Trip to Joiners Square / Trent Vale 23-12-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Joiners Square	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Joiners Square	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
SF07 DHU	Fenton	Blurton	Charter	Intercity
67638	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going to the pub for his tea and going to his Christmas party, 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 DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Blurton

We got on the bus and we set off onto the A5035. We continued up through Dresden into Longton and we crossed over the A50. We ran past the Gladstone Pottery Museum on Chadwick Street and we crossed over Uttoxeter Road and onto Bridgewood Street. Due to the road ahead being closed we turned left onto Sutherland Road an we went past the Police Station. We turned right onto Anchor Road and we ran up the hill and down the other side into Adderley Green. At the roundabout we turned left onto the A5272 and into Bentilee. After picking up another service user we ran along the A5272 and into Bucknall and onto the A52. We followed the road around to the left and we ran to Joiners Square and we turned left onto Victoria Road. We ran to the top of the hill and we turned sharp right onto City Road. We turned left onto Glebedale Road and to our destination. In the morning Matthew had his day centre Christmas party. They ate party food and watched Christmas DVDs. Matthew had ham sandwiches and chicken nuggets for dinner followed by a chocolate roll. In the afternoon Matthew went to the pub in Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off Onto Glebedale Road and we turned left onto City Road. At the bottom of the hill we turned right onto the A52 and we ran past the railway station and we saw First Potteries 32632 on the #25 service to Hanley. We continued along the A52 to Joiners Square where we turned left onto Lichfield Street and to our destination. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. Highlights of the bus sightings included Scraggs YJ59 GHH 50 on the #50 to Hanley and A Star Travel minibus YG12 GSY. When it was time to go we got back on board Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Palmerston Street and we turned right onto the A52. We continued over Joiners Square roundabout along the A52 and we followed the road to the left. We turned right onto City Road and we went under the railway line and onto the Southbound A500. We headed to Sideway and then we joined the Eastbound A50. We travelled East as far as Normacot and then we came of the A50 to go over towards Dresden and then get back onto the Westbound A50. We ran to Heron Cross and then we turned right onto the A50 link road. We turned left onto City Road and then we went back to Heron Cross via Glebedael Road, Station Bridge Road and Heron Street. At the light we turned riggh onto Grove Road and we went forwards onto Whieldon Road. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and right onto Temple Street. At the end we went right onto Christchurch Street and back to the day centre. For the trip back home Matthew travelled in Intercity minibus SF07 DHU. We got on bus and we set off onto Glebedale Road and we continued onto Station Bridge Road. We followed the road around onto Heron Street and we went through to Heron Cross. We travelled through Blurton along Blurton Road and we went forwards onto Church Road. At the end we went right onto the A5035. We crossed the railway into Trentham and then right into New Inn Lane. After dropping of a service user we got back onto the A5035 and we ran into Blurton. We got home just before 15:00. Matthew had toast and a glass of dandelion & burdock whilst he waited for the time to go out and catch the bus. 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. It was now rain as the front end of Hurricane Barbara came across the country. I had seen bus earlier and it was booked to be dud First Potteries 67638. Whilst we waited for the we saw First Potteries 67637 on the #22 to Longton

First Potteries 67637 in Blurton

A few minutes later a few minutes late we saw dud First Potteries 67638 turned the corner as expected.

First Potteries 67638 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Harpfield Road before 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. We ran into Hanford and we turned right into Wilson Road. We ran down Church Lane and we joined the A34 and we saw First Potteries 67603 on the final #22 turn. After running under the A500 into Trent Vale we saw silver patiemt transport minibus SF16 EFY go past us and E-zec patient transport YJ16 GHY going the other way. We turned right onto Harpfields Road where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another First Potteries 67638 before it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 67638 in Trent Vale

Once off the bus we walked back to the A34 and to the pub. We waited a few minutes for mum to turn up and we went into the pub. Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses included ABC Supreme S14 AMC as well as First Potteries 66851 on a #101 service to Hanley. 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. At Sideway we went East on the A50. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and we dropped down into Fenton to pick up uncle Dave. We then headed back up to Heron Cross and we crossed the A50 and into Blurton. We ran along blurton Road and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right into Beaconsfield Drive and we got home around 17:30. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we sorted a few things out. We chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Tunstall / Newcastle 20-12-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Tunstall	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Tunstall	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
67601	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Newcastle, opp Cherry Tree PH	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going to Grandma's, but not before he had been to his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00. He got dressed and had toast for breakfast. Just before 09:00 his transport to his day service turned up and it was Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Blurton

