Trip to Fenton / Newcastle 16-05-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
LS58 EYB	Fenton	Newcastle	Charter	Premier Travel
LS58 EYB	Newcastle	Fenton	Charter	Premier Travel

Today Matthew was in residential and he was going to his day service. Matthew was also going out to the disco later. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst waiting to go to the day service we saw First Potteries 67633 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67633 in Fenton

Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street. At the day centre we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

In the morning Matthew went for a walk. We set off onto Christchurch Street and we turned right onto Masterson Street. We turned left onto Watkins Street and at the end we turned left onto Crawford Street. At the end we turned left onto Clifton Street. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we saw D&G Bus 109 on a #40 to Longton.

D&G 109 in Fenton

We turned right onto Gimson Street and we crossed over the square and back to the day centre. For dinner Matthew had a ham sandwich followed by toffee cheesecake. In the afternoon Matthew went swimming. We set off on foot across the car park onto City Road. We walked down the road and over the old railway line to Leek. We turned right into the private road and we walked down to the baths. we saw Copelands Tours MIB 118.

Copelands Tours MIB 118 in Fenton

Matthew had a swimming session and afterwards we came out and we saw silver minibus YB14 HDG.

YB14 HDG in Fenton

We then had an Intercity taxi back to the residential unit. We set off along the private road and we turned left onto City Road. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and left onto Temple Street. Matthew went up to his room and chilled out on his computer and watched buses out of the window. For tea we went out to the Arnold Machin pub in Newcastle on Premier Travel minibus LS58 EYB. We set off down City Road and we continued down to the A52. We went under the railway line and over the a500 before going around Stoke's one-way system. We came out of the other side onto Church Street and we ran up the hill onto Hartshill Road. We continued along the A52 through Hartshill and forwards onto George Street. We ran down the hill into Newcastle and we crossed over the roundabout onto Ironmarket. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. After Matthew had a burger and chips followed by chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. Once we had finished eating we returned to the residential unit on Premier Travel minibus LS58 EYB. We set off along Ironmarket and over the roundabout onto the A53. We went around the one-way system onto the A52 and we ran through Hartshill and down the hill into Stoke where we saw First Potteries 67151 on a #21 to Hanley. We went along Eleanora Street and onto Glebe Road and around the Stoke one-way system. We went onto Church street and we crossed over the A500 and under the railway line. We saw First Potteries 32639 on a #25 to Keele. We ran up City Road and we turned right into Smithpool Road. We turned left into temple street and back to the residential unit. Back at the unit Matthew went to his room to chiil out on hs computer and watch buses out of the window. We saw First Potteries 32648 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 32648 in Fenton

Matthew them chilled out in his room listening to music on his computer. Later on Matthew had a bath and had toast for supper. Matthew went on his computer until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Bury / Cheetham Hill 13-05-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
37405	Bury TI	Heywood, Market St (Stop C)	163	First Manchester
37416	Heywood, Hill St (Stop A)	Bury TI	163	First Manchester
37281	Bury TI	Cheetham Hill, Shopping Ctr (Stop L)	135	First Manchester
33690	Cheetham Hill, Bury Old Rd/Shopping Centre (Stop J)	Middleton BS	59	First Manchester
37546	Middleton BS	Cheetham Hill, Bury Old Road/Seymour Road (Stop H)	59	First Manchester
37289	Cheetham Hill, Seymour Rd (Stop G)	Bury TI	135	First Manchester

Today we decided to re-visit Bury. We had checked the weather for today and it was forecast for a mainly dry and mild day with some sunshine all over the Midlands and North West. We gave Matthew a list of destinations to chose from and from the list he chose Bury. Matthew got up around 09:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:30 and we drove through Blurton along Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and we continued onto Blurton Road. There had been a fire on Blurton Road so we had to divert around it. We turned left onto Brookside drive. We turned right onto Meaford Drive and right again onto Hollybush Road before re-joining Blurton Road. We travelled up Heron Cross and we turned left into Grove Road. We ran down into Stoke and forwards onto the A500. We ran North to Shelton New Road and we came off to go to the gas garage. Once we had filled up with LPG we joined the Westbound A53 and we ran back onto the A500. On the A500 we saw an unidetified dark green mini coach with a silver winged crest on the side. We ran North up to the M6 and then we got on the Northbound M6. As we travelled North up to the M62 we saw S&S Travel TSV 719, Stagecoach Merseyside 34807/34806, Jackie's Coaches WA04 MHV and an unidentified Thandi Coaches tri-axle double decker coach. At junction 21A we got onto the Eastbound M62 were we saw M&D Travel K50 MND. A few junction along we got onto the clockwise M60 and we ran around a few junctions to the M66 where we went North. Just to the East of Bury we got onto the A58 and we ran Westwards into and around town, we saw National Holidays NH63 GYH parked up near to the market. We turned right into Haymarket Street and we parked up in a side street near to Bolton Street. The had planned in eating at the Two Tons, We walked across the sqaure to the pub and Matthew used the toilet. Mum look at the menu which was limited and expensive. We walked around in a circle along The Rock and right into Crompton Street. we went through the Mill Gate shopping centre and we came out on Haymarket Street. Before we crossed Haymarket Street we saw First Manchester 69204 on a #468 to Tottington.

