Trip on the Wardle Transport running day 12-05-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2963	Ladybank Grove, Blurton	Hanley BS	Plumline	Wardle Transport
4622	Hanley BS	Bradeley, adj Moorland View	61	Arriva Midlands
4545	Bradeley, opp Moorland View	Hanley BS	61	Wardle Transport
4687	Hanley BS	Wardle Transport garage, Adderley Green	Charter	Wardle Transport
4891	Wardle Transport garage, Adderley Green	Hanley BS	Charter	Wardle Transport
4547	Hanley BS	Tunstall, adj Asda superstore	61	Wardle Transport
4547	Tunstall, adj Asda superstore	Hanley BS	61	Wardle Transport
60196	Hanley BS	Cross Heath, Swift House	34	First Potteries

Today was the double decker running on the #61 service. We have know about this for a month or so and so it has been marked in our calender for some time. As it was a local trip not much research was carried out. We brought a copy of Buses magazine as there was an advert about the event, although the advert was quite vague about what was happening regarding the shuttle service to the depot. we also checked the times of the #61 service on Saturdays, and the times of our local Wardle service to Hanley, which is the Plumline. News had come through in the week that Arriva Midlands 4622 was coming up from Oswestry depot on a feeder service for the event. 4622 is A bus that is mainly confined to schools work. I was up very early today, and it was a fine sunny morning. I opened Matthew's curtain early around 08:00. the early he got up, the more buses we could ride on. The First Plumline service was at 08:40, and this made it on to the second departure from Hanley. Matthew got up around 09:00, and so after breakfast we made it on to the second Plumline at 09:40. The bus was 2963, dedicated bus for the service in the Plum coloured livery. This was only the second time we had been on this bus, the first being on 05/12/2008 5 days into the new service. We booked a Wardle Day ticket, and apparently it was the first one the driver had ever sold! We set off to Hanley picking up quite a few more passengers on the way. We picked up another enthusiast at the railway station and the driver sold another Wardle Day ticket. We arrived in Hanley around 10:10 and we actually saw the 10:00 departure disappearing towards Tunstall although we didn't know at the time. So we now had around 50 minutes to wait, which we spent on the balcony watching and photographing buses. the time passed quite quickly, Arriva Midlands 4701 arrived, on what I can only assume was another feeder service from the Leicester area. Just before 11:00 required 4622 arrived, but I wasn't sure if it was from the depot or directly from Oswestry.

Arriva Midlands 4622 in Hanley bus station

We went down to the bus station and it was obvious it was being made ready for service. The ticket machines were being swapped over from an Arriva to Wardle one. A couple of minutes later the bus started to load. At the wheel was non other than Robert Thompson, owner of of Dart DRN116. we had a very quick chat before I chased Matthew up the stairs. There were a handful of regular passengers and 20 plus bus enthusiasts. Upstairs the bus was filled with the sound of bus related chat. We had found out that required Wardle tri-axle Volvo 4545 had gone out on the 10:00, so we knew if we got off part way we could get it back into Hanley. After around 20 or so minutes on the bus we got off in Bradeley, and Matthew got another picture of this fine beast!

4622 in Bradeley

We got off the bus and it started to rain a little. We also saw step entranced Volvo B6 Bakerbus 227 on a #9 to Biddulph. We then crossed over to the stop, After a few minutes we saw 4545 head into Bradley village, and then re-appear a couple of minutes later. Matthew got a picture of required 4545 as I flagged it down.

Wardle Transport 4545 in Bradeley

We went upstairs in this very unusual vehicle. the sun came out again and we had a very pleasant journey back to Hanley. As we got off Matthew got a picture of the inside of this bus.

Inside 4545

when we got to Hanley we saw that the 12:00 from Hanley was going to be unrequired 4607, and 4545 was heading back to the depot. So we decided that we were going to stop for diner. We went to the tardis toilet at the end of the bus station. and we were walking back to the cafe when we saw another Wardle transport double decker. It was required 4687. i asked the driver where he was going, and he told us he was going to the depot only and so we jumped on. We went upstairs and it was virtually empty. Matthew got a picture of the empty top deck.

Inside Wardle Transport 4687

We did this to the depot, which is a good 15-20 minutes from Hanley. When we got there the few people that were on the bus got off.