We got on the bus and we set off onto the A5035. We continued up through Dresden into Longton and we crossed over the A50. We ran past the Gladstone Pottery Museum on Chadwick Street and we crossed over Uttoxeter Road and onto Bridgewood Street. Due to the road ahead being closed we turned left onto Sutherland Road an we went past the Police Station. We turned right onto Anchor Road and we ran up the hill and down the other side into Adderley Green. At the roundabout we turned left onto the A5272 and into Bentilee. After picking up another service user we ran along the A5272 and into Bucknall and onto the A52. We followed the road around to the left and we ran to Joiners Square and we turned left onto Victoria Road. We ran to the top of the hill and we turned sharp right onto City Road. We turned left onto Glebedale Road and to our destination. In the morning Matthew went on the computer. For dinner Matthew had fish fingers & chips followed by cake. In the afternoon Matthew watched a DVD and then went for a run out in the minibus. Transport for the trip was Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we went forwards onto Station Bridge Road. We continued onto Heron Street before we got on the Eastbound A50. We ran up to Blythe bridge roundabout before turning around and coming back to Meir Heath. We turned right onto Caverswall Lane and through Cookshill to Weston Coyney and onto the Northbound A520. We ran up to Winterfield Lane and then we went cross country all the way up to the A52 at Ash Bank. We turned left and we ran down the hill through Bucknall and over the traffic lights and up the hill to Hanley. We turned right onto the ring road and we ran around to the end before turning right onto Waterloo Road. We ran up through Cobridge to Burslem and we continued onto Scotia Road and we tan up to Tunstall. We turned left onto Williamson Street and then right onto High Street. We parked up in the square and then we visited the Wrights Pie shop where they purchased dome stuff for the end of term party on Friday. When we had finished we got back into Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX for the trip back to Fenton. We set off back down the high Street and back into Burslem via Williamson Street and Scotia Road. We crossed through the lights and onto Waterloo Road and we ran through Cobridge and onto the Hanley ring road. We ran around to Lichfield Street and down the hill to Joiners Square. At the roundabout we crossed over onto Victoria Road and we ran up the hill and turned right passing Fenton manor sport complex. We turned left onto City Road and we ran up to Glebedale Road and turned right to our destination. After a short stop Matthew transferred onto Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. 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 Joiners Square. We turned right onto the A52 and we followed the road to the right towards Bucknall. We turned right onto the A5272 and into Bentilee. We stopped to drop off another service user and we saw Stanton's of Stoke HRZ 7193. We continued along the A5272 to Adderley Green and we turned right onto Anchor Road. We ran down the hill to Longton. We ran around the one way system and we crossed over the A50 on the A5035. We ran through Dresden into Blurton and we saw silver minibus EU16 EYJ parked up at The Gables. Matthew got back home around 15:00. Once in the house Matthew had toast and orange juice whilst he waited for the time to go out and catch the bus. Today we went to catch the 16:26 to Newcastle. We set off on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. I hadn't seen bus earlier so we didn't know what bus to expect. A few minutes later running bang on time we saw dud First Potteries 67601 turned the corner.

First Potteries 67601 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We joined the Westbound A5035 and we saw First Potteries 67634 on a #22 to Longton. We ran over the railway line into Trentham and we turned right into New Inn Lane and we climbed the hill into Hanford were we saw We turned right into Wilson Road passing First Potteries 67151 on a #21 to the Trentham Hotel. We turned left Church Lane. We joined the A34 and we crossed under the A500 into Trent Vale and we saw First Potteries 67155 on a #21 to the Trentham Hotel. We turned right Harpfields Road and we ran forwards onto Hilton Road where we passed First Potteries 67637 on the final #22 turn. We turned into the City General hospital and we saw ABC Supreme NM08 WKT and First Potteries 66845 on a #25 to Hanley. We rejoined the A34 and we travelled North about 1/2 mile and we got up and got off the bus and Matthew took a picture of First Potteries 67601 as it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 67601 in Newcastle

Once off the bus we saw E-zec patient transport YJ16 GFA followed by D&G 157 on a 'Nines' to Clayton.

D&G 157 in Newcastle

We crossed over the A34 and we then walked back towards Grandma's house. At Grandma's Matthew had a can of Irn Bru and used her computer. We said goodbye to Grandma around 18:15 and we ran down to the A34. We went past Newcastle bus station and we went around the Jubilee roundabout. We joined the Eastbound A53 and After crossing the A500. We ran through Etruria and up through Cobridge and into Smallthorne via Sneyd Hill. We crossed the roundabouts and we ran down Ford Green Road. We turned left onto Chell Heath Road and stopped just off Duddell Road to drop somethinf off. We then rejoined Chell Heath Road and we turned right onto Ford Green Road. We ran around Saturn Road, Mars Street and Jupiter Street and we stopped again. Whilst stopped we saw D&G 157 & 159 both on the 'Nines' service. We ran back up to Smallthorne Roundabout and we turned left onto High Lane. We ran into Hanley and onto the ring road. We turned left onto Lichfield Street. At Joiners Square crossed the roundabout onto Victoria Road. We stopped at McDonalds to pick up food for Matthew. We continued up Victoria Road onto the A50 link road. We ran up to the A50 and we went West to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton. We turned right into Church Road and right again onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 19:45. When we got back Matthew ate his McDonalds, which was a cheeseburger, fries and chicken nuggets washed down with a Coke. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 23:30... Mark

Trip to Northwich / Chester 17-12-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
708	Northwich Interchange	Barnton, Broomsfield Lane (cnr)	4	Arriva NW&W
708	Barnton, Broomsfield Lane (cnr)	Northwich Interchange	4	Arriva NW&W
4645	Northwich Interchange	Tarvin, o/s Londis Store	82	Arriva NW&W
4102	Tarvin, o/s Londis Store	Chester, Railway Station (S4)	84	Arriva NW&W
2950	Chester, Argos Stop B (Stop B)	Northwich Interchange	82	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to re-visit Northwich. As it is mid December and the days are short, we gave Matthew a list of places nearby in the North West and the Midlands and from the list Matthew chose Northwich. Research consisted of looking up the weather, which was forecast for cloudy cold weather and looking at the timetables in the Northwich area. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 12:00 and we drove through Blurton along Beaconsfield Drive and left onto Church Road. We followed the road to the left onto Blurton Road and we stop at the One Stop Shop for mum to drop something off at the Post Office. We continued down Blurton Road and up and over the hill into Heron Cross. We got onto the Westbound A50 and we ran to Sideway where we joined the Northbound A500. Just before we got to the M6 we passed Springfield double decker Y22 HOW plus another red Enviro400 double decker LJ09 OKD. We came off the A500 and we joined the M6. The road was quiet and we made good progress two junctions up the motorway. We passed an unidentified Eiflon's coach and a blue and cream half cab single decker with a covered load on it's roof. We came off the M6 at the A54 and we ran West to Middlewich. We saw an unidentified white Ford minibus and St Luke's Routemaster RM1590. We stopped at the Country Kitchen food wagon for dinner where Matthew had a sausage & egg bap washed down with a small bottle of diet Coke. when we had finished we continued North to Nothwich via the A54 and the A533. We crossed under the A556 and in Leftwich we saw Arriva NW&W 4104 on a #31 to Crewe. We pulled into the town centre and we turned right on Watling Street before turning left into Crum Hill. We parked up and we said goodbye to mum. As we walked onto Watling Street there we a couple of buses on stand. Required Arriva NW&W 708 was on the #2 service and required Arriva NW&W 2950 was on the #82 to Chester. Matthew wanted to go to the toilet so we walked across to the market and Matthew used the disabled toilet at the top end. By the time Matthew had finished Arriva NW&W 2950 had already departed to Chester. Matthew came out of the toilet and we saw Club Class minibus ET02 UCN. There was a crowd at stand G so we went over to see what they were waiting for. There was a #37A to Sandbach due at 13:48. Whilst we waited at that stop we saw dud Arriva NW&W 2618 which was on a #1 Weaverham circular service.

