Trip to Sutton Colfield / Great Barr 13-06-2026

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3805	Sutton Coldfield, Stop SD	Erdington, Stop EH	110	Arriva Midlands
1788	Erdington, Stop EG	Great Barr, Stop GD	28	NX West Midlands
1826	Great Barr, Stop GD	Erdington, Stop EQ	28	NX West Midlands
E298	Erdington, Stop EQ	Sutton Coldfield, Stop SJ	X3	NX West Midlands

Today was the first full day of our weekend away. The plan was to go on a short bus trip and then to go to a party later on. Reaearch for the trip consisted of looking up places to park in Sutton Coldfield and to check the weather. The weather was forecast for dry weather with some sunshine. Matthew was alredy awake by 08:00 and he had his medication. Matthew got dressed and we headed to the bar to get fed. Matthew had a full English breakfast. After we had finisehd eating we returned to the room to get ready to go out. Around 09:30 we set off out of the hotel car park onto the B5404. We ram Westwards to Mile Oak and we turned left onto the Southbound A453. We ran though Bangley and past the HS2 building site. We crossed over the A38 at Bassett's Pole roundabout and we ran into Sutton Coldfield. We turned left onto the A5127 and we ran to the edge of town. We turned left into the car park and we parked up. Once out of the car, we said goodbye to mum and we headed down Mill Street where we saw National Express West Midlands E179 on a X3 to Lichfield.

NX West Midlands E179 in Sutton Coldfield

We continued left onto Victoria Road. We crossed over the road and we went around the corner onto Lower Parade. We saw an Arriva bus at the far end of the street. As we got closer we saw it was Arriva Midlands 3805 on a #110 to Birmingham.

Arriva Midlands 3805 in Sutton Coldfield

We got on the bus and we purchased a nBus family day ticket at £9.20 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off dowm Lower Parade and we continued onto South Parade. We turned right onto the A5127 and we ran past Aldi. We followed the road to the left and we headed Southwards. We continued through Wylde Green and into Erdington where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew got another picture of Arriva Midlands 3805 as it continued towards Birmingham.

Arriva Midlands 3805 in Erdington

We decided to catch a #28 next, as we had seen on Bustimes that there were quite a few old Scania on the service, A quick look at the bus stop and we saw there was a bus due in 5 minutes. Whilst we waited we saw National Express West Midlands 1816 on a #66 to Birmingham. Almost immediately behind this bus was our bus. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 1788 on a #28 to Great Barr.

NX West Midlands 1788 in Erdington

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus family day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down the A5127 and we turned right onto Summer Road. We veered right onto Graelly Lane and we turned left onto Station Road. We turned rigth onto Short Heath Road and we headed Westwards. We ran through Perry Common and continued onto Perry Common Road. We crossed over the A453 and we ran forwards onto Hawtorn Road. We crossed over the B4138 and we ran forwards onto Dyas Road. We turned left onto Aldridge Road and right onto Beeches Road. We turned left onto Hassop Road and we went under the M6. We turned right onto Thornbridge Avenue and we turned left onto Beeches Road. We turned right onto the A34. We headed Nortwards and just short of the A4041 we did a u-turn and stopped at the terminus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 1788 before it worked the next #28 to Alum Rock.

NX West Midlands 1788 in Great Barr

We set off up the A34 and we stopped at Poundland to buy some drinks for later on. After buying the drinks we crossed over the A34 and we headed into the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we went into the lounge and we had drinks. Matthew had a small glass of Coke. When we had finishd our drinks we went outside and we met up with uncle Dave. We battled over the difficult to cross A34 and back to th same bus stop. There was alredy a bus at the stop. As we got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 1826 on a #28 to Alum Rock.

NX West Midlands 1826 in Great Barr

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus family day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down the A34 and we turned left onto Beeches Road. We turned right onto Thornbridge Road and we turned left onto Hassop Road. We went under the M6 and we re-joined Beeches Road. We turned left onto Aldridge Road and right onto Dyas Road. We crossed the B413 and we ran forwards onto Hawthorn Road. We crossed the A453 and we ran forwards onto Perry Common Road. We ran into Perry Common and we went forwards onto Short Heath Road. We turned left onto Station Road and right onto We turned right onto Gravelly Lane and we ran forwards onto Summer Road. We turned sharp left onto the A5127 and we ran to the North End of Erdington and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus, we waited for a bus to Stton Coldfield. Whilst we waited we saw National Express West Midlands 805 on a #77A to Walsall.

NX West Midlands 805 in Erdington

A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands E298 on a X3 to Lichfield.

NX West Midlands E298 in Erdington

We got on the bus and we placed flashed the nBus group ticket to the driver for the final time today before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus off Northwards up Sutton New Road. We ran through Wylde Green and into Sutton Coldfield. We followed the A5127 to the right past Aldi and we turned left onto South Parade. We turned right onto Lower Parade and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands E298 as it continued towards Lichfield.

NX West Midlands E298 in Sutton Colfield

Once off the bus we took a few more pictures before we went to find mum. We saw National Express West Midlands 4748 on a #5 to West Bromwich.

