Trip to Lichfield / Burntwood 19-01-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3911	Lichfield BS	Rugeley BS	825	Arriva Midlands
2373	Rugeley BS	Brereton, Coalpit Lane	24	Arriva Midlands
3913	Brereton, Coalpit Lane	Rugeley BS	825	Arriva Midlands
2404	Rugeley BS	Brereton, Thompson Road	24	Arriva Midlands
3909	Brereton, Library	Lichfield BS	825	Arriva Midlands
6753	Lichfield BS	Burntwood, High Street	10A	National Express West Midlands
2375	Burntwood, Victory Avenue	Lichfield BS	61	Arriva Midlands

Today we decided to re-visit Lichfield. With it still being the depths of winter, we decided not to go too far. There were shops mum wanted to visit in Lichfield so we informed Matthew we would be going to Lichfield and he accepted our choice. We did not research for the trip other than to check the weather. According to the BBC site on Friday when checked it would be pouring down with rain all day. Matthew got up around 10:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:45 onto the A5035 and on the adjacent Crowcrofts Road we saw white minibus Y553 XFV. The minibus was adorned with Anthrax and Motorhead imagery. We passed First Potteries 67603 on a #22 to Longton. We continued over the railway line into Trentham and to the end of the road. At Trentham Gardens we turned left onto the Southbound A34 and we ran through Tittensor. We passed First Potteries 65038 on a #101 to Hanley. We passed the former Darlaston Inn and at the next roundabout we saw D&G Bus 173 on a #14 to Hanley. We ran to the West of Stone town centre and at the Southern end we turned left onto the Eastbound A51. Once we left the A34 we didn't see any other buses until we reached Lichfield. We ran through Colwich and we passed to the North of Rugeley before running the last few miles into Lichfield town centre. We ran forwards onto The Friary and we turned left onto Birmingham Road. We stopped at the chip shop and parked at the rear of the shop. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy and whilst we waited for the food to be ready we saw Rotala Diamond 30975 on a #35 to Walsall and National Express West Midlands on the #10A to Walsall. When the food was ready we sat in the car in the car park eating the chips. We did see anything come past on that part of Birmingham Road. When we had finished we Drove onto Birmingham Road and across the traffic lights. We turned into the car park behind the bus station and and that was full. We continued to the multi storey car park and parked in there. We said goodbye to mum and we walked back to the bus station. With the exception of the toilets, all the shops in the bus station area had been shut down. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we had a look around to see what buses we could catch. As Matthew came out of the toilet we saw Midland Classic 35 leaving the bus station on a #822 town service.

Midland Classic 35 in Lichfield bus station

Also seen was Arriva Midlands 3002 on a #765 to Tamworth.

Arriva Midlands 3002 in Lichfield bus station

We had seen a couple of coaches parked up as we drove into the car park, so we went over to investigate. The first coach was Cab Travel tri-axle Mercedes coach BX64 JZU.

Cab Travel BX64 JZU in Lichfield bus station

Behind that was another tri-axle coach. It was Cab Travel Setra bodied coach ME60 CAB.

Cab Travel ME60 CAB in Lichfield bus station

Another bus seen was Midland Classic 61 on a X12 to Sutton coldfield.

Midland Classic 61 in Lichfield bus station

At the West end of the bus station we saw required Arriva Midlands 2731 on layover in between runs to Cannock.

Arriva Midlands 2731 in Lichfield bus station

Matthew seemed to show and interest in doing Rotala Diamond 30823 which was on a #35 to Walsall. Just when I though we we're going to be heading South, required Arriva Midlands 3911 appeared on a #825 to Stafford Hospital.

Arriva Midlands 3911 in Lichfield bus station

Matthew decided he wanted to do this bus, so we got on the bus and we brought a Arriva Midland Day Ticket at £6.30. The rear of the bus was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 3911 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3911

we set off out of town and onto Beacon Street. We continued onto Stafford Road before joining the Northbound A51. We continued Northward for around a mile before turning right onto the A515. We continued for around 3/4 mile up the A515 before turning left on to the B5014. We went through the village of Handsacre and then into Armitage and nearby the sanitaryware factory. We carried on down the A513 and we joined onto the A51 for a short run before turning right into Brereton. As we descended the hill into Rugeley. We pulled into the bus station and we could see there was another bus on stand. We got off the bus and we headed into to the market. Matthew brought a few taviners mint chews and a jelly snake. We went outside to what buses were around. We saw Arriva Midlands 2404 on a #22 Springfields circular.

