connah's Quay was Arriva NW&W 4637.

Arriva NW&W 4637 in Chester bus station

We also saw dud Arriva NW&W 4105 on a #84 to Crewe.

Arriva NW&W 4105 in Chester bus station

We met mum and we went to the toilet in the car park before returning to the car. Mum had got us some sausage rolls and Matthew also had a bottle of Irn Bru. We set off out of the bus station and onto the ring road. We went around the the A56 before going North out of town behind Dutch Lanting Reizen coach 54. We followed the coach onto the M53 and the we followed it again onto the M56. The road was now clear in both directions and we made good time up to the M6. We joined the Southbound M6 which was also quiet. Going North on the M6 were local minibuses City Cabs FY02 RTV and ABC Supreme P881 RND. We joined the A500 and we passed Robin Hood minibus YX07 GYG & Paul's of Stoke coach LIB 378. At Sideway we went East on the A50 to Longton and we went to check out what was parked up at Z Carz. On the spare ground there were a few buses, some parked at the very rear of the site. At the front of the site there were 3 buses clearly visible. First of the row was Z Carz Ford minibus DL03 HHU.

Z Carz DL03 HHU in Longton

Next to this was Z Carz Iveco minibus GK02 NWJ.

Z Carz GK02 NWJ in Longton

Finally on the spare ground we saw another Ford minibus, Z Carz PY08 KDX.

Z Carz PY08 KDX in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row to see what was in the compound. We saw Z Carz minubus Mercedes CE02 LYX & Ford minibus BN03 OVS.

Z Carz BN03 OVS in Longton

We got back onto the A50 and we went to Heron Cross. We turned towards Blurton and we passed First Potteries 53405. We got home around 19:20. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a cornflake cake. He then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 01:00... Mark