Trip to Hanley / Oakhill 28-01-2020

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67157	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
67157	Hanley BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	23	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going out on the bus later on. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Later on we went downstairs and we set off onto City Road. We waited at the bus stop by the flats for a bus towards Hanley. A short time later we saw Christchurch Primary DU56 DNN.

Christchurch Primary DU56 DNN in Fenton

The bus turned the corner and as it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67157 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67157 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down City Road and we joined the A52 to go under the railway line and over the A500. We continued onto Church Street where we saw First Potteries 32649 on a #25 to Hanley. and into the centre of Stoke. After a brief stop we continued around the one-way system onto Elenora Steet and right onto Copeland street. We turned left onto Glebe Street and we went under the railway line before turning left onto Station Road. We went past the railway station and due to roadworks we ran to the end of Station Road and turned right. We ran up Stoke Road and we turned right onto Avenue Road. At the roundabout we turned left onto College Road. After running the hill through Shelton we continued onto Cleveland Road and forwards onto Regent Road. We turned left onto Lower Bethesda Street and we crossed over the ring road onto Bethesda Street before we turned right onto John Street bus station where we saw Park's of Hamilton BV67 JYX on a #333 to Bournemouth. We got up and got off the bus Once off the bus we set off onto Lichfield Street and we went forwards onto Tontine Street. We turned right onto Parliament Street. We turned left onto parliament Row and we visited McDonalds. Matthew had some Big Mac fries and a cup of Coke. Afterwards we walked down Parliament Street and onto Percy Street and we stopped at the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and had a Coke. Once we had finished we returned to the bus station. We set off onto Percy Street and we turned right onto Tontine Street. We went straight onto Lichfield Street and back to the bus station. We waited for a bus back towards Fenton. A short time later we saw First Potteries 67157 on a #23 to Newstead.

First Potteries 67157 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. Whilst we waited for departure time we saw Edwards Coaches National Express liveried coach BV67 JYB on a #528 service to Haverfordwest and First Potteries 63173 on a #7A to Biddulph. We set off out of the bus station onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street we saw Harry Shaw YR17 CYL at the depot. We crossed over the ring road and we ran down onto Regent Road and forwards onto Cleveland Road. We ran down though Shelton along College Road. We turned right onto Avenue Road and left onto Stoke Road. We went passed the former chemists which is becoming a new dessert shop. and we ran down the hill and we turned left onto Station Road and past the railway station. We turned right onto Glebe Street and under the railway line an we ran around the one-way system in Stoke and stopped by Stoke Minster. We turned left onto Church Street and we crossed 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. Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street. At the day centre. to the residential unit we set off on foot onto Christchurch Street and left onto Temple Street. Matthew went upstairs to his room and use his computer. He also watched buses out of the window before going out later on. We saw Stanton's of Stoke BSZ 2143.

Stanton's of Stoke BSZ 2143 in Fenton

Later on we went out. We went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw Temple Street church RX18 GZW. We carried on along Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street and left onto City Road. We ran down the hill and under the railway line before we crossed over the A500. We went around the one-way system in Stoke town centre and we turn ed left onto Lonsdale Street. We turned right onto Fleming Road and left onto London Road. In Oakhill we stopped at a chip shop and Matthew picked up some food. We set off down London Road and we turned right onto the A34 where we saw First Potteries 65031 a on #101 to Stafford. We turned off the A34 and we stopped at Grandma's house. Matthew went on the computer and had a can of Irn Bru. For tea Matthew had sausage chips and gravy followed by treacle tart and custard. Staff came to pick Matthew up in the car and Matthew said goodbye to Grandma and we set off onto Occupation Street. We turned onto the A34 and we ran past Newcastle. Near to the KFC we turned left onto Robertson Avenue. We crossed forwards onto Douglas Road and forwards to the disco. We spent some time at the disco. Matthew went to the toilet and a glass of coke. God knows what your teeth are like! You are forever eating chocolate, cake and drinking Coke. Eat some proper food for a change. After doing some dancing we returned to Fenton. We ran back to the A34 and we went South into Newcastle. We turned left onto the A527 and we ran up to the Jubilee Roundabout. We ran around the one-way system onto George Street and we ran into Hartshill. We ran down Hartshill Road into Stoke and we went around the one-way system onto Church Street. We crossed over the A500 and onto City Road before going under the railway line. We climbed the hill and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. Matthew used his computer and watched music videos on the television. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Hanley / Birches Head 12-11-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67152	Fenton, adj Royal Oak	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
67157	Hanley BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	23	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going out on the bus later on. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre We saw First Potteries 63097 on a #11 to Hanley. Around 09:00 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 right onto Christchurch Street and to the day centre. At the day centre we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

