Trip to Blackbrook Zoo 11-04-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
FJ10 BJY	Turnhurst Road	Blackbrook Zoo	Charter	Aiming High
FJ10 BJY	Blackbrook Zoo	Turnhurst Road	Charter	Aiming High

Today we had a trip to Blackbrook zoo arranged for Matthew. he got up at 07:30 which during the college holidays is amost unheard of. He had is breakfast of toast and juice and mum and Matthew left at 08:30. They went onto the A5035 and turned into Stanley Matthews Way past the Hem Heath pub. At the other end they joined the Westbound A50 and then onto the Northbound A500. Tey drove up to The A527 Tunstall by-pass and then across to the top of High Lane before turning towards Packmoor. Mum dropped Matthew off at the place and Matthew went to the computer room. When everyone was ready to go we went out to the minibus which was Aiming High FJ10 BJY.

Aiming High FJ10 BJY in Packmoor

we got on and sat down we set off towards The A527 and we went South down High Lane to Smallthorne. we passed bakerbus 186 as we went down ford Green Road and First Potteries 40025 on the 8B. They carried on through Norton Green and brown edge and they met up with the A53 at Endon. They carried on to Leek. we saw Clowes coaches L809 CJF as they passed though Leek. They then headed down the A523 to Winkhill. On the way we passed Clowes Coaches N880 AVV on the #108 to Macclesfield. At winkhill they tuned into the side road to Blackbrook Zoo. When we got to the Zoo Matthew went to the toilet. we walked around the zoo and we looked at the Storks.

Stork

we carried on around and then we stopped at the Meerkat enclosure where Matthew took another picture.

A Meerkat

we then stopped to have there packed lunch. in Matthews case this was chicken sandwiches with a carton of orange juice and a wagon Wheel too. They carried on to the Humboldt Penguin enclosure. The Penguins were fed whilst they were there. here come the Penguins to get there food.

Penguins

After we had been fed Matthew took a picture of one of them having a swim.

A Penguin swimming

we then moved on to the big bird enclosure where they saw ostriches and rheas.

A Rhea

Just after 12:00 we were ready to leave so we said goodbye to the animals and climbed aboard FJ10 BJY to come back. we headed back on to The A523 and then towards Leek. On the way we saw Clowes Coaches M127 YCM on a 235 service to Cheadle. we go to leek and then did the A53 to Endon. On the way we passed First Potteries 40378 and 42727. At Endon they turned towards brown edge and then through Norton Green and to Smallthorne. At the bottom of Smallthorne we turned towards Bradeley and Chell Heath past Heathfield. we turned up towards high lane and then Turnhurst. At the roundabout we headed towards the school. Mum was waiting for them when we arrived before getting in the car Matthew jumped into a taxi to have a look inside. They went to Hanley via High Lane. We saw Wardle transport 2409 on the #500 to Blurton. In Hanley we tried to find a parking space by the Potteries shopping Centre, but as we couldn't they headed home along Victoria Road. On Victoria Road we stopped at wrights pies for a sausage roll, a Manchester tart and a chocolate cake. we carried on along the A50 and to heron cross. on the way how we passed First Potteries 41521 on a #23 service. we got home around 13:45. He chilled out on his computer in the afternoon before having some cheesecake for an afternoon snack. For tea we had bangers and mash followed by more cheesecake. He then chilled out before bedtime around 00:20...Mark

