Trip to Talke / Newcastle 08-05-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DK65 XEO	Fenton	Talke	Charter	Intercity
DK65 XEO	Talke	Fenton	Charter	Intercity
BX09 OFU	Fenton Manor	Fenton	Charter	Lucky Seven

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. It was also the day that Matthew found out that Conwy council rejected Wetherspoon pub bid. The cabinet has turned down the pub chain's offer for the Civic Hall. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw First Potteries 67153 on a #23 to Hanley. Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street. we saw Intercity WF07 FFG. At the day centre we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

In the morning Matthew went in an Intercity taxi to Talke Freeport. The taxi aopeared and we saw that it was Intercity minibus DK65 XEO. We got on the bus and we set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned left onto City Road. We ran down the hill to the railway line and we turned right onto the A52. We ran parallel to the railway line and we continued onto Station road past the railway station. At the end we turned right onto Stoke Road and we ran up the hill through Shelton. We continue through Snow Hill and up onto Broad Street. We followed the one way system around to the left onto Marsh Street and we then we forwards onto Waterloo Road. We continued through Cobridge into Burslem and up to to Tunstall. We turned left onto Williamson Street. We turned right onto the High Street and we continued North up the A50 through Goldenhill and into Kidsgrove. We turned left onto First Avenue and we ran West to Talke. We then went South down the A34 to Talke Street. We went forwards onto Oak Tree Lane and to the Freeport. After parking up we went to Thornton's. When we had finished at Freeport we returned back to the day centre in a Intercity taxi. It was Intercity DK65 XEO. We got on the minibus and we ran South down to the A34 and we went North up to Talke Pits. We turned right onto First Avenue and we ran into Kidsgrove, where we turned right onto Liverpool Road. We ran down through Goldenhill to Tunstall and along A5271 before re-joining the A50. We went past the old PMT Burslem garage and we ran up the hill into Burslem town centre. We continued towards Hanley along Waterloo Road through Cobridge. We joined the ring road and we ran around clockwise to Lichfield Street. We ran down through Joiners Square and forwards onto Victoria Road. At the top we turned sharp right onto City Road and left onto Glebdale Road. For dinner Matthew had ham sandwiches followed by cake. In the afternoon Matthew went down Fenton to go swimming. We set off on foot onto Christchurch Street and we crossed over City Road. As we passed the car hire place we saw Afford rent-a-car's new minibus SA18 YKK. We continued down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and we turned right into the private road and we walked down to the baths. Matthew went to the toilet and after getting changed he went swimming. After we came out of the baths we saw Copeland's Tours coach MIB 293.

Copelands Tours MIB 293 in Fenton

Matthew went swimming and we waited for a taxi to go back to residential. The taxi turned up and it was Lucky Seven minibus BX09 OFU. We got on the taxi minibus and we ran up the private road and we turned left onto City Road. We turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Once back at the unit Matthew went upstairs to use his computer and chill out in his room. We saw First Potteries 63099 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63099 in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw Copelands Tours MIB 236 going towards Longton.

Copelands Tours MIB 236 in Fenton

Also seen was Intercity taxi minibus BJ07 HXD going towards Stoke.

Intercity BJ07 HXD in Fenton

Matthew went to Grandma's. We set off ontp 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. 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 Abbey Hulton / Meir Park 03-08-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Abbey Hulton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Abbey Hulton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. We were also going out for tea as Matthew today. Around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst waiting to go out we saw First Potteries 67647 on a #11 to Newcastle. Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street and onto Albert Square where we saw Afford rent-a-car YR63 YXP parked up outside the old Court building.

Afford rent-a-car's YR63 YXP in Fenton

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 ham sandwich followed by a Bakewell tart. In the afternoon Matthew went trampolining in Abbey Hulton on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned right onto City Road. We turned sharp left onto Victoria Road and we ran down the hill to Joiner Square. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A52. We ran North to Bucknall and we went straight on at the lights onto the A5009. We ran under the old railway line to Leek and into Abbey Hulton. We turned right onto Abbots Road and we ran up to the sports centre. Outside the sports centre we saw Stoke-on-Trent city council's welfare buses LK17 DWD.