In the morning Matthew was going to Hanley on the bus. We set of out of the day centre and walked along Christchurch Street. We saw First Potteries 44514 on a #23 to Newstead.

First Potteries 44514 in Fenton

We stopped at the bus stop on Christchurch Street and we waited for a bus to Hanley. The bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67152 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67152 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road. down under the railway line and into Stoke. After a brief stop we continued around the one-way system onto Elenora Steet and right onto Copeland street. We turned left onto Glebe Street and we went under the railway line before turning left onto Station Road. We went past the railway station. We went past the railway station and due to roadworks we ran to the end of Station Road and turned right. We ran up Stoke Road and we ran up the hill through Shelton. We ran up Broad Street and we turned right onto the anti-clockwise ring road. We turn left onto Bethesda Street. We turned right onto John Street. We entered the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. We set off onto Lichfield Street and and went forwards onto Tontine Street. We stopped at Subway and Matthew had a chicken Sub with a cup of Coke and a cookie. We walked through Tontine Square to the Intu Potteries shopping centre. We had a walk around the shops and afterwards we saw grandma and Grandad. we walked through Tontine Square.onto Tontine Street. we saw First Potteries 65705 on a #3 to Crewe. We walked onto Lichfield Street and we saw First Potteries 67664 on a #11 to Newcastle. back to the bus station. We waited for a bus towards Fenton. After a short while the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67157 on a #23 to Newstead.

First Potteries 67157 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton and sat down towards the back of the bus. we saw Edwards Coaches National Express liveried coach BX16 CHZ on a #528 to Haverfordwest. We set off onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We crossed over the ring road and we ran down onto Regent Road and forwards onto Cleveland Road. We ran down though Shelton along College Road and we turned right onto Avenue Road following the diversion. We turned left onto Stoke Road and left onto Station Road and we ran down to the railway station. We turned right onto Glebe Street and under the railway line an we ran around the one-way system in Stoke and stopped by Stoke Minster. We turned left onto Church Street and we crossed the A500 and we ran under the railway line. After climbing up the hill into Fenton we turned right into Smithpool Road where we got up and got off the bus. We walked back up Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. we saw Z Carz GK02 NWJ going towards Stoke. For tea Matthew had chips and beans followed by a Bakewell Tart. We went to his room to get ready to go out. Whilst we waited Matthew used his computer in his room. Tonight Matthew went out to the disco in a car. We went downstairs and got in the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Baker Street and left onto Glebedale Road. At the end we turned right onto City Road. At the roundabout we turned sharp left onto Victoria Road. We ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We turned right onto the A52 and we ran up to Bucknall. At the lights we went straight on, forwards onto the A5009 and we ran through Abbey Hulton. We turned left onto Birches Head Road and we stopped at the disco. Matthew went to the toilet and had a drink of Coke and did some dancing. When it was time to go back to Fenton we travelled back on car. We set off onto Birches Head Road and we turned right onto the A5009. We ran down though Abbey Hulton and into Bucknall where we went straight onto the A52. We ran through Joiners Square and towards Stoke railway station we continued along the A52 along side the railway line and we then turned left onto City Road. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out. He used his computer and watched music videos on the Television. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Hanley / Newcastle 14-08-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63176	Fenton, Victoria Place	Hanley BS	6A	First Potteries
65035	Hanley BS	Trentham Gardens (opp)	101	First Potteries
65033	Trentham Gardens, adj Poachers Cottage PH	Newcastle BS	101	First Potteries
63100	Newcastle BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going to Trentham Gardens. 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 42554 on a #23 to Hanley. we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street and to the day centre. At the day centre we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX parked outside.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

In the morning Matthew went on the computer. For dinner Matthew had a ham sandwich followed by Bakewell Tart. In the afternoon Matthew went to Hanley on the bus. We set off on foot onto City Road. We crossed over City Road and we walked up to Victoria Place to wait for a bus to Hanley. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 63176 on a #6A to Hanley.