Arriva Midlands 2404 in Rugeley bus station

Also seen We saw required Arriva Midlands 2373 on a #24 Brereton circular.

Arriva Midlands 2373 in Rugeley bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Midlands day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. At departure time we set off out of the bus station onto Elmore Lane. We turned left on to Horsefair and we ran under the railway line and out of the town centre. A few hundred yards up the road we turned right into Coulthwaite Way. We turned into Setterfield way and continued forwards onto Talbot Road. We turned right onto Birch Lane and ran up the hill. We turned left onto Coalpit Lane and as the bus turned left onto Brereton Road we got up and got off the bus. We decided to wait for the next #825 into Rugeley we we had worked out would be Arriva Midlands 3913. We had a around a 10 minute wait, but it was a really nice shelter, made by a local firm GE Collis of Burntwood. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As expected it was required Arriva Midlands 3913 on a #825 to Stafford.

Arriva Midlands 3913 in Brereton

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Midlands day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along Brereton Road and we ran the mile or so into the town centre. We went under the railway bridge along Horsefair and we turned right into Elmore Land and into the bus station. Once off the bus went stood at the corner bus stop to wait for the next #825 to Lichfield. As we waited we saw Arriva Midlands 2404 pull onto stand to work the next #24 to Brereton. We worked out we could do this to the top of Brereton and road and catch the following #825. We got on Arriva Midlands 2404 and we flashed the Arriva Midlands day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. At departure time we set off out of the bus station onto Elmore Lane. We turned left on to Horsefair and we ran under the railway line and out of the town centre. A few hundred yards up the road we turned right into Coulthwaite Way. We turned left onto Setterfield way and continued forwards onto Talbot Road. We turned right onto Birch Lane and ran up the hill. We turned left onto Coalpit Lane and left onto Brereton Road. We turned right onto Lea Hall Lane and the bus turned left on to Lodge Road where we got up and got off the bus. We had around 5 minutes to get back to the main road to catch the next #825, so we quickly walked along lodge Road and right onto Lea Hall Lane. We turned right onto Brereton Road and we walked past the petrol station to the bus stop. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required Arriva Midlands 3909 on a #825 to Lichfield.

Arriva Midlands 3909 in Brereton

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Midlands day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off up Brereton Road and we turned left onto the A51. We turned right onto the A513 and we ran into Handsacre. We continued into Armitage and we turned right onto the B5014. At the end of the B road we turned right onto the A515. We ran fast to the edge of Lichfield and we joined the Eastbound A51. When we got to the Hedgehog pub we joined Stafford Road / Beacon Street for the run into town. we passed near to the Cathedral and then we headed to the bus station from Saint John Street. When we got to the bus station we got up and got off the bus. We had a look around on what we could do next as we had time for a quick out and back run. On on of the opposite stands we saw National Express West Midlands 6753 on a #10A to Walsall.

NX West Midlands 6753 in Lichfield bus station

Also seen was Arriva Midlands 3723 which was about to work a #60 to Cannock.

Arriva Midlands 3723 in Lichfield bus station

Another bus seen in the bus station was Rotala Diamond 30823 which was on layover in between runs on the #35 to Walsall.

Rotala Diamond 30823 in Lichfield bus station

Also on layover was Midland Classic double decker 68.

Midland Classic 68 in Lichfield bus station

Matthew decided we wanted to do the required National Express West Midlands Double decker 6753. We got on the bus and we booked to Burntwood before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 6753 before we sat down.

Inside NX West Midlands 6753

At departure time the bus set off of the bus station onto Birmingham Road and we turned right into St Johns Street. We turned left into The Friary and we crossed the roundabout onto Walsall Road. We ran through Leamonsley and up the bank to Pipe Hill. At the roundabout we veered right onto the A5190. We came into the East of Burntwood and we turned left onto Chase Road. We turned right onto Springhill Road and we re-joined the Westbound A5190. As we approached Sankey's Corner we veered left to follow the A5190 and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 6753 as it continued towards Walsall.