NX West Midlands 4748 in Sutton Colfield

We walked into the town cente and we spotted mum in Boots. As we walked back towards the car we spotted National Express West Midlands 2237 on a #5 to West Bromwich.

NX West Midlands 2237 in Sutton Colfield

We continued up Lower Parade onto Mill Street and we returned to the car in the car park. We got in the car and we set off up Mill Street. We headed North up the A5127 and we turned right onto the A453. We headed out of town and over the A38 at Bassetts Pole roundabout. We continued past Bangley and into Mile Oak. We turned right onto the B5404 and we ran to Fazeley. We stopped at the petrol station and we topped up with petrol before going into the hotel car park. We headed into the rooms and we got ready for the party. Around 14:30 we set off for the party. We got in the car and we turned right onto the B5404. We turned right onto the A4091 and we headed Southwards. I stopped in a layby to get my satnav up and it appeared I missed the turning. We headed back up the A4091 and we turned right onto Bodymoor Heath Road. We turned right onto Dog Lane and we parked up at the pub. In the pub car park we saw grey minibus YJ15 ENM.

YJ15 ENM in Bodymoor Heath

At the party there was a band and a barberque. Matthew had some chicken, ribs, burger and sausage. Matthew also had a couple of glasses of Coke. We had a quick walk along the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal and we went into the pub to go to the toilet. After the barberque had been taken away there was a rodeo bull and Matthew had a go! After the party we went to a Co-op to get some afters. We set off onto Dog Lane and we turned right onto Bodymoor Heath Road. We turned left onto the A4097 and at the next roundabout we turned left onto the A51. We ran Northwars into Kingsbury and we stopped at the co-op. We bought some cakes and a big bottle of orange fanta to share. We got back in the car and we continued Northwards. We turned left onto the B5404 and we ran into Fazeley. We stopped at the hotel and we returned to the rooms. Matthew had a luncheon meat sandwich and a piece of cake. He had a cup of Fanta and a Crunchie. We did the Blog and wrote an e-mail. Matthew chilled out on the computer until bedtime around 00:00... Mark.

Trip to Sutton Coldfield / Chelmsley Wood 19-07-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4408	Tamworth bus interchange	Sutton Coldfield, Stop SH	110	Arriva Midlands
1900	Sutton Coldfield, Stop SH	Erdington, Fire Station	66	NX West Midlands
752	Erdington, Fire Station	Chelmsley Interchange	96	NX West Midlands
4888	Chelmsley Interchange	Castle Bromwich, Manor Park Road	94	NX West Midlands
755	Castle Bromwich, Manor Park Road	Erdington, Fire Station	96	NX West Midlands
E288	Eardington, Wilton Road	Falcon Lodge, Churchill Parade	X4	NX West Midlands

Today we decided to re-visit Sutton Coldfield. No research was done other than to check the weather, which was for rain clearing up by mid afternoon. Matthew woke up around 08:00 and had his medication. He got up around 10:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We got ready to go out and we left arounbd 11:50. We set off thr Blurton onto Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and into Heron Cross and over the A50. At Heron Cross lights we turned left onto Grove Road. We ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. Once we had picked up uncle Dave, we continued down Wheildon Road and we joined the Northbound A500. We turned right onto City Road so that we could joined the Southbound A500. We joined the Southbound A500 and we ran Southwards through Hanford down to the M6. We joined the Southbound M6 and we headed through Staffordshire. As we travelled down the M6 we saw an unidentified Alfa coach, an undentified Nash's coach and Walsall Wedding Lighting LJ57 ???. We came off the M6 at junction 12 and we joined the Eastbound A5. We went for a couple of miles before stopping at the Truckers Rest truck stop. We sat down and mum ordered dinner for us. For dinner Matthew had a full English breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. Afterwards Matthew went to the toilet. We order cake and custard for Matthew which he took to have later on. In the car park we saw white minibus FJ67 FPF parked up.

FJ67 FPF in Four Crosses

We set off out of the car park onto the A5 and we headed Eastwards. We ran to the South of Cannock and through Brownhills past the former Rising Sun pub. We Crossed the A38 we ran through the HS2 roadworks. We came off the A5 and we ran Northwards past the retail park onto the A51. We turned right onto Lichfield Street and we headed into the town centre. We turned left onto Aldergate and we turned right into the car park. After parking up we said goodbye to mum and we walked across the car to the bus station. We saw Arriva Midlands 3806 on a #65 to Nuneaton. Matthew had already indicated that he wanted to head into the West Midlands. We looked on stand and we saw it was Arriva Midlands 4408 on a #110 to Birmingham.

Arriva Midlands 4408 in Tamworth bus interchange

We got on the bus and we booked singles to Sutton Coldfield at £3 each before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off out of the interchange before turning right to head towards Lichfield. Just after the fire station we turned left to go down towards ventura Park. We turned left following the Eastbound A51 before turning right onto the A4091. We crossed under the A5 and then we crossed the canal. At Fazeley we turned right for the run down to Mile Oak. At Mile Oak we turned left onto the A453. We carried on South over the A38 at the Bassetts Pole roundabout and we carried on into town. When we got to Sutton Coldfeld the bus pull into the main thoroughfare were all the buses stop on The Lower Parade. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 4408 before it carried on towards Birmingham.