First Manchester 69204 in Bury interchange

We decided to eat at a place called Your Burger. Matthew had a beefburger with fries washed down with a bottle of Coke. Once we had finished eating we went onto Haymarket Street and we said goodbye to mum. On the way to the bus station we saw First Manchester 69146 on a #472 Ramsbottom circular service.

First Manchester 69146 in Bury interchange

We walked into the interchange and we considered what bus to do first. One of the first bus that we saw and considered doing was Rossendale 171 on a #467 to Rochdale.

Rossendale 171 in Bury interchange

We were about to get on the bus and I realised that I hadn't got any money! I spotted a cash machine just outside the bus station but the queue was ridiculous! Uncle Dave offered to borrow some money to me until such time I could get to a cash machine. By the time we had sorted this out the Dart had left the bus station. Further back in the interchange we saw required First Manchester on a #163 to Manchester.

First Manchester 37405 in Bury interchange

We waited for the bus to be readied for service and we got on a purchased System one bus only tickets for £5.20 each. The lower saloon was empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Manchester 37405 before we went upstairs.

Inside First Manchester 37405

The top deck was also empty so Matthew took another picture inside First Manchester 37405.

Inside First Manchester 37405

Whilst we waited for departure time we saw required First Manchester 33710 on a #471 to Bolton.

First Manchester 33710 in Bury interchange

We set off out of the bus station and straight onto the Eastbound A58. As we entered the road we saw aun unidentified Dunwood coach as well as row of coaches parked in the distance on Market Street. We continued East to the M66 and we went under and into Heap Bridge. We turned right onto Heap Brow and left onto Bury old Road. Around a 1/4 of a mile down the road we turned right onto Sutherland Road and left onto Argyle Street. We ran through a housing estate the entire length of Argyle Street and past some shops and then we turned left onto Pilsworth Road. At the end of the road we turned right onto the A58 again and we ran into the west end of Heywood. There was a short one way system around town and after passing the Wetherspoons pub we came to the Eastbound bus stop where we got up and got off the bus. Once of the bus Matthew took another picture of First Manchester 37405 as it carried on towards Manchester.

First Manchester 37405 in Heywood

From memory of our last visit to Heywood. We went across the road to the Westbound one-way street where we spotted the stop. On the was we saw a cash machine so I was able to get some money to pay uncle Dave back! We just missed First Manchester 66 on a #471 to Bolton, and this was followed straight afterwards by required First Manchester 37416 on a #163 to Bury.

First Manchester 37416 in Heywood

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. We set off along the A58 and we turned left onto Pilsworth Road. We turned right onto Argyle Street and we run to the other end of the estate and we stopped at the triangle at the end of the road where the Westbound bus stop is situated. We continued down to the A58 along Sutherland Road, Bury Old Road and down Heap Brow. After going under the M66 we climbed the hill up into Bury and around the town centre and market before we turned right into Haymarket Street. We then turned right into the bus station and went onto stand. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside First Manchester 37416.

Inside First Manchester 37416

When we got off the bus we saw Rossendale double decker 122 about to work a #467 to Rochdale.

Rossendale 122 in Bury interchange

We crossed over to the other side of the interchange and Matthew used the toilet. When we came out we spotted required First Manchester 37281 about to work a #135 to Manchester.

First Manchester 37281 in Bury interchange

We decided to do this bus down as far as Cheetham Hill, so we got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. As the rear of the top deck was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Manchester 37281.