4687 at the Wardle Transport garage

The yard had been split off, with the public being allowed in the front part of the yard. We found out that you could go in the yard if you sign into the office and if you wear a hi viz. We had one in the bag and we went to visit the office. Matthew use to be a fairly regular visit to this depot when it used to be D&G. He would come up about once a month with Outreach and have a look around the yard. after he had a bit of an explore around the office we got extra hi viz jacket and went around the yard. He took pictures of the buses inside and out, he also went in to see his usual college vehicle 1450, which was having some work done on it. Whilst we were in the depot tri-axle Volvo 4547 went off to work the 13:00 from Hanley. After finishing around the depot we waited for the next service back to Hanley. as we had not yet had dinner, we broke into our emergency rations pack, which had a double milky way and a very squashed Toffee Crisp. We also had a small bottle of limeade too. Eventually Wardle 4891 was started up to work to Hanley. As we waited Arriva Midlands 4622 arrived and seemed to bring in quite a few people to the depot. required 4891 pulled up in the front part of the yard and we got on it. Matthew took a picture of the top deck.

Inside Wardle Transport 4891

When we got off we now had chance to do dinner. the 14:00 was 4891 and we had just been on that. We went to Tony's cafe and we had breakfast's and uncle Dave had a sausage sandwich. After dinner we had around 30 minutes to wait for the 15:00 departure. We knew required 4547 was on it's way back from Tunstall, but it was unlikely to work the #61 again when it got back. We st on the balcony in the afternoon sun just watching the buses. Eventually 4547 arrived back from Tunstall. It still had the Tunstall card in the front window so perhaps it would go again? We went down the stairs to the bus station and before long it started to load. We knew it was the #61 as there were normals getting on and using their bus passes. Arriva Midlands 4622 arrived from the depot with a load more passengers. As we were getting on the driver was speaking to someone through the window about which bus was going to Tunstall. Apparently, the 15:00 should have been Arriva Midlands 4701 and the driver was to swap over the machines so he could issue tickets. however the driver had sai that he hadn't been told and he had loaded up with passengers. We were glad 4547 was going again, as AM 4701 is a much newer bus and we will probably have a chance to get this bus another time. As we went upstairs Matthew got a picture of the empty top deck.

Inside Wardle Transport 4547

The plan was now to go to Bradeley, come back on WT , and then cover the last #61 from Hanley. When we got to Bradeley Matthew decided that he didn't want to get off, and so we went on to Tunstall. As we got off, Matthew got a picture of 4547 in Tunstall.

4547 in Tunstall

we now about 30 minutes to kill, and so we walked up the hill to the public, toilets. On the way back we went to an ice cream van in the Matalan car that we had spotted on the way up. We then got back to the bus and Matthew was getting a bit restless. it had been a long day. So we go back on the bus ans sat upstairs and waited for time. it was boiling hot on the bus. It had no opening windows and the air con didn't feel like it was working. We got a can of pop out of the emergency supplies to try and cool down. Eventually 16:10 came around and we set off. The plan was now to go back to Hanley and then catch a bus to somewhere so that mum could meet us. At Bradeley we passed the 16:00 from Hanley and it was required WT 4692. that was slightly disappointing but at least we had got everything else that we want that worked today. When we got to Hanley we went up to the balcony we need to pick a bus to somewhere and then make a call. Matthew suggested 60013 on a #34A, but as we started to go towards it, it pulled off. We then saw 60196 come in and lay over for a short while. It was displaying #34, and so I thought this would be a good time to pick of another NE Scania. When the bus came onto stand we walked down to it and Matthew got a picture.

First PMT 60196 in Hanley bus station

As we sat down we could see the seat were like new and so this must have been a recent internal refurb. We had booked to Cross Heath, as we thought this would be a good place to meet mum. When we got to Newcastle bus station, Matthew want to get off, but we had already arranged to meet mum. Newcastle bus station isn't really well suited to Matthew as it is a long and very thin glass tube. It is hard at most times, but at 17:20 on a Saturday it would just be too difficult. A few minutes later we were at Cross Heath and we got off. Matthew got another picture of this bus after we had alighted.