Arriva Midlands 4408 in Sutton Coldfield

Matthew headed into town and we stopped at a cake shop. Matthew had a slice of Oreo Cheesecake and a small bottle of Coke. Afterwards Matthew went to the toilet. When we had finished we headed outside and back up the road to the bus stops. We saw a bus parked up between duties. As we got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 1900 on a #66 to Birmingham.

NX West Midlands 1900 in Sutton Coldfield

We got on the bus and we booked to nBus group ticket at £9.50. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 1900 before we sat down.

Inside NX West Midlands 1900

We set off along Lower Parade and we turned left onto South Parade past fromer pub. We turned right onto the A5127 and we ran up to Boldmere. We turned right onto the A453 and we turned right the B4142. We crossed the Boldmere and we turned right onto the A452. We ran through Short Heath and we turned left onto Court Lane and we turned left onto Goosemoor Lane and we re-joined the B4142. We ran around to the B4531 and into Erdington and we continued down through Edwards Road. As we were travelling towards Erdington, I had worked out that we were going to be passing a bus towards Chelmsley Wood. Which has a small bus station and a shopping centre. I thought it would be a good place to take Matthew. We turned right onto Orphanage Road and we got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of National Experss West Midlands 1900 before it carried on towards Birmingham.

NX West Midlands 1900 in Erdington

We crossed the road and within a few seconds the bus to Chelmsley Wood appeared. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 752 on a #96 to Chelmsley Wood.

NX West Midlands 752 in Erdington

We got on the bus and we placed flashed the nBus group ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off back down Orphanage Road and we turned right onto Holly Lane. We ran forwards onto the A38 and we turned right onto Wood Lane. We turned left onto Wingfoot Way and we crossed a roundabout and then we took the next left into Fort Shopping Centre. We left the bus station area and we crossed turned right onto A47 and through Bromford and we turned right onto the A452. We ran for quite a distance out of town and we crossed over the M6. We continued Eastwards along the B4147 and we ran through Buckland End and we turned right onto Heathland Avenue. We turned left onto Brook Meadow Road and we turned right onto Heath Way and we turned left onto Brownfield Road. We turned left onto Timberley Lane and we turned right onto the B4114. We turned left onto Hurst Lane North and Smith’s Wood. We turned right onto Green Lane and we turned left onto Lanchester Way. We turned right onto Auckland Drive and we turned left onto Kingfisher Way. We went forwards onto Burtons Way and we turned right onto Windward Way and we turned left onto Buckingham Road. We turned left onto the B4114 and we ran through Kingshurst, Bacon’s End and Chelmsley Wood. We re-joined the B5074. We turned right onto the chelmsley interchange and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of National Experss West Midlands 752 returned to Kingstanding.

NX West Midlands 752 in Chelmsley Interchange

Also on layover in the bus station was National Express West Midlands 4891.

NX West Midlands 4891 in Chelmsley Interchange

Once off the bus we headed into the shopping centre. We went into Home Bargains and we bought some drinks and chocolate. We came out and sat outside. Matthew had a can of Dr Pepper and a single Twirl. As we walkd back towards the bus station Matthew stopped at the ice cream van and had an ice cream. He also indicated that he needed the toilet so we went into Subway. I bought a bottle of Coke for later and Matthew used the toilet. We went to the bus stop and we saw National Express West Midlands 1828 on a #71 to Sutton Coldfield.

NX West Midlands 1828 in Chelmsley Interchange

Another bus came into the bus station which we worked out we could do part way back towards Sutton Coldfield. We saw it was all over Party Rings advertiser National Express West Midlands 4888 which was on layover in between runs on the #94 to Birmingham.

NX West Midlands 4888 in Chelmsley Interchange

A lady who had seen Matthew waiting for the bus decided to give Matthew a Cabdbury's Caramel Ice Cream. Whilst we waited for the bus to be readied for service we saw National Express West Midlands 4932.

NX West Midlands 4932 in Chelmsley Interchange

When the bus was ready for service we got on the bus and we flashed the nBus ticket to the driver. The lower saloon was empty so Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 4888.

Inside NX West Midlands 4888

The top deck was also empty so Matthew took another picture inside National Express West Midlands 4888.

Inside NX West Midlands 4888

After a few minutes we set off along Chelmsley Circle and we turned left onto Chelmsley Road. We did a u-turn at the roundabout and we headed Eastwards alonf Chelmsley Road. We turned left onto Moorend Avenue and we headed Northards. At the roundabout we veered left onto the the B4114. We turned right onto Birmingham Road and we turned left onto Auckland Drive. We continued onto Green Lane and we turned left onto Hurst Lane North. We turned right to re-join the B4114 and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 4888 as it continued towards Birmingham.

NX West Midlands 4888 in Castle Bromwich

Once off the bus we only had a couple of minutes to wait for the bus to Erdington. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 755 on a #96 to Kingstanding.