Stoke-on-Trent city council LK17 DWD in Abbey Hulton

Matthew went for a session trampolining and then returned to Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX for the run back to Fenton. We set off onto Abbotts Road and we ran down to the A5009. We ran Southwards through Bucknall and onto the A52. We turned right onto Botteslow Street. We turned left onto Derby Street and we crossed over Lichfield Street an onto Regent Road. We stopped at the church and then we continued down Ogden Street and onto Lichfield Street. We ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We turned went straight onto Victoria Road and we ran up to the top of the hill. We turned sharp right onto City Road and left onto Glebedale Road and back to the day centre. When it was time to go back to the residential unit we set off on foot onto Christchurch Street. We turned right onto Temple Street and we saw red LDV minibus BU56 LBG. We then went back to the back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out and use his computer. We saw D&G Bus 111 on The Orange ONE to Meir.

D&G 111 in Fenton

We also saw First Potteries 67152 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67152 in Fenton

We then came around to take him out for tea. We got in the car and set off onto Temple Street. We turned right onto Christchurch Street and right onto Station Bridge Road. We followed the road around onto Heron Street. We went through the traffic lights and we turned left onto the A50. We ran through Longton and into Meir. We went passed the Copeland's Tours depot and we saw MIB 236 parked up. We turned right onto Lysander Road and we parked up at The Weather Vane. Matthew went to the toilet and then we found our table. We ordered the food and Matthew had a glass of Coke whilst we waited. Matthew had a burger and fries as well as help mum with her meal. He had a chicken fillet and an egg as well as some steak. For dessert Matthew had a chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. When we had finished eating we went back to the car and returned to Fenton. We set off onto Lysander Road and we saw First Potteries 67647 on a #6A to Blythe Bridge. We joined the Westbound A50 and we ran fast to Longton. We came off onto the high level A50 and we turned right onto Baths Road. We saw First Potteries 63173 on a #6 to Hanley. We ran down King Street we saw First Potteries 63100 on a #6A to Blythe Bridge. 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. We went up to Matthew room a we spent a while writing the Blog. Around 19:30 we left Matthew in the residential unit and he chilled out in his room on the computer. Matthew watched some television and then had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Fenton / Congleton 08-03-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Bentilee	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Bentilee	Charter	Shelton Care Group
YJ53 WPD	Bentilee	Congleton	Charter	Z Carz
YJ53 WPD	Congleton	Bentilee	Charter	Z Carz

Today Matthew was in respite and he was also going to his day service and I was going up to Cumbria to ride on trains. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. Whilst Matthew was waiting for his own bus, he took a few pictures of the other buses coming to collect other service users. We saw Allendale minibus PN07 BHJ.

Allendale PN07 BHJ in Bentilee

Shortly after that we saw Z Carz minibus X599 WDY.

Z Carz X599 WDY in Bentilee

A few minutes after that we saw Stanton's of Stoke minibus CN09 CJE.

Stantons of Stoke CN09 CJE in Bentilee

Eventually Matthews transport for the trip to the day service appeared, Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Bentilee

Behind Matthews bus was Jayjays Travel PO58 XFX going to Abbey Hulton.

Jayjays Travel PO58 XFX in Bentilee

On the way down to the bus Matthew had a look at the new kitchen which is being done downstairs. We got on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX and the bus set off onto Dividy Road. We headed up to Adderley Green and we turned right onto Anchor Road. We turned right into Heathcote Street and we wound our way down to King Street and we stopped on March Road before continued down King Street into Fenton. We went forwards onto City Road, turning left onto Smithpool Road, after turning left into Temple Street we turned right into Christchurch Street and to our destination. After spent the morning in the sensory room and using the computer. For dinner Matthew had cheese oatcakes followed by a slice Battenberg cake. In the afternoon we went to Fenton to go swimming. We set off on on foot across the car park by the Co-operative Food onto City Road. We walked down the hill and we turned right onto the private road to the swimming baths. On the way to the baths we saw Staffordian Travel white coach Y194 AWP.

Staffordian Travel Y194 AWP in Fenton

Matthew went to the cafe and had a glass of Coke and then went swimming for a while. After getting out of the baths and getting changed Matthew set off back to the day service. Outside the baths was Copeland's Tours MIB 236.