NX West Midlands 6753 in Burntwood

We watched the bus depart and then we crossed over the busy A5190. We walked up High Street to the centre of the Sankey's Corner district of Burntwood to find the bus stop we needed to wait at for the return bus to Lichfield. Matthew spotted a cake shop on the way so we so once we had checked the location and time of the bus we headed back to the cake shop. We went into Simple Desserts and Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we sat down and Matthew had a slice of red velvet cake washed down with a glass of summer fruits pop. Once we had finished we went outside and met up with uncle Dave again. We stood at the stop and a few minutes later we saw a dart approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required Arriva Midlands 2375 on a #61 to Lichfield.

Arriva Midlands 2375 in Burntwood

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Midlands day saver ticket to the driver for the last time today. The rear of the bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 2375 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside Arriva Midlands 2375

The bus waited time for a short while and we set off along Rugeley Road and we turned left onto the A5190. We crossed the roundabout and we continued Eastwards through the centre of Burntwood and out into open country. We ran through Pipe Hill and we crossed the roundabout onto Walsall Road. We continued to the edge of Lichfield and we crossed the roundabout onto Friar Road. We ran into the centre of the town and we followed the road to the right onto St Johns Street. We turned left onto Birmingham Road and we entered the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. The bus station was deserted except for the bus that we had just been on. Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 2375 before it returned to Cannock.

Arriva Midlands 2375 in Lichfield bus station

We walked through the bus station to the multi-storey car park and we met up with mum at the car. She was waiting with Greggs sausage rolls and a bottle of Irn Bru for Matthew. We set off out of the bus station onto Birmingham Road and we went through the traffic lights and turned right onto The Friary ant the next roundabout. We crossed the next roundabout and we ran out town along the A51. We ran out of Lichfield and through Longdon. We ran down the hill towards Rugeley and we skirted the town on the by pass near to the power station and Amazon distribution centre. We continued North through Colwich and Great Haywood. At Weston we turned right onto the A518. We ran North Eastwards for around 9 miles and as we cam into Uttoxeter we ran ran alongside the railway. On the opposite side of the road we saw former PSV minibus L546 JFS. We continued Northwards over the A50 up towards Spath and we turned left onto the B5030. At the roundabout we turned right onto the Westbound A50. Travelling on the A50 we passed a numbers of unidentified Hunters coaches, an unidentified Browns Coaches coach and an unidentified Fourway coaches coach, presumably returning towards Leeds after their game against Stoke City. We ran through Meir and Normacot and we came off the A50 at Longton. We went to Z Carz to see was parked up there tonight. The spare ground was empty as it has been for a few months. We saw Lucky Seven SK64 PSU. We turned into Willow Row to see if there was anything in the compound tonight. We saw Z Carz Renault minibus PE10 MJK parked up there.

Z Carz PE10 MJK in Longton

We turned around and got back onto the A50 and we went Westwards to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton. We ran forwards onto Church Street and we turned right into Beaconsfield Drive. We got home just after 19:00. For a late tea bangers and mash with carrots followed by jam filled shortbread biscuit. We did an e-mail and we wrote some of the Blog. Matthew went to bed around 00:00.... Mark.

Trip to Fenton / Newcastle 18-01-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67636	Blurton. Magdalen Road	Newcastle, Opp Cherry Tree PH	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. he was going to see Grandma later on and going to the pub and returning to Blurton for a long weekend. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Around 09:00 we went downstairs and we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX outside in the yard. We set off onto Temple Street We continued along Christchurch Street and to the day centre. we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