Arriva NW&W 2618 in Northwich Interchange

A few minutes later we saw a Network Warrington bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required Network Warrington 71 on a #45 service to Warrington.

Network Warrington 71 in Northwich Interchange

The #37 turned up eventually and it was dud Arriva NW&W 2608. Matthew didn't fancy doing this and whilst we considered what to do next we saw Arriva NW&W 2612 on a #1 Weaverham circular service.

Arriva NW&W 2612 in Northwich Interchange

A few minutes later we saw required Arriva NW&W 708 on the #4 to Barnston so we decided to do this.

Arriva NW&W 708 in Northwich Interchange

We got on the bus and we we booked Arriva NW&W Daysaver ticket at £5.30 each before we sat down. Matthew resisted the temptation to honk the horn and was very well behaved! The bus set off along Watling Street and we turned right onto Chester Way. We crossed over the Weaver and we turned right onto Castle Street. At the end we turned left onto the A533 and we climbed the hill past the hospital and over the railway line. We ran to the end of the road and then we turned left onto Runcorn Road. We ran up the hill and we turned right into Manor Road and into the estate. We ran around the estate and we got up and flashed the tickets to the driver aso we could return back into town on the bus. We got back onto the A533 and we ran down the hill, following the road to the right over the Weaver. We ran past the Tat chemical works and back over the railway line before we dropped down into town. At the bottom of the hill we continued onto the one way system and over the Weaver into the town centre. When we got to the Interchange we saw required Arriva NW&W double decker 4645 was waiting on the #82 to Chester. We had around 2 minutes to get off the bus and get on the double decker if we were going to catch it, we we decided to do. We got off Arriva NW&W 708 and we walked briskly back a couple of stands and we got a picture of Arriva NW&W 4645 before we jumped on it.

Arriva NW&W 4645 in Northwich Interchange

We flashed the Arriva NW&W Daysaver ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off along Watling Street and then turned right into Chester Way. We crossed over the weaver and we turned left onto the A559. We ran West out of town and as we passed some minibuses parked up off Milner Road adjacent to Greenbank railway station. We continued out past Hartford station and we joined the Westbound A556. As we continued towards Chester we were now in thick fog. We turned right onto Weaverham Road and we ran through the Cuddington housing estate before we joined the Southbound A49. We turned right by the petrol station to re-join the A556 and we carried on Westwards. We then continued on along one of the fast parts of the route through Oakmere until we joined the Westbound A54. We continued for a further 500m and then we turned left into Kelsall village. The fog was now clearing and it was sunny! After running through the village we re-joined the A54 about a mile further West. Another short run along the A54 and we turned left to go into Tarvin Village. When we got off the bus we decided to get up and get off the bus here. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4645 before it continued on to Chester.

Arriva NW&W 4645 in Tarvin

Once off the bus we walked down Forge way and we went to the Co-operative Food store where Matthew had a can of Coke as well as a couple of small bottles of pop and a couple of chocolate bars. Once we had purchase the stuff we went back to the same bus stop as the #84 to Chester was due 18 minutes after the #82. Matthew had a bottle of Sprite and ate a Bounty. The bus was a few minutes late which was not too surprising with heavy traffic in Chester and Crewe town centres. The bus turned up and it was dud Arriva NW&W 4102.

Arriva NW&W 4102 in Tarvin

We got on the bus flashed the Arriva NW&W Daysaver ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set of Westwards down the High Street and we re-joined the A54. A few hundred yards down the road the at the next roundabout we joined the Westbound A51 and we ran through Littleton and over the A55 and A41 into Vicars Cross. We crossed the Shropshire Union Canal and we went around the one way system onto Christleton Road. We continued West along the A51 into Broughton and we could see the mist over the River Dee to the left of us. We went around the Square roundabout and we turned sharp right onto City Road and up towards the railway station. At the end of the road the bus terminated and we let the bus empty before Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 4102.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4102

When we got off the bus we had around 35 minutes to get 1/4 of a mile across town to foregate Street so that we could catch the #82 back to Northwich. In the meantime we decided it was best to visit the toilet so we set off across the road to the railway station. On the way we stopped to get a picture of Helms Dennis Dart 114 which was on a City Rail Link service.

Helms 114 in Chester

There were also a couple of other buses parked opposite the railway station. The nearest one was Helms Enviro200 121 on layover

Helms 121 in Chester

Also on layover we saw Helms Wright bodied VDL bus 115.

Helms 115 in Chester

We went into the forecourt of the railway station and we located the toilet which was to our delight on the near side of the barrier! Once Matthew had finished using the facilities we set off on foot along City Road and we saw Arriva NW&W 4406/4407 on the #1 to Wrexham and Stagecoach Merseyside 21262 on a a X8 to Liverpool. We went around the big square roundabout and we went under a couple of subways and then we were on the right side of Foregate for us to catch the bus back with around 12 minutes to spare. It was quite busy with both people and buses. Whilst we waited we saw Stagecoach Merseyside 47515 on a #9 to Piper's Ash.