60196 in Cross Heath

Mum had parked up around the corner, and as we walked back to the car I spotted a take away. Matthew jumped in the car and I decided to get him a small fries to keep him going until our late tea. We headed back through, Hempstalls Skirted Newcastle and joined onto the Southbound A500 in Shelton. We arrived home a little after 18:00 after a very long day. We then had our tea for sausages and mash and carrots gravy...Mark

Trip to Newcastle/Stoke 08-05-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
1450	Blurton	Abbey Hulton	Charter	Wardle Transport
NIL 3944	Abbey Hulton	Cheddleton	Charter	Procters
NIL 3944	Cheddleton	Abbey Hulton	Charter	Procters
1450	Abbey Hulton	Blurton	Charter	Wardle Transport
40003	Ladybank Grove, Blurton	Newstead	23	First Potteries
40003	Newstead	Church Street, Stoke	23	First Potteries
66841	Church Street, Stoke	Newcastle Town Centre, adj Alma Inn PH	25	First Potteries
61553	Newcastle Under Lyme, adj Seagrave Street	Church Street, Stoke	26	First Potteries
40024	Church Street, Stoke	Stoke railway station	23	First Potteries
66849	Stoke railway station	Church Street, Stoke	25	First Potteries
2962	Stoke railway station	Stanley Matthews Way	500	Wardle Transport

Todays was Matthews first day back at college after the bank holiday weekend. He was also having a trip out on the Beatrice today aswell. Matthew was up shortly after 07:00 and on his college bus at 08:00. It was the usual bus Wardle Transport 1450.

Wardle Transport 1450 in Blurton

Whilst at college, Matthew did Procters NIL 3944 to Chedleton. He had Procters NIL 3944 back to college too. He came home once again on Wardle Transport 1450. Mathew then had his tea which was sausage carrots and potatoes. As it was a nice evening, I asked Matthew if he fancied a jaunt down to Stoke on the bus to which he said yes! We set off a little after 20:00 and we waited for the Hanley bound bus. We saw the bus heading in the other direction so we decided to cross over and do it to Newstead first. As it approached we could see it was first PMT 40003 as it often is on this turn. We got on the bus and took our seat near the back. we noticed that this bus had been refurbished, and the seats were now in first colours. The old grey and salmon zig-zag pattern seats had been replaced. When we got to Newstead I got up and booked back to Stoke station. When we got back to Blurton, an old school friend of Matthew's got on the bus and we chatted to as we headed towards Stoke. As we were late we decided to get off in Stoke town centre so we could see both of the buses we night catch. As we got off Matthew got a good picture of 40003.

First PMT 40003 in Stoke

Matthew immediately decided he need to go to the toilet so we went to the one's by the market. We got back onto church street just in time to see the #26 to Newcastle, which was required 61553. we decided to turn this down for now, and to wait to see what the following #25 was, as we would be coming back on 61553 anyway. We waited a further few minutes and dud 66841 appeared on the Keele bus. As we traveled up to Newcastle we passed 66849 on the Hanley bound #25, a little further up the road than usual. We did it to the edge of Newcastle where Matthew got a picture of this bus.

First PMT 66841 in Newcastle

We got off the bus and crossed over to wait for 61553. sure enough after a few minutes a appeared from around the corner. As we rode on this bus to stoke, we could see how different this bus was internally to some off the Scania's that were original to PMT. We approached stoke and there were 2 possibilities. if we got to Stoke and the #23 hadn't gone past then we would do this to stoke station. Otherwise it would be the #25. as we approached stoke there was a couple of minutes before the #23 was due off. We got to Stoke and it was waiting at the stop. Cool as a cucumber, Matthew insisted on getting a picture of 61553 before walking over to the Solo across the road.

First PMT 61553 in Stoke

After he had taken the picture we ran over to the #23. another lady had already run across in front of us, obviously she didn't have to stop to take a picture of the other bus! We got across the road and jumped straight on it. We sat down and we didn't even know which one we were on. as we got off we made a conscious decision to what we had been on and it was required 40024. Matthew got a picture just as it pulled away.

First PMT 40024 in Stoke

It had now just about gone dark. We crossed the road for the impending #25. As expected it was dud 66849. It was a little late turning up and quite full. The move is usually to stoke town for the Hanley bound #25. As we pulled into Church street we passed 66852. We now had 2 choices... Wait for the #500 in Stoke Town centre, or walk back to the railways station. As we approached the stop in stoke town centre the bell's in Stoke minster were sounding out and Matthew decided he want to catch the bus from by the station. We had 12 minutes to get there. as we passed the end of Kingsway matthew spotted a coach in front of the Kings Hall. We had to go and have a look. It was Leon's Coaches AT61 LCT which was in town with the Stoke city end of season awards ceremony. We also saw a coach behind the north Staffs hotel which we had to go have a look at. It was Simpson's coaches SM12 SON. we got to the stop by the railway station with about a minute to spare! It rounded the corner and we could see it was a Versa so we knew it was probably not going to be a required bus. As it approached we saw it was Wardle Transport 2962. We did the bus to the end as usual, and just before we got off Matthew got a picture of the very brightly lit interior of this bus.

