Trip to Hanley / Knutsford 17-10-2020

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67151	Hanley, Regent Centre	Hanley BS	23	First Potteries
67659	Hanley BS	Church Lawton, Crewe Road	3	First Potteries
Y722 XHG	Church Lawton, Crewe Road	Knutsford BS	5	Paul's of Stoke
36	Knutsford BS	Wilmslow, Bank Square	88	D&G Bus
28	Wilmslow, Alderley Road	Knutsford BS	88	D&G Bus
26	Knutsford BS	Wilmslow, Bank Square	88	D&G Bus

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going out on the bus later on. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw Temple Street Church minibus RX18 GZW.

Temple Street Church RX18 GZW in Fenton

Also seen was blue minibus DG52 CXP heading towards Stoke.

DG52 CXP in Fenton

Later on we went to Newcastle in the car. We went downstairs to the car and we set off onto Temple Street and we ran down to Smithpool Road. We turned right and then left onto City Road. We ran down the hill to the A52 and we turned right towards the railway station. We went forwards onto Station Road and we turned right onto College Road and we saw First Potteries 44515 on a #23 to Newstead. We ran up the hill through Shelton and forwards onto Cleveland Road. We turned right into The Parkway and we went into Hanley Park and parked in the car park. We walked to the pavillion and we brought a sausage bap and a bottle of Coke. Matthew ate his sausage bap a bottle of Coke. After we ate the food and we walked onto the canal. We headed Northwards up to Botteslow Street and afterwards we headed back to the pavaillion to use the toilet. After spending a while there we walked back to the South East corner of the park. We returned back into College Road. We continued onto Cleveland Road. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Potteries 67151 on a #23 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we flashed the Network Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Cleveland Road and Regent Road. We turned left onto Lower Bethesda Street and we crossed over the ring road, continuing onto Bethesda Street. We turned right onto John Street and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we had a quick look around the bus station. We waited for the next Church Lawton bus. A short time later we saw First Potteries 67659 on a #3 to Crewe. We got on the bus and we flashed the Network Day ticket to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto John Street. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and we went straight across onto Marsh Street. We turned right up onto Trinity Street and we went past the former RBS now a new shop. We turned left onto Stafford Street. After picking up more passenger outside of Debenhams we followed the road around to the left and then back onto marsh Street. At the roundabout we went straight on onto Waterloo Road and we ran up the hill into Cobridge. We continued into Burslem and through the traffic lights onto Scotia Road. We went past the old Burslem PMT garage and we followed the road around to the left onto Williamson Street. At the corner we turned right onto Tunstall High Street. and we continued North onto the A50, past the site of the new Costa Coffee. We ran through Goldenhill and down the bank into Kidsgrove. We ran under the railway line and we passed the site of the new Lidl being built. into Cheshire and we crossed over the A34. We continued into Church Lawton where we got up and got off the bus. Once off. We waited at the bus stop for a bus towards Knutsford. A short time later we saw a bus approaching. It was Paul's of Stoke Y722 XHG on a #5 to Knutsford. We got on the bus and we brought a day ticket before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off along A50 to the right and we veered left onto the A533. We ran through Rode Heath. We continued North to Holmes Chapel and we saw Stanway's VAZ 4815. We continued Northwards to Knutsford. Stanley Road and right into Bexton Road before entering the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. We saw Network Warrington 309. Matthew used the toilet and we returned to the bus station. We walked onto Toft Road and we turned right onto Princess Street. we turned right onto Canute Place. we headed over the Plaza to the Sainsbury's local shop. In the shop we brought a can of Coke and a couple of bars of chocolate as well as a Drumstick lolly. Once we had finished we walked back down Canute Place. We forwards through Princess Street and we passed old Santander site is going to be a new Detaljer. At the top end we turned right onto Toft Road. and into the bus station. We looked up the time of the next #88 bus up to Wilmslow. A few minutes later we saw D&G Bus 36 on a #88 to Altrincham. We got on the bus and we brought a day ticket before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off into the bus station and Bexton Road. we turned right onto Toft Road. We turned left onto the A537. We turned left onto Hollow Lane. We turned right onto Thorneyholme Drive. We turned left onto Manor Park South. We turned right onto Shaw Drive. We turned right onto Boothfields. We turned left onto Higher Downs. We turned left onto Longridge. We turned right onto Knutsford Road. We ran up the hill through Mobberley and up towards Knolls Green. At Lindow End. We ran through Row-of-Trees. We turned left onto Gravel Lane. We turned left onto Cumber Lane. We turned right onto Moor Lane and Chapel Lane. we continued into Wilmslow. We turned left onto Alderley Road. We turned left onto Green Lane. We ran into town along Swan Street and and Station Road. We went past the railway station and we turned right onto Station Road and Swan Street. we continued onto Green Lane where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked along Green Lane and we cross the road to Starbucks. Matthew had a bottle of orange juice. When we had finished we set off onto Water Lane and we walked up to the Knutsford bus stop. A few minutes later we saw a D&G bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was D&G Bus 28 on a #88 to Macclesfield. We got on the bus and we brought a day ticket before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off into Water Lane. We turned left onto Green Lane. We ran into town along Swan Street and and Station Road. We went past the railway station and we turned right onto Station Road and Swan Street. we continued onto Green Lane. we turned right onto the A538. We turned left onto Alderley Road. We turned right onto Chapel and Lane Moor Lane. We turned left onto Cumber Lane past J Russell Roofing. We turned right onto Gravel Lane. We turned right onto Knutsford Road. We ran through Row-of-Trees. At Lindow End. We ran up the hill through Knolls Green and up towards Mobberley. We turned