Trip to Newcastle / Trentham 16-12-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
6009	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	1A	D&G Bus
VT63 SOS	Newcastle BS	Newcastle, Cherry Tree	GO2	Stanton's of Stoke
35940	Newcastle BS	Trentham Gardens	101	First Potteries
63103	Trentham, Poachers Cottage PH	Hanley BS	101	First Potteries
67148	Hanley BS	Fenton, Victoria Place	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 and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst in the room. Later on we went out on the bus to Newcastle. We went downstairs and we set off onto City Road. We walked down to the bus stop outside the flats. on the way we saw Afford rent-a-car MM75 XTT parked up in there depot. We stood at the bus stop and we waited for a first but to Hanley. A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was D&G Bus 6009 on a #1A to Wood Lane. 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. Matthew got another picture of D&G Bus 6009 before it returned towards Wood Lane.

D&G Bus 6009 in Newcastle bus station

Whilst we waited for a bus to Stafford and Matthew visited the toilet. We continued up Castle Walk and we stopped at the Pound Bakery. Matthew brought a sausage roll before continuing along Castle walk and into the bus station. A few minutes later a bus appeared and it was Stanton's of Stoke VT63 SOS on the Go2 to Cheadle.

Stanton's of Stoke VT63 SOS in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to the Hospital before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road. We ran Southwards onto the A34. We got up and got off the bus by the Cherry Tree. Once off the bus we walked back up towards Newcastle. As we walked up the A34 we went under the subway and we walked up Stubbs street and into the bus station. As we waited we saw another bus approaching. As it came on stand we saw it was First Potteries 35940 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 35940 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Trentham Garden before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station 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 where we saw ABC Supreme YA67 VBB. Near to the old entrance to the gardens we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we went to across the road the road and into Trentham Gardens. We parked up and we went to the retail village. Matthew went to the retail village and visited the Millets. Once we had finished shopping we walked down to The News Kiosk Matthew brought can of Coke. We went into the gardens and we walked to the North West corner and we stopped to benches sit down on the benches. Matthew had a can of coke. We walked clockwise around the lake to the lakeside café and Matthew went to the toilet and we stopped at the Cadwaladers and for dinner Matthew had bacon and cheese oatcakes. When we had finished around the North end of the lake and Matthew stopped to got to the toilet. later on we walked through the retail village and we walked to the the garden centre. When we had finished we returned to Hanley. We set off onto the Northbound A34 and we saw red minibus BK60 CKL. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 63103 on a #101 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63103 in Trentham

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down. We set off Northwards up through Hanford along the A34 and we went under the A500 in Trent Vale. We continued Northwards into Newcastle and past the hospital. At the roundabout 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. We waited for a bus back to Fenton. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we waited for a bus back to Fenton. Once off the bus we set off down John Street and we turned right onto Bethesda Street and we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 864. We stopped on the corner of Bethesda Street and we walked up Albion Street. We turned onto Stafford Street and we walked up Piccadilly. We walked along to The Regent Theatre. We went to a bar and Matthew had a glass of Coke. Matthew went to see the Pantomine Cinderella. We made our way up to the seats on the balcony and the show started. Matthew really enjoyed watching this. After the show had finished we left the theatre and we walked back along Piccadilly onto Bethesda Street where we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 516. We turned left onto John Street and we walked up the hill and we went into the bus station. We waited for a bus back to Fenton. A few mninutes later the bus appeared. It was First Potteries 67148 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67148 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton we sat down. We set off up set off onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto the ring road and left onto Lichfield Street and we turned right onto Birch Terrace. We followed the road around onto Charles Street and we turned right onto Old Hall Street. We crossed over the ring road onto Bucknall New Road. We ran down the hill through Limekiln lights and we turned right onto Dividy Road. We turned left onto Beverley Drive and right onto Dawlish Drive. We ran through the estate and back onto the A5272. We ran up to Adderley Green and we saw First Potteries 37430 parked in the garage. At the roundabout we turned right onto Anchor Road. We turned left onto Market Street and right onto Commerce Street past the former Co-op Bank. We went arounf the roundabout and turned right onto The Strand. After a brief stop we ran down the Strand and under the railway line onto King Street. We continued down through Fenton and forwards onto City Road. We went past KFC and we got up and got off. We walked down City Road and we turned right onto onto Glebedale Road and we walked along Baker Street. We turned right onto Christchurch Street. We returned onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. When Matthew got back we went upstairs and went up to his room to chill out and use the computer. Matthew also watched buses out of the window. We went downstairs and we set off onto City Road and we crossed over onto Manor Street for We stopped at the Fenton Community Hall and Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we had a drink of Coke. Matthew had a burger and fries. After we had finished we returned to the residential unit. We walked along Manor Street and we crossed over City Road and we turned right onto onto Temple Street and we returned to the residential unit. We went upstairs and back into his room. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. He watched television and used his computer. 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 / Kidsgrove 17-07-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67154	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Stoke, Lytton Street	23	First Potteries
157	Stoke, Lytton Street	Stoke, Hancock Street	9	D&G Bus
35933	Hanley BS	Fenton, Victoria Place	6A	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus later on. 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 Jayjays Travel YS15 JHJ. Matthew went up to his room to use his computer and watch buses. Later on we went out on the bus to Newcastle. We went downstairs and we set off onto City Road. We walked down to the bus stop outside the flats. At the Afford garage we saw Afford rent-a-car YS21 JWC parked up. We walked down to the bus stop outside the flats. 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. We got on the bus and we booked to Stoke before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill towards Stoke. We went under the railway line and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew got another picture of First Potteries 67154 as it continued towards Hanley.