Inside Wardle Transport 2962

We got off and waited for the bus to come back onto the bus stop so we could take a few more pictures of this beast.

2962 on Stanley Matthews Way

We then walked the long walk home, before getting ready to go to bed...Mark

Trip to Conkers / Nantwich 05-05-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
GN60 GZM	Packmoor	Conkers	Charter	Middlehurst
GN60 GZM	Conkers	Packmoor	Charter	Middlehurst
3348	Sandbach o/s Common	Crewe BS	37	Arriva NW&W
4040	Crewe BS	Nantwich BS	84	Arriva NW&W
SL17	Nantwich BS	Nantwich, o/s Sainsbury's	52	GHA
SL17	Nantwich, o/s Sainsbury's	Nantwich BS	52	GHA
26	Nantwich BS	Crewe BS	45	D&G
3331	Crewe BS	Sandbach o/s Common	37	Arriva NW&W

Todays was going to be a trip to Wigan. Also today was a trip for Matthew to Conkers with Aiming High. Research for the Wigan trip consisted of downloading timetables from the transport for greater Manchester site. Matthew was due to leave Packmoor at 09:30, so we set of a fraction after 09:00. After we dropped Matthew off we went home to mow the lawn and make final preparation for the Wigan trip. In the meantime Matthew found out he was going to be going on a different minibus than usual, Middlehurst minbus GN60 GZM. Matthew got a good picture of the bus before it loaded up.

Middlehurst GN60 GZM about to set off for Conkers

Conkers is an activity centre near Ashby-de-la-Zouch and Matthew reportedly had a great time and took a few pictures inside the visitor centre.

Beetle in the Indoor Activity Centre at Conkers

Whilst out he saw Arriva Midlands 2242 in Burton-on-Trent. They also stopped somewhere for chips and Coca Cola. The called into a garage near Uttoxeter and saw saw Arriva Midlands 2200. He also had cake. The plan was now to pick up Matthew after his outing and to get to Wigan around 14:30. We set off a little after 13:00 to pick Matthew up from Packmoor. As we approached the A527 turning on the A500 we noticed the traffic had started to build up. we go stuck in slow moving traffic and had to move over for emergency vehicle several times so we guessed there had been a serious crash up ahead. We passed the crash site just before we got to our turnoff, and it appeared a car a crossed the central reservation and landed on it's roof. We got to Packmoor around 13:40 and Matthew had not yet got back on the minibus. They eventually turned up just before 14:00. the road had been closed behind us and the bus had been diverted via Tunstall and had taken a extra. 20 minutes to get there. Matthew went to use the toilet and then we got into the car to North and saw Wigan Coachways N551 VDC. As we wanted Matthew to have a good long trip to Wigan we made the decision to go to Sandbach instead. We would put off going to Wigan for a short while. We got to Sandbach around 14:20 and Matthew was a little disappointed at not going further today. At the stop on the common, Matthew pointed at the 14:55 GHA 319 service to Goostrey and Homes Chapel. i downloaded the timetable and saw that this circular service didn't return back to Sandbach so doing this probably wasn't going to be an option today. There was a 14:40 to Crewe which might be something good, so we decided to wait and see what this was. just before 14:40, Arriva NW&W 3348 appeared and Matthew had a big smile on his face so we knew this was going to be the first bus that we did today. We brought NW day rovers and went upstairs. Matthew got a picture of the empty upstairs as we got on.

Inside Arriva NW&W 3348

As we left Sandbach, we passed the previous #37 to Crewe returning, which was Arriva NW&W 3331. The plan had been to go Haslington and come back on the #38 which would probably be required as we have only been on one of the three new Gemini's that usually work on the #38 service. Matthew had other ideas though, and he didn't want to get off. We ended up doing 3348 all the way to Crewe. As we went into Crewe station we could see another double decker along side us on the adjacent stand. It was required 4040. we got off 3348, and as we waited to see where 4040 was going Matthew got a picture of 3348.