left onto Longridge. We turned right onto Higher Downs. We turned right onto Boothfields. We turned left onto Shaw Drive and onto Manor Park North. We turned right onto Thorneyholme Drive. We turned left onto Hollow Lane. We turned right onto onto the A537. We turned right into Toft Road. When we got to the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. We looked up the time of the next #88 bus up to Wilmslow. A few minutes later we saw D&G Bus 26 on a #88 to Altrincham. We got on the bus and we brought a day ticket before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off into the bus station and Bexton Road. we turned right onto Toft Road. We turned left onto the A537. We turned left onto Hollow Lane. We turned right onto Thorneyholme Drive. We turned left onto Manor Park South. We turned right onto Shaw Drive. We turned right onto Boothfields. We turned left onto Higher Downs. We turned left onto Longridge. We turned right onto Knutsford Road. We ran up the hill through Mobberley and up towards Knolls Green. At Lindow End. We ran through Row-of-Trees. We turned left onto Gravel Lane. We turned left onto Cumber Lane. We turned right onto Moor Lane and Chapel Lane. we continued into Wilmslow. We turned left onto Alderley Road. We turned left onto Green Lane. We ran into town along Swan Street and and Station Road. We went past the railway station and we turned right onto Station Road and Swan Street. we continued onto Green Lane where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked along Green Lane. we walked onto Green Lane and mum was waiting for us in the car near to the old entrance to the railway station. Mum was waiting with a sausage roll and a can of Irn Bru. We set off along Green Lane. We turned right onto the A538. We turned left onto Alderley Road. We past near to Alderley Edge and and over Monks Heath crossroad. We continued Southwards through capesthorne and we ran to the West of Congleton town centre and through Talke down to the A500. At Talke we got onto the Southbound A500 and we ran through Longtport and Etruria into Stoke. We came off the A500 in Stoke onto City Road and we went under the railway line. We ran up City Road onto Fenton and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room. For tea Matthew had sandwiches egg and bacon. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. Matthew used his computer and watched music videos on the television. When it was time to go to uncle Dave's we went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street and at the end we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We went across the spare ground onto Willowdale Avenue and onto Whieldon Road and into uncle Dave's. Later on he had a few digestive biscuits and and some Irn Bru. Uncle Dave now has a biscuit tin. Matthew chilled out in uncle Dave's house using his computer and watching television. Uncle Dave also did his DJ set. A couple of hours later staff came to escort Matthew back home. We set off onto Whieldon Road and we turned onto Willowdale Avenue. We crossed the spare ground and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Temple Street past the new building under construction, which is now getting near to completion. We continued back to the residential unit. Matthew went back to the room and went on his computer. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Macclesfield / Wilmslow 08-07-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
706	Macclesfield BS	Moss Rose, Cornbrook Road	9	Arriva NW&W
706	Moss Rose, Cornbrook Road	Macclesfield BS	9	Arriva NW&W
2936	Macclesfield BS	Alderley Edge, Nat West Bank	130	Arriva NW&W
2932	Alderley Edge, Clifton Street	Wilmslow, Alderley Road(W bound)	130	Arriva NW&W
2932	Wilmslow, Alderley Road(E bound)	Macclesfield BS	130	Arriva NW&W
293	Macclesfield BS	Broken Cross, The Cross Potato	19	High Peak
2930	Broken Cross, adj Turners Arms PH	Macclesfield BS	130	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to re-visit Macclesfield. WE had heard through various sources that there was going to be a special launch party for the new Mellor bodied minibuses there were going to operating Arriva North West services in Macclesfield. It was also close enough to home that we could go and visit the Churnet Valley Railway later on as it was the Rail Ale Trail weekend on the railway. We had checked the weather for today and it was for dry warm weather with some sunshine. We had also seen a promotion for 'Catch the bus week' that if you use the Arriva M-ticket app you could have an Arriva NW Day Saver ticket this week for just £1 using the promo code ctbw. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Just after 12:00 we set off onto the A5035 turning left towards Dresden. We ran up the hill into Longton and we crossed over the A50 before joining the Eastbound carriageway. We came off the A50 at Meir and we turned right onto the A520. We ran North through Cellarhead and Wetley Rocks and into Cheddleton. We continued up the hill and down the other side into Leekbrook and under the railway line up to Ipstones. We ran up the hill and towards Leek town centre. We travelled 'straight outta Compton' and across the traffic lights into St Edwards Street. We parked up on the street and we walked to the end and we saw Leek Link SF04 RGY. We ate at the Wetherspoons pub on the corner. After going to the toilet Matthew had a chicken burger and chips washed down with a glass of Coke. Once we had finished eating we walked back to the car and we continued our journey up to Macclesfield. We set off along St Edwards Street and we turned left onto the A523. We ran down the hill past Sainsburys and then up the hill towards Rudyard lake and through Rushton Spencer. We continued through Bosley over the A54 and into Macclesfield. We passed the Moss Rose football stadium and we ran into town. We joined the A536 and we made a wrong turning into Park Lane. We did a u-turn and we ran down to Sutherland Street. We ran past the railway station and then we turned right under the railway. We turned left onto the A523 and as we ran North we a our first glompse of one of the new buses. We saw Arriva NW&W 4705 on an unidentified service. and we turned left onto the A536 at the next junction. We turned left onto Jordangate and we past Arriva NW&W 4704 running out of service going away from the town hall. We ran down towards the town hall where we parked up. We said goodbye to mum and we set off towards the town hall. By the time we got there it appears that the buses had all gone! We walked down Church Street and then back up the hill along Queen Victoria Street. When we got to the bus station we were just in time to see Howards SN65 OHJ on a #27 to Knutsford.

