Trip to Ellesmere Port / Chester 02-01-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3008	Ellesmere Port BS	Chester BS	2	Arriva NW&W
4642	Chester BS	Shotton B&Q (NW-bound)	10A	Arriva NW&W
4644	Shotton, Ash Grove	Queensferry, Station Road Q4	10A	Arriva NW&W
4479	Queensferry, Solar Services (S-bound)	Lache, o/s Brewery Arms PH	3	Arriva NW&W
3141	Lache, St Mark's Road (cnr)	Broughton, Glynne Arms (SW-bound)	3	Arriva NW&W
672	Broughton, Glynne Arms (NE-bound)	Chester BS	12	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to revisit Ellesmere Port & Chester. We had checked the weather, and although rain was forecast throughout our usual area, It appeared to be slightly better to the North West. We gave Matthew a list of place from this area and from the list Matthew chose Ellesmere Port & Chester. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:00 today, as mum had a task to carry out as we went along Magdalen Road we saw First Potteries 53041 on a #23A to Hanley. We joined the A5035 and we then turned right into Stanley Matthews Way. We joined the Westbound A50 and then we went Northwards up the A500. We came off the A500 at Etruria and we saw Roseville ML08 ODU coming down from Basford. We turned right onto the A53 and we turned left again onto Forge Lane. We turned left onto Shelton Boulevard and we waited for a few minutes. Mum had promised to help out a charity fundraiser to find which was messiest, cake or trifle. After mum had finised we drove back to the A53 and onto the Northbound A500. As we went towards the motorway we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 520 going the other way. We joined the M6 and the traffic was lighter than usual. As we travel Northwards we passed a Tyrers tri-axle coach going South. There was a bit of a slow down opposite an accident between junctions 19 & 20 and then we left the M6 to go West on the M56. It was probably the quietest we had ever seen the M56 and we got to The M53 quickly. We went North one junction and we came off onto the A5032 for the run into town. We turned into Civic Way and as we passed the bus station we saw GHA R839 PRG on the #36 and T314 UOX on the #7 service. We parked up and we went to the market to use the toilet and to have dinner. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a bottle of Coke. After we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and we walked back to the bus station. We saw Stagecoach Merseyside 27776 on a X8 to Liverpool. As we got into the bus station we saw required Arriva NW&W 3008 on the #2 to Chester.

Arriva NW&W 3008 in Ellesmere Port bus station

We got on the bus and we booked Arriva Deeside Day Savers at £4.50 each before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Civic Way. At the end we turned left onto the A5032 traveling Southwards. We turned right onto Overpoll Road and we weaved through the estate before we came out on the A41. We traveled South before turning right onto the A5116. We passed the Countess of Chester hospital and we ran into town past the Stagecoach depot where one of the open top double deckers was visible. We crossed the ring road and we entered the bus station via Northgate Street and Hunter Street. When the bus went on stand we waited for the bus to empty and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 3008.

Inside Arriva NW&W 3008

Behind us in the bus station was required Stagecoach Merseyside 27268 on layover between Liverpool services.

Stagecoach Merseyside 27268 in Chester bus station

We walked down to Matthew's usual perch and we took a few bus pictures whilst we waited to catch the next bus. We saw Arriva NW&W 5008 on a #21 to Halton hospital.

Arriva NW&W 5008 in Chester bus station

This was followed by required Townlynx Y72 YSO on a T1 service to Holywell.

Townlynx Y72 YSO in Chester bus station

An unusual sighting was GHA Solo T313 UOX on a #82 to Northwich.

GHA T313 UOX in Chester bus station

This service is usually worked by some large like a full size single decker or even a double decker. We also saw Stagecoach Merseyside 27779 running out of service after arriving from Liverpool.

Stagecoach Merseyside 27779 in Chester bus station

On the end stand we saw required double decker Arriva NW&W 4642 on a #10A to Holywell, so we decided to do it.