3348 in Crewe bus station

4040 was going to Nantwich, which wasn't what I planned to do, but at least it was a required bus and so we waited for the driver to return. When the driver got on, we booked to Nantwich and we went upstairs. Matthew got a picture of the empty top deck on this bus.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4040

the ride down to Nantwich via Willaston was very pleasant. On the way down we passed a few different Plaxton Centro's returning from Nantwich and chester. One of the Centro's we saw was our bogie machine 2619 ,so it was good to know this bus was out of the way! When we got to Nantwich Matthew was able to get a good shot of 4040 in the bus station.

4040 in Nantwich bus station

As Matthew didn't want to go back on 4040 we had an approximately 15 minute wait for the next service. We saw GHA Solo SL14 on a #73 service which Matthew wanted to do,but i wasn't sure how we could get back. When the next Solo came in on a Sainburys circular, he got a picture of it, Solo SL17.

GHA SL17 in Nantwich bus station

After taking the picture Matthew decided to get on the bus. I asked the driver how long it took to do the circle and he said 15 minutes. So we decided to do a quick trip down to Sainsbury's and back leaving uncle Dave behind. When we reached Sainsbury I got up to pay for the return journey. When we got back we just missed a Cadet heading to Crewe. Matthew must have seen something or someone when we were out on the circular, because then he took us on a walk around town. we stopped and sat on a bench on an island in the road where he had a bottle of Coke from the emergency rations. When we got back to the bus station 2619 was on stand to return to Crewe and Matthew walked straight passed to find a toilet. We found one next to the market, and on the way back we had to stop at a sweet stall he noticed on the way to the toilet. Needless to say 2619 had now departed. I made an executive decision that in order to get back to Sandbach we would catch the next bus back whoever operated it. the next bus back happened to be required D&G 26 and so after Matthew had got picture we got on.

D&G 26 in Nantwich bus station

We paid the fare £2.50 each for an adult single and sat down. It was now 16:20 and we worked out how to get back to Sandbach. Mum couldn't come to meet us anywhere as she wasn't feeling well enough to drive so we had to get back on our own. As we traveled back towards Crewe we passed D&G 42. There was a 16:35 #38 and the next bus was a 17:17 #37. We got into Crewe at 16:37 and must have just missed the #38. Before we got off Matthew to a picture of the inside of D&G 26.

Inside D&G 26

We now had a fair wait for our bus and we saw and photographed quite a few others whilst we waited. D&G 41 which we saw at Nantwich made an appearance at Crewe. Arriva 2619 arrived from Nantwich on the #84 we had missed half an hour previously. we saw 4040 again working another turn to Nantwich. Of the 2 Arriva buses that had been parked up, 2615 worked off empty presumably back to Winsford, and 2502 went on to work an #84

Arriva NW&W 2502 on a #84

We turned down returning to Sandbach via Winsford on 2612 which as on a the 17:01 #31A. At around 17:05 our bus arrived in the bus station and it was the dud but interesting Arriva 3331.

Arriva NW&W 3331 in Crewe bus station

After taking a few more pictures and waiting until time, we boarded the bus. the bus filled up due to the fact that the Crewe game had just let out. Crewe had just managed a 2-2 draw and this meant that had made the division 2 play-offs! at the railway station even more people got on and needless to say the journey was a lively one. considering the bus was quite full, 3331 moved really quickly. As we stopped in Haslington near to the Co-op, a car decide to overtake us and subsequently flattened a bollard on the central reservation. the bus did empty out a little. As we approached sandbach we passed 3330 again going towards Crewe. eventually we got to Sandbach where Matthew got another picture of this beast.

3331 on Sandbach Common

When we got to the car, Matthew had a sausage roll waiting for him. We headed back along the A534 to the M6 and we came off at junction 16 for the A500. Matthew decided he wanted a slight detour around the city as we traveled home. we came off at the A34 and went north to Talke. We then traveled home past Tesco and then via Kidsgrove, Whitehill, Newchapel, Packmoor, High Lane, Smallthorne, Hanley and Fenton. We got home around 18:20...Mark