Copeland Tours MIB 236 in Fenton

We walked back up the private road and we turned left onto City Road. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street. At the top of Temple Street we turned left onto Christchurch Street and to our destination. Aftwe a quick stop to use the toilet it was time to get back on the transport to respite. It was Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX again.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

We got on the bus and the bus set off onto Glebedale Road. We turned right onto City Road and right again onto the A50 Link Road. We took aht A50 to Heron Cross A and we turned left onto Blurton Road, We ran through Blurton and forwards onto Church Road. At the end of Church Road we turned right onto the A5035. We headed over the railway line into Trentham and we turned right onto New Inn Lane. After dropping of a service user we got back onto the New Inn Lane and back onto the A5035. We traveled through Hem Heath and Dresden and we up into Longton. After crossing the A50 we went around the one way system in Longton down the Strand and right onto Market Street. We turned left onbto Anchor Road and we climbed the hill into Adderley Green. At the big roundabout we turned left and we ran into Bentilee along Dividy Road and to our destination. Once back in the unit We saw another bus arrive... It was Scraggs minibus 1655 VT.

Scraggs 1655 VT in Bentilee

After spending a short while in his room, Matthew was going out for tea. We went out and it was Z Carz Iveco minibus YJ53 WPD. We got on the bus and sat down. The bus set off onto Dividy Road and down to Bucknall. We continued to Limekiln Bank before turning right and running through Northwood to Townsend and onto High Lane. We went North through Smallthorne and up to Turnhurst. We turned right onto the A527 and we ran up through Fegg Hayes and Brindley Ford We went around the outskirts of Biddulph and we continued up to Congleton. We joined the A34 and we went West to the roundabout before taking the A534 out of town. We turned left down Padgbury Lane and we went to the Heath farm Fayre & Square pub. When in the pub Matthew used the disabled toilet and then had an All Day Breakfast and a glass of Coke. For afters Matthew had a chocolate fudge cake with ice cream. When it was time to go we got back aboard Z Carz YJ53 WPD. We set off back onto Padgbury Lane and right onto the A534 Sandbach Road. At the roundabout we joined the A34 and we ran up to the junction near Tesco Before going left onto the A54. We went forwards onto the A527 and we left Congleton through Hightown and past Congleton railway station. We ran back down through Gillow Heath and around Biddulph before going South through Knypersley and Brindley Ford. At Turnhurst we went left onto the A5272 High Lane. We ran through Smallthorne and we saw First Potteries 41493 on a #7A. We went through Sneyd Green to townsend and we turned left and down through Northwood to Limekiln Bank. At the light we went straight across before turning left onto Dividy Road and to our destination. back at respite Matthew watch television The Division in the living room before having a bath and getting ready for bed. for supper Matthew had some toast. later that night he chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Bentilee 07-02-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
1648	Blurton	Bentilee	Charter	Wardle Transport

Today Matthew went into respite. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had some toast and orange juice for breakfast. He had dinner at the Hem Heath pub with grandma. We headed onto the A5035 and into Stanley Matthews Way. We then turned into the pub. After having an english breakfast we headed back home for an hour before we went into respite. It was Wardle Transport 1648. We got on sat down on the bus. We set off onto the A5035 which we did to Longton before we saw Copelands Tours MIB 236. We headed around Longton past the 41514. We went up Anchor Road. We headed onto Dividy Road were we got off. Matthew then got a picture of Wardle Transport 1649.

Wardle Transport 1649 in Bentilee

We dropped Matthew off around 16:00 and we said goodbye. Matthew then chilled out in his room and watch buses go passed whilst listening to music on his computer. He had jacket potato for tea followed by cake. He then had a bath before going to bed at 00:00...Mark

Trip to Trent Vale 25-10-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
43877	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way (Unmarked)	22	First Potteries

Today was a teacher training day at college so Matthew had the day off. He got up around 10:00 this morning and had some toast and orange juice for breakfast. He used his computer and watched his telly for a few hours before having half an omelette or dinner. I viewed the #22 buses and there were 2 required buses out today. First Potteries 43877 was on the #22A turn and was going to be passing through Blurton around 15:15. First Potteries 40019 was going to be working the bus through Blurton around 16:00. The other 2 buses on the #22 were dud First Potteries 40011 and 40304. We decided to go out after required Dart First Potteries 43877. Matthew got dressed just before 15:00 and we walked to the stop. We saw Z Carz S952 VMY on a school run to Chell Heath. The bus was due through this part of Blurton at around 15:17 and bang on time the bus appeared from around the corner and it was required First Potteries 43877 as expected.