In the morning Matthew did baking. For dinner Matthew had sausage chips and gravy. After dinner Matthew went to the pub. We set off onto Christchurch Street and we stopped at the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had a glass of Coke. When it was time to go Matthew walked onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs to his room to get ready to leave. We got things ready and we left the residential unit just after 15:00. We went downstairs and we got into the car. We drove onto Temple Street. We turned right onto Christchurch Street and right onto Station Bridge Road. We followed the road around onto Heron Street and into Heron Cross. We went through the traffic lights and forwards onto Blurton Road. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Street. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 15:00. When we got home Matthew had toast and a glass of Irn Bru. Today we were catching the 15:56 to Newcastle as we were going to the pub via Grandma's House. We set off around 15:45 on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. The bus was a little late due to the weather. Eventually the bus turned the corner and as it got closer we saw that it was First Potteries 67636 on a #22 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67636 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle and sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto the A5035 we saw First Potteries 67632 on a #22 to Longton. We went over the railway line into Trentham and we turned right into New Inn Lane. We ran up the hill towards Hanford passing We turned right into Wilson Road passing First Potteries 63179 on the final #22 turn to Longton. We ran down Church Lane and we continued down onto the A34 catching up with First Potteries 67159 on a #21 to Hanley. We crossed under the A500 and we ran into Trent Vale. We turned right into Harpfields Road. We continued forwards on Hilton Road. we turned into the hospital. We ran through and we saw Falck LT63 UDJ, ABC Supreme HV18 GVU & D&G 41 on a #2 to Birches Head. We turned right onto the A34. A couple of stops down the road we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took a picture of First Potteries 67636 as it continued towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 67636 in Newcastle

We walked up the hill to Grandma's house. At Grandma's Matthew had a can of Irn Bru and used her computer. When it was time to go we went to the pub in the car. We set off just after 18:00 and we ran down Victoria Street. We turned left onto the A34. We continued southwards into Trent Vale and we stopped at the pub. We walked into the pub and we sat down at our one our normal tables. Matthew had a brunch with oatcakes followed by toffee sponge pudding with custard. Whilst we ate there was quite a heavy snowfall. Highlights of the bus sightings included white minibus CV68 XVT and First Potteries 65039 on a #101 to Stafford. Once we had finished eating we set off to uncle Dave's to pick him up. We ran down the A34 and we joined the Northbound A500. At Sideway we turned right onto the A50 and we came off the A50 at Heron Cross. We dropped down into Fenton to pick uncle Dave up. Once we had picked him up we ran up to Heron Cross and we joined the Westbound A50. we veered left onto Stanley Matthews Way and we ran to the end. We turned left onto the A5035 and we got home around 19:30. 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 doing e-mails and writing the until bedtime around 01:00... Mark

Trip to Longton / Hanley 17-01-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63172	Fenton, Victoria Place	Longton, Market Street	11	First Potteries
112	Longton, stop C	Fenton, Victoria Place	1	D&G

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going to Longton later on by bus. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. Outside we saw Afford Rent-a-car HN16 CMZ.

Afford Rent-a-car HN16 CMZ in Fenton

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

the day centre we saw Lucky Seven BV63 XRR.

Lucky Seven BV63 XRR in Fenton

n the morning Matthew went to Newcastle by car. We Set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned left onto City Road. We ran down the hill and under the railway line into Stoke. We crossed over the A500. We went around the one-way system. We ran up the hill into Hartshill and we continued to the edge of Newcastle. We ran forwards onto George Street and onto the one-way system. We ran forwards onto Ryecroft and we crossed over the A34 onto the B5367. We turned left onto Dunkirk and we ran forwards onto Poolside. We turned left onto Stanier Street and into the adventure playground. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards spent time outside on the play equipment and went up in the tower. He also spent time in the indoor soft play area. When we had finished we returned to Fenton by car. We set off onto Stanier Street and we turned right onto John O'Gaunts Road. We turned left onto B5044 and left onto the A525. We turned left onto the Northbound A34 and at the next roundabout we turned right onto Ryecroft. We ran forwards onto the one-way system and we continued onto the A52. We ran thought Hartshill along Hartshill Road. We ran down to Stoke and onto the one way system. We turned right onto Elenora Street and we followed the road around onto Copeland Street. We ran forwards onto Glebe Street and we followed the one way system onto Church Street. We crossed over the A500 onto City Road and we went under the railway line. We ran up the hill into Fenton and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left into Temple Street and at the end we turned right onto Christchurch Street and back to the day centre. For dinner Matthew had a cheese oatcake followed by a Bakewell Tart. In the afternoon Matthew went out to Longton the bus. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we crossed over City Road and waited by for a bus at the stop near to Philpots. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was First Potteries 63172 on a #11 to hanley.