Trip on the IBT Copeland's Tours tour 07-04-2013

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

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

First Potteries 53207 in Blurton

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

First Potteries 53207 by Stoke railway station

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

Copeland's Tours MIB 542 by Stoke railway station

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

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

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

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

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

Copeland's Tours MIB 864 near the Britannia Stadium

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

Inside Copeland's Tours MIB 864

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

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

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

Copeland's Tours MIB 614 in Cheadle

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

First Potteries 65003 in Cheadle

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

Copeland's Tours MIB 970 in Cheadle

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

Inside Copeland's Tours MIB 970

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

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

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

Copeland's Tours MIB 346 near the leisure centre Stone

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

Inside Copeland's Tours MIB 346

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

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

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

Copeland's Tours MIB 746 near Trentham Gardens

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

Notts+Derby 136 by Stoke railway station

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

Trip to Soutport 06-04-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
7639	Kew P&R	Southport, Lord Street stop HC	PR2	Arriva NW&W
3312	Southport, Monument (Stop CF)	Ainsdale, adj Vale Crescent	49	Arriva NW&W
15468	Ainsdale, opp Woodvale Road	Crossens, on Preston New Road	X2	Stagecoach M & SL
3312	Crossens, on Rufford Road	Highpark, High Park Place (W-bound)	49	Arriva NW&W
3088	Highpark, High Park Place (W-bound)	Southport, Hill Street (Stop FB)	49	Arriva NW&W
3044	Southport, Bold Street (Stop FA)	Crossens, on Preston New Road	44	Arriva NW&W
15468	Crossens, on Preston New Road	Southport, Monument (Stop CF)	X2	Stagecoach M & SL
7639	Southport, Lord Street stop HC	Kew P&R Southport	PR2	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to go to Southport. Last year we had gone to Southport on the Grand National weekend, as we had found out on the Dennis Dart Forum that some of Southport's newer buses had gone to the races to help out with racing shuttle buses. This year we found out the the buses had been sourced from other depots, but there had been some interesting working during the week so we decided to go there anyway. Other than checking the forum, we checked the weather out for today. It was forecast for sunny cool weather, 7'. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had some toast and orange juice for breakfast. We had found out before we had even set off that Arriva NW&W Olympian 3312 was working on the #49 service and 7639 was on the PR2 service. We set off around 11:40 and drove down Stanley Matthews Way. We then joined the A50 and then went onto the Northbound A500 passing City Buses & Coaches LV02 ODL North of Etruria. On the M6 traffic was slow due to an accident. After we passed the accident north of the A54 the traffic eased up and we carried on North. We came of the M6 at the M58 and then we headed North West along the A570. We decided to stop at the Omskirk Morrisons for dinner as we have before. We went to the toilet and then Matthew had a breakfast followed by lemon meringue all washed down with a Coke. After dinner we we carried on along the A570 to the edge of Southport before we turned into the Kew Park and ride site where 7639 was waiting to work. We quickly got a ticket and then Matthew took a picture of this required Marshall Dart.

Arriva NW&W 7639 in Kew

It was empty at this point so Matthew got a picture inside of the bus too.

Inside Arriva NW&W 7639

We set off North through the quieter streets of southhort following 7656 on a #43 service. it didn't take long to get into town. We decided to get off at the London Street stop and walked to the railway station to buy Saveaway tickets. We walked onto lord Street and looked up and down to see if we could see a double decker on the #49. At that point we couldn't so we crossed over with the intention of heading the Crossens to see if we passed 3312. As we waited we spotted it in the distance heading South, so we quickly crossed over to catch it. We got to the stop with a few seconds to spare and Matthew got a picture of this fine beast!

Arriva NW&W 3312 in Southport

When we got on it was empty upstairs so Matthew got his empty us picture.

Inside Arriva NW&W 3312

As it was heading South we decided to do it to Woodvale. We had never been passed the Co-op in Ainsdale before so we were going to head into uncharted territory. We crossed over the railway at Ainsdale and then headed back inland along Kenilworth Road. We crossed the Liverpool Road and headed into the estate before turning back towards Liverpool Road on Woodvale Road. We decided to get off here and take a few pictures.

Arriva NW&W 3312 in Woodvale

We then crossed over Liverpool Road to wait for a bus North. After watching 3312 head north, We check the timetable and we saw that an X2 service sound have been past. As we hadn't seen one we assumed it was running a few minutes late. Sure enough, a coupe of minutes later we saw a Stagecoach double decker approaching from the South. It was required Stagecoach Ribble 15468.