First Potteries 63176 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down. We set off down Victoria Road and we crossed over the A52 at Joiners Square. We ran up Lichfield Street and we crossed over the ring road. We got up and got off the bus at the stop outside the bus station. Whilst we waited we saw Edwards Coaches National Express liveried coach BX16 CJE on a #528 service to Haverfordwest and First Potteries 67651 on a #4 to Audley. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 65035 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 65035 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Trentham Gardens. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 65035 before sitting down towards the back of the bus.

Inside First Potteries 65035

We set off through the bus station where we saw dud Arriva Midlands 2960 on a #164 to Market Drayton. 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 and headed up towards Newcastle. We went over the crossroads and at the roundabout we went straight across onto George Street. We headed down the hill and onto Barracks Road before entering Newcastle bus station. After a short wait at the bus station we carried on Southwards down the A34 past the hospital and through Trent Vale we saw First Potteries 67636 on a #22 to Newcastle. We crossed under the A500 into Hanford and we continued South into Trentham and past Trentham Gardens and we got up and got off the bus. We crossed over the road and we went to the gardens. Matthew went to the retail village and visited the toilet block. After we continued into the retail village and we went to Pieminister. Matthew had piece of millionaire's shortbread and a glass of Coke. When we had finished we returned to the bus stop. We walked out of the garden and we walked Northwards up the A34. We waited for the next bus back to Newcastle. Whilst we waited we saw ABC Supreme KX08 UXE going towards Newcastle. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 65033 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 65033 in Trentham Gardens

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off Northwards through Trentham. We continued North through Hanford and Trent Vale and we past the City General hospital before going into Newcastle. We turned right onto Barracks Road and we entered the bus station from the South end. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we waited for the next bus back Fenton. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 67155 on a #99 to Chell Heath. A few minutes later a bus appeared and it was First Potteries 65039 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 65039 in Newcastle bus station

Eventually our bus appeared. As it got closer we saw that it was First Potteries 63100 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63100 in Newcastle bus station

We booked to Fenton and as the rear of the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 63100 before we sat down.

Inside First Potteries 63100

the bus waiting to depart, we saw required Arriva Midlands 3697 on a #164 to Hanley. 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 we saw First Potteries 67648 on a #11 to Newcastle. Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out. Matthew went to JTF on foot. We set off onto Christchurch Street right onto City Road. At the roundabout we turned right and walked past KFC and into JTF. Matthew went upstairs to the cafe and had toast and a drink of Coke. When we had finished we walked back to the residential. We set off past KFC and onto City Road before turning left into Christchurch Street and onto Temple Street. Later on Matthew went to Grandma's. Matthew went downstairs and out of the residential unit. We went to Grandma's in a car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Chrsitchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road and we ran down to the A52. We went under the railway line and over the A500 into Stoke. We went around the one-way system and up Hartshill Road and into Harshill. We turned left onto the Avenue and we ran to the end where we turned right onto the A34. We turned off the A34 and we stopped at Grandma's house. Matthew went on the computer and had a can of Irn Bru. For tea Matthew had shepherds pie followed by treacle tart and custard. Staff came to pick Matthew up in the car and Matthew said goodbye to Grandma and we set off onto Occupation Street. We turned onto the A34 and we ran past Newcastle. Near to the KFC we turned left onto Robertson Avenue. We crossed forwards onto Douglas Road and forwards to the disco. We spent some time at the disco. Matthew went to the toilet and a glass of coke. God knows what your teeth are like! You are forever eating chocolate, cake and drinking Coke. Eat some proper food for a change. After doing some dancing we returned to Fenton. We ran back to the A34 and we went South into Newcastle. We turned left onto the A527 and we ran up to the Jubilee Roundabout. We ran around the one-way system onto George Street and we ran into Hartshill. We ran down Hartshill Road into Stoke and we went around the one-way system onto Church Street. We crossed over the A500 and onto City Road before going under the railway line. We climbed the hill and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. Matthew used his computer and watched music videos on the television. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Joiners Square / Trent Vale 10-04-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DV10 JCU	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Joiners Square	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Joiners Square	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
NL61 VSG	Fenton	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
60069	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way (Unmarked)	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going for tea in Trent Vale but not before he spent the day with his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and juice for breakfast. The bus turned up and it was Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Blurton