First Potteries 63172 in Fenton

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. Once off the bus we walked along Transport Lane. We stopped at the chip shop Matthew had a can of Coke. We carried on along Transport Lane and Matthew stopped at the toilet before continuing onto The Strand and we waited for a bus back to Fenton. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 63173 on a #6A to Hanley.

First Potteries 63173 in Longton

We decided to wait for a bus that would get us back closer to the residential unit so we waited for a #11 or #1/1A to Newcastle. A few inutes later we saw a D&G bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was D&G Bus 112 on a #1 to Park Site.

D&G 112 in Longton

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down The Strand and we ran under the railway line onto King Street. We ran through Foley into Fenton and forwards onto City Road. As we approached the flat we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we cut through off City Road and to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew chilled out in his room. He used his computer and watched buses out of the window. We saw Copeland's Tours Bova coach MIB 783 going towards Stoke.

Copeland's Tours MIB 783 in Fenton

Also seen was D&G Bus 40 on a #1A to Wood Lane.

D&G 40 in Fenton

Later on Matthew went out to Hanley by car. We went downstairs and out of the residential unit. We got in the car and we set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We went straight on onto Manor Street and at the end we turned left onto Victoria Road. We ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We ran up Lichfield Street and we turned left onto Regent Road. We walked back onto Lichfield Street and we crossed over the ring road. We continued up Lichfield Street onto Stafford Street and we went to Wilko's. Once we had finished in there we walked across the corner onto Old Hall Street to B&M. After doing a little more shopping there we crossed the road onto Tontine Street and we went to the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards had a glass of Coke. For tea Matthew had a burger and chips followed by chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. When we had finished we walked back to the bus station along Tontine Street and back to Lichfield Street. We returned to where the car was parked and we set off for Fenton. We set off along Regent Road and forwards onto Cleveland Road. We ran down though Shelton along College Road and we ran down to the railway station. We turned right onto Glebe Street. and under the railway line an we ran around the one-way system in Stoke We came off the A500 onto City Road We continued up City Road under the railway line. and up the hill and we turned into Glebedale Road right onto Baker Street. We then crossed Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road We turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned left onto Temple Street and into the residential unit. When Matthew got back we went upstairs and went up to his room. He used his computer and watched music videos on the Television. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Hanley / Newcastle 16-01-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
67159	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Hanley, stop J1‎	23	First Potteries
67156	Hanley BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	23	First Potteries
63101	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	11	First Potteries
63099	Newcastle BS	Fenton, Smithpool Road	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going to Hanley later on. 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 63097 on a #11 to Newcastle. 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 Matthew went out on the bus. We set off onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road and we walked down to the stop outside the flats. We waited for a bus to Hanley. On the way we saw silver minibus FT08 DKY parked on Elsing Street.

FT08 DKY in Fenton

We stood at the bus stop outside the flats and we waited for a bus to Hanley. Whilst we waited we Copeland's Tours MIB 783 heading towards Stoke.

Copeland's Tours MIB 783 in Fenton

A few minutes later we saw a bus turning the corner. We knew before it got to us by the LED display that it was First Potteries 67159 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67159 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down City Road and we joined the A52 to go under the railway line and over the A500. We continued onto Church Street and into the centre of Stoke. After a brief stop we continued around the one-way system onto Elenora Street and right onto Copeland street. We turned left onto Glebe Street and we went under the railway line before turning left onto Station Road. We went past the railway station ans we turned right onto College Road. After running the hill through Shelton we continued onto Cleveland Road and forwards onto Regent Road. We turned left onto Lower Bethesda Street and we crossed over the ring road onto Bethesda Street. We turned right onto John Street and we got up and got off the bus at the top of John Street. We walked down John Street and we crossed over Bethesda Street and went into the library. Matthew spent some time in the library using the computers. Once we had finished in the library we walked up John Street and we turned left into Bagnall Street. We turned right into Albion Street past the town hall and and forwards Old Hall Street. we turned left onto parliament Row and we visited McDonalds. Matthew had some chicken nuggets and a cup of Coke. Once we had finished eating we walked back onto Old Hall Street and we turned left into Lichfield Street and back to the bus station. Once at the bus station we waited for a bus back to Fenton. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 67156 on a #23 to Newstead.