First Potteries 43877 in Blurton

We got on and sat near the back. As the bus pulled of we passed Copeland's Tours MIB 236 heading to the Ormiston Sir Stanley Matthews Academy. The bus was empty in front of us so I encouraged Matthew to take a picture facing forwards whilst he could.

Inside First Potteries 43877

The bus carried on along the A5035. and the turned into New Inn Lane. we passed First Potteries 40019 on the #22 as it should be and then we passed First Potteries 40175 on a #21 in Hanford. When we reached the A34 it was quite busy and there were a few vehicles were Stoke on Trent welfare bus OU11 YCX was in front of us at the lights, #26/26A branded Scania 65027 was on a #101 to Hanley, and then two coaches went north on the A34. These were Grayway YJ04 BNN and Shearings BK11 CRV. We joined the Northbound A34 ourselves and headed up though Hanford and into Trent Vale. Just before we turned into Harpfield Road we passed First Potteries 65034 in the new livery on a Stafford bound #101. We turned into the road and we got off at the stop. Matthew got another picture of First Potteries 43877.

First Potteries 43877 in Trent Vale

We walked back onto the A34 and towards the Black Lion pub where we were meeting mum today. As we waited we saw Wardle Transport 4812 on a #604 St Peters High School bus service.

Wardle Transport 4812 in Trent Vale

We carried on to the pub and sat on the wall of the car park. We only had to wait for a couple of minutes before mum turned up. We went into the pub and Matthew had his usual 2 sausage egg chips beans with a side of bacon and two rounds of bread. This was washed down with a Coke. For afters he had toffee sponge pudding and ice cream. When we had finished we called uncle Dave on the phone and we went to go fetch him. We went via the A34, A500, A50 and Heron Cross. When we had picked him up it had started to rain quite heavily. We carefully drove back to Heron Cross and into Blurton. As we went along we passed First Potteries 40019 again on a #22 to Longton and also Wardle Transport 2963 on the Plumline. We got home around 17:15. Matthew then chilled out at home for the evening. Using his computer, watching bus DVDs and watching some TV. Matthew then went to bed around 00:00...Mark

Trip to Chester Zoo 31-07-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
FJ10 BJY	Middleshurst, Packmoor	Chester Zoo	Charter	Aiming High
FJ10 BJY	Chester Zoo	Middleshurst, Packmoor	Charter	Aiming High

Today Matthew was going Chester Zoo with Aiming High. The weather for today was grey skies and showers so we packed a coat in his rucksack as well as his packed lunch. Matthew got up at around 08:30 and he had some breakfast. We departed for Middlehurst around 09:30. On the way up to the A50 at Heron Cross we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 978 loading up on Blurton Road.

Copeland's Tours MIB 978 loads in Blurton

We then carried on to Middlehurst to meet the rest of the group getting there a little before 10:00. Everyone else was waiting inside, so we used the opportunity to go and take a picture of the bus he was travelling up to Chester Zoo on, Aiming High FJ10 BJY.

Aiming high's FJ10 BJY in Middlehurst

I said goodbye to him and left him there. A little after 10:00 he would have set off to Chester Zoo. The route was along the Tunstall by-pass, North along the A500 up to Nantwich. On the way we saw Copelands Tours MIB 236 going to Bolton. From there they went to the A51 and then Westbound to Chester. In Chester we saw GHA MX56 AAZ and First Manchester 65738. They then headed North through town to the Zoo. They parked up in the coach park and Matthew 'persuaded' someone to let him on the coach to take a picture. Matthew informs me this high specification vehicle was Atlantic Travel P7 OPR.

Inside a coach at Chester Zoo

we then spied a lone Ogdens Travel coach in the car park.

Ogdens Travel coach in Chester Zoo

After the excitement of the coach park, Matthew and his group then entered into the zoo itself. One of the first thing they went to see were the monkeys.

Monkeys in Chester Zoo

Matthew didn't take many picture of the bigger animals like Giraffe or Elephants, but he did get a few picture of these deer like creatures.