Inside First Manchester 37281

The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Haymarket Street. We crossed over the A58 onto Knowsley Street before joining Manchester Road and running Southwards past Gigg Lane. I though we had previously done a #135 to Cheetham Hill. but we had only ever previously been as far as Heaton Park. We crossed the river Roch and we climbed the hill up towards Whitefield. At Besses O' The barn we deviated left onto Bury Old Road and we went under the tramway and over the M60 at the same point. We continued south along bury Old Road and we skirted the Western side of Heaton Park. West past the previous Southerly point that we had travelled from Bury and continued along the A665 for a further mile or so and onto The North end of Cheetham Hill. We travelled one stop further South than we had ever been before and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we saw First Manchester 66857 on a #42 to Manchester.

First Manchester 66857 in Cheetham Hill

Cheetham Hill is a very Culturally diverse area, and we learned from our last trip that we need to pick the right shop to take Matthew into if we wanted to buy him the usual thing that he recognises. We spotted a Premier convenience store so we crossed the road and went in. matthew brough a can of Coke as well as a couple of chocolate bars. When we came out of the shop we saw Shiel Buses minibus SN17 BKU heading North.

Shiel Buses SN17 BKU in Cheetham Hill

As we approached the bus stop we saw First Manchester 33690 on a #59 to Rushcroft.

First Manchester 33690 in Cheetham Hill

We decided to do this bus as far as Middleton so we got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Manchester 33690.

Inside First Manchester 33690

The bus set off up Bury Old Road and we turned right the A576 where we stopped for a short while. We continued North Eastwards past Bowker Vale tram stop and to the East of Heaton Park. We crossed the M60 and we ran the couple of miles into town. We entered the bus station. Once in Middleton bus station we got up and got off the bus. In the bus station Matthew used the toilet. After using the toilet we went for a walk around to take a few bus pictures. On layover we saw Stagecoach Manchester 10844 which was about to work a #112 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 10844 in Middleton bus station

We also saw required First Manchester 37303 which was about to work a #17 to Manchester.

First Manchester 37303 in Middleton bus station

There wasn't much in the bus station at that time so we walked around the bus station where we decided to go back South towards Cheetham Hill. A few minutes later we saw a #59 come into the bus station and it was required First Manchester 37546.

First Manchester 37546 in Middleton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. We set off out of the bus station and we turned onto the A576. We ran the couple of miles down to the M60 and we crossed over and into Blackley we past the East side of Heaton Park. We carried on for another couple of miles and we turned left onto Bury Old Road where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we crossed over the road to wait for something back to Bury. Whilst we waited we saw First Manchester 66876 on a #52 to the Trafford Centre.

First Manchester 66876 in Cheetham Hill

A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching and it was dud First Manchester 37289 on a #135 to Bury.

First Manchester 37289 in Cheetham Hill

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus only ticket to the driver for the final time today before we went upstairs. We set off up the A665 and we ran West of Heaton Park. We crossed over the M60 and we joined onto the A56. We ran North through Whitefield and at the edge of Bury we veered right onto Knowsley Street. We crossed over the A58 and we ran into Haymarket Street. We turned right into the bus station and we let the bus empty before Matthew took a picture inside First Manchester 37289.

Inside First Manchester 37289

Once off the bus we decided to take a few pictures before we returned to the car. We saw Rossendale 244 on the #469 to Tottington.

Rossendale 244 in Bury Interchange

We also saw Rossendale Dart 169 on a #478 to Ramsbottom.

Rossendale 169 in Bury Interchange

We walked back to the car and mum was waiting with sausage rolls and a bottle of Irn Bru for Matthew. We drove along Haymarket Street and we followed the one way system onto Moss Street. We turned left onto Manchester Road and we ran down to the A58. We ran Eastwards around the town centre and down the hill to the M66 where we went Southwards. We travelled the few miles down to the ring road and we joined the anti-clockwise M60. Travelling back along the M60 we saw taxi minibus PO17 ZZR. We joined the M62 and we ran Westwards to the M6. We then travelled South down the M6 were we saw an unidentified Rigby's Bova, an unidentified white (Vision?) coach on a low load going North & taxi minibus ML64 LHH. At junction 16 we got onto the Southbound A500 where we saw white minibus BF52 JFG. At Sideway we went East along the A50 and we saw Marshall's of Sutton-on-Trent minicoach YN05 UGO. As we came off the A50 we saw John Musso YD60 CXA. We stopped at Z Carz to see what was parked up there this evening. In the first row we saw Z Carz Mercedes minibus LV52 TZY.