Stagecoach Merseyside 47515 in Chester

There were plenty of different buses coming and going on the 2 park and ride services that pick up at this stop. To cope with demand extra seemed to have been put on and these were usually older double deckers. Once such example was Stagecoach Merseyside 17272 on a PR2 service to Broughton Heath.

Stagecoach Merseyside 17272 in Chester

In the next few minutes we saw Kee Travel 0008 KEE and National Holidays NH13 DWH as well as Stagecoach Merseyside double decker 18002 on a PR1 service to Wrexham Road. A few minutes later as expected we saw required Arriva NW&W on the #82 to Northwich.

Arriva NW&W 2950 in Chester

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva NW&W Daysaver ticket to the driver for the final time today before we went sat down at the back of the bus. We set off across the bi square roundabout onto the A51 and we travlled eastwards out through Broughton. Where the Road splits away from the A5115, we veered left and we ran up through Vicars Cross and over the A55 & A41. We continued through Littleton and down the hill and then we turned left onto the A54. It was now quite foggy and we couldn't really see where we were going! We turned right into Tarvin High Street before we rejoined the A54 a little further East. After a short run along the A54 we turned right again to run through Kelsall. We rejoined the A54 and we ran through Oakmere before we veered left onto the A556. At the crossed roads we turned left onto the A49 and we entered the estate in Cuddington along Ash Road. We ran through the estate and we rejoined the A556 and ran East to Harford where we came off and went onto the A559. We ran past Hartford and Greenbank railway stations and we entered Northwich from the West end crossing over the Weaver before coming into the interchange on Watling Street. Once we got off the bus we spotted mum parked in the car park, but as it was foggy we decided to take a couple of pictures of the buses in the strange orange fog lit up by the streetlights. We saw Arriva NW&W 2618 on a #29 to Winsford.

Arriva NW&W 2618 in Northwich Interchange

We got in the car and mum was waiting in the car with Greggs sausage rolls and a bottle or Irn Bru. We set off along Watling Street and we travelled east out of town. At the first big roundabout I accidentally took the wrong turn as it was foggy so acfter a quick turn we resumed East on the A559 out of town until we reached the A556. We continued East to the M6 and we saw AAA Travel YLZ 1348 as we went around the roundabout. We went South for a couple of junctions and the fog lifted as we got onto the Southbound A500. As we got to Stoke it was foggy again and at Sideway we went east along the A50 to Longton where we came off to see what was parked up at Z Carz today. There wasn't many on the spare ground, or at least at the near end. In the first row was Z Carz minibus YS09 LWV.

Z Carz YS09 LWV in Longton

In the two closer buses in the first row was Z Carz Ford minibus PY08 KDX

Z Carz PY08 KDX in Longton

Nearest minibus in the first row was Z Carz minibus GL04 CVE.

Z Carz GL04 CVE in Longton

In the second row was Z Carz minibus BU04 GYW.

Z Carz BU04 GYW in Longton

We turned into Willow Row to see what was in the compound, and there were one or two parked on the road. The first one we saw was new arrival Z Carz minibus PE10 MJK.

Z Carz PE10 MJK in Longton

Also on the road was Z Carz Ford minibus HK57 LGW.

Z Carz HK57 LGW in Longton

Also in the road was another new arrival, Z Carz minibus DG10 VMJ.

Z Carz DG10 VMJ in Longton

In the compound was Z Carz Citroen minibus LV59 DZC.

Z Carz LV59 DZC in Longton

Also on the road was Z Carz Iveco minibus YJ53 WPD.

Z Carz YJ53 WPD in Longton

From the taxi fleet was Z Carz Renault minibus YJ61 GYZ.

Z Carz YJ61 GYZ in Longton

The final bus we saw was Z Carz Renault minibus DS07 LSN.

Z Carz DS07 LSN in Longton

We rejoined the A50 and we left at the next roundabout onto Baths Road so that we could visit Tesco to put some petrol in the car. After filling up we re-joined the westbound A50 which we did up to Heron Cross. We went through Blurton along Blurton road and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we got home around 19:00. For a let tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrot followed by a jam filled shortcake biscuit. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:30... Mark

Trip to Joiners Square / Trent Vale 16-12-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DV10 JCU	Bentilee	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Fenton McDonalds	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Joiners Square	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
67602	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in respite. He 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. After breakfast Matthew went back to his room to watch the other buses whilst he waited for his transport to arrive. The first bus we saw was Allendale green minibus GU52 RNZ.

Allendale GU52 RNZ in Bentilee

This was followed shortly by Stanton's of Stoke Mercedes minibus WR58 LHY.