First Potteries 67156 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and as the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 67156 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside First Potteries 67156

Whilst we waited for departure time we saw First Potteries 37158 on a #25 to Keele. We set off onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We crossed over the ring road and we ran down onto Regent Road and forwards onto Cleveland Road. We ran down though Shelton along College Road and we ran down to the railway station. We turned right onto Glebe Street and under the railway line an we ran around the one-way system in Stoke and stopped by Stoke Minster. We turned left onto Church Street and we crossed the A500 and we ran under the railway line. After climbing up the hill into Fenton we turned right into Smithpool Road where we got up and got off the bus. We walked down the road to the bus stop outside the flats and we waited for a bus to Newcastle. A few minutes alter we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was First Potteries 63101 on a #11 to Newcastle. We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre along Church Street. After a brief stop in Stoke we continued along church Street and forwards onto Hartshill Road. We ran up the hill and into Hartshill. We ran forwards onto George Street and we ran down the hill into Newcastle. We turned left at the roundabout onto Barracks Road and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. We set off along Hassell Street and we turned left onto the High Street and stopped at a pub. Matthew went to the toilet and had a glass of Coke. For dinner Matthew had a burger and chips followed by a cheesecake. When we had finished we set off back to the bus station along the High Street and right onto Hassell Street and back to the bus station. We waited for a bus back to Fenton. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 63099 on a #11 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before we sat down towards then back of the bus. We set off onto Barracks Road and we ran up to the Jubilee roundabout. We ran onto the A53 and around the one-way system onto the A52. We ran up George Street into Hartshill and we ran down the hill into Stoke town centre. After a brief stop we continued along Church Street out of Stoke and over the A500. We ran under the railway line and we continued onto City Road. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. We crossed over City Road and we walked across to Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew wen up to his room to chill out and use is computer. He also watched buses out of the window. We saw Jayjays Travel PO58 XFX going towards Hanley.

Jayjays Travel PO58 XFX in Fenton

Later on Matthew went downstairs to do his shopping. We set of onto City Road. After crossing over the road we turned right into Manor Street. Matthew used the toilet at the Old fenton WMC. At the end we turned left onto Victoria Road. Part way down Victoria Road we saw Northwood Day Centre minibus MM65 UED.

Northwood Day Centre MM65 UED in Fenton

We turned left onto Victoria Road. In Aldi Matthew picked up his weekly shop. After he had done his shopping we returned to the residential unit in a Lucky Seven taxi. We set off onto Victoria Road and we ran to the top of the hill. We turned sharp right onto City Road and left onto Glebdale Road. We turned right onto Baker Street and right onto Christchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road and left onto Smithpool Road. We turned left into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs and back to his room to chill out. For tea Matthew had chicken & rice followed by a Vienetta. Once Matthew had put his shopping away he had a bath. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Hanley / Bradwell 15-01-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
41496	Fenton, Victoria Place	Hanley BS	11	First Potteries
67647	Hanley BS	Fenton, Victoria Place	6A	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going to hanley on the bus and out for tea. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw First Potteries 67649 on a #11 to Newcastle. we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street where we saw First Potteries 67158 on a #23 to Hanley. We continued along 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 a jacket potato with tuna followed by a Bakewell tart. In the afternoon Matthew went to Hanley on the bus. We set off on foot onto City Road. We crossed over City Road and walked up to the bus stop near to Philpots. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was First Potteries 41496 on a #11 to Hanley.

First Potteries 41496 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We carried on along City Road and we continued forwards onto King Street. We ran through Foley and we under the railway line into Longton town centre. We stopped outside the old job centre as the #11 no longer calls in the Interchange. We ran up Market Street and we turned left onto Anchor Road. We ran up the hill to the top and ran down to the roundabout in Adderley Green. At the roundabout at the East end of Bentilee we turned right onto Beverley Drive and then left onto Dawlish Drive. We ran to the end and we turned left onto Beverley Drive. At the end we turned right onto Dividy Road and we ran down the hill to Bucknall. We turned left onto the A52 we saw First Potteries 67699 on a #11 to Newcastle. We ran to limekiln lights and we went across onto Bucknall New Road. We climbed the hill up to Hanley and we joined the clockwise ring road. We turned right onto Bethesda Road and right onto John Street and into the bus station. Once off the bus we walked up Lichfield Street onto Stafford Street. We saw First Potteries 43875 on a #5 to Abbey Hulton. We continued onto Tontine Street and through Tontine Square to the Intu Potteries shopping centre. We walked to BB coffee and we came back out of the shopping centre into Tontime Square and we visited Harley's. We carried on to the little dessert shop and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards he had a slice of Red Velvet Cheesecake with custard. When we had finished we walked down Stafford Street and forwards onto Lichfield Street and back to the bus station. We waited in the bus station for a bus back to Fenton. A short while later we saw First Potteries 67647 on a #6 to Coalville.