We set off onto the A5035 and headed towards Trentham. We turned into New Inn Lane and then into Pacific Drive. Once we had picked up another service user we headed back onto New Inn Lane and the A5035. We headed along into Blurton and we turned into church Road. We carried on into Blurton Road and across the A50. We went through Heron Cross and onto Heron Street. Having crossed the railway line we turned left onto Christchurch Street and to our destination. In the morning Matthew went into the sensory and spent time using a computer. We went to fetch dinner from the chip shop. For dinner he had sausage chips and gravy from the chips shop. After dinner we went to the pub. Today we went in Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We turned onto Glebedale Road and then Crossed over city Road onto Fountain Street. We followed the Road onto William Street. We turned right onto Manor Street and then left onto Victoria Road. We went down Victoria Road and we crossed Joiners Square onto Lichfield Street. When we got to the pub Matthew went to the toilet and then had a drink of Coke. Highlight of the buses included First Potteries Scania 60074 on a #6B to Hanley.

First Potteries 60074 in Joiners Square

When it was time to go back to they day centre we got aboard Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We traveled down Palmerston Street and onto the A52. At Joiners Square rundabout we turned left onto Victoria Road. We headed to the top of Victoria road before taking a sharp right turn onto City Road. We turned onto Glebedale Road and to the destination. When it was time to go home we had a different bus... It was Shelton Care Group NL61 VSG. We set off onto Glebedale Road an forward onto Station Bridge Road and Heron Street. In Heron Cross we went straight across onto Blurton Road and over the A50. We carried on into Blurton along Blurton Road and forward onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Road and arrived home just before 15:00. Matthew had toast and a drink of dandelion & Burdock whilst he waited for the time to go out and catch the bus. Today we went to catch the 16:07 to Newcastle and we were expecting it to be dud First Potteries 60069. We set off on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. As we got there we saw the late running 15:47 to Dresden, which was First Potteries 60068.

First Potteries 60068 in Blurton

We stood at the bus stop and pretty much bang on time we saw dud First Potteries 60069 come around the corner as was expected.

First Potteries 60069 in Blurton

We got on to the bus and we booked to Harpfields Road. We sat down towards the back of the bus and the bus set off onto the A5035. We turned right towards Trentham and as we passed Stanley Matthews Way we saw the back end of D&G 160 stopped outside the Hem Heath pub on the #20 to Hanley. We carried on towards Trentham and we turned right into New Inn Lane. We passed a small procession of buses. First we passed First Potteries 41496 on a #21A to the Trentham Hotel. We then passed First Potteries 40375 which was running out of service. This was followed by First Potteries 60202 on the following #22 to Dresden and then 40023 on a #21B to Trentham Gardens. We ran through to Hanford and down Church Lane onto the A34. The A34 was busy and we saw a couple of buses. Stevens Travel KS56 DSZ was parked on the South side bus stop where the #101 uses stops at, and Edwards Coaches FJ11 GNF in national Express livery was on a #528 to Rochdale. There must have been a problem on the North bound M6 for that coach to be seen on the A34... We carried on into Trent Vale and we passed Lucky Seven taxi minibus SJ55 LSK going the other way. We caught up with Edwards Coaches FJ11 GNF just before we turned right onto Harpfields Road. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 60069 as it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 60069 in Trent Vale

We started to walk towards the A34 and we turned and saw First Potteries 66838 on the short #22 turn to New Inn Lane.

First Potteries 66838 in Trent Vale

The A34 was extremely busy and we saw 3 #101s in quick succession. First Potteries 65040 went south towards Stafford and on the opposite side of the road First Potteries 65037 went North Towards Hanley. Just after these two buses went out of sight a third #101 went south towards Stafford. It was First Potteries 65039.