Arriva NW&W 4642 in Chester bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Deeside Day Saver tickets to the driver. We also purchased another ticket so that Matthew could travel into Wales. We went upstairs and we sat down. The bus set off out of the bus station and we turned right onto the ring road. We turned right into Northgate and then left into Delamere Street. We continued down onto Gorse Stacks and then right into Frodsham Street. We turned left into Foregate Street and then right onto Love Street. This was the first time we had been this way on a #10A service. The #10A goes through the town on the way to Holywell and the #10 goes straight down the ring road to A548. As we went down Pepper Street we saw National Holidays NH11 HTH and Alfa coach 73. We turned right at the Grosvenor roundabout and we turned right onto the ring road again before turning left onto the A548 and getting back onto the normal route. Traffic was nose to tail as we went along Sealand Road past the retail park until we got to the park and ride site we started to go a bit quicker. We crossed into Wales and we ran quickly up to the A494, where we crossed the road and went into Garden City. We crossed the river Dee and we turned right onto the B5129. We had already decided that we were going to get off by the old B&Q stop where there is a petrol station that we visit to pick up supplies. A few stops further up the road we got up and got off the road. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4642 as it carried on towards Holywell.

Arriva NW&W 4642 in Shotton

We saw both the #10 and the #11 going towards Chester so we thought we might have a long wait. We went to use the cash at the petrol station but I balked at the £1.99 charge to use the machine. So we went inside the shop and Matthew chose his pop and chocolate and I paid by card. As we were crossing the road we saw Townlynx Y213 BAW on a Chester bound T1 service. We walked toward Shotton one stop as we would also have a choice of the #12 service as well. The next bus due was a #12 service. Matthew had a drink of Irn Bru and he shared his double Milky Way bar with me and uncle Dave. Unexpectedly, a late running #10A service appeared. As it got closer we saw that it was required Arriva NW&W 4644.

Arriva NW&W 4644 in Shotton

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Deeside Day Saver tickets to the driver before going upstairs. We sat down and the bus set off Westwards along the B5129. There were a couple of young folk messing about at the front of the bus and we wanted to be on the Saltney Ferry corridor where there are generally more interesting buses working. So we decided to do the bus only to Queensferry. As we were getting off soon Matthew took a picture of the empty bus behind us.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4644

The bus turned the corner left onto the B5441 and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4644 before it carried on towards Chester.

Arriva NW&W 4644 in Queensferry

We walked back onto the B5129 and we waited at the stop opposite to the Asda superstore. We saw a white Solo turn the corner into the B5441 with Shuttle on the side working the D1 service. A few minutes later we saw the #11 approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was dud Arriva NW&W 4479.

Arriva NW&W 4479 in Queensferry

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Deeside Day Saver Tickets to the driver before going upstairs. This was a bus that we first had back in June 2012 from Chester to Queensferry. The bus went under the A494 and we climbed the hill up the A550 into Harwarden village. We turned left onto the B5125 and traveled East through the countryside up to Broughton. We entered the Broughton Shopping park and we stopped briefly before joining the A5104. We went fast up to Saltney and we entered England under the railway bridge. We got off the bus in Lache outside the Brewery Arms and we went inside so that Matthew could use the toilet. We brought a can of Pepsi from the bar before we left. We crossed the road so that we could wait for another bus back up the A5104 corridor. We didn't have to wait long before we saw a single decker. As it got closer we saw that it was required Arriva NW&W 3141.

Arriva NW&W 3141 in Lache

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Deeside Day Saver tickets to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. These buses are usually full at this point and we noticed there were empty seats behind us, so Matthew took a picture of the empty rear of the bus.

Inside Arriva NW&W 3141

The bus carried on along the A5104 and out into the open countryside. As we saw the Airbus factory on the right hand side of the road we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 3141 as it carried on towards Mold.