First Potteries 67154 in Stoke

We walked along City Road and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre along Church Street. We got off the bus and we crossed obver the road to the stop opposite to wait for a #25 to Hanley. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As soon as it cam into view we knew it was D&G Bus 157 on a #9 to Biddulph. We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley. before we sat down. The bus set off out of Stoke town centre and across the A500. We crossed under the railway line before turning left onto the A52 and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of D&G Bus 157 before it carried on towards Biddulph.

D&G Bus 157 in Stoke

Once off the bus we walked up to the A52 and we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 864.

Copeland's Tours MIB 864 in Stoke

We turned left onto Mawson Grove and we went into Hanley Park. We went to the pavillion and the cafe was closed. We stopped at Venus Fish Bar and Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Fanta Orange. Once we had finished in the park we walked down The Parkway. we returned to Hanley in an Intercity taxi. We set off down The Pkwy and we continued onto Ridgway Road and we turned left onto Mawson Grove and we turned left onto the A52. We turned left onto Lichfield Street. We crossed over the ring road and we ran down Lichfield Street and we turned into the the stop outside the bus station. Whilst we waited for a bus back to Fenton and we saw First Potteries 35940 on a #6 to Park Hall. Afterwards we saw D&G Bus 100 on a #5 to Abbey Hulton.

D&G Bus 100 in Newcastle bus station

Matthew visited the toilet and we saw First Potteries 67141 on a #7A to Biddulph. A short time later we saw a bus arrive on stand. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 35933 on a #6A to Coalville.

First Potteries 35933 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 out of the bus station onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto the ring road and we turned right onto Lichfield Street and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed the roundabout onto Victoria Road. and we ran up the hill into Fenton. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we set off on foot up Victoria Road and we went sharp right onto City Road. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we turned right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs and back to his room. Matthew used his computer and watched television in his room. Later on Matthew went downstairs to do his shopping. Outside we went to do the shopping. transport for the trip was a Lucky Seven taxi. We set off onto City Road and we crossed over and onto Manor Street. At the end of Manor Street we turned left onto Victoria Road and we continued down Victoria Road and we stopped at McDonalds. Matthew went to the toilet and had a burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. We stopped at Aldi to pickup Matthew's weekly shop. Once Matthew had finished shopping we returned to the Kidsgrove in ABC Supreme taxi. We set off up Victoria Road and we ran down the hill. We crossed over the roundabout at Joiners Square onto Lichfield street and we ran up the hill towards Hanley. We went around the ring-road and we got onto the A50. We ran through Burslem we past Lidl supermarket. We around the back of Tunstall High Street past the police station. We re-joined the High Street and ran through Sandyford. We ran through Goldenhill and down the hill into Kidsgrove. We turned left onto the B5371 and we turned left onto Fourth Ave and to get to the Sports Centre. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards played football with his peers and members of staff. When it was time to go back to Fenton we called for a taxi. We set off onto Fourth Ave and we turned left onto the B5371 and we ran to the end where we turned right onto the A50. We ran up the hill into Goldenhill and we continued into Sandyford. We joined Tunstall High Street and then we ran around the town centre and joined Scotia Road near to Asda. We ran up into Burslem and we continued along the A50 into Cobridge. We ran down the hill to the edge of Hanley and we went around the ring road to Lichfield Street. We ran down the hill to Joiners Square and we turned right onto the A52. We ran forwards past the railway station and we veered left towards Fenton. We turned left onto City Road and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and we returned to the residential unit. Mathew went upstairs to his room and chilled out in his room and use his computer and watch buses out of the window. 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 on the IBT Copeland's Tours tour 07-04-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
53207	Ladybank Grove (adj), Blurton	Stoke railway station	23	First Potteries
MIB 542	Stoke railway station	Copeland's Tours depot	Charter	Copeland's Tours
MIB 864	Copeland's Tours depot	Stanley Matthews Way	Charter	Copeland's Tours
MIB 864	Stanley Matthews Way	Copeland's Tours depot	Charter	Copeland's Tours
MIB 614	Copeland's Tours depot	Cheadle town car park	Charter	Copeland's Tours
MIB 970	Cheadle town car park	Copeland's Tours depot	Charter	Copeland's Tours
MIB 346	Copeland's Tours depot	Stafford Road, Stone	Charter	Copeland's Tours
MIB 346	Stafford Road, Stone	Copeland's Tours depot	Charter	Copeland's Tours
MIB 746	Copeland's Tours depot	Trentham Gardens	Charter	Copeland's Tours
MIB 746	Trentham Gardens	Stoke railway station	Charter	Copeland's Tours