Trip to Heron Cross 28-04-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
40375	Heron Cross	Ladybank Grove, Blurton Corner	23A	First Potteries

today Matthew started the day in respite and we were on our way home from a holiday. It had been arranged for Uncle Dave to stay over at our house to wait for Matthew, whilst transport had been arranged for Matthew to come home some time in the morning. Due to a mix up the transport never came! Somebody saw the transport arrange on a Saturday and presumed it was a mistake and and canceled it. He got up around 07:00 and then had some breakfast. around 09:00 Whilst waiting in Heron Cross he went to the local shop and brought a few things such as some pop and a cake. On the way back we saw First Potteries 42727. we saw Wardle Transport 1647 going to Alton Towers pick up one of his friends. He also had some cake whilst he waited for something to happen. Some time in the morning Uncle Dave received a phone call telling him he had to come down to pick Matthew up! Uncle Dave walked up from Blurton as he had no change for a bus and then picked up Matthew with his bus pass just after 12:00. They then walked up to Blurton Road to wait for the bus back. Whilst there we saw First Potteries 40003 on a Hanley bound #23 service.

First Potteries 40003 in Heron Cross

A few minutes later a Newstead bound #23A bus appeared and we got on it. It was First Potteries dud 40375.

First Potteries 40375 in Heron Cross

After a short ride up to Blurton we got off and Matthew got another picture of this fine bus.

First Potteries 40375 in Blurton

They then walked back and wait for us to return from our holiday. When we got back a little after 14:00 I had to show him all the pictures I had taken whilst away, and we had a take away delivered so we had time to sort a few thing out. After tea we settled down for the evening before going to bed...Mark.

Trip to the Snowdome 22-04-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
W187 RRE	Heron Cross	John Street, Hanley	Charter	Z Carz
FJ10 BJX	John Street, Hanley	Snowdome, Tamworth	Charter	Aiming High
FJ10 BJX	Snowdome, Tamworth	John Street, Hanley	Charter	Aiming High
T131 SGA	John Street, Hanley	Heron Cross	Charter	Z Carz

Today Matthew was in respite, but he had also been accepted to go on a trip to the Snowdone with Aiming High. We made arrangements for them to take him to Hanley. In Heron Cross Z carz W187 RRE arrived. A step entranced minicoach with 20 seats. It had a very nice interior, it even had a radio! Matthew would have set off around 09:30 to get to Hanley at 10:00. he had Z carz W187 RRE to Hanley. Scraggs 42 step Entranced minibus 42 was on the #16 to Leek. This was a bus he had been on before when it worked his college transport. In Hanley we saw First Potteries 60011 heading into town. Matthew transfered on Aiming High FJ10 BJX, another bus that he has been on before. He got a picture before he got on.

Aiming High FJ10 BJX in John Street, Hanley

In Hanley was Acton Coaches BXI 33 drove to Shelton. According Matthew the route they took to the Snowdome was through Shelton was Acton Coaches BXI 33 to going Blackpool onto the A500 to Hanford and then on the A34 towards Stone. South of Stone they got onto the A51 and then went through Lichfield to the A5. Matthew saw Arriva Midlands 3728 in Cannock on a #74 service. They stopped for fuel at the Colwich filling station.Harvest Energy. Londis shop for Coca Cola and mint Aero for a snack. They got back on minibus. They then did the short distance into Tamworth and to the Snowdome. They would have arrived just after 11:00. Matthew had a great time on the Snow in Tamworth. He went to the snowplay section of the Snowdome. They also did some ice skating. They also visited Starbucks Coffee lounge for a drink and a cake. Aterward on the way home, we saw the coach Dudleys M750 VYB on the tiny little screen at the front of the coach. we saw Watts Coaches M677 KVU too. we saw Edwards coaches LUI 7923 aswell. He returned back on FJ10 BJX, via Cannock, A5 and then onto the M6. They got back in Hanley around 16:00 where Z Carz T131 SGA was waiting. there are 24 seats in this bus. Someone came to meet him in Hanley where he transfered onto Z Carz T131 SGA inside of this bus again to go back to Heron Cross. He was back in respite by around 16:30 where he had his tea...Mark

Trip to the Black Lion 21-04-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
42726	Heron Cross	Longton Hall Road	23	First Potteries
40137	Longton Hall Road	Trent Vale, adj Woodlands Rd	22	First Potteries
40176	Trent Vale, opp Black Lion	Hanford opp Man in Space	21	First Potteries
40137	Hanford opp Man in Space	Blurton Road, Blurtn	22	First Potteries
40169	Blurton Road, Blurton	Heron Cross	23	First Potteries

Today Matthew went to the Black Lion again. Matthew was in respite so we arranged for a PA to go with him. He got up at 07:00 and had breakfast whilst he wait for the time when his PA arrived. At 12:00 the PA arrived and they set off to the bus stop in Heron Cross. Whilst there we saw Wardle Transport 1454,1450,1455.1453. If fact we saw the whole fleet. Wardle put on a special bus parade for him. Even the one that weren't fit to work were towed past on the back of a truck. They Walked to Heron Cross to wait for the Blurton bus. Copeland's tours MIB 783 was seen working on the #40. When the bus turned up it was required 42726.