Arriva NW&W 3141 in Broughton

It was now fully dark and we decided that the next bus was going to be our last one of the day. We crossed the road and we checked the bus stop to see what service was the next one back towards Chester. The next bus back was a #12 which was almost certainly going to be a Solo. We had already seen a couple of different required Solo knocking about today including Arriva NW&W 675 named 'Les Rimmer' with its silver nameplate on the front of the bus. We saw a Solo enter the Broughton Shopping Park from the other end and it called at the mini bus station in the park. Behind it was a double decker on a #11. We watched the bus get closer and we eventually saw that it was dud Arriva NW&W 672.

Arriva NW&W 672 in Broughton

We flashed the Arriva Deeside Day Saver tickets at the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along the A5104 through Saltney Ferry and Saltney and over the border into England. We passed through Lache and we turned left onto the A483 ans we crossed over the river Dee and ran towards town. At the ring road we went left and up a few hundres yards towards the Western entrance of the bus station. On the way we saw Westway coach 27 WT at the side of the ring road. We turned right into Princess Street and we entered the bus station. We left the bus empty and Matthew got a picture inside Arriva NW&W 672.

Inside Arriva NW&W 672

Before we walked over to mum we decided to take a few last bus pictures. We saw Stagecoach Merseyside 21266 on a #31 Sealand park & ride service.

Stagecoach Merseyside 21266 in Chester bus station

We also saw Stagecoach Merseyside 27258 which was bout to work a #1 to Liverpool.

Stagecoach Merseyside 27258 in Chester bus station

Another sighting was Stagecoach Merseyside 34579 which was on a #53 to Kingsway.

Stagecoach Merseyside 34579 in Chester bus station

We met up with mum and then Matthew went to the toilet whilst mum got the parking ticket validated (parking in the market car park is free after 15:00). We got in the car and Matthew had a Greggs sausage roll washed down with a small bottle of Irn Bru. We set off out of the car park and onto the clockwise ring road and we ran around to the A56. As we passed nearby to the railway station we saw Arriva NW&W 4405 on the #1 to Wrexham. We ran up the A56 through Hoole where the Christmas lights were still on and we joined the Northbound M53. It was raining and fully dark. We joined the Eastbound M56 and we ran up to the M6. traffic was quite busy and moving slower due to the spray. At Lymm We went South on the M6. As we traveled Southwards we saw a Waltons coach and Redline BJ63 UHW. At junction 16 we joined the Southbound A500. As we traveled South we saw Z Carz PY08 KDX and Intercity OV58 YJE. At Sideway we turned left onto the A50 which we did up to Longton. At the Z Carz depot we saw Volkswagen minibus OV05 WSW.

Z Carz OV05 WSW in Longton

Also on the front row was Z Carz Ford minibus T418 WYJ.

Z Carz T418 WYJ in Longton

Behind this was another Ford minibus, Z Carz GL04 CVE.

Z Carz GL04 CVE in Longton

There were a couple of new unmarked minibuses there tonight. Z Carz Ford minibus HK57 LGW.

Z Carz HK57 LGW in Longton

And they were parked next to each other HK57 LFV.

Z Carz HK57 LFV in Longton

We turned left into Willow row to see what was in the compound tonight. Nearest to the gate was Airport transfer minibus MJ03 DPU.

Z Carz MJ03 DPU in Longton

We turned around and we headed back onto the A50. We crossed over the road and we went to fill up with diesel at the petrol station. We then returned onto the A50 and we ran up to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we went forwards onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we got home around 18:30. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:30... Mark

Trip to Apedale / Trent Vale 31-12-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DV10 JCU	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Apedale	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Apedale	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
67632	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way (Unmarked)	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going to the pub for his tea, but not before he had been to his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Just before 09:00 his transport to his day service turned up and it was Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Blurton