Howards SN65 OHJ in Macclesfield bus station

There was a flurry of bus activity at the bus station but all the buses were High Peak buses We saw High Peak 294 on a #11 to Kerridge. We also saw required Arriva NW&W Solo 700 on a #3 Weston circular service and required Arriva NW&W Solo 706 on a #9 Moss Rose estate circular.

Arriva NW&W 706 in Macclesfield bus station

We decided to catch Arriva NW&W Solo 706 so we got on the bus and we flashed the m-ticket phone app to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. Whilst we were waiting to depart we saw required Arriva NW&W 4703 on a #4 to Upton Priory. We also saw required Arriva NW&W 2930 n a #130 to Wilmslow. The bus set off out off the bus station onto Mill Street. We ran down onto Park Green and we went straight across the traffic lights onto the A536. We ran out of town and onto the A523 continuing Southwards. We turned right into Coronation Street and at the end we turned left onto High Street. We then turned right onto Maple Avenue. After turning left onto Coppice Rise we turned left onto Robin Hood Avenue. At the end we turned right onto Western Avenue and left onto Parkgate Road. At the end we turned left onto Moss Lane we passed behind the back of the Mose Rose football Stadium as we started to head back towards Macclesfield. We re-joined the a523 and we ran Northwards back into town. At the traffic light we went left onto Sutherland Street and then left onto Waters Green. We continued onto Queen Victoria Street and we climbed the hill up to the bus station. When we got on stand we let the bus empty. We got up and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 706 before we got off it.