Stanton's of Stoke WR58 LHY in Bentilee

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 Bentilee

We got on the bus and the bus set off onto Dividy Road and we ran towards Bucknall where we joined the A52. We followed the road to the left at Limekiln Bank and we ran across Joiners square into Stoke. We ran parallel to the railway line and then we turned right under the railway before we joined the Southbound A500. We ran down to Hanford and we came off the A500 onto the A34. We turned left onto Church Lane and at the top we turned right onto Wilson Road. At the end of Wilson Road we turned left onto new Inn Lane and we ran into Trentham. After picking up another service user, we went forwards onto the A5035 and over the railway line into Blurton. We turned left onto Church Road and we ran through Blurton along Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50 into Heron Cross. We continued onto Heron Street and we followed the road around onto Station Bridge Road. We went forwards onto Glebedale Road and to our destination. In the morning Matthew did some baking. He made some cup cakes and then decorated them with festive toppings. For dinner Matthew was going out to McDonalds. Transport for the trip down was Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned right onto City Road and then left onto Victoria Road. We ran down the hill and we stopped at McDonalds. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a burger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. When we had finished we walked down Victoria Road to Poundstretcher where Matthew brought a small bottle of Coke. We continued down Victoria Road to Joiners Square and we crossed over the roundabout onto Lichfield Street and to the pub. When we got to the pub matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. Highlights of the bus sightings included Stanton's of Stoke KN61 EYG and First Potteries 32056 on a #6A to Hanley. Matthew listened to music on the Jukebox with tracks including Shakin' Stevens Merry Christmas Everyone. When it was time to go we got on board Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU for the trip home. We set onto Palmerston Street and we turned right onto the A52. We crossed over Joiner Square roundabout and then we turned right onto Cauldon Road. We turned right onto Boughey Road and then left onto The Avenue. We ran across Shelton and onto Stoke Road and then we ran down the hill under the railway line and we joined the Southbound A500. We ran South to hanford and we joined the A34. We turned left onto Church Lane and at the top we turned right onto Wilson Road. At the end of Wilson Road we turned left onto new Inn Lane and we ran into Trentham. After dropping off another service user, we went forwards onto the A5035 and over the railway line into Blurton. Matthew got home just before 15:00 and had toast and glass of dandelion & burdock. Today we went to catch the 16:26 to Newcastle. We set off on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. I had seen bus earlier and it was booked to be dud First Potteries 67602. Whilst we waited for the bus to turn up we saw First Potteries 67635 on a #22 to Longton.

First Potteries 67635 in Blurton

A few minutes later running around 10 minutes late, the bus turned the corner and it was was dud First Potteries 67602 as expected.

First Potteries 67602 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Harpfield Road before 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 passed First Potteries 67642 on the final #22 turn. We ran into hanford and we turned right into Wilson Road. We ran down Church Lane and we joined the A34. After running under the A500 into Trent Vale, we passed First Potteries 41496 on a #21A and First Potteries 41499 on a #21. We turned right onto Harpfields Road where we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another First Potteries 67602 as it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 67602 in Trent Vale

Once off the bus awe walked back to the A34 and to the pub. Mum was already in the car park by the time we got there, so we went straight into the pub. Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses included ABC Supreme S14 AMC & NUI 1582 as well as First Potteries 65040 on a #101 service to Stafford. 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 ionto the Northbound A500. At Sideway we went East on the A50 and we saw First Potteries 67633 running out of service back towards adderley Green. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and we dropped down into Fenton to pick up uncle Dave. We then headed back up to Heron Cross and we crossed the A50 and into Blurton. We ran along blurton Road and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right into Beaconsfield Drive and we got home around 18:30. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we sorted a few things out. We chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Fenton / Congleton 14-12-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DV10 JCU	Bentilee	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Festival Park	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Festival Park	Cobridge	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Cobridge	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Bentilee	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DX65 DMO	Bentilee	Congleton	Charter	Meadows
DX65 DMO	Congleton	Bentilee	Charter	Meadows

Today Matthew was in respite and he was going into his day service. Matthew read about the fact that there has been a planning application put in to build a KFC in Biddulph. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange for breakfast. Matthew then went to his room to wait for his bus and watch the other buses coming and going. We first saw Stanton's of Stoke minibus WR58 LHY.

Stanton's of Stoke WR58 LHY in Bentilee

A few minutes later we saw Allendale green minibus GU52 RNZ.

Allendale GU52 RNZ in Bentilee

Eventually Matthew's transport turned up and it was Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Bentilee