Z Carz LV52 TZY in Longton

We also saw Z Carz Volkswagen minibus S973 OVP.

Z Carz S973 OVP in Longton

Also in the front row we saw Z Carz LDV minibus PN06 ONM.

Z Carz PN06 ONM in Longton

Next to the LDV minibus was Z Carz Volkswagen minibus OV05 WSW.

Z Carz OV05 WSW in Longton

Also in the front row was Z Carz Renault minibus BU04 GYW.

Z Carz BU04 GYW in Longton

In the second row we saw Z Carz Vauxhall minibus DG10 VMO.

Z Carz DG10 VMO in Longton

We turned left onto Willow Row to see what was in the compound. We saw Z Carz Ford minibus HK57 LGW.

Z Carz HK57 LGW in Longton

We thought we saw another minibus so we turned the car around further down the road. As we got closer we saw that it was Z Carz Vauxhall minibus X599 WDY.

Z Carz X599 WDY in Longton

We returned onto the A50 and we saw white minibus GIG 8676 & ABC Supreme DU60 XTB. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and we ran through Blurton along Blurton Road. The fire engine and police cordon had gone by the time we came back past it. We turned right onto Church Road and we turned right onto beaconsfield Drive. We got back home around 19:00. For a late tea we had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a a jam filled shortbread biscuit. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:00... Mark.

Trip to Joiners Square / Newcastle 12-05-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Joiners Square	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Joiners Square	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
67631	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Newcastle, Opp Cherry Tree PH	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in residential and he was going to his day service. Matthew was also going to Blurton later. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst waiting to go to the day service we saw First Potteries 67152 on a #23 to Hanley. Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street. At the day centre we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

In the morning Matthew went on the computer. For dinner Matthew had ham sandwiches followed by toffee cheesecake. In the afternoon Matthew went to the pub in Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We ran onto Glebedale Road and right onto City Road. At the roundabout we turned sharp left onto Victoria Road and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. At the roundabout we went straight onto Lichfield Street and to the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and had glass of Coke. Highlights of the bus sightings included. We then returned to Fenton on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Palmerston Street and we turned right onto the A52. We turned left onto Victoria Road and at the top of Victoria Road we turned sharp right onto City Road. We turned left into Glebedale Road. Whist waiting me we saw D&G 114 on 'The Orange One' to Meir

D&G 114 in Fenton

I turned up and Matthew got ready to go home. We got into the car and we ran onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street. At the end we turned right onto Station Bridge Road and we followed this around onto Heron Street. We ran through heron Cross and over the A50 and we saw Lightning Travel W2 DLT. We continued along Blurton Road and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive we got home around 15:00. Whilst we waited to go out Matthew had a glass of orangeade. Today we went to catch the 15:56 to Newcastle. We set off on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. On the way we saw silver minibus EF65 YYS.

EF65 YYS in Blurton

I had seen bus earlier and it was booked to be dud First Potteries 67631. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 67603 on a #22 to Longton.

First Potteries 67603 in Blurton

A few minutes later, as expected and on time we saw First Potteries 67631 turned the corner.

First Potteries 67631 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle and we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto the A5035 and we ran over the railway line into Trentham. We turned right into New Inn Lane and we ran up the hill and we entered Hanford. We turned right into Wilson Road and we passed First Potteries 67604 on the final #22 turn to Longton. We turned left into Church Lane and we joined the A34 and we saw First Potteries 67154 on the #21A to Trentham Gardens. We then headed into Trent Vale and we turned right into Harpfields Road and . We continued onto Hilton Road and we. We turned left into the hospital and we saw ABC Supreme minibus ST56 MUP. We turned right onto the A34 and a couple of stops down the road we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 67631 as it carried on towards the bus station.

First Potteries 67631 in Newcastle

We started to cross over the A34 and we saw E-zec patient transport YJ16 GEU going towards Newcastle town centre.