Some kind of deer

Afterwards, he spotted one of them on it's own.

Another deer

Afterward they went for dinner, Matthew used the toilet and they sat and ate their packed lunches by the fountain.

The fountain by the main visitor building

After dinner Matthew went into the Amphibian house and then went in to see the bats.

Bats!

Matthew declined to go into the butterfly house. This is probably just aswell as at home he usually tries to kill moths! They then got to see a dinosaur...

Erm...T Rex!

After they had finished with the animals it was back out to the coach park. we took a picture of this P G Coaches coach as he was waiting to go home.

P G Coaches N995 UPR at Chester Zoo

Back in the minibus he took another picture of the row of coaches in the distance.

The row of coaches at Chester Zoo

The route home would have been a reverse of the route out. South through Chester and then onto the A51. They then got onto the A500 at Nantwich and headed South and then along the Tunstall by-pass. They got back in and went indoors until just before 16:00 when we arrived to pick Matthew up. Mum talked to the Aiming High workers about his trip whilst I chased him around the building. After photographic the art supplies for a craft project, using the toilet and then taking a picture of another minibus at the back of the school we returned to the car. We headed to Longton to see what was parked up at the Z Carz depot. There was only three vehicles there today. Here we see V690 EBC with D104 XAN in the background.

Z Carz V690 EBC at their Longton Depot

we also saw a onetime school bus of his, LDV minibus DS51 ZJU.

Z Carz DS51 ZJU at their Longton Depot

We then went to MacDonalds in Longton to pick up tea for mum and matthew. He also had two 'London 2012' Coca Cola glasses and 2 blue wristbands. We then went home where he ate tea and then settled down for the evening before bedtime...Mark

Trip to Uttoxeter 16-07-2011

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
40145	Ladybank Grove, Blurton	Longton BS	22	First Potteries
60004	Longton BS	Blythe Bridge, Black Cock Inn PH (adj)	6A	First Potteries
116	Blythe Bridge, High School (adj)	High Street, Tean	7	D&G
61237	High Street, Tean	High Street, Cheadle	32	First Potteries
61531	High Street, Cheadle	Uttoxeter BS	32A	First Potteries
2200	Uttoxeter BS	Lambert Road	4	Arriva Midlands
2200	Lambert Road	Uttoxeter BS	4	Arriva Midlands
61160	Uttoxeter BS	Werrington PO	32A	First Potteries

Today was a very strange day. We had originally planned to go to Crewe today, but the weather was quite bad until gone 13:00. Just after we had given up on going out today, 40145 was on a Newcastle - Longton service the sun came out. Matthew had indicated that he wanted to visit the Co-operative food store in Blythe bridge to get a photograph of the store. So we decided to just go for a drive and then maybe get something to eat. On the way out we followed 60004 on a 6A service. We went to the store in Blythe bridge, and Matthew went in to photograph a few products. When we came out Matthew photographed the left had end of the store as there were a few people hanging around outside the door. We then got in the and drove. We went to Tean on D&G 116 where Matthew photographed the co-op store from the bus and as we reached the outskirts of Cheadle we parked and he photographed another Co-op. 61237 He then directed us towards Uttoxeter. As we arrived in the town we saw 61531 on a 32A (although it was displaying 34a). We also passed Copelands Tours MIB 236 and Bennetts A18 BNT.


Copelands Tours MIB 236 on the outskirts of Uttoxeter (Matt)


Bennetts A18 BNT on the outskirts of Uttoxeter (Matt)

When we reached Uttoxeter we in the bus station and we walked through the shopping precinct where he was able to get a few more shop photographs. when we got to he bus station there was a flurry of activity. we had already seen Wardles Transport Dart 2404 parked up. When we got to the bus station it was working off on the #428 to Lichfield.


Wardle Transport 2404 on the #428 Lichfield service (Matt)

Just a few minutes later Arriva Midlands Dart 2200 appeared on the #4 town circular. we were going to catch this but we heard the driver tell somebody that it was only going to Tesco.


Arriva Midlands 2200 on the Tesco part of the #4 Town circular (Matt)

We decided to let this bus go and catch it 10 minutes later when it works the Outer Circle part of the service. The Arriva Midlands 2207 appeared and Matthew was keen to do this too. We didn't really have time to do one of these buses out and back and mum didn't know the route. he took a picture and we went back to the stop to do the circular.