We got on to the bus and the bus set off onto the A5035. We went through Dresden and into Longton before crossing the A50. We went past the Gladstone Pottery Museum and across Uttoxeter Road and under the railway line before going left down a side street and onto Anchor Road. As we travelled up Anchor Road we saw 60175 running empty. In Adderley Green we turned right and went past the First Bus garage. We carried on to Bentilee and we picked up another service user. After we had picked them up we headed back to Adderley Green and back down Anchor Road. At the bottom Anchor Road we zigged and zagged through side streets and we came out on King Street. We headed out of Longton and into Fenton, forwards onto City Road. We then turned left into Glebedale road and to our destination. In the morning Matthew spent time in the sensory room s using computers. For dinner Matthew had an omelette followed by a piece of Batternburg cake. After dinner they went for a drive out to Apedale Park. Transport for the trip was aboard Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned right onto City Road. At the bottom we joined the A52 and we went under the railway before joining the Northbound A500. We came off the A500 onto Shelton New Road and we saw first Potteries 32081 on a #10 to Hanley. We headed up the hill before re-joining the A52 at George Street for the run down towards Newcastle. We carried on along the A52 around the top end of Newcastle and we joined the Northbound A34. At the old Newcastle bus garage we saw first Potteries 42354 as well as 60175 which must have run up to be stored until sold or scrapped. We continued up the A34 before turning left onto London Road. At the roundabout we turned left onto Loomer Road and we continued around the corner until we got to the destination. Matthew got off the bus and went toilet and had a drink of Coke. After he finished his drink they got back aboard the bus for the journey back to Fenton. We got back onto Loomer Road and we headed down London Road back onto the A34. We went onto the A52 and we went around the North end of Newcastle. We joined the Eastbound A53 to go around the one way system to re-join the A52. At the end of George Street we joined Shelton New Road for the run back to the A500. We came off the A500 at the Stoke Road junction and we ran along the top level of the A500 so that we could come off at City Road. We went under the railway line and up the hill and we turned into Glebedale Road and to our destination. After a short stop we got back aboard Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU for the journey back home. We joined Glebedale road and we turned right onto City Road. We went to Heron Cross via the A50 link Road past Duke Street, before joining Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and onto church road before turning right onto Beaconsfield Drive. we turned left onto Finstock Avenue and Matthew got home just before 15:00. At home Matthew had some toast washed down with dandelion & burdock whilst we waited for time to go out and catch the bus. Around 15:40 we set off to the bus stop all the way over on Magdalen Road. Whilst we waited for our bus we saw dud First Potteries 53119 on a #23A to Hanley.

First Potteries 53119 in Blurton

Going the other way we saw dud First Potteries 67636 on a #22 to Longton.

First Potteries 67636 in Blurton

This is a bus that we first had when it was with First Worcester from Catshill to Bromsgrove back in February 2015. A few minutes later, bang on time another First Potteries Enviro300 came around the corner. as it got closer we saw that it was required First Potteries 67632.

First Potteries 67632 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Harpfields Road. the bus was nearly empty except for two people right at the front of the bus, so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 67632.

Inside First Potteries 67632

We sat down towards the back of the bus and the bus set off onto the A5035. We headed over the railway and into Trentham. Free Spirits MK52 PXH was parked up at the Trentham Hotel and we turned right into New Inn Lane. At the man in Space we briefly caught up with First Potteries 43875 on the #21A. We carried on up New Inn Lane and we turned right into Wilson Road. further along we passed First Potteries 53063 on a Trentham bound #21 service. We went down Church Lane and we joined the A34 where we passed First Potteries 41496 on a Longton bound #22 service. We turned right onto Harpfields Road and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67632 as it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 67632 in Trent Vale

We walked back onto the A34 and we saw The Redeemed Church of God minibus VN05 CKK.