E-zec patient transport YJ16 GEU in Newcastle

Once we had crossed over the A34 we continued up the hill to Grandma's house. At Grandma's Matthew had a can of Irn Bru and used her computer. We said goodbye to Grandma around 17:30. We set off onto Victoria Street and we turned left onto Harrison Street. We turned left onto Occupation Street and we saw white minibus YK08 PVA. We turned right onto Parkstone Avenue and right again onto The Avenue. At the end of The Avenue we turned left onto the A34. We ran down into Trent Vale and we saw MT Travel minibus HK58 ECV . We stopped at the pub and we went inside. Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses included First Potteries 32639/63098 on a #101 to Stafford & First Potteries 37160 on a #22 to Longton. When it was time to go we got in the car to go pick up uncle Dave. We ran down the A34 and we got onto the Northbound A500 we saw E-zec patient transport YJ16 GHV. We went Eastwards along the A50 We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and dropped down into Fenton to pick up uncle Dave where we saw white minibus CN55 AYU. Once we had picked him up we returned to Heron Cross and we crossed the A50. We ran along Blurton Road and right onto Church Road. We turned right into Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 18:40. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we composed a few e-mails and sorted a few things out. We then chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Abbey Hulton / Longton 11-05-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Abbey Hulton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Abbey Hulton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
42552	Fenton, Christchurch Street	Longton, Market Street	11	First Potteries
SJ05 MDZ	Longton	Fenton	Charter	Lucky Seven

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. Around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Whilst waiting to go out we saw First Potteries 67151 on a #23 to Hanley. Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street and to the day centre. At the day centre we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX parked outside.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

In the morning watched a DVD. For dinner Matthew had a ham sandwich followed by a Bakewell tart. In the afternoon Matthew went trampolining in Abbey Hulton on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned right onto City Road. We turned sharp left onto Victoria Road and we ran down the hill to Joiner Square. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A52. We ran North to Bucknall and we went straight on at the lights onto the A5009. We ran under the old railway line to Leek and into Abbey Hulton. We turned right onto Abbots Road and we ran up to the sports centre. Outside the sports centre we saw one of Stoke-on-Trent city council's new welfare buses LK17 DWF.

Stoke-on-Trent city council LK17 DWF in Abbey Hulton

Matthew went to the toilet and then had a good session on the trampolines. When he had finished we returned to the day centre on Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Abbots Road and we ran Westwards to the A5009. We turned left onto the Southbound A5009 and at Bucknall we turned right onto Bucknall New Road.We ran up Limekiln Bank to the ring road and we turned left. We ran around the ring road and we turned left onto Lichfield Street. We turned right onto Regent Road and we stopped for a short while. We rejoined the Lichfield Street and we ran down to Joiners Square. We ran over the roundabout onto Victoria Road and we ran up the hill. At the top we turned sharp right onto City Road and left onto Glebedale Road and back to the day centre. When it was time to return to the residential unit we set off on foot onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out and us his computer. We saw Grocott Centre minibus EU09 LTY heading towards Heron Cross.

Grocott Centre EU09 LTY in Fenton

Matthew then went out to do some shopping. We walked out onto City Road and we crossed over to the bus stop. A few minutes later a bus appeared and it was First Potteries 42552 on a #11 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Longton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off up City Road and forwards onto King Street. We ran through Foley and under the railway line into Longton town centre. The bus stopped on Market Street and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took picture of First Potteries 42552 before it carried on towards Hanley.

First Potteries 42552 in Longton

Once off the bus we crossed over Market Street and onto Transport Lane.We went into the Bennett Precinct and out the other side into the car park. We then we into Wilko's where Matthew brought home accessories. We continued past Wilko and around B&B and we walked onto the Strand. We crossed over the road and went into Lidl. Matthew did his food shopping and then waited on the strand for a taxi back to the residential unit. Whilst we waited we saw required First Potteries 43875 on a #13 to Hanley.

First Potteries 43875 in Longton

The taxi turned up and it was Lucky Seven SJ05 MDZ. We loaded the shopping into the minibus and then we set off along the one-way system and onto the Eastbound high level A50, we turned left and went down the Strand and under the railway line onto King Street. We ran through Foley and forwards onto City Road. We turned left onto Glebedale Road. We ran down Baker Street and across Christchurch Street onto Masterson Street. We turned right onto Watkin Street and right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. For tea Matthew had a fish cake with chips followed by cake. Later Matthew chilled out in his room on his computer and watched buses out of the window. We saw Intercity minibus KX09 DGY heading towards Hanley.

Intercity KX09 DGY in Fenton

Matthew then listened to music on his computer. Later on Matthew had a bath and then chilled out in his room. Matthew had toast and orange juice for supper went back onto the computer. Matthew went to bed around 23:00... Mark.