First Potteries 42726 in Heron Cross

The bus was done to Blurton where Matthew was able to get another picture of this bus.

42726 in Blurton

Matthew visited the BP garage. They then crossed the road to wait for the 13:05 from Longton to Newcastle. After a short while the #22 turned up and it was Ex Chester 40137.

First Potteries 40137 in Blurton

They did this bus to the other side of the Black Lion and got off to Walk back.40153 was also seen on the #22 service. He then got another picture of the bus. Trip between stuff.

40137 in Trent Vale

Whilst out Matthew had his usual dinner of Sausage Chips Egg and Beans with Toffee pudding for afters. After dinner they walked to the stop opposite the Black Lion. The bus turned up and it was required 40176. Matthew got a picture of this bus.

First Potteries 40176 in Trent Vale

Out and about Copeland Tours Coach MIB 246 was also seen. Matthew visited the Co-op. The bus was done to the Man in Space in Trentham where he got another picture of this beast.

40176 in Trentham

Whilst waiting for the #22 he saw 40150 heading towards Newcastle and also another 61244 was seen on a #21. He also saw 40751 did the following #21A.

First Potteries 40751 in Trentham

Ex First Manchester 34069 is a great bus. After a short wait the #22 appeared and it was 40137 again.

First Potteries 40137 in Trentham

When he got off he got another picture of this bus.

40137 in Blurton

The journey was swift. The final leg of the trip from Blurton 30038 is a beast and it was 40169. He got a picture of this before he go on it.

First Potteries 40169 in Blurton

They did the bus to Heron Cross before walking back to the respite unit for his tea. He had a bath later and then chilled out before bedtime..Mark

Trip to Newcastle (Newcastle 80) 15-04-2012

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2405	Blurton, opp Ladybank Grove	Newcastle BS	22	Wardle Transport
66843	Newcastle BS	Newcastle BS	Charter	First Potteries
RML 2518	Newcastle BS	Newcastle BS	Charter	Ex London Transport
66843	Newcastle BS	Newcastle BS	Charter	First Potteries
66843	Newcastle BS	Newcastle BS	Charter	First Potteries

Today was the 80th year celebration for the Newcastle depot. We has know about this event for over a month but it took a while to get firm details this event. Advertised as having a 'shuttle service to the depot' and also a 'free vintage bus service' we thought this day was going to be really good. The main emphasis of the day was that the proceeds from the shuttle service were going to help a young girl go to America to have an operation to help her walk. Matthew was up at an unheard of time of 08:30 today, and we planned on getting to Newcastle on the Wardle Transport #22 service which is 10:32 from Blurton on a Sunday. The weather was fine but a little chilly. We got ready for around 10:00 and we went to fetch Uncle Dave. We missed the #22 going towards Longton so we did not know what it was going to be. The usual bus for this turn is a short Optare Solo. We got back to Blurton around 10:25 and then we waled over to the stop to wait for the bus. After a could of minutes we could see it in the distance and we saw it was for the first time a Dennis Dart. As it got closer we saw it was 2405.

Wardle Transport 2405 in Blurton

A quick check of the page revealed it was required so that was a good start to the day. On the bus was John Lovatt, a bus and railway enthusiast for many years and know to most people locally. We chatted for a while whilst we traveled over to Newcastle. This was the first time we had done this service in this direction and it seemed very strange when the bus drove into Trentham Gardens! After doubling back and traveling through Trentham and Hanford, we headed into Newcastle via the hospital. When we got to Newcastle Matthew waited for the bus to empty before getting a shot of the inside of 2405.

Inside 2405

Early signs were good, Preserved PMT 198 was on the stand next to 2405, and a Routemaster was stabled in the middle of the bus station along with 60069 and 40180. Matthew jumped on 198 and we were told we could sit on the bus but it wasn't going anywhere today and that it was a static display. There was a box of goody bags with a commemorative pamphlet with information about the Depot. Matthew wanted to help himself but I told him he had to wait until he was on the shuttle bus to get one. Someone told us that the depot shuttle was going from stand 7 and it would be about 10 minutes and so we decided to go to the bench at the bottom of the bus station to wait and to take a few pictures. 66843 rounded the corner an we got a picture of it.