We got on the bus and the bus set off onto Dividy Road and we ran towards Bucknall where we joined the A52. We followed the road to the left at Limekiln Bank and we ran across Joiners square and we turned right onto cauldon Road. We turned right onto Boughey Road and left onto the Avenue. At the end of the Avenue we turned left onto Stoke Road. We ran down the hill and under the railway before we joined the Southbound A500. We ran down to Hanford and we came off the A500 onto the A34. We turned left onto Church Lane and at the top we turned right onto Wilson Road. At the end of Wilson Road we turned left onto new Inn Lane and we ran into Trentham. After picking up another service user, we went forwards onto the A5035 and over the railway line into Blurton. We turned left onto Church Road and we ran through Blurton along Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50 into Heron Cross. We continued onto Heron Street and we followed the road around onto Station Bridge Road. We went forwards onto Glebedale Road and to our destination. In the morning Matthew went to Morrisons in Festival Park in Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned left onto City Road. We ran down to the bottom of the hill and we turned right onto the A52. We followed the road around past the sixth form college and we turned left onto Boughey Road. At the end we turned right onto The Avenue and we ran around the park and on Regents Road. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and we joined the anti-clockwise ring road around Hanley. We followed the road to the end and we turned left onto Etruria Road. We ran under the A53 onto Festival Way and we turned right onto Ridgehouse Drive. We then parked up at Morrison's and Matthew went shopping. Matthew did his shopping for the week and then returned to Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We set off onto Greyhound way and we turned right onto Waterloo Road. We turned right onto Grange Street. We followed the road around to Emery Street and we stopped at Chirst Church. At the church Matthew ate some gingerbread men before returning to the Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU for the trip back to Fenton. We returned onto Waterloo Road and we saw first Potteries 66852 on a #3 to Talke. We crossed over Cobridge light and we ran down to the ring road. We ran clockwise around Hanley and we turned left onto Lichfield Street. At joiners Square we crossed over the roundabout onto Victoria Road and we ran up to the top of the hill. We turned sharp right onto City Road and left onto Glebedale Road and we arrived back at the day centre. For dinner Matthew had a jacket potato with beans and cheese. In the afternoon Matthew went on the computer. When it was time to back to respite, transport for the return journey was Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we continued onto Station Bridge Road. We followed the road around onto Heron Street and we went through to Heron Cross. We travelled through Blurton along Blurton Road and we went forwards onto Church Road. We turned right Beaconsfield Drive and then left onto Finstock Avenue. At the end we went left onto Magdalen Road and then onto the A5035. We crossed the railway into Trentham and then right into New Inn Lane. After dropping of a service user we got back onto the A5035 and we ran into Blurton. We continued up through Dresden into Longton and we crossed over the A50. We ran past the Gladstone Pottery Museum on Chadwick Street and we crossed over Uttoxeter Road and onto Bridgewood Street. Due to the road ahead being closed we turned left onto Sutherland Road an we went past the Police Station. We turned right onto Anchor Road and we ran up the hill and down the other side into Adderley Green. At the roundabout we turned left onto the A5272 and we ran into Bentilee and into respite. Tonight Matthew was going out for his tea. Transport for the trip was Meadows DX65 DMO. We set off onto the A5272 and we ran through Bentilee to Bucknall where we joined the A52. We followed the road around to the left and we crossed over Joiners Square roundabout we ran down towards the railway station and we turned right into Station Road. At the end we turned left onto Stoke Road and we joined the Northbound A500. We ran a few miles North and then we joined the A34 at the recently re-open Talke roundabout. We ran North to the Caudwell Tavern where we followed the A34 to the right. We continued north to the edge of Congleton and we turned right onto Padgbury Lane. A few yards up the road we stopped at the Heath Farm pub. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. For tea Matthew ate a burger and fries, followed by chocolate fudge with ice cream. When it was time to go we climbed back aboard Meadows DX65 DMO. We set off North up Padgbury Lane and we went east on the A534 into town. We joined the A34 and we turned right onto the A54, past the bus station and forwards onto the A527. We then ran back past Congleton railway station and into Biddulph. We continued South thrrough Knypersley and into Brown Lees. We continued South through Brindley Ford, and Fegg Hayes to Chell. At the roundabout we turned left onto High Lane and we ran through Smallthorne & Sneyd Green to Townsend where we followed the road left through Northwood. We Joined Bucknall Road and we crossed Limekiln Lights onto the A52 and into Bucknall. We turned right onto the A5272 ans we ran up into Bentilee and back to respite. When we got back Matthew chilled out watching TV. Matthew then had a bath and fr a late supper Matthew had some toast. Matthew went to bed around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Bilston / Walsall 10-12-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2296	Bilston Interchange	Willenhall, Lion Hotel (Stop WF)	326	Arriva Midlands
6765	Willenhall, Market Place (Stop WE)	Walsall St Pauls BS	529	NX West Midlands
30411	Walsall St Pauls BS	Bloxwich, Bulls Head (Stop BP)	302	NX West Midlands
4125	Bloxwich, Bulls Head (Stop BD)	Walsall St Pauls BS	301	NX West Midlands
1839	Walsall Bradford Place BS	Bilston Interchange	34	NX West Midlands
V882 HBY	Bilston Interchange	Wolverhampton, Bilston Street (o/s Police Station)	905	Costal Liners
4783	Wolverhampton BS	Compton, opp Woodland Avenue	10A	Arriva Midlands
2069	Compton, adj Tettenhall Wood Institute	Wolverhampton BS	10	NX West Midlands

Today we decided to go to Bilston. Mum had some shopping to pick up from shops in the West Midlands area, so we gave Matthew a list of destination from the West Midlands and from the list he chose Bilston. He had originally chosen Walsall but went we mention we would be eating at the truck stop in Cannock on the way Matthew changed his mind and chose Bilston. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:30 and we ran down to the A5035. We ran West towards the A34 and we passed New In Lane we saw First Potteries 67641 on a #22 to Longton. By Trenthan Garden we went North up the A34 and we turned left onto Whitmore Road. We joined the A519 briefly before we went onto the Southbound M6. As we were about to go down the slip road we saw Daish's Holidays FJ08 BYO coming off the motorway. Traffic was quite light and as we travelled down to junction 10 we saw 2 x Aston Manor coaches, white minibus V310 JAT, an unidentified Prospect Coaches coach & Park's of Hamilton (National Express) LSK 835. We went West along the A454 and we followed the Black Country Route all the way to the edge of Bilston where we turned North onto the A41. We ran up the road and we turned left onto Church Street where we parked at the side of the road. Once out of the car we walked over the bridge over the tramline and we turned left into the Interchange. On the way in we saw required Arriva Midlands 2274 on a #326 to Walsall via Willenhall.

Arriva Midlands 2274 in Bilston interchange

We also saw required National Express West Midlands 1890 on a #34 to Walsall.

NX West Midlands 1890 in Bilston interchange

We walked into the Interchange and into the cafe. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a small bottle of Cherryade. He also helped himself to some of mum's dinner as he liked the looked of it after throwing out a cute smile as mum took her first bite! Whilst we ate we saw Banga Travel YN53 ELV on a #530 service, Rotala Diamond 20002 on a #303 to County Bridge and Walsall Community Transport minibus YX09 HRU. When we had finished we said goodbye to mum and Matthew went to the the toilet. We then spotted Arriva Midlands on a #326 to Walsall so we decided to go and catch it.

Arriva Midlands 2296 in Bilston interchange

We got on the bus and we book nBus day tickets at £4.30 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and we saw required Costal Liners ex First double decker V882 HBY on the #905 bingo bus. We turned left onto Hall Street and then turned left onto the A41. We turned right onto Mount Pleasant and right onto Beckett Street. We turned left onto Lunt Road which runs parallel to the Black Country Route for a short while and we swept North along Vulcan Road and Lunt Road on Darlston Lane. We Crossed Willenhall Road onto Moseley Road and we turned right onto Beccles Drive. We continued onto Dilloways Lane and we crossed the A454 before we entered Willenhall from the West. We decided to get off in Willenhall. We came into the town and we turned left onto Hall Street. We continued onto John Street and upper Lichfield street and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 2296 before it carried on towards Walsall.