First Potteries 67647 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. Whilst we waited for departure time we saw First Potteries 65705 on a #3 to Crewe. We set off out of the bus station onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto the ring road and we turned right onto Lichfield Street and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed the roundabout onto Victoria Road and we ran up the hill into Fenton. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. One off the bus we set off on foot onto City Road and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned right onto Temple Street and we returned to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. We saw First Potteries 63171 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63171 in Fenton

Later on we came to pick up Matthew for tea. We went downstairs and we got into the car and we set off Temple Street. We turned left onto Christchurch Street and we turned left onto City Road. We ran down the hill and under the railway line into Stoke. We crossed over the A500. We went around the one-way system. We ran up the hill into Hartshill and we continued to the edge of Newcastle. We turned right into Albert Street and we crossed over the A53 onto Sandy Lane. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A527. We ran through Wolstanton and we crossed over the roundabout onto Bradwell Lane and we stopped at the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and had a glass of Coke. For tea Matthew had a burger and chips followed by chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. Highlights of the sightings whilst we ate included D&G Bus 53 on a #94 to Newcastle. Once we had finished eating we set off onto Bradwell Lane and we crossed over the roundabout and ran through Wolstanton. We ran forwards onto the A527 and we ran into Newcastle. We turned right onto Barracks Road and we ran past the bus station and we saw First Potteries 32634 on the B2 service to the BET365 stadium. We continued onto the Southbound A34 and we turned left onto The Avenue. Travelling up towards Hartshill. At the end we turned right onto Hartshill Road. We ran down to Stoke and onto the one way system. We turned right onto Elenora Street and we followed the road around onto Copeland Street. We ran forwards onto Glebe Street and we followed the one way system onto Church Street. We crossed over the A500 as we pulled off from traffic lights we got a puncture so we pulled off City Road onto Lytton Street. Whilst we looked at the puncture we saw Stanways JIG 8878 go past going to the BET365 stadium. The wheel would not come off because the nuts had been over-tightened so we had to call for roadside assistance. We called the residential unit and someone came out to fetch Matthew and me. mum stayed with the car and waited for the breakdown to arrived. before we left We also saw First Potteries 41496 on a #11 to Newcastle. Somebody came to pick us up and we turned left onto City Road and we went under the railway line. We ran up the hill into Fenton and we turned right onto Smithpool Road. We turned left into Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went up to Matthew's room and we wrote some of the Blog. Matthew also drank a can of Irn Bru. Mum called to say that the tyre had been changed and she was on her way. I said goodbye to Matthew and went to meet mum outside. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. Matthew used his computer and watched music videos on the television. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Hanley / Leek 14-01-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
63099	Fenton, Victoria Place	Hanley, adj stop J1‎	6A	First Potteries
65004	Hanley BS	Leek BS	18	First Potteries
65004	Leek BS	Hanley BS	18	First Potteries
63175	Hanley BS	Fenton, Victoria Place	11	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to his day service. He was also going to Leek on the bus. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice. Whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw First Potteries 63175 on #11 to Hanley. Around 09:00 we set off on foot to the day centre. We walked onto Temple Street and right onto Christchurch Street where we saw First Potteries 67153 on a #23 to Hanley. We continued along Christchurch Street and into the day centre. At the day centre we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

In the morning we went to Leek on the bus. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned right. We walked up City Road and we walked up to the roundabout and around the corner onto Victoria Road to wait for the bus to Hanley. Whilst we waited we saw First Potteries 67631 on a #6 to Weston Coyney. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 63099 on a #6 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63099 in Fenton

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down. We set off down Victoria Road and we crossed over the A52 at Joiners Square. We ran up Lichfield Street instead of going to the bus stops outside the bus station, we turned left onto the ring road. We turned right onto Bethesda Street and right onto John Street. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew walked into the bus station and went to the toilet. Afterwards we waited for a bus to Leek. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First Potteries 65004 on a #18 to Leek.