Inside Arriva NW&W 706

Once we got off the bus we waited at the north end of the bus station watching buses come into the bus station whilst we decided what to catch next. We saw required High Peak Solo 281 on a #60 to Hayfield.

High Peak 281 in Macclesfield bus station

We also saw required High Peak 293 on a #19 to Prestbury.

High Peak 293 in Macclesfield bus station

A few minutes later we saw required Arriva NW&W 3160 on a #38 to Crewe.

Arriva NW&W 3160 in Macclesfield bus station

We walked into the bus station with the intention of catching Arriva NW&W 3160 towards Congleton and whilst we waited for the bus to be readied for service required Arriva NW&W 2936 came into the bus station on a #130 to Manchester.

Arriva NW&W 2936 in Macclesfield bus station

We decided to do the Manchester bus Northwards towards Alderley Edge so we got onto Arriva NW&W 2930 ans we flashed the Arriva m-tickets on our phones to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and across Mill Street onto Roe Street. We turned right onto Chuchill Way and we ran North up to King Edwards Street where we turned left. We ran forwards onto Chester Road and then we turned right onto Cumberland Street. At the roundabout we went Westwards along Victoria Road before turning into the hospital grounds. We continued Westwards towards Broken Cross and then we joined the Westbound A537. We ran fast for a few miles and then at Monk's Heath we turned right onto the SA34. We ran North for just over 1/2 a mile and then we turned right onto Congleton Road to run into Alderley Edge. After a couple of miles we came into the centre of the village and we got up and got off the bus. The plan had been to get off the bus and cross over and catch a bus straight back but \Matthew had other ideas... He decided he wanted the toilet so we walked off the main street onto George Street. We returned back onto the main road via South Street and West Street. We saw that the mini Waitrose supermarket has a cafe so we assume correctly that there would be a toilet. The toilet was occupied so we decided to do some shopping first. Matthew brought a couple of small bottles of Coke and a chocolate bar. We went back to the toilet only to find someone just going in. We waited our turn and then Matthew used the facilities. We walked back onto the main street to see when the next bus was due. We looked at the stop on the Wilmslow bound side and we were just checking times, but Matthew decided to sit down and refused to move. Apparently we were going further North! There was another guy at the bus stop which we assumed was waiting for the bus. We was actually waiting to photograph supercars! A few minutes later he was joined by a few of his mates. Not sure if he was just interested in cars or he was paparazzi! There were photographing expensive cars and Matthew took a picture of a battered old Polish minibus! The bus turned up just as another supercar came down the high street. It was required Arriva NW&W 2932 on a #130 to Wilmslow.

Arriva NW&W 2932 in Alderley Edge

We nearly didn't get the bus as the driver thought we were with the paps so nearly went off! We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva m-ticket app to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set of Northwards up the B5359 and we crossed over the railway line. We went through Fulshaw Park we continued into Wilmslow and as we left Alderley Road we got up and got off the bus. In front of us at the same stop was D&G Bus 101 on a #88 to Knutsford.

D&G 101 in Wilmslow

We knew that we would be returning on the same bus once it had been for a spin around time, but in the meantime we could go to the Tesco shop around the corner...At last a normal shop! Mathew brought a bottle of orange Fanta a a few chocolate bars on the 3 for £1.20 offer. We went back to the bus stop and Matthew drank a small bottle of Cola and had a double Milky Way. A few minutes later as expected we saw Arriva NW&W 2932 on the #130 service to Macclesfield.

Arriva NW&W 2932 in Wilmslow

We set off Southwards onto Alderley Road and down towards Fulshaw park. We continued South passing required Arriva NW&W 2951 on a #130 Manchester, which we would have done had we gone straight back towards Macclesfield when we got off in Alderley Edge. We ran into Alderley Edge before running around 2 miles onto onto the A34. At Monk's Heath crossroad we turned left onto the A537 and we ran Eastwards to Broken Cross. At the roundabout we veered leftwards onto Fallibroome Road. We continued onto Victoria Road and we went past the hospital. We ran into town along Chester Road and Chestergate and turned right into Churchill Way. We turned left onto the A536 and we ran into the bus station via Sutherland Street, waters Green and Queen Victoria Street. When we got to the bus station we left the bus empty before we got up. Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2932 before we got off it.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2932

Once off the bus we saw High Peak 293 on a #19 to Prestbury.