NX West Midlands 755 in Castle Bromwich

We got on the bus and we placed flashed the nBus group ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off the B4114 and we turned left onto Timberley Lane. We turned right onto Brownfield Road and right onto Heath Way. We turned left onto Brook Meadow Road and right onto Buckland End. We crossed over the roundabout Heathland Avenue and e re-joined the Westbound B4114. We ran forwards onto the B4147 and we joined the Northbound A452. We went under the M6 and over the railway line and we turned left onto the A47. We ran past the former Fort Dunlop which has been converted into a Travelodge. We crossed the roundabout onto the Fort retail park and we stopped at the bus stop after the bus driver persuaded the cars that were parked in the bus stop to leave! We left the reatila park and we turned left onto Wingfoot Way. We turned right onto Wood Lane and left onto Holly Lane. We turned right onto the A38 and left onto Kingsbury Road. We turned right onto Holly Lane and we headed Northwards. We ran to the roundabout and we turned left onto Orphanage Road. We ran into Erdington and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 755 before it continued to Kingstanding.

NX West Midlands 755 in Erdington

Once off the bus Matthew indicated that he wanted to go to the toilet and then get a drink. We hadn't been in a pub all day so it was bound to happen. We walked forwards onto High Street and we turned right onto Wilton Road. We headed into a pub and Matthew used the toilet. We went to the bat and Matthew had a glass of Coke. We sat down near to the pool table and we soaked in the atmosphere of the pub. When we had finished our drinks we went outside and we met up with uncle Dave. We crossed over Sutton New Road and we waited for a bus Northwards. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands E288 on a X4 to Falcon Lodge.

NX West Midlands E288 in Erdington

We got on the bus and we placed flashed the nBus group ticket to the driver for the final time today before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus off Northwards up Sutton New Road. We decided to do this to Falcon Lodge and get mum to come and meet us as we knew there was a chip shop near to the bus terminus as we had accidentally found it back in March 2025. We ran Northwards up the A5127 through Wylde Green and Driffold and we headed into Sutton Coldfield. We ran clockwise around the town on the one-way system and we turned right into South Parade. We followed the road onto Lower Parade and we had a brief stop in Surron Coldfield. We continued Northwards and we turned right onto the one-way system and we turned left onto Riland Road. We continued onto Rectory Road and we headed out of town. We turned right onto the B4148 and we turned left onto Reddicap Heath Road. We turned left onto Fairfax Road and we ran forwards onto Falcon Lodge Crescent. We ran aroud the housing estate and we turned right onto Churchill Road. We turned right onto Carhampton Road and we reached the terminus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands E288 before it returned on a X4 to Birmingham.

NX West Midlands E288 in Falcon Lodge

We walked away from the bus stop and we waited for mum to arrive. We waited for a few minutes and mum appeared in the car. Matthew had sausage and chips washed down with some Cherry Coke. When I had finished eating we set off along Churchill Road and we turned right onto Carhampton Road. We turned right onto Rectory Road and left onto Lindridge Road. We turned right onto the B4148 and right onto the A453. We crossed over the M6 toll and at Bassett's Pole roundabout we turned left onto the Northbound A38. We ran North for a few miles and at the roundabout we ran forwards onto London Road. On the edge of Lichfield we turned left onto the A461 and right onto the A5127. We ran forwards onto the A51 and we ran out of Lichfield. We ran through Longdon and Brereton Cross and we ran to the East of Rugeley. We ran through the roadworks where they are constructing a new link road. We continued out of town through Wolseley Bridge and Great Haywood. We continued through Weston and Sandon and we joind the A34 South of Stone. We ran to the West of Stone and past Darlaston Roundabout and the new petrol station. We continued through Titensor and Trentham and we turned left onto the A5035. We ran over the canal and railway line into Blurton and we got back just after 20:00. Matthew had his medication and bottle of Coke. I took uncle Dave home and Matthew uploaded his pictures to the computer. He also ate the chocolate cake and custard from the Truckers Rest. Later on we did the Blog and Matthew had a ice lolly. We did an e-mail and we went to bed just after 00:00... Mark.

Trip to Tamworth / Sutton Coldfield 01-03-2025

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4411	Tamworth bus interchange	Sutton Coldfield, Stop SH	110	Arriva Midlands
6807	Sutton Coldfield, Stop SH	West Bromwich BS	5	NX West Midlands
1886	West Bromwich BS	Stone Cross, Hall Green Road	4	NX West Midlands
820	Stone Cross, Jervoise Lane	Charlemont, Church Vale	40	NX West Midlands
6962	Charlemont, Church Vale	New Oscott, Beggars Bush	5	NX West Midlands
4746	Oscott, Beggars Bush	Sutton Coldfield, (Stop SC)	5	NX West Midlands