First Potteries 65039 in Trent Vale

I had forgotten to text mum to tell her we had got on the bus, so she was a little late in setting off. We sat on the wall and waited a few minutes for her to turn up. When mum turned up we went into the pub. Matthew had a brunch with bread and butter followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses were Global Coaches GL11 OES? and the Travellers Choice 7962 IL?. After we had finished eating we went out to the car. We called Uncle Dave and we went to pick him up. We drove along the A34 and onto and A500. The a500 was at a stand still and we saw three unidentifield coaches. A Longmynd Coach, A Pearsons Coach and a Tesco liveried coach. We were also passed by D&G Versa 171 running out of service. We went East on the A50 and going into Heron Cross before we headed into Fenton. After we had picked up uncle Dave, we headed up to Heron Cross and through Blurton. Passing through Blurton we saw First Potteries 53209. We carried on down Beaconsfield Drive getting home around 17:50. Matthew then chilled out watching bus videos and using his computer before bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Lichfield / Burton on Trent 30-08-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
81	Lichfield BS	Burton upon Trent, Adj High Street	X12	Midland Classic
2986	Burton upon Trent, Adj Octagon Centre	Barton Under Needwood, Adj St James's Church	7A	Arriva Midlands
2958	Barton Under Needwood, Opp No 17	Lichfield BS	7	Arriva Midlands
3005	Lichfield BS	Coton (Tamworth), opp Footpath Oxbridge Way	X65	Arriva Midlands
3812	Coton (Tamworth), Opp 1 Buckingham Road	Lichfield BS	765	Arriva Midlands

Today we decided to re-visit Lichfield. We did not chosse where we were going once again until Saturday morning as the weather was very changeable. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off just before 12:00 and we drove through Blurton onto Blurton Road. We dropped something of with a friend before continueing towards Heron Cross. We saw Lightning travel T2 DLT here. We turned left when we got to the A50 and then left again onto the A500. At Hanford we turned Left again as we joined the Southbound A34. At the Darlaston Inn we saw Holmes Coaches YN09 AOJ. We carried on South past the edge of Stone and then we went South East down the A51. In colwich we saw Bova coach N501 MWW going the other way. When we got to Rugeley we turned of to vivst a chip shop off Green Lane. Matthew had Chips sausage and gravy wash down with a can of Coke. We also visited the local shop and he had a few chocolate bars for later. As we left the car park we saw Arriva Midlands 3736 on a #26 service. We rejoined the South east bound A51 and we carried on towards Lichfield. We we got to town we parked up in the car park behind the bus station. We said goodbye to mum and we started taking pictures. The first thing we saw was Arriva Midlands 2277 on a #15 to Boney Hay.

Arriva Midlands 2277 in Lichfield bus station

Also in the bus station was Arriva Midlands 3762 on a #60 to Cannock.

Arriva Midlands 3762 in Lichfield bus station

We went over to the toilets and when Matthew had finished using them we walked back towards the bus station where Arriva Midlands 2125 was on a #35 to Walsall.

Arriva Midlands 2125 in Lichfield bus station

Mattthew had indicated that he wanted to travel towards Burton upon Trent. so we looked at which the next service was. There wasn't a #7 until well after 14:00, so we thought about catch in a X12 service. Going in the opposite direction towards Sutton Coldfield was Midland Classic 83.

Midland Classic 83 in Lichfield bus station

Whilst e waited for the Burton bound X12, we saw Arriva Midlands 3766 arrive from Cannock, about to form the #825 to Stafford.

Arriva Midlands 3766 in Lichfield bus station

A few minutes later Midland Classic 81 arrived from Sutton Coldfield on the Burton bound X12 service.

Midland Classic 81 in Lichfield bus station

We got on the bus and booked singles to Burton. We were hoping to com back on an Arriva bus. We sat down near the bac of this well used service. The bus set off out of the bus station and turned left onto the A5127. We passed a hospital on the left and then we crossed over the West coast main line near to Lichfield Trent Valley railway station. Continuing North on the A5127 we joined onto the Northbound A38. Here we then had a spirited run up to Branston along the A38 as you would expect of an 'X' service. The booked time of the 13 mile journey was 23 minutes! We came off the A38 at the A512 and then we turned right onto Main Street. At the edge of town we circled around to the left so that we could travel up New Street where the bus terminted. We allowed the bus to empty and then Matthew got a picture inside this bus.