High Peak 293 in Macclesfield bus station

Matthew decided he was doing this bus before we had even found out where it was going, so he jumped on and sat down. I explained the situation to the driver and we worked out between us that we could do the bus to Broken Cross for a #130 back into town. We purchased singles at £2 each which was Okay as we had saved money on buying the Arriva Day ticket. We set off out of the bus station and we went down Mill Street onto park Green. We turned left onto the A536 and we ran Westwards out of town for around a 1/4 of a mile. We turned northwards up Bond Street and we ran Northwards to Chestergate. We ran Westwards along Chester Road and forwards onto the A537. We continued along the road for around a mile and as we approached the roundabout we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of High Peak 293 as it carried on towards Prestbury.

High Peak 293 in Broken Cross

We crossed over the road and we sat at the stop to wait for the bus. The bus was due around 17:25 but it appeared to be a little late. There were traffic lights along the road and we think this was delaying traffic coming into town. Whilst we waited we white minibus WA51 YXD.

WA51 YXD in Broken Cross

A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required Arriva NW&W 2930 on a #130 to Macclesfield.

Arriva NW&W 2930 in Broken Cross

We got on the bud and we flashed the Arriva m-ticket app to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. At the roundabout we veered leftwards onto Fallibroome Road. We continued onto Victoria Road and we went past the hospital. We ran into town along Chester Road and Chestergate and turned right into Churchill Way. We turned left onto the A536 and we ran into the bus station via Sutherland Street, waters Green and Queen Victoria Street. When we got to the bus station we left the bus empty before we got up. Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2930 before we got off it.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2930

Once we got off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2930 as it ran out of service back to the depot.

Arriva NW&W 2930 in Macclesfield bus station

Mum had texted us to day that she had move the car adjacent to Park Green. We walked down MIll Street and we turned left onto Park Green. Matthew wanted to go to toilet so we took him to the disabled toilet in the block by the traffic lights. Once he had done we walked onto park Green and we saw required Arriva NW&W 2934 running empty.

Arriva NW&W 2934 in Macclesfield

We went back to the car and mum was waiting for us with Greggs sausage rolls and a can of Irn Bru for Matthew. We set off out of town onto the A523. As we left town we followed Arriva NW&W 3160 which running empty back to the Arriva Macclesfield outstation. We also saw Roy McCarty coach YA65 BMZ. The Arriva bus turned right down a lane and went straight towards Bosley. Just after the crossroads we passed Aimee's Solo MX04 VLP going towards Macclesfield. We ran through Rushton Spencer and Rudyards and we came into the North West corner of Leek. We turned right into St Edwards Street. At the end of St Edwards Street I saw an old work colleague just randomly walking along the street. We papped and waved as we went through the light into Compton. We ran through Leekbrook and into Cheddleton and we stopped for chips. Whilst parked up we saw First Potteries 65026 running empty back towards the depot. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy. We continued to Wetley Rocks and we veered left onto the A522. We continued to the A52 and we ran Eastwards into Froghall. The rail Ale Trail was going on at the Churney Valley Railway so we decided to stop there for a while. As we entered the car park we saw minibus Y367 BGD about to leave. At the other end of the car park we saw Paul's of Stoke coach M20 BUS.