Today we decided to re-visit Tamworth. We asked Matthew on Friday where he'd like t go and he chose Tamworth. Research for the trip consisted of looking at various bus stickets in the area and checking the weather, which ws for dry sunny weather, warm for the time of year. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We got ready to go out and we left arounbd 11:50. We set off thr Blurton onto Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and into Heron Cross and over the A50. At Heron Cross lights we turned left onto Grove Road. We ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. Once we had picked up uncle Dave, we continued down Wheildon Road and we joined the Northbound A500. We turned right onto City Road so that we could joined the Southbound A500. Whilst we waited to joined the A500 we joined the Southbound A500 and we ran Southwards through Hanford down to the M6. We joined the Southbound M6 and we headed through Staffordshire. Travelling down the M6 we saw Selwyns BV74 LMM(#550) and 2 unidentified grey coaches. We came off the M6 at junction 12 and we joined the Eastbound A5. We went for a couple of miles before stopping at the Truckers Rest truck stop. We sat down and mum ordered dinner for us. For dinner Matthew had a full English breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. Afterwards Matthew went to the toilet. We order cake and custard for Matthew which he took to the car to eat. We set off out of the car park onto the A5 and we headed Eastwards. We ran to the South of Cannock and through Brownhills past the former Rising Sun pub. WeCrossed the A38 we ran through the HS2 roadworks. We came off the A5 to the West of Tamworth onto the A453. We ran into town and we turned right onto the Northbound A51. We turned right onto Lichfield Street and we passed former Arriva NW& Enviro 300, now Arriva Midlands 3582 on a #110 to Birmingham. We turned left onto Aldergate and we turned right into the car park. After parking up we walked across the car to the bus station. We saw Arriva Midlands 4411 on layover in between runs on the #110 to Birmingham.

Arriva Midlands 4411 in Tamworth bus interchange

Behind that was Bus Link 73 on a X66 to Lichfield.

Bus Link 73 in Tamworth bus interchange

We decided to go towards Sutton Colfield on the next #110, which just happened to be Arriva Midlands 4411. We got on the bus and we booked singles to Sutton Coldfield at £3 each before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off out of the interchange before turning right to head towards Lichfield. Just after the fire station we turned left to go down towards ventura Park. We turned left following the Eastbound A51 before turning right onto the A4091. We crossed under the A5 and then we crossed the canal. At Fazeley we turned right for the run down to Mile Oak. At Mile Oak we turned left onto the A453. We carried on South over the A38 at the Bassetts Pole roundabout and we carried on into town. When we got to Sutton Coldfeld the bus pull into the main thoroughfare were all the buses stop on The Lower Parade. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 4411 before it carried on towards Birmingham.

Arriva Midlands 4411 in Sutton Coldfield

Once off the bus we walked along Lower Parade onto South Parade to go to the pub. The pub that we used to go to has closed down and is currently empty. We walked back around the corner onto Lower Parade and we crossed over the ring road and we went into the sports bar there. Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we went to the bar and a had a glass of Coke each. When we had finished we went back outside and we met up with uncle Dave. We crossed over the ring road and we walked back down Lower Parade. We looked for another bus to catch. We saw a bus going to West Bromwich on stand. As we got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 6807 on a #5 to West Bromwich.

NX West Midlands 6807 in Sutton Coldfield

We got on the bus and we an nBus group ticket at £8.50 before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off along Lower Parade and we turned left onto South Parade past fromer pub. We turned right onto the A5127 and we ran up to Boldmere. We turned right onto the A453 and we continued down through New Oscott and onto the B4149 and we headed up to Kingstanding and we ran to Pheasey. We passed the former the Buffet Island site which is going to be a new McDonald's. We turned left onto the B4154 and we ran through Queslett and we joined the the A4041 and we headed towards Pheasey and we continued into Great Barr and we travelled Westwards through Newton and we saw National Express West Midlands 4747 on a #5 to Sutton Coldfield. We crossed over the M5 and the road veered left onto the A4034. We headed Southwards into West Bromwich and we crossed over the A41 onto New Street. We ran forwards onto St Michaels Street and we turned left onto the West Bromwich Ringway. We turned left and we entered the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we had a look around the bus station. We headed to the toilet. On the way we saw National Express West Midlands 4679 on layover.

NX West Midlands 4679 in West Bromwich bus station

We continued down the bus station and we saw National Express West Midlands 4742 on a #74 to Birmingham.

NX West Midlands 4742 in West Bromwich bus station

Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we had a look around to see what we might catch. We wanted to head back in the direction of Sutton Coldfield so we had a look at #4's and #5's. A short time later a #4 came on stand. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 1886 on a #4 to Walsall.

NX West Midlands 1886 in West Bromwich bus station

We got on and we flashed the nBus ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station. We turned right onto the West Bromwich Ringway and we turned right onto St Michaels Street. We ran forwards onto New Street. At the roundabout we crossed over the A41 an we ran forwards onto the A4031. We ran into Stone Cross and we got up and got off the bus. Once of the bus we took another picture of National Express West Midlands 1886 as it continued towards Walsall.

NX West Midlands 1886 in Stone Cross

Once off the bus we walked around the central island towads the West Bromiwich bound bus stop. We went into a shop and Matthew had a can of Irn Bru and a Twirl. We went outside and we sat at the bus stop and Matthew ate his Twirl. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 820 on a #40 to West Bromwich. We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A4031 and at the end we turned right onto Jervois Lane and we continued onto Bustleholme Lane. We continued onto Hollyhedge Road and we ran forwards onto the A4031. We ran along All Saints Way past the hospital and we got up and got off by the war memorial an Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 820 before it carried on towards West Bromwich.