Stagecoach Ribble 15468 in Woodvale

We got on and sat upstairs. We decided to do this to Crossens so we could use the toilet and check out buses on the #42/44 services too. As we headed north we passed required Arriva NW&W 7643 on a #44 service. As we went through Southport the bus emptied a little and he took a picture inside 15468.

Inside Stagecoach Ribble 15468

It was now just after 16:00. On Lord Street the bus started to fill up again and by the time we had reached the top of Lord Street there were quite a few people on the top deck. We carried on North and ten got off at the roundabout in Crossens. We crossed the road and then we saw Arriva Marshall Dart 7637 about to work a #42.

Arriva NW&W 7637 in Crossens

As it wasn't required Matthew went to the toilet and let this bus go. We also saw Cumfybus MX04 VME whizz by heading South.

Cumfybus MX04 VME in Crossens

We decided to look out for the next #49 and it was 3312 again, having caught up with us. We decided to do it again as it was such a great bus and took a picture and then got on.

Arriva NW&W 3312 in Crossens

As it was the start of the service it was empty and we sat further back and he took a picture facing forward this time.

Inside Arriva NW&W 3312

We decided to do this just to High Park. We did 3312 the mile or so down to High Park and then got off and took another picture.

Arriva NW&W 3312 in High Park

We should have checked a timetable as there wasn't a bus due for another 20 minutes so we decided to go to the shop and catch required 3088 which we knew was on the following #49. In the shop Matthew brought some coke and a galaxy caramel bar. We walked back to the same stop and had a bus stop picnic. We also saw Arriva NW&W 3084 heading north on the next #49. After a few minutes required Arriva NW&W Pulsar2 3088 turned up.

Arriva NW&W 3088 in High Park

The bus was already reasonably loaded and we got off at the top of Lord Street. Matthew was feeling a little grumpy and didn't want to get straight onto a bus. First he visited and Italian restaurant to say hello to one of their customers and use their toilet, next he wanted to stop at an ice cream palour and sit outside and have a cone. When he had finished we walked 10 yards to the stop to wait for a bus. It was 17:00 and we knew we would only get one ore round trip in. First there was 3041 on a #47 which we turned down as it was quite full and wasn't required having been done last June. We decided to do the following #44 and we didn't require that one either which is quite unlucky considering how few of the Pulsar2's we have been on. We got a picture of 3044 and got on it.

Arriva NW&W 3044 in Southport

We had previously been on 3044 on the Grand national weekend last year. We did the bus North which was also reasonably well filled and we got off at the end of the run in Crossens, Matthew photographed the bus empty before he got off.

Inside Arriva NW&W 3044

We crossed over the road and as the sun was in a good position he got a better picture of the outside of 3044.

Arriva NW&W 3044 in Crossens

We went to the toilet and when he came out we spotted a Wrigt Renown on the #49 so we went up to investigate. It was required Arriva 2723. We went to the front to get a picture and then it pulled off.

Arriva NW&W 2723 in Crossens

We did try and catch the bus after it had rounded the roundabout but the stop is no longer in use. We went back onto the main road wait for a bus back and we saw there was a X2 due. Unluckily for us it was Stagecoach Ribble 15468 again! We got back into Southport and we met up with mum again. We walked back to the London Street stop and we waited for the PR2 service which was due at 18:12. Whist we waited we saw 7654 on a Carr Lane bound #43 service which we had back in July 2011.

Arriva NW&W 7654 in Southport

We also saw 7651 on a #44 to Formby a bus which we ad also prevously been on back in February 2011.

Arriva NW&W 7651 in Southport

Around 18:12 7639 appears on the PR2 service. We get on and Matthew takes a picture inside.

Inside Arriva NW&W 7639

As we leave town we pass required Arriva 2343 on a #43 High Park service. We carry on down to the park and ride and Matthew uses the toilet before we get back in the car. We set off down the A570, through Ormskirk and onto the M58, We soon reached the M6 and traffic was light at this tie of the evening. As we headed south we passed a couple of coaches. bakerbus 202 was one coach and the other was Paul Watson Travel BXZ 8360 which he managed to get a good picture of out of the car window.