Paul's of Stoke M20 BUS in Froghall

We returned to the station and Matthew went to the toilet. We then went to the tearoom and Matthew had a cab of Cherry Coke. We then sat on a trolley on the platform and waited for the train to come in. Due to a few problems that occurred earlier in the day the train was running around 25 minutes later. The train appeared and it was 33102 as expected. We got on the train and we sat down in Second Open coach 4486. We waited for the engine to run around the carriages and then we set off. It was the first time that Matthew had been on a train with me for at least 12 years! We set off Northwards and we stopped at Consall where a few passengers got off. The train ran non-stop through Cheddleton up to Leekbrook Junction and in the other half of the coach there was a loud drunken sing-song. Versions of Neil Diamond's Sweet caroline and Robbie William's Angels were belted out. At Leekbrook a few people decided to de-train and head off over to the Travellers Rest! The carriage was almost empty as we travelled back South towards Cheddleton. After running through the tunnel we stopped in Cheddleton station and then rest of the coach empty out. A few more people got on and then we continued South to Consall. We then did the last couple of miles back down to Froghall and then we got up and got off the train. We met back up with mum and then we went back to the car. Matthew enjoyed his train ride and perhaps we will do it again some time soon. Once in the car we drove off the car park onto the A52 passing taxi minibus YC62 VLL and we went Westwards to Cellarhead. We turned left onto the A520 and we ran South to Meir. We joined the Westbound A50 and we ran up to Longton so we could check out what was parked up at Z Carz this evening. In the first row we saw Z Carz Mercedes minibus CE02 LYX.

Z Carz CE02 LYX in Longton

Also in the front row was Z Carz Ford minibus MJ03 DPU.

Z Carz MJ03 DPU in Longton

Next to the Ford minibus was Z Carz Iveco minibus YJ53 WPD.

Z Carz YJ53 WPD in Longton

Also in the first row was Z Carz Ford minibus LG09 JVX.

Z Carz LG09 JVX in Longton

Closest bus in the front row was Z Carz Ford minibus YS09 LWV.

Z Carz YS09 LWV in Longton

Closest bus in the second row was Z Carz Renault minibus PE10 MJK.

Z Carz PE10 MJK in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row to see what was parked up in the compound this evening. We saw Z Carz Ford minibus FP06 WTW.

Z Carz FP06 WTW in Longton

We also saw Z Carz Ford minibus HK57 LFY.

Z Carz HK57 LFY in Longton

We returned onto the A50 and we went West to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton. We veered right onto Church Road and then we turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home just before 22:00. Matthew then chilled out on his computer. We wrote some of the Blog and we ate a jam filled shortbread biscuit. Matthew then chilled out until bedtime around 00:00... Math

Trip to Macclesfield 30-06-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2239	Macclesfield BS	Wilmslow, Styal Road (cnr)	130	Arriva NW&W
2243	Wilmslow, opp Styal Road	Macclesfield BS	130	Arriva NW&W
861	Macclesfield BS	Bollington, adj Turners Arms PH	10	Arriva NW&W
861	Bollington, adj Turners Arms PH	Macclesfield, opp Lord Street Alighting Only	10	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided it would be a relatively short trip again with Warrington and Chester being offered to him and Matthew chose Macclesfield. In respite from 07:00. He saw Wardle Transport 1454. Heron Cross is his favourite place in the whole world and he would prefer to live there rather than live at home good morning. I feel quite upset that he feels this way after all I have done to try and make him happy Birthday. Matthew was eating toast and drinking orange juice. He got up just after 10:00 and spent a couple of hours chilling before we set off. The weather was overcast with rain due for most of the afternoon in Macclesfield. Setting off around 12:00 we made it to the snack van at the north end of the A500 before 12:30, the time at which it usually packs up on a Saturday. We purchased 4 sausage/bacon sandwiches and 3 can for just over £10. We set off just before 13:00 and we saw the motorway was at a stand, so I diverted onto the Radway Green road. We then went to the edge of Crewe, turning towards Haslington and joining the route to Sandbach. We joined back onto the M6 at the next junction North. The motorway was slow here too and we decided to head to Macclesfield along the A54. The route was passed Jodrell Bank and then through Holmes Chappel. In Macclesfield we missed the car park we wanted to go into so we did a lap of town. In the end we parked on Park Green next to the toilets. As we arrived the heavens opened and there was a heavy shower for around 10 minutes. We visited the toilet and then got back in the car for a few minutes whilst the rain died down. We saw 2239 arrive from Manchester, and so we knew that this was going to be the 14:35 departure out. This bus was dud, being the only Manchester area Dart that we had previously done in Macclesfield. We also saw the bus go empty out of service, presumably to park up out of the bus station for a short while. When the rain slowed down and it started to brighten up we headed into the bus station. As we walked up the hill Arriva NW&W 4489 went passed on the #38 to Crewe. We got to the bus station just in time to see Clowes Coaches T459 JRH on the Leek service just before it left.