NX West Midlands 820 in Charlemont

Once we had watch the bus depart we crossed over the road to catch a #5 towards Sutton Coldfield. Whilst we waited we saw Rotala Diamond 30922 on a #4H to Walsall.

Rotala Diamond 30922 in Charlemont

A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required National Express West Midlands 6962 on a #5 to Sutton Coldfield.

NX West Midlands 6962 in Charlemont

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus Day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the A4031 and we ran out into a more open route before crossing over the M5 we continued Eastwards for around a mile and into Great Barr and we saw National Express West Midlands 2234 on a #5 to West Bromwich. After crossing the A34 we went under the M6 and up the hill into Pheasey. The bus turned left onto the B4154 and we turned right onto the Collingwood Drive and we passed the former the Buffet Island site which is going to be a new McDonald's. We turnede crossed over the B4149 and we continued down through New Oscott and We got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 6962 as it continued towards Sutton Coldfield.

NX West Midlands 6962 in New Oscott

We went into Tesco and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards we bought a bottle of Coke. We went outside to wait for a bus back to Sutton Coldfield. Whilst we waited we saw Nationl Express West Midlands 803 on a #77 to Walsall.

NX West Midlands 803 in New Oscott

A short time later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 4746 on a #5 to Sutton Coldfield.

NX West Midlands 4746 in New Oscott

We got on the bus bus we flashed the nBus Day ticket to the driver for the final time today before we went upstairs. The bus set off the B4149 and we continued down through the A453. We ran through Boldmere and we re-joined the A454 near to Sutton Coldfield. We ran around to the A5127 and we turned right onto The Lower Parade. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of National Experss West Midlands 4746 before it carried on towards Birmingham.

NX West Midlands 4746 in Sutton Coldfield

We crossed over Lower Parade and we took a few more pictures before left. We saw National Experss West Midlands 1895 on a X3 to Hill Hook.

NX West Midlands 1895 in Sutton Coldfield

We crossed over the ring road and we headed into the pub. Matthew went the toilet before having a glass of coke. When we had finished our drinks we crossed over Mill Street and we walked up to the Church and sat on the wall. A short time later mum arrived with the support vehicle. We got in the car and after turning around we headed out of town along the A5127. We turned left onto A454 and we climbed the hill through Four Oaks. We turned right onto Four Oaks Common Road and we turned right onto Clarence Road. We turned left onto the B4151 and we turned left onto London Road and we turned left onto the A38. We carried on along the A446 and we turned right onto Holly Lane and we turned right onto Lindridge Road and we turned left onto Springfield Road. We turned right into Churchill Road and we parked up. I went to the chips shop and came back with food. Whilst we were parked up we saw National Express E195 on a X4 to Birmingham. Matthew had sausage and chips washed down with some Cherry Coke. When I had finished eating we set off along Churchill Road and we turned right onto Carhampton Road. We turned right onto Rectory Road and left onto Lindridge Road. We turned right onto the B4148 and right onto the A453. We crossed over the M6 toll and at Bassett's Pole roundabout we turned left onto the Northbound A38. We ran North for a few miles and at the roundabout we ran forwards onto London Road. On the edge of Lichfield we turned left onto the A461 and right onto the A5127. We ran forwards onto the A51 and we ran out of Lichfield. We ran through Longdon and Brereton Cross and we ran to the East of Rugeley. We ran through the roadworks where they are constructing a new link road. We continued out of town through Wolseley Bridge and Great Haywood. We continued through Weston and Sandon and we joind the A34 South of Stone. We ran to the West of Stone and past Darlaston Roundabout where they are constructing a new petrol station. We continued through Titensor and Trentham and we turned left onto the A5035. We ran over the cananl and railway line into Blurton and we got back just after 20:00. Matthew had his medication and bottle of Coke. I took uncle Dave home and Matthew uploaded his pictures to the computer. Later on we did the Blog and Matthew had a chocolate muffin. We did an e-mail and we went to bed just after 00:00... Mark.

Trip to Tamworth / Sutton Coldfield 19-12-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4412	Tamworth bus interchange	Sutton Coldfield (Birmingham), Gracechurch Shopping Centre (Stop SD)	110	Arriva Midlands
4411	Sutton Coldfield (Birmingham), Gracechurch Shopping Centre (Stop SH)	Tamworth bus interchange	110	Arriva Midlands
3510	Tamworth bus interchange	Lichfield BS	786	Arriva Midlands
3723	Lichfield BS	Tamworth bus interchange	X60	Arriva Midlands

Today we decided to revisit Tamworth. We had checked the weather for the midlands and North West and the better weather seemed to be to the South, It was still going to be wet and mild, but not as wet as the North West. We gave Matthew a choice of Midlands destinations and from the list he chose Tamworth. Matthew got up around 10:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 12:00 and we headed on to the A5035. We went West to the A34 and then we went South towards Stone. As we passed by Stone we saw D&G 170 on a #14 to Hanley and First Potteries 65027 on a #10 to Hanley. South of Stone we turned left onto the Eastbound A51. We passed through Weston & Colwich and we saw Arriva Midlands 3758 on a #825 to Stafford. Further South as we approached Lichfield we passed Arriva Midlands 3765 on another #825 to Stafford. We drove into the centre of Lichfield and as we followed the A51 around town we saw Arriva Midlands 2209 leaving Lichfield bus station on a #15 service. We carried on towards Tamworth and Hopwas and we followed Arriva Midlands 3509 out of Lichfield as it turned towards Whittington. Further down the road we passed Central buses YX63 ZYK on a X55 service. We got into town and we tried to park in the usual car park but it was full today. The council had made it a free car park for the day. We parked on Church Street and we walked up Corporation Street alongside the bus interchange as we headed to the cafe. On the corner we saw required Arriva Midlands 3017 on the #3A to Coton Green.