First Potteries 65004 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Leek before we sat down. We set off out of the bus station onto john Street and we ran down the hill to Bethesda Street. We ran past the museum and we ran forwards onto Marsh Street. We turned right onto Trinity street and at the top of the hill we turned left onto Stafford Street. We ran forwards onto Quadrant Road and we went across the ring road along Town Road. We ran forwards onto the A5272 and into Sneyd Green. We turned right onto Milton Road and we ran down the hill before turning left onto Berwick Road. At the end of the road we turned right onto the A53. We ran North through Badderley Green and into Stockton Brook. We continued into Endon and then we ran out into open countryside. We climbed the hill into Longsdon and we ran down Ladderedge into the Churnet Valley. We ran up the hill into the town centre and we turned right into Leonard Street. We turned into the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked through the shopping arcade onto the A53 and we turned right. We turned left onto Derby Street and we stopped at Wright's Pies. Matthew brought at sausage roll and a can of Coke. we set off down Derby Street and we turned right onto St Edwards Street. We turned right onto Stockwell Street and we followed the A523 to the town end of the A53. We walked back through the shopping arcade back to the bus station. We saw First Potteries 65004 on a #18 to Hanley.

First Potteries 65004 in Leek bus station

Also in the bus station was Aimee's YK07 BFX on #166 Leek town circular service.

Aimee's YK07 BFX in Leek bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we sat down. Whilst we waited for departure time we saw Aimee's GW55 SON on a #451 school service. We set off out of the bus station onto the A523 and we turned left onto the A53 we saw D&G 38 in the New Turners colours running out of service. We ran down the hill out of town and own into the Churnet Valley before running up the hill through Ladderedge. We ran down the other side into Longsdon and we ran through open countryside for a mile or 2 before going into Endon. We ran down through Stockton Brook into Badderley Green. We continued South to Sneyd Green and we turned left into Berwick Road. We turned right onto Milton Road and we ran up the hill to the A5272. We turned left and we headed into Hanley. We entered town along Quadrant Road and we ran along Stafford Street and past the town hall into Bagnall Street. We ran into the bus station and then we got up and got of the bus. Once off the bus we saw First Potteries 32639 on a #25 to Keele.

First Potteries 32639 in Hanley bus station

Also seen was D&G 41 on a #2 to Newcastle.

D&G 41 in Hanley bus station

A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 63175 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 63175 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Fenton before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto John Street and down the hill past the car park. We turned left onto Bethesda Street and we turned left onto the ring road. We ran around the ring road and we turned right onto Bucknall New Road. We ran down the hill through Limekiln lights we saw First Potteries 67155 on a #32 to Hanley. We ran forwards onto the A52 and we turned right onto Dividy Road. We turned left onto Beverley Drive and right onto Dawlish Drive. We ran through the estate and back onto the A5272. We ran up to Adderley Green. At the roundabout we turned right onto Anchor Road. Due to a road closure the bus was diverted in Longton. We turned left onto Market Street and we ran forwards onto Uttoxeter Road and we turned right into Chadwick Street. We turned right onto Normacot Road and we crossed over the roundabout onto The Strand. After a brief stop we ran down the Strand and under the railway line onto King Street. We continued down through Fenton and forwards onto City Road. We went past KFC and we got up and got off. We walked down City Road and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We turned right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room to chill out. For tea Matthew had bangers and mash followed by cake. Later on Matthew went out to the pub. He went downstairs onto Temple Street and we turned right onto Christchurch Street and we continued to the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. Once we had finished in the pub we walked back to the residential unit. We set off onto Christchurch Street and we turned left onto Temple Street. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and use his computer. Matthew also watched television in his room and then had a bath. Later on Matthew had toast for supper before going to bed around 23:00... Mark.