Redeemed Church of God VN05 CKK in Trent Vale

We also saw a brown Volkswagen minibus YT15 APU going Northwards. When we got to the pub mum was already parked up in the car park. We met up with mum and Matthew had a brunch with bread and butter followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses was ABC Supreme minibus N806 CRJ. Service buses seen included First Potteries 32081 & 65033 on the #10 to Stafford. After we had finished eating we went to the car and Matthew called uncle Dave to tell him we were on the way. We set off down the A34 and we went onto the Northbound A500. At Sideway we went Eastwards on the A50. We headed though Heron Cross and into Fenton. After picking uncle Dave up we went back up to Heron Cross and over the A50 into Blurton. We travelled through Blurton along Blurton Road and Church Road. We turned into Beaconsfield Drive and we got home just after 17:30. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around early in 2016...! Mark

Trip to Tamworth / Sutton Coldfield 19-12-2015

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

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

Arriva Midlands 3017 in Tamworth bus interchange

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

Arriva Midlands 4412 in Tamworth bus interchange

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

Inside Arriva Midlands 4412

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

Arriva Midlands 4412 in Sutton Coldfield

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

NX West Midlands 2235 in Sutton Coldfield

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

NX West Midlands 4327 in Sutton Coldfield

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

Arriva Midlands 4200 in Sutton Coldfield

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

NX West Midlands 6756 in Sutton Coldfield

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

NX West Midlands 4057 in Sutton Coldfield

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

Arriva Midlands 4411 in Sutton Coldfield

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

Inside Arriva Midlands 4411

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

Arriva Midlands 3504 in Tamworth bus interchange

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

Arriva Midlands 3501 in Tamworth bus interchange

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

Arriva Midlands 3510 in Tamworth bus interchange

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

Inside Arriva Midlands 3510

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

Arriva Midlands 3757 in Lichfield bus station

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

Central Buses AE06 ZBT in Lichfield bus station

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

Arriva Midlands 3740 in Lichfield bus station

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

Midland Classic 81 in Lichfield bus station

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

Arriva Midlands 3723 in Lichfield bus station

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

Inside Arriva Midlands 3723

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

Z Carz BN03 OVS in Longton

next to that was Z Carz taxi minibus PN06 ONM.

Z Carz PN06 ONM in Longton

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

Z Carz NA06 SUO in Longton

Behind that was Z carz Mercedes minibus S952 VMY.

Z Carz S952 VMY in Longton

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

Z Carz S973 OVP in Longton

We also saw Z carz Iveco minibus GK02 NWJ.

Z Carz GK02 NWJ in Longton

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

Trip to Joiners Square / Trent Vale 18-12-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DV10 JCU	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Joiners Square	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Joiners Square	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
42552	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trent Vale, opp Alder Walk	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going to the pub for his tea, but not before he had been to his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Just before 09:00 his transport to his day service turned up and it was Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Blurton

We set off onto the A5035 and headed towards Trentham. We turned into New Inn Lane and then into Pacific Drive. Once we had picked up another service user we headed back onto New Inn Lane and the A5035. We headed along into Blurton and we turned into church Road. We carried on into Blurton Road and across the A50. We went through Heron Cross and onto Heron Street. Having crossed the railway line we turned left onto Christchurch Street and to our destination. When Matthew got to Fenton, he went upstairs around the back of the building. In the morning Matthew went into the sensory and spent time using a computer. We went to fetch dinner from the chip shop. For dinner he had sausage chips and gravy from the chips shop. In the afternoon we went to the pub on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

We set off onto Glebedale Road and right onto City Road were we saw CG Travel minibus DX07 OJT. We turned sharp left onto Victoria Road and we continued down to the bottom. At Joiners Square we crossed over the roundabout and onto Lichfield Street and to our destination. When we got there Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards he had a drink of Coke. Highlights of the bus sighting include First Potteries 63175 on a #6 to Meir.

First Potteries 63175 in Joiners Square

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 63178 on a #6A to Blythe Bridge.

First Potteries 63178 in Joiners Square

We also saw First Potteries 63100 on a #6A to Blythe Bridge.