Arriva Midlands 3017 in Tamworth bus interchange

Matthew went to use the toilet in the tourist information office and then we headed over to the cafe where mum was ordering the food. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a small bottle of Coke. When we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and we walked back over to the bus interchange on Corporation Street. We decided to do the first bus that we saw which happened to be dud Arriva Midlands 4412 which was on the #110 to Birmingham.

Arriva Midlands 4412 in Tamworth bus interchange

We got on the bus and we booked an Arriva Midlands Day Saver at £6.20 before going upstairs. The back of the top deckk was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 4412.

Inside Arriva Midlands 4412

At 14:00 the bus set off out of the interchange and right into Church Street. The car had gone! Just then mum text to say she had found a space in the car park and moved it! We carried on Westwards along Lichfield Street before turning left onto Tamedrive. We crossed the rivers Anker and Tame and we turned left onto Riverdrive. In the distance you can see holiday Inn Express which looks a bit like a giant dustbin lorry. We turned right onto the A4091 and we went past the end of Ventura Park shopping complex. We continued South to Fazeley before turning right onto The B5404 and we headed up to Mile Oak. Just before we got to the crossroad we were passed by Arriva Midlands 4409 running out of service. We turned left onto A453 for a fast run down to the Bassetts Pole roundabout. The weather was awful.. It was dull and gloomy and there was lots of rain! We crossed the A38 and the M6 toll road and we turned left onto the B4148. As we approached Rectory Road we saw National Express West Midlands single decker 2247 emerge from the turning. We turned right onto Rectory Road and we passed the Good Hope hospital and the adjacent cemetery. We crossed under a railway bridge and we turned right onto Coleshill Road. We turned left onto the A5127 and we went straight across onto the Lower Parade were we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 4412 before it carried on towards Birmingham.

Arriva Midlands 4412 in Sutton Coldfield

When we got in to Sutton Coldfield I decided to take Matthew to the pub we had been to last time to use the toilet. I don't usually wear my Stoke City coat outside of Staffordshire, so on the bus down I had swapped my coat over for a fleece that was in the bag. On the way to the pub we saw National Express West Midlands 2235 on a #71 to Solihull Station.

NX West Midlands 2235 in Sutton Coldfield

We went into the pub and Matthew headed straight to the toilet. After he had used the facilities we headed to the bar to get a glass of Coke for Matthew. I ordered Matthew a drink and my cover was blown immediately when the barmaid said 'Is that a Stoke Accent I hear?' Damn! We finished the drink and then we headed back onto the street. As we got back onto the Lower Parade we saw National Express West Midlands 4327 on a #6 to Walsall.

NX West Midlands 4327 in Sutton Coldfield

We found a bus shelter near to where we needed to be for the return bus and Matthew sat down for a while. Whilst there Matthew ate a bag of Milky Stars. We then saw Arriva Midlands 4200 on a #110 to Birmingham.

Arriva Midlands 4200 in Sutton Coldfield

This was followed by National Express West Midlands 6756 on a #77 to Walsall.

NX West Midlands 6756 in Sutton Coldfield

We also saw National Express West Midlands 4057 on a #5 to West Bromwich.

NX West Midlands 4057 in Sutton Coldfield

A few minutes later we saw the #110 service approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was dud Arriva Midlands 4411.

Arriva Midlands 4411 in Sutton Coldfield

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver ticket to the driver before going upstairs. We set off up the lower parade and we turned right onto the A5127. We turned left onto Coleshill Road and we turned left again onto Riland Road. At the end of Riland Road we turned right onto rectory Road and we passed iGo Enviro200 126 on the #168 service. We passed the cemetery and he hospital and at the end of Rectory Road we turned left onto the B4148. We traveled North for a few hundred yards and we then we turned right onto the A453. We crossed over the M6 toll and the A38 and we ran fast up to Mile Oak. We turned right onto Watling Street and we ran East to Fazeley. St Fazeley Square we turned left and we stop for a minute or so to wait time. Whilst we were were there we were passed by Arriva Midlands 3500 on a #115 service. We carried on North up the A4091 ans we passed Ventura Park before turning left onto the A51. We turned right and crossed over the rivers before going right again onto Lichfield Street. We turned left at Aldergate and we turned right into corporation Street and into the bus interchange. As we were getting off the bus Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 4411.

Inside Arriva Midlands 4411

When we came into the bus station we saw a bus on the stop behind us. It was dud Arriva Midlands 3504 on a #785 to Polesworth.