Clowes Coaches T459 JRH in Macclesfield bus station

We then had a 20 minute wait before 2239 was due to depart. We saw bakerbus 218 on a #391 service. We also saw a few of the Arriva MPD's such as 856,857,861,869 and 882. Around 14:30 we walked down to the stand after 2239 came back in to the bus station. Once again mum was going with us as I'm still not feeling 100%. We booked the arriva day savers and sat down. The original plan was to go to Monks Heath crossroads, where we know there are bus shelters (essential in this poor weather...). As we headed out past broken cross and along the A536, we passed an Arriva bus, which must have been the #130 we were going for. I checked the timetable on my phone only to find that the timings had changed since we last did this move and the buses pass much closer to Macclesfield! We had to quickly formulate a plan, because if we got off at the stop we originally intended to we would have been waiting for nearly an hour! A quick look at the timetable indicated the buses past each other North of Wilmslow and South of Handforth. So off we went into the unknown! North of Astra Zenica we hit the Edge... Alderley Edge that is. It was certainly an eye opener seeing the shops and people of this town from the bus. It was a tiny glimpse of seeing how the other half live. As we went through town we saw a Co-op next to a Waitrose by the railway station. A couple of miles North of this we were in Wilmslow, another affluent town. We decided to get off just North of town where it would be a little quieter. Two or three stops North of the town was Manchester Road. As we got off Matthew got a picture of this bus.

Arriva NW&W 2239 in Wilmslow

The sun was shining for a change as we crossed the road to wait for the return service. At the stop there was no shelter but there was a bench. The bench was wet and so we wiped it off so Matthew and mum could sit down. Using the txt service 84268, we confirmed the next bus was due at 15:26. Pretty much bang on time, we saw the bus approaching in the distance. It was almost certainly going to be required, The Dennis Dart got closer and we could see it was required Arriva NW&W 2243.

Arriva NW&W 2243 in Wilmslow

On the bus we asked Matthew if he wanted to get off and cover the bus that we had missed, or to go all the way back to Macclesfield. Matthew chose to go all the way back on 2243. The journey back was fairly unremarkable other than passing 2244 going the other way. Back in the bus station Matthew got a picture of the now empty 2243.

Inside 2243

When we got back Matthew indicated that he wanted to visit the facilities so we walked back down the hill to Park Green whilst mum went to Greggs to pick up some sausage rolls for later. On the way out he spotted someone in the furniture shop which he wanted to say hello to and so he ran into the shop and left me behind. We then walked up the hill back to the bus station, with a quick stop in a newsagents for pop and lottery tickets. Back at the bus station we met up with mum again. It was decided that we only had time for a quick out and back trip on something. One possiblility which I thought we were going to do was required Arriva NW&W 856, as seen here from the side of the bus station.

Arriva NW&W 856 in Macclesfield bus station

At the last minute Matthew decided to do dud Arriva NW&W 861 on a #10 Bollington service. The round trip take just over 40 minutes so we decided to go all the way to the end and then back on this bus. On the way there we passed the other bus working #10's today. It was dud Arriva NW&W double decker 4042. At the end off the route he got up and took a picture of the bus.

Arriva NW&W 861 in Bollington

He also got a picture of the inside too.

Inside 861

We then headed back into town. A passenger got on who looked as if he'd been working in a house removing a ceiling. He had gotten so dirty that the driver only let him on the bus if he didn't sit down! Back in Macclesfield we got off a stop early so we didn't have as far to walk to the car. we got back to the car just before 17:00 and we headed out of town, going towards the A34 and then South through Congleton and Kidsgrove. In Chesterton Matthew decided he wanted to go through wolstanton. We then got onto the A500 at porthill and then headed onto the A50 at Sideway. He then requested that we went past the Z Carz depot, and so we got off at Longton so he could get a picture of the buses as we drove past. Seen at the depot were W344 WNS ,D104 XAN and W187 RRE.

A Z Carz line-up

We then headed home via Duke Street respite before getting back around teatime at 18:00 which was bangers and mash and cake for afters washed down with coke. He visited a house across the road too and went upstairs to the bedroom and then downstairs and ate cake and used their toilet before going to the table outside to drink sparkling orange crush. Today respite unit bath and toilet. He also had toast and orange juice before bedtime...Mark