Inside Midland Classic 81

Before we walked into town got another picture of Midland Classic 81.

Midland Classic 81 in Burton upon Trent

Matthew indicated that he wanted to use the toilet, so we set off on a walk to find one. We walked onto Union Street and we saw a bus approaching. It was required Trent Barton 624 on a Villager 4 service.

Trent Barton 624 in Burton upon Trent

Further down the road we could see an X38 Burton Derby service approaching. It was required Trent Barton Optare Tempo 308.

Trent Barton 308 in Burton upon Trent

We walked across a car park and into a pedestrianised area of town. We asked a council work where the public toilet were and he directed us towards the market hall. The toilet were housed in a small victorian building next to the Victorian Market hall. Once we had used the toilet we headed back into town. On the first bus stop we encountered we saw required Arriva Midlands 3715 on a #2 service.

Arriva Midlands 3715 in Burton upon Trent

Further down the road we saw required Arriva Midlands double decker 4217 on a #8 service.

Arriva Midlands 4217 in Burton upon Trent

Further down New Street we saw required Trent Barton 617 on another Villager 4 service.

Trent Barton 617 in Burton upon Trent

Further down the road we saw required Midland Classic Enviro 350H bus 203 on the #21 service.

Midland Classic 203 in Burton upon Trent

Outside the Cooper Square shopping centre we saw required Arriva Midlands Versa 2986 on the #7A to Barton upon Needham

Arriva Midlands 2986 in Burton upon Trent

As this was heading part way towards Lichfield we decided to do this bus. We got on and booked Arriva Midlands Daysavers at £6.20. As the back of the bus was empty, before we sat down Matthew took a picture of the inside of the bus.

Inside Arriva Midlands 2986

The bus set off out of town down the A5018 and then we turned right into Clay Lane. We passed a Morrisons store on a retail park before joining the Southbound A38. We had a fast run down to to the B5016 where we came off and went under the A38 towards Barton. When we got into the village we got up and got off. Matthew got another picture of Arriva Midlands 2986.

Arriva Midlands 2986 in Barton Under Needwood

I realised I had left my camera on the bus so I jumped back on and spoke to the driver. I retrieved my camera before the bus pulled off into the distance... phew! We looked at the stop and realised that the next #7 to Lichfield didn't go from either the stop that we got off or the stop opposite. Not to worry, we had 30 minutes or so to find the right stop. We walked along the road to the next corner and we spotted a pair of stops on Wales Lane. We found a stop where the next #7 to Lichfield departed, and as we had time walked back to the toilets on Crowberry Lane. Afterwards we visited the Co-op food store on the corner of Crowberry Lane and Main Street where Matthew brought a can of Coke and some Bakewell Slices and a single chocolate bar. Afterward we sat on the corner of Wales Lane and Matthew ate 2 Bakewell Slices and washed then down with a small bottle of orange juice out of the trip bag supplies. A few minutes before the bus was due we left the bench to go and stand at the bus stop. A few minutes later we saw another Versa approaching. It was required Arriva Midlands 2958.

Arriva Midlands 2958 in Barton Under Needwood

We got on the bus and flashed the Daysaver Tickets. We sat down on the right just before the hump and the bus set off along the A5016 to Yoxall. We turned left onto the A513 and headed Southwards. At kings Bromley we turned left onto the A513 and we headed towards the A38. Running parallel to the A38 we turned back North before heading into Alrewas and Somewhere near we saw Viking Y159 EAY and Edwards Coaches BN63 NYW. We went through Fradley. We went into a modern housing estate and past a lerge industrial estate before rejoining the A38 for a short run down to the edge of Lichfield. We headed into town along the A5127 and into the bus station. When we got to Lichfield we let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside the now empty Arriva Midlands 2958.

Inside Arriva Midlands 2958

It was now gone 16:00 and we had only been on three buses, albeit over quite a long distance. We needed to catch something quick if we were going to get another coupe of buses in before we went home. We didn't fancy doing any of the Cannock based Wright Pulsar's on either the #60 or the #825 and the #35 had finished for today. There is quite a frequent service between Lichfield and Tamworth so we decided to head in that direction. It wasn't long before required Arriva Midlands 3005 came into the bus station to work the next X65 service.