First Potteries 63100 in Joiners Square

When it was time to return to Fenton we were picked up by Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We went down Palmerston Street and onto the A52. We turned left onto Victoria Road and went to the top turning sharp right onto City Road. We turned left into Glebedale Road and to our destination. When it was time to home home we climbed aboard Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Glebedale Road and right onto City Road. We went up City Road and forwards onto King Street before turning left onto Clarence Stree. We zigged through the side street and we came out on Anchor Road, turned left. At the end of Anchor Road we turned left past the bus depot where we saw First Potteries 40009, a Caetano Dart and a Volvo double decker. We continued along Dividy Road and we dropped a service user off at the respite place. We then got back onto Dividy Road and we headed back to Adderley Green. We turned right onto Anchor Road and we ran down to the bottom onto the one way system in Longton. We followed the road around and we crossed over the A50 and onto the A5035. We went through Dresden into Blurton, getting back just before 15:00. Matthew had some toast washed down with dandelion & burdock whilst we waited for time to go out and catch the bus. Around 16:16 we set off to the bus stop all the way over on Magdalen Road. 16:21 came and went and the bus didn't turn up. We had to wait until nearly 26:40 before the bus turned the corner. As it got closer we saw that it was required First Potteries 42552.

First Potteries 42552 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Harpfields Road before we sat down towards the middle of the bus. It was quite full this evening, probably because it was only around 10 minutes in front of the next bus. We set off onto the A5035 and we crossed the railway line and went into Trentham. As we turned into new Inn Lane we saw First Potteries 53042 on the #21 to the Trentham Hotel. We carried onto the top and we turned right into Wilson Road. In Wilson Road we passed First Potteries 53064 on a #21A service, 41501 on a #21 and new arrival 67632 on a #22 to Longton. We turned left onto Church Lane and at the bottom we joined onto the A34. We crossed under the A500 into trent Vale and we turned right into Harpfields Road. The driver missed the 'opposite' in the dark and we alighted further up at the Alder Walk stop. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 42552 as it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 42552 in Trent Vale

We walked back to the main road and when we got to the pub mum was already inside waiting for us. Matthew had a brunch with bread and butter followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses included ABC Supreme minibus P881 RND. After we had finished eating we went to the car and Matthew called uncle Dave to tell him we were on the way. We set off down the A34 and we went onto the Northbound A500. The run up to Sideway look busy so we left the A500 to go towards Campbell Road. We saw that the road wasn't too bad ahead, so we got back onto the A500. At Sideway we went Eastwards on the A50. We headed though Heron Cross and into Fenton. After picking uncle Dave up we went back up to Heron Cross and over the A50 into Blurton. We traveled through Blurton along Blurton Road. We stopped at mum's friend shop for a short while and we got back onto Blurton Road and forwards onto Church Road. We turned into Beaconsfield Drive and we got home around 18:30. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Fenton / Joiners Square 14-12-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DV10 JCU	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	YMCA Hanley	Charter	Shelton Care Group
PK08 CGE	YMCA Hanley	Fenton	Charter	Lucky Seven
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Central Forest Park	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Central Forest Park	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Bentilee	Charter	Shelton Care Group

Today Matthew was going in respite and we attending a Christmas party, but he was going into his day service. It was also the day that D&G were taking over the service #40 today. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. The bus turned up and it was Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Blurton

We set off onto the A5035 and We headed along into Blurton and we turned into church Road. We carried on into Blurton Road and across the A50. We went through Heron Cross and onto Heron Street. Having crossed the railway line we turned left onto Christchurch Street and to our destination. In the morning Matthew went to the YMCA to play football. To get there they went on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

We set off onto Glebedale Road and left onto City Road. At the bottom Just before the railway line we joined the Northbound A52. We went past the railway station and the University and we turned left onto Cauldon Road. We then went via Boughey Road and Ridgeway Road over the canal and we turned right to get to the YMCA. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards played football with his peers and members of staff. When it was time to go back to Fenton we called for a taxi. When it arrived it was Lucky Seven PK08 GGE.