Arriva Midlands 2207 on a #1 to Burton (Matt)

The circular bus reappeared and right behind it was Trent Barton X227 WRA on the Ashbourne service. Matthew let everyone else board the circular so he could get a shot of this bus. Also seen but not photographed was Wardle Transport 2410 on the 402 to Burton.


Trent Barton X227 WRA on the Ashbourne service (Matt)

We boarded the bus and found a seat near the rear. This is a really friendly time and people were pleased to see Matthew take an interest in the bus. When we reached the half way point was able to leave Matthew in his seat whilst I booked tickets for the return journey into town. The bus came into the bus station with just us on it and Matthew got a picture of the empty bus at this point.


Inside 2200 (Matt)

As we got of the bus Matthew spotted 61160 in the bus station.


61160 on 32A to Hanley (Matt)

After get a picture of this bus Matthew slightly reluctantly went before mum drove us home. 61160 did the 32A toards werrington. back to the car. We had a quick sausage roll break Perhaps not as good as the planned Crewe trip, but at least Matthew was able to pick up another new bus... (Mark)

Trip to Llandudno 25-04-2011

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
MIB 246	Longton Hall Road	Mostyn coach park, Llandudno	Charter	Copelands Tours
817	North West Gardens, (NW bound)	Junction, New Road (Stand Z)	14	Arriva NW&W
2276	Llandudno Junction Station Platform 5 (W-bound)	Llandudno, Trinity Square (SW) (SW-bound)	13	Arriva NW&W
818	North West Gardens, (E bound)	Llandudno Junction Station Platform 5 (W-bound)	19	Arriva NW&W
2277	Llandudno Junction Station Platform 5 (W-bound)	North West Gardens, (NW bound)	13	Arriva NW&W
2658	North West Gardens, (NW bound)	Llandudno Palladium (Stand Y)	5	Arriva NW&W
911	Llandudno Palladium (Stand B)	North West Gardens, (E bound)	84	Arriva NW&W
MIB 246	Mostyn coach park, Llandudno	Longton Hall Road	Charter	Copelands Tours

Today we took Matthew out on his first coach trip of the year. We had a choice of Blackpool or Llandudno with Copeland's (the operater which Matthew chose) and he chose to go to Llandudno. Matthew has only been to Llandudno once in recent years, and that was last summer when we did a coach trip to Rhyl and traveled on. In ancient times Matthew has done a pair of class 20's when he was around 2 on a coal day, and also a trip here on Easter Monday in the later 90's with Bakers when buses were still just something that made him lift his head and get excited when in his pram. Planning consisted of downloading all the Sunday timetables for he Llandudno area. As I was getting the car ready to go to meet the coach, I noticed my near neighbours setting off up the road. As we left home we saw them at the local bus stop. When we arrived on longton Hall road we didn't have to wait long for the coach to turn up MIB 246 was power for the day. Matthew loaded onto the coach quickly, and whilst we were waiting for a couple of passengers
I got off to check the car was locked. Behind our coach arrived the Blackpool coach, which was required MIB 236. As it pulled off Matthew's face dropped in disappointment at not getting the coach he wanted. It didn't take him long to forget anout that. Eventually the passengers we were waiting for arrived off a slightly late running PMT bus. It was our near neighbours! We set off around town picking up the other passengers, including a lad the Matthew used to go to school with Anthony Goodrum. After about an hour and a half we pulled into knutsford services for a quick toilet break. Already in the service was MIB 236 on the Blackpool and Matthew spotted this straight away! As soon as he got off our coach he ran and jumped on the other! after taking a picture inside and out, we persuaded him to come off and promised we would get this coach sometime in the future!