Arriva Midlands 3005 in Lichfield bus station

We got on the bus and sat own near to the back. For some reason Matthew forgot to take a picture inside this one. The bus set off out of town South down the A51 towards Birmingham. As the road turned East towards Tamworth the bus followed it. We passed a Scania on either a #765 or a #785 and a few minutes later we passed an X65. We thought there wouldn't be another bus coming the other way for a while so we thought we could get off near Coton and perhaps make one back. We crossed over the Tame and the Coventry Canal, but before we got to the roundabout we passed Arriva Midlands Scania 3802 on another #765 or 785. As we go to the roundabout we saw an Arriva Midlands Mercedes Citaro on a #31 to Coton Green. We carried on a few more stops towards Tamworth and we decided to get off. As the bus carried on we got another picture of Arriva Midlands 3005.

Arriva Midlands 3005 in Coton

We used the phone and check for the next bus using nextbuses.mobi ... There was a X65 in just over ten minutes. This was followed by a Central Bus X55 to Lichfield and then a #765. Just after the #765 was a #3A to Coton Green. We decided that the X65 was going to be 3005 coming back and we were going to let that got so we could get in another new buses all being well. Matthew had a Millky Way and then we decided to cross over the road to photograph the the buses on the other side of the road before the #765 was due. As predicted Arriva Midlands 3005 came back first on the X65 to Licfield, followed by Central Bus YX63 ZXK on the X55. We crossed back over as the #765 was due next. Going towards Tamworth we saw required Arriva Midlands Volvo B6 2619 on the #3. We saw an Arriva Midlands Merceds approaching in the distance and assuming it would be the #765 we stuck our hands out. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 3016 on a #3A service so we waved to the driver to let him know we didn't want this bus.

Arriva Midlands 3016 in Coton

A short distance behind the #3A was an Arriva Midlands Scania on the #765. It was required Arriva Midlands 3812.

Arriva Midlands 3812 in Coton

We flashed our tickets and sat down at the back of the bus. A quick check of the football results revealed that Stoke had a shock win over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium! We headed back down the A51 before turning right at the barracks. We passed through the village of Whittington before heading back onto the A51 just east of Lichfield. We followed the road back into the town centre before turning right into Birmingham Road and then into the bus station. We let the bus empty and then Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 3812.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3812

As we got off the bus it had just started to rain. We went to use the toilet bus they had been locked up for the night. We returned to the car so we headed out of town along the A51. Matthew ate a sausage roll and washed it down with a bottle of Irn Bru. After a slight unplanned diversion onto the A461 (OK so I took a wrong turn...), we headed back onto the Northbound A51. We passed North through Rugeley and Colwich and we joined onto the A34 South of Stone. We stopped at the Shell garage on The Fillybrooks to fill back, and then we continued North. Just North of the Darlaston Inn we passed 3 Leons coaches going South, presumably empty after bring fan back from Manchester City. At Trentham we turned right onto the A5035 and we did this up to Longton to see what was at Z Carz. There were a few vehicles parked up on the spare ground tonight. First was Mercedes minibus W221 CDN.

Z Carz W221 CDN in Longton

Next was the former Alton Towers transport coach, Z Carz M534 RSO.

Z Carz M534 RSO in Longton

Next to this was another Mercedes minibus, Z Carz S952 VMY.

Z Carz S952 VMY in Longton

Then there was another Mercedes minibus, former Phil Smiths Travel M372 NWN.

Z Carz M372 NWN in Longton

Next was a Ford minibus which I can't recall seeing before, BN03 OVS.

Z Carz BN03 OVS in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row and there were a couple of minibus here in the compound. THere was long term SORN LDV minibus T408 JUX and from the taxi fleet YE52 UZX Parked on the road was Ford minibus FP06 WTW.

Z Carz FP06 WTW in Longton

We headed back onto the A50 and we came off the A50 at Heron Cross. We passed Lightning Travel T2 DLT again before heading through Blurton. We got home at approximately 19:15. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash followed by a couple more Bakewell Slices. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 01:00... Mark