Lucky Seven PK08 GGE in Hanley

We got into the minibus and the bus truned around and went back onto Ridgeway Road. We crossed the canal and turned left onto Boughet Road. We did this to the end and joined onto the A52. We went past the railway station and when we got by the railway line we turned left onto City Road. We climbed the hill and we turned right into Chrictchurch Street and to our destination. For dinner Matthew had Pizza followed by cake. In the afternoon Matthew went to Central Forest park on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Glebedale Road and right onto City Road. We turned sharp left onto Victoria and we stopped at Aldi to pick up Matthew's weekly shopping. After a quick run around the supermarket, We got back on the bus and we went down Victoria Road to Joiners Square. We turned left onto the A52 and we turned right into Station Road. We turned right again onto Cauldon Road and we carried on up through Shelton and forwards onto Regent Road. We joined Lichfield Street and then went onto the anti-clockwise ring road. We came off the ring road onto Town Road and we crossed over the ring road into Townsend. We continued along the A5272 and we saw First Potteries 65003 on a #18 to Hanley. We turned into Central Forest Park and once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. Whilst we were there we saw Paul's of Stoke coach HIL 2375.

Paul's of Stoke HIL 2375 in Central Forest Park

Matthew had a can of Coke and then they got back onto Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX for the journey back to Fenton. We went back towards Hanley on the A5272 ans we joined the clockwise ring road. We went around to Bethesda Street and we turned left. At the end of Bethesda Street we turned right onto Regent Road. We went forwards onto College Road and turned left by the railway station. We joined the A52 and then went left onto City Road. We turned right into Glebedale Road and to our destination. After a quick stop we climbed aboard Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU for the journey to respite. We set off onto Christchurch Street and we saw D&G 189 on the #40 service. We went through Heron Cross onto Blurton Road and forwards onto Church Road. We turned right onto the A5035 and we went into Trentham, before turning right into New Inn Lane where we saw Intercity ND58 EDJ. We dropped off a service user and we continued along New Inn Lane and down Mayne street onto the A34 where we saw First Potteries 32057 on the #10 to Hanley. We Joined the Northbound A500 and we came off the low level road as we entered Stoke. We continued parallel to the main road before turning right onto Stoke Road. We went up to Cauldon Road and we turned right and we went part way around Hanley Park before joining the A52. We went through Joiners Square and up to Limekiln Bank before following the A52 around to the right. In Bucknall we turned Right onto Dividy Road and we continued up to Bentilee and to the respite centre. Matthew went upstairs so that he could watch the buses come and go. One such bus was Meadows minibus DK65 XSW.

Meadows DK65 XSW in Bentilee

We also saw Z Carz S973 OVP. For tea Matthew had chips followed by pink blancmange with cream and chocolate sprinkles. After tea Matthew was going to his day service Christmas party. He put on some smart jeans and a shirt and jacket and he went in car. We set off onto Dividy Road and we followed it around onto the A52. At Limekiln bank we followed the A52 around to the left and we continued until we got to the community centre. At the community centre we saw Shelton Care Group DN60 UKL.

Shelton Care Group DN60 UKL in Joiners Square

This was followed by another minibus, Shelton Care Group BU05 EWX.

Shelton Care Group BU05 EWX in Joiners Square

At the party Matthew went to the toilet and had a drink of Coke. He also ate some sausages and chocolate cake. He spent the night partying with service users and staff alike and had a really good time. Matthew said goodbye to his friends and we left some time after 21:00. We got back into car for the journey back to respite. We got onto the A52 and we followed the road around Limekiln and towards Bucknall. We turned right onto Dividy Road and back to respite. Matthew chilled out in the lounge and watch some television before going to bed around 23:40... Mark