Arriva Midlands 2296 in Willenhall

Once the bus went around the corner, we set off towards Cheapside and we turned right onto the pedestrianised Cross Street. At the end we turned left onto Market Place and to the end Onto new Road where the main bus stop was situated. We decided to carry on towards Walsall on a #529 which runs around every 7-8 minutes between Wolverhampton and Walsall. There was a bus due in a couple of minutes, and we did't have to wait long before required National Express West Midlands 6765 on the #529.

NX West Midlands 6765 in Willenhall

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day tickets to the driver before we went upstairs. The bus set off Eastwards along the B4464 and we ran the mile or so into Bentley before crossed over the M6 at junction 10. We ran along Wolverhampton Road for around a mile and we deviated off the dual carriageway past the Crown Wharf retail park and into the town centre. We continued onto Townsend Street and we turned right onto St Pauls Street where the bus station is situated at the end. We pulled into the bus station and the bus emptied out and Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 6765.

Inside NX West Midlands 6765

Once we got off the bus we walked to the toilets and Matthew used the facilities. Once we had finished we walked out of the East side of the bus station where there where a couple of vehicles parked up including dud Arriva Midlands 2706 which was about to work a #35A to Druid's Heath.

Arriva Midlands 2706 in Walsall

We walked back into the bus station and we saw National Express West Midlands 4126 about to work a #89 to Wolverhampton.

NX West Midlands 4126 in Walsall bus station

Having just missed out doing the double decker, we decided to go in a more familiar direction and do a #301 or a #302 up to Bloxwich. We saw a Rotala Diamond single decker on a #302 so we decided to do it. It was dud Rotala Diamond 30411.

Rotala Diamond 30411 in Walsall bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. Once again we didn't realise it was a dud bus until we got on it. The bus set off out of the bus station and we went North up Stafford Street. We crossed over the A4148 continuing North up Stafford Street and we ran the 2 miles or so up to Bloxwich passing National Express West Midlands 4190 on a #301 and National Express West Midlands 4155 on a #302 both coming the other way. When we got to town we went up the High Street and we got off just after Wolverhampton Road. We got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Rotala Diamond 30411 before it carried on towards Lower Farm.

Rotala Diamond 30411 in Bloxwich

Across the road we saw required Arriva Midlands 2731 about to work a #326 to Bilston.

Arriva Midlands 2731 in Bloxwich

I asked Matthew if he wanted to do that bus and he said yes. We crossed the road and as we got there I realised that the bus started in Wolverhampton Road and it pulled off and around the corner to that stop. As we thought about what to do next required National Express West Midlands 4125 came around the corner on a #301 to Walsall.

NX West Midlands 4125 in Bloxwich

We flagged the bus down and we got on it. We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day tickets to the driver before we went upstairs. The top deck was empty so as the bus pulled off Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 4125 before we sat down.

Inside NX West Midlands 4125

We deviated off the A34 onto Stafford Street and we ran the 2 or so miles into Walsall, over the A4148 and on St Pauls Street. We entered the bus station and we got up and got off. We decided that we were going back to Bilston to head off the bingo bus, which was due at the Bilston Interchange at 15:35. We walked into the town centre along the mainly pedestrianised street where all the express services stop. At one of those stands we saw National Express West Midlands 6732 on a X51 express service to Birmingham.

NX West Midlands 6732 in Walsall bus station

We turned right onto The Bridge and at the next junction we went forwards onto Bradford Street. The other bus station was at the other end of Bradford Street in Bradford Place... It was a triangle shaped area with stands on two sides. As we got to the apex of the triangle we spotted that the nearest stand was for the #34 service which I knew from buses I had seen earlier ran to Bilston. We got to the stand and within a minnute a single decker appeared. It was required National Express West Midlands 1839.

NX West Midlands 1839 in Walsall bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set of out of Bradford Place and we continued along Bradford Street onto Wednesbury Road. Just before we crossed over the A4148 we went past the Fastline depot where We saw coach BK10 EHS at the front of the depot. We crossed under the M6 North of Ikea and we ran through to Darlaston where we saw Sandwell Travel EK51 XXG on a #333X service. We crossed under the Black Country Route along darlaston lane and we zigged and zagged under the road before we came onto the road from the South side off Hare Street. We ran West along the A463 for one junction and we then turned right onto the A41 before entering the town and the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 1839 before it carried on towards Stowlawn.

NX West Midlands 1839 in Bilston interchange

Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet and then we walked into town to visit a shop. There was a rather large Nisa supermarket on the corner so we went in and Matthew had a couple of small bottles of Coke and 2 chocolate bars. Once we had finished shopping we headed back to the interchange to wait the few minutes before the 15:35 was due. As we got to the stand where we need we saw Thandi T99 NND arrive on a #334 from walsall.

Thandi T99 NND in Bilston interchange

We also saw red Rotala Diamond 30861 on layover before working a #43 to West Bromwich.

Rotala Diamond 30861 in Bilston interchange

Whilst we waited Matthew had a Milky Way and a small bottle of lemonade. A few minutes later we saw the distinctive (for the area) bus approaching... As expected it was Costal Liners V882 HBY on the #905 service to Wolverhampton Bilston Street.

Costal Liners V882 HBY in Bilston interchange

We let the hoards of bingo revellers get off the bus and then we got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver. We went upstairs and we sat down before Matthew took a picture inside Costal Liners V882 HBY.