Today we decided to try out our first bus tour. We have seen many of these advertised on various newsgroups, but when one was happening locally we decided to give it a go. Once it was confirmed that the start time was 11;30, we made arrangement of how we were going to get there. Mum got Matthew out of bed at 10:00 whilst I got some sandwich meat for our packed lunched and checked out what bus was Te 09:40 from Longton was First Potteries 53207 which was gong to be our bus down to the station later. I also saw Wardle Transport 2531 whizz by on the #22 to Longton. When I got home Matthew was dressed and was eating his toast for breakfast. He had also drank his orange juice. We set off just before 10:50 and walked to the Ladybank Grove stop to wait for required 53207. The bus arrived a few minutes late and Matthew got his picture.

First Potteries 53207 in Blurton

We got on the First Potteries Solo and Matthew sat down without honking the horn. The bus filled up quickly and we were never going to get a picture inside this bus. We got to the railway station only a few minutes later, which was quite good considering the roadworks and diversion. When we got off Matthew took a picture of the rear of this bus in the sun.

First Potteries 53207 by Stoke railway station

Uncle Dave was at the bus stop waiting for us, he had walked down to meet us. We crossed the road and sat on the steps by the Southbound stop. We didn't know which direction the first coach would com from, but we were confident we could get to either stop quite quickly. There was a small crowd gathering by the station and they looked like they might be bus enthusiasts. They were waiting on both side of the street with the majority been by the Wedgwood monument. At a little after 11:30 we saw a Copeland's Tours coach at the lights in the distance on Leek Road. So we crossed over to try and get a good location to get a picture. The coach approached and we saw it was required Copeland's Tours MIB 542.

Copeland's Tours MIB 542 by Stoke railway station

The coach set off and someone came around to collect the fares (£10 each). We headed onto Stoke Road and turned right towards Hanley. We went anticlockwise around the ring road and then down Lichfield Street passing the new bus station. In the bus station was First Potteries 34311 presumably after working a #32A dupe to Alton Towers. At the bottom of lichfield Street we turned left onto Leek Road. At limekiln light we turned right on the a52 and then right again towards Bentilee. We passed First's Adderley Green garage where 40003 was near the front and we could see an Olympian near the wash plant. We went down Anchor Road and then around Longton to join onto the eastbound A50 passing nearby the Z Carz depot. We went through Meir tunnel and turned into the Copeland's Tours garage. They parked the bus in a favourable position in the yard Everyone got off and took pictures of MIB 542.

Copeland's Tours MIB 542 in the Copeland's depot

We were allowed to look around the yard and take pictures, the only exception being in the North East corner of the yard where the withdrawn buses were parked . One of the Withdrawn buses was Plaxton bodied DAF MIB 229. After a few minutes in the yard taking pictures we were told that the next coach was going to be DAF coach MIB 864. They started the coach up and we walked over to it and took a picture before we got on it.

Copeland's Tours MIB 864 in the Copeland's depot

The coach went to the roundabout at Meir Park and then turned back towards Stoke-on-Trent on the A50. At longton we came off the A50 and joined the A5035 passing nearby our house! We carried onto the A34 and then headed to Hanford. At Hanford e joined the Northbound A500 coming of at Sideway. We turned off the A50 and parked on Stanley Matthews Way near the Britannia Stadium and we all got off for a very quick photo stop here.

Copeland's Tours MIB 864 near the Britannia Stadium

We got back on the coach and then headed East back to the Copeland's Tours depot. Matthew waited patiently for the coach to empty and then got a picture inside this unusual coach.

Inside Copeland's Tours MIB 864

This time the coach stopped outside the gates of the depot to help keep the changeover between coaches quicker. Whilst this occurred we took Matthew to the nearby BP garage to us the toilet and we brought some coke and chocolate too. We managed to do this quite quickly and so we sat down on a barrier next to some work being carried out in the garage. A minute or so later MIB 614 emerged through the gates and everyone took a few picture before getting on it.