Arriva Midlands 3504 in Tamworth bus interchange

We turned it down because we have never been to Polesworth and we weren't sure of the frequency of the bus service. Matthew wanted the toilet so we visited the tourist information so that he could use the facilities. When we came out we saw required Arriva Midlands 3501 on a #65 to Nuneaton.

Arriva Midlands 3501 in Tamworth bus interchange

We considered doing Arriva Midlands 3017 which was on the #3A to coton Green but by the time we walked to the other end of the interchange it had already departed. We walked back to the other end of the interchange and we saw required Arriva Midlands 3510 arrive on a #786 to Lichfield.

Arriva Midlands 3510 in Tamworth bus interchange

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver ticket to the driver. Nobody else got on the bus and it seemed a little odd... I told the driver 'I always feel suspicious when I get on a bus and nobody else does'. It felt like I was pushing in... Matthew took a picture of the inside of the bus before we sat down.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3510

We seemed to wait for ages and then we drew forwards a little. A bus pulled up behind us and it was an X60 service to Lichfield. That bus went in front of us and then we had a driver change! We waited for a further 10 minutes before we set off out of town. We turned right onto Church Street and forwards onto Lichfield street. we turned left and went over the rivers and we went into the Ventura Park. We whizzed around the shopping park and we returned back over the river before turning left onto the A51. We traveled west through Hopwas and past the pigs in space at the Packington free range pig farm, not that we could see them as it was now properly dark! We turned right at Whittington and we went through the barracks and into the village. We traveled back down country roads and we rejoined the A51. We ran into town and under the railway line before we turned right onto Birmingham Road. We got off the bus and we saw Arriva Midlands 3757 which was on a #825 to Stafford.

Arriva Midlands 3757 in Lichfield bus station

Matthew went to the toilet and then we had a walk around the bus station to take a few picture before we caught a bus back to Tamworth. Whilst Matthew was in the toilet Midland Classic 3 departed on a #21 town service. We saw required Central Buses AE06 ZBT On a Route66 service.

Central Buses AE06 ZBT in Lichfield bus station

A few seconds later required Arriva Midlands 3740 came in on a X60 to Cannock.

Arriva Midlands 3740 in Lichfield bus station

An Arriva Midlands Dart come in and leave out of service. It was required Arriva Midlands 2276. We then saw a Midland Classic bus come in stop on the opposite side of the bus station. We walked over to it and we saw that it was dud Midland Classic 81.

Midland Classic 81 in Lichfield bus station

We walked back over to the Tamworth stop and we saw Central Buses YX63 ZXL. The next Arriva bus to Tamworth was due in a few minutes. Eventually it turned up and it was required Arriva Midlands 3723.

Arriva Midlands 3723 in Lichfield bus station

We went to the rear of the bus to get a picture and the central buses left and the Arriva Bus moved up the stop making us think it was leaving for a minute! The bus stopped and we walked up to it and got on. We flashed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver ticket to the driver for the last the time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus sat for a couple of minutes and then we left the bus station and turned right onto Birmingham Road. At the crossroads we turned left onto the A51 and we went under the railway line and out of town. At the Shell petrol station we turned left to follow the A51 and we ran up to the Staffordshire Regiment museum. As it was the X60 the journey back took half the time that the #786 journey did going the other way! We flew down the hill through Hopwas and we hit the west end of Tamworth in around 15 minutes! We ran into town along Lichfield street and Aldergate before entering the interchange on Corporation Street. Matthew waited for the bus to empty and he took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 3723.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3723

We headed back to the car and mum was waiting for us with Greggs sausage rolls and Matthew had a bottle of Irn Bru. We left town via Aldergate and Lichfield street and we got onto the Westbound A51. We traveled back via lLichfield, weskirted North of Rugeley and came into Stone via Colwich and Weston. As we passed west of Stone we saw City Cabs minibus BX07 KXB, as well as First Potteries 65042 on the #10. At Trentham we turned Right onto the a503 and we ran through Trentham, Blurton and Dresden up to Longton. At Longton we went past Z carz to see what was parked up there tonight. part way along the front row was Z Carz BN03 OVS.

Z Carz BN03 OVS in Longton

next to that was Z Carz taxi minibus PN06 ONM.

Z Carz PN06 ONM in Longton

At the front of the second row was another vehicle out of the taxi fleet, Z Carz NA06 SUO.

Z Carz NA06 SUO in Longton

Behind that was Z carz Mercedes minibus S952 VMY.

Z Carz S952 VMY in Longton

We turned onto Willow Row to see what was parked up in the compound. There were a couple of minibus here... First we saw Z Carz Volkswagen minibus S973 OVP.

Z Carz S973 OVP in Longton

We also saw Z carz Iveco minibus GK02 NWJ.

Z Carz GK02 NWJ in Longton

We got back on the A50 upper level following D&G 174 and we crossed over the A50 so that we could visit the petrol station at Tesco. We topped up with diesel and we saw Copelands tours Bova coach MIB 520 go past whilst we were there. We crossed the A50 to join onto it, and we passed Scraggs VT 9389 and First Potteries 32079 going the other way. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and we turned left onto Blurton Road. We carried on up to Church Road and we turned right onto Beaconsfied Drive. We got home around 19:00. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until 01:00... Mark