Inside Costal Liners V882 HBY

It used to be 32882 in the First Midland fleet based at Redditch and was presumably sold on as surplus after the sale to Rotala Diamond. The service is an express service and doesn't have to many stops. We set off out of the bus station and onto the A41. We joined the Westbound Black Country Route and we ran for about a mile before we turned right onto the main Dudley to Wolverhampton route, Birmingham New Road. As we travelled North it was now almost dark. We passed a number of #126 branded buses including National Express West Midlands 6780 & 6786 as well at De Courcey Travel FJ11 GKN on a #410 National Express coach service heading towards Shrewsbury. after travelling around 2 miles we crossed the ring and we ran into along Snow Hill and Forwards onto Garrick Street before we turned right into Bilston Street where we got up and got off the bus. After thinking we might catch a bus around the corner into the bus station we decided to walk around the corner onto Pipers Row where the bus station is situated. When we got to the bus station we headed to the toilet and because of the way the barrier was set up not only did I have to pay 20p for Matthew (which is okay I guess), but I had to pay an extra 20p to assist Matthew getting into the toilet! Once we had used these poorly thought out toilets we headed into the main part of the bus station so that we could do a quick out and back journey We spotted required Arriva Midlands Dart 2209 on a #57 to Bilston via Willenhall. Just as we were about to get on it Matthew spotted required Arriva Midlands 4783 on a #10A to Pattingham.

Arriva Midlands 4783 in Wolverhampton bus station

We decided to do this bus as it was likely to be withdrawn from service before the end of the year. We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 4783.

Inside Arriva Midlands 4783

The bus set off out of the bus station and onto the ring road we came back inside the town along Broad Street and we turned right into princes square and left into Lichfield Street. We ran out of town stopping on Lichfield street and Darlington Street and we crossed the ring road onto Chapel Ash. There appeared to be about 4 buses an hour as far as Perton, but we decided to only go as far as Compton, not least because when we left we could say we came Straight Outta Compton... We continued West along the A454 and road very quickly became rural. We barrelled along in the darkness for around 2 miles and such was the village of Compton we actually passed the point where we had intended getting of and we were about a 1/3 of the way to Perton when we decided to get up and get off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 4783 as it went Straight Outta Compton.

Arriva Midlands 4783 in Compton

We crossed the road and we walked along for about 100 yds before we came across a brick shelter, which was most welcome as the rain started to come down heavier. There was a bus due around 16:40. As we stood at the stop we could see distant double deckers turning a corner. It turned out that if we had gone a stop further West that we would have been on the route of the #1 Dudley to Wolverhampton service! The bus turned up and it was around 10 minutes late as it got closer we saw that it was required National Express West Midlands single decker 2069.

NX West Midlands 2069 in Compton

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver for the final time today, before we sat down towards the back of the bus. It wasn't too much of a surprise that the bus was a little late as it seemed to take quite a bit longer that the 18 minutes the journey should have taken when we left town on the Arriva bus. Wolves were playing at home and it was bound to have an effect on traffic, as well as it being the run up to Christmas. We ran back into town down the A454 and passed the Harley Davidson Shop on Chapel Ash. We crossed the ring road onto Salop Street and we ran forwards onto Cleveland Street. We turned left onto Garrick Street following required Arriva Midlands 2707 which was on the #10A service. We then turned right onto Bilston Street. It started to rain heavy and we queue for quite a while in traffic to get onto the ring road and then enter the bus station. Once we got into the bus station the bus didn't empty as the end must be treated as a circular, so we got off the bus and we set off on foot towards where mum was waiting in the car on Tower Street. On the way we saw National Express West Midlands 6760 on a #32 Northwood Park circular.

NX West Midlands 6760 in Wolverhampton bus station

We crossed Pipers Row and we met up with mum, who was waiting with the car with Greggs sausage rolls and a small bottle of Irn Bru for Matthew. We set off out of town back around to Pipers Row and onto the anti clockwise ring road. It took around 20 minutes just to get to the toher side of the bus station ans the Sat Nav took us another way to try and save us time. We turned right onto Wednesfield Road and we zigged through some street up the the A460 before we turned left and crossed back under the railway line before we joined the Northbound A449. As mum didn't have much dinner (Matthew ate 1/2 of it), we decided to stop for some chips. We tried to stop at the shops by the Ming Moon but the car park was full and flooded! It took a while to get back onto the A449, and we ran North up to Wobaston Road. There were some shops there and mum went to the Co-op and I got a few chips whilst Matthew and uncle Dave sensibly stayed in the car! We then ran North up the A449 and we got back onto the M6 at Junction 13. We ran North and we were passed by Tyrers Coaches coach TYR 15R. We left the M6 at Junction 15 and we went North up the A500 and we came off at Sideway and went east on the A50. We came off at Longton and we went to check out was was at Z Carz tonight. In the first row was Z Carz minibus FP06 WTW.

Z Carz FP06 WTW in Longton

Next in the front row was Z Carz minibus YS09 LWV.

Z Carz YS09 LWV in Longton

Nearest vehicle in the first row was Z Carz minibus HK57 LGW.

Z Carz HK57 LGW in Longton

In the second row we saw Z Carz Renault minibus MV53 KKO.

Z Carz MV53 KKO in Longton

We turned into Willow Row to see what was in the compound. We saw Z Carz Iveco minibus GK02 NWJ.

Z Carz GK02 NWJ in Longton

We also saw Z Carz Citroen minibus LV59 DZC. Further along the road we saw Z Carz minibus NA06 SUO.

Z Carz NA06 SUO in Longton

We returned onto the A50 and we went to Baths Road so we could fill up with petrol at Tesco. Once we had topped up we re-joined the A50 and we saw Wints coach L964 NWW. We came of the A50 at Heron Cross and we ran through Blurton along Blurton Road. We turned right onto Church Road and right again onto Beaconsfield Drive, getting home around 19:30. For a late tea we had bangers and mash followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:00... Mark