First Potteries 66843 in Newcastle bus station

Surprisingly it pulled onto stand 7 and we saw a crow gathering so we knew it was going to be the shuttle. A quick check of the check of the page we could see that it wasn't a required one. The bus loaded up and we set off up to the depot. As we traveled a gentle acted as conductor and we paid for our 3 tickets. We pulled in through the gates and stopped at the edge of the shed. The manager of the depot got onto the bus and then proceeded to give a talk about the depot. Inside the depot there were a number of buses in the main shed receiving attention. 61144 was having its floor rebuilt. 34311 was having new seats for the new school term. 40015 was having it monthly inspection. 40145 was having a gearbox and engine change. 30034 was having a new alternator fitted. 65733 was there with a broken window. There was a also an ex PMT Leyland National 279 which was parked in front of 34311. Outside the depot at the front Were Scania's 60013 & 60015, and the two Ex Chester Dennis Darts with Plaxton bodywork were also there, 40136 & 40137. A few minutes later we left the depot and return to Newcastle bus station. When the bus emptied out Matthew got a picture of the inside of the bus.

Inside 66843

As we were getting off we heard the conductor say, "Shall we go with the double decker on the next trip?". So we decided to go again. As it was a rear entranced bus the bus loaded up in Stubbs Street instead of Stand 7. Whilst we waited we bumped into an old railway friend Steve Cotton. The Routemaster came around and it was required RML 2518. We got on and we went upstairs. We waited for the conductor and we paid our money again. and off we went to the depot again. The manager got on and we had a similar talk to the last trip before returning back to Newcastle bus station. We waited patiently for the top deck to empty and Matthew got a picture of the empty bus.

Inside RML 2518

We then walked around the bus to get a good picture of the outside of the bus.

RML 2518 in Newcastle bus station

When we got back we decided to have a walk down to the Ironmarket to have a look at the other buses on static display. We had a walk around, took pictures and even sat on some of the buses. One of the vehicle parked up was 'Gold Service' vehicle 65026.

First Potteries 65026 in the Ironmarket

After a while we walked back to the bus station via Wrights Pies where we picked up a couple of sausage rolls and some drinks. We walked back to the bus station and sat on the bottom bench whilst eating our food. We also took a few pictures such as 65706 traveling down Stubbs Street.

First Potteries 65706 in Newcastle bus station

After we had eaten, I asked Matthew what he want to do and chose to do another tour. The next tour was 66843 so we got on and did another lap of the depot. When we got back i was expecting Matthew to choose to do another bus, but he wanted to go have a look at the static vehicles on the Ironmarket again. He went and sat on all the buses and coaches on which he could including sitting in the driving seat of a couple of the vehicles. We then returned to the bus station, to try and do another bus out to somewhere. Wardle Transport 2203 was working the #94A to Audley and Wardle Transport 2260 was working the #41 to Clayton. We thought Matthew was going to do 2203 so we called mum to ask her to come out and meet us. Matthew was holding on in the bus station hoping something else would work. We sat on PMT 198 for a while, and we saw RML 2518 arrive back from the depot and then stable up. The conductor said that it had finished for the day. Matthew was holding on and holding on hoping something else was going to work. Just before 13:45 the driver of 66843 asked us if we wanted to go again, and with this probably being the last trip Matthew decided he wanted to do it. He took one last picture as we left the depot of the vehicles at the front and then we headed back to Newcastle.

First Potteries 60013 & 60015 in Newcastle bus garage

We got off 66843 just before 14:00 and we sat at the bottom of the bus station again. Mum called to say she was parked up on the A34 and to ask where she wanted us to meet her. As Matthew could decided what to do we decided to get picked up from the bus station. Within a few minutes mum appeared and we got into the car. We went home via the Chemist in Shelton,Uncle daves house to drop him home, and then Costcutters in Blurton where Matthew stock up with drinks. We got back home around 14:30. I went out around 15:08 to get a picture of 2405 as it was the first Dart on the service #22. As we had had a very busy weekend we decided to call for a take away tea. I spent most of the evening writing the Blog before Bedtime...Mark.