Copeland's Tours MIB 614 outside the Copeland's depot

This time we headed eastwards along the A50. Matthew had been a little moody on the first 2 coaches, but the stop and drink seemed to have perked him up. We had a good fast run up to the junction of the A522. We turned back towards stoke and headed into Tean. It was a good fast run and it was really enjoyable zooming down this country road at a reasonably fast pace. At Tean we continued to follow the A522 and turned right. At just after 13:30 we pulled up in the Cheadle town car park and at this point we were left here for a break whilst they changed vehicles. We were told we would meet back up at 14:45. Matthew took a picture of MIB 614 before it went back to the depot.

Copeland's Tours MIB 614 in Cheadle

We used the toilet in the car park and we went for a walk around. We ate the rest of the sandwiches that e had and then went for a walk. we found a Kebab shop open and so we decided to have a small portion of chips each too. Whilst we waited for the chips we saw a couple of buses First Potteries 53829 was on a Kingsley service and 65003 was heading to Uttoxeter and Matthew took a picture of it through the kebab shop window.

First Potteries 65003 in Cheadle

We got the chips and walked back to the car park. By the time we had eaten the chips washed down with a can of pop and then visited the toilet again it was 14:30 and we only had 15 minutes to wait.We sat on the Millenium sundial steps and waited for the next bus. Pretty much bang on time Copeland's Tours MIB 970 made an appearance and after everyone had taken there pictures we got on the coach.

Copeland's Tours MIB 970 in Cheadle

We carried on North on the A522 up to the A52 which we did to Cellarhead. At Cellarhead we turned left onto the A520 which we did to Meir before getting back on the A50 and going to the depot gates. We got off and Matthew waited to get a picture inside MIB 970 too.

Inside Copeland's Tours MIB 970

Matthew sat back down on his barrier and we had a drink and a chocolate bar. We didn't have to wait long before MIB 346 came through the gates. Everyone took pictures and then we got on the coach.

Copeland's Tours MIB 346 outside the Copeland's depot

The bus set off eastwards again, and this time we came off the A50 at the A521. In Draycott we turned right onto Cresswell Road and we headed down to the south end of Stone via Hilderstone. There was still plenty of snow in place despite there not being any snowfall for over 2 weeks! We then headed into Stone and then turned left as if we were going to the A34. We stopped in a layby outside the West Bridge Park Fitness Centre, a place where some of the Wardle Transport buses layover in the week when working the town services. Everyone got off and we took some more pictures.

Copeland's Tours MIB 346 near the leisure centre Stone

Whillst there we saw a coupe of veicles go past. First we saw Silver coach 2557 VY whizz by. The we saw Joseph's minibus J618 PNE come past too. After picture were taken we all got back on the coach. The coach headed up through Stone and then onto the A520 which we did up to Meir. We then returned to the depot again, this time going inside the gates. We backed into the coaches parking spot next to MIB 229 and then the coach empty and Matthew took a picture of inside too.

Inside Copeland's Tours MIB 346

We got off and then nipped to the BP garage again. Matthew visited the toilet and then got a can of Coke and a Galaxy caramel bar. We went back inside the yard and took a few pictures, before taking a picture of our final coach of the day MIB 746.

Copeland's Tours MIB 746 in the Copeland's depot

We got on and sat down near the back. It was now around 16:00 and we were heading back to the railway station. Not before having another photo stop first though. We Turned about on Meir Park roundabout and then headed back into Stoke-on-Trent for the final time. We came off at Longton again and once again went down the A5035 nearby our house. At the end of the A5035 is Trentham Gardens and we went down to the very bottom of the car park and stopped for the last time. We all got off and took pictures of MIB 746

Copeland's Tours MIB 746 near Trentham Gardens

I asked Matthew if he wanted to return home on the #23 or get mum to pick us up and he chose mum. After taking pictures we called mum up to say that we might a bit early and we would call her when we were close to the station. We got back on the coach and we turned North on the A34 up to Hanford. We then went North on the A500, coming off at the city Road junction. We then headed onto Leek Road. We called mum to let her to know she could set off to pick us up. We then arrived at the station and got off. In front off us was Notts+Derby Paladin bodied Volvo B10 136 on a rail replacement service. We got a picture and then crossed the road to wait for mum.

Notts+Derby 136 by Stoke railway station

We didn't have to wait too long before mum turned up. We got in the car and drove to heron Cross dropping Uncle Dave off on the way. we then saw Lightning Travel FD53 UNX and also First Potteries 53830 on the #23A service. we got home around 17:20 and I made everyone tea, which was chicken popcorn and fries. We looked at our pictures for the day and then Matthew had a bath around 20:00. When he was finished he chilled out on his computer before bedtime which was around 00:00...Mark