The elusive (to us) MIB 236 in knutsford services (matt)

A toilet break later we were back on the coach. A fairly some journey then followed and the driver pointed out a few sights and facts along the way. When in llandudno we parked on the Mostyn coach park and walked into town. Mum unusually had some company in our near neighbours, so she left us to our own devices! We found some toilets and then found a good vantage point for Matthew to take pictures. I then left him with uncle Dave whilst I fought may way to the front of a very busy chip shop queue! by about 12:40 we were ready to start catching buses... The first bus Matthew wanted was the Alexander bodied dart 2277 that was parked up in trinity square. "what's it on?"..."13"..."Where's it going?"..."Prestatyn".."What time is it due off?"..."oh....now!". So we missed that one. Out came the netbook. The 13 goes via Llandudno junction so if we catch somthing to there we'll probably get a similar bus back. The 14 goes to the junction area before going west. "whens the next 14?"..."12:54"..."Where does it go from?"..."Mostyn Street (NW bound)!". So we walked briskly around the corner to the stop and whithin a couple of minutes Arriva NW&W 817 appears from around the corner. We book our NW&W day rovers and sit down. The 14 takes a weird winding route through countryside and eventually as we approach the Conway area we start to see familiar sights we have seen off the train. Getting close to the tunnel and not wanting end up on the other side, we get off near the road and river area.


Arriva NW&W 817 in Llandudno (matt)

We got off at the new road stop and the bus disappeared around the corner. We decided to follow the bus and then we realised that we were only one stop away from the railway station. We walked across to the station where we saw that there was a 13:30 to llandudno on a service 13.Aafter a few minutes the 13 turned up with another ALX200 in the form of Arriva NW&W 2276 in interurban livery.


Arriva NW&W 2276 in Llandudno (Matt)

We did this back to the square in llandudno and watched it go. We realised that there was not another 14 as this service is every 2 hours on a Sunday service. the next Conway bound bus was a service 19 from the main stop on Mostyn Street just after the hour. off this bus there was a return 19 and another 13. we waited for 15 or so minutes and Arriva NW&W 818 turned up on the 19.


Arriva NW&W 818 in Llandudno (matt)

We set off with the intention of getting off on New road and hopefully we would be able to catch one or the of the buses back. As we approached the New Road stop we passed the 19 with a Plaxton bodied Dart. Decided not to get off and carried on to the stop opposite the station. as we approached the railway station we passed the other bus which was another Plaxton bodied Dennis dart. At this point I realised that we were stuck at Llandudno Junction for an hour! to pass the time we took Matthew to Iceland, where he photographed cakes in the store and chose some cans of Vimto. we drank some of the said cans and also visited the toilet in Llandudno junction station. All things considered the time went passed really quickly. We guessed that the bus back would be 2277 and sure enough it was.


Arriva NW&W 2277 in Llandudno (matt)

by the time we got back we realised that Matthew didn't have much time to get in some more buses. We decided to get in a couple of buses really quickly by catching something from Mostyn Street further into town and than catching something out again. the first bus that turned up was 2658 on a number 5.


Arriva NW&W 2658 in Llandudno (matt)

We did this 2 stops up to the Palladium and got off. Virtually straight away there was a bus opposite on a #84. This was ex London 911. A strange short Plaxton bodied Dart with very few seat in it. We did this back to the main stop in Mostyn Street.


Arriva NW&W 911 in Llandudno (matt)

With about an hour to go before the coach left we decided to et some more chips and eat them on the front. Matthew took a few more pictures and then we went back around to Mostyn Street to take more pictures and meet up with mum. Ona #12 Rhyl, we saw our first glimpse of one of the Ex London ALX400 that are being deployed all across the Arriva NW&W Wales area. This was 4041 and it looked very smart in the interurban livery.


Arriva NW&W 4041 in Llandudno (matt)

After meeting up with mum, it was back to the coach to wait for the 17:15 departure. There was a slight delay in departing as our neighbours couldn't find a toilet in the area as the one on the gardens shut just before we got there. Matthew took some more pictures in the coach park before departure.


Happy Days Coaches 214 in Llandudno (matt)

On departure we made good time until we hit the M56. We had a short stop at Chester services and then we slowly progressed along the M56 until we passed the M53 and we managed to travel a little quicker. We reached newcastle just as it started to go dark and we then had another hour around town dropping of passengers. We hit Longton Hall road just after 21:00.


MIB 246 in Longton Hall Road (matt)

After dropping off uncle Dave I came back and we gave our neighbours a lift. It was a tight squeeze getting 5 and a chair into the car considering the boot was full already. Matthew seemed to enjoy the challenge. Quite a good day, but the coach trip wa a bit of an epic. We will be choosing the trip a little more carefully in future (Mark)