Paul Watson Travel BXZ 8360 on the M6

We joined the Southbound A500 and then we did the A50 to Longton to go view the Z Carz depot. Tonight it was all minibuses such as YE52 UZX from the taxi fleet.

Z Carz YE52 UZX in Longton

Also from the taxi fleet was Y568 XFV.

Z Carz Y568 XFV in Longton

A bus that he once had to college for a few days was there, Volkswagon minibus S973 OVP.

Z Carz S973 OVP in Longton

His main school transport for a few years was also there too, LDV minibus W591 YBN.

Z Carz W591 YBN in Longton

We then drove down Longton Hall Road and home getting back around 20:00. For a late tea Matthew had sausage and mash followed by cheesecake. He then chilled out on his computer until bedtime, going to bed just after 00:00...Mark

Trip to Trent Vale 05-04-2013

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
40143	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way (Unmarked)	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was due to go to Heathfield for a playscheme for most of today. He got up a little after 09:00. they left home around 10:00 and went onto the A5035 to the Hem Heath pub where they turned down Stanley Matthews Way. They went on the a50 and then onto the Northbound A500 up the A53. They did the A53 up to Sandbac Road and then went across Smallthorne Roundabouts and down Ford Green Road. They turned left onto Chell Heath Road. Matthew said goodbye to mum and then had a fun day of making cakes, eating ice cream and jelly as well as his packed lunch. I picked Matthew up at 15:00 and took him back a different route. We headed up onto High Lane passing Wardle Transport 2410 on the #61 to Hanley. We then went to Turnhurst and onto The A527 Tunstall by-pass which we did down to the A500. We did the A500 down to Sideway and ten onto the A50. On Stanley Matthews Way we saw Wardle Transport 2963 on the Hanley bound Plumline service. We went home passing 42726 and 40003 on Hanley bound #23's. As it was just before 15:30 we decided to catch a bus down to tent vale to meet mum at the Black Lion. We walked down to the stop on Magdalen Road to wait for the bus which I knew was going to be either 40143 or 40147. First Potteries 40016 made an appearance on the Longton bound #22 as the buses often pass into Blurton.

First Potteries 40016 in Blurton

A couple of minutes late an ALX200 Dart rounded the corner and it was 40143.

First Potteries 40143 in Blurton

The bus was nearly empty so Matthew took a picture of the inside of the bus before he sat down.

Inside First Potteries 40143

We set off through Trentham and the bus was a little on the rattly side especially when idling. We called mum to tell her we were on the bus so that she could set off to meet us. We followed First Potteries 61145 up New Inn Lane and we passed First Potteries 42727 at the corner of Wilson Road. As we crossed under the a500 we saw First Potteries 41496 on a Trentham bound #21. We decided to get off the bus as it turned onto Keelings drive so that we didn't have to cross over the A34. We passed 40147 on the 3rd daytime #22 turn and then got off the bus. We walked back to the black lion and then sat on the wall as we had beaten mum down to the pub. Whilst we waited we saw and photographed First Potteries 65005 on a Hanley bound #101 service.

First Potteries 65005 in Trent Vale

A few minutes latter mum turned up and we went into the pub. Matthew then had an hour or so bus watching and eating which are 2 of his favourite things. Matthew had 2 sausage, egg, bacon chips and beans with 2 oatcakes followed by treacle sponge and ice cream. He had this with a glass of Coke. The highlight of the buses was Bennetts NIL 8662 which travelled North up the A34. After we had finished eating we went outside and called uncle Dave. We headed of to collect him. A34, A500 to sideway and then A50 to Heron Cross. We headed into fenton and picked up uncle Dave. We passed 40003 and 42726 on #23A's before retuning to Heron Cross. On Blurton Road we saw Lightning travel vehicles FD53 UNX and NX03 JYJ. We got home around 17:30 and Matthew chilled out on his computer before a let snack of some cheesecake and then bedtime...Mark